The ultimate resource for getting on the ball The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Soccer Basics explains anything and everything a parent or new coach needs to know to understand the game and make the most of a child's soccer experience. From the rules of the game to playing techniques, this is a one-volume course for parents and children to score winning goals. • Since 1974, total individual participation in U.S. soccer programs has grown from 100,000 to more than 3 million, primarily young players between the ages of 6 and 14 • Most parents of today's youth soccer players didn't play soccer themselves growing up, and will welcome this reference book • Includes game strategies and practice techniques for every player position

An Olympic coach tells how to lead the team to victory. This is the first and best handbook for mastering both the "soft" conceptual skills of coaching youth soccer-such as good sportsmanship and dealing with parents-to the tactical skills of executing winning offensive and defensive strategies.

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From high school games to the NFL, this guide features the basics of offense and defense, players, rules, strategies, and even what to wear. New coverage for this edition includes how the draft works, new technology on the field, and XFL, arena league, expansion teams, and NFL Europe

“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 regulations Learn the basic moves and plays Improve dribbling, passing, and other basic skills Find a league to play in Coach kids effectively Get 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 soccer Laws of the game Footwork, passing, shooting, receiving, goal tending, and other game fundamentals Staying in soccer shape Teamwork and strategy Coaching youth soccer Everything the informed spectator should know The 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.

Don't feel left out in the roar of the crowd Football is the most popular sport in America today. It's also the most complicated, especially to those who watch their loved ones hibernate in football heaven from September to February. Here's the book that levels the playing field for novices, giving them a simple, clear, and comprehensive guide worthy of a Lombardi Trophy. Finally, get in the game with: • Basic rules and objectives • Player position, strategies, formations, and plays • The business of football • Differences between high school, college, and pro football • Fantasy football