Soccer for Dummies (For Dummies)

Learn to:

• Get a handle on soccer rules and regulations
• Grasp the basic moves and plays
• Improve dribbling, passing, and other skills
• Appreciate this popular pastime

Learn the basics, improve your game knowledge, and reach your soccer playing goals

Do you get a kick out of soccer? Whether you're a youth league player, a soccer parent, or a World Cup fan, here at last is the book you've been waiting for. Now updated with the latest history, stats, and rules of this popular sport, Soccer For Dummies is the ultimate guide to the greatest and most popular sport on the planet.

• Kick off — get a beginner's history of soccer, from its early days in China to the modern game that's showcased in stadiums and played on soccer fields all across the globe
• Get to the nitty-gritty — discover the rules of the game, what each player on the field is expected to do, the tactics they employ, and the skills they need to play
• The biggest sport in the world — explore everything about the professional game of soccer, from the biggest show on earth — the FIFA World Cup — to other international tournaments such as the European Championships, Copa America, and the CONCACAF Gold Cup
• For fans — find out what you can expect at a professional soccer game, as well as the lowdown on where you can find soccer on television, online, in newspapers, magazines, books, movies, and on DVDs

Open the book and find:

• How soccer is played (and scored)
• Tips on coaching, how to keep fit, and how to play "the beautiful game"
• An in-depth look at women's soccer
• How club soccer is organized across the world
• Important international and club teams
• Fun soccer facts and interesting tidbits
• A look at the game's most fascinating players

U.S. interest in soccer has climbed dramatically since first publication of Soccer For Dummies. This much needed update brings a refreshed layout along with the latest history, stats, and rules of this popular sport. It serves as a fan’s guide to this exciting pastime, as well as a reference for those interested in playing the game themselves. New and updated content includes:

• The latest rules and regulations.
• Expanded coverage of regional, national, and international soccer competitions—including the upcoming 2014 world cup.
• Tips for playing, coaching, and starting one’s own soccer team and playing locally.

In addition, this new edition of Soccer For Dummies is set to release in time for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, an event marking the lead up to the 2014 Brazil World Cup competition!

Tom Dunmore is the author of Historical Dictionary of Soccer, and the editor of several soccer websites and blogs including XI Quarterly. He is an avid Chicago Fire fan. Scott Murray is a soccer writer for The Guardian and FourFourTwo.

Introduction  1

Part I: Kicking Off  7

Chapter 1: Introducing Planet Soccer 9

Chapter 2: Getting the Ball Rolling: A Brief History of Soccer 19

Chapter 3: Getting Your Game On: The Gear You Need 33

Part II: Playing the Game  47

Chapter 4: Laying Down the Laws 49

Chapter 5: Players, Positions, and Tactics 69

Chapter 6: Honing Your Skills 95

Chapter 7: Keeping in Shape for Soccer 119

Chapter 8: Coaching For Success 133

Chapter 9: Getting the Game On 145

Part III: Exploring the World of Soccer 159

Chapter 10: The World Cup 161

Chapter 11: Surveying the International Scene 175

Chapter 12: Playing Together: Clubs and Leagues Around The World 193

Chapter 13: Focusing on Famous Clubs 217

Chapter 14: Women’s Soccer 241

Part IV: The Fans’ Enclosure: Following the Game 257

Chapter 15: Going to the Game 259

Chapter 16: Compelling Viewing: Soccer on Screen 269

Chapter 17: Reading All About It 281

Chapter 18: Finding Other Soccer-Based Pastimes 297

Part V: The Part of Tens  307

Chapter 19: Ten Great Players 309

Chapter 20: The Ten Greatest Teams of All Time 319

Chapter 21: Ten Great Games 329

Appendix A: Roll of Honor 337

Appendix B: Glossary 351

Index  359