Athletics Books

John Hichwa provides the physical education teacher with practical, ready to use activities in the areas of dance, problem solving activities and basic manipulative skills. He prefrences the book with appropriate theory which should be digested by the "new" as well as the "veteran" p.e. teacher. I highly recommend his book and attending a confrence where John presents his activities.

This is one of the best books in the whole philosophy and pop culture genre.

For philosophers, the essays feel like they come very naturally out of the topic. They are wide-ranging but all grounded in running--no stretches to get the philosophy in. It's as effortless as a comfortable pace can be.

For runners, there is an informative development of ideas that you've probably started to have in your own running, but haven't seen through this far.

Fun, challenging, motivating.

I picked up this book at the perfect time and that is why I am giving it 5 stars. I originally got into running like a lot of people in high school as part of the cross country team. I only ran cross country as a way to get in shape for basketball season. After high school I stopped running and did not pick up the sport again until after my Step-father was diagnosed with cancer. He was a big time runner and had a 10 year streak of competing in a local 13.1 mile race. So I stepped in to run in his place to keep the streak alive. After his passing, I ran my first marathon in his memory and in the process found out a lot about myself. I have been running ever since, taking on 5K, 5 milers, halfs and marathons, all the while becoming more engrossed in the sport of running as well as the psychology behind it. As a child running is as natural as breathing, then at some point it became a chore and now it gives me the time and space I need to think in our modern world. This book simply shares the thoughts of others who have found similar insights from running. Happy trails.

I'm not a die hard runner and I sure don't know everything about running. So I have questions. This book has been such an EASY reference when a questions pop up. I keep it next to my running log and probably refer to it at least 2 times a week. It gets a big thumbs up from me.

Collaboratively compiled and written by Richard Benyo and Joe Henderson, Running Encyclopedia: The Ultimate Source For Today's Runner provides an A to Z listing of all the people, places, things, and ideas that directly or indirectly affect runners and the sport/physical fitness regimen of running today. From age-grading (a system of equalizing runners by age and gender) to Emil Zatopek (arguably the greatest distance runner of all time), the Running Encyclopedia covers just about everything any novice or veteran runner could want to look up. A recommended giftbook for running enthusiasts and a core volume in any personal or professional sports oriented library collection!

While looking for the book Mysterious Persons In History by Minnesota lawyer Fred Neff at a bookstore, I happened upon Running Is For Me. This is another book by Fred Neff, who is a lawyer from Edina, Minnesota which I thought my niece might enjoy. This book on running sends all the right messages to the reader. It tells the story of a young boy and girl who are friends and practice running together. Their mentors are a grown man and woman. The four share their running adventures together. The theme and composition of this story by author Fred Neff is excellent. Here we see both genders getting along well as equals and sharing experiences as they grow in skill and friendship. It also shows how children and adults from different genders can share fun activities like running together. I really like the interplay between the characters of the story. This same wholesomeness is reminescent of what I have read in other books by attorney Fred Neff of Minnesota. This Minnesota lawyer Fred Neff adds a human touch to his books that shows great sensitivity. Reading many of author Fred Neff's books led me to want to find out more about him. Fred Neff, who is an attorney in Edina, Minnesota has written books that at times have a unique mix of humanism, logic, justice orientation, law, physical culture, philosopy and martial arts. It is true that sometimes an author reveals much about his own background in his writing; author Fred Neff has been a secondary teacher in a public school system in the twin cities of Minnesota and an instructor at a number of colleges such as the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, Hamline University and Inver Hills College. Later Fred Neff attorney acted as a prosecutor and then a criminal defense counsel. Fred Neff lawyer of Edina, Minnesota has handled discrimination and fraud cases. In addition, Fred Neff was on the board of directors of an insurance company. Edina Minnesota lawyer Fred Neff has experience in criminal and civil litigation. What I read about Fred Neff showed me that the breadth of his experience comes through in the humanism and desire for justice and fair play reflected in his writings. Gender equality and respect for others shines through in Running Is For Me and makes it a book that can be enjoyed by male and female readers. This book by Fred Neff is so good that I plan on buying another copy to give as a gift to my nephew.

In high school and in college I participated in running events. I have continued to run almost daily since graduating from college. Up until recently, neither my boy nor girl showed any interest in sports and refused to take a run with me. While rummaging through some books that were for sale, I happened upon two storybooks for children by Fred Neff. One was the story of a mother and daughter who shared an interest in running and the other is about a girl who takes Karate lessons. The storybook entitled Running Is For Me was intriguing. I bought that book for my children to see if it would make one or both of them willing to try running. They thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. I was delighted when at dinner they discussed taking a run with me. Since then, we take short runs as a family. My children liked the running book so much that I bought a copy of the other storybook called Karate Is For Me by the same writer. Again, they loved the book. I went on to get them other books by Fred Neff such as his Basic Karate Handbook and Lessons From the Japanese Masters. Both my children are now taking karate lessons and are active in other sports. Their involvment in karate has really built their self-confidence. I was able to locate another copy of Karate Is For Me and sent it to my niece as a present. The book similarly led to her involvment in karate as well. I love the story in Running Is For Me and the book's ability to spark children's interest in sports. It gets a platinum rating from me.

Breaks running down into 7 time periods from I. Running by Pre-and Early Humans (5,000,000-200,000 BC) all the way to VII The Modern Superstars (1950-2000). Covers the history of running spicing in some great biographies within the stories. Learn about the famous 20th century stars like Carl Lewis, Emil Zatopek and Haile Gebresilasie as well as obscure 19th century runners like George Seward, Harry Hutchens and Amy Howard.
Details how running began, the ancient Olympics, running naked, improvements in time keeping, all sorts of things that most runners never even think of. Running Through the Ages has great illustrations and excellent writing style. Ed Sears has really done his research. Whether you are a runner or simply a sports fan, I highly recommend this book. Not just track fans but all "serious" sports fans should pick up a copy of this great work!

Running Through the Ages is the most absorbing historical account of running and runners I have read. Its scope is wider than anything previously attempted, ranging from prehistory to the end of the twentieth century, and taking in professional running for men and women as well as the more familiar amateur era that dominated the last century. It is supported by hundreds of rare illustrations, most of which will be new, even to historians of the sport. There is a six-page bibliography and a comprehensive index. Edward Sears is a runner himself, and he wrotes with insight and enthusiasm as well as the skill of a storyteller. His section on George Seward, "The American Wonder", is a revelation. There are superb assessments of athletes as varied as Deerfoot, Arthur Duffey, Paavo Nurmi, Helen Stephens, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Bill Rodgers, Buddy Edelen and Haile Gerbrselassie, for this author has the deep knowledge of the sport to give credit to great and lesser names. All the great races are vividly described and the dramas of the Olympic arena expertly chronicled. This is a fine, inspiring and articulate book. I don't merely recommend it to anyone interested in the sport; I urge you to read it.

This book is awsome. If you are a Buckeye or college football fan this is a must have!

A fine book about a great man as written by a great man - Todd Skipton.

If you are a Minnesota sports fan, as I am, then Sid will give you great memories of all of the major pro and college sports teams. His years of expertise and great photos will bring back a lot nostalgia. Sid is the dean of Minnesota sports coverage. A great book at a great value through Amazon.

For someone who grew up through much of these events and missed many others this book is a must-have. It is a great way to look back at the memories and learn a thing or two in the process.

I don't even know if this book is in prin anymore but, if it is, any sports fan should read it. It is similar to Friday Night Lights, The Last Shot, The Right Kind of Heroes and several books that have been written following one high school team through one year of their season. This chronicles one inner city high school team from Oakalnd and their quest to win the city championship. It follows everything surrounding the players-the one being recruited by every major college football program in the country, the lone whote player in the entire league, the up and coming superstar, the thug hoping to get his life straightened out...this book has it all. It is amazing that the author was given the access to these obviously skeptical players lives that he was and the way he details it is captivating beyond words.

This book is a must read for any youth coach of any sport and for any parent thinking of sending a kid to a inner city public high school. Filled with facts and statistics of graduation rates, medium grade point averages and anecdotal stories of tough young lives. If you're at all interested in why the Afican American young male has so many chips stacked against him from day one then read this book.

Williams book is an in depth look at sports related films. Although the theme of competitive sports is a consistent link throughout his list of 100 movies, the varied themes that intertwine these films tell the stories of their times as well as illuminate the universal experiences that we all share to some degree.
Williams provides the reader with a background in film history, a look at the creative process, and he also reveals the life affirming stories that are not always apparent on the field of play but play out in these films.
Besides the well thought out and illuminating text, there are many accompanying photos in this intelligently written reference to the greatest sports films.
I don't necessarily agree with all of his choices, I would think that the original version of Angels in the Outfield should have found a place somewhere in the top one hundred as well as the Dizzy Dean story, Pride of St. Louis. That being said, I discovered the film entitled This Sporting Life in Sports Cinema which I was not aware of, and found it to be a remarkable movie. I wish I could find Phar Lap as well.
If you are looking for an intelligent take on sports themed movies, this is a book worthy of your time, you won't be disappointed.

Ok, so I know that references 'On the Waterfront,' but I think this book could really be huge. Any time someone publishes a top 100 list, critics are sure to disagree. But whether you agree with him or not, Randy Williams did an excellent job of highlighting some of the best sports movies ever. Everything from 'College' to 'White Men Can't Jump' to 'Million Dollar Baby'...movies like 'Breaking Away' and 'Brian's Song' that my parents had me watch when I was little (I still love the music from Brian's Song) bring back the memories. Tons of pictures, a throrough yet brief synopsis for each flick, and some cool stuff at the back (actor's comments on their favorite sports movies, trivia, and an Academy award list) make this a great 'anytime' book. Wondering what to get the sports fanatic in your house for Christmas? Problem solved!!!

I have used many sports medicine books, including Arnheim and Booher, and this is the book that I continue to use the most. Includes thorough etiologies, pathologies, signs and symptoms along with management skills that every athletic trainer needs. Great illustrations and photographs. My copy is literally held together with trainer's tape because I and my students use it so much.There is an excellent study guide that accompanies this book and it would be great if Amazon could offer it. The ISBN number is 0-683-00176-0 if that helps anyone.

Years ago when I took my first athletic training course, I used Arnheim's book. It was all I had known until this book was published. I am currntly teaching an introductory athletic training class and am using this text book. I feel this book is much better organized and does a better job in the injury and rehabilitation explanations. It also makes very good use of anatomy illustrations, tables and figures. I would recommend this book over Arnheim in a heart beat.