football

I've been a fan of football for years, but there are a lot of ins and outs you simply cannot learn from television and radio.

Howie Long (assuming he did in fact write this book) sets it up as a book for women wanting to understand why their husbands, boyfriends, etc. are so tied up in the game of football. Whatever. Its still a thorough read on the game, from the basics to the coaching strategy. Long is very detailed about each player's responsibilities, and the varied setups used most often on offense and defense (he also explains what the offense and defense are, in case you don't know that much yet). He has chapters devoted exclusively to college football and the NFL, and talks a little about high school football as well. There's also a chapter on conditioning and fitness for the game, and a chapter on fantasy football for the seriously hardcore.

Truly, Howie Long leaves no stone unturned here. Once you've read this book, you will understand this complex sport through and through. The only part of football he left out was the cheerleaders, but hopefully the XFL will take care of that.

I used to HATE football, mostly because I just didn't understand what was so exciting about watching a bunch of guys chase an oblong-shaped ball and pile on top of each other every time the whistle blew. But, after a life of sitting through high school football games as a marching band member, after attending a Division I college where football was a big deal, and after having a boyfriend who lived and breathed the sport, I finally decided to learn about football and understand what the all hype was about.

I'd like to say that, after reading "Football for Dummies," I finally get it.

Football is one of those sports you have to understand in order to appreciate. This book is a great starting point for those who know absolutely nothing about the sport. Howie Long (the cute guy from the Radio Shack commercials) explains every aspect of the game clearly and with great enthusiasm. His passion for the sport comes right off the page, and you can't help but feeling the same. Howie touches ALL the bases...from the rules to terms, positions, plays, penalties, referee hand signals, the history of football, uniforms, coaches, even fantasy football. He leaves no stone unturned.

The book opened my eyes to America's most popular sport. Now when I watch a game, I actually ENJOY it. It managed to erase my prejudices against the sport and instill a new love for it. And believe me, that was no small task. This book demystifies a complex, yet fascinating, sport.

This is a good book for people who's understanding and following of football ranges from totally clueless to moderate interest. The second edition picks up some key things that were absent from the first edition like overtime and how it functions on the college and pro levels.

Pretty easy read that isn't patronizing, and even people who understand football will find the facts and personal stories in the book exciting...if you're comfortable reading a book that says "Dummies" on the cover, that is.