The Science of Soccer [Paperback]

John Wesson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0750308133 | ISBN-13: 978-0750308137 | Publication Date: May 24, 2002 | Edition: 1

For the first time ever, science gives us the answers to questions like "what's the chance of a team that wins the League or Premiership also winning the Cup? Can you predict how many goals will be scored? What's the best height for footballers? Is the winning team the best team?" The Science of Soccer is a fascinating book, dealing with a wide range of subjects where scientific analysis can be applied to football. Starting with a qualitative description of the basic physics that relate to the ball and its bounce, the author then moves through kicks and throws to a simple account of the more complex physics of a ball in flight. Fulfilling your scientific curiosity, this book uncovers aspects of the game that are not normally discussed. It includes a look at game theory, how the rules affect the flow and enjoyment of the game, why the best team does not always win, unusual statistics about players, and an insight into the economics of the game.

Product Details

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing; 1 edition (May 24, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750308133
• ISBN-13: 978-0750308137
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #818,117 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A Blend of Semi-Technical and Technical Approaches To the Moving Soccer Ball, January 7, 2011

By 

Jan Peczkis "Scholar and Thinker" (Chicago IL, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Science of Soccer (Paperback)

This work illustrates many scientific principles (especially physics) related to the playing of soccer. However, highly-technical and quantitative analyses, pertinent to each chapter, are located in the final chapter. This enables the quick reading of the book without the immediate need to wade through a great deal of mathematical detail.

There are chapters which deal with the bounce of the ball; the kick as an expression of angular acceleration (from both the hip and knee) that drives the foot to a great speed prior to its collision with the soccer ball; basic physics of throwing, heading, and catching; the soccer ball in flight (including the effects of wind), etc. A latter section of the book factors such things as the probability of success in winning games, etc.

One of the most useful parts of the book, for me, are the graphs of range of travel as a function of the speed of the kicked soccer ball. (pp. 61-62). Two angles of kick (relative to the horizontal) are given: 45 degrees and 30 degrees. Two curves each are included: a theoretical one that neglects air resistance and a real one which includes air resistance. The graphs can serve as a useful means for estimating the speeds of kicked soccer balls (by school PE teachers, soccer coaches, etc.) without the need for specialized equipment.