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.

» Go to High Stakes to buy this item