Mathematics and sports

"Some scientists claim that strong tobacco and spirits clear the head and spur creativity. It would be well, however, to try other means: to exercise, jog, swim, or learn to play games like tennis, basketball, badminton, volleyball, and so on...[N]ot only checkers, chess, cards, or billiards are a source of interesting problems. Other sports provide them as well. Mathematical methods are increasingly applied in sports. Just think how many yet-unsolved problems arise when we study the interaction between ball and racket or between ball and court." - from the introduction. This unique book presents simple mathematical models of various aspects of sports, with applications to sports training and competitions. Requiring only a background in precalculus, it would be suitable as a textbook for courses in mathematical modeling and operations research at the high school or college level. Coaches and those who do sports will find it interesting as well. The lively writing style and wide range of topics make this book especially appealing.