Challen, Paul

What is a triple-double? What happens at the foul line? How does a basketball player execute a fade-away jumper? These are all important questions to ask if you want to be a successful small forward, and readers will find the answers waiting for them to discover. Fun facts about the strategy and skills needed to be a great small forward are presented. Readers learn both the offensive and defensive responsibilities involved in playing this important position.

Most basketball teams use two guards: a point guard and a shooting guard. A shooting guard has many responsibilities on the basketball court. They’re known for their ability to shoot the ball as well as their defensive skills. Readers learn about these and other skills and strategies essential to a shooting guard’s game as they explore this important position on the basketball court. Readers will even learn the secrets behind some of the most creative shots basketball players can take.

Point guards are often the best ball handler on their basketball team. In order for a player to grow into the best point guard they can be, they have to understand the position. Explore every facet of a point guard’s game, including shooting, passing, and dribbling. Readers hoping to be stars on the basketball court will enjoy discovering the skills needed to find success as a point guard.

Soccer is played on a big field. For midfielders, this means lots of running all over the pitch. A professional midfielder runs many miles over the course of a game, playing on offense and defense. This book takes readers onto the pitch, patrolling the midfield with the game's best as they learn how to play one of the soccer's most challenging positions. From battling for free balls in the air to settling passes and looking for open teammates, this book dribbles through defenders and scores with readers looking to learn new skills to help them dominate ""The Beautiful Game"" with their friends.

Defending a big net with just a pair of thick gloves is a hard task, but many keepers are able to go an entire game without giving up a goal. This book puts readers into the penalty area as keepers try to keep a clean sheet for their team. Just like the players on the pitch, readers will get examples of hands-on experience as keepers bat away curling volleys and pick the right side of the net to dive toward on penalty kicks. With expert analysis and insight, readers learn how keepers defend corner kicks and help the defense in front of them work together to fend off attacks.

In soccer, the striker is always the star. These superstar forwards are responsible for the amazing goals and spectacular passes that make championship soccer squads. This book gives readers a look at what makes these footballing phenoms so special, discussing their skills and tactics in a fun and informational way. From nutmegging the defender to perfect curling shots into the top corner, this book wows readers ready to lace up the cleats and become soccer superstars themselves. It also teaches young strikers how to work with others to pass around and beat defenders and goalkeepers while having fun as a team.

Keepers can't keep the ball out of that large soccer net on their own. They need a strong group of defenders to play well and win as a team. This book takes readers through the formations successful soccer teams play and how defenders use their ""footy"" skills to stop the opponent's strikers and midfielders from hitting the twine. Readers learn how teams work together to play strong defense, how to mark players in the box, and what things they should learn if they want to shine on the pitch just like the pros.

What do Blake Griffin and Tim Duncan have in common? They’re both star power forwards in the NBA. Power forwards have the strength and skills needed to prevent other teams from scoring and making big plays to help their team score. These strong basketball players are known for their big dunks and defensive plays. Discover these facts and many more about power forwards.

NASCAR is one of today s hottest sports. This book gives readers a close an up-close look at everything that makes this sport exciting, competitive, thrilling, and even dangerous. Beginning with NASCAR s history, the text examines how the sport has evolved, the men and women who work in the pit and behind the wheel, and interesting facts about the extreme races that are broadcast around the world. The text includes tips for readers to get involved and a graphic organizer of NASCAR s recognizable flags. Sidebars and Fast Fact fact boxes provide opportunities for additional learning.