Mind vs Muscle: The Psychology of Sports

The top basketball players know that it's more than their physical strength that helps them play a good game. If they aren't focused and aren't using their heads, all the muscle in the world won't help them in the game. This book explores how the mind works together with muscle strength and memory to create basketball players to be reckoned with. Readers are introduced to the basics of the game, learn their favorite players' strategies and tips, and discover the importance of mental toughness. This book is sure to inspire young readers, whether they're currently practicing on the court or not.

Hockey is a fast-paced game that requires a lot of stamina and agility from its players. How are hockey players able to keep up, and for such long periods of time? This book teaches readers about the rules and history of hockey, the mental preparation behind the great athletic effort, and the strategies utilized by both offensive and defensive players. Featuring spotlights on some of the best hockey players in the NHL, readers hear from their hockey idols that the sport is about both brains and brawn.

Football players are some of the toughest athletes in the world. They go through rigorous training to be able to take the tackling and injury risks of this aggressive, hands-on sport. Football is a sport that requires a lot of smarts, too. Just like chess, it's all about strategy and plays. With feature boxes, athlete spotlights, and strategies of both offensive and defensive positions, this book inspires readers to learn that the best teams in football have to go through just as much mental training as they do physical.

Baseball takes a lot of strength and stamina, but muscle power is only part of the equation when it comes to being a good player. What exactly goes on inside that helps some athletes play better than the rest? In this fascinating book, readers take a look at the muscular power, the brainpower, and the training behind some of the best baseball players in history. From how players get in the zone to how athletes read their opponent and assess their weaknesses, the main content of this book helps readers get inside the heads of their favorite players in this iconic American sport.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, but the best soccer players aren't just those who are physically strong. This book delves into the mental training behind the physical training. Readers learn about the importance of team building and motivation, the strategies that are used in different positions on the soccer team, and the history of soccer. The book even spotlights top soccer players and their secrets to success on the field. This book is sure to inspire soccer fans, players, and non-players alike.

Lacrosse is a sport that has been around for a long time. Originating with the Native American Indians, this sport is fast paced and men's leagues in particular can be very aggressive. Readers have fun learning the ins and outs of this sport, the culture behind it, and the strategies of both offensive and defensive players. In this colorful book, readers find out that lacrosse is both an art and a science, and the best players are the ones who use their mind to find the balance between both.