Golf is one of the world’s major sports and consequently the focus of world-class scientific research. This landmark publication is the most comprehensive book ever published on the science of golf, covering every sub-discipline from physiology, biomechanics and psychology to strength and conditioning, youth development and equipment design. Showcasing original research from leading golf scientists across the globe, it examines the fundamental science underpinning the game and demonstrates how it can be applied in practice to improve and develop players. Each chapter provides a definitive account of the current state of knowledge in a particular area of golf science, addressing the limitations of existing research, presenting new areas for development and discussing the implications for coaches, players, scientists and the wider golfing public. Truly international in scope, the variety of topics explored include: biomechanics and equipment skill learning and technology performance development psychological techniques for success the golfing body. This is an essential reference for any student or researcher with an interest in the game, or any coach or professional looking to improve their knowledge.
The Routledge International Encyclopedia of Sport and Exercise Psychology integrates the topics of motor control, physical education, exercise, adventure, performance in sports, and the performing arts, in several important ways and contexts, drawing upon diverse cultural perspectives. More than 90 overarching topics have been systematically developed by internationally renowned experts in theory, research, and practice. Each contribution delves into a thematic area with more nuanced vocabulary. The terminology drawn upon integrates traditional discourse and emerging topic matter into a state-of-the-art two-volume set. Volume 1: Theoretical and Methodological Concepts is comprised of theoretical topic matter, spanning theories and terminology from psychology contextualized to sport and physical activity, sport psychology-focused theories, and expansive discussions related to philosophy of science and methodology. Volume 2: Applied and Practical Measures draws upon practical concepts that bridge theory and research and practice. Broader issues that extend beyond sport and physical activity participants are embedded within the entries, intended to augment physical, mental, and social well-being. This expansive encyclopedia is a must-have resource for all professionals, scholars, and students in the fields of sport psychology and sport science.
This progressive and broad-ranging handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the complex intersections between politics, gender, sport and physical activity, shining new light on the significance of gender, sport and physical activity in wider society. Featuring contributions from leading and emerging researchers from around the world, the book makes the case that gender studies and critical thinking around gender are of particular importance in an era of increasingly intolerant populist politics. It examines important long-term as well as emerging themes, such as recent generational shifts in attitudes to gender identity in sport and the socio-cultural expectations on men and women that have traditionally influenced and often disrupted their engagement with sport and physical activity, and explores a wide range of current issues in contemporary sport, from debates around the contested gender binary and sex verification, to the role of the media and social media, and the significance of gender in sport leadership, policy and decision-making. This book is an authoritative survey of the current state of play in research connecting gender, sport, physical activity and politics, and is an important contribution to both sport studies and gender studies. It is fascinating reading for any student, researcher, policy-maker or professional with an interest in sport, physical activity, social studies, public health or political science.
The game of golf has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, with powerful, big-hitting players dominating at the elite level. With limitation and regulation of equipment being mandated by the R&A, players are increasingly looking to alternative options to increase their physicality to improve likelihood of winning. This is an area in which adding strength and conditioning training to a golfer’s training programme will help to benefit performance. However, many players and coaches lack confidence or knowledge to train with strength and conditioning techniques, which is where this book, focusing on strength and conditioning and its application in golf, will help. Strength and Conditioning for Golf provides golfers and coaches with the evidence and practical suggestions to ensure that the choices they make about their training are informed and objective. This new volume examines why strength and conditioning techniques and principles are important for modern golf, blending scientific principles with real-world, practical advice and tips. Strength and Conditioning for Golf is of interest to golfers and coaches of all levels, as well as being of interest to researchers, students and coaches in the fields of; strength and conditioning, fitness and training, performance analysis, skill acquisition and other related sport science disciplines.
Since its first published edition more than 30 years ago, the BASES (British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences) Physiological Testing Guidelines have represented the leading knowledge base of current testing methodology for sport and exercise scientists. Sport and exercise physiologists conduct physiological assessments that have proven validity and reliability, both in laboratory and sport-specific contexts. A wide variety of test protocols have been developed, adapted and refined to support athletes of all abilities reach their full potential. This book is a comprehensive guide to these protocols and to the key issues relating to physiological testing. With contributions from leading specialist sport physiologists and covering a wide range of mainstream sports in terms of ethical, practical and methodological issues, this volume represents an essential resource for sport-specific exercise testing in both research and applied settings. This new edition draws on the authors’ experience of supporting athletes from many sports through several Olympic cycles to achieve world leading performances. While drawing on previous editions, it is presented in a revised format matching the sport groupings used in elite sport support within the UK sport institutes. Building on the underpinning general procedures, these specific chapters are supported by appropriate up-to-date case studies in the supporting web resources.
Drawing on the latest scientific research, this handbook introduces the essentials of sport-specific strength and conditioning programme design for over 30 different sports. Enhanced by extensive illustrations and contributions from more than 70 world-leading experts, its chapters present evidence-based best practice for sports including football, rugby, tennis, hockey, basketball, rowing, boxing, golf, swimming, cycling and weightlifting, as well as a variety of wheelchair sports. Every chapter introduces the fundamental requirements of a particular sport – such as the physiological and biomechanical demands on the athlete – and describes a sport-specific fitness testing battery and exercise programme. Additional chapters cover the adaptation of programme design for special populations, including female athletes, young athletes and athletes with a disability. Drawing on the experiences of Olympic and Paralympic coaches and trainers, it offers original insights and practical advice from practitioners working at the highest level. Innovative, comprehensive and truly international in scope, the Routledge Handbook of Strength and Conditioning is vital reading for all strength and conditioning students and an invaluable reference for strength and conditioning coaches and trainers.
Integrating theory with practice, this core textbook provides a structured and sequential introduction to motor learning and motor control. Part 1 begins by introducing what motor learning is and how movement is controlled, before exploring how a learning environment may be manipulated to assist in the learning and performance of movement skills. Part 2 explores motor control from neural, behavioural and dynamic systems perspectives. Part 3 provides an overview of considerations in applying motor learning and skill acquisition principles to physical education, exercise and sports science. Chapters are illustrated with flowcharts and diagrams to aid students' understanding, and include activities and end-of-chapter review questions to consolidate knowledge. Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition is essential reading for all Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science and Sports Coaching students. New to this Edition: - New and updated chapters on skill acquisition approaches, talent identification and development, and performance analysis and feedback as well as separate chapters on practice design and task modification, and practice organisation and planning - Contains additional content on decision-making, tactical and strategic skills, traditional and constraints-led skill acquisition approaches, practice design, and skill-drill and game-based practice for skill acquisition - Supported by a bank of online lecturer resources, including PowerPoints, MCQs and lab activities
The Psychology of Golf Performance under Pressure offers contemporary, research-informed information regarding the key psychological factors affecting golf development and performance under pressure. Through the authors’ substantive expertise – all of whom are notable scholars and/or practitioners in the field of golf psychology – the text provides a highly accessible “real world” application of theory to practice, through the provision of evidence-based guidance regarding how to maximise golf performance under pressure. Golf is a sport that has embraced sport psychology, with many of the highest ranked players in the world (male and female) openly working with a sport psychologist and advocating their importance. As a result, an increasing number of high-profile practitioners are working full-time within the sport around the world, encouraging trainee sport psychology practitioners to pursue their career within golf. Accordingly, there is an ever-increasing demand for high-quality information pertaining to the psychological demands of golf; the key psychological variables that affect golfing development and performance; and evidence-based strategies which enable effective golf performance under pressure. This novel text provides a comprehensive portrayal of the psychological factors which enable effective golfing development and optimal performance under pressure. A theoretical review of the pertinent psychological factors followed by the practical application of theory for the provision of “take home messages” will ensure that this book is of value, interest, and benefit for golfers, coaches, golf organisations, and even the parents of golfers, alongside sport psychology scholars, students, practitioners, and researchers alike.
From carbon fibre racing bikes to ‘sharkskin’ swimsuits, the application of cutting-edge design, technology and engineering has proved to be a vital ingredient in enhanced sports performance. This is the first book to offer a comprehensive survey of contemporary sports technology and engineering, providing a complete overview of academic, professional and industrial knowledge and technique. The book is divided into eight sections covering the following topics : Sustainable Sports Engineering Instrumentation Technology Summer Mobility Sports Winter Mobility Sports Apparel and Protection Equipment Sports Implements (racquets, clubs, bats, sticks) Sports Balls Sports Surfaces and Facilities Written by an international team of leading experts from industry, academia and commercial research institutes, the emphasis throughout the book is on innovation, the relationship between business and science, and the improvement of sports performance. This is an essential reference for anybody working in sports technology, sports product design, sports engineering, biomechanics, ergonomics, sports business or applied sport science.
Authors Ray Breed and Michael Spittle, long recognized as experts in the game sense model and teaching games for understanding approach, have created a complete resource for physical educators and coaches of games and team sports. Their new book, Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport, provides both the theoretical foundation and the practical application that teachers and coaches need to confidently teach their students and athletes the skills and game sense they need to successfully compete in games and sports. This text, inspired by the authors’ previous book, Developing Game Sense Through Tactical Learning, offers new material since the publication of that 2011 book, particularly in relation to curriculum, assessment, and physical literacy. “Our version of a game sense model has been modified over time and adjusted to meet the changing needs and requirements of learners and programs,” Breed says. “This book is an updated and improved variation of our original book, and it will assist teachers and coaches in integrating game sense into their sessions and curricula.” Through Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport, teachers and coaches will be able to do the following: Provide a logical sequence and step-by-step instructions for maximal learning, skill transfer, and game skill development Accelerate learning by linking technical, tactical, and strategic similarities in three thematic game categories (There are 19 invasion games, 13 striking and fielding games, and 14 net and wall games.) Save preparation and planning time by using the extensive planning and game implementation resources Set up games with ease and effectively relate game sense concepts by following the 90 illustrations and diagrams created for those purposes The text includes curriculum ideas and specific units for children ages 8 to 16. Unit plan chapters provide six sessions for each of the two skill levels (easy to moderate and moderate to difficult). The book also offers assessment tools and guidance for measuring learning as well as links to different curriculum frameworks. The appendixes supply teachers and coaches with useful tools, including score sheets, performance assessment and self-assessment tools, session plan outlines, and more. Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport takes into account regional differences in the game sense model and teaching games for understanding approach. Its organization will facilitate users’ ready application of the material. The text first provides an overview and theoretical framework of the concepts of skill, skill development, game sense, and assessment. It then goes on to explore the links between fundamental motor skills, game sense, and physical literacy. Later chapters offer thematic unit and lesson plans as well as assessment ideas. Practical resources, game ideas and descriptions, and assessment ideas are supplied, along with the practical application of game sense, teaching for skill transfer, structuring games, developing questioning techniques, and organizing sessions. Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport will allow coaches and teachers to develop the tactical, technical, and strategic skills their athletes and students need in game contexts. Coaches and teachers will also be able to help learners develop personal, social, and relationship skills. As a result, learners will be able to more effectively participate in, and enjoy, team games.
