Build a Better Athlete: What's Wrong with American Sports and How To Fix It [Paperback]

Michael Yessis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2, 2006

Are great athletes born or does practice make perfect? Are science and technique just as important as athletic ability? The truth is that anyone can improve their athletic performance. This book shows you how in simple and easy-to-read format. Renowned biomechanist/kinesiologist Dr. Michael Yessis dissects the current standards of physical training and explains how athletes of all levels can apply scientific techniques to develop their physical abilities to the highest level.

Build a Better Athlete is now offered in continuing education credits for NSCA and ACE.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Michael Yessis is the President of Sports Training, Inc., a diverse sports and fitness company. He is also an Emeritus Professor at California State University, Fullerton; where he was a multi-sport specialist in biomechanics (technique analysis) kinesiology and sports conditioning and training. He has trained and been a technique consultant to several Olympic and professional sports teams. He is the author of Explosive Running, WomenÂ’s Soccer: Using Science to Improve Speed (1-930546-49-1) and Kinesiology of Exercise.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: AGA Press (June 2, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930546785
• ISBN-13: 978-1930546783
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #879,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful manual for serious athletes, October 2, 2006

By 

Nelson Aspen "Author/Journalist" (Los Angeles & NYC, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Build a Better Athlete: What's Wrong with American Sports and How To Fix It (Paperback)

Even though I classify myself as a "recreational runner," I still take my training and performances very seriously. I found Dr. Yessis's book to be extremely helpful and inspiring in terms of tailoring my present workouts and looking forward to developing new ones.

Much of the information the book may seem like it's for a professional athlete or for younger people who are starting out on their fitness journeys, but don't be mistaken: there is plenty of practical guidance and information here for athletes of all fitness and skill levels.

Definitely a good addition to your workout library. Maybe you should even consider giving a copy to your coach or trainer!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great minds think alike., July 9, 2010

By 

George Mayer (Baltimore, MD United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Build a Better Athlete: What's Wrong with American Sports and How To Fix It (Paperback)

I have been arguing with people for a long time that the American system is flawed. I have always argued that children need more skill development and less competition. Finally, I have found someone that sees things the same way I do. Now all we have to do is get our PE teachers, coaches, and college professors that teach movement education to read this book and make changes in the American way. I have enjoyed several of Dr. Yessis' books and this one is very well written as well. This book and "Secrets of Soviet Sports Fitness and Training" are must reads.

5.0 out of 5 stars Build a Better Athlete Review, January 24, 2012

By 

Daniel Raimondi (Richmond, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Build a Better Athlete: What's Wrong with American Sports and How To Fix It (Paperback)

Dr. Yessis knows how to make athletes better at their respective sports. It is as simple as that, as this book shows. Most coaches will simply offer up their sample programs with minimal explanation for why they do this or that. Dr. Yessis shows you how to break down video, analyze a person's technique, and actually explains what constitutes good technique. For any coach or athlete(really anyone looking to understand technique and improve sport performance) this book is a must read. From novice to elite, Dr. Yessis shows not only the "Whats" but, more importantly, the "Whys."