Sports training and coaching Books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe most outspoken and combative coach in NBA history—and one of the most successful, amassing more than 1,175 victories, the sixth best winning record ever—reflects on his life, his career, and his battles on and off the basketball court in this no-holds-barred memoirA man of deep passion and intensity, George Karl earned his bad boy reputation while playing at the University of North Carolina, a rap that continued through the five years he spent with the San Antonio Spurs—and long after he stopped playing. Karl’s beery nights, fistfights, and barking followed him into a thirty-five-year coaching career. In a game defined by big stakes and bigger egos, rabid fans and an unforgiving media, Karl was hired and fired a dozen times. After leading a team beset by injuries and with no superstar to its best season of all time—an achievement that earned Karl the title NBA Coach of the Year—he was dumped by the Denver Nuggets in 2013. Less th

Read more less

Book SynopsisFast, hard, and effortlessly authentic—both lead character Eric Steele and author Sean Parnell are the real deal.—Lee ChildAn exciting, action-packed debut! Bristling with intrigue, deceit, power, and treason—once you pick this book up, you will NOT be able to put it down. Sean Parnell has knocked it out of the park!—Brad Thor The New York Times bestselling author of Outlaw Platoon makes his fiction debut with this electrifying military thriller—a gripping tale of action, suspense, and international intrigue that introduces a compelling new hero, Eric Steele.Eric Steele is the best of the best—an Alpha—an elite clandestine operative assigned to a US intelligence unit known simply as the Program. A superbly trained Special Forces soldier who served several tours fighting radical Islamic militants in Afghanistan, Steele now operates under the radar, using a deadly combina

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the breakout star of Netflix''s Cheer, a motivational and inspiring guide to becoming a champion in all areas of life.In Full Out, Coach Monica Aldama shares how she built one of the most successful and beloved cheerleading programs in America. Her uncompromising brand of discipline and consistency goes far beyond the mat - showing how the principles of building a winning team apply to personal goals, the corporate world, parenting and all aspects of life.There''s a lot of talk these days about short cuts and life hacks, but what really counts is commitment and integrity, helping your friends, and improving with your teammates. Coach Monica shares deeply personal stories of triumph and tragedy from divorce and remarriage to her husband, her challenges as a young mother working more than full time, and her strenuous weeks on Dancing with the Stars. She shares surprising behind-the-scenes moments from the Cheer docuseries, and insights Trade ReviewGet excited Cheer fans! Coach Monica gives us everything we want and more in Full Out: not only do we get all the behind-the-scenes stories about the Navarro College cheer empire, but Monica breaks down her secret sauce for coaching students to absolute excellence for over two decades. Her mix of tenacity and consistency has something to teach all of us building anything meaningful including our families, our careers, and our communities. You'll love every single word. -- Jen Hatmaker, New York Times bestselling author and host of the For the Love Podcast

Read more less

Book SynopsisDavid Matthews, author of the critically acclaimed LOOKING FOR A FIGHT, needed a fresh challenge after he had recovered from being a professional boxer. Drawn to the slightly shady appeal of greyhound racing, and not averse to making some easy money, he decided to learn the tricks of the trade from the inside and buy a greyhound. Unfortunately Zussies Boy, aka Kevin, turned out to be something of a dud, and Matthews soon found out the hard way that in the world of greyhound racing there is only one winner - the hare.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is a stimulating and deeply insightful football narrative by Rafa Benitez which focuses on the legendary manager''s dramatic six Champions League campaigns with Liverpool. Rafa expertly navigates fans through intriguing European adventures that embrace the triumph and despair of two Champions League finals, three semi-finals and five quarter-finals in what was a golden era for the Anfield club - an era that supporters felt gave them their pride back after years in the wilderness. What sets this book apart is the unique ways in which Rafa allows fans into his high-pressured world, the fascinating glimpses he offers of a top manager''s thought processes and decision making during the cut and thrust of a high-octane European campaign.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEventscapes: Transforming Place, Space and Experiences directly examines the interrelation between events' simultaneous dependence on and transformation of the places in which they are held.This eventenvironment nexus is analysed through a variety of international case studies including different kinds of well-known sporting and cultural events such as Vivid Sydney, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and the Tour Down Under international cycle race, among others. Chapters focusing on visual design explore the opportunities, at different spatial scales, to develop an event look' and the ways in which an event experience can be enhanced through connecting and engaging with the local culture and community. As well as the planning and management of events, the book draws on event experience, dramaturgically examining the roles played by authors, actors and the audience, and emphasises the participation of multiple groups in the co-creation of event experiences.This Trade Review'This book provides a long overdue and much needed account of eventscapes. Graham Brown has produced a thoroughly researched review of the ideas and principles underpinning this complex concept. Brown uses a range of fascinating examples and his book will be appreciated by anyone wanting to learn more about event design, but also those with wider interests in place management and the experience economy.' Dr. Andrew Smith, School of Architecture and Cities, University of Westminster, UK'The concept of eventscapes directs attention to the effects of the physical environment on the way events are experienced while revealing their impact on the places they occupy and the spaces they move through. The book assists understanding of event planning, design, experience and impacts by analysing eventscapes from diverse perspectives. It is a thought-provoking book which brings a much-needed critical edge to event studies. A major contribution!'Dr I. Sunny Lee, Senior Lecturer in Event and Tourism Management, University of South Australia'This book provides a long overdue and much needed account of eventscapes. Graham Brown has produced a thoroughly researched review of the ideas and principles underpinning this complex concept. Brown uses a range of fascinating examples and his book will be appreciated by anyone wanting to learn more about event design, but also those with wider interests in place management and the experience economy.' Dr. Andrew Smith, School of Architecture and Cities, University of Westminster'The concept of eventscapes directs attention to the effects of the physical environment on the way events are experienced while revealing their impact on the places they occupy and the spaces they move through. The book assists understanding of event planning, design, experience and impacts by analysing eventscapes from diverse perspectives. It is a thought-provoking book which brings a much-needed critical edge to event studies. A major contribution!'Dr I. Sunny Lee, Senior Lecturer in Event and Tourism Management, University of South AustraliaTable of Contents1. Introduction 2. Events 3. The study of scapes 4. Eventscapes 5. Transformations by design 6. transformations by light 7. Coclusion

Read more less

Book SynopsisStaying the Distance showcases the much-needed leadership lessons that sport can teach us: how to improve, perform and achieve, in ways that are effective and sustainable.Leadership can be hard. It can certainly be relentless. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the well-being, health and sustained performance of many senior leaders, and yet strong leadership remains central to the performance of every single organization.Business leaders are very familiar with drawing lessons from elite sport, particularly around teams, leadership and high performance. But we have all been missing a trick. Day in, day out, sport has been showing us not only how to improve, perform and achieve, but how to do so on a sustained basis, consistently delivering results when it matters. This book shines a light on these unseen lessons, and provides a clear and practical roadmap for how to deploy them in the reader''s own leadership practices.With Catherine Baker''s uniqTrade ReviewA thought-provoking insight into leadership, drawing on the world of sport to identify key drivers for business leaders. -- Baroness Sue Campbell * Director of Women's Football, FA *Catherine successfully weaves together her own extensive experiences and those of some of the great leadership experts out there into a very engaging book. It is a great read with real takeaways for aspiring and experienced leaders alike. -- Stuart Lancaster OBE * Senior Coach, Leinster Rugby *Catherine’s book demonstrates the important lessons that sports can teach us about life and leadership. It’s a must-read. -- Debbie Wosskow OBE * Co-Founder and NED, AllBright *We may see our sporting icons as superhuman, but their achievements have lessons for us all. In this wise and invigorating book, Catherine Baker breaks down the secrets of sustainable success in any domain, with timeless insights into the habits of high-flyers. You will learn how to meet your own goals and to encourage optimum performance in others. It is essential reading for any leader. -- David Robson * Author of The Expectation Effect *Table of ContentsForeword by Gareth Southgate 9 Introduction 11 PART ONE Getting the Best Out of You 15 CHAPTER ONE How to Find Your Confidence Sweet Spot 17 CHAPTER TWO How to Leave Behind Fear 31 CHAPTER THREE How to Leverage the Power of Your Emotions 43 CHAPTER FOUR How to Find Sustained Motivation 57 CHAPTER FIVE How to Bring the Required Discipline to the Table 73 CHAPTER SIX How to Prioritize Your Time 85 PART TWO Getting the Best Out of Those You Lead 101 CHAPTER SEVEN How to Build Trust 103 CHAPTER EIGHT How to Instil the Right Balance of Belief 117 CHAPTER NINE How to Foster Belonging 131 CHAPTER TEN How to Communicate with Positive Impact 145 CHAPTER ELEVEN How to Develop Your People in a Long-Term Way 159 CHAPTER TWELVE How to Make Your Values Count 175 CHAPTER THIRTEEN How to Navigate the Ownership Conundrum 187 Final Thoughts: It Really Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint 199 Reading List 201 Acknowledgements 203 Index 205

Read more less

Book SynopsisBBC sports presenter Mark Chapman is no longer in his physical prime. There is an argument to suggest he has never been in his physical prime. Now in his forties, he is facing a world of knee replacements and ever-expanding waistlines, whilst his children are thriving.There is huge pride that they are doing so well, mixed with a fair amount of jealousy that actually they are better at a wide range of sport than he ever was. He is passionate about sport and it has played a huge part in his life. His parents encouraged him from a very early age and he wants to pass the baton on to his son and daughters. Although there is every chance he might drop it and have a massive strop instead. He is also very aware of the huge changes in sport today compared to when he was growing up; and he is determined that his own attitude to his son and daughters'' sport - be it football, netball, cricket or gymnastics - will be exactly the same. And he wants to shine a light on grass roots spo

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is an in-depth guide for training young runners of all abilities. It shares with the athletes and their coaches not only what it takes to become a top runner but also how to maintain a positive attitude, how to non-intrusively integrate training into their daily lives, and how to truly enjoy the act of running.Trade ReviewChildren are not miniature adults—but they will grow to become adults. Brad Hudson, Lize Brittin, and Kevin Beck understand this, and in Young Runners at the Top they have created the first and only training guide that is specific to the needs of youth runners yet also takes the long view, offering guidance to ensure its readers run well and happily not just today but for a lifetime. -- Matt Fitzgerald, running coach, nutritionist, and author of How Bad Do You Want It?Young Runners at the Top is a must-read for high-school coaches or parents looking to maximize their runners' potential with smart training and avoid some common mistakes that lead to injury and burn-out. This book helps coaches and parents understand the delicate balance between fitness and competition, all while keeping in mind the goal of the sport is to develop the whole person and promote a life-time love of running. -- Blake Russell, 2008 marathon Olympian, 5-time national champion, physical therapist, staff writer for the Monterey Herald and Santa Cruz SentinelThere are plenty of books about childhood, parenting and running but, until Young Runners at the Top, none have attempted to confront both. Through their book, the three well-appointed authors offer a road map to guide those confronting what may be and often is a gauntlet of a journey that young runners face. Young Runners at the Top will help them confront injury, burnout, stress, and eating issues, as well as tough decisions and coaches. -- Adam W. Chase, President, American Trail Running Association, and co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Trail RunningA compelling insight into running for fun and for longevity rather than the need to win and succeed at all costs, and the differences between individual runners and what motivates and drives them. There are plenty of thought-provoking ideas for coaches, parents and athletes to discuss to enable healthy, lifelong habits. -- Ruth Waller-Liddle, physical therapist and competitive runnerTable of ContentsForeword Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Youth Running in the United States and Abroad Chapter 2: Body Basics Chapter 3: Gearing Up Chapter 4: Running in the Family Chapter 5: Nutrition for Health and Performance Chapter 6: The Role of a Mentor Chapter 7: The Breakdown Lane Chapter 8: Cross-Training Chapter 9: Mind Games Chapter 10: The Club Scene Chapter 11: Decisions Chapter 12: Through the Ages Conclusion Bibliography Suggested Resources Index About the Authors

Read more less

Book SynopsisRun Smart uses the latest scientific research to show how preparing for, and running, marathons can be made easier, and in doing so challenges many of the myths that surround marathon running. The book will draw on the author''s experience as one of the UK''s leading sports scientists, his extensive research background in marathon running, and his experience as a marathon runner, to provide credible advice to runners to support their preparation for a marathon. The book will challenge many current concepts, myths, and ideas, and provide science-based alternatives in areas such as training and nutrition that will optimize and ease a runner''s preparation for, and completion of, the 26.2 mile distance.This highly accessible book will use the latest scientific findings to support new runners training for their first marathon and help more experienced athletes improve and train smarter.Trade ReviewRun Smart is packed with easy-to-understand, expert advice to help you to achieve your personal marathon-running objectives. -- Greg James, DJ * Radio 1 *Packed with brilliantly clear, super smart science-based advice… Run Smart is essential reading for anyone looking to run their best and easiest marathon. -- Amanda Mealing, Actress and DirectorProfessor John Brewer’s sound advice and scientific knowledge of marathon running proved invaluable in helping me achieve new Personal Best. -- Sian Williams, News Presenter and JournalistBrewer is an authority on sports nutrition and explodes many myths about gels, drinks and dehydration. Overall it is packed with interesting snippets of science that make it perfect for dipping into when lounging on the sofa post-training run * Athletics Weekly *Brewer has just published a book in which he seeks to dispel falsehoods about running and explain to beginners of any age how they can improve their technique quickly and easily, especially if training for a marathon -- Tom Ough * Telegraph *Pick up a copy of Run Smart, which has lots of advice to help you get in shape * Scotsman *If you have a thirst for knowledge of all-things-running, this is the book for you. * Outdoor Fitness magazine *A scientific guide to marathon running, offering up advice on nutrition and training designed to optimise your preparation for the 26.2- mile endeavour… [the book] breaks down the hardships the journey entails and prevents you from committing time and effort into the wrong areas * Trail Running *This book covers every, and we mean every, aspect of running a marathon you could ever need to know… Let Professor Brewer ease away your worries, debunk those running myths and set you on the road to marathon success. * Women’s Running *First time running or want a refresher? Run Smart answers all of your queries on the best way to prepare. * Audible *If you've got a marathon goal in sight, read this book. It's packed with cutting-edge research that could make preparing for and running 26.2 miles easier. * Health and Fitness *Excellent book. * Sir Clive Woodward *Although this book focuses on marathon running… its content is relevant to all distance runners… If your appetite is for scientific based advice, this book is for you. * Athletics Weekly *Table of ContentsForeword by Greg James Introduction Section One: The Science of Marathon Running Section Two: Marathon Running Section Three: Race Preparation and Race Day Section Four: Marathon Recovery Section Five: New Challenges Section Six: Run Smart Resources About the Author Index Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book SynopsisA lively chronicle of how the 2020 Crimson Tide became Nick Saban's "ultimate team."Was Alabama's Crimson Tide in 2020 the greatest team of all time? The squad went 13-0 in a pandemic year, scored a combined 107 points against SEC powerhouses LSU and Florida, crushed Ohio State in a National Championship Game 52-24 in a contest that wasn't even that close, and followed it up with another top-rated signing class.Nick Saban called his boys the "ultimate team," but it wasn't just because they kicked the ever-living hell out of everyone on the football field. It was because the team leveraged a power and influence born of Southern pride to push back against a hateful legacy of racism that a populist president was exploiting to divide the nation. At a time when Americans needed real leaders in the face of so much hate, the sports world answered the call and fought back for the soul of the country.In the summer of 2020, the Tide players left their training facility and, led by their celebrated coach, marched to a campus doorway made infamous sixty years earlier by another political demagogue and showed what people can accomplish when they fight together for a just cause in the name of unity. The most powerful force in a state crazy for college football had chosen to make a stand and replace George Wallace's "Segregation forever!" with a different message, written by one of the players: "All lives can't matter until Black lives matter."?There have been some great football teams through the years, and they all deserve respect. But here's what we know for sure: They all would have been appreciative of what this Alabama team represented, and proud of what it accomplished. The Crimson Tide in 2020 captured something special that moved it beyond the conversation of best ever, and into the place reserved for most important of all time.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn MIRACLES ON THE HARDWOOD, author John Gasaway traces the rise of Catholic college basketball - from its early days (Villanova made an appearance in the Final Four in the first NCAA tournament in 1939) to the dominance of the San Franciso Dons in the 1950s and the ascendance of powerhouses Georgetown, Villanova, and Gonzaga-through their decades-long rivalries and championship games. Featuring interviews with notable coaches, players, alums, and fans -- including Loyola Chicago's most famous and dedicated fan, 99-year-old Sister Jean -- to get at the heart of what makes these universities excel at this sport.Small in number but devout in the game's spirit, these teams have made the miraculous a matter of ritual, and their greatest works may be yet to come.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNo one sees baseball like Joe Maddon. He sees it through his trademark glasses and irrepressible wit. Raised in the "shot and beer" town of Hazleton, PA, and forged by 15 years in the minors, Maddon over 19 seasons in Tampa Bay, Chicago, and Anaheim has become one of the most successful, most colorful, and most quoted managers in Major League Baseball. He is a workplace culture expert, having engineered two of the most stunning turnarounds in the past quarter century: taking the Rays from the worst record in baseball one year to the World Series the next and leading the Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years.Like his teams, Maddon defies convention. He is part strategist, part philosopher, part sports psychologist, and part motivational coach. In THE BOOK OF JOE, Maddon gives readers unique insights into the game, including the tension between art and data, the changing role of managers as front offices gain power, why the honeymoon with the Cubs did not last, and what it's like to manage the modern player, including stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Yu Darvish, and Kris Bryant.But you expect even more from a manager who meditates daily, admires Twain, and has only one rule when it comes to a team dress code: "If you think you look hot, wear it!" And Maddon delivers. Built on-old school values and new-school methods, his wisdom applies beyond the dugout. His mantras about leadership, mentorship, team building, and communication are meditations on life, not just baseball. Among those mantras are: "Do simple better." "Try not to suck." "Don't ever permit the pressure to exceed the pleasure." "See it with first-time eyes." "Tell me what you think, not what you've heard."THE BOOK OF JOE is Maddon at his uniquely holistic best. It is a memoir of a fascinating baseball journey, an insider's look at a changing game, and a guidebook on leadership and life.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom ESPN's authentic, popular, and intrepid correspondent Marty Smith-SIDELINE CEO details key leadership principles Marty has learned from championship coaches he's interviewed over the past two decades.SIDELINE CEO delves into the unique psychology and daily preparation and game plan execution of some of America's most respected leaders-the coaches who have led hugely successful programs to win it all. Included among those whom Marty interviewed for SIDELINE CEO are: Nick Saban, Dawn Staley, Mack Brown, Doc Rivers, John Calipari, Tim Corbin, Roy Williams, Tom Izzo, Joe Gibbs, and many others.In talking to these side line CEOs, Marty develops a set of leadership pillars that include:- Building vital TRUST within the organization.- Creating open lines of COMMUNICATION.- DELEGATING responsibility-and thereby empowerment-to your coaches and players.- Establishing and sustaining the RIGHT CULTURE in your program.- MANAGING CRISES and adversity.- EVOLVING with the game, the players and society, and always challenging your team.Packed with insight, candour and keen storytelling from some of the greatest coaches of all time, SIDELINE CEO offers valuable takeaways that go beyond the game and apply to the boardroom, the classroom, and can help set intentions for winning in our daily lives.

Read more less