Beating the Odds: The Hidden Mathematics of Sport

Why might it help a penalty kicker to look at a clock before he kicks the ball? Does winning the coin toss actually matter? And why should some people consider playing darts blindfolded? Beating the Odds takes a novel and intriguing look at sports by exploring the mathematics behind the action. Discover, for instance, the surprising links between boxing and figure skating and between football and cricket, the unusual location of England's earliest soccer game, 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’ll improve your own chances of success!