Description

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An entertaining, eye-opening guide to what math and physics can reveal about sports.

How can sprinter Usain Bolt break his world record without expending any additional effort? What dates of birth give rise to the best professional athletes? Is it better to have the inside or outside lane during a race?

Drawing on vivid, real-life examples, mathematician John D. Barrow entertainingly explores the eye-opening, often counterintuitive, insights into the world of sports that math and physics can give us. For example, we learn that left-handed boxers have a statistical advantage over their right-handed opponents. Through clear, detailed, and fascinating mathematical explanations, Barrow reveals the best techniques and strategies for an incredible range of sports, from soccer and running to cycling, archery, gymnastics, and rowing.

About the Author

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John D. Barrow is professor of mathematical sciences and director of the Millennium Mathematics Project at Cambridge University, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society. He is the best-selling author of many books on science and mathematics, including Mathletics: 100 Amazing Things You Didn’t Know about the World of Sports and 100 Essential Things You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know: Math Explains Your World.

Praise For…

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“[A] fast-paced, lighthearted book that revels in the brainier side of brawn.
— Fangfei Shen - Discover

Barrow delivers the math and science goods for every sports fan who’s ever wondered how to ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ or what the best positions are to reduce air resistance while sky-diving…Accessible and entertaining, just the thing for mathematically minded sports fans.
— Publishers Weekly

An illuminating mix for sports fans and math buffs looking to hone their skills.
— Kirkus Reviews

Readers will marvel at how much mathematics can illuminate athletes’ most amazing feats. . . . Sports fans and nerds will fight over this book!
— Bryce Christensen - Booklist