Human beings have always sought ways to gain a competitive edge over their opponents, but sports science is a relatively young discipline. So what is it all about, and how can it help athletes perform better?Sports science is the application of scientific principles to explain sporting phenomena and provide a basis for improving the performance of teams and individuals. In this comprehensive yet easy-to-use introduction, you will learn everything you need to know about it in one place, including the key research and current knowledge, providing you with a well-informed starting point in your study of this fascinating subject. The focus of the book is on the three disciplines of biomechanics, physiology and psychology:- Biomechanics: using mechanical principles to understand human movement and how the human body interacts with equipment and apparatus- Physiology: using biological sciences to investigate how the body responds to exercise and training- Psychology: using psychological principles to provide answers to questions about human behaviour in sports settingsThis new edition has been updated to include case studies to show what you can do with a sports science degree and advice on how to prepare for careers where sports science knowledge is used. It includes chapters on the key systems in the body - skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and nervous - as well as covering sports nutrition and planning research in sport.Whether you are a student, interested in sport and sport performance as a professional practice, or involved in sport at any level, Sports Science: A complete introduction is your go-to guide.