Page Title

Reviews and Testimonials

Read these testimonials and reviews by coaches, instructors, and parents explaining what they got out of using
these books. What their son or daughter learned, and how they progressed.

Teach'n and Learn'n Series

Baseball & Softball
This book should be required reading for youth coaches. It is an exceptional balance of fundamentals, drills
and resources that are extremely useful for coaches and young players.
Darin Scott, Head Baseball & Softball Coach, Lindbergh High School, St. Louis, Missouri (2003)

Bob Swope’s book is a very sound source of information for both players at that age of development and youth
coaches. I found it to be an excellent resource for teaching young players about the game of Baseball.
Bob Hughes, retired, Head Baseball Coach, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri (2003)

Throughout my many years of organizing Baseball, Softball and T-Ball, I have found many parents willing to
coach their son or daughter's team who felt that they lacked the skills to do so. Bob Swope's handbook is the
perfect tool to give these parents the confidence and knowledge to coach any team at any level. His drills are
excellent and easy to follow. Another attractive aspect of this [Youth Baseball/Softball Drills & Plays] book, is that
it uses every day items in lieu of expensive specialized equipment for his drills. I strongly recommend Bob's
YOUTH BASEBALL/SOFTBALL DRILLS, PLAYS, AND SITUATIONS HANDBOOK.
Ginny Wilhelm, retired, President (2007)
South County Athletic Assoc. St. Louis, MO
   Basketball
It has it all. It is the most comprehensive instructional guide to Basketball development I’ have ever seen. Bob
has taken the art of teaching fundamentals to the court, focusing on placing the “fun” into fundamentals.
Ken Libby, Head Varsity Basketball Coach, retired, & Eric Cochran, JV Head Coach - Lindbergh High School,
St. Louis, Missouri (2003)

This is the most detailed and comprehensive basketball instructional book I have ever read. Bob Swope is a
wonderful promoter of the right way to teach Basketball to our youth.
Shimmy Gray, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri (2005)

     Basketball Drills and Plays
Youth Basketball Drills and Plays is a great tool for young coaches to use. It covers just about everything a
young team needs to get started in all phases of the game. It has been designed to teach the fundamentals. I
know it really helped our team.
Rick Maus, Youth Basketball Coach
Our Lady of Providence School, St. Louis, MO (2007)

         Youth Baseball/Softball Drills & Plays
I found the book [Youth Baseball/Softball Drills & Plays] to be both informative and useful for all coaches on all
levels. I intend on introducing this book to our managers each year as a great source for drills and other useful
tips. I would highly recommend this book to any Baseball coach. With over 1,000 kids in our program annually,
I think this book will be very helpful in improving on the skills of our players.
Eric Fulton, President, Agoura Pony Baseball. Agoura, CA (2007)

Boxing
"It was a pleasure reading your manual with the fundamentals and training materials for amateur boxing. The
layout and training materials were precise with pictures to enhance each subject."
Juliana Neisz, President (2008)
Ozark USA Boxing

Fencing
If you want to learn more about the exciting sport of Fencing, then this book is a must have addition to your
library. Bob Swope has done his research for this book. He not only includes a thorough step by step "how to
fence" instruction, but also practical information on physical conditioning, drills, equipment, strategies, and
mental attitude. It's a complete reference for youth, adults, schools, teachers, libraries, and even the
experienced fencer. Be a smart fencer, buy this book today.
Bruce Sikes
USFA Certified Full Time Fencing Instructor (2007)
Note: For more information on Fencing training and instruction, in and around the Missouri/St. Louis Area, and
parts of Southern Illinois, please visit www.academyfencingclub.com

"Robert Swope has produced a useful introduction to fencing for the aspiring sport fencer. Aimed primarily at
kids and their parents, this volume is clearly written and easy to understand, covering the basics issues that
every beginner should know. I recommend this book."
Nick Evangelista (2007)
Maitre d' Armes

" This 'Do it yourself' handbook has just what it would take to empower parents to start their children fencing. As
a supporter of 'fencing for the masses, and a parent, I salute you Bob"
Parent and, USA Fencing Staff, Cindy Bent Findlay Media relations (2007)

Football
Very complete and comprehensive book on Football fundamentals. Terrific book for young players, parents,
and youth coaches to have.
Jim Hannifin, Former NFL Coach,St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Redskins, and St. Louis Rams (2004)

I truly enjoyed Bob Swope’s well written beginners book on tackle football. He did a remarkable job getting the
game of football into a form even a first time coach could understand and find useful and thorough. This is a
must read for those just beginning or for those who need an effective resource about junior football.
Tom Beauchamp, Head Football Coach, Lindbergh High School, St. Louis, Missouri (2003)

I’ve got my boy running tailback sweeps, handoffs and some crossing patterns. He’s learning how to center the
ball and how to throw using your book. I take him to the local kids football practice. But he has to be 7 to take
part (he’s 6 now). I think he likes the practices because he notices his improvement.
Marcos Hoff, Parent - Palm Bay, Florida (2004

   Youth Football Drills & Plays
Bob's book helped me break practices down by positions, along with drills, and provide players with more
attention to detail. It also provides a good understanding of offensive schemes, pass routes and includes plays
that can easily be taught to young players.
Marcos Hoff, Flag Football Coach
West Melbourne, Florida (2006)

As a first year head coach, I was looking for any and all sources of information on youth football. I was busy
trying to get my practice on schedule, setting up a defense, and finding what offensive plays would work at the
youth level. What an invaluable source of information Bob Swope's drill and play book was! It became my bible
for getting my first year, ten year old team back on track. We finished with four wins and three losses, and Bob's
book on youth football saved me a lot of time, and allowed me to focus on drills that worked. [It's a] wonderful
source of information and I highly recommend them.
Patrick Agnew, Football Coach
Chesterfield Football Association (2006)
Youth Soccer Drills & Plays

  Field Hockey
Bob has taken a sport, Field Hockey, where we need more parent involvement, coaches and officials, and
developed an extensive manual which can assist in the teaching of basic Field Hockey skills, fitness, goal
keeping, tactics and strategies and broken them down to help kids learn and improve their Field Hockey
fundamental skills.
Kelly Yates, Gateway Field Hockey Director and Lafayette High School Coach, St. Louis Missouri (2006)

Rink Hockey
As a guy who has spent his entire life around the game of Hockey as both a former professional player and now
as an amateur coach, I was surprised by how much I learned and/or recalled by reading Bob’s book Teach’n
Rink Hockey. It took me through my formative years again. I found it very refreshing and highly recommend it to
all new players, parents, and coaches looking for an introduction into the greatest game on the planet.
Lindsay Middlebrook,Former NHL Goaltender, HS Coach, Vianney High School, St. Louis, Missouri (2005)

Skateboarding
I have looked at Bob's book for beginning Skateboarding. Every young Skateboarder can benefit by using this
book to get started. It tells how to pick a board and maintain it. It explains some of the basic techniques and
tricks that are needed as a base to perform more advanced tricks. It also discusses safety equipment worn by
Skateboarders, and shows exercises for improving agility and balance.
Jason Ebenrick, Skateboarder and Skate Shop Owner
Infinity Skate Shop, St. Louis, MO (2012)

Soccer
In reviewing the book, I found it to be both comprehensive and necessary. The book is developed for the
introduction into Soccer, and covers all the bases and then some. The beauty of the book is that much of the
material is directed to the individual, not to a group.
Terry Michler, (USA 2004 Soccer Coach of the Year), CBC High School, St. Louis (2004)

The Drills and Plays Handbook is very comprehensive. I have seen these drills and plays work at all levels. The
book does a great job explaining and teaching to the coaches. I think this book would also be great for parents
that want to give their kids an edge.
Geared Nikodem, SCL Soccer Coach (2008)
St. Louis, MO

This is a great book for the beginning coach and parents who are just learning the game of soccer. It is
important to teach kids the correct soccer skills from the beginning. The book does a great job of explaining the
game of soccer on a beginners level, any first time coach or parent needs to read this book before the first
practice"
Jeffery Yenzer DDS, former professional Soccer Player (2009)
Chesterfield, MO

   Track & Field
"This book does an excellent job of showing how to teach the basic techniques of Track & Field. The book
would be a good source for beginning and youth level coaches of varied track events. I recommend it to people
looking to gain knowledge about the sport.
Tom Gose, Track & Field Coach, Lindbergh High School, St. Louis, Missouri (2004)

The book is terrific. Teach’n Track & Field is an encompassing guide for anyone wanting to introduce their
children, of any age, to the correct way to condition, train and learn the proper techniques of Track & Field.
Teach’ Track & Field is full of easy to use pictures and in-depth guides to help the parent, coach and athlete gain
success and have fun in track and field.
Jim Wilder, Head Coach, Sperreng Middle School, St. Louis, Missouri (2006)

Just wanted to let you know that I am developing the track program at our school and have used your book to
learn the fundamentals of getting the kids ready for various track events and also to be able to run the program.
I have had no prior track experience but many willing contestants, so I had to learn. I came across your book
through Debbie Coyne and her track program at St. Catherine Laboure. Your book starts at the very beginning
and gives step by step instructions that anyone can understand. Now I know that track is not only about just
running fast.
Angie Butz, P.E. Teacher and Track Coach, St. Stephen Protomartyr School, St. Louis, Missouri (2006)

The book provides easy Instructional techniques for a novice. The pictures and a variety of drills are an added
plus.
Laura Young, Head Track Coach, Seven Holy Founders CYC Sports, St. Louis, Missouri (2006)

"I like your implementation of games/drills/runs in the mix of training to keep it fun and interesting for young
runners. Overall this book provides general information for parents and children about learning the basics of
track and field. The book also provides informative information about training, racing and drills that are perfect
for the beginning athlete who wants to take a leap into track and field."
Sarah Haskings Kortuem, Triathlete (2008)
U.S.A. Beijing Olympian
      Volleyball
Volleyball Guide for Parents is a wonderful teaching tool for players and coaches looking to master the
fundamentals of volleyball. After reading this book one will walk away with a complete understanding of
fundamental volleyball and will feel comfortable putting themselves on the court as a player or coach.
Ann Kordes, Head Volleyball Coach, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri (2005)

"This book, Volleyball Drills and Plays, is a good resource for a coach just starting out. It has a lot of drills to
make practices fun and interesting."
Katie Meyers, Coach (2009)
St. Catherine Labore Elementary

           Hunting and Hunter Safety
"Bob Swope's book on Youth Hunting and Hunter Safety is an excellent text for the new hunter and a wonderful
reference for the more experienced. The text, graphs and picture are superb. There is great detail to all phases
of hunting, firearms, bows, etc. Hunt safety and ALWAYS keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. 16 years
a hunter education instructor and 21 years a firearms instructor.
Robert W. Hendron, St. Louis, MO 2010

Lacrosse
"I discovered and fell in love with the game of Lacrosse as a high school junior.. After finishing a successful
Collegiate club career at Ole Miss, I returned home to begin my coaching career This book is an excellent
resource for young players beginning their journey into the game of Lacross. It is a comprehensive blueprint for
building theskills needed to compete i the game of Lacrosse."
Jim Devito, Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach
Lindbergh High School, St. Louis, MO (2012)

Youth Lacross Drills And Plays
"Coaches like drill that are simple to explain as well as.execute. Fundamentals must be stressed for
experienced as well as new players. Drills need to be varied while focusing on the same set of skills. This Book
is successful with all of these"
Pat Carroll, Webster Groves High School JV    coach (2009)

Competitive Swimming
"This is an excellent book for those looking to increase their knowledge on competitive swimming. Being a part
of the swimming world for many years I often see athletes of all levels develop bad habits. The technique
building drill included here ensure that our stroke development is based on forming good habits..Sound
fundamentals are essential in this sport and Bob Swope's book is effective on educating us on proper form and
technique for success in swimming."
James Goodman, Head Coach, Crestwood Missouri Swim Club (2012)

Impartial Reviews...