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At last, the Dummies series is tackling football. Former Raider all-pro defensive end and current Fox TV analyst Howie Long calls the signals, and if he doesn't always go deep--he's got a lot of ground to cover--at least he connects. With all its X's and O's, football is a complicated sport, and Long works hard to smooth the way: "Once you break through that initial fear of being overwhelmed by football and what you don't understand," he counsels, "I know everything else about the game, like dominoes, will fall into place." In his role as guide, Long plays those dominoes, from peewees to the pros to the fantasy leagues, explaining positions, analyzing offenses and defenses, and detailing strategies. As with all Dummies guides, the fun part is the "Part of Tens," the series of top-10 lists that dig in for the final chapter. He scores big with his inclusions of John Hannah and Hugh McElhenny among the greatest offensive players ever, but should be penalized for overemphasizing tight ends and forgetting the electricity that wide receivers bring to the game. This, of course, reflects a defensive end's natural bias; since they muck it up more with the hulkier tight ends, they simply let the speedballs fly by. --Jeff Silverman
Book Description
Are you one of the millions of people across America are intrigued by professional football – and all types and levels of football? Perhaps you have a friends or a number of friends who have made the football season a ritual, from the last weekend in August until Super Bowl Sunday at the end of January. To be a part of that experience, you need to have a working knowledge of the game.
Football For Dummies, 2nd Edition, can provide you with that knowledge and help you relate to the passionate football fans in your life. On the surface, football may seem to be a very complicated game. The game becomes far less intimidating once you begin to understand the fundamentals of the game. After you break through that initial fear of being overwhelmed by football and what you don't understand, everything else about the game will fall into place, like dominoes. Get ready to find answers to all your football questions, such as: Why do they call it the "gridiron" anyway? Is the ball really made of pigskin, or is that an inside joke? Why do you get six points for a touchdown but only three points for a field goal? Does it really matter how all those guys line up on the field? Does it really mean something when the officials do those funny signals with their arms, or are they just bored out there?
If you don't know a touchdown from a touchback or an interference penalty from an interception, then this book is for you. You'll find easy-to-understand explanations of these topics and more: The football season Rules and regulations Keys to successful offensive line play Defense tactics and strategies Coaches, general managers, and other important folks Youth leagues and high school football Why people love college football Fantasy leagues Conditioning, training, and diet
Authors Howie Long – Emmy-award-winning football commentator and eight-time Pro Bowl defensive end – and John Czarnecki – editorial consultant for CBS NFL Today and Fox NFL Sunday – have teamed up to bring you the ultimate fan's guide to football. This second edition of Football For Dummies has been updated to cover new teams, stadiums, and players.
From the Back Cover
"Howie’s book has got it all!" —Jimmy Johnson, former head coach, Miami Dolphins Updated to cover new teams, stadiums, and players The ultimate fan’s guide to football – whether you’re a player or spectator Want to know more about football? Tackle the game with Howie Long as he delivers the complete scoop on rules, regulations, plays, positions, penalties, and more! Stay on the ball with expert advice on training, conditioning, and equipment, and meet today’s hottest players and coaches. You’ll decipher the Xs and Os with diagrams that make it a snap! Praise for Football For Dummies "Howie’s passion and enthusiasm for football come through on every page." –John Elway, former quarterback, Denver Broncos "[Howie’s] knowledge and insight into the game of football ring through loud and clear!" –Boomer Esiason, former All-Star quarterback and NFL Commentator
About the Author
Howie Long, former Oakland Raiders defensive end, was elected to the pro football Hall of Fame in 2000. He made eigth Pro Bowl appearances, had a Super Bowl XVIII victory over the Washington Redskins, and has many other accolades to his credit. His size (6'5", 275 pounds), combined with his speed, strength, intensity, durability, and explosive quickness, set him apart. Long retired from the NFL after the 1993 season. Long is currently ia a commentator on the Emmy Award-winning FOX NFL Sunday program, which is the most-watched NFL pregame show in America.
Jon Czarnecki is a regular contributor to Inside Sports and Sport magazines. He has reported on the last 19 superbowls and has consulted for the NFL Today and currently for FOX NFL Sunday.
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