Stability, Sport, and Performance Movement: Great Technique without Injury [Paperback]

From start to finish everything is explained in an easy to understand technique... I would have no hesitation in recommending this for both the experienced and the student. --Positive Health Magazine, April, 2009

Water sports have been my passion. In the early years it was swimming. Then I got exposed to rowing, surfing, paddleboarding, surfskis and K-1 sprint kayaking.. I have always struggled with balance issues and poor biomechanics. No one could ever give me any answers as to why. When I read this book, it was as if it had been written especially for me. For the first time in my life I had a logical systematic program that I could adopt which helped me with balance and efficient body mechanics. My biggest athletic goal now is to reach my potential as a Masters competitive flatwater sprint kayaker. The exercises advocated in the book have helped me to develop proper biomechanics, prevent injuries and reach my potential. It will be a lifetime treasure.
--Jack Lincke, Retired Professor Orange Coast College, Physical Education and Athletics, Masters K-1 Flatwater Sprint Paddler - age 64

Absolutely brilliant. I have read so many books and papers over the years and not yet come across a book that links the missing pieces of structural dysfunction and exercise. It puts the practical experience and scientific theories into a simplified text book that really does explain the how's, when's and why's to poor body alignments/movements.
The book is very user friendly; any body involved in any form of exercise or rehab should be reading this. It is so simple to follow; it doesn't use complicated jargon, has great photos, several explanations, and ample of clinically reasoned common sense. £25 is far too cheap; this book is invaluable; extremely informative; 10 out of 10.
Spotting movement dysfunction and correcting it has always been difficult. I have worked as a personal trainer for 10 years and a physio for 4 of them, and I found this book a brilliant read. I wish I had this book years ago; it would have saved me a lot of time and money.

This new book explores the concept of functional stability for sports performance from base movements and introductory level control through to its contribution to production of force and form in athletic activities. The book provides a bridge between sports medicine, sports science, coaches and athletes for the pursuit of efficiency in movement for performance as well as injury prevention. It is a resource that is marked for its ability to be dipped into and explored at a reader's own pace suitable to their knowledge base, and be instantly helpful to all levels of experience.

The introduction of the book places the text at the forefront of contemporary physiotherapy and athlete development thinking, establishing the science behind the concepts and principles that are uncovered and investigated over the weighty 350 plus pages. The early chapters clearly describe and discuss how control of innate movement diversity is the greatest challenge to technical proficiency. The ensuing chapters will equip therapists and other professionals in sport to feel justifiably confident of their skills in movement analysis and development through structured and progressive exercise.
As you would anticipate from this author, the text is well presented, with excellent diagrams throughout, and a plethora of clear and simple photographs and demonstrations of tests and exercise progressions.
The challenge of a consistent assessment design for functional movement testing and mobility training is dealt with in a chapter that uses visual aids and numeric scoring to create a foundation profile of basic control. Observation is emphasised as a key component of the assessment, and critical errors are outlined and displayed, permitting a degree of conformity to the format and establishing a foundation for strategic pathways in sport.
In conclusion, this well-referenced book is rooted in science with complex themes, yet is readily accessible due to the straight forward terminology, layout and illustrations.

This will prove an indispensible resource for the pursuit of optimal athletic performance and the promotion of effective movement and efficiency whatever the level of activity and sport concerned.

In every sport, there are athletes who represent true technical excellence. Their movement seems effortless, controlled and efficient: they create and control forces in the most effective way. The building blocks of stability, mobility, symmetry, and balance provide the foundation for sports movement development and injury resistance. These elements combine to prevent the physical restrictions, imbalances and inefficient muscle recruitment patterns, which can block athletes from meeting their movement goals. The right muscles firing at the right time and in the right sequence can enable athletes to achieve their full physical potential. Full of colour photographs and images to illustrate the techniques and theories involved, Stability, Sport, and Performance Movement introduces functional stability principles as they apply to sporting movement. It is an approach that has been used with international-level athletes in disciplines as diverse as swimming, badminton, gymnastics, karate, cycling, weight lifting, basketball, athletics, snow sports, football, golf, equestrian sports, and tennis. However, it is applicable and relevant across all age groups and ability levels, from beginners through to veterans. Effective adult movement starts with great foundations, so a dedicated chapter on establishing stable controlled movement in children is included.

Joanne Elphinston is a Performance Consultant, international lecturer and physiotherapist working with elite and professional athletes including Olympic, Commonwealth and World Championship medallists, Premiership footballers and professional golfers. Joanne is a consultant on Performance Movement to the British Olympic Association, as well as advising professional sporting organisations on technical movement enhancement for performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation. She also has extensive experience in child and adolescent movement development for sport and its progression into senior competition. With Paul Pook, Joanne co-wrote the best-selling The Core Workout.