Sports and Recreation Books

Read this for school. It was funny, sad, interesting. I would tell a friend to read it.

This is a good story on several levels. First, of course, you have, as the title suggests, baseball. I'm always up for a good story revolving around baseball. Second, you have an introspective boy who has unanswered questions and goes on a daring quest of self-discovery. Third, the reality that the boy discovers may not always be exactly what he wants to hear, but that is what makes the story resonate in a very real way. The book could have gone the route of being a total downer, or completely the opposite, been sugar-coated, but it is neither. It is a nicely balanced, satisfying read.

This is one of the most touching and interesting books I've read....I have this book at the top of my list! It contains the action of baseball (from the point of view of a young boy) with the struggles of Cuban life. I would recommend this book to young teens, and/or those interested in baseball.

Free Baseball By: Sue Corbett

Free Baseball was I warm story about I Cuba boy who escaped. Felix, the boy, was the main character in this great story. Felix was a boy whose dad was a Cuba baseball star, and dreamed about nothing but baseball. Sue Corbett wrote this story well, and I really treasured it.
One part I liked was the part where Felix had just escaped on the bus. He ran away from his "evil" babysitter and was named the new ball boy of the opposing team. Felix slides in a small compartment and hides till the bus stops. Felix realizes it was foolish to do it because it got hot and un-cozy.
The next part I really liked is when he met the team mascot who was a dog named Miracle. Miracle was really important to the team because he was the only reason fans came to the games. He would run around the bases when one of the players hit a homerun. He also lived right in the stadium and could catch fly balls.
The last part was when Felix met a Cuban named Diaz. Diaz didn't speak much English but understood what people were talking about. Felix and Diaz became kind of best friends while Felix was a run away. Diaz was known as the team slugger and was one of the newer players. Diaz also said he met Felix's dad.
In conclusion Free Baseball was an about a boy named Felix who ran away from home during a baseball game. Felix was soon known to be the ball boy while he traveled with the team. He met a man named Diaz and met a "miracle" of a dog on his journey. Free Baseball was one of the best books I ever read.

D. Williams

She read it to us at school, and it was really great. It made our teacher cry. I loved it.

With today's rising rates of obesity, good fitness ethics have to be instilled at a young age. "Fun, Fitness, and Skills: The Powerful Original Games Approach" is a manual for parents and teachers who want to ensure that children get the exercise they need, and that will teach them valuable life skills as well. The games vary far and wide, but all are sure to appeal to youngsters, making "Fun Fitness, and Skills" especially recommendation to gym teachers and other recreation professionals in charge of children ages 5-10.

I love this book especially for the younger age groups. It really helped me to see how you should set up games and what is important to include in all lessons. Great job Mr. Weiss!!!!

Excellent book for ANY grade level. The games can be adapted to suit the needs of your children. Howie Weiss has put this book together nicely. All of the games are easy to follow and can be adapted to suit the needs of your children, space and equipment.

It is great when you are creating a lesson plan because all of the games and activities are based on the NASPE's National Standards. I teach High School and my kids at that age STILL love all of the activities that I have done so far.

This book is definitely a must have!

If you are in need of the physical educator's Bible ,then this book is a must not only for younger teachers , but also for (us) veterans who need to be re-tooled.Howie's book hits the mark of excellence. It is apparent from the very beginning that his book has the ability to change the way physical education is preceived.
Howie's wealth of experience is noticeable on each page. He leaves so many variations and alternatives that can be used in all areas of education. This is not only a " How to Book ", it is a why, and a I wish I had this twenty years ago.I call this book a page turner because I couldn't wait to see what Howie would come up with next . He didn't dissapoint , in fact , this book gave me the energy to continue my quest to become even more active beyond retirement . Howie, thanks again for giving us a different view of the way to teach and to reach out to make a difference. Great job ! and will there be a sequel?
Gerry Cernicky

Mr. Weiss' book is a must have for every Physical Educator who is looking for new games to utilize in their physical education classes. The games and activities in the book can be easily implemented, and most require little or no equipment. In addition, these activities all can lead to meeting NASPE and state standards for Physical Education. If you are committed to providing a quality phyiscal education program for your students, this book is a must have for your library of resources!

I've rode bulls for quite a while and thought this book was great.

Highly recommended, excellent book about a misunderstood sport. While Rodeo and Bull-Riding fans will enjoy this book, it is a great book for folks not familiar with Rodeo/Bull Riding and the culture that gave birth to it and sustains it. As the PBR circuit grows in popularity it will be interesting to see if the PBR stays true to it's Western Values and Culture. I hope so...

Just finished the hardback version. As a bullrider and saddlebronc rider I have never read anything as painfully accurate about our sport as this book. The only drawback is I couldnt put it down and as i finished I wanted MORE. I hope he writes a second book..because Jeff Coplon knows more about rodeo than some cowboys. NICE JOB.

I just finished the book and I have to say this is the best I've ever read. If you watch the PBR, you have to buy this book. Donnie Gay, Tuff Hedemann, Ty Murray, Charles Sampson, they are all here.

This is a very good and captivating book and something every rodeo fan should read. If you want to learn more about bull riding legends like Don Gay, Myrtis Dightman, Wacey Cathey, Tuff Hedeman, Lane Frost, Jim Sharp and Ty Murray, this is probably the only place you can find it told so colorfully and honestly. It is also nice to read about the days when the world's top bull riders were cowboys and actually competed at rodeos, and not the pretentious PBR events. It also takes a look at how bull riding's popularity surged in the 90s. I just hope a similar book on bronc riders comes out soon.

I very good book. Very comprehensive and a big change from all the other golfing books!!

Train smart guys! This manual is fantastic. If you're gonna train, you should seriously take this into consideration, at least as a template. The bread and butter is the fact that he addresses postural distortions and biomechanical tests, which I can say 80% of the trainers in the US don't do.

the book came as represented very new wonderful condition and timely; but with a 30% discount which was hard to find elsewhere

If you golf or train golfers this book is a must. Hands down the best most complete book on golf conditioning on the market today.

The Fitness Professional will find themselves refering to this book ever so often as it covers all areas from the reason why one should be conditioned for this sport to flexibility tests, the importance of stretching and how to warm up for golf (- an area most often skipped by golf enthusiats) functional exercise (- and the importance of it) strength & power exercises. An important aspect is also that exercises should be progressed from flexibility to stability to strength and finally power to enhance performance and be injury free. The diagrams are excellent for convincing and explaining to clients. Infact the concepts in this book has carry over to any other sport that requires you to move as an integrated whole!!

Seriously, without a doubt this is hands down the best quick reference to golf rules I've ever seen. It has everything needed to manage your game on the course. Illustrations are great!

I bought this as a gift because I liked the size and laminated pages. Handy guide that will fit in the golf bag.

I have given this book to many of my fellow EWGA golfers because it is such a good book to keep in your bag!

We carry this in our cart and have found that it provides a quick reference when needed. A must for every golfer!

This a handy book to put in a golf bag, and readily availble to look up rules quickly. I used it to look up a rule I was unsure of yesterday.

A well put together effort. Surfing history has followed the icons of each era and the breaks they rode. Thru time, surfing has always respected the legends who scratched for the outside and rode big. Way to go guys, the most representative collection of surfing lore that I've seen. Thanks.

Tube Thug

Having attended Pier Avenue School..across the street from Noll's surf shop, I have followed surfing since my first time out at Paddle Board Cove, or "The Cove" many moons ago. Excellent book and photos for those who really want to see the changes in board design along with the historical milestones of the surfing history.

Surfing has changed alot since Noll's and Jacob's shop on Pacific Coast Hiway. Most of the original guys are now in surfing heaven riding the milelong rollers.

I enjoyed the book and pick it up frequently to remind me of surfing in California during the 1960 and early 1970's. Yes, there was a time you could have a wave to yourself at Malibu, Rincon or Leo Carrillo State Beach..or "Secos"..or stop off at that place just south of County Line for a great hamburger, fries and a coke for about 2 bucks. How things have changed...And, where did I just come back from...surfing the northern Spanish coast...where I now live..truly "bitchin"

An amazing book for those who really are in love with surfing : boards of legends, men of legends, pictures that make you dream about.
Everything is in there !

Like the surfboards depicted in this beautifuly illastrated book Greg Noll, the art of the surfboard reveal a finely and lovingly prouuced marster piece.
A must have for anyone facinated by the surf culture of today and days gone by.
There are demonstrations on board shaping.
Plus insghtful discutions on past board makers and surfboard collectors.
What realy stands this book apart from the rest is its lavish photography.

the best coffee table book that you can get for a surfer and a shaper. Great stories and pictures. Looks good too!

I am not sure why some of the other reviewers look at this book as written only for BJJ fighters wanting to add judo into their game. It is expressly written equally for judo fighters wanting to add BJJ into their game. He quite rightly points out that both sports are excellent and devastatingly effective for fighting in their own way, and that at the intermediate level in both you can combine them together, winning judo tourneys with jiu-jitsu and jiu-jitsu tourneys with judo.
What this book does is select the moves that are equally effective in both combat sports. A great number of them are movements initiated standing up that become submissions as you hit the ground. Thus, throws to submissions and flying submissions are emphasized. But, also throws to pins are treated in some detail, and ways for a judo fighter to avoid a BJJ athlete's pulling guard, and for a BJJ fighter to handle a judoka's ultra-solid turtle defence.
The book is absolutely brilliant, and it is endorsed by quite a few big names in mixed martial arts and grappling. This brings me to another important point: the book is not only written for judoka and jiu-jitsu competitors, but equally for mixed martial artists. Dave Camarillo has trained 12 UFC victors. He knows what he is talking about.
Being a judo guy I like reading books that say good things about judo for MMA and grappling, but I actually have one small problem with the book from a club training perspective. The moves are so devastating that I can't imagine subjecting some of my less-competitive training friends at the club to them on a regular basis. Throwing someone to the ground while cracking on a submission hold is brutal! My friends would hate me. But I think this all goes only to show just how effective Dave's arsenal of killer moves is!
WOW! Great job! What an excellent fighting book!

Obviously David Camarillo is Bruce Lee on the mat and his moves are simple though different then the ordinary brazilian jiujitsu,

Wow,

I bought this book, not expecting the most out of it. Well I was wrong, I could not put this book down. Dave, ties all the transitions between the throw and ground. I would recommened this book to anyone who wants to greatly improve their BJJ game.

I first started training jiu jitsu at a Ralph Gracie school and even though Dave Camarillo had already been at AKA for several years the grizzled veterans still loved to swap stories about Camarillo's legendary jiu jitsu (even the newer students were well aware of his legendary exploits at the academy - I was once kicked in the face by a blue belt attempting to hit a flying triangle that he'd seen Camarillo pull off!). The introduction alone was practically worth the cover price for the detailed description of the BJJ scene in the Bay Area circa 1990s.

As for the content itself, Camarillo provides a great explanation of how the rules in judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu have lead the two arts to diverge to the point where one could train for several months in BJJ without learning basic forward rolls, throws, and breakfalls (as I did), or earn a black belt in judo and possess lesser ground skills than a BJJ blue belt (though of course many judokas have wicked ground games, albeit not necessarily ones well-suited to jiu jitsu). I agree with other reviewers that the book assumes some prior knowledge of BJJ. At the same time, it assumes virtually no knowledge of judo, which was perfect for me. The book became a great way to tighten up my technique on moves that I hadn't extensively drilled due to my BJJ-focused background. And by this I mean basic, basic things (forward rolls, grip fighting, ippon seioinage, osoto gari) that most judoka do in their sleep. Most of the introductory sections are essentially "judo for dummies," which was exactly what I needed to develop some semblance of a standup game in jiu jitsu.

My one caveat is that, though the book contains relatively few actual techniques, the level of assumed mastery increases fairly rapidly. For example, I have yet to read through the impact control section in great detail because at this point I am still trying to solidify my ability to establish basic grips and execute simple throws. Similarly, I imagine that the flying attacks section will be much more relevant once one has established a strong gripping/throwing game.

In sum, this book is a terrific resource for BJJ players who might need to fill in some gaps in their knowledge, as well as judokas looking for good ways to translate their skills into quick submissions in the context of BJJ. At the very least, you should develop some good alternatives to simply pulling guard every time you find yourself on your feet.

This book was put out by Victory Belt Publishing, which is fast becoming my favorite martial-arts publishing company. Dave Camarillo have been practicing Judo since before his teens, and is a world-class competitor. He combines years of experience in this sport with the techniques of BJJ, creating a system of gi-based grappling that is more than the sum of its parts.

The book begins with Camarillo sharing his philosophy of judo and BJJ, and giving a brief biography of events relavent to the creationg of Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu. After that, he begins the technical work of the book, which is split up into three parts. The first part, "Incorporating Judo and Jiu-Jitsu", is by far the longest section. In itself, it might almost be a complete book of introductory judo. Dave starts by giving basic instruction on rolls and falls. Next he covers grips, both how to establish them and how to break the opponent's grip. The next bit is on the basic judo throws, such as Ouchi-Gari and Seoi-Nage. He finishes up the first part by showing how to mesh the standing techniques of judo and BJJ, and how to find opportunities for Judo throws in BJJ competitions.

The second part of the book is how to transition from throws to submissions. Dave first shows a series of drills to increase one's odds of tapping an opponent out after the throw. He then continues this section by showing the "impact control" possition and a number of variations. The chapter is rounded out by showing other throw-lock combinations.

The third part is on the very flashy flying attacks. This is Camarillo's specialty, and I can think of no one more qualified to write on them than him. Dave shows a number of flying attacks, including triangles, armbars, and omaplatas, and gives the reader options on how to defend against flying attacks.

I have two minor complaints about the book; both regard its readership. First, one must have a working knowledge of the ground game, because the basics are skipped over in this text. Second, I'm not certain how easy it would be to pull off some of these flying attacks against a trained opponent.

Overall, this is a very good book. The picture quality can't be beat, the subject matter is relavent to the competitions, and the reading style, like most books where Erich Krauss is author or co-author, is easy to read. This book was written so that BJJ students could incorporate judo into their arsenal. The section on grip-fighting is invaluable, and the way the author sets up his flying attacks gives these flashy moves a higher percentage of success. I'd recomend it mostly for BJJ competitors, but I'm sure Judo and Sambo competitors could learn from it, too.

We used the book on all our off-road trips around Moab, and discovered amazingly beautiful and interesting trails by following the book. We attempted only the "easy" trails as we were with an SUV (a new Toyota Land Cruiser) to which we did not want to cause any external damage. We found that the moderate trails would have very likely caused damage to our vehicle (very rocky). By the way - the book is available throughout Moab in almost every store, but you will pay close to $30 before tax.

Excellent book, great guide to follow, was very helpful on my ATV trip in and around Moab, UT. LOVED IT!!! Highly recommended.

I bought this book as a Christmas present for my significant other, so we can utilize it on an upcoming trip to Moab. He drives a Tacoma with 4WD and we're interested in knowing as much as about trails as possible. It looks like this book is going to come in handy. We plan on reading through it today. It's pretty detailed and has great maps inside of each trail. I would recommend it to someone who is a four wheeling nut and definitely to someone coming into Moab from out of town like us.

This is a very well written guide to Moab, UT. It has detailed instructions as well as GPS coordinates to all of the popular, and many not so popular trails. Excellent photography and super details to guide you through your adventure.

You will not go wrong purchasing this book if you like to spend any time in Moab. Again, Excellent Resource!

If your going to Moab you have to have this book! It was a great tool for finding trails, seeing the highlights, and judging how hard they may be. My take on the trail ratings... Level 1 is just dirt roads, 2 is a little hump and bump but can be done in most off roadish vehicles, 3s are for those who've been on trail rides and feel comfortable with their ride. I didn't do any 4s but I did some 3.5s and they had a few "tall" drop offs but again nothing a 3" lifted Jeep with 32" wheels could do.

Only think that could make this better is to be more up to date!

This is a story that is more frightening than anything Stephen King has ever writter. It's a realistic 'The Bad News Bears' that will make any reader with an ounce of empathy feel like crying. The harrowing life that the children of the Cabrini projects must endure in their day-to-day existence is a bleak background of violence, drugs, and society gone wrong. The fact that Little League baseball can serve as a beacon for these kids is almost as amazing that a society like ours can let projects like the one depicted in this book exist.

A powerful, important novel, and one that should be read by anyone interested in learning about the differences that exist in our society.

Coyle gave a great story. He was very descriptive. His writing had the affect to make me able to visualize every character and setting. I've spent time in the projects on many occasions' with friends who stay there and I see these things all the time, except children are growing more love for basketball and football. Yet they still show the heart on the court and gridiron as they did in this story in the diamond.

This book is such a great find. Unlike the movie, this is the non-fiction account of a group of volunteer's attempts to organize a little league team in Chigago's Cabrini Green project, possibly the most infamous in the country. Don't expect any Keanu Reeves ex-gambler coaches to show up. Do expect great candor from the kids and an unmistakable affection from the author (who never appears in the book) for the players. Despite all the news stories you'll ever hear about urban decay, public housing and gang violence, it will never have the impact that some of these stories do (3 players lose their fathers during the season, one's is incarcerated, others can identify a gun's calibre by sound.) This story isn't unremittingly grim though and never is it preachy. Coyle's gift is to just let the children and the coaches speak as the story of the Kikuyus journey to the championships unfolds. There are so many sweet funny moments in this book: Louis' Star Search audition, the trip to the Iowa baseball camp (where hillbillies are more terrifying that gang bangers), Jalen's "Rude Dude" bat. Despite the fact that there are no sudden changes of heart, the players never quite permanently comes together as a team, and the league's two founders end up as mortal enemies, this is nonetheless an uplifting story. Some of the kids have potential, some don't, the odds are against most. Maybe a summer of baseball can't save them but as one of the League's founders poignantly notes, "If we save one, then this League is a success."

The best news is that while Cabrini itself is being razed, the Near North League continues. It's a shame this book is out of print. It is definitely worth seeking out.

In my top 3 books, sometimes my favorite. I would like to know where the author was and want to find out what happened to each and every member the team. I know i can't write, but the author and I, think alike and you will enjoy seeing life through these kids eyes.

... should make this book available again now that the movie HARDBALL has hit the screens. I read this book about three years ago or so when it first came out and thought it was a great read. I gave it to a fellow baseball fan, who is a supervising probation officer in our county. For those who feel that youth baseball (and youth sports) can often be more than just a game, this book is for you. Watching the movie last week brought back thoughts of this book. The movie does some Hollywood license on the story line (they win the title in the film) but essentially is well done and gives the essential message the author sought to convey.

This book and the film should be required viewing for suburban Little League teams which have as "must have" items the latest version $250 bats, batting gloves and all the new fangled gear that passes for "essential" baseball equipment these days.

In the film one of the kids is asked by the coach character as the kid returns to his housing project home full of problems and malingerers "What do you do for fun?" The kid responds: "I plaky baseball for you....." Ain't baseball great. This book plus the a little too sappy film shows us all why.

Hit a Grand Slam is about Alex Rodriguez as a kid and growing up. It teaches you to be kind. I recommend it to people ages 7 and up, even if they don't like baseball. It's also a really good sports book for kids who like sports. It's one of the best sports books I ever read.

I loved this book because I got a chance to learn about Alex's life and how he handled his dad leaving. I like how he expresses his feelings and doesn't keep his feelings inside. I would recommend this book to people of all ages.

This book really affects kids in a positive way. It informs the reader "It's nice to be important, but it's important to be nice!" This having been said ever so elegantly by A-Rod himself.

Alex and his team did a great job of affluently connecting the pictures with his stories in such a way that it is one you won't want to put down until finished.

Alex is a great role model, and his book is an excellent reflection of him. His positive outlook shines throughout his book, which in turn inspires the reader, the kids.

Children are constantly searching for role models in the public spotlight. Alex Rodriguez's book introduces them to an outstanding human being who has experienced many of the obstacles in life that young children face today. Alex shares his memories of his past and the events that shaped his youth. Children will identify with his struggles and the concerns that he faced in his own childhood. Wonderful pictures fill the book and are sure to delight any fans of Alex. Most importantly the book carries the message to children that they CAN succeed with hard work, no matter what hurdles life throws at you!

This is a wonderful book. This Book shows how even through adversity you can still rise above, and achieve success. It is a book for all ages, Alex had difficult times, but he did not let it stop him..that is an inspiration.