When Jamie, a twelve-year-old shortstop, loses the glove that "magically" helped him make fantastic catches, he wonders whether it was the sole secret of his success. Includes a history of baseball gloves.

In his determination to pitch for his neighborhood baseball team, twelve-year-old T.J. adopts the unorthodox style of the legendary Rip Sewell.

With help from a new student and inspiration from an old magazine article, the players on Michael's seventh-grade basketball team hope to overcome their shortness and win their game against the eighth graders. Includes facts about the UCLA Bruins and their use of the full-court press.

Worried that his inability to make free throws is making his junior high basketball team lose games, Marcus learns an unconventional underhand shooting method from a friendly custodian but is not sure he wants to use it. Includes a history chapter discussing great basketball players who have used the underhand toss.

Unhappy with his inability to score for his middle school basketball team, Chris takes lessons from his friend Greta's mother, who played in high school, and develops a good sense of teamwork. Includes a brief history of basketball.

Although he knows all the plays, freshman wide receiver Jesse is reluctant to try out for quarterback until his brother, a college player, is asked to switch from quarterback to safety and the two make a deal that will force them, and Savannah, the new kicker on Jesse's team, to conquer their own and others' expectations.

"Richie Mallon has always known he was a shooter. Now that he is facing basketball tryouts under a tough new coach, will his amazing shooting talent be enough to keep him on the team?"--