Soccer basics in a day? Easy. Do you get a kick out of soccer, but need to brush up your knowledge on the key elements of the game? Look no further! Soccer Rules & Positions In A Day For Dummies quickly brings you up to speed on one of the most popular sports in the world. From essential information on the sport to expert coverage of the game's rules, regulations, and players, this book provides invaluable insight to new and veteran fans alike. The essential information you need to understand and enjoy soccer Expert coverage of the game's rules and regulations Helpful breakdowns of soccer positions and their roles in offense and defense Online component takes readers beyond the book with bonus content and features Get set to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge in no time!

Soccer basics in a day? Easy.Do you get a kick out of soccer, but need to brush up yourknowledge on the key elements of the game? Look no further!Soccer Rules & Positions In A Day For Dummies quicklybrings you up to speed on one of the most popular sports in theworld. From essential information on the sport to expert coverageof the game's rules, regulations, and players, this book providesinvaluable insight to new and veteran fans alike.* The essential information you need to understand and enjoysoccer* Expert coverage of the game's rules and regulations* Helpful breakdowns of soccer positions and their roles inoffense and defense* Online component takes readers beyond the book with bonuscontent and featuresGet set to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge inno time!

Introduction 1What You Can Do In A Day 1Foolish Assumptions 2Icons Used in This Book 2Chapter 1: Getting Started with Soccer 3Soccer: The Basics 4Checking out fouls and kicks 4Keeping an eye on the game clock 5Surveying the Field 6That's the Way the Ball Bounces 8Size does matter 9The cost and quality factor 9Dressing the Part: Uniforms 10The must-have clothing 10Why shoes can make or break your game 11How soccer uniforms are numbered 12Why goalkeepers don't match the team 13The World Cup: The Greatest Show on Earth 13Chapter 2: Taking Up Positions 15Saving Grace: The Goalie 16Providing Support: The Sweeper 18Defending the Turf: Fullbacks 18Linking the Team: Halfbacks 19Filling the Net: Forwards 20Chapter 3: Rules of the Game 21Following the Rules 21Keeping time 22Starting the game 22Keeping the ball in play 23Throw-ins 23Corner kicks 24Goal kicks 25Staying onside 25Penalty Calls and Their Results 28Outlining the major fouls 28Detailing minor fouls and violations 29Paying the price for fouls 30Seeing what's in the cards 31Interpreting the Ref's Hand Signals 32Chapter 4: Performing Amazing Foot Feats: Dribbling andShooting 35Dribbling: Easy to Learn, Difficult to Master 35Knowing when to dribble 36Dribbling do's and don'ts 36Changing directions 38Deciphering dribbling problems 39Shooting Your Way to a Goal 39Knowing when to shoot 39Ready, aim, shoot 40Shooting the ball with the instep 40Chapter 5: Sharing the Ball: Passing, Receiving, and Heading45You Take the Ball: Passing 45Delivering two types of passes 46Diagnosing what went wrong 48Gimme the Ball: Receiving 49Cushioning at impact 49Foot 49Thigh 50Chest 51Troubleshooting receiving 52Thinking on Your Feet: Heading 53Using your noggin 53Correcting heading errors 55Chapter 6: Protecting the Goal 57Stopping the Opposition 58Catching the ball 58Punching the ball 61Parrying the ball 62Saving penalty kicks 62Correcting goaltending errors 64Positioning: Being in the Right Place at the Right Time 64Distributing the Ball 65Chapter 7: Where to Go from Here 67Taking Your First Steps 67Visiting dummies.com 68