The Hidden Mathematics of Sport - Tapa dura

Why might it help a penalty taker to look at a clock before he kicks the ball? Does winning the toss actually matter? And why should some people consider playing darts blindfold?. 'How to Take a Penalty' takes a novel and intriguing look at sport, by exploring the mathematics behind the action. Discover, for instance, the surprising links between boxing and figure skating and between American football and cricket, the unusual location of England's earliest 'football' (in a parish church), the 26.5-degree 'trick' snooker shot, the pros and cons of being a consistent golfer, and the formula for winning a game of tennis. Whatever your sporting interests or ability, you will find plenty to absorb you in this insightful and fun book - and maybe you will improve your own chances of success!

Rob Eastaway is a writer, speaker and consultant. His books include the bestselling What is a Googly? (9781861056290) and Why Do Buses Come In Threes? (9781861058621). He jointly devised the system now used to officially rank international cricketers and lives in London, where he is a keen weekend cricketer and occasional golfer.