Books Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Science Reaburn, P., Dascombe, B., Reed, R., Jones, A. & Weyers, J. (2011) Pearson Education Cost: £30.30 (paperback from Amazon) The scope of this book is much broader than I expected from the title in that it covers all aspects of practical skills from conception to final report. As such, the sections are divided into: Study and examination skills; Information technology and library resources; Communicating information; The investigative approach; Fundamental laboratory techniques; Pre-exercise screening; Basic laboratory procedures; Measuring physiological capacities; Calculating physiological measures; Analysis and presentation of data. The emphasis is on physiology with no mention of the other sub-disciplines of sport and exercise sciences, which I found disappointing. The book is highly accessible with originality in the up-to-date information and systematic coverage of all practical skills required for student success through the entire degree programme. The writing style is clear, easy to follow with an excellent layout and good use of boxes. Key points, definitions, examples etc. are all highlighted making the book good for dipping in and out of and getting to the correct information quickly, with the detailed text for more in-depth information and further resources at the end of each chapter. The result is a highly navigable ‘one-stop’ book as it claims; a useful resource for undergraduates of all levels and also for taught postgraduate programmes. Rating 8/10 Reviewed by Alison Carlisle, University of Roehampton Open: An Autobiography Agassi, A. (2010) Harper Collins Cost: £5.29 (paperback from Amazon), £4.99 (kindle version from Amazon) This book rates as the best sport autobiography I have ever read! It is also the funniest, amidst deep clinical depression, burnout, failed relationships, drug abuse, ah yes and winning all the major Grand Slams in tennis! What we now know is that Agassi had probably done his 10,000 hours to become an elite athlete before the age of 12, given the excessive demands made upon him by Andre’s father, for whom obsessive and compulsive might come to mind. By the time he was a top tennis teenager Andre hated tennis, and continued to do so throughout his career, unusual? There are crucial moments in the life of Agassi. One was eventually discovering who he was from having no idea! Secondly, the impact of Brad Gilbert as his trainer and page 189 is a must read for anyone in sport wanting to improve, just don’t be perfect! Thirdly, success in a sport that gave him a good living, but probably for Andre, Steffi Graff, and two children he might think his greatest reward for all the effort! For psychologists a must read, physiologists definitely, racquet players absolutely, and for anyone wanting a ‘get away from it’ book. Rating 10/10 Reviewed by Phil Johnson, Gloucestershire University Critical Thinking for Sport Students Ryall, E. (2010) Learning Matters Cost: £15.19 (paperback from Amazon), £12.00 (kindle version from Amazon) Critical thinking and logical arguments are fundamental skills to achieve university level studies and beyond. However, critical thinking has not been widely discussed in the field of sport studies. This book provides a wide range of information related to developing skills of critical thinking, including ways to build logical arguments, components of good assumptions, and strategies to evaluate the quality of arguments. Sport-related examples in the book, such as providing well written newspaper articles or evaluating poorly supported claims among publications, help readers understand differences between logically well-supported and poorly-supported arguments and develop critical thinking in sport-specific contexts. I also found that figures are really helpful to acquire ideas and a flow of logical arguments, including identifying fallacies and avoiding our own biases. Additionally, learning activities and chapter reviews in each chapter allow readers to summarise essential learning points. Finally, as the book covers a wide range of issues related to critical thinking, some are only giving a brief overview. The further reading lists are helpful for readers seeking more information. The book could be highly recommended to undergraduate and postgraduate university students, and others willing to develop their logical argument skills. Rating 8/10 Reviewed by Sunghee Park, University of Stirling The Complete Guide To Teaching Exercise To Special Populations Coulson, M. (2011) A&C Black Cost: £21.24 (paperback from Amazon) This is a practical resource for people interested in physical activity (PA). It is organised into four distinct parts: 1) discusses the relationship between PA and health, risks associated with inactivity and recommended UK guidelines, 2) covers special populations for which there is only a potential risk of developing the condition, 3) deals with special populations for which PA does not reduce the risk as they are an actual consequence of life, whilst 4) offers a quick reference to medications related to various special populations, which may affect PA. Part two and three have sections on: description of the condition, prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, physical benefits and PA guidelines. Key points are summarised in each chapter. Focus boxes are used to highlight important information and summarise the main points. Additional recommended reading is at the end of each chapter. The information on UK guidelines and qualifications needed to work with conditions described are useful. Guidelines on cardiovascular intensity are provided as percentage of maximum heart rate and rate of perceived exertion only, the addition of maximum oxygen uptake, oxygen uptake reserve and heart rate reserve would have been helpful. I would recommend this book to colleagues and students. Rating 8/10 Reviewed by Dr Karianne Backx, Cardiff Metropolitan University Send books for potential review to Claire-Marie Roberts, 3 Royal York Mews, Royal York Crescent, Clifton Village, Bristol, BS8 4LF Want to be a book reviewer? Email croberts@glam.ac.uk Reviewers get to keep the book in return for a 200 word review Additional online book reviews are available at www.bases.org.uk/SES-Book-Reviews 20 The Sport and Exercise Scientist n <strong>Issue</strong> <strong>31</strong> n <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong> n www.bases.org.uk
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