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How Basketball Works by Keltie Thomas is an informative and engaging book that explores the fascinating world of basketball. With her energetic writing style, Thomas takes readers on a journey into the science, history, and excitement of the sport. The book is part of the 'How Sports Work' series, following the successful How Hockey Works and How Baseball Works. Thomas, an award-winning children's science writer and passionate sports fan, teams up with illustrator Greg Hall to present a vibrant and captivating guide to basketball. The book is filled with anecdotes, trivia, and insights into the legends of the game, making it a fun read for basketball enthusiasts of all ages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Book Title | How Basketball Works |
| Author | Keltie Thomas |
| Illustrator | Greg Hall |
| Book Series | Third book in the How Sports Work series |
| Writing Style | Fast-paced, lively, energetic, and razzle-dazzle |
| Content | History, science, sport, trivia, facts, anecdotes, photos, diagrams, illustrations, rules, glossary, and more |
| Target Audience | Children up to about age 14, basketball fans of all ages |
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What You'll Learn
The science of basketball
Award-winning children's science writer and editor Keltie Thomas combines her energetic writing style with Greg Hall's witty illustrations in "How Basketball Works", an insightful book that explores the science behind basketball. This book is the third instalment in the "How Sports Work" series, following the successful "How Hockey Works" and "How Baseball Works".
"How Basketball Works" delves into the fascinating science that underpins the sport, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the game. It covers a range of topics, from refining shots and the mechanics of the jump shot to passing techniques and blocking strategies. The book also provides valuable tips and insights for improving one's skills, making it a practical guide for aspiring players.
Thomas masterfully blends history, science, and sport in her narrative, showcasing her thorough knowledge of the game. The book is filled with fascinating anecdotes, trivia, and "need-to-know" facts about basketball. It highlights the stories of legendary players and their journeys, such as Michael Jordan's motivation stemming from not making his high school varsity team.
The vibrant design of the book features striking photographs of past and present basketball stars, charismatic illustrations, and eye-catching graphics. This visual appeal, combined with the engaging text, makes "How Basketball Works" accessible and captivating for readers of all ages. It is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of basketball, improve their skills, or simply enjoy an entertaining read about the sport.
Overall, "How Basketball Works" by Keltie Thomas is a dynamic and informative exploration of the science of basketball, making it a valuable addition to any sports enthusiast's library.
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History of the game
Basketball was invented in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, by Canadian physical education instructor James Naismith. The game was created to condition young athletes during the colder months and to provide an indoor sport that was less injury-prone than football. The first game consisted of peach baskets and a soccer-style ball, with 13 rules published by Naismith. The objective was to throw the ball into the fruit baskets, and each time a point was scored, the game was halted so the ball could be retrieved.
The first public basketball game was played in Springfield on March 11, 1892. In its early years, the number of players on a team varied depending on the class size and playing area. In 1894, teams began to play with five players on each side if the playing area was less than 1,800 square feet, with the number increasing to seven or nine on larger courts. The formation of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1946 or 1949 cemented the sport's cultural importance in the United States, and it quickly grew into a multibillion-dollar enterprise.
Basketball has also gained popularity globally, with significant contributions from countries like Spain, Italy, China, and Australia. The first Olympic basketball tournament was organized in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, with the American team dominating the early years. The game has since evolved with the introduction of concepts like "fast break" basketball by coach Frank W. Keaney, and the pressure defense style popularized by Adolph Rupp.
The 1950s saw the emergence of players like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, who are considered legends in the sport. Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, also influenced the rules, leading to the banning and subsequent reinstatement of the dunk shot in collegiate basketball. In the 1980s, Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird changed the way the game was played, excelling in roles typically reserved for shorter players. Michael Jordan, a superstar in his own right, helped bring basketball to international audiences, particularly with the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, known as the Dream Team.
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Equipment and training
"How Basketball Works" by Keltie Thomas is an informative and engaging book that covers various aspects of the sport, including equipment and training techniques. The book combines Thomas' energetic writing style with Greg Hall's witty illustrations, making it a lively and enjoyable read for basketball enthusiasts of all ages.
Equipment
The book starts with the basics of basketball, including the ball and other equipment used in the game. It provides insights into the science behind refining shots, such as the jump shot, which is the NBA's most-fired shot. It also covers other fundamental skills like passing and blocking shots.
Training
"How Basketball Works" offers insider tips and "Try This" activities to help readers improve their game. It includes fascinating "Quick Hit" facts and legendary tales from professional players, providing readers with an insider's look at the sport. The book also features a "Rules and Regs" section, explaining the lingo and need-to-know information for a better understanding of the game.
Overall, "How Basketball Works" by Keltie Thomas is a comprehensive guide that combines equipment knowledge, training tips, and the author's passion for the sport to create an informative and entertaining read for anyone interested in basketball.
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Player stories
"How Basketball Works" by Keltie Thomas is a comprehensive guide to the world of basketball, offering readers a blend of science, history, and entertainment. The book is part of the "How Sports Work" series and is aimed at basketball enthusiasts of all ages.
Thomas' writing is described as energetic, fast-paced, and lively, effectively engaging readers of all ages. The book is filled with fascinating facts, anecdotes, and insights into the lives of NBA players and teams. One notable anecdote shared in the book is about Michael Jordan, who was motivated to achieve greatness after not making his high school's varsity team. Another story highlights Sheryl Swoopes, who worked as a bank teller before the 1996 Olympics, marking the birth of the WNBA.
The book also includes a "Legends of the Game" section in each chapter, celebrating the most iconic players and their contributions to basketball's history. While the specific players highlighted in this section are not mentioned in the sources, the book's focus on the legends of the game underscores its commitment to sharing player stories.
"How Basketball Works" is enhanced by Greg Hall's witty illustrations, which complement the text and bring the world of basketball to life. The vibrant colours, striking photos of pro players, and graphically appealing layout make this book a visually engaging experience.
Overall, "How Basketball Works" by Keltie Thomas is a treasure trove of basketball knowledge, including player stories, tips for improving your game, and a deeper understanding of the science and history behind the sport. It is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the fascinating world of basketball.
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Rules and lingo
"How Basketball Works" by Keltie Thomas is a comprehensive guide to the world of basketball, offering readers an insightful look into the rules, strategies, and fascinating stories from the sport's history. The book is part of the "How Sports Work" series, and this instalment maintains the signature energetic and engaging writing style that Keltie Thomas is known for.
The book covers the rules of basketball in a concise and accessible manner, providing readers with a solid understanding of the game's fundamentals. While the rules section is brief, focusing on only a single page, it is supplemented by a comprehensive glossary that breaks down the basketball lingo. This glossary is described as "jam-packed" with need-to-know information, ensuring that readers can quickly become familiar with the terminology and nuances of the sport.
The "Rules and Regs" section delves into the specifics of the game, covering topics such as court dimensions, player positions, and gameplay mechanics. It explains the different violations, fouls, and penalties, providing a clear framework for understanding the boundaries within which the game operates. Additionally, the glossary expands on this by defining key terms and phrases used in basketball, such as "buzzer-beater," "fast break," and "pick-and-roll."
Throughout the book, Keltie Thomas masterfully weaves in fascinating anecdotes and stories from the world of basketball. These anecdotes provide context and bring the rules and lingo to life, making it easier for readers to grasp and remember the concepts. For example, the book might discuss a legendary player's unique strategy for navigating a particular rule or a memorable play that resulted in a rule change.
The "Legends of the Game" sections in each chapter also contribute to the rules and lingo aspect of the book. These sections highlight significant players and events, providing insights into the strategies, techniques, and terminology that have shaped the sport. Readers will learn about the iconic moves, plays, and contributions of basketball greats, enhancing their understanding of the game's dynamics and vocabulary.
Overall, "How Basketball Works" by Keltie Thomas offers a well-rounded and engaging take on the rules and lingo of basketball. By combining concise rule explanations with a rich glossary and captivating anecdotes, the book equips readers with the knowledge and context they need to understand and appreciate the sport on a deeper level.
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Frequently asked questions
"How Basketball Works" is a book about the science of basketball. It covers topics such as refining your shots, the jump shot, passing, and blocking shots. The book also includes information about the history of the sport and some of its stars.
The book is written for basketball fans of all ages. It is written in an engaging, energetic, and lively style, with colourful graphics, illustrations, and photographs. It is suitable for children up to the age of 14.
"How Basketball Works" is the third book in the "How Sports Work" series. It is written by Keltie Thomas and illustrated by Greg Hall. It is published in paperback and hardcover formats.
The book provides an insider's look at basketball, covering rules, equipment, and techniques. It includes tips for improving your game, fascinating facts, and anecdotes about NBA players and teams. It also covers the science behind basketball, such as the physics of shots and the mechanics of the game.
