The Hidden Mathematics of Sport

This fascinating book explores the mathematics involved in all your favourite sports. 

The Hidden Mathematics of Sport takes a unique and fascinating look at sport by exploring the mathematics behind the action. You'll discover the best tactics for taking a penalty, the pros and cons of being a consistent golfer, the surprising connection between American football and cricket, the quirky history of league tables, the unusual location of England's earliest 'football' matches and how to avoid marathon tennis matches. Whatever your sporting interests, from boxing to figure skating, from rugby to horse racing, you will find plenty to absorb and amuse you in this insightful book.

Word count: 35,000 words

About the author

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 lived in Brighton, teaches at Sussex University and always read the sports pages before the rest of the newspaper.