Rick Jemmett, author of the best-selling Spinal Stabilization - The New Science of Back Pain, presents a cutting edge, research-based approach to sport-specific training for recreational, competitive and elite athletes. Integrative Training- - the simultaneous training of strength, core stability and balance - adds an exciting new dimension to sport specific training. The progressive, challenging and fun exercises in The Athlete's Ball are designed to improve sport performance and reduce the risk of injury for all athletes, regardless of their sport! How does it work? On any playing field, an athlete's core, shoulder and hip muscles work in concert to stabilize the torso while generating the power to run, throw, swing, kick and block. Integrative Training exercises performed in the gym closely mimic the athlete's real-world sport performance demands. The 'dry-land' training program becomes far more competition specific resulting in a body that responds more quickly, generates greater power and is more efficient, and fatigue-resistant! The Athlete's Ball includes over 300 photos and illustrations detailing the correct performance of 122 exercises. Concise, easy-to-understand exercise descriptions along with photographs of athletes performing the exercises make for a smooth transition to Integrative Training. A variety of sample programs guides the athlete in customizing a program unique to their sport, their body and their current fitness level. Knee Injury & The Female Athlete ... Research has shown that female athletes experience significant knee injuries more easily and more frequently than male athletes. The Athlete's Ball meets this problem head-on with a unique chapter devoted to female athletes at risk for major ligament & joint injury, kneecap dislocations and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Evidence regarding the causes of these injuries forms the basis for a novel and effective core & lower body conditioning program intended to dramatically lower a woman's risk of knee pain and injury.