Andrew Pace
How Basketball Works by Keltie Thomas and Greg Hall is a book that explores the science and sport of basketball. It is the third installment in the How Sports Work series, following How Hockey Works and How Baseball Works. The book is written in Thomas's energetic style and complemented by Hall's witty illustrations. It covers a range of topics, including the history of the sport, the players, and tips for improving one's game. The book is designed with vibrant colours, charismatic illustrations, and striking photos of professional players. It is suitable for children up to the age of 14 who want an overview of basketball.
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What You'll Learn
The science of basketball
Basketball is a sport that involves a lot of science, from the physics of shooting and passing to the biomechanics of player movement. In their book "How Basketball Works," Keltie Thomas and Greg Hall explore the science behind this exciting sport.
The book delves into the science of refining your shots, understanding the jump shot, and blocking shots. It also covers the basics, such as the different types of basketball, the science of passing, and the physics involved in the game. The book is designed to help readers improve their own basketball skills and provides tips and activities to develop related skills.
Thomas's energetic and engaging writing style combines history, science, and sport, while Hall's witty illustrations bring the text to life. The book is filled with fascinating facts, anecdotes, and insights into the lives of NBA players and teams. It also includes a "Rules and Regs" section, a glossary of terms, and a "Legends of the Game" section that highlights significant players and events in basketball history.
"How Basketball Works" is the third installment in the "How Sports Work" series, following the successful "How Hockey Works" and "How Baseball Works." It is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their basketball skills and understanding of the science behind the game. The book is suitable for readers of all ages, especially children up to age 14 who want an overview of the sport.
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History of the sport
The book "How Basketball Works" by Keltie Thomas and Greg Hall is an exciting and informative read for basketball enthusiasts of all ages. While the book does provide a short history of the sport, the focus is primarily on the science behind basketball and improving one's gameplay.
Basketball as a sport has a rich and dynamic history that dates back to the late 19th century. The game was created by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Naismith, a physical education teacher, sought to develop a game that would provide exercise and entertainment for his students during the long winter months. The original game was played with a soccer ball and a peach basket, and the rules were significantly different from those of today.
Over time, basketball evolved and grew in popularity, spreading beyond the schoolyard and across the nation. The game underwent several rule changes, such as the introduction of the dribble and the three-point line, which added new dimensions to the sport. The game also became more structured, with the establishment of official basketball courts and standardized rules, allowing for competitive play and the emergence of basketball leagues.
As basketball continued to gain traction, it caught the attention of colleges and universities, leading to the formation of collegiate teams and competitions. This academic involvement further fueled the sport's development, with coaches and players strategizing and refining their techniques. The game's popularity also extended internationally, with the first basketball games being played outside the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The 20th century witnessed the rise of professional basketball, with the establishment of leagues such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1946. The NBA and other professional leagues played a significant role in elevating the sport's profile, attracting talented players from across the globe and fostering intense competitions that captivated fans worldwide.
Today, basketball is a global phenomenon, enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures. The game has continued to evolve, with advancements in training techniques, equipment, and strategies. The sport has also made significant strides in terms of inclusivity, with the emergence of women's basketball leagues and the recognition of wheelchair basketball as a competitive sport.
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Basketball equipment
The book "How Basketball Works" by Keltie Thomas and Greg Hall is an excellent resource for learning about the equipment used in basketball. While the book does not solely focus on equipment, it provides a comprehensive overview of the sport, including the equipment used.
Basketball is a team sport that requires a variety of equipment to play. The most essential piece of equipment is, of course, the basketball itself. Basketballs are spherical and made of leather, synthetic composite, or rubber. They are inflated and have a textured surface to provide a better grip. The size of the ball varies depending on the age and gender of the players, with official basketballs for men measuring 29.5 inches in circumference and weighing 20-22 ounces, while those for women are slightly smaller at 28.5-29 inches in circumference.
Another important piece of equipment is the basketball hoop, which consists of a rim, a backboard, and a net. The rim is a metal ring that is 18 inches (46 cm) in diameter and is mounted 10 feet (3.05 m) above the ground. The backboard is a rectangular board made of glass or acrylic that measures 6 feet (1.8 m) wide by 3.5 feet (1.1 m) tall. The net is attached to the rim and is made of nylon or cotton.
Players also need appropriate clothing and footwear to play basketball. They typically wear shorts and jerseys made from breathable and lightweight fabrics that allow for ease of movement. Basketball shoes are specifically designed for the sport, providing good traction, support, and cushioning to protect the players' feet and ankles from injury.
In addition to the essential equipment mentioned above, there are also various accessories that can be used in basketball. These include protective gear such as mouth guards and eye guards, which are recommended to prevent injuries, especially during competitive play. Towels, water bottles, and sports drinks are also common, as they help players stay hydrated and wipe away sweat during the game.
Lastly, basketball courts themselves can be considered equipment, as they provide the playing surface and define the playing area. Standard basketball courts are rectangular and measure 94 feet (28.65 m) by 50 feet (15.24 m). They have markings that indicate boundaries, key areas, and specific spots for players during certain situations, such as free throws.
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Training and skills
The book delves into the science of basketball, exploring the physics and refining your shots, as well as the scoop on the jump shot, passing, and blocking shots. It also includes "Tips" sections with hints for improving your game and "Try This" activities to help develop related skills. These practical sections are complemented by the vibrant, charismatic illustrations and striking photos of pro players, which bring the text to life.
The book covers a range of topics to help readers improve their basketball skills and understanding. It answers questions such as what makes the jump shot the NBA's most-fired shot and what makes the great players great. It also provides insider tips and fascinating facts about the pros, such as how Michael Jordan's failure to make the varsity team in high school motivated him.
The book's energetic and witty style, with Thomas' lively writing and Hall's amusing illustrations, makes it an engaging read for those wanting to learn more about basketball and improve their skills. It is a great resource for anyone looking for an overview of the sport and its key skills and training techniques.
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Star players and their stories
The book "How Basketball Works" by Keltie Thomas and Greg Hall is an overview of basketball that includes a short history of the sport, playing tips, and information about some of the stars of the game. The book is written in a magazine-style format with inset boxes, short blurbs, vibrant colours, and a graphically appealing layout. It is aimed at children up to the age of about 14.
The book includes "Star" highlights with stories of professional basketball players, "Legends of the Game" pages that spotlight significant players in basketball history, and striking photos of pro players past and present. While the book does not name specific players, it does include information about some of the stars of the game.
Keltie Thomas is a passionate sports fan and award-winning children's science writer and editor. She has written several other popular sports books, including "How Baseball Works", "Blades, Boards & Scooters", and "Inside Hockey!". Greg Hall is an illustrator who lives in Oakville, ON, and has provided witty illustrations for several of Thomas's books.
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Frequently asked questions
The book offers an overview of basketball, covering its history, equipment, positions, training, skills, stats, and the players' shoes. It also includes trivia and facts about the game's stars and tips for improving your own game.
The book is suitable for children up to the age of 14 and is a good introduction to the sport of basketball.
The book is written in an energetic, fast-paced and lively magazine-style format with lots of inset boxes and short blurbs. It also includes brightly coloured photos and illustrations.
Keltie Thomas is an award-winning children's science writer and editor. She is a former editor of OWL Magazine and has written other popular sports books such as 'How Baseball Works'. Greg Hall is an illustrator who has worked on other books in the 'How Sports Work' series with Thomas.
