Athletics Books

I have appreciated the Dummies series as the publisher has some fun with topics that we might not have a clue. Having coached both Little League and softball (ASA), I saw this book on the shelf and decided to buy it to see if there are any hints that I might have been missing. Overall, this book is excellent for those who are just starting out in the coaching world. Handling kids and knowing the sport can be quite tricky, especially when parents are part of the equation. I think looking this over before stepping onto the field (and looking like a "dummy") is a very wise investment of money and time. I pretty much experienced most of what he explained, but Wolff was very straightforward and to the point. I appreciated his insights and will consider using several of the tips that I had not thought of before. Parents, get out of your lawn chairs, quit complaining behind our backs, and help us other parents coach!

I bought this book when I heard the author was going to be on Oprah. I wasn't sure I was ready to let my child participate in organized sports at a young age, but this has helped me figure out what my child should expect from her coach and how I can be a supportive parents too, without putting pressure on anyone.

Cobi Jones is the soccer player kids watch in the United States. He is their hero. This book will help the beginner through advanced increase their skills. The format of the book is very user friendly. First, the reader learns some valuable information about Cobi Jones, then he takes you step by step through all of soccer's skills. Mr. Jones goes over the rules of the game, then stresses the need for warming up and details some exercises to do just that. He also emphasizes fair play. Each chapter then discusses and demonstrates a soccer skill. Mr. Jones offers excellent graphics appropriate for kids, and gives tips to enhance the skill. To complete each chapter skill, the champion provides games for perfect practice. This book is a very personalized approach to soccer instruction derived from a book. A great gift and "personal coach" for soccer enthusiasts! An autographed practice ball is included!

I loved all the detailed soccer tips I could share with my kids when I coach their AYSO teams. Cobi is their favorite professional athelete and his instruction really influences my kids in a positive light both on and off the field.

well im a professional basketball player im my country , and i just bought several books to improve my strength , well this book just gave me a total new perspective of how i should do it. sometimes we do our weight work with other body builders and our head stay so confused for what you ear , well this book will help you understand what you really need to be in shape.

As a high school basketball coach, developing a comprehensive strength and conditioning program can be a difficult process. I searched high and low for materials that I could reference, this book offers 'far and away' the most comprhensive and practical methodology. It is very easy to understand and implement with your players. I use this for the development of pre, post and in season conditioning regimes. The court conditioning drills were used throughout our practices. I recommend this book to any coach or parent who is serious about the benefits of a practical basketball conditioning program. Great book!!

This was my first year teaching high school soccer. After thorough research I develop a preseason workout, a season workout, and a thorough stretch routine. I did not suffer one muscle injury this year and I think that the stretches had a lot to do with this. Overall, This book has many great ideas and if you need a little guidance this is definately the book for you.

This book is what every soccer player needs.
you can use it for short or long term goals.
enjoy the easy but complete instructions to improve your game.

I picked up this book at a bookstore and started reading it. It was amazing, so I bought it. I've never been the best coach of my abilities, so I thought the book would help. And it has--immensely. The book is painstakingly detailed, researched (sources at the end of each chapter)--basically, it's the best running book out there.

This book by a world class athlete with over 40 world records is very easy to read due to the frequent headings, colour coding throughout, 50 action photos in colour, and the conversational,concise writing style.

Due to the great detail (e.g., comprehensive index, and over 300 expert references) in 440 pages and 22 chapters, it serves as an excellent reference book on running. However, half the chapters are applicable to athletes in general: e.g., large chapters on nutrition, mental training, injury prevention, weight training, stretching, inspiration etc. Hence it is a book on body, mind and spirit training.

The detailed material would be useful for coaches and trainers, and a range of runners from beginner to elite, and for young and old competitors.

It covers all important aspects of running training including detailed schedules for sprinters to marathoners,i.e., the five energy systems, the five training systems, recovery, etc.

After reading and understanding this book you become your own running coach and an athlete capable of excellence in performance.

This book is very easy to follow and I have used it for about 14 weeks now and have seen incredible gains. However, the only drawback to this book is the amount of time it takes to complete every thing on a day to day basis. I have unfortunatly not had time in my personal life to do all the book reccomends, yet I try. This book is great if your serious however it will take up much of your time. 2-4hr workouts consistantly.

Zupancic presents the optimal football conditioning program for enhancing strength, endurance, agility and speed. As a football player and coach I have tried a number of programs. The Zupancic program is the program I selected for my own two sons who play at the High School level. My son's coaches have commented on the vast improvement in the play of both my sons.

Zupancic breaks workouts into Chest and Arms; and Shoulders and Legs. Workout intensity also varies. Monday is a heavy Chest and Arm day. Tuesday is heavy Shoulder and Leg Day. Wednesday is an off day. Thursday is a light Arm and Chest day. Friday is a light Shoulder and Leg day. Workouts change from week to week in 16 week cycles. Each workout consists of stretching, weights, running, agility and speed drills.

What is different about the Zupancic workouts is the number of different types of exercises recommended. The only drawback is the amount of time each day one must dedicate to the program. This program is designed for the serious football player. However, both my sons gained more strength, speed and agility than their team mates who followed a less intense program recommended by the school trainer.

The strength portion of the workout is the same for all postions. However, the agility and speed portion of the program is position specific.

If you are looking for an edge on the playing field, I recommend Zupancic's program. However, you best want to work hard. This is not a program for the faint hearted.

Cross-Training For Dummies is like having your own personal trainer! You pick a cross-training plan to follow (I picked the Weight Loss plan, but you can also choose from a "Base Fitness" plan, Athletic plan, or "Mix-n-Match" plan). Each plan tells you how much time you should spend on cardio and strength training, which exercises (cardio and strength training) you should try, and how much time you should spend on flexibility and power. Then, you just turn to the chapters they note to get a description of the exercise you should do! If you are already involved in a sport, you can also find exercises that will help you with that sport. Plus, there are a bunch of charts you can use to track your progress in your general health, body measurements, or weight training.

This book would be good for someone who is new to fitness and can be used as a reference to someone that already has a fitness lifestyle. It will answer alot of questions you may have but don't want to ask. I highly recommend this one!

Geoff Ketchum has long been known as one of the foremost experts in Texas on high school and college football with his daily sports talk radio show in Austin and his well read website at Orangebloods.com. Now he has produced his first book which all football fans in Texas will enjoy regardless of whether or not they root for the University of Texas Longhorns. Ketchum, who was well known even while in high school for his sports column and in collge for being part of a team that won the U.T. Sports Trivia Bowl contest, has succeeded where many authors fail. By using his carefully cultivated inside connections and encyclodepic knowledge of the program, Kethcum has scored a touchdown with this Die-Hard Fan's Guide. It's a fun read that no true college football fan should be without.

Great book! Bought extra as a gift and will probably buy more! Geoff Ketchum brings excellent insight and knowledge of UT Football history into print!

I could not put this down! This book is full of great stories and interviews. This is the kind of thing that stirs up the memories and makes me proud to be born an OU Sooner. I will be adding this to my favorite shelf in my library!

As a long time Sooner fan and alum, I was thrilled with this book. The detail (like the Steve Davis and Barry Switzer interviews) was worth the price of the book alone. I'll be referring to this one again and again.

I guess I'm kind of qualified to write this review because Herb's a friend of mine. He's a professor of African Studies now at Georgetown's School of Foreign Service, and a world-renowed expert on mercenaries. Most of his students don't know he ever went through what he went through, but even without it, he's still one of the most popular, most beloved professors at Georgetown. This book just proves what a good man he really is. Highly recommended.

I read this in 1981 and return for few line review, 16 years later. Why? Because I still strongly recall the great encouragement it provided to me during that time. Afflicted with cancer, Mr. Howe, a man in his 20's, fights back w/the 90's moniker of a in-your-face tenacity. From his title, very heavy excercise, and a killer positive attitude to get IT before it gets him carries this work that would inspire many, if not all, present day motivational speakers. More than a biography, its strength is in the achieving what one once thought of as impossible.