German Football
Discover the rich tapestry of German football in German Football: A Century of Passion and Performance. This comprehensive volume takes you on a journey through over a century of exhilarating matches, legendary players, and groundbreaking moments that have shaped the beautiful game in Germany.From the early days of football's introduction to Germany and the establishment of the Bundesliga, to the glorious World Cup triumphs and the rise of women's football, this book captures the essence of what makes German football unique. Relive the unforgettable victories, explore the impact of football on German society, and delve into the cultural significance that has turned football into more than just a sport in Germany.This book not only chronicles the storied past but also looks ahead to the future of German football, examining technological innovations and emerging trends that promise to keep Germany at the forefront of global football. Whether you are a lifelong fan or new to the world of German football, German Football: A Century of Passion and Performance offers an insightful and engaging exploration of the game that has united and inspired generations.With in-depth analysis, personal anecdotes from legendary players and managers, and a wealth of historical data, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the heart and soul of German football. Join us as we celebrate a century of passion, performance, and unparalleled achievement on and off the pitch.Get ready to immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of German football - where history, culture, and sport collide.
Italian Football
Embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant history of Italian football with "Italian Football: From Inception to Modern Day - A Comprehensive History of Calcio." This meticulously researched book delves into the origins, evolution, and triumphs of one of the world's most beloved sports, offering a panoramic view of calcio's enduring legacy.From the early influences and formation of the first clubs to the rise of Serie A as a global powerhouse, this comprehensive history explores the key moments, legendary players, and tactical innovations that have shaped Italian football. Discover the stories behind the iconic teams like Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan, and relive the exhilarating victories that brought World Cup glory to Italy.Uncover the impact of cultural, political, and economic forces on the beautiful game, and explore how technological advancements like VAR and data analysis have revolutionized the sport in recent years. With detailed statistical records, memorable anecdotes, and expert insights, this book is a must-read for any football enthusiast.Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the world of calcio, "Italian Football: From Inception to Modern Day" provides an in-depth and engaging narrative that celebrates the passion, drama, and artistry of Italian football. Join us as we celebrate the past and look forward to the future of this timeless sport.
From Pitches to Premier
"From Pitches to Premier: The Complete History of English Football" takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the evolution of the beautiful game in England. This comprehensive chronicle covers the sport's development from its medieval origins to its current status as the world's most popular football league, the Premier League.Explore the early days of folk football and the creation of The Football Association in 1863, which formalized the game's rules and set the foundation for modern football. Witness the establishment of the FA Cup in 1871 and The Football League in 1888, which brought structured competition and increased popularity.Discover the post-war revival of football, marked by iconic matches and legendary players, and delve into the tactical innovations and international influences that reshaped the game in the 1960s and beyond. The formation of the Premier League in 1992 ushered in a new era of commercialization, technological advancements, and global expansion, transforming English football into a global phenomenon.This book also addresses the challenges faced by the league, including economic difficulties, hooliganism, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and examines how the sport has continually adapted and thrived. Through extensive research, statistical analysis, and compelling case studies, "From Pitches to Premier" provides an insightful and engaging narrative for football enthusiasts, historians, and casual fans alike.Join us in celebrating the rich heritage, cultural impact, and future prospects of English football in this definitive history of the sport. Whether you're a lifelong supporter or new to the game, this book offers a deep and fascinating look at how English football became the global powerhouse it is today.
The Proper Golfing Handbook
Offers comprehensive guidance for golfers of all levels, from beginners to experts, with tips on technique, mindset, and injury prevention.The Proper Golfing Handbook uses words, photos and videos to explain all the key skills. The idea is to understand the theory first, then see it in action. This is a book that can be taken with you onto the golf course in your golf bag for when your game needs that instant fix.If you are a complete beginner the early chapters give a firm base on which to build your game: grip, stance, set-up, and a relaxed swing. These are the foundations to which you must return before each shot, and are the basis for the effortless power we all want.If you are an improver the book acts as your reset. It explains how to make all the different types of shot, and how to get out of trouble. And since golf is the ultimate psychological game it helps you find a more positive and realistic mindset. In short, The Proper Golfing Handbook shows how to fix your game for good.If you are an experienced golfer wanting to take your game to a new level, help is at hand. Use The Proper Golfing Handbook to check the basics, then learn how to fade and draw the ball, make high and low shots, and play from poor or sloping lies. It will also help you score better by managing the course.If you are a senior golfer Julian Mellor shows how to prepare your body for golf using exercises and good warm-up routines. He teaches a realistic swing for life, one that will avoid injury but still deliver power and accuracy.All golfers will appreciate the final chapter on common faults and how to fix them, and particularly how to reset mid-round if you 'lose it'.Read on, relax, get out of your own way and let the magic happen. Proper golfing is within your grasp!
The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball
When the pandemic hit in early 2020, baseball's minor leagues cancelled their seasons. A few independent leagues tried abbreviated schedules, but all Major League affiliates shut down--for the first time in more than 120 years. Since then, Major League Baseball has taken over governance of the minors, and leagues and teams have been eliminated. In its fourth and final edition, this book gives a complete accounting of the minor leagues as they were known from the late 19th century through 2019.
The Secrets of Spanish Tennis
What makes Spanish tennis so unique and successful? What exactly are those Spanish coaches doing so differently to develop superstars like Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz-- and many other champions-- that other systems are not doing? These and other questions are answered in The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, the culmination of 20 years of study on the Spanish way of training by best-selling author, educator, and top junior development coach Chris Lewit. Over the course of many years and dozens of study trips, Lewit visited the leading Spanish academies and studied and interviewed some of the the most legendary coaches in Spain to discern and distill their unique and special training methodology. Now you can learn the Spanish way of training and use it to make yourself, your kids, or your students better!
The Mayfly Boys
A nostalgic coming-of-age story set in the small river town of Mayfly, Missouri in the early 1960s, woven into a compelling mystery played out along the Mississippi River and the steep bluffs overlooking it. Enter the world of the Mayfly Boys-echoes of Mark Twain a century later.In the summer of 1963, twelve-year-old Jamie Fletcher, hungering for fame, conceives an ambitious plan to become the greatest basketball player in Mayfly's history. Raised in a strict Catholic family, young Jamie struggles to overcome numerous roadblocks thrown up by his parents, the nuns, and his arrogant pastor.Jamie struggles mightily to avoid eternal damnation due to certain "impure thoughts," mortal sins capable of sending him to hell at any moment "with one unlucky lightning strike." As he struggles with his adolescent yearnings, he regularly confesses his sins to his pastor, whom Jamie hates, particularly because of his dogmatic insistence that dogs can't go to Heaven.Following a tragedy, Jamie decides with the help of his friends, his brothers, and his faithful dog, Prince, to investigate their pastor. The boys uncover dangerous secrets, balancing a risky investigation with daily chores, while working simultaneously on basketball, their prayer lives and their cursing expertise.An enjoyable and satisfying immersion into life in the early 1960s, showcasing the marvels of a Catholic grade school, saving Pagan Babies, help from colorful locals, the terrors of river pirates and graveyards, the thrill of athletic excellence, the value of parenting, the yearning of young love, and the grace of manners as they were practiced not so very long ago.Humorously layered with a tongue-in-cheek examination of moral, theological and doctrinal issues of interest to all American Catholics and persons of faith.
When Minor League Baseball Almost Went Bust
When Minor League Baseball Almost WentBust is about the epic transformation the minor leagues underwent from the end of World War II to the onset of America's space race with the Soviet Union. By 1949, the minors' boom would reach its peak, with 59 leagues and 448 teams, but their downfall was just around the corner. This book, three years in the making, with contributions from 39 SABR members, contains stories about minor-league teams, individuals, and leagues that thrived, struggled, and mostly went defunct, because of changing cultural and economic trends beyond their controlfrom 1946 through 1963. The fabled Newark Bears of the International League announced after the 1949 season that they would leave New Jersey for Springfield, Massachusetts, because of poor attendance. This was a sign of things to come as fans in medium-sized cities began fleeing to the suburbs. Few minor-league teams made money during this era. Most teams traveled by bus, and owners, scrimping and saving, compromised the safety of their players by buying buses from their second or third owners, some beyond their normal life span. There were many reports of carbon monoxide poisonings and brake malfunctions. Tragic accidents in 1946 and 1948 claimed the lives of 14 players.There were bright spots and historic feats, of course. Jackie Robinson would integrate an affiliated team for the first time when he played for the Montreal Royals in 1946. Phenom Ron Necciai, playing for Bristol of the Appalachian League, accomplished a pitching feat on May 21, 1952, that most likely will never be challenged-pitching a nine-inning no-hitter in which he struck out all 27 batters. Unfortunately for Necciai, his arm went dead the next season, ending his career.By 1963, hundreds of minor-league teams had folded and minor-league baseball was at a critical crossroads. The American and National Leagues couldn't afford to let such a key resource for player development disappear. After extensive meetings, the AL and NL introduced a Player Development plan in which each major-league team would provide and pay the salaries of a full player and coaching roster to at least five minor-league teams. This stabilized the minors and set the way the minors would operate for the rest of the twentieth century and until 2020.
A Giant Among Giants
Willie McCovey, known as "Stretch," played Major League Baseball from 1959 to 1980, most notably as a member of the San Francisco Giants for nineteen seasons. A fearsome left-handed power hitter, McCovey ranked second only to Babe Ruth in career home runs among left-handed batters and tied for eighth overall with Ted Williams at the time of his retirement. He was a six-time All-Star, three-time National League home run champion, and 1969 league MVP, and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986 in his first year of eligibility. Known as a dead-pull line drive hitter, McCovey was called "the scariest hitter in baseball" by pitcher Bob Gibson. Born in Mobile, Alabama, McCovey encountered daunting hurdles, such as Jim Crow laws that prevented him from playing organized ball as a youth and playing for Major League managers such as Tom Sheehan and Alvin Dark, who took a dim view of his abilities. But neither that nor other difficulties on the field--the platooning, the slights, the unrelenting injuries--seemed to affect McCovey, as he remained grateful to be playing baseball. McCovey was the most treasured Bay Area icon of all, a humble, approachable superstar who earned the admiration of seemingly everyone he encountered. McCovey's life wasn't measured in his home run and RBI totals, though those were impressive. His greatest significance lay in the warmth and respect he extended and which others reciprocated. These elements elevated McCovey to a pantheon where relatively few athletes reside. He remains synonymous with not just the team he ennobled but also the city he represented. In A Giant among Giants, the first biography of McCovey, who passed away in 2018 at the age of eighty, Chris Haft tells the story of one of baseball's best hitters and most-beloved players.
Extra Time Beckons, Penalties Loom
SHORTLISTED FOR FOOTBALL BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2025LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD A New Statesman Book of the Year A Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year "A hilarious examination of the football commentary language we all understand but don't know why" WHSBOTY 2024 Reading Panel The long-awaited follow-up to Football Clich矇s, Adam Hurrey's cult classic about the language of football. "So enjoyable ... fascinating and deliciously nerdy." FourFourTwo "Adam Hurrey is the best observer of football culture in the world. He has a knack for either encapsulating something that's always nagged at you or nailing something you can't believe you haven't noticed before." Elis James "The funniest, smartest book on the language of football. It sends out a message, silences the doubters and lets its football do the talking ... a Rolls-Royce of a book." David Goldblatt *** Does language evolve? Yes, it does.Will it ever be acceptable for a football commentator to call a shot that bounces before it goes in 'a screamer'? No, it will not.As the self-appointed world expert on the subject, Adam Hurrey sets off to define the definitive rules of the language of football. He will answer the big questions such as: is it acceptable to say a player is 'breaking their silence' (it's complicated), can headers can be 'lashed' (anatomically impossible), whether a penalty shootout could ever be described as 'late drama' (truly abhorrent), how many games constitute a 'bumper' day of Premier League action (minimum of eight) and just how big a deficit constitutes 'a mountain to climb' (certainly not Liverpool going 1-0 down at home to Wolves in the third minute, Sky Sports). Along the way, Hurrey examines some case studies of how the football media has reached saturation point - the transfer rumour mill, the futile art of big-match previewing, the rise of (and backlash against) football jargon - and how its language has evolved to keep the machine going. Have we let the football lexicon spiral out of control? In finding out, this book will be exactly as gloriously pedantic as it sounds.
The Sport Mega-Events of the 2020s
The book explores various social, cultural, political and economic issues through the lenses of various sport mega-events in the twenty-first century. This is a resource for students and researchers situated in sociology, sport management, event management, political science, sport studies, sport business, urban studies and leisure studies.
Five Gallon Bucket
When Jack was the basketball coach in Elk City during his second year (1966-67), he received the Coach of the Year award in Western Oklahoma. Jack loved basketball, but he wasn't always good at it. In fourth grade, he made his first attempt at a free throw and failed. For his birthday, he asked for a basketball. He realized he didn't have a basket when he shot outside.Out in the garage was an old rusty 5-gallon bucket-back then, they were made of metal, short and wide. Jack quickly cut out the bottom with a chisel and hammer, creating a basket, and the rest is history.Basketball was in his bones and his dreams. He played in college at Pittsburg State University. At 5'11 3/4" tall, Jack was told he had the skills but not the height to play pro basketball. Instead, he pursued coaching and became a high school basketball coach.In his short story, Five Gallon Bucket, Jack shares his experiences and thoughts on the sport, particularly from the lens of a basketball coach. His endearing musings give basketball lovers a glimpse into this retired coach's story of how the five-gallon bucket gave him purpose.
Jude Bellingham
Every new generation of footballers produces a talent who transcends all others, shining the brightest on the biggest of stages and Bellingham is that player. A Champions League winner and La Liga champion with Real Madrid before his 21st birthday, Jude Bellingham is a player with the footballing world at his feet and a growing, global army of admirers. His seemingly effortless style on the pitch belies his inner steel and few players have ever made such an impact on the beautiful game in such a ridiculously short space of time. The young, outrageously gifted midfielder has come a long way since he cut his teeth as a 16-year-old in the second tier in England with Birmingham City. His three years in the German top flight with Borussia Dortmund that followed only underlined his star status and since his arrival at the Bernabe織u, Bellingham has proved he is already a fully-fledged member of the football elite. Barely 17 when he was first capped by England, he is a talisman for the Three Lions despite his age and it is now simply a question of when rather than if he inherits the coveted captain's armband and leads his country.
Nobody Remembers Second
Nobody Remembers Second: Aston Villa's Near Misses: 1989-1993 charts a fascinating period in Villa's history and features exclusive interviews with many of the central characters.There were two League Cup wins in the 1990s, but apart from that the huge Midlands club failed to match its former glories.However, in the 1989/90 season, manager Graham Taylor and players such as Paul McGrath, Gordon Cowans and David Platt powered the side to the runners-up spot behind Liverpool, and for much of the season they were in title contention despite narrowly avoiding relegation the season before.Three years later, new manager Ron Atkinson also led a title charge, with a vastly changed squad. That bid faltered at the finish, when Manchester United became the first champions of the newly formed English Premier League.This book delves into the 1989 to 1993 period in unprecedented detail and gets the views of Atkinson, then club secretary Steven Stride and a host of key players.
Mind Over Muscle
"Mind Over Muscle: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Young Athletes" offers a comprehensive exploration of the critical connection between developmental psychology and sports, guiding parents, coaches, and young athletes through the intricate landscape of growth and competition. Drawing on foundational theories such as Piaget's cognitive development and Erikson's social-emotional framework, this book presents a view into the experiences that shape youth athletes-where intrinsic motivation fosters genuine passion, and self-efficacy becomes vital for overcoming challenges. Through relatable stories of young athletes like Sarah, Alex, and Ella, readers will uncover the profound influence of parental support, the significance of team dynamics, and the necessity of resilience in the face of adversity. Each chapter outlines practical strategies to cultivate a balanced approach to competition that prioritizes personal growth and emotional well-being, equipping young athletes not just for success in their sport, but for life beyond the confines of the playing field. Empowering and insightful, this book serves as an essential resource for those dedicated to nurturing the next generation of athletes with a focus on holistic development and lifelong joy in sports.
Foul Play
Football has an integrity problem. Whether it is the reckless behaviour of players on or off the pitch, television commentators bad-mouthing decisions during the game, or corrupt governance of the sport, football has a tarnished reputation. Big money means big public interest and an even bigger responsibility to make it a sport that is inclusive, professional and, at the very least, law-abiding. Dan Hough puts the game under scrutiny to find out why football has become the benchmark for bad behaviour in sport. He examines the role of players, governing bodies, managers and owners, referees, pundits and fans to show how they have all contributed to the game's failings and how all have a part to play in improving its integrity. Football matters and because it matters it needs fixing.
The Cricketers of 1945
The Cricketers of 1945 is the compelling, poignant, and above all human, story of the reawakening of English cricket in the immediate aftermath of the world's most destructive war.The book brings to life the summer's Victory Tests, played on home soil between England and Australia, as well as the personal stories of the players and their families, plus those of some of the hundreds of thousands of spectators who flocked to the matches to celebrate the return of something approaching normal life after the ordeal and sacrifice of the war years.This vivid account is illuminated by fresh archival research, encompassing the diaries and personal letters of both cricketers and cricket lovers, giving the reader a strong sense of what it was like to be alive at this unique time as much of the world awoke, or was still awakening, from the nightmare ordeal of the long years of conflict.
Believe
The remarkable story of the footballer who battled against the odds to achieve his dreams - only to see his country having to fight to survive after the shocking invasion of Ukraine. A fan favourite at Arsenal and previously at Manchester City, Oleksandr Zinchenko has been lighting up the Premier League with his fearless performances for many years. But his success has not come without its challenges. Having begun his career as a teenager at Shakhtar Donetsk, Zinchenko played amateur football when no club would sign him. But after he joined Manchester City in 2016 he would go on to experience exhilarating career highs, with four league titles in six years, before moving to Arsenal where he has played an integral part in their challenge for honours. He has shown heroism of a very different kind through his extraordinary campaigning in support of his homeland during the ongoing war. After the invasion of Ukraine, he decided he could make the greatest difference by using his platform to spread awareness and raise money to support his country. Written with candour and bravery, Believe is no ordinary tale of success on the pitch, but one of unwavering strength and integrity, tempered by sadness and anger. It provides unique insights into the methods of Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and the machinations of elite football teams. It is the story of a selfless man who cares deeply for his homeland's welfare, and always tries to deliver his best on and off the field.
Wimbledon 2024
Wimbledon 2024 - The Official Story of The Championships is the comprehensive, entertaining and beautifully illustrated re-telling of a spell-binding fortnight of tennis at the All England Club. Since 1984 the official 'annual' has reviewed in detail each Championships held at Wimbledon and this 40th edition promises to be one of the best yet with the tournament playing host to established stars and exciting emerging talents. Paul Newman's crafted text, coupled with the stunning images captured by Wimbledon's team of award winning photographers, provides readers with a wonderful and comprehensive review of a memorable tournament played out under blue skies and on stunningly green courts. Following the full story of the tournament, from Qualifying through to the concluding Mixed Doubles final on Centre Court, the book also focuses on some of the other stories and characters that make Wimbledon so colourful and includes daily features and light-hearted stories from the sold out grounds in south west London!
Tinpot
Tinpot is the story of football's lost tournaments: the strange and forgotten competitions that sparked into life before shuffling off their mortal coil. The book tells their stories, giving them the spotlight they deserve.It's time for something different. It's time to go somewhere new. It's time to wander off the highways of football history and see where long-discarded paths lead.England's major football tournaments seem to have been with us forever. The FA Cup stretches back over 150 years, while the Football League is the oldest competition of its kind in the world. They are the survivors - the bright ideas that quickly caught on. Yet, behind these successes lie countless failed experiments. But they still have their stories to tell.
The Fall and Rise of Leyton Orient
From play-off heartbreak and double relegation to the verge of bankruptcy and the depths of the National League, Leyton Calling is the story of a community who fought back.It's Saturday, 22 April 2023. Everyone is talking about Wrexham AFC winning the National League. Meanwhile, in east London, Leyton Orient are quietly securing the League Two title. And their story is even better ... It's the story of a club saved by a lifelong fan then an inspirational manager, Justin Edinburgh, who took them back into the Football League as champions; of heartbreak when five weeks later Edinburgh died at the age of 49; then of a club rebuilt again, winning another title with a new manager looking for a home, Richie Wellens. It's an inspiring story of larger-than-life characters who made a difference for good or bad - players, fans, owners and charlatans. It's also a tale of religion, redemption, triumph and tragedy - a football story like no other.
On the Road to Passing Better!
"Mastering the Pass" is a comprehensive guide designed specifically for young volleyball players who want to excel in the fundamental skill of passing. This book breaks down the essential techniques of passing, providing step-by-step instructions, visual aids, and expert tips to help players develop accuracy, control, and confidence on the court. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this book covers everything from proper hand positioning and footwork to advanced drills and game strategies. Written by experienced coaches and players, "Mastering the Pass" is an invaluable resource for any young athlete aiming to become a proficient and reliable passer in volleyball."
American Kings
Pull back the curtain on the most powerful position in all of sports. The New York Times bestselling author of It's Better to be Feared examines football's QB lifecycle: high school, college, the NFL, retirement--and all that comes with it. "An instant classic--not just a great sports book but a great cultural history."--Jonathan Eig, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of King: A Life The quarterback: the American equivalent of royalty, long glamorized, mythologized, and worshipped. Still, long before the Super Bowl trophies, massive contracts, brand deals, and millions of social media followers comes the dream. From the backyard to Pop Warner, from high school to college, from the NFL to the Hall of Fame, becoming the country's ultimate idol requires single-minded focus while navigating a maze of bad breaks, insecurities, jealousy, pressure, and fame. Long known as the outsider's guide into this elite world, Seth Wickersham's fresh reporting goes deep into the quarterback journey, measuring the distance between what the men who have traveled it expected and what they found at the end of the road. Through unprecedented access into the lives of dozens of quarterbacks and generational greats such as Johnny Unitas, John Elway, Peyton Manning, Warren Moon, Steve Young, and others, as well as those figures striving to be remembered, like Caleb Williams and Arch Manning, Wickersham reveals how this one position has become emblematic of success in American life. As an inside look into a uniquely American job and a uniquely American obsession with football, American Kings is a must-read for sports fans and anyone who wants to understand what the price of ambition tells us about the quest for achievement and status.
On the Road to being a Better Setter
On the Road to Being a Better Setter is a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of setting in volleyball, from basic techniques to advanced strategies. Suitable for all skill levels, this book provides practical exercises that enhance the setter's understanding and proficiency. It includes insightful tips and tricks gathered from experienced setters, offering valuable insights that help setters improve their craft and enjoy the game more. By exploring this book, setters will discover advanced strategies and creative approaches to setting, pushing the boundaries of their creativity and innovation. This will lead to the development of unique and memorable techniques, making this book an essential resource for any setter looking to elevate their game.
World Cup & European Championship Finals 1982 - 2024
World Cup & European Championship FinalsTeam Lineups & ScorelinesRelive the drama of football's most iconic tournaments with World Cup & European Championship Finals This comprehensive reference book is the ultimate resource for fans who want to explore the key moments from the world's biggest football competitions.Covering every World Cup and European Championship final up to 2024, this book provides detailed information on the complete team lineups, final scorelines, and top scorers for each tournament. Whether it's the golden years of Brazil, the rise of Germany, or the unforgettable performances of modern-day stars, this book offers an invaluable snapshot of football's grandest stage.Inside, you'll find: Full team lineups for every World Cup and European Championship final through to 2024Exact scorelines for each final matchTop scorers of each tournament, showcasing the stars who lit up the finalsA complete, chronological record of each finalThis book is perfect for football enthusiasts who love the details-the names, the teams, the scores-and want a quick, accessible reference to the history of the sport's most prestigious finals.
Blood and Thunder
Liam O'Callaghan's revelatory Blood and Thunder shows that the rise of Irish rugby is inextricable from the tensions, debates and divisions - of politics, religion and class - that have defined modern Irish history. Despite the political partition of the island, Ireland competes at rugby internationally with an all-island team - and with a bespoke anthem that nobody loves but everyone tolerates. Ireland has become a leading rugby nation despite its tiny population and the fact that the sport is only the fourth most popular team game on the island by participation. In Blood and Thunder, O'Callaghan traces the dramatic evolution whereby a rugby nation that was deeply attached to amateurism has made such a dramatic success of professionalism. From the sequence of events that led Ireland's private Catholic secondary schools to embrace rugby, to the controversies and crises that have shaken Irish rugby - including the Northern Troubles, the Belfast rape trial, and the rising toll of head injuries - Blood and Thunder tells the rich and fascinating story of Irish rugby. Blood and Thunder is more than a social and political history of Irish rugby. It is also a shadow-history of modern Ireland, rooted in brilliant original research and packed with terrific stories. ---'Excellent' Sunday Times 'Rigorously researched and incisively written ... Blood and Thunder should be on every team bus.' John O'Donnell, Irish Times 'The whole book is a delight.' Ciaran Murphy 'Excellent ... O'Callaghan willingly challenges any hyperbole about the sport's appeal here just as he keenly seeks to identify and explain some of the wonders of that reach' Kieran Shannon, Irish Examiner 'I really enjoyed it.' Ken Early 'O'Callaghan's history of Irish rugby is a superb excavation of the place of that sport in Irish life.' Paul Rouse, Irish Examiner 'Entertaining and informative' Michael Taylor, TLS
Strength Training for Lacrosse
The game of lacrosse requires athletes to be quick, agile, and powerful. Resistance training contributes significantly to the development of speed, agility, endurance, and strength, ultimately making a lacrosse athlete more formidable on the field. Developed with the expertise of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Strength Training for Lacrosse provides an overarching biomechanical analysis of lacrosse and specific analyses of the physical demands of each position: defenders, midfielders, attackers, and goalies. Using these analyses, you can design an effective training program that translates to performance on the field. You will also find the following: 10 detailed protocols to test strength, power, speed, agility, and high-intensity endurance capacity 13 total body resistance exercises with 8 variations 16 lower body exercises with 10 variations 29 upper body exercises with 21 variations 20 anatomical core exercises with 19 variations 53 sample programs for off-season, preseason, in-season, and postseason resistance training For each exercise, you will find a series of photos and a detailed list of primary muscles trained, beginning position and movement phases, breathing guidelines, modifications and variations, and coaching tips. You'll also gain a deeper understanding of what muscles are involved in each exercise so you can develop a complete and targeted resistance training program. Backed by the NSCA and the knowledge and experience of individuals who have years of experience as strength and conditioning professionals for lacrosse, Strength Training for Lacrosse is the authoritative resource for creating lacrosse-specific resistance training programs. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.
Research Methods in Sports Coaching
Research Methods in Sports Coaching is a key resource for students and scholars who are completing research into sports coaching. The book comprises five distinct parts that prompt readers to think about important considerations: preparing and initiating the coaching research process philosophical considerations for coaching research coaching research designs methods of collecting coaching data analysing coaching data This fully revised edition places particular emphasis on introducing the diverse research paradigms, research designs, as well as methods of data collection and analysis available to coaching researchers.Written by a team of leading international scholars and researchers from the UK, Sweden, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, this book bridges the gap between the theory and practice of sports coaching research. The second edition of Research Methods in Sports Coaching is an essential text for any research methods course taken as part of a degree programme in sports coaching or coach education.
The Enchanted Season
In 1984, fantasy became reality in the Motor City. Led by ace Jack Morris, a historic season from lefty Willie Hernandez, and a thumping lineup powered by Kirk Gibson, Chet Lemon, and Lance Parrish, the Detroit Tigers turned a sportscaster's sarcastic "Bless you boys" remark into a rallying cry. The Tigers led the American League East from start to finish - starting the season 35-5 and finishing with 104 wins to take the division by 15 games. They topped Kansas City in the ALCS and the San Diego Padres in the World Series to capture Detroit's first World Series Crown since 1968. A key cog to this unforgettable season was Parrish, the all-star catcher who slugged a team-leading 33 home runs. Told from the perspective of Parrish himself and the expertise of award-winning Tigers scribe Tom Gage - who covered the 1984 Tigers for the Detroit News -- The Enchanted Season takes readers onto the field and inside the locker room, from the spring training trade for Hernandez to Morris's April no-hitter to Gibson's October home run to seal the Tigers' clinching Game 5. Sharing insight on manager Sparky Anderson's leadership, the magical keystone combination of Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker, the power and speed of Lemon and Gibson, and much more, this essential read provides fans a new look back at the year the Tigers roared.
Funny Golf Book For Men. Tee'd Off
The ultimate golf gift for men who have everything! This funny golf book is perfect for golfers who appreciate a good laugh on and off the course, even if it's at their own expense.A comical collection of the best, most absurd, and relatable golfer's excuses ever heard or used on the fairway and green. This professionally illustrated golf excuses book is filled with witty and sometimes corny one-liners, jokes, excuses, anecdotes and inspirational quotes from some of the best golf players in the world.Bring laughter to your golf game with our funny golf books for men, packed with witty jokes and quotes.Never lose face on the green again with this golf excuses book - the perfect gift for the golfer who has everything.A fun golf accessory for men: they can even pack this book in their golf bag if they run out of excuses!Ideal present for the man in your life who loves golf, our golf books for men will have him laughing from the first tee to the eighteenth green.Professionally illustratedPacked with chuckles on every page to excuse wayward shots, sliced drives, hooks, topped balls, missed putts, and general frustration from the game they love - it's the perfect funny golf book for men who are passionate about their long and short game, even if the flair and finesse is sometimes lacking. Whether it's for your husband, father/dad, uncle, or best friend, it will bring a smile to the face of any man who loves their golf. An ideal birthday gift, present for dad on Father's Day, or secret Santa surprise, retirement gift, office gift or leaving gift for men.Each page of this golf joke book is filled with the most hilarious excuses you could imagine, making it one of the best silly golf gifts.Do any of these excuses sound familiar?✓ "That was just a practice swing"✓ "I play for exercise, not for score"✓ "The sun was in my eyes"Then this is the perfect book for them.If you're looking for golf gifts for men who have everything, this hilarious handbook is the perfect solution. It's more than just another golf book; it's a shared love of golf humour that only the frustrated golfer and anyone unlucky enough to listen to them can appreciate.
The 50 Greatest Players in Detroit Lions History
In The 50 Greatest Players in Detroit Lions History, sports historian Robert W. Cohen examines the careers of the top 50 men ever to perform for one of the National Football League's most historic franchises. Using as measuring sticks the degree to which they impacted the fortunes of the team, the extent to which they added to the Lions legacy, and the levels of statistical compilation and overall dominance they attained while wearing a Lions uniform, Cohen ranks, from 1 to 50, the top 50 players in team history. Quotes from opposing players and former teammates are provided along the way, as are summaries of each player's greatest season, most memorable performances, and most notable achievements.
The 50 Greatest Players in Buffalo Bills History
The 50 Greatest Players in Buffalo Bills History examines the careers of the 50 men who have made the greatest impact on one of the National Football League's most iconic franchises. Using as measuring sticks the degree to which they impacted the fortunes of the team, the extent to which they added to the Buffalo Bills legacy, and the levels of statistical compilation and overall dominance they attained while wearing a Buffalo Bills uniform, this book ranks, from 1 to 50, the top 50 players in team history. Quotes from opposing players and former teammates are provided along the way, as are summaries of each player's greatest season, most memorable performances, and most notable achievements.
Shocktober
Baseball's October showcase has provided some high drama over the years. Willie Mays's spectacular catch in 1954, Bill Mazeroski's walk-off homer in 1960, and Kirk Gibson's pinch-hit blast in 1988 are just a few of the memorable moments that have dominated highlight reels. The outcome of the Series has not always been terribly surprising--especially during the late-1940s/early-1950s when the Yankees captured five consecutive championships, breaking their previous record of four straight titles from 1936 to 1939. But in spite of its predictability at times, the Fall Classic has taken many unexpected turns. The 1906 Cubs lost to the weak-hitting White Sox after establishing a new regular season record for wins. The 1955 Dodgers avenged seven prior October failures with an improbable victory over the seemingly invincible Yankees. And in 1969, the Mets finally shed their image as "loveable losers," dethroning the powerful Orioles. In more than a century of World Series play, a number of similar scenarios have emerged. Twenty-two of those stories are told in Shoctober. The book also includes an appendix of game statistics as well as a section on World Series trivia.
Poor Man's Golf
Golf was the most popular stick and ball game throughout the 1800s in the UK, but it wasn't the golf played in Scotland. It was 'poor man's golf' as played throughout all the former Danelaw area of England and more properly called knur and spell. This game was played by thousands of players, in hundreds or even thousands of locations, across a very wide area. It was played for centuries in all the northern counties of England including the ones which border on Scotland. It was even played in Scotland itself and was also played in Australia and the USA.Strangely enough, the Scots rarely give this game a mention when they talk about the origins of golf. How does that work?
World XIs
Richard Smith has provided a great service to all cricket fans with his insightful research into team selections. I'm delighted to be included in the '90s World XI! - Ian Healy, AO. Australian Cricket legend.Since Test cricket began in 1877, there have been over three thousand players representing their countries in Test matches. World XIs tackles the daunting task of choosing the best of the best and coming up with the greatest team from each era of Test cricket history and exploring these players in more detail.With legends of the game such as W.G. Grace in the 1800s; through to Don Bradman in the 1930s; the West Indies' three Ws in the 1950s; Imran Khan in the 1980s; and recent greats such as Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, there are a wide variety of players represented through the ages. And to cap things off, there are a number of greatest-ever teams for you to mull over.World XIs is sure to cause some robust debate amongst cricket lovers the world over.
Global China and the Global Game in Africa
The story of China-Africa relations is one of the most important geopolitical and geoeconomic developments of the past two decades. This book uses the interaction between China and African countries in football to critically examine how engagement through football reproduces unequal outcomes but also positive developments on both sides. A multidisciplinary cast of China and Africa scholars demonstrate how political, economic, social and cultural issues play out through football, illuminating the motivations, processes and consequences of the evolving relationship between China and African countries. From nation states, corporations, institutions, clubs, players and fans, this book shows how the global game runs through Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Algeria, Egypt, Beijing, Guangzhou and the Chinese Northeast, with its ramifications for geopolitics, South-South relations, international sports governance, diplomacy, soft power, international media, labor migration and transnational fandoms.
3,000
It typically takes 20 years of consistent excellence for a baseball player to reach the coveted milestone of 3,000 hits or strikeouts. Some of the great players to accomplish this feat are well-known: Willie Mays, Henry Aaron, Walter Johnson, Nolan Ryan. But who are the other men who've reached that epic 3,000 milestone? This book goes into detail about each of these players, describing how each player collected his historic hit or strikeout and how old he was at the time. Discover the pitchers who gave up a 3,000th hit and the victims of a 3,000th strikeout. Determine where these players were born and the stadiums where the events took place. This book covers the near-miss men--the ones who almost made it to the milestone--and predict which players might reach 3,000 hits or strikeouts next. This comprehensive volume tracks all players who have reached this impressive achievement, all who missed it by a hair, and some who might be poised to claim the title.
Goalscorers
500 Pages of all things Goalscoring. An Appreciation of the History of Goalscoring English and Scottish league club goal records Top Scorers for every season in every division in English football, top scorers in Scottish, Welsh, Irish League & League of Ireland Domestic cups British clubs in Europe European club competitions Euros and World Cups A-Z goal profiles of 700 players in the history of British football One Goal Wonders, Partnerships, Derbies & Rivalries Facts and Feats and much more...
Panini Legends
'Panini Legends, by the leading authority on the stickers, Greg Lansdowne, charts the changing appearances of football legends.' - Daily Mail 'I hope somebody gives me this for Christmas...' - Adrian Chiles, BBC Radio 5 Live 'A beautifully illustrated book' - talkSPORT PANINI'S GREATEST FOOTBALL STICKERS STAR IN ONE AMAZING BOOKPANINI LEGENDS showcases in sticker form 85 of the most-celebrated players in men's and women's football. Icons like Pel矇, Diego Maradona, Franz Beckenbauer and Bobby Moore are present, of course, but they share the limelight with modern stars such as Lionel Messi, Marta, Kylian Mbapp矇, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alexia Putellas. Written by respected sticker authority Greg Lansdowne, the book features stickers from a host of domestic leagues and all the major international tournaments, expertly selected from over 60 years' worth of albums. - Which players made the PANINI album but didn't play? - Who never missed a season as a sticker? - Whose rookie - a player's first sticker - is most sought after? Inside the book: - More than 900 iconic PANINI stickers from the domestic and international football competitions- Extended career profiles of the greatest players to grace PANINI albums - PANINI stickers showing kits of some of world's most famous football teams
The End
In May 1994, Everton Football Club found themselves on the brink of disaster - an outcome no one could have imagined just a few years earlier. More than three decades after John Moores set out to make Everton the dominant force in English football, the club faced the grim prospect of relegation in the final match of the 1993/94 season against Wimbledon. Once known as the 'Mersey Millionaires, ' Everton had fallen to 'Mersey Mediocrities.' This downfall was unthinkable just nine years earlier, when Howard Kendall had led the club to the League Championship and European supremacy. However, Everton became collateral damage in the aftermath of the Heysel disaster, caught between English football authorities and UEFA. When Kendall departed in 1987 after securing a second league title, the club began a steep decline, leading to a period of intense instability that eventually threatened their long-held status in English football's top flight. In The End, Gavin Buckland's final book on the Moores era at Everton, the author explores the club's journey from towering success to the brink of relegation. The narrative captures how boardroom complacency and indecision combined with uncertainty over the club's ownership to allow Everton to fall behind their peers as a new era of English football dawned. Meticulously researched and piecing together interviews, archival materials and behind-the-scenes stories, The End is the authoritative and vivid telling of footballing aristocracy falling on hard times. Offering rich detail and insight, The End is a must-read for any football fan or historian of the modern game.
Football, the People's Shame
Asks what has happened to English football and how we can launch a revolution amongst English fandom in order not just to take back control of the game, but invent new ways our society and economy can work in the interest of the people again. Football has always been the People's Game and even after three decades of clubs being loaded with debt, ticket prices hiked, and fans blasted with gambling ads, football persists as a source of solidarity, civic engagement and national and international pride. Football: The People's Shame asks how we can reclaim the Game from the corporations and oligarchs who have stolen it from us, using accessible language and common-sense examples to: lay out exactly why football is in the dire state it isexplore football history to show it hasn't always been the way it is nowlook at how they do things differently in other countriesintroduce a new model of ownership drawing on research by respected academicssuggest how to organise locally in order to force through change at national levelArguing for a new organisational model for the sport and its players, one that respects its contribution to local communities and the national economies, The People's Shame is a clarion call to the fans to begin demanding something new. Football is more than just a sport, and our passion for the game can and should become an engine for change.
Millwall Haiku - 2019 to 2023
A three-line match report for every league and cup game, home and away, for four seasons. Praise for the author's earlier collection of Millwall haiku: 'Poetry might not seem a natural bedfellow for football, but like the game, it has a pace and rhythm, which can reflect the ebb and flow of footballing fortunes. A recommended read. An original style in which to capture the fortunes of a club.' Football Book Reviews
China, Football, and Development
This book uses football as a lens through which to examine China's economic development, its political economy, and its political thought.Focusing on the Chinese Football Development Plan, this book opens up new perspectives on the concepts of hegemony, soft power, socialism with Chinese characteristics, and China's rise to the position of geopolitical superpower. Presenting a critical Marxist analysis of "soft power", and drawing on Gramsci's conceptualisation of hegemony, this book argues that football can be seen as a resource for seduction and persuasion, and therefore as an instrument to be used in the "hegemonic clash". Reflecting on the idea of soft power in relation to imperialism and ideology, and standing in contrast to prevailing Western orthodox analyses of Chinese development, this book shows how the "Chinese Football Dream" is a significant component of the "Chinese Dream" of "rejuvenation of the nation" and shows how football can help us to better understand the role of the state as an inducer of development and creative destruction.This is fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in sport policy, public policy, sport and society, football, development studies, political economy, or political thought.
