Why a Curveball Curves: The Incredible Science of Sports

by Frank Vizard (Editor), Robert Lipsyte (Foreword)

An absorbing and enlightening inside look at sports secrets—now in an updated and expanded edition! What makes an athlete successful? Why do some players excel?

In this new, expanded edition, the experts at Popular Mechanics, along with top athletes, coaches, and sports journalists, explore the science behind everything from the perfect curveball and Phelps's kick to gene doping. There's great new coverage on the recent doping scandals that rocked the Tour de France, as well as a new chapter on lacrosse, and the clear, understandable explanations come from people who really love their game. You'll even learn how to bend it like Beckham—or at least how Beckham did it.

This book is for both the player and the fan, helping athletes become better prepared and giving enthusiasts a more complete appreciation of the subtle nuances of competition.

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2014

About the author

Frank Vizard 's editorial career includes stints as an editor with Popular Science magazine and the motoring correspondent for Departures Magazine. He has written for numerous publications ranging from Business Week to USA Today. He is also the author of Why A Curveball Curves and co-author of The 21st Century Soldier. His Irish Norman family has moved between Ireland and the USA for generations.

Reviews

[Philipp Hunermund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is the best science sports book ever published. It shows how to throw pitches including the curveball. It also shows other sports and more science than ever. It shows baseball,basketball,football,bowling and even boxing.

[Jjfoster]

Great MS or HS read.