Soccer for Dummies by Michael Lewis, U.S. Soccer Federation, United States Soccer Federation (2000, Paperback, Illustrated)

I bought this book so I could understand the game of soccer and so I could enjoy my sons (he's 5) Little League game. This book is awesome and just what I needed. It covers everything. The best thing I like about this book is that you do not have to start at the beginning although I did, You can start in the chapter your are needing the most. My son is told he is a great goalkeeper, I did not know that Goalkeepers are known as the peacocks of soccer, this is said because goalkeepers have to wear a different color uniform than their teammates. Goalkeepers are also the only players that can use there hands, and can only use there hands inside the penalty area as if hands are used outside the penalty area the goalkeeper will be given a red card and the other team is given a free kick from that spot. In soccer size does matter when it comes to balls, LOL. The #3 ball is for ages 4-7 and weighs 10-0unces, The #4 ball is for ages 8-12 and weighs12-Ounces, and The #5 ball is for ages 13 and up and weighs 14-Ounces, this #5 ball is also what the pros use. Very interesting. There are also 4 Basic Positions in the game of soccer Goalkeepers,Defenders,Midfielders and Forward. Wow I am finding out how much i did not know about soccer :). I am going to read some of this book to my son, My son is a beginner reader but I will let him read this when the time is right so he can also better understand the game of Soccer. This is one part I will wait untill he is in his teens. Do you know that "In many tribal societies soccer had its roots as a way to celebrate a victory as warriors used the severed heads of rival chieftans for a ball". Who knew :). Its funny untill I became a Soccer mom I did NOT realize how big the game of Soccer was and is.I will be a big hit next soccer season. I LOVE THIS BOOK :) :) :)..... Thank you for Dummies. Kimberly