What You Need for Roller Derby

Roller Derby is one of the sports that use a lot of physical and mental strength. Not only it is fun to watch, but also is it exciting and thrilling if you participate in it. Well, various people take up this sport for various reasons. Some of them are fascinated by the speed and excitement, while many others think that it's a great way to gain shape and toughness.

Whatever your reasons are, if you are also planning to start playing roller derby, it is really important to understand what it takes to become a roller derby player. Here are things you would need to begin this sport.

The first and foremost quality you need to start roller derby is enthusiasm. Indeed, it is more important than learning to skate itself. You can start practicing to learn skating but getting rid of your inhibitions is something you don't learn in a day. A successful player of this sport always has a sense of adventure and is not afraid of falling down while playing.

Second thing you need is fitness. Of course, you need not worry too much about getting a perfect shape before you begin but it's certainly helpful to be agile and fit. If you have a habit of exercising regularly, it will help you while jamming as well. If you are not fit enough, you can still take up the sport but it will be more challenging for you than the people with great fitness levels.

After you have made your mind, you need a good set of gear to play this sport. These accessories are required for ensuring that you stay safe when you fall. In this contact sport, falls and impacts are inevitable and that is why you need good protection accessories. You can choose helmets, body armor, gloves, and shoes etc that are especially designed for this game. You can visit websites of various retailers of roller derby gear to take a look at the accessories that are available.

Appropriate clothing is also important for this sport. Although you need not be too picky, you still need to ensure that you are not wearing any tight or uncomfortable cloths. For instance, a pair of jeans or woolens is not suitable for this game as it needs an unrestricted movement of your hands, legs, shoulders, hips, and waist. Comfortable and sweat absorbing cloths are best suited for roller derby because you are likely to sweat a lot during this sport.

The Author Brent Davidson is an expert in article writing and has done a lot of research online and offline. Come visit his latest websites on roller derby pads and roller derby gear.

View the original article here

Taking Your Game to a Higher Level

Indeed, I feel I've had some very fortunate experiences in my life, you see, I've been the best in the world at a few things. It takes a lot to get to that level, sometimes you feel as if you're beating your head against the wall, but you press on, because you know that's what it takes to get there. You often find that your very best isn't good enough, that you can't win or compete at the higher levels even with all your great attributes, you just aren't good not enough. You must will yourself to go beyond and to take your game to a higher level.

Indeed, now I know this for a fact after going through it several times in various human endeavors. It's not an easy road, most people would give up. In fact, at times I wondered why I didn't. I certainly should have, because I didn't have what it took to win, I had the will, but I didn't have the skill. I didn't have the talent, knowledge, or even understanding to get there. What I had was a sense that I must. It became the driver. Along the way that adversity builds character. And at some point you've come so far that you can't give up, you can't go back, and you cannot allow yourself to quit in defeat.

When you get to that point you'll know it, and it's much easier to keep going than to turn back. Still, to be the best, you have to take your game to a higher level. And you can do that just by learning more, try harder, training longer, the only way you can get to that next level is you have to possess the will to get there. Without that nothing else you do will be good enough. There are winners and losers in life, and having played on both sides of that game, I choose to win. I hope you will make that same choice, but there's nothing I can do about it, there is nothing I can say to get you there, this is about you, your mirror, and that future destiny before you.

Now you can quit, and many men have, history is littered with forgotten names, people that were not able to take their game to the next level, they didn't have it in them, they didn't have the will to never give up, never surrender, and to take no prisoners in the pursuit of victory!

Indeed, I'd like you to please consider all this and think on it and go for it. If you do that you will have my respect, if not I will not be around to hear your excuses, because quite frankly I have enough excuse credits saved up of my own - for 5-lifetimes now - but I refuse to honor them, and I will not turn them in, I don't do excuses, and I hope you will take your game to the highest level and win! I'll see you on that podium of victory.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative eBooks on Biking Across America. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

View the original article here

Golf 101 - Get the Basics Right With a Laser Golf Range Finder

101 means 'Basic introduction' and when one says Golf 101 it means the basics of the game of golf. When you start learning how to play you should know the basics first before you become a master of one of the most challenging games in the world.

Golf 101, including A-Z knowledge of golf deals with art of playing, the essential equipments needed, etiquette and the best and advanced technology that comes to your help-you should know it all. Talking of advanced technology (integral to Golf 101) one of the premium devices that comes to mind is an advanced laser golf range finder.

Golf Range Finder- An Essential Part of Golf Kit

Along with the basic golf kit one should also keep a golf range finder with him or her. Golf 101 suggests that you should keep your nervousness at bay. You have a solution in your hand because newer and advanced golf range finders are at your disposal. They help you to make correct and accurate estimates of the distance from the hole as well as the location of hazard. It helps in better practice too.

Avoid Mistakes with Golf 101

Golf is an addictive game and Golf 101 also teaches you how to avoid pitfalls. One of the most common mistakes that amateur golfers make is to rush to a shop and buy a brand new, shining golf club set. You need to buy the right equipment but it does not mean that you have to buy the most expensive because as a beginner mastering the game is more crucial than splurging dollars on an expensive golf set.

But definitely invest in a good model of golf range finder because you can be more accurate in yardage calculation and make no mistakes, whatsoever.

The Essential Benefits of Golf 101

Golf is a mental game which also involves athleticism. As you begin to learn the basic rules and regulations of the game you should also work out on certain aspects related to Golf 101 to better the game in the future. It has numerous benefits:

* Always be in complete command of the course you are playing in.

* Failures will come but they are always the stepping stones of success. So, do not get affected by a bad shot.

* During pressure situations try to control your calm and play better. Master the techniques of how to stay cool and composed.

* Do not let distraction come in your way.

* With each and every progress you make, gain more and more confidence.

* Always focus on your goal and gain extra motivation for practice.

* Ensure that practice is fun and more effective.

* There are many non-technical aspects related to this game; you need to master them too. You should follow golf etiquette.

* Maximize your potential with constant practice and tips from experienced instructors and champions.

* You should also learn how to manage your way as you are traversing the golf course like a professional.

Start playing golf and stick to the basic guidelines and rules of the game. Follow Golf 101 and be the master champ of the game. Golf 101 also stresses that you should have the right golf gear that includes buying the best laser golf range finder available.

Dr. Craig Denton is an avid golfer and represents Bushnell, Sonocaddie, and Opti-Logic golf range finders. Visit our website and receive a free golf e-book of Golf Tips to improve your golf game.

View the original article here

Best Places to Snowmobile in the US

Snowmobiling is arguably one of the best sports to undertake if you love to be isolated in nature. Some of the best snowmobiling destinations in the United States may be right around the corner from you while others are a bit more remote. Here are a few out-of-the way snowmobiling locations around the country.

Missoula, MT, has more than just snow sports to offer the seasoned traveler. From taking in a documentary film festival to floating on one of the three rivers, there's no shortage of indoor and outdoor entertainment for people of all ages. But for those of you looking to explore the outdoors on a snow vehicle, Missoula is perhaps one of the best hidden jewels for snowmobilers in the Western United States. The forested area surrounding Missoula is home to numerous snowmobiling destinations:

-Lolo Pass. Located on U.S. Highway 12 at the Montana-Idaho border just 45 miles southwest of Missoula.

-Haugan. 90 miles west of Missoula on I-90 and 110 miles east of Spokane, Haugan sits on the I-90 in northwestern Montana.

-Mission Mountains. The Mission Mountains are located in western Montana (Rona) between Missoula and Kalispell on U.S. Highway 93.

-Seeley Lake. Just 15 miles north of junction 83 and 200 in western Montana.

Upper Peninsula, MI, is where mid-westerners explore the deep snows of the U.P., or Upper Peninsula, area. With more than 3,000 miles of snowmobile trails to explore, the winter months are a popular time to visit this destination. The season is characterized by deep snow and chilly temperatures and typically runs from December through the spring months.

The plateau at Tug Hill, NY, is known by ATV riders who visit in the summer to take advantage of its extensive trail system. In the winter months, the plateau is blanketed in snow from the lake storm roll-offs, making it a perfect snowmobile destination. Visitors will find welcome accommodations in the campgrounds and lodge-style inns that make this a viable sled resort destination.

Cold weather can present its own challenges and you do not want to be close to all the fun and forget something important. No matter where you go, be safe on the snow with a good quality, pre-charged snowmobile battery. In many cases, you can also use motorcycle batteries as spares for your snowmobile batteries. Check with your authorized dealer to make sure they're safe for use in both recreational vehicles.

Mike enjoys motorsports in Jacksonville, Florida. He is an authority on ATV batteries and MotoBatt motorcycle batteries.

View the original article here

Which Sports Card Trading Company Reigns Supreme? You Decide

In the card collector and sports memorabilia world there are three main companies which provide the fan and collector with sports cards to create a "closer" fan experience. These companies are the likes of Topps, Upper Deck, and Panini. Now I know what you are thinking, "There are multiple other companies involved in the production of sports cards!" I realize that these three are not all inclusive, merely the "Big Three" in the sports card collectors world.

For collectors that have been around a while these three companies have the market covered on all fronts. Each company provides their own unique aspect of the sports card. Each company is not only competing for the collectors business, they are competing with each other to create the most unique, interesting, and sought after cards in the business.

So, with the basics out of the way, let's discuss a few of the "high-end" cards these companies are generating to peak collector interest in an attempt to provide a superior product to the collector. These are not listed in order of my preference. I have listed them alphabetically so no favoritism is show to any one company.

Panini America (formerly Donruss Trading)

This group was started in the 1950's. Their original production was not that of sports cards, but of confectionery. Their first production of trading cards was entertainment based. This was during the 1960's and 70's. They did not begin in the sports card niche until 1965 when they began with racing cards. Then in 1981 they produced a series of baseball and golf cards. Donruss continued to produce cards until 2005 with some roadblocks and hurdles in between due to bankruptcy of Pinnacle Brand cards. During this time, in 2001, Playoff Corporation acquired the rights to produce baseball cards. However, In 2005 MLB changed their card production criteria. Currently Panini America is licensed to produce NFL and NHL cards. They also have the exclusive rights to production of NBA sports cards.

Today Panini America is regarded as one of the strongest and cutting edge trading card companies around. Their sports card collections are sought after and releases are anticipated with great excitement. A few of their most prized releases are the yearly releases of National Treasures. These cards feature Autographs, Relics, Autographed Relics, and multiple signature cards. The look and feel of the cards is amazing and lends to the idea that Panini is trying to get it right. Their cards have come a long way since the late 80's renditions of slim paper and basic entry level sports cards. Panini's "Black Boxes" have become quite the prize when they are released at the annual Industry Summit. These cards feature One-of-a-kind cards with multiple variations. Most registered member of the industry summit are given a box to open as part of their fees for attending.

Topps Company, Inc.

The Topps Trading Card Company is regarded as one of the oldest, if not the oldest, trading card producer in the United States. The Topps company was founded in 1938, however they go back much earlier with their ties to American Leaf Tobacco which was founded in 1890. The most famous set of Topps is the 1952 Topps baseball card. The design came from Sy Berger. Considered to be the "father of the baseball card". He was a veteran of WWII and designed the cards from his home in Brooklyn. That was the beginning of a 50 year career with Topps.

Today, Topps still produces sports cards and is an elite competitor in the field. Of their most prized products, Topps Five Star far exceeds their other products with the Tribute line running a close second. Topps Five Star are printed on thick cards stock and packaged in individual tins with a maximum of 8 cards per tin. The look and feel of the cards are exquisite and have an elite feel. They feature on-card autographs, multiple autographed booklets, and multiple other variations of autograph and relic cards.

Upper Deck Company

The Upper Deck Company was founded in 1988. They are a major player in the trading card industry but have also branched out into the authenticated sports memorabilia world. This includes the production of sports figurines and the well known game World of Warcraft. Upper Deck was the first trading card company to insert randomly autographed cards of sports superstars.

For Upper Deck the most anticipated launch of their line of cards would have to be the Exquisite line. Although Upper Deck produces more than just one set of "high-end" cards, these are above and beyond the others. The first set was released in 2003 as a NBA line. They contain multiple variations of cards with autographs, memorabilia, and low numbered parallels of each. Some of these included Extra Large Jersey pieces with autographs and rookie parallels that are serial numbered to each specific player's jersey number. (i.e., Michael Jordan #'d to 23)

In conclusion, there is not one premier manufacture of sports cards. Each individual collector will create their own preference for which cards remain higher on their list than others. Some will prefer more autographs, while others seek the lowest serial number they can find. Seeking out the true 1/1 cards! But I think we can all agree that no matter the preference, the quality of trading cards produced today is by far superior to those of the late 80's and early 90's.

For more information on subjects such as these please visit cardsandcasebreaks.blogspot.com

View the original article here

Joining A Social Football Club Can Be Great For Your Health

Virtually all men love to watch a football match but what number of them would put the commitment into trying to play themselves? Here's a small list of five top reasons to be a part of a local football team.

1. It's without a doubt a fantastic way to make you stay physically fit. Aerobically it is really superb and it helps to keep your heart rate up which can only be good for you. Because playing in a football team would need you to train frequently, the work out would help make your heart healthy. You really should be cautious at first when training due to the fact you would be working with muscle groups that you aren't used to working so hard and might get a tweak in your hamstring muscle or calf. The more often you train, the simpler it becomes.

2. Socially it's a terrific activity. Meeting up with your pals regularly to train and play, with the customary pint in the bar after can be a fabulous way to catch up with friends and their gossip. It's also a good justification for time away from the wife or girlfriend!

3. The outgoings needed for playing in a friendly football team are much less than playing many other sports for example golf. You'll require some boots, a bag and because many teams make use of cheap football kits, the cost here is decreased. There may be some weekly fees due but definitely not a large amount. With that said an economical sport to play.

4. What a fantastic de-stresser it can be after having a hard day in the office or workplace. Nothing takes your mind off the stresses of everyday life like physical fitness. It's a well known indisputable fact that exercise is not just great for the body but it's ideal for you mentally too. Some people experiencing depression are recommended by their medical doctors to look at frequent exercise as it produces chemicals known as endorphins into the body.

5. If you ever fancied yourself as a bit of a Rooney, Terry or Messi in your day, taking part in social football will give you the means to show off some of those skills that you've kept under wraps for a long time. You may be shocked that you still have that flair, or think about where all of it went! Either way, it'll make you feel great and should you have kids of your own, especially boys, you may take great satisfaction in displaying to them what you are made of. It's surprising how very easily satisfied they are! Furthermore, it gives you a chance to show off in front of the person in your life!

So there you are. What exactly are you waiting for? Healthy, in shape, sociable and de- stressed! Looks like the ideal scenario to me and football clubs are always looking for new members.

The author is a digital designer and resides in the UK. He is a big fan of playing social football to keep fit and healthy and for anyone wishing to join a football team or looking to start a new one, he highly recommends Wholesalefootballkits.com for Cheap Football Kits and also Kid's Football Kits.

View the original article here

Setting Up Your Summer Training Program: Lacrosse

Around the country athletes are now taking part in their Lacrosse seasons. In some cases, they have looked ahead and planned out their summer tournament schedule and figured out how many games they will be able to play before the winter months. Yet perhaps the most important aspect of off-season training is neglected or in most cases poorly organized and improperly executed. Here is a check list of things that a Lacrosse player or team should focus on beginning at the end of a spring season.

Speed of Movement Training

· Lacrosse is a sport unlike many others in terms of overall movement. Change of direction is high, as is top speed and of course acceleration. Moving laterally is similar to basketball, the distance covered is similar to soccer and the physicality looks like a blend of hockey and football. Yet how often has your coach or team worked on the different dimensions of training? If you aren't focusing on improving your physical assets on the field you and your team will eventually be outmatched by a team that does.

Energy Systems

· Don't think about how well you are in shape as just aerobic training. Your body is a series of different energy systems that all take part in providing you with the energy and power needed to generate movement. If you wish to be explosive you will tap into your creatine-phosphate system, if you need to sprint the length of the field we tap into you anaerobic energy system, and if you are continually running we further tap our aerobic system. Have you taken the time to organize all of this training to maximize your performance on the field? Have you fit the proper energy system training to how often it is used in a game? If all your team does is distance runs or 300 yards shuttles, you aren't training optimally and you aren't improving your game to the greatest extent.

Maximal Strength

· All of the other physical qualities that you can develop are all just the liquid that fills your physical "cup". The quality that increases how much fluid you can put in the cup is maximal strength. Now, I am not strictly talking single maximal effort reps, but rather working with weights of at least 85% of your 1 rep max. If you aren't training these strength qualities you are stunting the development of your power, explosiveness, change of direction and even endurance. Maximal strength is the floor for which every other physical trait builds upon. If you don't have it, you're not making as much progress as you think.

Conclusion

Playing and practicing your sports is important, but if you aren't taking the time to build your body up to better participate in these sports you are missing out on possibly the biggest game changes available to any athlete. Take the time to find a program or coach who can guide you through this process, and watch your game get taken to another level.

Bill Rom is the owner and operator of Superior Athletics. He specializes in Performance Training for athletes, as well as advanced training for general populations. You can read more performance articles from Bill, and learn about Superior Athletics, by visiting http://superiorathleticsnewyork.com/

View the original article here

Conquering The Arctic: Two Great Ascents in Greenland

A joint British-Russian expedition to the Watkins Mountains returned from Greenland in spring 2011. The members of the expedition were Sebastian Sloane, Mark Morrison, Warren Allen, Julian Cooper, Maxim Bouev and Andrey Pogudin with leaders Ian Barker and Mark Basey-Fisher. In the second half of May 2011, the expedition succeeded in completing two ascents in the eastern part of the biggest island on Earth - Mt Gunnbjorn (3694m), the highest mountain in the Arctic, and a nearby previously unclimbed peak rising above 3000m.

The start of the expedition was marred by inclement weather. Low temperatures, strong winds and snow had the expedition to postpone the first in the season climb of Mt Gunnbjorn for a few days. These days were spent on making the base camp habitable and on short trips into a tributary of the Woolley glacier. On the 24th of May 2011, however, making the best of a spell of good weather the expedition finally reached the summit pyramid. The stability of snow though on the western slope of the mountain forced the climbers to abandon the standard route to the top. The usual ascent route via the south-western col runs to the base of a tall rock tower on the south-western ridge and then traverses the western face of the mountain until it reaches the north-western rib. Thereafter the summit is reached via a climb along the ridge. However, 1ft-deep snow slabs prompted the expedition to avoid the dangerous traverse of the western face, and instead to climb the rock tower on the south-western ridge directly where the angle of the slope reaches 50 degrees. It is a less frequented route which had probably been attempted only once in the last 10 years. The attempt was successful, although one of the participants badly pierced his knee with an ice-axe. Two of the members of the expedition, Maxim Bouev and Andrey Pogudin, became the first Russians to summit the highest mountain within the Arctic circle.

The initial plan of the expedition also involved two further ascents of the second and third highest mountains in the Arctic, Mt Dome (3682m) and Mt Cone (3669m), located in the vicinity of Mt Gunnbjorn. However, there was a much more interesting opportunity: to make an attempt on another summit higher than 3000m. This summit was the last remaining unclimbed mountain in the middle part of a tributary of the Woolley glacier, south-east of the place where a Gunnbjorn base camp is normally placed. The mountain had previously been photographed and attempted by an expedition led by Paul Rose in 2010. He, however, had to abandon the summit attempt due to unstable soft snow conditions.

The expedition led by Ian Barker and Mark Basey-Fisher was more successful. It attempted the mountain on the 28th of May from the high camp set at 68d 54.336N 29d 37.151W. The climb was challenging as in the lower part of the ascent route it ran through a steep, heavily crevassed couloir, overhung by huge seracs. After leaving that avalanche-prone bottle-neck, the climbers reached a saddle where they faced another obstacle - a 60ft-tall rock tower, similar to the one that they managed to negotiate a few days earlier on Mt Gunnbjorn. Two hours were spent on putting friends in cracks, and getting to the top of the step with slope as steep as 60 degrees at places. Then followed an easy climb along an exposed ridge, and yet another previously unclimbed mountain top in Greenland welcomed its first visitors at 3150m!

Upon return to the base camp there was a hot debate about the name for the mountain. In the end, the decision has been reached to name the peak after Augustine Courtauld, a hero of the British Arctic Air Route Expedition in 1930-1931, and a member of the party of British geologists who were the first to climb Mt Gunnbjorn back in 1935. From December 1930 to May 1931 Courtauld lived alone in a Greenland Icecap Station, gathering meteo-data, which later turned out to be exceptionally useful in establishing a regular air-traffic between Europe and America via a northern route. Several attempts to relieve Courtauld from his duties, or replenish his food supplies from an aircraft were thwarted by horrendous weather. Only 150 days after establishment of the Icecap Station, Gino Watkins, the leader of the expedition, and other members of the expedition managed to reach Courtauld in dog-driven sleds, and relieve him just as Courtauld's food and fuel were running out.

The joint British-Russian expedition 2011 was a fruitful international effort that allowed two good ascents, first of their kind. The expedition was timely relieved from the glacier by Simon Yates (known for the mountaineering story "Touching the Void") who after a short break returned to Greenland second time within a month to lead another group of climbers to the top of Mt Gunnbjorn.

View the original article here

Four Fun Games Your Kids Can Enjoy With Outdoor Playground Sets

With all the cool toys that kids can play with indoors, finding outdoor activities kids will actually go and do can be a challenge. Many children are drawn indoors by the lure of video games, television and other technology, leading to problems with sedentary lifestyles and childhood obesity. Outdoor playground sets can provide children with hours of fun in their own backyards. You can encourage activity amongst your children or grandchildren by teaching them some of these fun games they can enjoy with outdoor play sets.

• Obstacle Course: Making your own obstacle course with a great playground set keeps kids excited about playing outside instead of hibernating indoors. Use cones in conjunction with your play set and draw a map to outline the obstacle course. You'll want to have the kids go through the course one at a time so you don't have any accidental collisions. Once everyone has gone through the obstacle course you've made, you can enlist the help of the children to create a second obstacle course involving the different components of the play set and other yard toys.

• House: Kids love emulating their parents and playing "house" is a game that every kid loves to play time after time. Drape an old sheet over the slide to create the house and encourage the kids to use swings for their vehicles. It won't take much to fire off their imaginations as they pretend to be Mom and Dad taking care of day to day activities, going to work and coming home.

• Relay Races: If your children seem to have endless amounts of energy you can help them use it up before bedtime with relay races. Creating a relay race in your yard that involves a lot of different activities such as using the slide on your swing-set, swinging 5 times and climbing up and down the ladder will put them in action. When these components are combined with running around the yard, kids get a great workout that helps them develop large motor muscles and have fun, too.

• I Spy: Perspective makes a difference and children will see things differently from the upper areas of the play set. Have kids take turns "spying" different things from the treehouse portion of the play set while everyone else guesses.

Outdoor play sets provide lots of fun and many children are satisfied by simply swinging and sliding the afternoon away. But when a little extra creativity is called for, you can keep your children active on outdoor playground sets by playing one or more of these games. All it takes is a little outside the box imagination to make the kids reach for more imagination too. Before you know it, all they'll need is a sunny day and a little free time to entice them outdoors.

As a child, Gretchin Hammill loved playing games on her outdoor playground. Children of all ages can enjoy outdoor fun on Little Tikes playgrounds.

View the original article here

Ticket Scalpers and Ticket Brokers - What's The Difference?

While no one enjoys paying for tickets above face value, there are those that sell tickets reputably and others that sell them in not such a reputable manner.

Ticket brokers are extremely reputable and often pertain to companies such as Razorgator, Tickets Now and Live Event. They purchase tickets in bulk based on the public's demand, also called their inventory. Brokers also often give you the ease of purchasing online, over the phone or in person at their offices. Not only do brokers sell tickets well in advance but you can also trust that the tickets will be real. If not, fans can expect them to honor their mistake because scamming customers is always bad for business.

Ticket scalpers, on the other hand, are shysters. What many people don't know is that many scalpers themselves are season ticket holders. That means they are already paying less than face value for the tickets they are selling you. And in case you didn't already know, when you see a man on the corner with a sign that reads 'I need tickets', that is code for 'I have tickets'. This discreet code is due to the fact that scalping tickets is technically illegal in most states. Ticket scalpers are expected to hold licenses by state law and approximately 0% of them are licensed. Ticket brokers are, however, and pay annual dues to the government in order to conduct business.

If you sit back and think about it, ticket scalpers are also viewed in a dim light for tax reasons. Why is a bookie a shady character in the gambling realm? The bookie doesn't pay taxes and neither do ticket scalpers. Their sales are 100% profit and there are scalpers in big cities that make a full time living scalping tickets. Ticket brokers are fully insured and have all of their earnings reported to the IRS at the end of the calendar year.

Today, technology is attempting to put a stop to the outrageous ticket prices on the secondary market in two ways; paperless ticketing and dynamic pricing. Dynamic pricing is a model followed by many hotels; when hotels go un-booked, the rooms get cheaper. The same thing will be applied to the events market. Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants saw a huge jump in revenue when they experimented with dynamic pricing.

Two criticisms of dynamic pricing is that many fans will eventually be able to purchase tickets for less than a season ticket holder purchased them for. In that case, why purchase season tickets? At the other end of the spectrum, the franchise will be guilty of scalping their own tickets when the demand for a certain game increases.

Paperless ticketing prevents the re-sale of tickets by requiring the purchaser of the tickets to swipe their credit card upon entering the venue. What happens if the purchaser suddenly cannot attend the game? How would fans give tickets to family and friends as gifts? Not only will this system cut down on the redistribution of tickets but it will also encourage fans to purchase tickets at the last minute.

Times are changing on the secondary ticket market. Hopefully for the better from here on into the future.

John Mann invites you to share your thoughts on the seats you sat in at NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL events at FromThisSeat.com. Your feedback helps other fans decide where to sit before they purchase their tickets. It is absolutely free and easy to use. All you need are your old ticket stubs.

Follow me on Twitter @FromThisSeat.

View the original article here

How To Build A Bean Bag Toss

Bean bag toss is a fun game enjoyed by many. The object of the game is to toss a bean bag into a hole or have it land on the wood platform. Depending on the outcome of your throw, your team is awarded a certain number of points. Once a team reaches twenty one points, a winner is declared and a new game can begin. One thing that makes bean bag games so great is that it is very easy to build the game yourself.

Materials

To build your own game of bean bag toss, you will need wood, a saw, hammer, nails, cloth, and something to fill the bean bags. The wood is used to create the two platforms that will be the focus of the game. Depending on the style of game you want to play, you can cut one circular hole in the wood or two holes. If you only cut one hole in the wood, a team will score three points when their bean bag goes through one and one point if it lands on the platform without falling off. However, if you cut more than one hole in your wood, you will want to make one of the holes smaller than the other. This smaller hole will be worth three points and the larger hole will be worth one point. Again, if a player's throw lands and stays on the platform, they will receive one point for their toss.

Creating the bean bags is where you have some creative wiggle room. You want to use a durable fabric that will last many games. Cotton is a good choice of fabric to use when creating your bean bags. Remember to select two different colored fabrics or two types that have different prints so you can tell each team's bags apart. This will make it easier to keep score and know who is winning the game.

Paint Your Game

After you have hammered together the wood pieces to create your playing surface, you will want to stain or paint the wood. By painting your bean bag game, you will prolong the life of the wood and prevent it from getting ruined should it ever be left out overnight or caught in a rainstorm. If you have children that are going to be using your game, there is a good chance that they will forget to put the game away one night, leaving it outside in the morning dew. If your wood is not treated and continually gets wet, you will find your game will warp rather easily and not be as fun to play.

Also, when you paint the wood surface of your bean bag game, you will be able to put your personal touch on your game. Many people enjoy playing bag toss at tailgates, so you may think about painting your favorite team's log on your game. Or you could even paint a replica of your team's field or stadium. The possibilities are endless when it comes decorating your bean bag game.

One of the great things about bag toss is that the game is easy to make on your own. You do not need to spend a lot of money to own your own bag toss game. With just a few pieces of wood, some durable cloth, and beans or corn to fill your bean bags, you will be able to create your own game of bag toss that everyone in your family can enjoy.

Looking for a great source for classic board games and outdoor games? Enjoy time with friends and loved ones with family board games and more!

http://www.thegamesupply.com/boardgames

View the original article here

Camping Cots: Comfortable And Versatile Bedding

If you're planning on going someplace that requires you to bring your own bedding, camping cots provides a slightly more luxurious alternative to the traditional sleeping bag. They often fold up into a compact shape for easy storage when they're not being used. These portable beds can be found in a variety of places ranging from mainstream department and sporting goods outlets to military surplus stores and even pawn shops.

The Advantages

Camping cots are superior to other travel bedding in many ways.

Comfort

When you're camping, lying on the cold, hard ground in a sleeping bag can lead to less than optimal sleep quality. Who wants to feel groggy all day while they're supposed to be having fun? Cots keep your body off the ground so you stay warmer and avoid discomfort.

Safety

Simply being on the ground opens you up to to all sorts of dangers. There are numerous documented tales of unsuspecting campers waking up to find a dangerous snake or spider sharing their sleeping bag to keep warm. The further away from the ground you sleep, the less likely you are to end up in a similar situation.

Durability

Whereas sleeping bags can rip and inflatable mattresses are prone to leaks and punctures, a camping cot is virtually invulnerable to such fates. Most cots are built with a steel or aluminum frame and covered with a sturdy nylon or canvas surface. As long as it's cared for and stored properly, a quality one can last for decades.

The Disadvantages

While a camping cot has a lot of great benefits, it's not without its downfalls.

Size

Although most cots fold up for easy storage, they may still take up considerably more space than a rolled up sleeping bag or folded air mattress. If you're traveling with a limited capacity, this can be especially troublesome.

Weight

Cots, depending on their size and materials, can weigh far more than the more traditional beddings used for camping. The ones with a steel frame and canvas surface will be the heaviest and may be difficult to carry for long distances. For a lighter load, choose one with an aluminum frame.

Complexity

While most cots are straightforward in their instructions and easy to set up, some can be very tricky to assemble correctly. Mostly, this is only an issue with army surplus cots.

Choosing a Quality Camping Cot

Anything you will be sleeping on should be selected for comfort and quality. There are many brands, sizes and styles of camping cot available, so take your time to look around. The first consideration should be your price range. They range from as little as $30 to more than $150 and you generally get what you pay for in terms of quality materials.

Your next consideration should be the weight capacity. A standard cot with a 200 pound capacity is fine for children and many adults, but anyone who is larger will want to pay special attention to this rating to avoid injury or damage to the cot itself.

It's also important to pay attention to how the cot folds for storage, especially if your space is limited. If it doesn't fold up to quite the dimensions you expected, it could be very inconvenient to travel with. Finally, choose your materials. While a nylon surface typically costs less, canvas is thicker, resists mold and dries faster.

Steven Barnhart is owner of Made In The Shade Hammocks that features hammocks, camping cots, outdoor mats and other recreational items to enhance the lifestyle of the outdoor enthusiast.
http://www.madeintheshadehammocks.com/

View the original article here

What You Should Know About The UFC

The UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship, is currently recognized as the largest MMA promotion worldwide, is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. The UFC began as a tournament to find the best fighters in the world, and was based on the Brazilian vale tudo fighting style. Originally, it was known as a no holds barred fighting contest, which eventually led to accusations of human brutality. After criticism reduced the UFCs visibility was diminished by these accusations, the organization reformed itself and adapted strict, athletic commission sanctioned rules, remarketing itself as a legitimate sporting event.

This idea of a tournament geared towards finding the best world fighter was that of Art Davie, a Southern California based advertising executive who developed this concept while researching martial arts for a client. Davie went on to become the student of Rorion Gracie, a teacher of mixed martial arts. In 1992, Gracie, Davie, and John Milnus, a film director and screen writer, in addition to being a fellow Gracie student, developed a business plan to generate the initial capital required to start WOW Promotions in order to develop their tournament into a television franchise.

The fledgling company partnered with Semaphore Entertainment Group in 1993, and the name Ultimate Fighting Championship was born. The first event was produced at McNichos Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado on November 12,1993 and featured kick boxer Patrick Smith and Kevin Roier, and as well as savage fighter Gerard Gordeau, and others. The appeal for this how, including its core proposition can a wrestler beat a boxer? was a contrast from most martial arts events at the time, where competitors typically had skill and expertise in just one discipline and little to no experience in other disciplines.

In 2001, The UFC was purchased for $2 million and came under the control of its parent company Zuffia, which resulted in a return to pay per view for the UFC after a plunge into relative obscurity after Senator John McCain criticized it as human cockfighting. The UFCs secured spot on The Best Damn Sports Show Period only added to its renown and reputation. After being featured in the reality television series, American Casino, the UFC was featured in its own reality series, The Ultimate Fighter, showcasing up and coming MMA fighters. The success of this show led to a second show UFC Unleashed, which featured select fights from UFC events, as well as a live broadcast entitled UFC Fight Night. After the first season of the Ultimate fighter, the first UFC event drew a pay per view audience of 280,000, and the next season of The Ultimate Fighter drew in a record 410,000 pay per view buys, leading to the present, with the UFC holding its own in the world of mainstream sporting events.

To learn more about mma and your favorite cage fighter please visit our site.

View the original article here

The Avenues of Sports Tourism

The idea of using sports as a medium to promote tourism is something that is being practiced over centuries since the inception of the ancient Olympic Games. More recently, a more systematic and elaborate form of sport tourism has happened to come into the limelight of the world, purely because of the potential that it exhibits.

Sports has come to become one of the larger reasons behind travel for many individuals around the world. The increasing awareness levels and the availability of high quality sporting infrastructure has resulted in large populations of travellers choosing to plan vacations that include golfing, skiing and even running marathons.

While sport tourism by definition may vary from people to people, in simple terms it refers to a segment of people who travel away from their homes for the purpose of either playing a sport, watching a sporting event or simply to visit a sporting attraction which may or may not include competitive activities.

The Influence of Sporting Events on Tourism:

This fast growing segment in the travel and tourism industry is now worth over 4 billion dollars and revolves around the hosting of a range of local, regional, national as well as international sporting events. These events have in turn positively impacted society, communities and even economies at a great extent. Not only do they help create awareness with respect to the importance of physical activities and sports; but they also encourage enhancements in local infrastructure to accommodate the inflow of tourists from all parts of the country and even the world.

Sporting tourism has also had tremendous influence on economical growth due to the spending of the visitors. For example, Vancouver and Whistler saw a rise of 48% in consumer spends during the Olympics held in 2010.

Domestic and International Sporting Travellers:
Erratic economic environments have also given rise to a number of domestic travellers choosing to opt for interesting and novel vacationing ideas in the form of sports. While international leisure travel expenditures among westerners is on a low, an increasing number of Americans and Canadians have been investing in sporting hot spots across the region.

Sporting Tourism around the World:
Just like Canada, countries around the world are also gearing up to cater to an array of sport enthusiasts by offering to the world high quality sporting infrastructure which facilitates tourists. For example, a number of countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa are believed to the next hot spots for Golf enthusiasts. Turkey and Dubai rank among the top 5 Golfing destinations in the world.

With countries around the world getting more and more aggressive about marketing their country as an ideal sporting destination, sports tourism careers are definitely at their peak. This segment offers a lot of opportunities for individuals, organizations and governments to leverage the market, optimize the economic influence and jointly work towards enhancing the profile of your locality or nation to encourage sport enthusiasts to visit your country.

Eton College is a PCTIA accredited private career college specializing in Tourism Careers, Hospitality Management, Travel & Tourism, and Business Administration training in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

View the original article here

Outdoor Roller Skating Is Fun!

Roller skating can be fun whether it is inside a rink or outside. But there are some unique benefits if you do it outside. First, you are out in the fresh air. Breathing in the fresh air as you skate can be very healthy! Secondly, you get the opportunity to see new things every time you skate; something that is not possible if you are in a rink.

But in order to have an enjoyable experience, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. I have had customers tell me that they decided to skate inside because it was too uncomfortable skating outdoors. After asking them a few questions, I realized the problem. They are using wheels that are intended for inside use only. They did not know they needed a softer wheel for skating outside. I would not get a wheel harder than a durometer of 85A. If the surface you are skating on is a little bit rough, I would go with a softer wheel. Maybe a 75A hardness would be appropriate.

You can use any kind of skate boot outside. Some like the high tops and others like the low tops. The difference, as mentioned, will be the wheels. So get any kind of boot that you would like, but pay close attention to the wheels.

The best places to roller skate outside would be cement or tar covered walkways. One of the best places to roller skate would be a bike path. But if that is not available, I would suggest sidewalks, parks, or parking lots (after hours or on weekends when they are empty of traffic)

Do not skate at night unless you are in a well lite area. You would have difficulty seeing cracks and other objects that could cause you to fall. And if you do skate at night, please have someone with you especially if you are a female.

Finally, make sure that you have some protective equipment. Even the best skaters can fall. Wearing a good helmet and a pair of knee pads are essential. Some desire elbow and wrist guards as well.

If you skate outside you can't use the excuse that you can't afford to go to the rink. Outside is free! You can skate as often as you want (I would not skate, however, in the rain or snow). With these simple tips I hope you will find roller skating outside to be a fun activity!

You can find some great skate deals at My Roller Skate World. Check out these links:

Roller Skate Wheels

Speed Skates

View the original article here

Modern Solar Power Kits for Outdoor Recreation

Spring brings joy to both children and adults, who've been forced to stay indoors during the chilly winter months. As the weather warms, many Americans begin planning barbecues and other outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing and more. These days, outdoor enthusiasts tend to carry a relatively large amount of electronic devices. In the past, this meant having to pay for and carry plenty of extra batteries; however, modern advances now allow people to tap the sun's rays to power their devices. Before you plan your next outdoor adventure, learn how portable solar chargers can make life away from home much easier.

For Hikers and Climbers

Because they tend to push their bodies through and over rugged land, hikers and climbers can't afford to be weighted down. Packs of extra batteries are expensive and can help contribute to premature fatigue. Fortunately, modern foldable solar pads provide the perfect solution for outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel light. Collapsible and light-weight, these battery chargers are powerful enough to quickly charge flashlights, radios and any other battery-powered device. They also fold down to conveniently fit inside bag packs; and, because they are flexible and strong, you don't have to worry about damaging them while you're testing yourself against Mother Nature.

For Campers

Portable solar-powered charging devices aren't necessarily new; however, modern varieties are far more powerful than older models. For example, these days you can harness the sun's power to recharge RV batteries in just a couple of hours. What's more, devices, such as Goal Zero powering packs, allow campers to quickly and easily recharge smartphones, tablets and laptop computers. Nowadays, if you can charge it using a wall outlet; you can charge it using portable solar power kits. This is especially beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts who need to entertain children, who may be too obsessed with modern technology to enjoy the outdoors.

For Recreational Vehicles

These days, many people rely on motorized vehicles for fun under the sun. Personal water crafts, motorcycles, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles provide outdoor thrill-seekers the opportunity to fly at high speeds over water, land and snow. Unfortunately, during extended camping trips, batteries can go dead. When this happens, the fun stops unless you have a solar-powered charging unit. Portable and powerful, these handy modern devices can quickly breathe new life into a dead battery; so you can continue having fun without missing a beat.

George is a freelance author in Grants Pass, Or. An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Zeed mainly writes motorcycle battery charger and solar-powered charger features.

View the original article here

Effect's of NFL Player Movement on the Fan Base, Sports Card Trading, and Memorabilia Collection

Do you have a favorite sports team? Think about your favorite player on that team. Now imagine you just found out that they have been traded, retired early, or entered free-agency unexpectedly. How would you feel? Upset, relieved, happy, sad, angry, or just plain frustrated. You have that feeling? Now, also imagine you are an avid sports card and memorabilia collector. You have collected all the cards, autographs, jerseys, and memorabilia from your favorite star. But now he/she is moving to another team. Does this devalue the current memorabilia? Or the future team gear? Let's take a look at a few past and recent transactions that may or may not have an effect on specific player relics.

Peyton Manning:

Of course we would talk about Peyton Manning. He is arguably the largest free-agency release and pickup of any team ever in the NFL. Once the face of the Indianapolis Colts franchise he is now the soon-to-be starting Quarterback of the Denver Broncos. How are most fans going to react? What will collectors think about his old/new cards? Will Colts fans cherish the memorabilia they have from his tenure in Indianapolis? Will his cards/autographs in a Colt's uniform be more valuable? Will his Denver Broncos cards and memorabilia be worth more because his tenure there will be understandably shorter, thus making the amount of items available a rarer occurrence? Or will they embrace the new face of the franchise (many believe this will be Stanford's Andrew Luck)? On another note, what will Denver fans think? They just had an up and down year with new Quarterback Tim Tebow. He definitely played a different game and drew a huge fan base in Denver and throughout the country. Often toted as, "...the guy I would want my daughter to marry!" Do fans in Denver embrace their new quarterback in Peyton Manning, or still hold on to the Tim Tebow days they relished only a few short months ago? Tim Tebow cards flew off the shelves and sold like hotcakes on Ebay and other auction sites less than a year ago? Will this trend continue, or will fans and collectors alike lose interest?

One can say that both quarterbacks left a legacy and a mark on the teams they played for at the end of the 2011-12 season. Peyton Manning's legacy lasted 14+ years, while Tebows lasted just under a full year with the recent NFL lockout. Will fans this year be more focused on Peyton Manning in Denver? Or will they feel they have been slighted and silently root for Tebow's success in New York with his new team, the Jets. This will be up to the fan and the collector. Some will reason that the players original team is where the legacy started and thus automatically makes the cards and memorabilia worth more. Others will argue that that either team can be weighted the same and it will be up to the individual collector to decide. What are your thoughts? Has this already happened to your team in years past? What if it had nothing to do with free-agency or trade of a player?

Barry Sanders:

Everyone who has watched football in their lifetime knows this name. He is one of the greatest rushers in NFL history. Only two people have more career rushing yards than his 15,269. Those two players are Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. Two NFL Legends. But, in 1999, Barry Sanders decided that he would unexpectedly retire from the NFL even though he was still healthy, running great, and within striking distance of Walter Payton's rushing record (16,726 yards). His retirement came as a surprise to most, except maybe those in the Lions organization. Apparently there had been some "bad blood" between Sanders and the leadership which caused him to lose his "love for the game". Thus his early retirement. Imagine being a Detroit Lions fan and hearing that just two years after signing a 6 year, $35.4 million contract that your star running back retired. Although this situation is far different from that of Peyton Manning and Tim Tebow (they went to different teams), the fan and collector situation remains the same. Some may argue that his cards and memorabilia are worth more because he is now retired. Imagine for a moment that he broke the all-time rushing record before his retirement. What does that do to the value of his items? But also imagine that he didn't break the record with the Lions and had been traded to a different team. Are his items worth more with the team where he broke the record, or for the team where he compounded 15,000+ yards?

Keep in mind this is merely two examples of what transactions in the sports world can have on fan base and collector interest. The views on what is better or worse for a team, card, jersey, or fan will only be decided by time. Some day we will know if a Tebow card in a Jet uniform is work more than a Bronco. On the other hand, will a Tebow card in a Bronco uniform be worth more than a Peyton Manning card in the same blue and orange? These will and can be discussed endlessly. Opinions will be formed, but Ebay, Beckett, and other ways to gauge memorabilia prices will tell the ultimate truth. What do you think?

The card value to me is created by two. The first person is the one who has possession of the card. The second is the person who is searching for that card. The value to the card holder will be lower at times than that of the person who wants possession of the card. Some people value cards in their search more than others. The fact that a player moves from one team to another doesn't affect the card's value, merely whether that teams collector still values the card in the same way. Someone will still value the card, whether they are on their old team or new team.

Player movement is part of the game. It will never directly affect the value of a sports card or the value of that person to an NFL Team. Their value can only go down based on performance and not on what team they play for. In the case of early retirement, it may actually help the value of the cards and fan interest. If the player was declining or no longer in his prime it may serve him good to retire when he did so that his value didn't decline more in the following years.

In conclusion, player movement, trades, and early retirement will only have a major effect on the NFL Team, the players family, and possibly the NFL as a whole. The effect on fan base and card value or interest will only be short lived, as new and exciting players will be in and out of the NFL constantly.

Cards And Case Breaks
cardandcasebreaks.com
"Check out our FREE Contests & Giveaways"

View the original article here

7 Reasons Why You Have To Love Sports

You have to like sports, even if you're not a fan. If that doesn't make sense to you, allow me to explain.

Sports contain many of the essential traits of life which make a person successful and happy. Whether or not you are a fan of any particular sport, you need to appreciate what they are and what's going on within them. Let me be clear, you don't have to enjoy watching a quarterback drop back and throw a football down the field for a touchdown. However, if you want to be the best person you can be, you do need to examine what it took to make that throw possible.

Too often people look at sports as just the physical actions which make the sport go back and forth on television. The true lessons that can be taken from athletes and applied to the rest of life are much less the physical things and much more the mental things.

So what makes a good athlete and how does that pertain to you? Let's begin to look at few of the attributes that are important for more than just jocks.

Dedication

I'll start with one that encompasses many others, dedication. Successful athletes are not born that way, they realize they have a passion for their craft and dedicate themselves to being the best they can be. There is no substitute for hard work, if you're sitting somewhere waiting for somebody to give you what you want in life, you 'll be waiting a long time. In the sports world this is even more true. As a player on the field, an athlete knows that there are always countless people working tirelessly to earn a spot themselves. Without dedication an athlete will never be the best they can be. They will never ascend to, or remain at, the level of success they desire or are capable of achieving. Neither will a writer, a business person, or any other person looking to be something more than they are today.

Persistence

I said that dedication encompassed many others, and persistence can certainly be included in the dedication banner. However it's unique enough to deserve it's own explanation. A successful athlete spends countless hours honing their abilities and perfecting their approach. A baseball player may swing at, and miss, dozens of pitches throughout a season. However, he knows that with each miss he can learn something and apply it to his next hundred swings in hopes of missing less going forward. Athletes take the saying "If at first you don't succeed, try again" to an entirely new level. It is the mantra of an athlete, failure breads determination, forces education, ushers in fresh perspective, and requires steadfast persistence. A person who behaves this way in the real world with regards to their professional career will truly be a success waiting to happen.

Respect

Sports are demanding, they're hard. The skills necessary to perform well in most sports are difficult to learn and hard to consistently get right. Athletes learn early on a great respect for the game they're playing and for their opponents. Coaches demand respect, officials within the game demand respect, and the sport that can beat the athlete all by itself almost any time it wants certainly commands respect. There just is no way an athlete can get to the top without admiring and respecting those who came before them and those who are working just as hard along side them. Every person in life needs to have a healthy respect for the arena within which they're performing. It inspires, it motivates, it's admirable to peers, and it gains respect back from those peers. Gaining respect and trust and sharing those things mutually with those we're surrounded by, gives our lives a more robust meaning and makes our chances of success much greater.

Attitude

Life is all about attitude, sports are all about attitude times ten. If an athlete sets their mind to working hard and being the best, they're nearly impossible to stop. On the other hand, if the same athlete allows a failure or a frustration to create negativity or pessimism, there is almost nothing that can be done to motivate that player. Athletes must take control of their emotions and their attitudes, regardless of outside conditions, and create a desire and will from within themselves. Outside influences bombard each and every person in life, some are good and some are downright negative. Each person though has control over their own attitude, always and no matter what. If you think today will be a good day, it probably will be.

Confidence

Perhaps the most important cog in the wheel of success in sports is confidence. A player in any sport must believe that they can achieve the goal or accomplishment they desire. Coaches will spend entire seasons of effort chasing after this single characteristic in a player and in a team. A confident player is elevated by success and is instructed by defeat. They believe they are the best, they believe they will succeed, and they dedicate themselves to doing so. Having faith in yourself is the number one prerequisite for succeeding in your endeavors. Without confidence challenges are seen as game changers, as insurmountable obstacles. With confidence they are seen as ladders to the top rather than hurdles.

Teamwork

Almost all athletes learn early on that the people around them, be they teammates or just coaches, are just as valuable to their rise than they themselves are. It's one of the best lessons, in my opinion, that is learned during the course of youth sports and one that is carried on for as long as an athlete participates. The idea that you can't do it on your own, that no matter how strong and confident you are, there are going to have to be allies and partners to support and elevate you. In real life this can be family, friends, colleagues, or anybody who can contribute to your success and aid your development. This is also where some players and some professionals will cultivate their leadership skills. For any team or group of people to operate well together, their must be cohesion and chemistry. There must be those who lead and those who don't, taking the strengths of every member to create a group that's greater than the sum of its' parts.

Knowledge

Going back to the quarterback we used early on as an example, most people have no idea how much time went in to studying before he made that throw. Some play books in the National Football League are almost a thousand pages long, and the quarterback has to know every word inside and out. Combine that with having to know every defensive strategy that another team may attempt to deploy and the dozens of variations from game to game depending on specific players and coaches and field conditions, and a clearer picture starts to form of the enormous amount of information a top level athlete must know. Pitchers in baseball spend hours every day reading reports about their opponents strengths and weaknesses, and their opponents do the same about them.

Knowledge is an extremely important pillar in successful athletes, and in any professional in any walk of life.

There are other things also. Athletes take great care to remain as healthy as possible, eating the best foods that they can and working out with religious dedication. They 'play hard' and put it all on the line when they're in the field or on the court. Athletes form extremely strong bonds with those they play with and learn to rely on each other for support. They are motivated, they have a lot of energy, they know how to share credit, and on and on. There are many things athletes do everyday that everyday people can learn a great deal from.

Whether or not you appreciate the actual games, it's impossible to ignore the immense amount of hard work and true dedication it takes to succeed at a high level in sports. Almost everybody has a passion or an endeavor in their life which they would like to succeed at. If you want one piece of advice from me on how you can make that success a reality, it would be to look to the wide world of sports. You don't have to be a fan to like them.

Jake Bryan is a lead author in the Baseball Brains Training System. He wrote several chapters in the manual, and is the lead author of the blog.

Baseball Brains provides a ton of free content which is instructional, entertaining, and available in many places. The best two places to go are linked below. Thanks for reading!

The Blog: http://www.baseballbrains.net/blog.html
Baseball Brains Homepage: http://www.baseballbrains.net/

View the original article here

Top Golf Swing Instruction Tips From the Golf Swing Genius

Did you know that improving your golf swing is a process. It is doable for anyone and can be a lot easier than you might have imagined just by knowing a handful of basic key principles. My golf swing instruction method is taught on a gradient scale. If you don't have a proper grip, how can you learn to swing correctly? It's really important to learn the golf swing in the right order so you can stay on top of your game and beat all your friends and playing partners.

The process of improving your golf swing starts with knowing what level you are currently at and where you hope to go. I can definitely help you reach your golf goals but the more aware of your golf swing faults or bad habits you are, the easier the process becomes. When working on your full swing it is helpful to know what your particular shot pattern(s) are. This way we can zero in on what specifically to work on in order to eliminate the particular problem you are having.

Every golfer can usually benefit from monitoring their fundamentals. The first key fundamental is your setup position. The first key of the setup is the grip. Then golf alignment, posture, and ball position need to be correct and in order as well. Once you know you are in the right spots so to speak when it comes to your setup, it's then helpful to focus on key elements of the swing and hopefully the main ones which apply to whatever swing issue you are having.

If you are hitting the ball thin or fat, there are a couple reasons that are probably causing this. At impact it is important to have your torso or center in line with the golf ball. You are moving ahead slightly on your downswing or forward swing but you don't want to move ahead of the ball. This can cause a thin golf shot.

Conversely, if you are hitting fat golf shots, there is a good chance your torso is behind the golf ball too much at impact. You need to be in line with the ball as you are hitting it if you want to have solid contact. The exception to this is when hitting your driver. Here you can be slightly behind the golf ball because you are hitting this club slightly on the upswing and being behind it helps you launch your drives better so you gain extra distance and maximum extension.

If you are having trouble with the direction of your golf shots, you need to check your golf swing sequence. Follow the basic order of leading with your club in both your backswing and your downswing. Getting everything to come through together at impact is a huge key as well as making sure your clubface is square. Remember, mis-direction of your golf shots almost always will be caused by poor sequence of the body and the golf club. You must understand the proper ratio of shoulder to hip turn and the correct order this needs to be in.

Having trouble with getting solid contact can be because of moving too far up or down in your swing. It is a key principle I teach that you want to stay the same height or remain level with the golf ball throughout your golf swing. As you are in the second half of your follow through, you can go ahead and stand up as you finish turning and face your target. Many amateur or higher handicap golfers often have a dip or stand up move going in at some point in their swings. Watch out for this and you'll improve your contact with the golf ball at impact.

The Golf Swing Genius is a top golf instructor who will show you how to play your best golf with top Golf Swing Instruction. Learn a complete system of Golf Swing Tips and start playing your best golf now!

View the original article here

Tips Before Taking Up the Game of Tennis: The Bankhand Debate

Any proper tennis coach is going to attempt to make a student as comfortable as possible on the tennis court, especially a beginner. Of course there is a right way and a wrong way to hit each stroke which includes the proper grip, follow through, and footwork. Often it comes down to personal preference and natural feel however when choosing whether to use a one-handed or two-handed backhand. When making this decision you must ask yourself, is there a competitive advantage to using a one handed backhand as opposed to a two-handed?

It's no secret that the two handed backhand has not only become more popular among professionals, but coaches are more inclined to teach it as well. Especially in the women's game, the one-handed backhand is nearly extinct. Some arguments for teaching the two-handed backhand include a quicker preparation for each shot, as well as a more stable and controlled impact and backswing resulting in a much heavier hit ball. A properly executed two-handed backhand will be compact, allowing the player to conserve energy and quickly prepare for the next point. Most importantly a the player is still able to generate power with such a short stroke. Often if an inexperienced player tries a one-handed backhand the stroke is less stable at impact, it takes more time to prepare, and it takes longer to regroup for the next shot because of the elongated backswing. So why not teach the two-handed backhand to all youth players, and simply stop wasting time with one-handed backhands?

For almost every study there is usually one outlier. In this case, his name is Roger Federer, the former number 1 player in the world, and 23 time grand slam winner. It's impossible to argue with the grace and fluidity with which he hits his backhand. Have you seen the wristwatch commercials that play all throughout Wimbledon? His strokes are effortless even when he's wearing a suit. Federer is able to not only able to produce a compact swing but also generate an incredible amount of power. He can hit his backhand from anywhere on the court from a number of different angles. Yeah sure, Federer is a freak athlete who has been perfecting this stroke for years but his effectiveness comes down to technique which includes proper footwork and unparalleled upper body control. For Federer, or any player who is attempting to hit a one-handed backhand, it comes down to balance, a still head, and keeping your lead shoulder parallel to the net. It is natural to pull off the ball when there are so many moving parts involved, but it's the calmness of Federer's approach that makes the shot so effective.

People argue that it requires great strength to hit a one-handed backhand, but Federer's wiry frame silences those critics. Is Federer so unique an athlete that only he and a handful of others are capable of consistently pulling off this shot, or is it simply a matter of teaching the technique early and correctly? If taught and executed properly this can be one of the most effective shots in tennis.

It is important to remember that proper technique is key not only for executing the one-handed backhand, but also to ensure that you don't hurt yourself. It's fun to just go out on the courts and leisurely hit the ball around with friends, but it's still possible to hurt yourself if you aren't using the proper technique. If you have flawed technique, especially with your backhand, then you are asking for the dreaded tennis elbow. Tennis elbow can be a debilitating injury that not only affects your tennis game but also your everyday life. The injury can often be so painful it hurts to even lift a coffee cup.Really it's not enough to simply watch a Youtube video of someone explaining the proper backhand technique, though it is a good way to pick up some tips. Especially if you are a beginner, you really have to get out on the court and practice the right technique with an instructor or friend who knows the proper technique.

To master, and more importantly teach, such a flawless stroke takes hours and hours of practice. There are thousands of people every year who are taking up the sport of tennis. When taking a first lesson at a club or with an independent tennis coach, a player should trust their instructor to teach them not only the correct technique, but also the most effective stroke. Though you should trust your instructor's judgment it is also important to know that there are multiple options out there. Is the two-handed backhand absolutely more effective than the one-handed? Federer's stroke would suggest that if executed properly, the answer is no. The fact is, the two-handed backhand is easier to teach and easier to hit for a beginner. Federer's backhand maybe the last of its kind. You should does the convenience of teaching the two-handed outweigh the effectiveness and versatility of a one-handed backhand? Probably.

About the Author

John C. Hayes invites those looking for a quality tennis lesson to learn the proper technique discussed in this article to schedule a lesson at the online tennis marketplace http://mytennislessons.com/. People everyday are taking advantage of the services provided ensuring that instructors are able to teach these techniques and players are learning them. Schedule a lesson in your area or sign up for the opportunity to teach those lessons by visiting http://mytennislessons.com/

(c) Copyright- John C. Hayes. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

View the original article here

Should You Create Your Own Football Betting System?

Trying to make a consistent profit by creating your own football betting system may seem like a good idea at first. The problem is that creating your own football betting systems is a very arduous task. There is a lot of statistical analysis involved. You will have to constantly pay attention to various changes that may affect your system.

I know this might seem simple at first, especially if you have the time to do it. However, researching all of the information required to make a profitable football system is just too much for some. Some people may prefer to take an easier road. These people will decide to purchase football betting systems from an industry professional or some other trusted resource.

Most of the time they will pay a small fee for the system. If the system is known to be good they may end up paying a high amount. Now, a football system will usually teach a multitude of different profitable methods. These methods, if studied carefully and applied strategically, can definitely help you to become a profitable bettor.

The problem comes when someone purchases football betting systems thinking they are going to make them a lot of money fast. A soccer system isn't designed to do this. If you tried to create your own system, then you will learn very quickly that there are up periods and down periods. This is very natural and should be expected. This may be one of the reasons why you decide to purchase a system from someone else.

Understand that the strategies and various techniques you will find in these systems will give you the ability to develop your own skills much better. If you were unsuccessful before in your betting efforts, then by taking the time to study a good football betting system you can become an expert in no time.

When I say no time, I mean you will be able to learn what you need to know with far less trial and error then if you were to do it on your own. With a football betting system that you purchase from someone else they have already made all of the mistakes and errors for you.

It is because of this that your learning curve should be much shorter. What is even better is because you will make profits faster this will motivate you to keep on studying the system and tweaking it to suit your betting style.

Do not worry about developing your own football betting systems, the people at footballbettingchampion.com only use the best football betting systems for their excellent football tips.

View the original article here

Bodysurfing: Breathing Techniques

Bodysurfing or Handboarding is an old sport turning heads. Handboarding or sometimes referred to as hand planing or hand gunning, is a old sport practiced since the beginning of water sports. It's a fun and great way to keep fit. This is an article on holding your breath underwater and breathing workout tips.

BREATHING FOR WATERSPORTS

If you Handboard, bodysurf, surf or partake in any sort of water sport you are going to find yourself under the water at some point. Depending on the size of the wave surf or roughness of the river, it depends on the amount of time you are going to spend under the water. Knowing certain breathing practices and keeping on top of a routine can significantly lower the risk in your adventures, and in most cases significantly improve your performance. It should be an essential part of any waterman's routine, and especially us Body surfers. As they say, "Fail to prepare and prepare to fail." It's a good motto to live by.

There is very little that's less scary than being held under, getting twisted around in every direction, and not knowing which way is up. Panic starts to set in! I am sure every waterman has some experience with this. NOT FUN! It is even more important for bodysurfers and Handboarder/Hand-planers to practice breathing exercises because as with the nature of the sport we tend to spend more time under the water than others. The chances of getting a good beating when you're dropping in late on a wedge -bomb is that much higher than on stand-up. Not to mention there's less of a chance you'll be able to kick out or over the section. So as a bodysurfer, we tend to cop it on the head a lot more. I'm sure you'll agree that's part of the fun. Getting hammered for me is part of the allure. However, you have to know how to be able to deal with the beating, or it could be your last. You would not step into an UFC Octagon without at least the basics on martial arts...and Mother Nature can be a lot more violent and destructive than any UFC Fighter.

The following are some tips from various sources and Professionals. There are tips on how to improve your breathing and fitness simply through diaphragm control. There are also tips from the pros on how to better deal with a hold down. What to do and what not to do. These are simple procedures that could save your life.

BREATHING 101

I am a singer and a swimmer. Both which have made me a conscious natural breather. Most of you may protest: "I know how to breathe! Duh! "My response is: "No, you don't." The majority of people do not consider their breathing habits on a daily basis. At night though, your body subconsciously takes over as you dream, unaware you revert to a natural healthy breathing pattern. The pattern is there, it is an innate human function, now we just need to teach you the difference and fix the bad habit...easy right?

Let us start with what you're doing now. We're taught to stand up tall, shoulders back, tummy sucked in- tall and thin. Unfortunately, this causes the bad habit of short, shallow breathing. Shallow chest breathing delivers less air per breath into the lungs in turn constricting our blood vessels. The imbalance in turn delivers less oxygen to the brain, heart and rest of the body. Less oxygen in turn promotes fatigue, tension and tightness which all cause stress.

Shallow breathing prevents the body from getting enough oxygen. Many people fail to breathe deeply when they feel tense, which is one reason they may feel zapped at the end of a stress-filled day. "The general principles of correct breathing are to make it deeper, slower, quieter, and more regular." Doing so helps you force more oxygen into your cells, which slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation. This provides more energy, which is ultimately the goal to improving your ability. That way you can do activities like bodysurfing, surfing, snowboarding for longer and more effectively.

The most important muscle in our breathing function is the diaphragm. The diaphragm is an arc, which lies at the bottom of the lungs. Now, take your hands off the keyboard and feel the crevice in the center of your core, just under your rib cage- see where the ribs and lungs meet forming a ^? Just below that is your diaphragm. In order for your diaphragm to work properly, we must deny social beauty and allow our tummies to stick out- just a bit. Take a deep breath in from your nose and down to the pit of your stomach, feel the airflow through your entire body. Your shoulders will remain flat, and your upper chest still. There you go! You are putting your diaphragm to work!

In that one breath you allowed the appropriate level of oxygen to flow through your body. Practically double the amount of oxygen than shallow breathing allows. The oxygen then hits your blood, begins its circulation while stimulating higher levels of energy. Maintaining the correct amount of oxygen needed for our bodies also balances our pH levels and carbon dioxide levels. The brain, which hogs most of our oxygen, will now operate more efficiently.

What does this have to do with singing and swimming? Everything! Singing in its most basic form is breathing on pitch. Control and understanding of my breath allows me to hit those notes and shatter windows. On the other hand, as an athlete, the common misuse of breathing causes you to become fatigued easily, effecting your rhythm, timing and speed. Adapting and practicing the art of natural deep breathing with your diaphragm has an immediate dramatic effect on your performance. A questionable practice of professional swimmers is using an inhaler just before a race; it helps them to shave just enough time off. The inhaler does the same thing your diaphragm does- except you're doing it naturally without medicine. Not only have we improved our speed and performance, proper deep breathing allows for relaxation and calmness. Yoga is centered on these breathing exercises. Without proper diaphragmatic breathing, you cannot reach the desired state of deep meditation. For water sports, breathing properly is essential to a better workout and allowing you to remain in control while submerged. Through practice, your newfound awareness of your breath will allow you to practice your sports at a higher performance level.

Not only can correct breathing practices make the above sports be more fun and competitive, but you'll have more energy in your everyday life and a lot more get-up-and-go!

View the original article here

How to Make Your Group or Club Better

If you have a hobby, interest, skill or just a desire to meet new people, starting a club or social group is a great way to improve your life and other people's. A regular meeting with like-minded individuals, say weekly or monthly to discuss a topic of shared interest isn't just a good way to meet people - it also helps you to improve your skills or knowledge around the chosen subject. Sharing ideals, hearing other people's opinions and gaining feedback are vital parts of self-improvement.

Starting a group can be the most difficult bit. If you already know some people who you think would like to get involved it makes it easier, but if it's just you it can be daunting. First, find a venue, even just a pub which is usually quiet on a Monday so will give you a good amount of space will do. Ask if they'll help you promote or if they know anyone who'd like to go along - bar managers of local pubs tend to know a lot of people. Use online services too like Meetup to advertise your group and find attendees, and see if there's a Linkedin group that would be relevant and promote yourself for free there too.

But once you've started this group and got a few members and had a few successful meetings, how do you make the leap from monthly get togethers around your particular subject to a genuine group of friends?

Firstly, set up communication between meetings. Set up a Facebook group, Linkedin group or Google group to share photos, thoughts about the meeting, links to relevant websites etc so people can keep in touch and keep the discussions going between meetings. Look for opportunities as well to meet up away from the scheduled meetings - are there events, concerts, films or other trips you could do which could interest your members? Even if it isn't related to the topic of the group, suggest some ideas and see what interests people. Look for other creative ways to make your group more personal - if it's a sports team or active group perhaps printed polo shirts would give a sense of community? Even just memberships badges or certificates can help people feel more included and committed to a group. Make an effort to send people messages saying thanks for attending, ask for their input and suggestions and once you get bigger you can create a committee to make your group more formal.

Always remember though, the point is to have fun, and as long as you keep this in mind and encourage everyone to enjoy themselves it should be a success.

Express Garment Printing is a UK company that specialises in the express personalisation and customisation of quality Workwear and Leisure Wear. For more information visit http://www.expressgarmentprinting.co.uk/

View the original article here

Inflatable Tubes and Rafts

There's nothing better on a hot summer day than taking the family to the ocean or lake where they can enjoy cool water and fun activities. People of all ages can enjoy lounging on a boat, taking a swim in the water, or even cruising around on an inflatable tube as the boat speeds through the water. Towable inflatables have been around for years, but as time goes by they get more intricate and offer new and even more impressive features.

It doesn't matter whether you want to lounge or test the limits of fun with 5 of your friends; there is a towable tube for you. A towable inflatable is a product similar to a raft that is inflated by an air pump and towed behind a boat via tow rope. A rider, or riders, climb on the floating tube or raft and hold on tightly as the boat drags them over the water. It's a truly fun ride for all, and if you haven't experienced this excitement yet, you won't know what you're missing until you try it.

For safety's sake, you will want to take a few precautions to make sure everyone stays safe and injury-free. Wear a life vest and a water sports helmet, and make sure you know how to swim and are comfortable in the water. Following these few precautions will ensure that everyone can have a great time safely.

If you have already gone for a ride on one of these fun toys, you'll probably have a good idea of what style and size you are looking for. Whether you plan on take a ride over the boat's wake by yourself, or with 11 of your buddies, there is a product designed to meet all of your needs. From small, simple models that will fit into even the tightest of budgets, to products that run hundreds of dollars but can allow a dozen people to join you on your adventure; finding the perfect inflatable only requires a boat and knowledge of your personal needs and desires.

These products create thrilling adventures for the people brave enough to climb on. Spending a hot summer day at the lake or ocean can create a great bonding experience for your family and friends. People young and old can enjoy the activities the water has to offer and purchasing a towable inflatable can be an investment in fun and entertainment for years to come.

Before you purchase a towable tubes, make sure to research and read reviews of products like ski tubes and other inflatable rafts and boats so you can make an educated decision that will suit all of your needs and requirements.

View the original article here

Big Creek Canoe Trips, Paddle the Canadian Amazon

When people enter Big Creek, they know they are paddling a different river.This little explored river in Southern Ontario, is narrow, with moving current. Big Creek averages two meters deep, and is about 15 meters wide. It is surrounded by a lush forest of cascading green. Instead of sky, there is a treed canopy... thus the name "Canadian Amazon".

This is a river of trees... one paddles under them... winds around them... glides through them... and sometimes crawl over them. It is the only trip where people at the end have to dump leaves out of their canoe.There is such an unexpected wildness here... it is so absolutely different from anything else paddled.

The only downside of this Amazon canoe trip, is the bugs. Deer flies and mosquitoes hover near... so come equipped with spray and long sleeves. Paddling in early spring or mid September offer the best times to beat this problem.

The Big Creeks headwaters, are south of the village called Burford. The river flows through the sand plains of Norfolk, with Delhi being the only major town on route. But Delhi is still too far north for paddling. One wants to head down to the Deer Creek Conservation Area or lower to enter this river. On Regional Rd 60 just below the village of Walsingham is a Long Point Authority canoe/kayak launch. This river winds, so County Rd 42 (Port Royal) is a good ending point.

If wishing a marsh-lake paddling experience, then putting in at Port Royal and paddling to the Long Point isthmus or bay is another unique experience.

As one paddles out of Big Creek into the Long Point Marsh... the sky opens. The marsh is a place of fascination. This treeless paradise is full of plants. A world of red-wing black birds in song... abundant with waterfowl, fish, amphibians and reptiles.

There is the thrill of gliding over shallow places where one could never walk. The fly/mosquito problem is significantly less. But on a windy day, paddling the waves in the marsh is not an enjoyable experience. Better to stick to the hidden interior of Big Creek.

Presently, there are no day canoe or kayak rentals available in the Big Creek area. There is one company called Long Point Eco-Adventures offering half day guided paddling trips by canoe and kayak on Big Creek. Their guided trips are around 3 hours and offer an introduction to paddling this Canadian Amazon setting.

An important point to note is, there are no local taxi services available in the area for return shuttles. If bringing one's own boats, it is best to take two vehicles to park at the start and end point. The company that offers the guided canoe/kayak trips may offer shuttle services, but this information is not known.

This Big Creek trip, though in southern Ontario, is on the remote side. This river is best handled in a canoe, but kayaks are good too. There is not a high volumes of paddling traffic. There are no local sporting good stores, taxi services or boat day rentals. So to enjoy this unique Amazon paddle... arrive prepared!

Garth Pottruff specializes in doing floating classrooms and outdoor learning experience 1 hour west of Toronto in Southern Ontario,Canada.

He is founder of the Grand River Rafting Company and offers programs year round. One can choose from rafting, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboards, family river tubing, fishing, hiking, cycling or camping in the Grand River Valley.

For further information on paddling Big Creek call 519-442-2519 or to view photos of this river visit Big Creek Information Link

View the original article here

Soccer Picks: How Can You Make Them More Profitable?

If you are receiving soccer picks from a reputable website or if you make your own soccer picks, there are things you can do to make them far more profitable than what they might currently be. Understand that making successful soccer picks is not easy. So when you are able to have any measure of success you must make sure you are getting the most profit as you can.

The best way to do this would be to take whatever picks you were getting and learn how to carefully analyze odds. Your ability to study the odds is what will set you apart from other bettors who are not having that much success, even if they are winning. Somebody may actually have a very high win rate, but their profits might be very low or even nonexistent.

You can have a lower win rate and have a higher rate of return, simply because you know how to study odds. The purpose of you studying odds will be for you to compare different prices being offered through different betting outfits. What you are looking for is an edge. If you can get a particular team at a better price through another betting outfit, then these slightly higher profits will add up in the long-term.

If you have access to enough sports books, you may even come across the a match where you can back both teams and still make a profit. This is caused by the price difference between the sports books.

I know it might seem difficult at first, but if you are in the business of making soccer picks then you need whatever edge you can get. There are people who study odds very diligently, and they know how to find discrepancies that will allow them to make more profits. These types of people are more concerned about finding a good price rather than simply winning overall.

People who do this for a living are very dependent upon getting a good price. This is even truer if you are spending money on soccer picks and not making them yourself. You must make that investment worth it in this case. Getting the most profit you can from these soccer picks is what will enable you to have a losing run every here and now.

Your overall bankroll will not be that impacted, because you are getting more value than other people are. This is where good odd analyzing ability plays a key role. Take the time to learn it and be sure to apply it where it is applicable.

Finding the best soccer picks can be difficult. Luckily E2Football have a great record at providing winning soccer predictions for a good few years.

View the original article here