5 Reasons Why Skiing Is Good For You.
Posted on: September 15th, 2008At last, solid proof for what we’ve long suspected: skiing is good for you. And that’s not just because they’re both great fun and put a smile on your face but because this also improves our health, happiness, red blood cell count and makes us live longer. The evidence has always been there for us to see: the bearded septuagenarian bounding past you for the fifteenth time as you struggle down your first run of the day. Here’s his secret…
Sunlight.
Are you SAD? 1 in 50 people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder which is a type of depression which commonly occurs during the winter months when the days are shorter. You travel to and from work in the dark, are cooped up in the office all day, and levels of serotonin, the brain’s natural mood lifter, drop. SADs can vary from mild winter blues to a more severe form where people can’t function in the winter without treatment. So get treatment and get up on the mountain. You may get depressed about the cost of a beer on the slopes, but that’s not quite the same thing.
Adrenalin.
We’re all just animals, obviously some creationists may disagree, but we need to exercise our fight or flight responses. What safer, or better, way of doing this than searching out the steepest black run you can find, or something just a little bit beyond your normal comfort zone. The adrenalin surge will activate the beta receptors in your nervous system causing your heart to beat faster and increasing air to the lungs. This stimulates the brain, and the endorphin rush of relief when it’s over, will make you feel like a super human after every run. You can then undo the good work done by celebrating with some après ski in the bar afterwards.
Altitude.
Can the news get any better? Just being at altitude can make you thin, fit and desirable - at least the first two are true. A couple of years ago the Austrian Moderate Altitude Study was carried out. Men who were overweight and suffered from high blood pressure and high cholesterol were prescribed walks at an altitude of between 1400m and 2000M. The result? Exercise at altitude improves heart function and circulation, lowers blood pressure and burns calories. There was also an increased number of young red blood cells. So, as far as the theory goes, skiing rocks and just getting off at the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3842m) could add years to your life.
Fresh Air.
Spending time in the great outdoors helps to prevent disease and boost recovery. You can avoid the pretty nasty particles which float around in the urban air. According to some Harvard boffins in their Six Cities 1993 study those people living in the most polluted cities have a 26% greater risk of dying young than those in the cleanest. So give yourself a break from the congested traffic and polluted air and breath in that fresh, crisp, revitalising mountain air.
Learning.
Learning is good for us. Your parents told you so and they were right, but they and you need to heed that advice. Learning new skills later in life can slow down the onset of dementia. Attempting challenges such as learning a foreign language - which you can practice at the bar - or new skills, such as skiing, will reduce the risk of getting age related symptoms and diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
So what are you waiting for? Skiing is not only great fun but also scientifically proven to be good for you. Now that surely is an unbeatable combination.
Nine Ball Billiards
Posted on: September 15th, 2008Generations of barroom athletes have enjoyed billiards as contests of skill. Whether you play for fun in the local pub, or play for keeps on the professional circuit, there are many variations to keep you and your friends entertained. Nine Ball billiards is one favorite take on the age-old game.
Nine Ball billiards is a contest of skill and a test of concentration. This is because in Nine Ball, each player must be mindful of every ball that’s on the table. Rather than simply focusing on a group of specific balls, Nine Ball requires that all players begin each shot with the cue ball striking the lowest numbered ball on the table. As long as that happens, the player is free to pocket any ball to keep his or her turn in play. In theory, the first shot should contact the one ball and all shots should initially contact the lowest number until that nine ball is finally pocketed.
A major variation of the basic billiards game play is that only balls played are those numbered one through nine, and the balls are racked in a diamond shape as opposed to the traditional triangle. Most of the balls can be set randomly within the diamond, however the one ball must be at the tip and the nine ball must be at the center. When the balls have been properly set, play begins as usually with the cue ball set behind the head string.
Upon breaking, the shooter must either pocket one ball or send four balls to the rails, to continue in his or her turn. If the breaking shooter should pocket the cue ball or knock a ball off of the table, the shot is lost. The opponent re-spots the ball and begins his or her turn. Any balls that are pocketed by a foul shot must be re-spotted before the opposing shooter can take a legal shot.
A shot is considered foul if the break shot is unsuccessful, and if succeeding shots don’t result in pocketing a ball or contacting the lowest numbered ball first. If a player fouls, he or she has three opportunities to correct the mistake. The player is notified after the second foul and if the third shot also results in a foul, the game is called and the fouling player is declared the loser. If a player is not eliminated as a result of a foul, the Nine Ball billiards game continues until the nine ball is legally pocketed.
Billiards is a fun game that can easily be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Many people make billiards a part of their regular nights out, and variations on the game, like Nine Ball, ensure that no two nights will be the same.
Your Important Role As A Sports Coach
Posted on: September 15th, 2008Even though most state that sports coaching is simply to teach others how to play a game, it is much more than this. The effects that coaching can have on a young child or youth, can help them to gain some important tools that they can keep for the rest of their lifetime. The tools that you will be teaching to your players will help them to grow and flourish, no matter what turn they make in their lifetime.
The first major lesson that individuals can learn from playing on a team that you are coaching comes from the relationships that they build with each other. When one is able to work with a team, no matter what the project, and learn how to compromise and fit into the bigger picture, it makes it easier for them later on. The youth and children that are involved will grow up with ideas about what it means to help others as well as take on their own leadership roles. They will also be able to see these same relationship values coming from the leadership role that you present.
For the individual child, participating in sports can have the same major effect on them. This first begins with the child having the ability to understand the importance of health and exercise in order to stay at their best. Recent studies have shown that adults that played sports when they were younger are much more active and exercise as adults up to three times more than other average adults.
Beyond this, children and youth will gain insights into which they are as individual players. Not only does their physical health improve, but their mental health will as well. Once a child or youth understands the game and begins to get positive feedback from the moves that they make, they are likely to also get a good boost of self-esteem. This doesn’t just happen with self-esteem, but also with perceptions of themselves, such as body image. The attitudes that the children learn with positive outlooks on their mental and physical health, will eventually carry over into how they see themselves in the future and as adults. The foundation begins when they are young and playing on any type of field.
What does all of this mean to you as a coach? The basic rule is that you should have the ability to coach right. You are not just playing a game. You are also building a foundation for them. This foundation includes personal changes that are important to the child as well as a building of who they are mentally, physically and relation to others. If you want to play a good game as a coach, it means making sure that everyone starts off on the right foot.
Getting A Good Deal On An Ogio Travel Golf Bag
Posted on: September 14th, 2008You can find some top companies that take a real pride in providing quality golf equipment to golfers regardless of skill level and budget. You will find Ogio is one such company if you are in the market for a quality golf bag. The only problem you might have with Ogio is deciding on which golf travel bag of theirs would best suit your needs.
If you like to shop online, you can find Ogio golf equipment, offering free golf clubs with some of your purchases at a number of e-stores. Golf Joy has great Ogio selections, as well as Yahoo!Shopping and MSN Shopping, so you can look for things like used women golf clubs and golf hybrid irons while you check your email. You can even get alerts sent to you email inbox when certain golf items go on sale, so you’ll know the best times to buy. Of course, searching through online bidding sites like Ebay or Nextag will also help you to find the Ogio travel golf bag that you need. You can even search through PayPal stores (a division of Ebay) and make golf gear purchases using the money in your PayPal account.
If you are planning a golf trip you need a quality travel golf bag. Once you log on to these sites to find an Ogio travel golf bag, you can get descriptions on each of the bags, find out what size they are, and even pick out the colors that you like best. Bags like the Atlas cart bag are great for long days on the green, since there are lots of compartments to fit all the things that you’ll need for the hours on the course and the Flight Shiling System Carry Bag comes with its own stand and has a trendy striped design that is sure to turn heads. There are also bags for ladies from Ogio; the Diva Stand Bag comes in pink and white, and comes with a convenient stand, and the Shadow Cart bag for women comes in great, rich colors as well, with beverage holders and large pockets for easy storage.
Of course, you can always visit the Ogio website to find interactive product descriptions for each product the company offers, as well as testimonials from fellow golfers and professionals who rely on Ogio products to help perfect their golf game. You can also visit your favorite local sports supply stores, such as Champs or Hibbett Sports, for great deals on golf trade in products and Ogio travel golf bag varieties.. If you are seniors golf player always ask for a discount.
Boys And Girls Ice Hockey: A Growing And Changing Sport
Posted on: September 14th, 2008Younger boys and girls ice hockey teams are becoming more popular each year. There was a time when this was not the case, especially with the girls hockey teams. Young ladies did not, as a rule, tend to enjoy the aggressive play that is associated with this game, but the times have changed. There are more females enjoying this fast-paced game today than ever before.
And why shouldn’t they? With the proper coaching and training this sport can be as safe as any other sport. The benefits that it offers for both physical and mental activities are well known. Without a doubt, this is a sport that requires quick movements, concentration, focusing skills, team spirit, and the need to make fast decisions. All of that is good, and all of it can help build character in a child regardless of gender.
Often, however, it isn’t the child who stands in the way of a young lady joining a girls hockey team but the other adults in hockey. This only makes sense given the amount of violence that we so often see the professional players conducting upon one another. But again, with the proper coaching and training, violence does not become an issue. In fact, a good coach will not stand for violent behavior from any of his or her players. This helps to build good character and helps the child to learn to vent frustration in a more civilized way.
On the upside, young boys and girls hockey teams are a great place to socialize and meet new friends. Any sport that requires self-discipline will also help the child to grow in a mature and thoughtful way. The physical requirements for this sport are such that no part of their little bodies will lack exercise. And as stated above, the mental skills can be very rewarding to them as they grow and become better at the game.
One issue that many parents are faced with in the beginning is where to get reliable and useful information concerning the sport. Some of the issues that parents have to become informed on are such things as how to pick a good team for their child and what equipment is needed for the sport in relation to the position the child wants to play (for example, a goalie needs special equipment as compared to a player). Other issues might be proper nutrition before, during, and after a game and injuries—what are the most common injuries and how to best avoid those injuries. These are just a few of things parents want to know about before they sign the consent form.
The problem, of course, is where to find all of this information. Thankfully, there is a free website that has been developed to answer these questions for parents. It also contains information for coaches, managers, and officials. The information is all very easy to understand and the site is easy to navigate.
Conflicts With Your Gymnastics Coach
Posted on: September 14th, 2008It is almost a guarantee that at some point during the gymnastics career someone will think that their coach is being difficult, unfair or down right mean. The problem becomes deciding is this on purpose to upset you, it is meant to help you improve, or is it because the coach is playing favorites with specific gymnasts?
Most times coaches are not really trying to upset anyone. However, their job is to instruct and train everyone. This means that often a single session will have several different levels of students training at the same time. This can result in several activities occurring at the same time, and can leave some gymnasts feeling left out. How you view the situation is entirely up to you, but overall the coach is trying to give each gymnast exactly what they need, based upon their skill level as well as physical strength.
Remember, many activities in gymnastics require extremely strong muscles. If your coach is working on exercises that require extreme arm strength and your arms are not as strong as they should be, you may find yourself disappointed as you are working on exercises and drills to help build your arm strength. While you may think such a situation is unfair because you would rather be learning something new, it is actually a very appropriate decision because the coach is putting your desire behind the importance of your overall safety and health.
A coach who allows someone to work on exercises they are ill equipped for just to keep a reputation of being fair or nice is generally not a very good coach. Instead, it is best to work with a coach who is willing to give honest and open feedback of performance and require more drills and exercises when necessary. Your health and safety should be the primary concern of the coach with all other desires coming in after safety is assured.
Many girls and boys alike have at some point felt they were being treated unfairly, however it is rarely ever actually a case of unfair treatment. Instead, it usually is a result of additional work being needed and the coach recognizing the deficiency. Instead of taking the actions of the coach personal, it makes the perfect time to speak to the coach after lessons to ask what you should do to improve. Taking the proactive approach of trying to ask for tips on how to improve, rather than crying about unfair treatment will show your coach that you are serious about improving and are willing to make the effort.
Realize your coach is not there to be your best friend; they are there to make sure you are safe and learn the proper techniques to be the best gymnast that you are physically capable of being. Whether that means you spend an additional week doing drills, or spend additional time working on basic exercises you are still working on being the very best you are personally capable of being.
If however, you do notice that your coach really is treating you very differently, talk to them privately about your concerns. You may discover that your coach has noticed problems that you have and they are simply trying to help you improve and overcome the struggles. If this is the case, take note of what they are saying and work to improve. If they are truly being unfair, then often drawing their attention to the problem will correct the behavior from most coaches who are actually making a professional effort.
Baseball - Coaching The Youth Of Tomorrow
Posted on: September 14th, 2008Coaching baseball to our youth is a delicate practice that needs to be taken with the kids self confidence at the heart of the teaching. These days, parents and coaches alike want to win so bad, they put undue stress on the kids that can have a negative effect.
We over criticize when we are talking to them instead of building up their self confidence. I once heard a parent yelling at his kid from the stands, “If you don’t get a hit, you will not be eating dinner tonight!” Needless to say, I went up and spoke with the parent about this approach. Some people may think this is harmless, and it may have been said in a joking fashion. But think of the kid on the field who is playing in front of all the parents and friends who hears this as he is strolling up to the plate. Talk about stress and the feeling of rejection and humiliation if this kid doesn’t come through.
Remember, we are building more than just ballplayers here. We are building people who are going to go out in the world someday. We are building character, pride, self confidence. We do this through encouragement and a nourishing attitude. Not through pointing out failures and humiliation.
But how do we get them to play better if they can’t stand a little criticism? By encouraging them. When your kid takes a swing and misses, the first words out of your mouth should be, “Nice swing! You just missed it, keep trying and you’ll get a hit!” That encourages your kid to keep trying. Not only that, your kid will be excited about trying more. This promotes self confidence.
If your kid strikes out 4 times in the game. Put an arm around him after the game and tell him he really swung the bat well and that he will get them next time. And tell him how proud you are of him for trying.
Remember these simple tips:
1- Encourage them through positive reinforcement.
2- Nurture them when times are tough.
3- Be there for them when they need your help.
4- And love them unconditionally.
Remember,help your kids out by encouragement. I can’t say this enough. They will believe what they hear and if you are encouraging them all the time, they will feel good about themselves. Not only in baseball but in other things.
And also remember, be patient. They are still learning,so you need to give them time to succeed. Just keep loving them and nurturing them and the rest will fall in place.
We all have a responsibility to help our youth. They are the future stars of tomorrow, both on and off the field. However, how you coach your kid and other parent’s kids, helps mold that child forever. Remember that. You are molding them forever. The lessons you teach them now will stick with them. They are like sponges and take in everything. So feed them love and nourishment and confidence and watch them grow. As they say, you have to water
your flowers to watch them bloom beautifully. Same goes for your child.
Don’t hesitate to put an arm around them when they have had a bad game or struck out 3 times. Encourage them and love them. And remember, they are learning lessons in life by playing the game of baseball, so teach them well!
Mental Training In Basketball: The Driving Force In Every Game
Posted on: September 14th, 2008Most people would tend to perceive basketball as a purely physical game. You can see that evidence everywhere: endless physical trainings to bout any bodily weaknesses; energy drinks and foods that focus on combating fatigue; clothes and shoes that give comfort during the game; etcetera.
Perhaps, to add further proof, we can add in the basketball athletes’ way of delivering the game itself. They thrust and drive and pivot and shoot-it’s all a perspiration-inducing game.
But beyond all the physicality of the game, it would be wise to believe that mental preparation is also a necessity in this type of sport. Mental training isn’t just for chess or any sedentary mind game. In fact, it is equally as important as physical trainings.
Now, you might be asking, how you will be able to incorporate mental training or any psychological preparation into each of your game. It’s definitely not easy. The basic attitudes are persistence, perseverance and the will to finish any commitment. Just like physical training, the required mental trainings ask for competitiveness and the three attitudes just mentioned are essential.
0nce you are committed to do whatever it takes to gain the edge on your game, here are the most common techniques that mind experts (that’s psychologists to you) advise you to do:
1.Relaxation of the mind-this includes exercises that are similar to yoga exercises where you relax your mind inspite of the distractions. The mind relaxation technique is voluntary and you should be able to calm your mind even if the dog outside is barking or when your roommate has just blasted on the TV. Concentration is the keyword in achieving this technique. This means you should be able to control what you feel even if you have just gone through a stressful day at the office.
2.The Will to change Unpleasant Attitudes-this is a must. To be able to incorporate new ways into your game, you should be willing to give up your old ways. If there are many attitudes that get in the way of gaining a better game, then you must get rid of them for the sake of improvement. Anger management is on this list. If you are the type that explodes at the smallest provocation, then it is high time to control this negative attitude and gear it towards having a controlled temper. If you are also the type that puts off routines and other necessary trainings until you tend to cram when the game draws near, then it’s time to discipline yourself.
3.Control of Energy-you will be better able to direct your strength towards the achievement of a better basketball game.
4.Have a Can Do Attitude-visualize yourself scoring more than you have ever done. If you believe in yourself and the power that your mind is able to do, then you will start seeing results. Equipped with this newfound attitude towards the game (and life in general) and constant practice, then there is nowhere to go but up.
5.There was an interesting study on stress management called the Stress Inoculation training. In this training, the basketball athletes were exposed to minimal, initial doses of stress until they gradually underwent heightened introduction of stresses. This study wanted to prove that immunity from stress might be achieved. Perhaps a good source of ’stress’ would be the rigors of basketball training itself. It’s physically draining but in a good way.
6.Attain a confident attitude-self-esteem is an integral part on any basketball player’s game. Once he has the confidence, all other techniques come easy.
7.Love of the Game-work becomes work only if it stops being something you enjoy. When an athlete starts to see the boring side of the game or when he fails to ‘feel’ the game, then that’s where failure creeps in. Shun basketball when you don’t enjoy it-plain and simple.
There are so many techniques of basketball game improvement. But if you have read carefully, you will notice that it all boils down to one-you. When you know what you want and work hard to achieve it physically, nutritionally and mentally, then you are on your way to achieving success.
Nascar Points Scoring System
Posted on: September 14th, 2008Like most governed races, the NASCAR has its own elaborate set of scoring. Not just the conventional “cross the finish line to win” but a series of scoring system that is based on two categories: Final Position and Laps Led. This makes those struggling races to catch up during late runs, sparking a late game interest to spectators.
NASCAR points are awarded according to winning position. The First Place is awarded 180 points, with each succeeding winning position awarded the points minus ten points. That would make, for instance 180 for the first place, 170 for the second and the third gets 160. Laps are also point awarded, and they have a discerning factor in the NASCAR points. The minimum is 185 points for the leading racer. The next racer gets 170 points. After which a “scale” starts, with 5 points separating from the second leading racer until the 6th racer. That is saying if the second racer gets 170, the third has 165 and the fourth 160, so on and so forth. At the sixth racer, another set of scale starts, now the difference will be four; so, the seven gets a difference of fours until the eleventh. After which, the next scale begins now the difference will be three. That makes trailing drivers not severely lost and those that recovering from wrecks and mishaps a chance still to compete competitively.
Drivers that had led laps are awarded extra 5 points on top of their scores from position. The driver that leads with the most laps also earns additional 5 points with a maximum of 10 points. The lap leadership is only determined at the finish line of each lap, with those that have crossed first considered as the lap leader even if he trails some time during the lap.
NASCAR points are normally entered on the competitor’s name, therefore the natural driver of the car (not the replacement driver). If replacement drivers are committed, for instance like when Ricky Rudd replaced Tony Stewart who was at that time injured, the replacement driver gets no point, but the race retains legality.
Over the years, the NASCAR point system was a series of improvisation. It did build up from prize money (early NASCAR points are based on prize money or “purses”) in the past but since major winners can dominate succeeding matches it was later revamped. Like on one occasion when Richard Betty (regarded by most as the most prolific NASCAR driver) easily dominated the game by winning several previous races. Even when he finished 30th by the end of the season, he still outscored the race events winner by several points due to accumulated purse.
Basic Golf Tips That Better Your Game
Posted on: September 13th, 2008Are you new to the golf game? Do you want to know how to improve your game? Check out these basic golf tips to help you feel more confident on the green, and give you the skills necessary to excel in the game of golf.
When you first start searching the web for basic golf tips you will come across sites offering golf gear at discount prices. Some will offer top brands but that have been used. My first golf tip is to seriously consider these when you are just starting out. A set of official Nike used golf clubs will cost approximately half that of a new set. When you are just starting out this makes a lot of sense. Not everyone takes to golf and if you don’t at least you won’t be stuck with an expensive set of clubs in your garage.
One of the best tips I can give any beginner is to definitely subscribe to Golf Magazine. It is packed full of hints and tips from seasoned amateurs and pro’s and will definitely improve your game for years to come. It was one of the best investments I ever made and you will learn far more from just one months copy than you will from the many ebooks being sold out there that claim to “add 50 yards to your drive.”
Basic golf tips number 3 is to be flexible. If you let yourself be a little more limber when you’re playing golf, you can get the most out of your time on the green, and can increase your golf skills quicker because you will be more relaxed
Basic golf tips number 4 is get your positioning correct. The most ideal position for most golfers, no matter what the skill level is to have the left arm bent and the left foot up. Trying to keep the legs or arms too straight can cause injury and shorten the time you’re able to play golf, and could interfere with the direction your golf ball will go in.
Basic golf tips number 5 is to take some time to learn golf rules. Understanding the rules means you will enjoy the game more
Your final golf tip is to sign up with a pro for a couple of lessons. It really will be money well spent and you don’t need more than 2 or 3 to get your grip and swing set up. Then, once you have played for a while you can go back to him for lessons on improving your game. Things like chipping and bunker shots taught from a pro will cut a few shots off your round. That’s later though, as a beginner you should see a pro because if you start corectly your game can only improve but start with the wrong grip/swing etc. and it will be a nightmare to correct 6 months down the line.
Carry on searching the web for more online golf tips because there are tons out there.







