Football For Dummies

Discover how to get the most out of playing, watching and supporting the beautiful game Whether you′re a wannabe football superstar, a seasoned fan or a complete novice when it comes to the mighty game, this easy–to–follow guide has it all. Covering everything from improving your goal–scoring skills and understanding the offside rule, to following foreign teams and managinga fantasy league, Football For Dummies is your ticket to becoming a football expert. Perfect if you need to prep for a big game! Find out how it started — explore the history of football (men′s and women′s!) and why it appeals to millions of people worldwide Enjoy a kickabout — understand the rules and positions, practise key techniques and join a local team Look further afield — access the latest information on the international scene, from La Liga and Serie A to the Copa America and the Olympics Home is where the heart is — discover how the most important leagues work and identify famous clubs Get into the fan′s enclosure — use newspapers, fanzines and official sites to keep up–to–date with fixtures and transfer rumours and learn how to spot dodgy refereeing decisions Open the book and find: Handy diagrams to illustrate key points and techniques Advice on the kit you need to shine on the pitch Strategies for motivating your team Tips on supporter etiquette, home and away How to prepare yourself before a game Profiles of the greatest players and matches in history Information on spread and in–match betting A rundown of the best football films, internet clips and computer games Learn to: Get to grips with the history, rules and tactics of the game Perfect your skills and master star–player techniques Understand the club scene at home and abroad, from local tournaments to the World Cup Become a superfan and follow your team without missing a thing

Introduction. Part I: Kicking Off. Chapter 1: Welcome to Planet Football. Chapter 2: The Ball Starts Rolling: A Potted History of Football. Chapter 3: Getting Your Boots On: The Gear You Need. Part II: Playing the Game. Chapter 4: Laying Down the Laws. Chapter 5: Players, Positions and Tactics. Chapter 6: Honing Your Skills. Chapter 7: Keeping Fit for Football. Chapter 8: Coaching, Managing and Leadership. Chapter 9: Getting the Game On. Part III: Exploring the World of Football. Chapter 10: The World Cup. Chapter 11: Surveying the International Scene. Chapter 12: The Club Scene. Chapter 13: Focusing on Famous Clubs. Chapter 14: Women’s Football. Part IV: The Fans’ Enclosure: Following the Game. Chapter 15: Going to the Match. Chapter 16: Compulsive Viewing: Football on Screen. Chapter 17: Read All About It! Chapter 18: Other Football–based Pastimes. Part V: The Part of Tens. Chapter 19: Ten Great Players. Chapter 20: The Ten Greatest Teams of All Time. Chapter 21: Ten Great Matches. Part VI: Appendixes. Appendix A: Roll of Honour. Appendix B: Glossary. Index.

Scott Murray is a freelance journalist who writes for The Guardian, FourFourTwo, Men′s Health and Shortlist, amongst others. Prior to this he was the Sports Editor of guardian.co.uk. Scott is the co–author of the football miscellany, Day of the Match.