Playing Pro Sports

Being a professional baseball player is no walk in the park-it's a physically and mentally demanding job. When you're on the field, millions of people are expecting you to record base hits as a batter or strikeouts as a pitcher. And the work continues beyond game time; you need to practice, work out, and scout your competition. Aches and pains are a given. And on top of everything else, you must perform amidst constant travel, media attention, and high expectations. Baseball has been America's pastime for more than a century. And for those who uphold the tradition in the major leagues today, there's nothing else like it. This book, which was reviewed by 12-year Major League Baseball (MLB) veteran and World Series champion Gabe Kapler, offers an authentic look at what life is like as a pro baseball player. You'll learn: • What kinds of skills it takes to play in the major leagues • What daily life is like for an MLB player • How MLB players prevent and treat injuries Go behind the scenes and see what it's really like to be an MLB star!

To play professional hockey, you need plenty of grit and determination-it's a physically and emotionally punishing job. Millions of people are expecting you to give your all, connect on your checks, outskate your competitors, and do whatever it takes to score goals. To perform at that level, you must be in impeccable shape all year round. You'll spend hundreds of hours practicing skills, working with teammates, and watching video. Plus you'll need to cope with constant media attention and all of the travel that goes with the 82-game season. But for those who reach the pros, the long hours and hard work are totally worth it. This book, which was reviewed by 12-year National Hockey League (NHL) veteran Mark Parrish, offers an authentic look at what life is like as a pro hockey player. You'll learn: • How players climb the ranks to reach the NHL • The types of workouts and dietary plans NHL players use • How NHL players prevent and treat injuries Go behind the scenes and see what it's really like to be an NHL star!

For a professional player, basketball isn't just a fun game-it's a job. Millions of people are watching your every move, expecting you to make every shot and block your competitors'. You have to give your all for every game, and when you're not playing, you're sharpening skills, working on plays, and studying your opponents. Dedication extends beyond the season. You must follow strict diets and workout plans to stay in shape throughout the year. You must learn to manage the pressure of constant travel and stardom. Is it worth it? This book, which was reviewed by 11-year National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran and three-time NBA champion Devean George, offers an authentic look at what life is like as a pro basketball player. You'll learn: • What kinds of skills it takes to play in the NBA • How players climb the ranks to reach the NBA • What daily life is like for an NBA player • The types of workouts and dietary plans NBA players use • How NBA players prevent and treat injuries Go behind the scenes and see what it's really like to be an NBA star!

Playing professional football is a dream for many-but it's also a high-pressure, grueling job. If you're the pro player on the field, millions of people are scrutinizing your every play, expecting you to make your blocks, outsmart your opponents, move the ball to your end zone, and score. To play at 100 percent on Sundays, you are constantly preparing for the next game-practicing, lifting weights, going to meetings, or watching video. Throughout the year, you must also maintain your fitness through proper workouts, rest, and nutrition. Playing in the pros is an incredible challenge. But for those who suit up on Sundays, the journey is totally worth it. This book, which was reviewed by six-year National Football League (NFL) veteran Michael Lehan, offers an authentic look at what life is like as a pro football player. You'll learn: • How players climb the ranks to reach the NFL • What daily life is like for an NFL player • How NFL players prevent and treat injuries Go behind the scenes and see what it's really like to be an NFL star!