One Goal

In soccer, perhaps more than any other sport, success hinges on team performance rather than individual play. As coaches are well aware, inspiring a group of players to perform as a finely tuned, coordinated unit is an on-going challenge. While several factors interfere with cohesion and flow of a soccer team, no published work has specifically addressed how to prevent and conquer such problems . . . until now.

In One Goal: The Mindset of Winning Soccer Teams, internationally renowned performance psychologist and author of the best-selling Focused for Soccer, Bill Beswick, delivers an unrivaled guide to developing a winning team mindset.

One Goal is arranged sequentially, providing invaluable insights on the various challenges facing coaches when pursuing a winning team mindset. You’ll find techniques, tools and suggestions to implement when addressing both common and unique challenges throughout the season. Specific contexts such as cup finals and tournaments are featured as well.

Recognizing team mindset as a factor distinguishing success from failure, One Goal features proven strategies from one of soccer’s top performance psychologists. It’s a soon-to-be classic that you will turn to again and again.

Bill Beswick is a leader in the field of applied sport psychology, internationally renowned for his work with elite soccer players and teams. After earning a master’s degree he worked as head coach of England’s gold-medal-winning basketball team at the Commonwealth Games. Beswick became the first full-time performance psychologist in English professional soccer.

Beswick has worked at Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Sunderland in the English Premier League and FC Twente in the Dutch Eredivisie. He has been a contributor to UEFA Pro Licence award courses for European football associations. He has international experience with the England U18 and U21 squads and as team psychologist with the English senior men’s national team. He is currently a consulting performance psychologist with Derby County FC in the English Championship Division, the English men’s rugby team and the British Olympic swimming team, along with advising athletic programs in the United States, including the one at Clemson University. 

Beswick’s book Focused for Soccer (Human Kinetics, 2001) is now in its second edition and is regarded as one of the best guides ever on psychology of performance in the sport.

“Alongside me, Bill has experienced the highs and lows of football at club and national levels, and no one is better placed to advise coaches on winning the mind-set battle with their teams. For all coaches, One Goal is a must.”

Steve McClaren-- Manager, Newcastle United FC

“Togetherness and cohesion have been the trademarks of the great Liverpool teams. Coaches should spend more time learning to shape the mind-set of their team, and One Goal is an invaluable resource for that.”

Jamie Carragher-- Former Player, Liverpool Football Club, England National Team, Sky Sports Commentator

“Bill Beswick has been a mentor and transformational figure in my coaching career. He has helped me build a winning mind-set that has led to championship performance. Now, the winning advice in One Goal can help you.”

Mike Noonan-- Head Men’s Soccer Coach, Clemson University

“This inspirational new release offers insightful ideas from the very highest level of sport. Bill Beswick’s influence with countless winning teams makes One Goal a top priority for anyone seeking to become the best in sport, business and life.”

Tom Bates-- Performance Psychologist, West Bromwich Albion Football Club

“The lessons I have learned from my mentor can now be yours. Read One Goal and become a better coach.”

Steve Round-- Former Assistant Manager, Manchester United, Everton

“For nearly 20 years, Bill Beswick has given me great advice at the college and MLS levels. He has helped me become a better coach and, more important, a better person. I cannot recommend his work more highly.”

Schellas Hyndman-- Head Men’s Soccer Coach, Grand Canyon University

“I value Bill Beswick’s wisdom in helping our team work toward achieving their potential each year. His understanding of situations and individuals makes him an amazing resource for all coaches.”

Shelley Smith-- Head Women’s Soccer Coach, University of South Carolina

“Bill Beswick has built my awareness of the importance of a team mind-set. Learn how to keep your team relationships healthy with One Goal.”

Anthony Hudson-- Head Coach, New Zealand National Team

“Meeting with Bill is best, but this book is a good second best. It has a special place on my desk so I can continue to help in developing the stars of tomorrow.”

Chris Panayiotou-- Developmental Director of Coaching, Virginia Rush Soccer Club

“Bill is the man! Read this book and find out why.”

Brent Erwin-- Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach, Grand Canyon University