The Physics of Basketball

New
Illustrated
2006
$27.45

Drain three pointers, slam dunk easily, and sink that buzzer beater from half court with the help of simple science. Your coach, physicist John J. Fontanella, shows how you can improve your game if you take advice from Isaac Newton. As you read, relive some of the great moments in the game-this time with a scientist and diehard basketball fan as your color analyst. Find out why you ought to put spin on the ball. Get tips on how to improve your free throw and increase your percentage from the charity stripe. You'll even learn how to shatter the backboard, if that's something you've always dreamed of doing. With photographs and simple high school formulas, physics professor Fontanella-who played in college against Pittsburgh and Syracuse-reveals the key pieces of physics that underscore basketball. He covers almost every aspect of the game, weaving in stories from games he's played and games he's seen, and tales from basketball history and folklore. Physics comes alive as you see how Kobe Bryant, Wilt the Stilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Becky Hammon, and J. J. Reddick do naturally the things that Isaac Newton says they should.

Synopsis

Drain three pointers, slam dunk easily, and sink that buzzer beater from half court with the help of simple science. Your coach, physicist John J. Fontanella, shows how you can improve your game if you take advice from Isaac Newton. As you read, relive some of the great moments in the game-this time with a scientist and diehard basketball fan as your color analyst. Find out why you ought to put spin on the ball. Get tips on how to improve your free throw and increase your percentage from the charity stripe. You'll even learn how to shatter the backboard, if that's something you've always dreamed of doing. With photographs and simple high school formulas, physics professor Fontanella-who played in college against Pittsburgh and Syracuse-reveals the key pieces of physics that underscore basketball. He covers almost every aspect of the game, weaving in stories from games he's played and games he's seen, and tales from basketball history and folklore. Physics comes alive as you see how Kobe Bryant, Wilt the Stilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Becky Hammon, and J. J. Reddick do naturally the things that Isaac Newton says they should.

$27.45

Quantity

1 in stock

More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 168
Edition: Illustrated
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Published: 15 Nov 2006
ISBN 10: 0801885132
ISBN 13: 9780801885136
Book Overview: A unique approach to the fundamentals of basketball. This book is a must read for any player, coach, or spectator. -- Morgan Wootten, all-time winningest high school basketball coach, hall of famer, and the Naismith Foundation's Coach of the Century We analyze and overanalyze the game from so many different angles that it is hard to find a new one. John Fontanella has done just that, breaking the game down in a very interesting way. -- Brenda Frese, Head Coach, University of Maryland (2006 NCAA Champions) John Fontanella, whose success as a shooter approached perfection, has applied physics to the everyday world of basketball. It will tremendously enhance the game that he loves. I highly recommend his book for coaches, players, and fans who want an insightful understanding of the science of shooting a basketball. -- Dr. C. Ronald Galbreath, Women's Basketball Coach, Geneva College

Media Reviews

The Physics of Basketball takes the game to a whole new level. -- Bill Ingram, Executive Editor, Basketball News Services * Hoopsworld.com *
An unusual book, certain to attract both the sports fan and the armchair scientist. * Booklist *
Perfect physics aid for basketball fans. -- Ken Zetie * Physics Education *
Fontanella writes with humor and feeling. -- Earl Kelly * Annapolis Capital *
He merges teaching about physics with tips on how to improve the game... With Fontanella's guidance, much is learned about physics, basketball, and the scientific method. Highly recommended. * Choice *
The Physics of Basketball bridges the gap between sports science and coaching by introducing many practical ideas that have likely never been considered... recommended reading for all basketball coaches. -- Steve Watkins * International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching *

Author Bio

John J. Fontanella is a physics professor at the United States Naval Academy.