The Coach Makes The Difference
For a fun and educational time on the sports field for as many children and their coaches as possible! As a coach you can make a difference. You want your players to have fun and fully develop their talents. Whether you are a professional coach or a parent who unexpectedly finds yourself on the sidelines, you will do much better if you know what you want to achieve and how to go about it. Mauro van de Looij, experienced youth coach at Dutch Premier League clubs, gives you practical experiences and scientific insights about motivation, selection, training and coaching in this book. He takes you through questions such as: How important is winning actually? What is your influence on the motivation of your players? How do you recognize talent? And what do you say during a match?Never before has such a complete book been published that helps you to further flesh out your vision and style. As a trainer, coach and leader. Mauro challenges you to create a performance culture in which the person is number 1. Mauro van de Looij is a sports and performance psychologist. He has worked as a youth coach at PSV Eindhoven and Willem II Tilburg, teaches Performance Psychology at Fontys University of Applied Psychology & HR and he coaches athletes, trainers, students and teachers. He also supports sports clubs, schools and companies in coaching and talent development. 'Beautiful insights for trainers, coaches and leaders in sport and beyond.'Jacco Verhaeren, Olympic swimming coach and director 'Embark on a journey of coaching excellence with 'The Coach Makes The Difference'. A wealth of soccer best practices and insights, in the principles of autonomy, connection and competence all in clear language. This book is your roadmap to success.'Mirelle van Rijbroek, Head of Football Utah Royals and former US Soccer Federation 'Thoroughly enjoyed this book, great principles and insights for anybody within leadership positions and influence. This book really reminded me on who I am and why I followed my passion. This ultimately created a foundation to serve players and make the difference in their lives.'Ian Taylor, professional soccer coach 'The lessons and examples are so universal that this book is also very useful for coaches in other sports and the 17 million national coaches with a management job.'Elly Stroo Cloek, Book Reviewer 1001 ManagementBook 'This book is a basic document for every youth coach.'Toon Gerbrands, Former Olympic volleyball coach and general manager of PSV Eindhoven 'A book that clearly indicates that every trainer can play an important role in the development of youth football players. With expertise, an open mind and, above all, a love for the game.'Foppe de Haan, former professional soccer coach of SC Heerenveen and Netherlands U21 'I wish every child a trainer who deals with his players as described in this book.'Bastiaan Riemersma, assistant coach FC Eindhoven 'Mauro makes scientific insights practical in a fun way.'Art Langeler, professional soccer and former Head of Soccer Development Dutch FA
Lion of the League
Robert Dean Emslie (1859-1943) spent fifty-six of his eighty-four years in professional baseball--eight as a player and forty-nine as an umpire. When arm problems ended his career as a Major League pitcher, he turned to umpiring, serving in that capacity for thirty-five seasons, then as an umpire supervisor for thirteen years. His longevity is all the more remarkable considering he toiled during the three most contentious and difficult decades umpires ever faced: the years from 1890 to 1920, when baseball transitioned from amateur to professional sport and from regional business to commercial entertainment industry. Emslie endured the rough-and-tumble umpire-baiting 1890s, the Deadball era, injuries from thrown and batted balls, physical and verbal assaults from players and fans, and criticism in the press. Among his most notable games, he called four no-hitters and worked as the base umpire in the famous Merkle's Boner game between the New York Giants and the Chicago Cubs at the Polo Grounds in 1908. He often clashed with Giants manager John McGraw, who nicknamed him "Blind Bob." Yet he was widely praised by players and his peers. Honus Wagner, the great Pittsburgh shortstop, ranked Emslie the best National League umpire he had seen during his twenty-year career. Umpires Bill McGowan and Billy Evans respectively regarded him as "the greatest base umpire of all time" and "one of the greatest umpires the game ever produced." Emslie was also the acknowledged master of baseball's rules such that National League presidents regularly consulted with him on controversial calls and protests. Emslie accepted a position as the chief of National League umpires, serving as an adviser to the National League president. Lion of the League is the biography of an umpire whose career spanned the formative years of modern baseball.
Pipeline to the Pros
Jeff Van Gundy. Brad Stevens. Frank Vogel. Mike Budenholzer. Tom Thibodeau. Sam Presti. Leon Rose. Before you knew his name, before he drafted your favorite player, before he guided your team to a championship, he had a playing career of his own at an NCAA Division III college. He didn't play for fortune - the NBA was out of reach, and his school didn't even give athletic scholarships. He didn't play for fame - his games weren't televised, and the stands were rarely full. Whatever the motivation, he simply couldn't give up the game of basketball. And that didn't change after graduation, when it was time to pick a career path. For the first time in league history, NBA coaches and general managers are just as likely to have played Division III basketball as they are to have played in the NBA. While the number of former D3 players working in the NBA is higher than ever, small college alums have served in leadership positions since the league's founding. They shaped the NBA into what it is today, playing integral roles in the Lakers' initial success in Los Angeles, the inception of several expansion franchises, the creation of the popular All-Star Weekend dunk contest, the globalization of the league, and more. Their improbable and inspiring journeys tell a bigger story - the history of small college athletics, the evolution of coaching and management in the NBA, and the hiring practices in the most competitive fields. Their alma maters were small, but their impact on the game, and the implications of their success, loom large.
The Most Inspiring Hockey Stories of All Time For Young Canadians
Colored Interior + Photos+ Stories +Trivia = Fun!�������� The Ultimate Gift for Young Hockey Lovers! ��������Looking for the perfect present to ignite the hockey passion in a young Canadian's heart? Look no further! Our book, "Inspiring Hockey Stories for Young Canadians," is the ideal choice.���� A Journey Through Hockey Legends ����This heartwarming book takes your young reader on a trip through the lives of hockey's greatest heroes. From Wayne Gretzky to Bobby Orr, they'll learn about the legends who have left an indelible mark on the sport.���� Relive Glorious Hockey Moments ����Discover the thrill of Stanley Cup victories, historic games, and Canadian dominance in the NHL. Each page is filled with stories that have made us proud.❤️ Heroes Come in All Ages ❤️Young players will be captivated by the tales of kid heroes, rookie sensations, and the young stars who've won our hearts. These stories prove that dreams know no age.❄️ The Magic of Hockey Dreams ❄️Transport your young reader to the frozen ponds and backyard rinks where it all begins. From learning to skate to the joy of pick-up games, this book is a celebration of our nation's hockey roots.�������� The Heart of Canadian Hockey ��������Explore the values, traditions, teamwork, and sportsmanship that define Canadian hockey. Learn how coaches and mentors shape future sports stars.���� Honoring Female Players ����Discover the stories of incredible women in Canadian hockey, like Hayley Wickenheiser and Marie-Philip Poulin, who continue to inspire us all.���� Overcoming Challenges and Triumph ����These tales are about resilience and determination. They show that adversity is a stepping stone to success.���� The Stars of Tomorrow ����Meet the young talents who dream of joining the NHL. They're the future of the sport, and their stories are sure to inspire.���� Heroes Behind the Players ����This book also introduces coaches and mentors who guide stars to greatness. And let's not forget the unsung heroes on the support staff who keep the game going.���� Thrilling Matches and a Fun Quiz ����Relive unforgettable games in hockey history and test your young reader's knowledge with our exciting quiz!
Smash and Carve Golf! The Art of Ball Striking
Smash & Carve takes you through a series of five brief lessons isolating the two crucial elements in a sound swing, CONTACT & DIRECTION, and easily explains their importance to playing your best golf. Through instructing many thousands of students since turning professional in 1985 I have found a distinct trouble pattern existing in the swings of almost all new and experienced players - the dreaded 'scoop and straight' thoughts around contact and direction that makes developing an effective swing much harder to achieve.This book will teach you how to apply the ball-to-swing theory which is the principle of striking a ball efficiently. Notice that touring pros on T.V. do not subscribe to the notion of 'scoop' which is why even the most unusual swings can still achieve great results at the ball. Smash & Carve can be both a quick-fix remedy, and provide sound long term swing development so you too can experience the... Art of Ball Striking!
Discovering Alex Russell
Alex Russell is regarded as perhaps Australia's finest ever home-grown golf course architect. He served as the Australian partner of the famed Scottish architect Dr Alister MacKenzie in the design and construction of the West Course at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, and was solely responsible for the design of Yarra Yarra, Royal Melbourne's East Course, Lake Karrinyup in Perth and Paraparaumu Beach in New Zealand, all highly rated courses. However, he is important to the story of Australian golf for much more than just golf course design as he was a champion golfer, winning the 1924 Australian Open as an amateur, amongst numerous other national and state titles.Discovering Alex Russell: The Man and his Legacy by Neil Crafter and John Green uses detailed text, period archival photographs, maps and plans to bring together the many threads of Russell's life from his birth as the son of a wealthy Victorian grazier, to his education at Geelong Grammar and Cambridge, and his distinguished service as an artillery officer in the British Army in World War I, finishing the war as a Major in charge of his own battery after recovering from significant injuries caused by an incoming German shell. The book examines Russell's political life and his subsequent service in World War II where he was in charge of repatriating prisoners of war for the Australian Red Cross, together with his family life and the grazing property 'Mawallok' in Victoria's Western District. Discovering Alex Russell is a handsomely illustrated and detailed biography of a man who did so much for golf in Australia. It is a fascinating way to discover more about Alex Russell the man, his life and his golf courses.
The Art of Baseball
Baseball is a sport that has been satirized and caricatured for as long as it has been played. From the earliest days of political cartoons to the modern era of internet memes, baseball has always been a rich source of comedic material. These cartoons offer a fresh perspective on the game we all love.So, whether you're a baseball fanatic or just someone looking for a good laugh, this book has got you covered. It's a home run of humor, a fastball of fun, and a hit out of the park of hilarity. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh your way through nine innings of comedic gold.Featuring cartoons by Leo Cullum, Bob Mankoff, Charles Barsotti, Tom Toro and many more.Hardcover, 86 cartoons, 8" x 8"
The Little Book of Travis Kelce
From his electrifying plays on the field to his charismatic personality off the gridiron, Travis Kelce has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of football. With over 7,000 career receiving yards and more than 60 touchdown receptions, Kelce has solidified his place among the NFL's elite tight ends. Explore the journey of this prolific player, from his college days at the University of Cincinnati to his record-breaking seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, and uncover fascinating insights into Kelce's work ethic, mindset, and passion for the game. Whether you're a die-hard Chiefs fan or simply a lover of football, this captivating collection of quotes and facts offers a compelling glimpse into the life and career of one of the NFL's most dynamic players. "Nobody can make fun of me better than me. I'm not going to go out there and say that I'm better than X, I'm better than Y. I think I'm the best tight end in the game. Coach Reid is always going to dial the right plays up." Travis has caught 19 touchdown passes in playoff games, a record for the tight end position. In September 2022, Travis and NFL star (and brother) Jason Kelce launched their podcast New Heights. The title references the Cleveland Heights area where they grew up. The show has proven to be a huge success, reaching No. 2 overall on Apple podcasts by February.
The Nfl’s 60-Minute Men
In 2019 the NFL celebrated its 100th season. During that historic year the league selected an All-Time Team of 100 former star players. Among them were seven from before football's free substitution rule (1920-1945), two-way players who were skilled at both offense and defense. They were: Sammy Baugh (Quarterback), Dutch Clark (Running Back), Dan Fortmann (Guard), Mel Hein (Center), Cal Hubbard (Tackle), Don Hutson (Wide Receiver) and Bill Hewitt (Defensive End). There were more than just seven great players from those years, when men in leather helmets played multiple positions on dirt fields for modest salaries. This book ranks the NFL's top two-way players, with detailed biographies and analysis by their contemporaries.
Sports Illustrated the Baseball Vault
Sports Illustrated, the most respected voice in sports journalism, has covered Major League Baseball for over seven decades, documenting its heroes, villains, great characters, and iconic moments. A wide-ranging portrait of America's pastime, this anthology features the best baseball writing from the SI archives by nationally renowned journalists including Frank Deford, Mark Kram, George Plimpton, Peter Gammons, and Tom Verducci.
Winning Without A Championship
The vast majority of coaches across all sports do not win championships. However, our culture gravitates towards teams that do, often disregarding the lessons learned by those who have not. Winning Without A Championship is written by an experienced high school football coach who shares valuable lessons, ideas, and concepts he gained from a career with very few championships. Coach Bornn digs into the often-overlooked aspects of achieving success, transcending the narrow focus on championship victories. The beneficial lessons conveyed apply to any profession and avenue of life, making this book a worthwhile resource for anyone aspiring to greatness.
Touchdown Under
Embark on a Rousing Quest through Rugby League LoreImagine unlocking a world where adrenaline surges through roaring stadiums, where every tackle, kick, and try tells a tale of passion and prowess. "Touchdown Under: An American's Guide to Rugby League and the NRL" is your all-access pass to the riveting universe of one of the most exhilarating sports on the planet. As an American, you're no stranger to the thrill of sports, but what awaits you in these pages is a voyage into the heart of Australia's beloved game.Plunge into the Introduction, and feel the pulse of the crowd as you discover the pleasure of the try. With each turn of the page, gain in-depth knowledge starting from Chapter 1, unraveling the essence of Rugby League, the game's origins, and what sets it apart from its cousin Rugby Union. By detangling the sometimes perplexing rules and terms of the game, you ensure you're as ready for kickoff as the players on the field.Ever wondered about the strategic depth beneath those muddy uniforms and bruised shins? Chapters 2 through 8 meticulously guide you across the field, through the crucial roles of each team position, right into the intricate nuances of game structure. Get to grips with the unique scoring system, the tactical ballet of the play-the-ball, and the decisive power of the tackle.Submerge yourself in the exhilarating spectacle of the NRL season, from the electrifying regular season games to the climactic Grand Final detailed in Chapter 9. Relive history and stir your spirit with Chapter 11's recounting of spine-tingling moments in NRL history, making you feel every heart-stopping play and groundbreaking achievement.For the prospective fan abroad, the Appendices serve as your trusty compass to navigating matchdays from afar, solidifying your burgeoning fandom. Let "Touchdown Under: An American's Guide to Rugby League and the NRL" be the companion that transforms you from a curious onlooker to a devoted aficionado of this dynamic sport. Adopt a new legacy, and join the legion of Rugby League enthusiasts today!
Emily and Sara
Two good friends representing their school in various sports teams go on holiday with their families to Devon where they succeed in a small football competition. After the summer holidays, they welcome their new P.E. teacher, a football player. The girls excel at the game and go on to represent their school with some distinction, so much so that they are invited to play for their teacher's U17's side, a professional team. Later, they are scouted by the English FA, who ask them to join the potential England squad for training at St. George's Park, The National Football Centre near Burton-on-Trent.One of the girls is accused of a crime which derails her sporting ambitions, putting her football skills on hold. The other girl works hard to prove her friend's innocence. Eventually, both girls play their way through the difficulties and go on to represent their club during the football trials. Will they succeed? Will they represent their country in an international competition?
Bunt!
Bill Baynes has written the most original baseball story since Field of Dreams. Bunt! is a taut tale of what happens when one new player tweaks one of the sport's oldest skills. A sharp-eyed rookie develops such precise bat control that he can bunt a baseball just about anywhere he wants it. He can hop it. Stop it. Even spin reverse-English on it. What happens? Insane infielders, angry pitchers, hysterical chanting fans and a surprising breakout into a late-season California League pennant race. ESPN sportscaster Mike Patrick says, "Anyone who loves baseball will love this book." Written plainly for young adults who may not read all that much, Bunt! is a crossover novel full of game action and brimming with baseball lore. A wily skipper, a by-the-rules coach, and a team of upward-bound hopefuls and downward-slipping veterans inherit a young unknown with game-changing abilities. The chill of autumn whispers beneath the roar of raucous fans as a season climaxes into a facedown between arch-rivals.
Swing Like a Pro
A leading biomechanics expert and a premier golf instructor share the secrets of the perfect swing using a breakthrough learning tool--for novice and advanced golfers alike. For seventeen years, CompuSport International's biomechanics expert Dr. Ralph Mann devoted himself to studying the swings of more than 100 PGA and LPGA Tour players to uncover the keys to a better game and a lower handicap. The results: the computer-generated composite Pro, which embodies the mechanical elements of the holy grail of the golf swing--efficient, effective, and now achievable. Illustrated with 175 animated 3-D stills of the Pro that pinpoint the exact motions of a body executing the perfect swing, Swing Like a Pro provides accurate, consistent information about how to play the game properly, breaking down the exact steps you can take to develop and refine your skills at performing every aspect of the shot. Mann teams up with renowned golf instructor Fred Griffin to examine and explain - Setup, including how to grip and align the club properly while finding the perfect balance for your body- The seven characteristics of a great backswing, with drills for improvement- How to achieve distance with accuracy through your downswing- How to put all these elements together with both timing and tempo- And much more! With its unique cutting-edge, scientific approach, and the expertise of its authors, Swing Like a Pro promises to be the best golf Pro you ever consulted to help you improve your swing and shave strokes off your handicap--and proves that there is such a thing as a perfect swing.
Set Pieces in Soccer
In recent years, the systematic study of football has demonstrated the importance of set pieces, regardless of the level and gender of the participants or the tournament they are playing in, both for the goal scoring and the final result of the match. Despite their importance, there appears to be a gap in the contemporary football/soccer literature, which this book hopes to fill. It aims to take a holistic approach to the subject, providing scientific knowledge as well as the theoretical background that every football coach should possess regarding set pieces. Importantly, the book examines both the offensive and defensive function of the team in set pieces, while emphasis is also placed on preparation for the next stage, namely the offensive or defensive transition. At the same time, however, the book offers a large number of routines (drills) that coaches can incorporate into their training sessions to effectively prepare their players in practice. For a better understanding of these routines, the book is accompanied by animations that can be viewed on the mobile/tablet by scanning the QRCODE.
Buzzie and the Bull
Buzzie and the Bull chronicles a baseball year in the lives of two lifelong friends who couldn't be more different: Buzzie Bavasi, the legendary general manager of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, and Al "the Bull" Ferrara, bon vivant and bench player. Their 1965 baseball journey encompassed a thrilling pennant race settled on the final day of the season, a city engulfed in flames, a perfect game, and a GM who extolled his friend the Bull as a hero in May and then banished him from the team in July. Over seventeen years, Bavasi's teams won eight pennants and four World Series titles. His approach deserves review, and his friendship with Ferrara illustrates the ground on which he staked his baseball career. The summer of 1965 proved Bavasi's thesis that champions are built on players with one core characteristic: nerves of steel. A look at the partnership of a general manager who valued fearlessness above all else and a player who loved living on the edge, Buzzie and the Bull offers a counterpoint to today's focus on advanced statistical analysis that may be crowding out the important work of discovering a player's unique human qualities: the intangibles.
The Tennis Collection
One of the largest collections of tennis memorabilia including sneakers, hundreds of vintage rackets, rare tennis accessories, and tennis ensembles worn by the sport's most iconic players. From a sixteenth-century Italian book, the first to describe the game of tennis, to Arthur Ashe's 1979 competition racket, and Novak Djokovic's adidas tennis kit worn during his Wimbledon 2007 victory, this volume features over 150 pieces of extraordinary ephemera from the Museo de la Moda, alongside images of tennis superstars and seminal moments in tennis history. The trailblazing champion of adaptive tennis, Gustavo Fern獺ndez, takes readers through his selection of one-of-a-kind tennis pieces from the world-class fashion museum in Santiago, Chile. Featuring original interviews with Novak Djokovic, Guillermo Vilas, Gabriela Sabatini, and Roger Federer, The Tennis Collection is organized by themes such as sportswear, which features pieces like Bill Tilden's 1920s tennis sweater, to trendsetting tennis outfits worn by Virginia Wade, Chris Evert, Andre Agassi, Marcelo Rios, and Venus Williams; sections on rackets from eighteenth-century wooden rackets to Roger Federer's 2006 "Ncode six-one tour 90" racket; as well as rare tennis accessories, artwork, and vintage tennis magazines. A rich survey the sports evolving style, fashion, and design, this volume is a must-have for lovers of the world of tennis.
2024 Minor League Analyst
The best resource for projecting future performance of minor league athletes--essential for fantasy league baseball players. The first book of its kind to fully integrate sabermetrics and scouting, the 2024 Minor League Baseball Analyst provides a distinctive brand of analysis for more than 1,000 minor league baseball players. Features include scouting reports for all players, batter skills ratings, pitch repertoires, performance trends, major league equivalents, and expected major league debuts. A complete sabermetric glossary is also included. This one-of-a-kind reference is ideally suited for baseball analysts and those who play in fantasy leagues with farm systems.
Managing the Show
Managing the Show is a revealing look and behind the scenes details of the responsibilities of Major League Baseball's general managers.Tune in to any MLB broadcast, radio, TV or streaming and you will hear broadcasters and reporters including "The Show," in their reporting.One of the side effects of the "Moneyball" era has been the glamorization (and, at times, charm, and obsession) of baseball's general manager position. Baseball general managers are the ones responsible for managing the show. Let's take a look inside that.We as fans think we know what to do and we think we know what is going through the head of an MLB general manager, but we really don't. We don't until now. Managing the Show - Inside the Daily Responsibilities of Major League Baseball's General Managers, opens up the world of baseball general management and pulls back the curtain of what really happens in baseball and inside the world of a baseball general manager.This book shares information on how baseball's general managers work to further develop their show. Just like armchair quarterbacks in football, we as true baseball fans put ourselves in the shoes of the team's general manager, at least in our own minds or in hot stove league conversations abound. Now it's time to get out of that armchair and see the real story.The book consists of stories and interviews with former and current baseball general managers at the Major League Baseball level.This book is written for the baseball fan.
Women’s Club Football in Brazil and Colombia
The first women's football book on Latin America centring the perspectives of players brings rare interview material that cuts through the clich矇s to uncover the lived reality of women footballers. It includes the first large-scale survey of South American women footballers' views into dialogue with institutional and media perspectives.The early chapters consider the backdrop Latin American women footballers operate in, a media and institutional panorama that privileges a heteronormative athletic femininity whilst ensuring women's football is never portrayed as anything other than an inferior version of the hegemonic (men's) game.Following this, drawing on nine months of ethnographic fieldwork in which 33 semi-structured interviews were carried out with players and institutional figures, this pioneering book foregrounds the lived reality of women's football in three strategic locations. Firstly, three months were spent in the Amazon region of Brazil where Esporte Clube Iranduba provides a fascinating alternative model for the growth of women's football. This is contrasted with Santos FC, where women's football tends to be constantly overshadowed by the presence of banal patriarchy, and finally with another fleeting glimpse of how another model is possible at Atl矇tico Huila of Colombia, the surprise winner of the women's Copa Libertadores in 2018.
Beautiful Games
There are very few original voices. Rick Walton is one. Beautiful Games, despite being something of a sequel to The Dots Will Not Be Joined, stands out, feels unique. Sure, it's about a life in sport and the power of and necessity for active cultures but Walton again takes on the universe. It's charged, unashamedly philosophical: 'authentic, wise, and beautiful'.Largely autobiograpical - 'to be clear and true' - the book is in three sections. 'Formations' leads off in a mire of weird-but-all-pervasive discrimination, in Northern England: with young lives somehow made blissful by familial love and several hours of footie *every day*. The local park becomes not just the place to head cannonballs but the site of something big. Heading a football becomes big.Then there is crushing, multiple loss, addressed directly, remembered through tears. Then adventure, with sport often the way in, across the hemisphere, from Grimsby to Thunder Bay and back to Wales. The wonders; the 'soccer'; the Italians; the knives. Madness; hilarity; joy. Big, filmic, relatable stories.Part Two is about who has inspired this life in games - and maybe how. So brilliance and good practice. All Blacks; Clough; Guardiola; Stokes/McCullum and England Women Cricket. Not a comprehensive list but a nod towards genius, behaviours, 'positives'. Part Three is where the author - an award-winning sports coach and teacher - makes the Case for Sport. Why and how. By looking at nuts and bolts: Sport Development; research; critical insights; urgency. We drive towards the conclusion that we must, for our communities, for our wellbeing, get moving.
Fifty Years Of Golf
Author Horace G. Hutchinson is a well-known person in golf history. His book "Fifty Years of Golf" The 1919 book offers a perspective on the growth and development of golf during a half-century, offering insights into the changes and expansion of the game during that time. Skilled amateur golfer, writer, and golf course architect Horace G. Hutchinson provides a first-hand narrative of the history of the game, its players, and the evolution of golf courses. He examines the advancements in golf technology, strategies, and the growth of competitive golf. It is expected that the book will cover significant events and turning points in the history of golf, including the birth of important competitions, the impact of famous players, and the development of rules and manners. The story is enhanced by Hutchinson's own experiences and insights, giving readers a thorough picture of golf's development over the course of five decades.
For a Football Fan Who Has it All
Welcome to the wonderful world of football!Football brings together young athletes, big money, and intense competition. Because of this, some incredible football/soccer stories have emerged that sound almost too exciting to be real. And we have some doozies for you along with some that are rare and fascinating. The stories we've uncovered will surprise and delight every football fan.Have you read about two referees who red-carded themselves during the game?How about two teammates who got into a donnybrook causing the whole team to get into a brawl?Or the goalkeeper who knocked himself out when he hit the side post during intense action on a foggy field?You will find the answers on these pages, intriguing stories and facts your friends won't believe, plus football quizzes, and much more!Stories of football history, amazing play, and ability, and as years go by, more and more unique personalities are joining the fun and playing the beautiful game we all love.Whether you call them quirky, unconventional, or just plain crazy, their football stories will fascinate you and put a smile on your face. Get ready for an entertaining look at these amazing tales from the pitch, the grandstands, and the lives of those who play football!
The Bob Verga Shift
Can one player truly change the course of history?In 1966, an all-black basketball team from the University of Texas El Paso (then Texas Western University) defeated an all-white team from the University of Kentucky to win the NCAA championship in a game that has become famous as a civil rights milestone. A closer inspection of the events leading to that momentous game reveal the unlikely events that made a way for those two teams to walk onto that court.Travel back in time to 1960s Durham, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Texas to unravel the remarkable truth behind the teams involved in the famous 1996 final four, and see how one man's absence changed history and paved the way for desegregation and civil rights progress.This new look at basketball's impact on American history shows how supposedly minor events can have significant historical consequences.
For a Football Fan Who Has it All
Welcome to the wonderful world of football!Football brings together young athletes, big money, and intense competition. Because of this, some incredible football/soccer stories have emerged that sound almost too exciting to be real. And we have some doozies for you along with some that are rare and fascinating. The stories we've uncovered will surprise and delight every football fan.Have you read about two referees who red-carded themselves during the game?How about two teammates who got into a donnybrook causing the whole team to get into a brawl?Or the goalkeeper who knocked himself out when he hit the side post during intense action on a foggy field?You will find the answers on these pages, intriguing stories and facts your friends won't believe, plus football quizzes, and much more!Stories of football history, amazing play, and ability, and as years go by, more and more unique personalities are joining the fun and playing the beautiful game we all love.Whether you call them quirky, unconventional, or just plain crazy, their football stories will fascinate you and put a smile on your face. Get ready for an entertaining look at these amazing tales from the pitch, the grandstands, and the lives of those who play football!
For a Football Fan Who Has it All
Welcome to the wonderful world of football!Football brings together young athletes, big money, and intense competition. Because of this, some incredible football/soccer stories have emerged that sound almost too exciting to be real. And we have some doozies for you along with some that are rare and fascinating. The stories we've uncovered will surprise and delight every football fan.Have you read about two referees who red-carded themselves during the game?How about two teammates who got into a donnybrook causing the whole team to get into a brawl?Or the goalkeeper who knocked himself out when he hit the side post during intense action on a foggy field?You will find the answers on these pages, intriguing stories and facts your friends won't believe, plus football quizzes, and much more!Stories of football history, amazing play, and ability, and as years go by, more and more unique personalities are joining the fun and playing the beautiful game we all love.Whether you call them quirky, unconventional, or just plain crazy, their football stories will fascinate you and put a smile on your face. Get ready for an entertaining look at these amazing tales from the pitch, the grandstands, and the lives of those who play football!
Woman Offside
Few people, let alone women, have made the transition from national team player to president of their national football association. Lise Klaveness of Norway is an exception. During the FIFA congress in Doha, Qatar in 2022, Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Association, gave a speech that sent shock waves through the football world: "In 2010, the World Cup was awarded by FIFA in unacceptable ways with unacceptable consequences...Our members do demand change, they question the ethics in sport and insist on transparency. We must listen! We cannot ignore the calls for change." Previously, only activists or whistleblowers had dared to talk publicly about issues such as the rights of migrant workers, LGBTQI rights, gender equity, and governance reform. Among the football leaders inside FIFA, Klaveness was seen as a nuisance, and she was told to keep quiet. But among football fans, primarily in Norway, but also in other parts of the world, she was perceived as a breath of fresh air. After the speech, Klaveness has continued her work, trying to reform FIFA from the inside. But how much can one person do, in today's football world? Football writer and journalist Marius Lien followed Klaveness closely for one year, from January to December 2023. Through FIFA and UEFA congresses, the World Cup in New Zealand and Australia and travels around her home country Norway. The result is a book that provides deep insight into how the football world works in the midst of the Gianni Infantino era.
715 at 50
Editor-photographer Randy Cox literally had a front-row seat to history when he covered the Braves' 1974 home opener and his hero Henry Aaron belted career home run #715. Pull up alongside Randy in the photographers' box, race onto the field with him, crowd into the media room. Hear the story as it's never been told before--minute by minute and image by image--from someone who was there!715 at 50: The Night Henry Aaron Changed Baseball and the World Forever features 44 photos taken by Cox that night--the star-studded pregame ceremony, in-game action shots (including 715!), the euphoric on-field aftermath, and the postgame press conference. 715 at 50 takes you back to that night and does so much more!** Exclusive interviews with Aaron's teammates Ron Reed and Buzz Capra, who won and saved the game, respectively** Details on Aaron's feud with Commissioner Bowie Kuhn and the controversy triggered by home run 714** Sidebars about Dusty Baker and Eddie Mathews, brother Tommie, the Braves' escape from Milwaukee, Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium, and loads of other great baseball history** An interview with former Braves' PR guru, Bob Hope, who orchestrated the night and remained close friends with Aaron for 50 years** Chapters covering Aaron's incredible career, tributes from the baseball world, and the culture-changing impact Aaron had beyond the gameGet a ticket to your own front-row seat to one of the most historic games in baseball history and celebrate the legend of one of its greatest and most beloved heroes.
Practice Like You Play
The purpose of this book is to explore the history of pitching and bowling machines for baseball, softball, and cricket; study the current market for such training devices; identify the pros and cons of such machines; and, finally, discuss and explain why video pitching simulators are a far better way to train hitters and batters for these sports for one, primary reason-- they are the closest thing to training hitters and baters in a game-like environment. This book describes the optimal training method for both young and experienced baseball, softball, and cricket hitters--from Little League to college to aspiring professional players--for play in real games. The book explains how a Video Pitching (or Bowling) Simulator like the one designed, engineered, manufactured, and marketed by ProBatter Sports can deliver a pitch that creates an authentic, game-like and fun experience for players of all ages.
For a Football Fan Who Has it All
Welcome to the wonderful world of football!Football brings together young athletes, big money, and intense competition. Because of this, some incredible football/soccer stories have emerged that sound almost too exciting to be real. And we have some doozies for you along with some that are rare and fascinating. The stories we've uncovered will surprise and delight every football fan.Have you read about two referees who red-carded themselves during the game?How about two teammates who got into a donnybrook causing the whole team to get into a brawl?Or the goalkeeper who knocked himself out when he hit the side post during intense action on a foggy field?You will find the answers on these pages, intriguing stories and facts your friends won't believe, plus football quizzes, and much more!Stories of football history, amazing play, and ability, and as years go by, more and more unique personalities are joining the fun and playing the beautiful game we all love.Whether you call them quirky, unconventional, or just plain crazy, their football stories will fascinate you and put a smile on your face. Get ready for an entertaining look at these amazing tales from the pitch, the grandstands, and the lives of those who play football!
B180 Basketball Fundamental Skills Program
DEVELOP YOUR PLAYERS NOW!Are you tired of "thinking about" improving your player's or team's basketball skill level, even promising to spend more time on it during practices, but never making it happen?Are you tired of finding and using the same boring drills to teach your clients?Are you looking for a basketball skills training program that will take you from wasting time searching for drills to implementing a carefully designed basketball training program as fast as possible..... without the frustration and headache of deciding what skill to teach next?In this completely basketball skill focused and detail-oriented book, David Smith presents a proven solution that will improve an individual's basketball skill level in 60 days. Basketball Coaches and Personal Trainers will win more and earn more respectively.In B180 Basketball Fundamental Skills Program you will find: *Smith's 60 day basketball skill training method that takes you from wasting time searching for drills to implementing a carefully designed basketball training program*Eleven workout strategies to create an individualized plan and earn more as a basketball personal trainer*How to keep your player's improving after the season*Easy ways you can use the B180 Basketball Fundamental Skills Program to create your own team focused programDavid Smith is an American Businessman, Thinker, and Philanthropist. He is the founder of B180 basketball, Inc. Smith is the author of Answers to the Struggles of Life, B180 Basketball Fundamental Skills Program, Champion's Vision, basketball Diet, Black Athlete White Athlete, and Sports Entrepreneur. He is a talented writer and thinker that inspires individuals from all walks of life.
First Token
First Token: A Story of Life, Love, & Tennis was conceived in a dream, giving birth to the author's long-held aspiration to publish a novel. First Token is the marriage of historical fiction and timeless, universal love; love of another, love of country, and love of faith. The story is set in the 1950s, a golden era for some, misery for others, transformation for all.Hillard Abraham, an unmarried lawyer with a blue-collar upbringing and a quirky personality, becomes the second Jewish member at a Long Island tennis club. Hillard befriends Dexter Alexander, a Korean War veteran and the club's first black employee. Dexter's wife, Becky, works for the wealthy Cabot family. So begins an unforgettable story of relationships. Hillard views the world through a prism of logic, even applying logic to the tyranny of segregation and the Holocaust. An unexpected relationship derails his sense of logic; a spiritual encounter distills his existence to its core. "Where do we fit in, Buster?" he asks his feline confidant, an orange tabby.First Token resonates with those who yearn for the wholesome values and attributes of the 1950s and with those who value the American Dream. While baseball is America's national passion, tennis occupies a loftier position. The sport of kings is a microcosm for the business of life. The narrative mirrors the way we think, fusing recollection with the here and now. The delivery reflects the pace and cadence of the day, and the wit is as dry as a well-poured Martini. As America's Semiquincentennial approaches, and the challenges for those who cherish liberty and independence are ongoing, remember this: as the going gets tough, the tough get funny.
First Token
First Token: A Story of Life, Love, & Tennis was conceived in a dream, giving birth to the author's long-held aspiration to publish a novel. First Token is the marriage of historical fiction and timeless, universal love; love of another, love of country, and love of faith. The story is set in the 1950s, a golden era for some, misery for others, transformation for all.Hillard Abraham, an unmarried lawyer with a blue-collar upbringing and a quirky personality, becomes the second Jewish member at a Long Island tennis club. Hillard befriends Dexter Alexander, a Korean War veteran and the club's first black employee. Dexter's wife, Becky, works for the wealthy Cabot family. So begins an unforgettable story of relationships. Hillard views the world through a prism of logic, even applying logic to the tyranny of segregation and the Holocaust. An unexpected relationship derails his sense of logic; a spiritual encounter distills his existence to its core. "Where do we fit in, Buster?" he asks his feline confidant, an orange tabby.First Token resonates with those who yearn for the wholesome values and attributes of the 1950s and with those who value the American Dream. While baseball is America's national passion, tennis occupies a loftier position. The sport of kings is a microcosm for the business of life. The narrative mirrors the way we think, fusing recollection with the here and now. The delivery reflects the pace and cadence of the day, and the wit is as dry as a well-poured Martini. As America's Semiquincentennial approaches, and the challenges for those who cherish liberty and independence are ongoing, remember this: as the going gets tough, the tough get funny.
The Football Game That Changed America
The Football Game That Changed America is the first book to chronicle the entire history of the Super Bowl and examine the social, cultural, economic, and political impact of this colossal event, bringing to life the colorful characters, bold rivals, and twists of fate that played a role in the creation and explosive growth of the Big Game.
The Joy of Football
A nostalgic look back at your first football match. The magic of the FA cup, and the world cup. A humorous and light-hearted look at one coaches life in grassroots football. From the hand of God to a bad hair day at training with the pub team. The ups and downs of being a youth team coach. Having a friend almost play for Arsenal to being 4-0 down in an U14 match and coming back to win 6-4! Classic examples of running into an oak tree, saluting the Barnsley tea ladies and many more football shenanigans.
Bites of Cricket
When has a batter been out 'Delayed Hit Wicket', or to a 'Bi-Bouncer Ball'? What are the Best Cricket Wordplays? When did Streaking Stop Play? Will England's Test Revolution take hold? What was the Worst Ball Ever, the Best Test Ever, and the Best ODI? How did AB de Villiers meet Sherlock Homes? These and a wide range of other intriguing cricket questions are answered here in the course of 52 Bites that range between the serious, the humorous and the plain bizarre - like cricket itself.
Nothing to Prove
I lost my co-ordination and began hallucinating at home. I saw animals in my living room clear as a bell, remembering specifically the vivid colours of a toucan and the prominent stripes of a zebra. Near my door was a perfectly rectangular image of a playing card, the ace of spades. Even though sport was a massive part of my existence, there was a lot more to life than lawn bowls. Without it, I may not have survived my mental breakdowns. Without mental illness, I would never have become as tough as I am in sport. As bizarre as it sounds, I am grateful for experiencing both. They made me who I am today.
Official History of the Fifa World Cup
Fully updated - includes the full story of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. The Official History of the FIFA World Cup is the definitive inside story of the 22 FIFA World Cups to have taken place since the inaugural tournament in 1930. Packed with stunning photography, unique official documents and in-depth statistics, it is a must-read for any football fan around the world. No other event in the sporting world can rival the glamour, impact, fervent following and universal appeal of the FIFA World Cup. This unique official book tells the stories behind the scenes, as well as analyzing the most famous incidents. It features the biggest stars and many previously unknown ones too, all with a unique worldwide point of view.
Mid-Wicket Tales a Century and More of Cricket
First published in 2014, Mid-wicket Tales is back almost a decade later, in arevised and expanded edition to delight and entertain cricket fans and scholarsalike. Humorous and richly detailed, this marvellous series of essays-writtenby two 'incurable cricket romantics'-tells the characterful story of one ofthe most beloved sports in the world.A seamless blend of theories with statistical data, technical assessments, andcharming anecdotes, the essays range in theme from Kapil Dev's batting style;big-hitting superstars like Victor Trumper, Viv Richards, and Virender Sehwag;the fearsome pace of Michael Holding; the magical close catches of EknathSolkar and Bobby Simpson; and the mastery of Sachin Tendulkar; to delightfulevenings spent with the dashing Salim Durani and the fabulous M.S. Dhoni, and illuminating conversations with the cerebral stars, Rahul Dravid and S.Venkataraghavan. This revised edition also has superb new essays where welearn of Mahatma Gandhi's involvement with cricket, discover the integralrole of video analytics in modern-day cricket strategy, and experience thebrilliance of women's cricket, which has taken the world by storm.
B180 Basketball Fundamental Skills Program
DEVELOP YOUR PLAYERS NOW!Are you tired of "thinking about" improving your player's or team's basketball skill level, even promising to spend more time on it during practices, but never making it happen? Are you tired of finding and using the same boring drills to teach your clients?Are you looking for a basketball skills training program that will take you from wasting time searching for drills to implementing a carefully designed basketball training program as fast as possible..... without the frustration and headache of deciding what skill to teach next?In this completely basketball skill focused and detail oriented book, David Smith presents a proven solution that will improve an individuals basketball skill level in 60 days. Basketball Coaches and Personal Trainers will win more and earn more respectively.In B180 Basketball Fundamental Skills Program you will find: * Smith's 60 day basketball skills training method that takes you from wasting time searching for drills to implementing a carefully designed basketball training program*Eleven workout strategies to create an individualized plan and earn more as a basketball personal trainer*How to keep your player's improving after the season*Easy ways you can use the B180 Basketball Fundamental Skills Program to create your own team focused programDavid Smith is an American Businessman, Thinker, and Philanthropist. He is the founder of B180 Basketball, Inc. Smith is the author of Answers to the Struggles of Life, B180 Basketball Fundamental Skills Program, Champion's Vision, Basketball Diet, Black Athlete White Athlete, and Sports Entrepreneur. He is a talented writer and thinker that inspires individuals from all walks of life.
Save Baseball
Major League Baseball has been in crisis in recent years. Game attendance is down by millions and fan interest is in free fall. The future of the game is in jeopardy. While the League acknowledges the issues, many are stumped as to how to address them. This book explores in detail the critical challenges facing MLB, and their ramifications, along with some potential solutions. Interviews with baseball insiders, players to executives, give a perspective on baseball's struggle to reinvent itself for future generations.
How to Make the Ideal, Repeatable Golf Swing
Find out how to strike the ball flawlessly each and every time you swing. This Book contains all the information you need to take your golf game to the next level and beyond! You will learn how to create a golf swing that will have people stopping what they're doing to watch you swing! The three secrets to playing great golf: master these three easy concepts, and you'll see an increase in your score.
Buddy the Ball Adventures Volume Three
The 50 Greatest Players in Houston Astros History
An examination of the careers of the 50 Houston Astros players who have made the greatest impact on one of Major League Baseball's most iconic franchises. Quotes from the subjects themselves and former teammates are provided along the way, as are recaps of each player's greatest season, most memorable performances, and most notable achievements.
Draft Day
Doug MacLean, former NHL coach, general manager, team president, and one of the game's biggest personalities, reveals how teams build for greatness--or fail to--on hockey's most anticipated day. A Moneyball for hockey. The NHL draft is a critical time for teams, when the foundation for future championships is laid--or when championship dreams die. Only time will tell if a draft is successful, but a failed draft can severely set teams back for seasons, much to the dread of ownership, management, and most importantly, the fans. For even the most die-hard hockey fan, the preparation for draft day is a black box. Former president, general manager, and coach Doug MacLean takes readers behind the scenes, from the 2022 draft in Montreal to revealing draft stories from the past, to show how players are discovered and evaluated to create successful teams. Just as Moneyball illustrated the value of analytics in building teams in baseball and beyond, Draft Day shows the careful considerations that go into assessing talent for success. What is that balance in today's game between metrics and instinct, between analytics and traditional scouting? MacLean draws from his own career as well as anecdotes from across the league to illustrate the hard-won lessons and principles that lead to building successful teams. Hockey is big business, and this book is an invaluable resource for any leader seeking an edge for building resilient organizations. Entertaining and informative, with never-before-told details from some of the biggest moments in NHL history, Draft Day is for every hockey fan who wonders how their team develops that hard-to-define winning chemistry--or fails to, year after year.
Covey
Stanley Coveleski's life was a story of triumph and tragedy.He was born in the Coal Region town of Shamokin, PA in 1889, the eighth child of Polish immigrants, and went to work as a breaker boy when he was twelve. But he escaped the 12-hour work days in the mines by throwing stones at a can tied to a tree-his own crash course in how to pitch a baseball.Years later, he was one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball.In a season marked by personal and team tragedy-the death of his wife and his teammate Ray Chapman, who is the only player to die as a result of being hit by a pitch-Covey pitched three complete-game victories in the Cleveland Indians' 1920 World Series championship.Covey, one of 17 pitchers still allowed to throw a spitball after it being outlawed before the 1921 season, was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.Check out this interview about the book...
Secrets of Baseball
Secrets of some of baseball's most noted Hall-of-Famers (Lou Gehrig, Rogers Hornsby, "Pie" Traynor, "Tris Speaker" are among the stars who are represented) that is not only historically interesting but gives the young player, the coach, and the seasoned professional alike practical tips for improving their game.