The Hidden Game of Football: A Revolutionary Approach to the Game and Its Statistics

The Hidden Game of Football, a 1988 cult classic, has been reprinted with a new foreword and preface. It revolutionized football by using advanced statistical analysis to inform play sheets, leading to more passing, kicking less, and going for more two-point or fourth-down conversions. The book developed a cult following among analysts who developed the core metrics of football analytics used today, such as win probability, expected points, QBR, and more. It remains an essential resource for armchair coaches, fantasy managers, and fans of all stripes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Football has undergone a remarkable transformation due to the advent of data analytics, a phenomenon that emerged in the late 1980s. This groundbreaking approach has revolutionized the sport, enabling coaches to make informed decisions that have led to increased passing, reduced kicking, and a greater emphasis on two-point or fourth-down conversions. In 1988, sportswriters Bob Carroll, Pete Palmer, and John Thorn introduced a novel style of play in their book, "The Hidden Game of Football." However, their unconventional approach met with skepticism and disdain from readers who believed that football was a team sport that couldn't be reduced to mere probabilities. Undeterred, the book gained a cult following among analysts who were inspired by its innovative methods. These analysts went on to develop the fundamental metrics of football analytics that are widely used today, including win probability, expected points, QBR (Quarterback Rating), and others.

"The Hidden Game of Football" has been reissued in print, featuring a new foreword by Thorn and Palmer and a new preface by Football Outsiders' Aaron Schatz. This updated edition remains an invaluable resource for armchair coaches, fantasy managers, and fans of all stripes. By leveraging advanced statistical analysis, football has become a more strategic and efficient game, with teams maximizing their chances of success on the field. The impact of data analytics on football has been profound, and it is likely to continue to shape the sport in the years to come.

In conclusion, the 1988 cult classic "The Hidden Game of Football" has played a pivotal role in the data analytics revolution in football. Through its unconventional approach and innovative metrics, the book has inspired analysts and coaches to rethink the way the game is played. With its reissue in print, "The Hidden Game of Football" continues to be an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of football and maximizing their chances of success on the field.

Weight: 682g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226825861
Edition number: First Edition, Enlarged