Home Advantage in Sport: Causes and the Effect on Performance

The concept of home advantage (HA) in sports, which gives players and teams a boost in performance when playing at home, is explored in this book. Its root causes and interactions are still unclear, and research is ongoing to improve team and individual performance. The book covers a broad review of HA, divided into three sections: theory, effects, and specific sports. It is written in cooperation with top experts and is intended for MSc and PhD students, athletes, coaches, performance analysts, sport psychologists, sociologists, sport scientists, and sport journalists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking work delves into the captivating concept of home advantage (HA), a widely recognized and beneficial phenomenon that permeates the world of sports across all disciplines. Despite its longstanding presence since the dawn of organized sport in the late 19th century, the intricate roots and mechanisms underlying HA remain a subject of intense research, involving a multitude of disciplines, all driven by the shared goal of enhancing team and individual performance.

In this comprehensive exploration, HA is meticulously examined from various perspectives, encompassing three distinct sections. Section 1 delves into the theoretical foundations of HA, unraveling the concept, its quantification, and the factors believed to contribute to its occurrence. It sheds light on the historical origins of HA and explores the ongoing quest to understand its intricacies, fostering a deeper understanding of this captivating phenomenon.

Section 2 takes a closer look at the effects of HA in the realm of sports, encompassing both male and female athletes, as well as the interplay between tactics, strategies, fans, referees, travel, situational variables, and the home disadvantage. It examines how HA impacts performance, decision-making, and the overall dynamics of sporting competitions, shedding light on the strategies employed by athletes and teams to overcome or exploit the HA effect.

Section 3 expands the scope of HA by examining its application across a diverse range of sports worldwide. It explores the unique characteristics and challenges associated with outdoor sports like football, rugby, cricket, and Australian Football, as well as indoor sports such as basketball, futsal, handball, water polo, and volleyball. The book also delves into US professional sports, individual sports, racket sports, combat sports, minor sports, disabled sports, and the Olympic Games, highlighting the diverse contexts in which HA manifests and influences the outcomes of athletic contests.

Collaborating with esteemed experts from across the globe, this book has been meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive and authoritative account of HA. It serves as a valuable resource for MSc and PhD students, athletes, coaches, performance analysts, sport psychologists, sociologists, sport scientists, and sport journalists alike. By delving into the intricacies of HA, this work offers a deeper understanding of the factors that shape sports performances, empowering individuals and organizations to optimize their strategies and maximize their competitive advantages.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking work pioneers the exploration of home advantage in sports, shedding light on its historical roots, theoretical foundations, and practical implications. It serves as a testament to the enduring passion and dedication of researchers and practitioners in the field, as they strive to unravel the mysteries of HA and contribute to the advancement of sports performance. As readers delve into the pages of this book, they will gain a profound appreciation for the impact of HA on the world of sports and be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate its complexities and maximize their competitive edge.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 540 x 234 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367533267