Books

This textbook is aimed at students and professionals in the field of sports science, coaches, athletes, sports federations, government organisations and companies in the sports sector who are interested in an evidence-based and accessible insight into the multifaceted links between sustainability and sport. Among other things, the following topics are covered: strategies for holistic sustainability in sport, outdoor sport and sustainability, sustainability at sporting events and mega-events, as well as at sports venues and in sports tourism.

Everyone is talking about transformation – yet no one really knows how to go about it. The facts are clear: only through far-reaching change can we achieve a low-carbon, fairer and more stable future. This book highlights the variety of theoretical and practical approaches to strengthening transformative capabilities and describes methodologies, learning processes and debates using concrete examples. Being able to experience self-efficacy together is central to this and turns the abstract idea of transformation into the active shaping of the future.

Mindfulness is not a new concept; it has its roots in the Buddhist tradition. In her book, the author explains what mindful behaviour might look like and what effects it can have. She also highlights both the opportunities and the risks associated with practising mindfulness. Furthermore, she discusses areas of application where mindful practice can be beneficial. 
The utb series “Just Ask!” explores a wide range of fascinating topics in a question-and-answer format.

Defeats, setbacks and crises are all part and parcel of competitive sport. For a long time, however, the motto was: ‘What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger’, and in times of crisis, training became even more intense. In this non-fiction book, you will learn why this way of thinking is outdated from a scientific perspective and can be detrimental to a sporting career. Self-kindness, mindfulness and the feeling that you’re not alone in defeat are the three pillars of self-compassion and key concepts for coping with crisis situations in sport. Become your own compassionate coach!

Starting university marks the beginning of a new phase of independence. It is a leap into the unknown. This study guide offers suggestions on how to view your studies as an opportunity for personal development. Twenty-six keywords, arranged in alphabetical order, encourage you to pause and reflect. Some may inspire and move you. Whilst not claiming to be exhaustive, the topics are supplemented by quotations, reflections and recommended reading. Ultimately, you may be left with the impression that university life is a great opportunity for personal development.

We are living in turbulent times of upheaval. This makes it all the more important to highlight ways in which we can prepare even the youngest children for a rapidly changing world. This practical guide offers insights into how this can be achieved in nursery schools in a caring and warm-hearted way. It contains 24 exemplary, ready-to-use sessions on how to introduce pre-school children to emotional resilience, self-compassion and the recognition of feelings through play. We have also carried out a scientific evaluation of the programme!

The authors demonstrate, on a scientific basis, how communication can be successful: it is only when we recognise ourselves that communication with others can be improved – because we then realise how many perspectives and facets there can be, and that our own is just one of them. You can interact (communicate) better with others if you understand what makes them ‘tick’. You also gain a better understanding of which aspects might not fit together so well, and can thus accept where the limits of mutual understanding lie. The book encourages you to change your perspective!

The authors seek to answer the question of whether sport makes people happy. They begin by examining the concepts of ‘happiness’ and ‘sport’, looking at how feelings of happiness manifest themselves in the body and the tests and measurement methods used to scientifically assess happiness. The main part of the book uses systematic analyses to provide illustrative insights into various sports, such as weight training, running, swimming and yoga. Finally, it examines some of the negative aspects of sport, such as pressure to perform and fear of failure.

We need and want holistic learning; on that, everyone agrees. But how does it work? Our society is labouring under the comfortable but fatal illusion that cognitive learning is the same as education. The authors highlight what people need in terms of education to lead a meaningful life that looks beyond their own well-being to the well-being of others as well. The key concept for a holistic education is love. Love that places learners and teachers in a space of benevolent mutual support and cooperation.

In sport, too, the concept of mindfulness is becoming increasingly important for enhancing performance. Particularly in competitive situations, it is essential to clear one’s mind, and mindfulness can help with this. This specialist book sets out, on the one hand, the theoretical foundations of mindfulness, sport and performance. It also highlights the diversity of the concept of sport and draws attention to existing mindfulness-based sports programmes. The practical section offers practical (mindfulness) exercises that can be used in a variety of ways within a sporting context.

Alexander has just started secondary school and the signs of puberty are beginning to show. His parents, Julia and Peter, are alarmed. Not only is Alexander changing physically, but his interest in school has also waned significantly compared to primary school. The authors describe this phase in very concrete terms and with a touch of humour, whilst also providing expert background information. They show that a bit of chaos is inevitable during puberty and that this is no cause for despair.

The authors tell – with a touch of humour – the story of Julia, her husband Peter and the whirlwind that is Alexander, who is starting primary school. How are the three of them coping with this new chapter in Alexander’s life? What problems and stresses do they face? The aim is to give you – as parents, uncles, aunts, grandmothers, grandfathers (and perhaps also people who work professionally with children of this age) – an insight into how primary-school-aged children actually develop.

Media reports often tout physical activity as a panacea. But does physical activity really make us smarter too? The authors provide a nuanced overview of the latest scientific findings on the impact of physical activity on cognitive abilities. They demonstrate the effects of exercise, examining various areas: exercise and ageing, exercise and embodiment, exercise and emotion, exercise and school, as well as other factors that (may) influence cognition.