The Hidden Mathematics of Sport - Tapa dura

The Hidden Mathematics of Sport takes a novel and intriguing look at sport, by exploring the mathematics behind the action. Discover the best tactics for taking a penalty, the pros and cons of being a consistent golfer, the surprising link between boxing and figure skating, the unusual location of England's earliest 'football' game (in a parish church), and the formula for always winning a game of tennis. Whatever your sporting interests, you will find plenty to absorb and amuse you in this entertaining and unique book - and maybe you will even find some new strategies for beating the odds.

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. John Haigh graduated in maths from Oxford University, where he was awarded and Oxford blue for footbal and played at Wembley Stadium. Sadly, the other side won 5-2. He lives in Brighton, teaches at Sussex University and reads the sports pages before the rest of the newspaper.