A reading list that will boost your Sport Science studies

When it comes to studying at university, books are one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal of learning, which will lead you on the path to academic success.

I have put together a list of some insightful books, which were recommended by my tutors in my first year of studies. They helped me understand and expand my knowledge of my modules. The books at Anglia Ruskin can be accessed online as well as via the library for free, which is a major plus as they you can read them on your laptop and even on your phone.

This list has been categorised into two groups, which are based on the modules which I studied in my first year.

Group 1 is called Sports Coaching, which incorporates the practical and theoretical elements of coaching.

• Foundations of Sport Coaching by Paul E. Robinson 2015
• Sport Pedagogy: an Introduction for Teaching and Coaching by Kathleen M. Armour 2011
• Sport Coaching Concepts: a Framework for Coaching Practices by John Lyle and Chris Cushion 2017

Group 2 is called Multidisciplinary Sport and Exercise Sciences (MSES), which encompasses Physiology, Biomechanics and Sport Psychology.

For Biomechanics

• Basic Biomechanics by Susan J. Hall 2019

For Physiology

• Physiology of Sport and Exercise by W. Larry Kenney, Jack H. Wilmore, and David L. Costil 2020
• Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy and Human Performance by William D. Mc Ardle; Frank I. Katch and Victor L. Katch 2015
• ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (Gary Liguori, The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

For Sport Psychology

• Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology by Robert S. Weinberg and Daniel Gould 2019
• Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise by Brett Smith, Andrew C. Sparkes 2017

This list will provide you with lucrative background knowledge on your studied modules, however understanding what you read is also crucial for your learning. That is why your tutors and lecturers will support your quest for understanding the knowledge that is shared with you, and the ARU Library services, such as Study Skills Plus, will guide you in the process of interpreting your findings into your own words, at University level.

Now I understand that you are not a robot, I do not expect you to read everything that there is. If you set yourself targets to read recommended pages to read before and after your lesson, it will further enhance your understanding of the topic that you are studying.

I wish you all the best on your University Journey!

Your Strength and Conditioning Ace
Lucas