Soccer Fitness Training ($13) is written by Enrico Arcelli and Ferretto Ferretti.  Written by innovators of speed and endurance training in the Italian Serie A, they bring insights into the evolution of the fitness coach and fitness training at the professional level.

The book takes a technical view of fitness training, including information on physiology, muscle dynamics, metabolism and circulation.  It discusses the benefits of aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise and sprints vs. distance.  The book debunks some popular myths relating to fitness training vs. skills training and long distance endurance vs. soccer endurance.

Some of the most useful information provided is the differences between soccer fitness and general endurance.  Many of the points seem self evident today (and especially after you read them), but they were true insights when they were introduced.  Soccer Fitness brings a scientific approach to training and evaluation with instruction designed to fill specific player needs.

The book also contains many tests and charts that provide benchmarks for player fitness.  These provide strong insight and a measuring stick for player evaluations.  These tests can be the basis for an objective evaluation methodology and consistent measures of player progress.

This book will be useful for club fitness trainers, high school or college coaches, private trainers, and players needing to design a program for player fitness and a comprehensive evaluation system.

Much of the book focuses on the author’s experience.  It provides a timeline of the evolution of fitness training beginning in the 70s.  While interesting, few club trainers still believe that “a walk through the forest” is adequate fitness training today.  The author’s struggles to introduce and institutionalize fitness training come through in his writing but have little relevance to training in the current environment.

The book is published by Reedswain.  They offer a variety of books and videos on soccer training.