Sports & Recreation Books

Learn the basics of tennis so you can hit the courts, improve your game, and follow the pros This updated edition of Tennis For Dummies takes you into the world of tennis today. You'll learn the history of the game, the rules, the latest gear, the hottest strategies, and everything else you need to know to get into this popular racquet sport. This easy-to-understand guide shows you what it takes to improve each time you step on the court, and puts you in the middle of the pro tennis action so you can enjoy the matches everyone is talking about. You'll learn to equip yourself with the right apparel, racquet, and accessories, so you're ready to play. Get tips for perfecting your strokes and shaping up with physical conditioning, plus dealing with common tennis injuries. You'll also explore the finer points of tennis etiquette, both on the court and as a spectator. Discover how the game of tennis is played, with helpful illustrations and court diagrams Master the mental game so you can get the most out of yourself each and every time you pick up a racquet Understand the rules of tennis, the varieties of the game, and the scoring system Learn about the most prominent players, matches, and tournaments This is a great Dummies guide for readers who want to learn the basics of tennis, so they can go out and play, or enjoy watching tournaments in person or on television. Beginners who need a general introduction and current players who want to take their game to the next level will love the quick-and-easy tips inside.

Understand the sport of soccer and encourage your kids to have fun Youth Soccer For Parents For Dummies explains how you can prepare your children to play and enjoy the sport of soccer, whether they play recreationally or at the elite youth level. Get up to speed on the basic rules, and learn to keep kids interested and motivated in a sport that's great for their physical and mental health. This ultimate parents' guide covers the rules, player positions, and strategies, including what gear your kids need to start playing. You'll learn coaching and refereeing basics, too, so you'll be ready to get involved. Plus, this book has tips on deciding which program and level makes sense for your child, evaluating travel soccer programs and specialized training camps, dealing with coaches (good and bad), and supporting your kid from the sidelines. Discover the basics of soccer and learn how to get kids started at any age Learn basic soccer drills to help your kids practice on their own Keep your kids motivated, even when they're injured or disappointed Help kids prevent injuries and participate in coaching and team management Navigate the competitive landscape of soccer at the teen level Parents with children of all ages will find tips, advice, support, and encouragement in Youth Soccer For Parents For Dummies. Part soccer book, part parenting book, this guide can help you get your kids started and support them all the way through college.

An easy and accessible guide for one of the fastest growing water sports in the world Looking for a way to get some exercise out on the water and have a blast while you're at it? Then it's time to try stand up paddleboarding! Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies walks you through absolutely everything you need to know to get started with this fun, exciting, and healthy activity. It's packed with illustrations, graphics, and easy-to-understand tips that make it a snap to do everything from choosing your first board to respecting the marine life you'll see while you're in the water. This book will prepare you for your new hobby so you can feel safe, knowledgeable, and comfortable with the ins and outs of this rapidly growing sport. You'll also find: Essential safety tips, including how to maintain your balance on the board and helpful stretches you can do before and after your next stand up paddleboarding session A list of common rookie mistakes—and how to avoid them—so you can get a head start on your new pastime Equipment basics that will help you choose the gear that's right for you on your first try Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies is a great book for people ready to take on a cool and healthy new activity, as well as the perfect gift for that active and fun-loving person in your life who can't get enough of being out on the water. Grab a copy today!

A beginner’s guide to skating for fun, fitness, and self-expression Skateboarding For Dummies teaches you the basics of the fun and popular sport of skateboarding, so you can start shredding. Author Daewon Song has been a pro skateboarder for 30 years and is considered to be the most technically gifted skateboarder of all time. He is passionate about the sport and shares his enthusiasm and experience in this easy-to-read guide. Skateboarding is a fun, challenging, and inclusive sport that can also be a powerful outlet for self-expression. With this book, you’ll learn cool tricks, safe skating, and skatepark etiquette. Plus, you’ll discover how skateboarding can bring positivity to your life, building your confidence and self-esteem. Shop for your first skateboard and essential accessories Learn the basics of riding a skateboard at a skatepark Get step-by-step instructions for performing classic tricks Discover the history of skateboardingSkateboarding is for everyone, regardless of age or background, and Skateboarding For Dummies is for anyone who wants to give this sport a try.

Explore, travel, and get fit on two wheels Biking For Dummies will teach you the basics of riding your bike as a workout or as a mode of transportation. Great for people of all ages and fitness levels, this book shows you how to select the best bike for your needs, how to ride safely, and how to maintain your bicycle, so you can enjoy the many adventures that lie ahead. This entertaining Dummies guide answers all your questions about e-bikes, cycling etiquette, must-have gear and gadgets, and staying safe out there. Plus, you’ll find bicycle maintenance advice and tips that will help you get faster and ride farther, even if you’re starting from zero. Become a cyclist, the Dummies way. Choose the right bike for you and find places to ride it Use correct form, learn the rules of the road, and enjoy every ride Learn to keep your bike or e-bike in good shape for years to come Discover which equipment you need, and which you can live withoutBiking For Dummies is for beginners who want to start cycling, and for experienced riders looking for reliable info. Start with a quick ride around the block and branch out to long rides and exciting cycling vacations. There’s no limit to where two wheels can take you.

The game with the funny name was created in the 1960's and is, today, the fastest growing sport in America. We take you through the hows of the game. In true Dummies fashion, the material is easy to understand and appropriate for newbies as well as advanced players. We cover it all from scoring, serving, dinking, places to play, and getting more involved in the community. No need to be intimidated — you've got Dummies on your side of the court to give you all the best tips and tricks from expert authors. If you're in a pickle because you don't know anything about this popular game, Pickleball For Dummies will teach you everything you need to know. Inside: Learn the rules and stroke fundamentals Intro to the fun, social aspects of the game Advanced strategies that will raise an experienced player to next level Tips for tournament players and club organizers

Give in to the lure of the untethered life as a van lifer Thousands of people around the world live nomadic lifestyles from the comfort of their vans or campers, free from the worries of having a permanent residence. If this growing alternative lifestyle appeals to you, Van Life For Dummies is your go-to guide for becoming a van lifer. You'll learn to customize your vehicle, adapt to life on the road, and find the peace and adventure you're seeking. This book makes the transition easy, helping you decide what parts of rooted life you need to take with you and what to leave behind. Follow the call of the open road and get started living in your van or camper  Choose and customize a vehicle that meets your needs  Get answers to the very important question: "where do I use the bathroom?”  Build or carry on a career while travelling Why enjoy life only on your vacation days? Take to the road and enjoy a simplified way of living. Van Life For Dummies demystifies the process and initiates you into the vibrant community of van lifers. Your adventure awaits!

A straightforward guide to being smart with your firearm With gun sales at an all-time high in the U.S., easy-to-understand advice on storing and possessing guns safely is at an all-time premium. Safe Gun Ownership For Dummies paves the way for new and novice gun owners to learn the basics of firearm ownership in a non-partisan tone. This book helps gun owners thoroughly explore the rules of gun safety and adopt the habits of savvy firearm aficionados. Written by a firearms expert and analyst who has reviewed hundreds of firearms along with gun safety and storage options, this guide helps you develop a safety mindset and apply practices to assure you and your family avoid harm. Learn, internalize, and apply the rules of gun safety Understand federal, state, and local gun laws Find a good gun safety course for hands-on practice Store and transport your firearm securelyWhen it’s time to start training on your new firearm and the safety rules of gun ownership, Safe Gun Ownership For Dummies is at the ready with everything you need to know to make safety your aim.

Buoy your sailing knowhow with advice from two US sailing champions Nothing can beat the feel of the warm sun on your back, the gentle wind in your hair, and a swaying deck under your feet. If you long to take to the open water and sail wherever the wind takes you, you’ll find everything you need to know in Sailing For Dummies. This friendly guide offers information for beginning and intermediate captains. Discover everything you need to know to confidently navigate your vessel through whatever waters—rough or smooth—you may encounter. Whether your goal is to explore a nearby lake, sail down the Mighty Mississippi, or take to the open sea, Sailing For Dummies explains how to launch your vessel, tie knots, turn sails, read the water, and more. Figure out how to work with the wind using sails to reach your destination Find out how the latest technology makes sailing easier and more enjoyable Master the essential skills of docking, tying knots, and dropping anchor Learn how to read the wind, sea, and sky to know what the weather is up to Choose the boat that’s right for you, complete with bells and whistles Discover the basics of windsurfing and kiteboarding Satisfy your need to go farther and faster in your craft Know how to sail safely in tricky situations Whether you’re dipping your toe in the water or knee deep in your pursuit of sailing excellence, this reference will come in handy as you set your sights on sailing. After spending some time with Sailing For Dummies—and even more time on the water—you’ll know the ropes!

Flick, fake, and dribble your way to soccer mastery Prepare for the World Cup or learn the rules for your own indoor or outdoor league, with Soccer For Dummies. We cover the world’s most popular sport from one end of the field to the other, starting with the history of soccer and the basics of the game. Discover the positions on the field, the best tactics for winning, and the skills the players (including you!) need in order to dominate. This update to the comprehensive guide introduces you to all the soccer greats and up-and-comers whose moves you’ll want to know. You'll find extensive coverage of women's soccer, including women’s world cup, the NWSL, Women’s Super League, and the UEFA Women’s Championship, and get descriptions of various leagues around the globe, and the lowdown on where you can find soccer games and resources, online and elsewhere. Learn how soccer got to be the #1 most popular sport in the world Get up to speed on the world’s best leagues, teams, and players, so you can follow and enjoy the World Cup Discover tips on playing and coaching, plus fun soccer facts and resources for learning more Become the ultimate soccer fan with your newfound knowledge of the game Soccer For Dummies is for anyone who wants to learn more about soccer, the rules, how the game is played, how professional leagues operate around the world, and how to follow them.