Serving as an introduction to Soviet physical education which endeavors to give a concise outline of the organizational structure and the theoretical foundatons of Soviet sport, this book attempts to discuss Soviet physical education in relation to Soviet education and culture generally and to examine critically the practical applications of the theoretical premises of Soviet physical culture. The material in the book is organized in a manner relating to the Russian past and to contemporary problems of Soviet society. Following the introduction, chapter two illustrates the connection of physical culture with other aspects of Soviet education. Chapter three relates the existing situation to the Russian and Soviet past. Chapters four to six deal with different aspects of the system, structure, and operation of Soviet organized athletics, while the last two chapters discuss the theoretical premises of athletic training in the Soviet Union. Conclusions are offered, and appendices provide basic programming material, program descriptions and course outlines, lists of publications and national leagues in soccer and ice hockey, and a selected bibliography. (DS)