Soccer for Dummies

by United States Soccer Federation, Michael Lewis

"Entertaining, very informative, and essential for parents, fans, and players."
--Tony DiCicco, Head Coach, 1999 Women's Cup Champions"Two thumbs up.... This book will broaden your knowledge of the game."
--Ron Newman, all-time winningest American Soccer Coach

"This book will help people to understand why soccer is the world's sport and why we love it so much."
--Tiffeny Milbrett, Forward, U.S. Women's National Team

"Fans will love it, and those who want to become fans will devour it."
--Bob Ley, ESPN/ABC Broadcaster

Simplicity alone doesn't explain soccer's enormous popularity worldwide. Soccer is a game that can be as frustrating as golf, as physical as football and hockey, as sporadic as baseball, and as graceful as basketball. It can also be addictive. Whether you are a youth league player, a soccer parent, or a World Cup fan, here, at last, is the book you've been waiting for. Written by "New York Daily News" soccer columnist Michael Lewis with the full support and participation of the United States Soccer Federation, "Soccer For Dummies" shows you how to: Get a handle on soccer rules and regulationsLearn the basic moves and playsImprove dribbling, passing, and other basic skillsFind a league to play inCoach kids effectivelyGet more out of the game as a spectator

Featuring expert tips from U.S. Men's and Women's National Soccer Team stars and packed with hundreds of action photos and illustrations, "Soccer For Dummies" is the ultimate beginner's guide to the sport. You'll discover: The where and wear of soccerLaws of the gameFootwork, passing, shooting, receiving, goal tending, and other game fundamentalsStaying in soccer shapeTeamwork and strategyCoaching youth soccerEverything the informed spectator should knowThe current state of soccer at all levels from youth leagues to geriatric leagues

Get "Soccer For Dummies" and get the lowdown on the world's most popular sport from some of its most celebrated players.

Genres: Sports, Soccer, Nonfiction, Reference

372 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what happens when you're snowed into a hotel (and a very small radius of a few icy blocks) and from your balcony you can see the glowing BORDERS sign down the street.

The "For Dummies" series always entices me simply by how much they break subjects down. You can be straight up clueless and come away from one of these books knowing at least something. So I sat in the warmth and read this thing cover to cover. I didn't learn much at all that I didn't already know, but it brought a few things to light that I hadn't thought about regarding strategy and the importance of certain players for certain reasons offensively and defensively.

However, if you're new to soccer and have no clue, this is probably the best book you can read to jump right in. It covers the 1000+ year history of the game pretty quickly, then goes into rules and refs and the difference between the reset kicks and then into ball handling and coaching and formations and finally into clubs to watch around the world and why...etc.

It's definitely a great primer for the novice or the clueless, (hence the 5 star rating) but if you're already pretty well versed in why things happen the way they do on the pitch, you can probably skip this.

Or just save it for a snowy night at BORDERS when you can't go anywhere else.

[David Zerangue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent primer for someone wanting to get more familiar with the sport and history. Picked up a few tidbits. Some chapters were not relevant to my interests. Also, the book is dated as it ends with the opening of the 2014 World Cup. But, again, the rules are the rules and are still applicable, as is the history.

[Jim Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Non-Fiction -- Instructional/Sports

This is a comprehensive overview of the sport that includes history, rules, current league structures and facts, discussions of technique and strategy, and coaching tips. Aimed at soccer neophites, this would be tedious for the seasoned soccer geek, but is probably the perfect tome for a parent forced into coaching youth soccer, or a middle schooler trying to up his knowledge of a new sport. The book has a pleasingly irreverent tone, but probably includes 20 or 30 too many bad "ball" puns.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers lots of information, especially for US citizens who are interested in playing or coaching soccer. It goes into all the basics of the sport, with an emphasis on the US. Oddly, the concept of "offsides," one of the hardest concepts in soccer, is given very little explanation!

[Anji · Rating 3 out of 5]

As my girls get more into soccer I realize how much i don't know. This was a good start. At least now I know what "offsides" is.

[Christine]

Great beginner's guide for theory and rules. I've probably watched 100+ matches by now, and still don't get the whole offside rule!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect. Just what I needed.

[Rick Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covered a lot of topics. I was most interested in the rules and techniques, and when I was reading that part of the book, I was satisfied (I am a complete beginner). That was just a small portion of the book though. There is so much history and descriptions of different teams and competitions around the world. It is tough for the current events to stay current though. The book is looking forward to the 2014 World Cup.

My only complaint is specifically about the audio edition. Learn to pronounce people's names. Lionel Messi is an important enough player that you should learn how he pronounces his first name. Ian Harkes is not a household name, but it is an easy one to pronounce. I can see how Thierry Henry might be difficult, but I laughed out loud when I heard that one pronounced.

[Fanny Mazzolai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dopo la vittoria dell'Italia agli Euro2020 volevo approfondire un po' le regole del gioco ed in particolare il concetto di fuorigioco, per me mai veramente chiaro.
Il libro è un po' datato e non è al passo con le ultime competizioni, ma in effetti fornisce una panoramica di regole, formazioni e anche qualche pillola di storia, piuttosto interessanti (soprattutto il calcio femminile!)
Altri capitoli contengono nozioni un po' scontate (l'autore raccomanda di controllare il meteo prima di andare a vedere una partita!) che catturano meno l'attenzione e difatti li ho solamente sfogliati.
Si tratta comunque di un manuale, per cui non ho sentito il bisogno di leggerlo da cima a fondo o nell'ordine dei capitoli.
Abbastanza utile

[Karl Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly can't complain. Solid read. Gave it 3 out of 5 stars, which is not bad for a book for dummies.
If I have a complaint, it's with myself...for buying a book for dummies when I should have realized that I am a bit more advanced than I thought I was. If you are a true beginner to soccer, and know almost nothing, then this is the book for you.

[Futbolbet365cl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apostas em futebol: um guia para apostas bem-sucedidas

Apostar no futebol pode ser uma forma emocionante de aumentar a emoção de assistir aos jogos, mas o sucesso neste mundo do jogo requer atenção aos detalhes e estratégia. Nesta página, fornecemos-lhe um guia que o ajudará a saber o que deve ter em atenção ao escolher uma casa de apostas online. E no artigo a seguir, veremos vários aspectos importantes que você deve considerar se estiver determinado a entrar no mundo das apostas esportivas.

1. Estude as equipes e eventos:
Acompanhe notícias e estatísticas da equipe atualizadas ao minuto. Há alguma mudança notável na escalação? Qual é o seu desempenho nas últimas partidas (por exemplo, de um determinado time como La Liga, por exemplo)? As informações do formulário da equipe são um elemento chave na determinação das apostas de valor.

2. Analise os coeficientes:
Confira as probabilidades de diferentes casas de apostas. Cuidado com as probabilidades altas que podem representar uma oportunidade valiosa. Não se limite apenas ao vencedor da partida, explore outros mercados como número de gols ou placar exato.

3. Gerencie seu banco:
Defina um orçamento de apostas e cumpra-o. Nunca arrisque mais do que você está disposto a perder. Distribua o seu saldo com sabedoria, não apostando o valor total em uma partida.

4. Explore diferentes mercados:
Experimente diferentes tipos de apostas. Pontuação após o primeiro tempo, número de gols, apostas especiais - a variedade aumenta suas chances de sucesso.

5. Acompanhe as novidades:
Mantenha-se atualizado com os acontecimentos atuais no mundo do futebol. Lesões, condição do jogador e outros fatores podem afetar o resultado da partida. A informação é uma ferramenta fundamental para apostas inteligentes.

6. Analise a forma das equipes:
Confira os últimos jogos das equipes. Analise seu desempenho em casa e fora. Esta análise pode fornecer informações valiosas sobre os próximos confrontos.

7. Seja objetivo:
Não deixe que as emoções guiem as suas decisões de apostas. Seja objetivo e baseie suas previsões em estatísticas e fatos.

8. Conheça as regras da casa de apostas:
Leia atentamente as regras da casa de apostas com a qual trabalha. Compreender os termos das apostas irá protegê-lo de surpresas desagradáveis.

As apostas desportivas podem ser uma atividade divertida e lucrativa se você se preparar e apostar com sabedoria. Atenha-se à sua estratégia e aproveite o clima do jogo, lembrando que o jogo sempre traz riscos.

[Kyle.b · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very fact-filled. It's table of contents is 12 pages long! It tells you from soccer positions, to greatest players of all time, to even good team developments. This book isn't for dummies like the title says it is. It's more for people who are dedicated to soccer and want to learn more about it.

[Ra Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an experience, I have mix feelings because I really liked reading it but it was very boring at the same time. This book is literally ALL about football, from history of different countries, to how the matches are organized, how each player plays even how the players should prepare for the matches.

I would not read it again but it was okay

[John Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, this novel is perfect for anyone who is obsessed over soccer or wants to learn more about soccer. This book talks about soccer rules, fundamentals, coaching, nutrition. Soccer for Dummies also has an encyclopedia talking about the great soccer players.

[Jose Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informational.

[Gary Sites · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you don't much about Soccer, this is a good place to start. I knew very little, and it has helped me quite a bit.

[Ernest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to the game. Basics skills needed for the game and the complexity of strategic deployment of players are well written. Recommended reading.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good info. Really enjoyed the history. Felt like they were filling space and over saying things.