Covering all the basics of the game, rules and tactics, as well as giving history of the sport and how it has evolved to the present day, this guide provides tips on football betting and supporting, essential coverage on the World Cup, and stats on current teams, players and managers both at home and abroad.

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

Whether you want to impress friends and colleagues with new-found football wisdom, brush up on details you're unsure about (the offside rule, anyone?) or improve your practical skills, this is the book for you! Covering all the basics of the game, rules and tactics, as well as giving an in-depth history of the sport and how it has evolved to the present day, this indispensable guide will get you up to speed on the most popular game in the world in no time. With dream team formations, tips on football betting and supporting, essential coverage on the World Cup, and stats on current teams, players and managers both at home and abroad, football expert and Guardian journalist Scott Murray keeps it fun, fresh and knowledgeable to get you through the major tournaments and beyond.

Football For Dummies includes:

PART 1: KICK OFF
Chapter 1: The bare essentials
Chapter 2: A rich history
Chapter 3: Get your boots on - the gear you need

PART 2: PLAYING THE GAME
Chapter 4: Laying down the laws
Chapter 5: Positions and tactics
Chapter 6: Honing your skills
Chapter 7: Talented training
Chapter 8: Coaching, managing and leadership
Chapter 9: Putting it all into practice

PART 3: THE WORLD OF FOOTBALL
Chapter 11: The World Cup
Chapter 12: The international scene
Chapter 13: The British club scene
Chapter 14: Taking on the world
Chapter 15: Women's football

PART 4: FANS ENCLOSURE
Chapter 16: Going to the match
Chapter 17: Read all about it...
Chapter 18: Compulsive viewing: Football on TV (and film, and DVD...)
Chapter 19: Joining in (sort of...)

PART 5: THE PART OF TENS
Chapter 20: Great players
Chapter 21: Great managers
Chapter 22: Great matches
Chapter 23: Bad behaviour

PART 6: APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Appendix A: Honour Boards
Appendix 2: Glossary
Appendix 3: Key Football Organisations