Click on a Chapter Title for a more detailed description of each chapter’s contents.
| Chapter 1: Chapter 2: Chapter 3: Chapter 4: Chapter 5: Chapter 6: Chapter 7: Chapter 8: Chapter 9: Chapter 10: Chapter 11: Chapter 12: Chapter 13: Chapter 14: Chapter 15: Chapter 16: Chapter 17: Chapter 18: Chapter 19: Chapter 20: Appendix 1: Appendix 2: Appendix 3: |
The Origins of Soccer Object of the Game The 17 Laws of Soccer The Soccer Field Uniforms & Equipment How the Game is Played Player Skills Player Positions The Officials The Offside Rule Fouls Things to Look for During Play / Strategy Youth League Differences Road to the World Cup Tournament History of the World Cup World Cup 1994 Women’s World Championship Soccer in the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame Soccer’s Personalities and Stars Glossary of Soccer Terms Index Official’s Hand Signals |
Chapter 1: The Origins of Soccer
Briefly explains the origins of Soccer and its evolution.
Includes the following sections:
- The Beginning
- The Battle Between Soccer and Rugby
Chapter 2: Object of the Game
The object of the game of Soccer is briefly explained.
Excerpt:
“Soccer is a fast-paced game played on a large grass field by two teams of 11 players each. Players try to maneuver a ball into the opponent’s net to score points, called goals. The object of the game is . . . “
Chapter 3: The 17 Laws of Soccer
This chapter is a quick reference of the 17 Laws of Soccer. The Laws are listed and indexed so that the reader can easily understand the various rules while reading the book.
Chapter 4: The Soccer Field
This chapter describes the Soccer Field and includes the following sections:
- The Soccer Field
- Sidelines
- Goal Lines
- The Goal
- Other Areas
- Penalty Area
- Goal Area
- Penalty Spot
- Penalty Arc
- Corner Arc
- Corner Circle
- Center Spot
- Midfield Line
- Taking Sides
Chapter 5: Uniforms & Equipment
Includes the following sections:
- The Soccer Ball
- Player Uniforms & Equipment
Chapter 6: How the Game is Played
Includes explanations and descriptions on the following:
- Goals
- Offense and Defense
- Length of the Game
- Ties, Overtime & Tiebreakers
- Starting Play
- Stopping Play
- Restarting Play (See Excerpt)
- Types of Stoppages / Restarts
- Throw-In (See Excerpt)
- Goal Kick or Corner Kick
- Free Kick or Penalty Kick (See Excerpt)
- Drop Ball
- Substitutions
Chapter 7: Player Skills
Includes the following sections:
- Offensive Skills
- Dribbling
- Passing
- Push Pass
- Chip Pass
- Back Pass
- Shooting
- Instep Drive
- Chip Shot
- Banana Kick
- Volley
- Bicycle Kick
- Ball Control Skills
- Heading
- Front Header
- Back Header
- Flick Header
- Diving Header
- Trapping
- Chest Trap
- Thigh Trap
- Foot Trap
- Heading
- Defensive Skills
- Marking
- Tackling (See Excerpt)
- Front Tackle
- Side Tackle
- Back Tackle
- Sliding Tackle
Chapter 8: Player Positions
Includes descriptions and diagrams including the following sections:
- Formations
- Forwards
- Strikers
- Wingers
- Midfielders
- Defenders
- Fullbacks
- Central Defenders
- Stopper
- Sweeper
- Defenses
- Man-to-Man
- Zone
- Goalkeeper
Chapter 9: The Officials
Describes the officials and includes the following sections:
- The Referee
- The Linesman
Chapter 10: The Offside Rule
Includes in-depth descriptions and diagrams of the Offside Rule.
Chapter 11: Fouls
Describes fouls and includes the following sections:
- Indirect Free Kick
- Dangerous Play
- Charging Player Without the Ball
- Charging the Goalkeeper
- Intentional Obstruction
- Backward Pass Handled by the Goalie
- Carrying the Ball
- 5-Second Limit for Goalie
- Indirect Free Kick with Yellow Card
- Dissension
- Persistent Rule Breaking
- Unsportsmanlike Conduct
- Entering / Leaving without Permission
- Indirect Free Kick With Red Card
- Violent Play
- Use of Foul or Abusive Language
- Serious Foul Play
- Continued Misconduct After Receiving a Yellow Card
- Direct Free Kick or Penalty Kick
- Touching the Ball With the Hands or Arms
- Kicking or Striking an Opponent
- Tripping an Opponent
- Jumping into an Opponent
- Spitting on an Opponent
- Charging Violently or From Behind
- Holding or Pushing an Opponent
- The Advantage Rule
Chapter 12: Things to Look For During Play / Strategy
Includes the following sections:
- Attack Strategies
- Creating Space
- Breaks and Advantages
- Passing
- Lead Pass
- Crossing Pass (or Cross)
- Through Pass
- Square Pass
- Wall Pass
- Shielding
- Fakes
- Corner Kick Strategy
- Defensive Strategy
- Zone vs. Man-to-Man Defense
- Counterattack
- Goalie Strategies
- Ball Distribution
- Cutting Down the Angle
Chapter 13: Youth League Differences
Describes the Youth Leagues and the differences between Youth Leagues and Adult Leagues.
Includes the following sections:
- Length of Game
- Field and Goal Size
- Number of Players
- Substitutions
- Equipment
- Coaches
- Goalie Protection
- Other Rules
Chapter 14: Road to The World Cup Tournament
Describes The World Cup and includes the following sections:
- Qualifying Draw & Tournament
- The Draw
- The Tournament
Chapter 15: History of The World Cup
Gives a brief history of The World Cup and includes brief summaries of all the past World Cups.
Chapter 16: World Cup 1994
Gives information regarding the 1994 World Cup including the following sections:
- Venues
- Rule Changes
- Wins Worth 3 Points
- Faking Injury
- Drug Testing
- New Awards
- Who’s In and Who’s Out
Chapter 17: Women’s World Championship
Describes the Women’s World Soccer Championships.
Chapter 18: Soccer in the U.S.
Includes the following sections:
- Early U.S. Soccer History
- The 1960’s, 1970’s and the NASL
- Today’s U.S. Soccer
- American Professional Soccer League (APSL)
- National Professional Soccer League (NPSL)
- Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chapter 19: National Soccer Hall of Fame
Describes the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Chapter 20: Soccer’s Personalities and Stars
Short biographies of Soccer’s current stars and some of the most famous players and coaches of the past including:
- International Players: Past and Present
- Roberto Baggio
- Franz Beckenbauer
- Dennis Bergkamp
- George Best
- Bobby Charlton
- Giorgio Chinaglia
- Johan Cruyff
- Eusebio (da Silva Ferreira)
- Diego Maradona
- Stanley (“Sir”) Matthews
- Roger Milla
- Bobby Moore
- Pele
- Michel Platini
- Romario (de Souza Faria)
- Paolo Rossi
- Marco Van Basten
- 1994 World Cup: U.S. Players & Personalities
- Paul Caligiuri
- Thomas Dooley
- Brad Friedel
- John Harkes
- Cobi N’Gai Jones
- Kasey Keller
- Alexi Lalas
- Tony Meola
- Bora Milutinovic
- Tab Ramos
- Claudio Reyna
- Alan Rothenberg
- Ernie Stewart
- Roy Wegerle
- Eric Wynalda
Appendix 1: Glossary of Soccer Terms
Comprehensive listing of Soccer terms. A very handy reference.
Check out our Glossary Web Page to view this reference On-Line.
Includes on-line search capability of our glossary database.
Appendix 2: Index
Index of terms and phrases in book.
Appendix 3: Officials’ Hand Signals
Check out our Officials’ Hand Signals Web Page.
This useful reference includes hand signal diagrams along with definition and descriptions.
Includes diagrams of the following soccer hand signals:
- Referee Signals
- Caution or Expulsion
- Play On / Advantage
- Direct Free Kick
- Indirect Free Kick
- Goal Kick
- Corner Kick
- Penalty Kick
- Linesmen Signals
- Throw-In
- Corner Kick
- Offside
- Offside Location
- Goal Kick
- Substitution