Laterality in Sports Theories and Applications [Hardcover]

Laterality in Sports: Theories and Applications summarizes recent research on the neurophysiological foundations of handedness, and how left or right lateralization (affecting primary hand use, foot use, and eye use) affects motor control, performance outcome, skill acquisition, and achievement of sports expertise-both for one-on-one sports and team sports. As laterality research has matured, greater focus has been given to applications in human endeavours and, in particular, sport. The book examines performance within individual sports, and discusses the coaching ramifications of coaching to a specific lateralization preference.

• Describes the neurophysiological foundations of handedness
• Discusses the origins and development of laterality in humans
• Summarizes the impact of laterality on motor control and sports performance
• Encompasses research on both individual and team sports
• Includes research on skill acquisition, coaching, and development of expertise
• Covers research on laterality in preferred hand, foot, and eye use in sports

1. Laterality in Sports: More Than Two Sides of the Same Coin

Section A. Laterality - An Important and Often Disregarded Topic 2. Origins, Development, and Persistence of Laterality in Humans 3. In Fencing, Are Left-Handers Trouble for Right-Handers? What Fencing Masters Said in the Past and What Scientists Say Today 4. Measurement of Laterality and Its Relevance for Sports 5. Laterality and Its Role in Talent Identification and Athlete Development 6. Perspectives From Sports Medicine

Section B. Motor Control and Learning 7. What Can We Learn About Cognition From Studying Handedness? Insights From Cognitive Neuroscience 8. Laterality of Basic Motor Control Mechal³-