Raise Your Game
How to Speak Fluent Sport
£20.00 £7.50
In stock
Why is a bogey no longer a par?
Why is a try worth more than a conversion?
Why do snowboarders like bonking more than cyclists?
Why do sumo throw salt and stamp their feet?
Sport can be downright odd!
Think of a tennis court and its scoring system. Or the organised chaos of a rugby scrum. Or just about everything to do with cricket. Yet, these madcap pursuits drive men and women to extraordinary feats of physical and mental audacity, and keep us pinned to the edge of our seats.
Raise Your Game offers a lighthearted companion to fifty of the world's favourite sports, including a special section on the Summer Olympics. Ian Valentine explains each in a nutshell, so you can watch and talk sport like a seasoned pro.
In stock
Meet the author Ian Valentine
Ian Valentine is a brand consultant and magazine journalist (GQ, Country Life, The Daily Telegraph), who has previously written books on the Olympics, cricket, football and country sports. Originally from Scotland, Ian now lives with his wife and their two children in Wiltshire.
Reviews for Raise Your Game
Raise Your Game has the answers. Turn to the Winter Olympics chapter, and you’ll quickly be an authority on triple Salchows (skating), mule kicks (freestyle skiing) and telemark positions (ski jumping). Technicalities aside, this is a lovely title to have on the bookshelf for reference when needed or to flick through for sheer fun. Its engagingly written – the author deserves a medal for the amount for research he’s done – and peppered with Oliver Preston’s splendidly detailed cartoons.
BASC, Shooting & Conservation
The author takes the reader on a journey through the wacky world of sport, offering his witty observations on each one while explaining them in a nutshell. It’s a fun book to dip into and a great way to broaden your knowledge, whatever your level of interest. Keep it next to the TV or take it with you to the pool, pitch or court. The book is attractively presented and the cartoon-style illustrations by Oliver Preston really bring each subject to life.
Shropshire Star
A light-hearted look at the rules of all major and minor sports. Many expressions will be new to you which is no bad thing. Do you know the cricket terms hutch, rabbit, ferret, bunny, duck or cow corner? The cartoons are colourful and highly amusing, the whole blend making an excellent volume to please all sportsmen and women.
This England
A hugely entertaining and illuminating read for the curious spectator who wants to gain a better understanding of what is going on, to the die-hard addict who wants a good read. The book gets to the essence of why sport is such a joy to either play or watch. All topped off by the cartoonists unique, witty and priceless observations.
Gaitpost
