The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Football Like A Pro [Paperback]

Joe Theisman (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 1 pages
• Publisher: Alpha Books (1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028617436
• ISBN-13: 978-0028617435
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #625,995 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A VERY Worthwhile book, even if you're NOT an "Idiot", December 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Football Like A Pro (Paperback)

I'm hesitant to be seen buying, never mind actually READING, any book that's for "Complete Idiots". But, I bought this book, and I read it, and -- cool, I now understand football.

The book starts with the absolute basics. How big is the field? What's a "down"? How many players are there on a team. That sort of stuff.

The book quickly progresses into more detail. You learn the responsibilities of each position on the offense and defense. You even get some reasonable insight into offensive and defensive strategies. You get the jargon. You really understand the game.

All through this, Theismann keeps the tone light and pretty amusing. He writes very well (though, I've gotta say by way of very minor critisism, that the writing could be better edited).

If you didn't play football in College, and you want to understand the game better, this is definitely the book for you. It was for ME. Even if you're NOT a Complete Idiot.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for beginners, August 16, 2000

By 

hyperbolium (Earth, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Football Like A Pro (Paperback)

Even though I've been watching football (on TV and in person) for a couple of decades, I knew there was a lot I didn't understand. Never having played the game above the playground level, I never really learned the roles of different positions, and didn't understand the depth of planning that goes into designing an offense and defense.

Theisman and his co-writer Brian Tracy certainly know both the big picture and the intimate details of football. They've also found a clear writing style and organization with which to make their presentation. From the very basic rules of the game to more complex dissertations on players' roles, play construction and coaching strategies, the authors provide concise, useful information. Theisman's asides about players and game history provide good context and will enhance your appreciation of games that you watch.

Football experts may not glean much from this book, but even those who've played (or play) the game may find it useful to read up on other positions and areas. Those who are new to the game or just passing fans will find this to be very educational.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for all Novice and All-Madden Football lovers, December 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Football Like A Pro (Paperback)

I found this book funny and entertaining. There are idiot proof diagrams and easy to understand concepts. Joe Theisman teaches you lots of things in this book. I loved it and I'm sure you would love this book too.