Inside Sports

The oldest organized sport in North America, lacrosse was first played by the Six Nations of the Iroquois and later adopted by European settlers in the nineteenth century. The game has evolved into a thrilling, fast-paced field sport enjoyed by players of all ages. In addition to the thousands of youth and college teams, professional leagues in the United States and Canada have raised the level of competition. Readers will discover the rules and levels of play and be introduced to some of the most accomplished lacrosse players of the past and present.

One of the few organized team sports that can be enjoyed either indoors or against a backdrop of sun and surf on the beach, volleyball has become a beloved game around the world. International competitions have fueled volleyball's global appeal and earned the sport a dedicated fan base. Readers will learn about the history of this exciting game, how to coordinate various positions, formations, and moves for successful play, and the stories of some of its greatest indoor and outdoor players.

With a following that remains unmatched by any other sport, soccer has commanded the loyalties of peoples of all backgrounds around the world, stirring the passions of all. National associations in countries across the globe have encouraged the emergence of numerous skilled players and advanced the level of competition and skill in the game, as is often demonstrated in each World Cup. The history, rules, and prominent players of this beloved sport are all examined in this exuberant volume.

Anyone who has experienced the thrill of watching his or her team win on Super Bowl Sunday will recognize the exhilaration that the game of football generates. Gridiron football is a complex game that demands both tactical ability and physical skill. This enthralling volume outlines the history and rules of American football, chronicles the rise of some of its greatest players, and illustrates how the game has become such a beloved cultural phenomenon.

When asked to define what makes a sport extreme, one practitioner-a rock climber in the countryside and a skateboarder in the city-replied, "It's a sport where you may well hurt yourself, or worse." Readers of this compelling book will learn all about these alternative, edgy sports and what it takes to parachute from an airplane, zip-line through the air, or brave the possibility of a flash flood by venturing into a canyon. Or, readers may simply be satisfied to read about the popular X Games, during which they can sit back and watch the pros take the risks.

Ice hockey-which has been evolving for thousands of years-is not now, nor has it ever been, a sport for the timid. Armed with pounds of padding, wooden sticks, and goal-driven intensity, the players of this sport are indeed a force-a fast and often fierce force. Readers of this book will learn about the history and evolving rules of the game, how it came to be organized into leagues, and who the movers and shakers in the icy and often adrenaline-riddled rink are.

Perhaps the most iconic representation of Americana, baseball captured the hearts of the American public when it first gained traction around the country in the mid-19th century. The sport continues to enthrall audiences both in the United States and around the world through informal games, regional associations, and at the professional level. This volume introduces readers to the history of a sport that in many ways is inextricably tied to the American ethos and surveys the lives of some of its key professional players.

From its earliest inception with modified cars painted in modest black and white to the logo-covered stock cars that race today, fans get the inside track on NASCAR and the people who turned it into a multi-million dollar industry. Lively biographies of the greatest drivers on the motorway are featured, including legends, young up-and-comers, and the courageous women who have been fearless pioneers in this traditionally male-dominated sport. This enthralling package comes fully loaded with stunning color photographs and riveting text that will make readers feel as if they are sitting in the pole position at the Daytona International Speedway.

Martial arts are extremely popular today, and teens will be captivated by the history of the fighting sports. This volume takes a look at kung fu and tai chi chuan in China; the practices of the Japanese samurai warriors as well as jujitsu, judo, sumo, and karate; and the global rise of martial arts from muay Thai in Thailand and capoeira in Brazil to the Mixed Martial Arts that are now so widespread in the United States. Legendary and contemporary fighters are profiled, including Yue Fei, Jet Li, Bruce Lee, Randy Couture, B. J. Penn, Ronda Rousey, and Anderson Silva.

Drawing crowds for its displays of both raw athleticism and spectacular showmanship, basketball has become one of the most exciting spectator sports in the United States, as well as the world. Players renowned for their maneuverability and skill-"Air Jordan and his classic acrobatic moves, for instance-have intensified the level of competition in professional leagues and inspired everyday fans to "shoot hoops in friendly games. This engaging volume examines the history and evolution of basketball and some of its most influential players.