Sport Science Secrets

Much of what we know about behavior in the sportsworld is hidden away in scientific journals and college textbooks and only occasionally trickles down to the general public. Sport Science Secrets presents the latest and best evidence available and in so doing dispels the mystery and misunderstanding surrounding a wide range of issues. Professor Russell's goal in writing this book is to bridge the gap between the world of sport scientists and those of us who enjoy sports as participants and/or spectators. In short, this book is a must read for those who want to find out what sport scientists know. Arm yourself with the facts!

Why does a football spiral? How do some athletes jump so high? The answer is science! The Secret Science of Sports helps kids better understand concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math through the sports they love to play and watch. Every sport -- from baseball to basketball, to football and soccer, to wrestling, tennis, and lacrosse -- involves a bit of science, technology, engineering, and math. You can't throw a ball without Newton's Law of Motion, and you can't calculate a player's stats without math. And every type of sports equipment -- a helmet, cleats, shoulder or knee pads -- were designed with the latest engineering and technology. The Secret Science of Sports breaks down normally difficult STEM concepts like forces of motion, gravity, algebra, and even neuroscience, in a language kids can -- and will want to -- understand. Divided into sections like chemistry, biology, physics, technology, and more, this handy guide uses examples from sports like soccer, baseball, softball, football, hockey, lacrosse, tennis, and others to explain important STEM concepts for kids ages 8 to 12. They'll learn how to use math to calculate a batter's average, why a tennis racket is shaped the way it is, how biology affects athletic performance, the aerodynamics behind competitive swimsuits, and much more. With dozens of original, captivating illustrations to engage young readers, kids will have fun while learning about key STEM ideas that will prepare them for years of schooling to come.

This user-friendly new edition is updated, expanded, and heavily illustrated, divided into 11 section headings that cover the legal, psychosocial, and practical aspects of sports activities in general and the injuries and benefits resulting from specific sports. Sections include medical supervision of the athlete, special populations, conditioning, environmental concerns, protective equipment, sports nutrition, behavioral and psychological problems, general medical problems, overuse and trauma, management approaches and techniques, and specific sports.

Dive headfirst into the science behind sports----and come up a winner! * Have you ever wondered if there's a secret to stopping a soccer ball, why ice skates have metal blades, or how a boat can sail into the wind? * Would you like to learn to balance like a gymnast, how to improve your free-throw ability, or how to swim like a shark? * Are you looking for exciting ideas for your next science fair project? If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then Sports Science is for you! From basketball to biking to snowboarding and more, you'll discover the science behind all your favorite sports. Dozens of fun-filled activities help you see for yourself how a batter can hit a 90-mile-an-hour pitch, why a "spiral" is the best way to throw a football, how the surface of a ball affects its bounce, and much, much more. All of the projects are safe and easy to do, and all you need is everyday stuff from around the house. So take the plunge and get ready for Sports Science fun!

"Accessibly written in an engaging style, this book examines classic popular stories in the history of science. Some of the myths discussed include Franklin's Kite, Newton's Apple, and Thomson's plum pudding model of the atom. Martn̕ez successfully holds readers' attention by relying on rich documentation from primary sources to debunk speculations that have become reified over time. He argues that although scientists have disagreed with one another, the disagreements have been productive. Features includes extensive primary source documentation and detailed explanations of how to compare contradictory sources in order to determine which accounts are truly valid"-- Provided by publisher.

High school phenomenon Allyson Felix used this strength training system to run the fastest 200 meters in the world in 2003. Based upon physiology and physics, it incorporates the most recent studies in running mechanics. This training program will dramatically increase running speed, jumping height and muscle power for all athletes.

The Secrets of Soviet Sports Fitness and Training, published in 1987, tells the story of Soviet sports success in the Olympic Games and World championships. It describes the key factors of the Soviet system of training athletes -- a system that is still unsurpassed by any country in the world -- not even after the country was dismantled. Now, after 21 years, an updated version of this book is available. In addition to the original, an addendum has been added to each chapter to bring it up to date with the advances that have been made since the first printing. More information from practicing Russian coaches as well as from the literature has been included. Also added are results from application of Russian methods by coaches who have incorporated one or more aspects of their system.