Kristian Ferrell
In How Basketball Works, Keltie Thomas and Greg Hall offer an insightful and engaging exploration of the world of basketball. Through Thomas' energetic writing and Hall's witty illustrations, the book brings to life the science, history, and excitement of the sport. From its origins and rules to the stories of legendary players, the book provides a comprehensive guide to basketball, making it accessible and intriguing for readers of all ages. With a unique blend of fascinating facts, anecdotes, and vibrant visuals, How Basketball Works is a dynamic introduction to the captivating world of basketball, inspiring readers to delve into the intricacies of the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Keltie Thomas |
| Illustrator | Greg Hall |
| Series | How Sports Work |
| Number in series | 3 |
| Writing style | Fast-paced, lively, energetic |
| Content | History, science, sport, trivia, facts, anecdotes, rules, equipment, positions, training, skills, stats, shoes, tips, photos, diagrams, illustrations, glossary |
| Suitability | Children, fans of all ages |
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What You'll Learn
The science of basketball
Basketball is a dynamic sport that requires a combination of athleticism, strategy, and skill. The game involves two teams of five players each, competing on a rectangular court to score points by throwing the ball through the opponent's basket.
The science behind basketball involves understanding the physics of shooting, passing, and blocking shots, as well as the biomechanics of player movements. For example, the jump shot is considered the most frequently used shot in the NBA due to its effectiveness in utilising the laws of physics. By releasing the ball at the peak of their jump, players can take advantage of the downward force of gravity, resulting in a higher arc and increased accuracy.
Additionally, basketball players require muscular endurance and stamina due to the frequent short sprints and rapid direction changes during gameplay. The sport involves distinct movements such as jumping to take shots or grab rebounds, which require explosive muscle contractions and contribute to building lower body strength. As a result, weight training is often recommended for basketball players to enhance their performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
The design of the basketball itself also plays a crucial role in the science of the game. The ball's spherical shape, textured surface, and inflated bladder contribute to its unpredictable bounces, making dribbling and ball control more challenging and exciting.
Furthermore, basketball strategy involves understanding the probabilities and angles of shots, as well as the use of defensive and offensive tactics. Players must also develop spatial awareness and court vision to anticipate the movement of teammates and opponents, demonstrating the cognitive aspects of the game.
Overall, the science of basketball encompasses a range of scientific principles, from physics and biomechanics to cognitive psychology, all of which contribute to the fascinating dynamics of this popular sport.
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The game's history
Basketball is the only major sport that originated in the US (although its inventor, James Naismith, was Canadian). The game was invented on or about December 1, 1891, at the International Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, where Naismith worked as a teacher.
Basketball grew steadily in popularity in the US and internationally in the first three decades after World War II. The inclusion of men's basketball in the Olympic Games in 1936 greatly contributed to its success worldwide. The sport has caught on particularly well in Italy and Spain, while Eastern Europe, especially the Balkans, is another major centre of European basketball.
Basketball is a dynamic sport that builds stamina from the short sprints required to run up and down the court. Distinctive movements such as jumping to take a shot or grab a rebound require frequent muscle contractions, which can build muscular endurance. Weight training is often recommended for basketball players to improve their performance.
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Equipment and training
Basketball is a dynamic sport that requires short sprints, running up and down the length of the court, and distinct movements such as jumping to take a shot or grab a rebound. These movements demand frequent muscle contractions, which help build muscular endurance. Additional weight training can also improve players' performance on the court.
The equipment needed for basketball includes the basketball itself, as well as suitable shoes. The choice of shoes can significantly impact a player's performance and comfort on the court.
Keltie Thomas's book, "How Basketball Works," provides an insightful look into the equipment and training aspects of the sport. It covers the basics of refining your shots, the jump shot, passing, and blocking shots. The book also offers tips and activities to help readers improve their skills and develop related abilities.
"How Basketball Works" is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their basketball skills and understanding of the game. It combines Thomas's energetic writing style with Greg Hall's witty illustrations, creating an engaging and informative guide to the sport.
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Rules and lingo
Keltie Thomas's book, *How Basketball Works*, provides a comprehensive overview of basketball, including its rules and terminology. While I cannot provide a full summary of the book's content, here is an extended outline of some of the key rules and terms mentioned in the book:
Rules
Basketball is played between two teams of five players each on a rectangular court, usually indoors. The objective is for each team to score points by tossing the ball through the opponent's basket, which is an elevated horizontal hoop with a net.
The book covers various aspects of the game, such as the science of refining shots, the jump shot, passing, and blocking shots. It also includes tips and activities to help readers improve their skills and develop their understanding of the game.
Lingo
The "Rules and Regs" section of the book is complemented by a glossary that explains the basketball lingo. While the exact terms are not listed in the reviews, the glossary is described as providing the "lowdown on the lingo" to make readers experts.
Some of the terms and concepts mentioned in the book include "the scoop on the jump shot," "Quick Hit" factoids, and "Star" highlights featuring stories of professional players. The book also includes "Legends of the Game" sections that spotlight significant players and events in basketball history.
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Basketball stars
Keltie Thomas's book, "How Basketball Works", offers an insightful look at the world of basketball, including the stars who have made a significant impact on the sport. The book is part of the "How Sports Work" series, where Thomas combines her energetic writing style with Greg Hall's witty illustrations to bring the world of basketball to life.
The book delves into the science behind the sport, exploring the techniques that players use to refine their shots, master the jump shot, and improve their passing and blocking skills. It also provides readers with tips and activities to help them develop their own basketball skills.
One of the standout features of "How Basketball Works" is its ability to showcase the stars of the game. The "Legends of the Game" sections in each chapter shine a spotlight on the most iconic players and their stories. Readers get an insider's look at the lives and careers of these basketball greats, including their journeys to the top and the challenges they faced along the way.
For example, the book shares the story of Michael Jordan, who was motivated to pursue basketball greatness after not making his high school varsity team. It also highlights the impact of Sheryl Swoopes, whose career path as a bank teller before the 1996 Olympics played a role in the birth of the WNBA. These anecdotes inspire readers by showcasing the dedication and resilience of some of basketball's biggest stars.
Beyond the player profiles, the book also explores the strategic and technical aspects of the game, providing insights into what sets the great players apart. It answers questions such as what makes the jump shot the NBA's most-fired shot and what makes certain players stand out from the rest. By understanding the science and strategy behind the sport, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the skills and talents of basketball's biggest stars.
"How Basketball Works" is a comprehensive guide that not only informs but also entertains, making it a great resource for basketball enthusiasts of all ages who want to learn more about the stars and strategies that have shaped the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
It's a book that covers the science of basketball, including the physics of refining your shots, the jump shot, passing, and blocking shots. It also includes historical information, trivia, and anecdotes about the game and its players.
The book was written by Keltie Thomas and illustrated by Greg Hall.
The book is suitable for fans of all ages, including children. It is written in an engaging, energetic, and lively style that is easy to follow.
The book includes "Quick Hit" factoids, "Star" highlights with stories of professional players, "Tips" for improving your game, and fun "Try This" activities. Each chapter also has a "Legends of the Game" page that features significant players and events in basketball history.
"How Basketball Works" is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It can be found in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle formats.
