Athletics Books

Before I bought this book, I was looking all over the internet for a couple of new paintball games to play (to change things up a bit on the field). I searched through chat sites, forums, and practically every website I could find containing what I found to be was basically the same 20 games, tops....until I found this book! I checked out the book's preview on their web site paintballersalmanac.com and learned that these guys really did their homework! I WAS BLOWN AWAY WHEN I SAW THE INDEX OF GAMES! My list of 20 games that I spent weeks accumulating turned out to be a big waste of time compared to the 200 games in this book- I should have just bought this book from the beginning.

PROS:
Every game imaginable has been included, and then there's another 150 on top of that! I'm not exaggerating. I found that practically every game was a unique and challenging scenario. I didn't spot any "cheap knock-off variations" to "fluff up the book" - like, "Give the Captain a gun and call it a new game". Every game was legitimate. There were tons of games that I thought were purely brilliant, ranging from extremely simple to very challenging. What I really liked was the practical yet creative use of props, ranging from using a combination lock to using "cup-and-string-posts" for color changing beacons (Domination p.37) Games are organized alphabetically, one page at a time for easy reference, and the index in the back allows you to find games by alternative names. The classic games were in there too, so you can have all the "official rules" for the new guys in your group.

CONS:
There's a game or two that takes a bit more setup than your typical newbie might want to do - but almost every game can be set up in less than 5 minutes and the games that do require props are minimal, like "A plastic pipe" or "a foam ball". I just wish I had this book 10 years ago when I first started playing paintball (There's enough games in this book that I would still be playing new ones to this day!)

SUMMARY:
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR NEW GAMES -GET THIS BOOK!
- ONE WORD: MASTERPIECE -

I am a professional soccer play in the United States and have been a part of the U.S. Men's Soccer National Team. I was having a problem with my energy levels throughout the day, and I felt like I wasn't getting the most out of my performance. I was given this book, and decided to give it a shot while in the back of my head I didn't think that I had a bad diet. With the help of the book and the author, Monique Ryan, I was able to make my energy levels consistent throughout the day and to increase my daily performance on the field. If you are passionate about exercise or a general sport, you should give this book a shot. It explains things very easily and is an easy read.

Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 10) for Reader Views (11/07)

What could be more exciting than to be a part of a basketball camp with a bunch of other boys who love the same sport? This is a bright spot too, since Jay, and his family, is forced to live with his grandfather since his family lost their house in a fire. Jay is all excited to be a part of the Acadia University Basketball Camp in Nova Scotia. He gets to stay in an actual college dorm and be away from home for a whole week. What makes it even better is the fact that his best friend Mike is going to the same camp.

What starts out as being probably the most thrilling thing that has ever happened in Jay's life, takes a horrible turn. Mike's older brother, Chad, who is supposed to be the boy's coach and mentor, is not at all what a mentor should be. It will take some work on the part of the boys to make it through a tough week. Sometimes appearances can be deceiving. Chad used to seem like such a great guy. It takes the boys to make a difference in Chad's life.

"Personal Best" is an exciting continuation of the story which was first introduced in Sylvia Gunnery's book "Out of Bounds." I am anxiously waiting to see if Ms. Gunnery decides to continue Jay's story in another book.

Book was in great condition, looked brand new. Delivered fast and process was extremely smooth. Very happy with purchase.

Book in great condition. Delivery longer than expected with media mail. But found out that is normal.

I have read this book and know that this book is a must for any girl who wants to become a better player. If you want expert advice on how to play the game of baseball,there is no one better than this author. I also recommend Play Better Baseball and How To Hit/How To Pitch.

Arthur Irwin writes a clear, precise instructional manual for the scientific method of playing base ball at the end of the 19th century. Irwin gives fundamental training for batting, fielding and running that would prepare any turn-of-the-century budding ballist, as well as any modern day base ball historian or vintage ball player, into an effective scientific player with a scope on the inside game.
While the skills necessary to play base ball have not changed much in the ensuing 110 years, it is a fascinating read to see how the game had developed by the end of the century and just how "modern" it had become. Irwin was a pioneer in modern sports development, from training methods, to equipment as well as scoreboard designs. Not much of Irwin's writing has survived and to read the training regimen of one of professional base ball's 19th century players/ managers/ owners /scouts, Practical Ball Playing transports one back to the golden age of our national pastime.

A fine example, Irwin excourages 1st base runners to feign a steal of second and see whether the shortstop or the 2nd baseman is covering the bag. That will tip off the batter as to where the "hole" in the infield would develop and to place the ball there. The hit-and-run style of ball playing is throughly explored.

Recommended reading.

Ms. Heywood has written a compelling story of a female athlete (runner) coming of age. She presents her memoir in a straight forward manner and does not hold back. She had a sexual relationship with her high school coach. She presents her story with all the emotional ambiguity I'm sure it carried. Ms. Heywood later struggled with an eating disorder. Again, this is presented in a very real manner. Ms. Heywood is also a very gifted writer. I found this book a compelling read and it should have a wide audience.

This book gave me a lot of great ideas on areas of athletics I wasn't totally sure of how to teach before! I highly recommend it!

Another out-of-print title that needs a second run! Dr. Dardik needs to get his message to the public! This book literally covers everything you need to know about exercise. Incredible!

If you think you already know it all, you're already lost. If you think you don't need what's in this book, you'll never reach your ultimate potential.