"""Start 'Em Right . Keep 'Em Playing" breaks down the basic fundamental skills of softball by incorporating interactive and goal oriented drills and challenges for young children. Not only does this book teach players and parents basic softball skills but the intangible life lessons of respect, accountability, and resiliency.""-Kim Maher, head coach, Purdue Softball, 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist

All too often, children lose interest in playing baseball and softball because of poor coaching practices or too much emphasis on winning instead of having fun. Parent and fifteen-year Little League coach Mike Schmidt will show you how to bring back the joy of the game for kids, parents, and coaches alike.

Schmidt focuses on the all-important basic elements of catching, fielding, throwing, hitting, and base running. He also includes tips and insights into the emotional and psychological aspects of building good players and making a winning team.

Most importantly, you'll learn how to start children on the right path, help them conquer their fears, and make practices at home or on the ball field exciting and fun. Master the art of youth coaching and bring families and communities together for a wonderful athletic experience, year after year.

Practice may arguably be the most important predictive factor of athlete success in a sport. Designing and conducting effective practice sessions should therefore be an essential element of all coach education and development efforts. In From Practice to Competition: A Coach's Guide for Designing Training Sessions to Improve the Transfer of Learning, Gibson Darden and Sandra Wilson provide practical, research-based recommendations for coaches to help them get the most out of their athletes at every practice. Easily transferrable across a variety of sports, this guide explores and applies "transfer of learning" concepts that coaches can use to better design and structure their training sessions. When properly implemented, these techniques yield greater positive transfer of their practices to the game. Featuring sample scenarios, real-world examples, potential difficulties, and helpful tips for each of the key "transfer of learning" concepts, this book is the perfect guide to help coaches make the most out of each and every training session.

Following a period of ideological and practical change in museums, this book outlines new attitudes in curating and display, education and learning, text and interpretation, access, inclusion, participation, space, and the sustainability of the encyclopaedic collection. Focused on the contemporary period, the author questions the extent to which the museum visitor has become reliant on interpretative text and examines the development of new museum spaces where visitor interaction and engagement is welcomed. Changes of attitude have transformed our museums into modern spaces that reflect current needs and modern expectations and yet our permanent collections remain relatively unchanged, sometimes an uncomfortable reminder of a time when values, ethics and attitudes were very different. The author will discuss these conflicts of ideology. Written by a researcher with expertise in museum practice, this shortform book offers a new approach that will be valuable reading for students and scholars of cultural management and policy, as well as providing insights for reflective museum practitioners.

This book is a culmination of sustained research work on the evaluation of cricket and its management to imbibe a balance between its various formats by using data and analytics. The book has identified three primary stakeholders-administrators, players and spectators-each having their own ambitions. In order for convergence of these ambitions, it has prescribed the networked governance in place of hierarchic governance for the International Cricket Council (ICC), the cricket's apex body. This book aims at creating a balance between formats that each country should play. There is as much dearth of academic research on this topic, as there is abundance of individual viewpoints from professionals related to the game. Hence at the outset, the book has created a action points and has underlined the lack of convergence with present way of governance. This book has created a meta-metric framework for formative assessment of influence across cricket formats. In order to assess the influence of T20 on test matches and on India's performance, a comparison between pre-IPL period (1998-2007) and post-IPL period (2008-2017) by using this framework has been done.

Based on over 15 years of research, this text proposes a new definition of the martial arts to examine how such fighting systems are being re-imagined and reconstructed beyond the arenas of combat and sport in the 21st century Western context. Taking the viewpoint of the martial arts as art forms open to reinterpretation, this unique book considers the ways in which martial arts can be used for different purposes, such as within movement systems and for self-help and therapy. However, the martial arts industry is a highly unregulated space. The book, therefore, considers the ways in which the martial arts are being regulated by Western influencers on social media as well as more formal international organisations connected to UNESCO. The project then examines the lives of long-term martial arts instructors and practitioners of historical European martial arts (HEMA), Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), Wing Chun Kung Fu and other internal martial arts such as Cheng Hsin. This book draws on a wide range of data sources including autoethnography, ethnography, life history interviews and social media and textual analysis to paint a vivid picture of the reinvention process in contemporary society. It shows how elements of the martial arts (often from East Asian societies) are being adapted, critiqued, managed and merged to suit the social needs of today's martial artists and the public. This monograph will appeal to all scholars and students interested in combat sports, martial arts and physical culture from a social scientific and qualitative perspective. "The author presents the situation of selected martial arts traditions of China and Europe in today's social contexts. At the same time, he shows both social sensitivity and broad erudition. His research on Mexican traditions brings a fresh perspective to the analysis of cultural influences and theoretical reflection on the heritage of martial arts. Also, the qualitative methodology used here is most appropriate for an in-depth description of the attitudes of martial artists. It includes, but is not limited to, autoethnography. I highly recommend this book to researchers and enthusiasts of martial arts / fighting arts." -Professor Dr Wojciech J. Cynarski, 10th dan of Idokan "Dr. Jennings' Reinventing Martial Arts in the 21st Century is a fresh, extremely current piece. Written in a clear, precise and simple language, it addresses many of the topics inspiring contemporary social research on martial arts-their hybridization with other movements systems, their consideration as self-help or therapy practices, or their protection, revival or reinvention as intangible cultural heritage, to name a few. It is solidly structured and developed, presenting findings on all these fields, based on the author's original research and knowledge as veteran martial artist. No doubt this book is a brilliant contribution to the field of study of martial arts and combat sports." -Carlos Gutierrez Garcia, Associate Professor, Department of Physical and Sport Education, Universidad de Leon, Spain; Editor-in-Chief of Revista de Artes Marciales Asiaticas "Most martial arts celebrate their long historical traditions, ancient roots and aim to inculcate their learners with respect for expert practitioners and their values. Those that originated in East and South East Asia spread across the rest of the world in the twentieth century, and now flourish in societies very different from those where they originated. Alongside the globalised martial arts an academic field of research-martial arts studies-has grown up. Its focus is not only on those Eastern and South-east Asian martial arts and combat sports, but also on those from Africa and the Americas (such as Capoeira and Xilam), and those claiming European origins such as Savate, HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) or Breton wrestling. Some of these are self-conscious recreations; others are evolved varieties of earlier activities. One important theme in martial arts studies is studying how different forms of combat change and develop; a second research area is focused on how practitioners can benefit physically and mentally from participation. George Jennings has, in this book, drawn together several of the key themes in martial arts studies which became highly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on ethnographic work done before, during, and since the height of the pandemic in Europe, key themes in martial arts studies are explored. Jennings has worked intensively on three martial arts (Taijiquan, HEMA and Wing Chun), and also draws on the research about other activities such as Venezuelan Stick fighting, Savate and Xilam. The text addresses core themes in martial arts studies while blending the standpoints of the practitioner, the teacher, and the researcher." -Sara Delamont, Reader Emeritus, Cardiff University, United Kingdom "George Jennings tackles the western reinvention of traditional martial arts in terms of McDonaldization, heritage studies, and sport science to discuss emerging forms of virtual community, therapy and self-help. Through evocative auto-ethnography Jennings demonstrates the advantage of training in swords while taking notes. The result is a highly readable academic account of colorful vignettes and vivid insights shared from a lifetime in martial arts and scholarship." -DS Farrer, University of Exeter, United Kingdom "This book offers a fascinating exploration of multiple overlooked aspects of the living and breathing richness and diversity of martial arts as lived practices, often intertwined with different livelihoods, issues and aspects of health and wellbeing, and ways of growing. Jennings speaks fluently in a range of voices, allowing different levels and kinds of focus and attention, from large perspectives to attention to less obvious areas of life and practice. This work will be of particular value to ethnography, anthropology and social science students and researchers of martial arts, culture and society." -Professor Paul Bowman, Cardiff University, United Kingdom; Author of The Invention of Martial Arts (2021)

This book addresses the mind-body dichotomy in movement and dance. This book includes a description of the often-forgotten kinesthetic sense, body awareness, somatic practices, body-based way of thinking, mental imagery, nonverbal communication, human empathy, and symbol systems, what occurs in the brain during learning, and why and how movement and dance should be part of school curricula. This exploration arguers that becoming more aware of bodily sensations serves as a basis for knowing, communicating, learning, and teaching through movement and dance. This book will be of great interest to scholars and students interested in teaching methodology and for courses in physical education, dance, and education.

Every football training session and match should begin with a warm-up in order to improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries. Warm-up in Football provides scientific evidence for the effect of warming up and describes how performance is closely related to muscle temperature. Furthermore, the book explains how the right warm-up prior to a match and at halftime improves the outcome in football. This book provides a basic understanding of the value of warming up and presents a significant number of warm-up programs that can be used whether you are training professional, amateur or youth players. The warm-up programs and exercises are tailored to different training and match situations both on and off the pitch. Highlights from the book include: * New, inspiring and effective ways of warm-up for training. * Warm-up programs before matches. * Warm-up programs to improve performance at the start of the second half. Warm-up in Football is critical reading for all who have an interest in the coaching and physiology of football.

This book offers an ecological conceptualisation of physical literacy. Re-embracing our ancestry as hunter gatherers we gain a new appreciation and understanding of the importance of play, not only in terms of how children learn, but also in showing us as educators how we can lay the foundations for lifelong physical activity. The concept of physical literacy has been recognised and understood throughout history by different communities across the globe. Today, as governments grapple with the multiple challenges of urban life in the 21st century, we can learn from our forebears how to put play at the centre of children's learning in order to build a more enduring physically active society. This book examines contemporary pedagogical approaches, such as constraints-led teaching, nonlinear pedagogy and the athletic skills model, which are underpinned by the theoretical framework of Ecological Dynamics. It is suggested that through careful design, these models, aimed at children, as well as young athletes, can (i) encourage play and facilitate physical activity and motor learning in children of different ages, providing them with the foundational skills needed for leading active lives; and (ii), develop young athletes in elite sports programmes in an ethical, enriching and supportive manner. Through this text, scientists, academics and practitioners in the sub-disciplines of motor learning and motor development, physical education, sports pedagogy and physical activity and exercise domains will better understand how to design programmes that encourage play and thereby develop the movement skills, self-regulating capacities, motivation and proficiency of people, so that they can move skilfully, effectively and efficiently while negotiating changes throughout the human lifespan.

The Cycling Bible by renowned cycling author and journalist Chris Sidwells is a comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of cycling, whether you go road cycling, gravel riding, mountain biking or enjoy any other kind of two-wheeled fun. Based on the author's extensive experience and research, this book collates the knowledge you will need to specifically train for the technical, physical and mental aspects of cycling training. It includes riding positions, strength and conditioning, endurance training, the psychological side of training, tailoring nutrition to your goals and bringing it all together to create your own training plan. It also deals with choosing the right bike for you, making essential safety checks and carrying out maintenance. Extensively illustrated and packed full of action photos, The Cycling Bible will help and motivate you to improve and develop as a cyclist and find even more joy in this fantastic sport.

The most up-to-date book examining current issues (academic, political, pedagogical) in physical education. Essential text for any course on current issues in PE, and useful reading on any general PE course. Considers the implications of these issues for teaching practice in PE. Wide scope, from health to competitive sport, from militarisation to the impact of the market on education. Includes investigative, autobiographical and anecdotal experiences of PE in schools. First book to examine the impact of the COVID pandemic on physical education. Author is a former PE teacher and a well-established researcher and teacher educator.

The popularity of distance running as a sport, and a recreational activity, is at an all-time high. Motivated by the desire to achieve a personal best, remain healthy, or simply complete an event, distance runners of all ages and abilities actively seek out advice from experienced coaches and sport scientists. This is also reflected in the growth of programmes of education for young coaches and aspiring sport scientists in recent years. There are a multitude of different approaches to training distance runners; however, the basic principles and ingredients required for success are applicable to any distance runner. The science that underpins the training and physical preparation of distance runners has developed considerably in recent years. The most experienced and successful coaches in the distance running community rarely have the opportunity to share their tried and tested methods of training. Similarly, the novel work of sport scientists is often only accessible to elite runners, their support teams and academia. The Science and Practice of Middle and Long Distance Running links together the science and coaching artistry associated with preparing distance runners for events ranging from 800 m up to ultra-marathon distances. It combines the latest scientific evidence, published by world-leading sport scientists, with the sound training principles and strategies adopted by experienced coaches. The book translates cutting-edge scientific research from the fields of physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition into practical suggestions for achieving success. Important topical issues and contemporary practices related to health and performance are also addressed. This book is an essential addition to the library of any distance runner, coach or sport scientist.

Through the contributions of women working in the creative industries, this timely book explores the role of creativity in their lives, the experiences that have positively contributed to and supported their creativity and their work, as well as how gendered considerations intersect with their involvement in the cultural sphere. Spanning psychology, cultural and media studies, and the philosophy of art, it builds on existing research by offering examples of the abundance of creativity residing in women working in film and television, architecture, design, music, theatre, and the performing and visual arts in Ireland. Their reflections offer a valuable counter perspective to the assumption that women are more naturally the 'muse' than the creator. From these conversations, some common, although at times diverging, experiences in childhood, early career and approaches to their creative work offer important insights into the nature and practice of creativity and the conditions that may best nurture and support creativity in girls and women. Providing original observations into gendered understandings of creativity, this book will be essential reading for researchers, advanced students and practitioners seeking contemporary insights on creativity, feminism and gender.

* Provides practical strategies and approaches to help you run your existing learning activities in new and more effective ways * User-friendly, accessible layout with each strategy presented on a double page spread alongside illustrations * Includes guidance on how to implement the strategy and potential pitfalls. * Draws on examples from a wide range of education fields and applicable to different environments and age ranges.

This book outlines an approach to teaching and learning in physical education that prioritises meaningful experiences for pupils, using case studies to illustrate how practitioners have implemented this approach across international contexts. Prioritising the idea of meaningfulness positions movement as a primary way to enrich the quality of young people's lives, shifting the focus of physical education programs to better suit the needs of contemporary young learners and resist the utilitarian health-oriented views of physical education that currently predominate in many schools and policy documents. The book draws on the philosophy of physical education to articulate the main rationale for prioritising meaningful experiences, before identifying potential and desired outcomes for participants. It highlights the distinct characteristics of meaningful physical education and its content, and outlines teaching and learning principles and strategies, supported by pedagogical cases that show what meaningful physical education can look like in school-based teaching and in higher education-based teacher education. With an emphasis on good pedagogical practice, this is essential reading for all pre-service and in-service physical education teachers or coaches working in youth sport.

This book offers a comprehensive synthesis of over 40 years of research on models in physical education to suggest Models-based Practice (MbP) as an innovative future approach to physical education. It lays out the ideal conditions for MbP to flourish by situating pedagogical models at the core of physical education programs and allowing space for local agency and the co-construction of practice. Starting from the premise that true MbP does not yet exist, the book makes a case for the term "pedagogical model" over alternatives such as curriculum model and instructional model, and explains how learners' cognitive, social, affective and psychomotor needs should be organised in ways that are distinctive and unique to each model. It examines the core principles underpinning the pedagogical models that make up MbP, including pedagogical models as organising centres for program design and as design specifications for developing local programs. The book also explores how a common structure can be applied to analyse pedagogical models at macro, meso and micro levels of discourse. Having created a language through which to talk about pedagogical models and MbP, the book concludes by identifying the conditions - some existing and some aspirational - under which MbP can prosper in reforming physical education. An essential read for academics, doctoral and post-graduate students, and pre-service and in-service teachers, Models-based Practice in Physical Education is a vital point of reference for anyone who is interested in pedagogical models and wants to embrace this potential future of physical education.

Builds on the growing Talent Development literature through application and consideration with the Paralympic context. Provides important translational support to help academics and practitioners bridge the theory to practice divide. Establishes a truly international view through engagement with academic across the globe Provides a holistic consideration of Talent Development - cultural, organisational, physical, psychological, coaching, decision-making It presents a comprehensive scope. Covering courses such as Human Movement, Sports Science, Sports Coaching, Physical Education, Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Sports Management, Adapted Sports); and covering disciplines such as Sport Psychology, Sport Engineering, Skill Acquisition, Adapted Sport, Motor Learning, and Motor Behaviour. Practical contributions as the chapters will focus on providing practical information to coaches, parents, athletes, students, trainers, and applied sport scientists

The only up-to-date introduction to international sport business Explores the organisational and policy environment for international sport and international business, as well as the day-to-day realities of successful sport business Strong focus on new, transformative technologies and data analytics Every chapter contains real world case studies and data Every chapter includes interviews with leading sport business practitioners, examples of best practice, and discussions of key pieces of research Includes additional on-line learning resources

Coach Loffie is 'n alles-in-een-handleiding vir alle aspiranten reeds gevestigde afrigters, sportlui en sportliefhebbers. Dis geskoei op die koestering van drome, Loffie se persoonlike belewenisse tydens sy grootword- en weermagjare en sy ervaring as speler en afrigter. Hy fokus op genot en veiligheid binne die sportstrukture en rugsteun sy benadering met waardevolle bydraes deur 'n biokinetikus, 'n mediese dokter, 'n fisioterapeut, 'n dieetkundige, 'n tegniese spesialis, 'n sportagent, 'n lewensafrigter en 'n geestelike leier

An in-depth, full-color, step-by-step guide to the new golf swing that has taken the PGA Tour by storm
The traditional golf swing requires a level of coordination that few golfers have. So it's no surprise that, despite huge advances in club and ball technology, the average golf handicap in America has dropped by only one stroke since 1990. Maverick golf instructors Michael Bennett and Andy Plummer spent a decade researching the swing, eventually combining physiology and physics to create a method they dubbed the "Stack and Tilt." The result? Big-name pros like Mike Weir, Tommy Armour III, and Aaron Baddeley are already converts, and Bennett and Plummer are now two of the most soughtafter swing coaches in the game.
Making these breakthroughs available to everyone, "The Stack and Tilt Swing" is a handsome, fully illustrated, complete course, packed with more than two hundred full-color photographs that make it easy for golfers at all levels to adopt this radical yet simple approach. Analyzing why the traditional swing won't work for most golfers, the authors explain the importance of keeping the upper body stacked over the lower body, while the spine tilts toward the target during the backswing, greatly reducing the inconsistencies created by the old-fashioned approach. Enhanced with practice routines, a troubleshooting list, test cases, and point-by-point assistance, this is the breakthrough guide to golf's hot new secret weapon.

This book summarizes the recent advancements for biomechanics of injury and prevention in mechanism, application and developing frontiers. Biomechanics plays an important role in achieving safety, health, comfort, and a high quality of life by revealing injury mechanism and providing prevention methods. The book covers injury and prevention to the entire human body, from head to toe, including injury and prevention in sports, traffic, accident, clinic and so on. In addition, bionics prevention method inspired by woodpecker is also introduced. The book provides the reader with not only the mechanism of injury but also the advanced injury diagnosis, treatment, and prevention devices based on biomechanics.