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How Soccer Works :: Book Review

Reviewed by on Mar 27, 2009
Rating: 4 Star Rating

Find out the properties of an ideal soccer ball, explore the arts of offense and defense, and discover techniques for delivering stellar passes, curving kicks and perfect headers every time.

Find out the properties of an ideal soccer ball, explore the arts of offense and defense, and discover techniques for delivering stellar passes, curving kicks and perfect headers every time.

As the most popular participant and spectator sport in the world, soccer is a union of calculated plays, unrivaled athleticism, and pure passion for the game. Kicking up our heels for the fourth book in the highly successful How Sports Work series, How Soccer Works follows the award-winning How Hockey Works, How Baseball Works, and How Basketball Works. Author Keltie Thomas teams up with illustrator and soccer team coach Stephen MacEachern to present a fascinating and informative look at the science behind the sport.


Whether you’re a first timer on the pitch or can already bend it like Beckham, How Soccer Works has something for everyone. Text that is as exciting to read as the sport is to play, delves into all aspects of the sport. Great insider information includes:

  • the personality of a soccer ball: size, material, air pressure, and number of panels all affect the ball’s behavior.
  • the differences between artificial turf and real grass: each changes the nature of the game and the way the ball bounces.
  • the science of fitness: pros train their minds and bodies to prepare for game time.
  • suiting up for success: socks, shin guards, shorts, jerseys, gloves, and cleats.
  • the all-important science of explosive moves: making stellar passes, curving kicks, and delivering perfect headers every time.
  • how to counter basic offensive and defensive moves.
  • international competition: plays are affected by location and altitude, cheating is a science that can influence game result, and fans get rowdy across the globe.

  • This book includes amazing illustrations and captivating photos of professional players from the past and present. Read "Quick Kick" factoids, "Star" highlights revealing moves of the pros, "Tips" for game improvement, "Quick Answers to Speedy Questions" explaining everything soccer, and "Legends of the Game" introducing young sports fans to some of the most inspirational players in soccer history. The "Rules and Regs" section and glossary at the back of the book provide all of the terms and need-to-know information to make you a master of game basics.


    How Soccer Works Rating: 4


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