No matter what the vocation or endeavor, it is the people who go beyond what is expected of them who ultimately achieve the loftiest goals.The standards for excellence sit on a much higher plane than the benchmarks for competency, and everyone makes a choice, either consciously or by default, the path they will travel. Now if you decide you are willing to pay the price for greatness, no matter what the field, it will require a vigilant effort to make sure your daily deeds align with your s...

The tennis classic from Olympic gold medalist and ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert, now featuring a new introduction with tips drawn from the strategies of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, and more, to help you outthink and outplay your toughest opponents.A former Olympic medalist and now one of ESPN’s most respected analysts, Brad Gilbert shares his timeless tricks and tips, including “some real gems” (Tennis magazine) to help both re...

The last lecture on leadership by the NFL's greatest coach will inspire, inform, and enlighten leaders in all professions.Bill Walsh was a towering figure in the history of the NFL. His advanced leadership transformed the San Francisco 49ers from the worst franchise in sports to a legendary dynasty. In the process, he changed the way football is played.Walsh taught that the requirements of successful leadership are the same whether you run an NFL franchise,...

Take Your Doubles Game to the Next Level!Whether you're trying to improve your doubles game or are just getting started playing tennis with a partner, The Art of Doubles is the book for you. Author Pat Blaskower is your personal coach, guiding and encouraging you and your partner to play winning tennis by showing you how to:• choose a compatible partner• determine your jobs on the court• learn poaching skills• ...

Predictably Irrational meets Moneyball in ESPN veteran writer and statistical analyst Keith Law’s iconoclastic look at the numbers game of baseball, proving why some of the most trusted stats are surprisingly wrong, explaining what numbers actually work, and exploring what the rise of Big Data means for the future of the sport.For decades, statistics such as batting average, saves recorded, and pitching won-lost records have been used to measure individual players’ and teams’ poten...

Tackle football basics in a day? Easy.If you've ever wanted to know the difference between a touchdown and a touchback, or how a running back's role differs from a linebacker's, this handy guide gets you up-to-speed in no time.Football Rules & Positions In A Day For Dummies gives you a focused guide to the rules, regulations, and player roles of one of the most popular American sports.The essential information you need to understand a...

Your hands-on guide to coaching youth volleyballHave you been asked to coach a youth volleyball team? This friendly, practical guide helps you grasp the basics and take charge on the court. You get expert advice on teaching key skills to different age groups, running safe and effective practices, helping struggling players, encouraging good sportsmanship, and leading your team with confidence during a match.Lay the groundwork for a great season - develop your coaching...

"Coach Hatchell's book is a must-read for every girls' basketball coach. She is fantastic in every phase of the game, and I love watching her teams play." Roy Williams, head men's basketball coach, University of North Carolina, and Associated Press Coach of the Year, 2006 What does it take to turn a good coach into a great one? You need to be a teacher, a motivator, a guru of X's and O's. Coach Sylvia Hatchell shows you how she manages all these roles and gives you her winning advice to cr...

Lost two Cy Young winners in two years, signed a forty-seven-year-old to be his starting first baseman, played seventeen rookies in 2005, and still took his team to the playoffs: baseball is John Schuerholz's world, and everyone else is just playing in it.In Built to Win, the legendary general manager takes you behind the scenes of the Braves' front office—the most successful in baseball since 1990—and shows how his unique philosophies and leadership techn...

Game Plan is the ultimate book for the thinking football fan.The book tackles the issue of decision making and strategy in the NFL from the viewpoint of a true contrarian. No NFL tradition is sacred in this look at why so many NFL teams have such a difficult time making good decisions. More importantly, Game Plan offers a radical solution that can make almost any team better.Along the way Game Plan makes a number of compelling comparisons between football and other domains....

From beanballs to basebrawls, the most important rules governing the game of baseball have never been officially written down—until now.They have no sanction from the Commissioner, appear nowhere in any official publication, and are generally not posted on any clubhouse wall. They represent a set of time-honored customs, rituals, and good manners that show a respect for the game, one's teammates, and one's opponents. Sometimes they contradict the official rulebook. The fans general...

Today's National Football League is more successful, more exciting, and more popular than ever. But the game in the twenty-first century is also ruled by a constant quest for more money. Super Bowl-winning head coach Brian Billick's More Than a Game examines how the relentless competition off the field affects the game on the field, and what it means for the future of America's most popular sport.One of the NFL's most successful leaders, Billick coached th...