Science and Soccer: Developing Elite Performers

by A. Mark Williams (Editor), Barry Drust (Editor), Paul Ford (Editor)

Now in a fully revised and updated third edition, "Science and Soccer" is still the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the physiology, biomechanics and psychology behind the world's most popular sport. Offering important guidance on how science translates into practice, the book examines every key facet of the sport, with a particular focus on the development of elite performers. The topics covered include:


anatomy, physiology, psychology and biomechanics; principles of training; nutrition; physical and mental preparation; playing surfaces and equipment; decision-making and skill acquisition; coaching and coach education; performance analysis; talent identification and youth development.
Science and Soccer: Developing Elite Performers is a unique resource for students and academics working in sports science. It is essential reading for all professional support staff working in the game, including coaches at all levels, physiotherapists, conditioning specialists, performance analysts, club doctors and sport psychologists.

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Mark Williams is a world-leading sports scientist with a focus on expertise and skill acquisition in sport and other professional domains. He is currently a Professor at the University of Utah, having previously worked as an academic in the UK (Liverpool, London) and in Australia (Sydney).
He is one of the most published scientists globally in areas associated with talent identification and development, the psychology of excellence and how to develop optimal learning environments for skill development.
He has published almost 500 articles in numerous fields including sports science, psychology, neuroscience, medicine and education. He has written 17 academic books and delivered more than 200 keynote and invited lectures in over 30 countries. In addition to his impact as an academic and educator, he has worked extensively in high-performance sport as an applied sports scientist and as a coach educator. He has delivered courses and services for numerous national governing bodies across the globe, including UEFA, IOC, FIFA, The FA, as well as a multitude of professional sports teams in the Premier League, Premiership Rugby, National Basketball Association, National Football League, Major League Baseball, and several Olympic sports including GB Hockey and Sailing and the US Ski Team. He has also advised various armed forces and government agencies on educational policy.
He is a Chartered Psychologist and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society, as well as the European College of Sports Science and the National Academy of Kinesiology in the US, and is a Fellow of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science, where he has been accredited to work as a skill acquisition specialist in high-performance sport. He is Editor-in-Chief of three of the top journals in his field globally, including the Journal of Sports Sciences.
He has wide experience of working on radio and television, having been involved in documentaries for several broadcasters including the BBC, CNN, Sky and the History Channel and his work has been reported by many newspapers including The Times (London and New York), Daily Telegraph and Daily Express. He has undertaken radio work for BBC radio 2, 4, 5, and the Voice of America as well as several other channels globally.