Customer Reviews

The Science of Soccer

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.