And quite a few have been rechristened according to their appearance. Let's take a look at some memorable, bizarre and unique nicknames in the world of soccer.
• Brazilian Ronaldo's deadly dribbling and goal striking abilities earned him the title O Fenomeno. • Gabriel Batistuta won recognition as Batigol after becoming Argentina's most prolific goal scorer. • Frenchman Fabien Barthez has gone down in history as the Baldheaded God (Le Divin Chauve)! • Spaniard Ivan de la Pena's nickname, The Little Buddha, has its origin's in his lack of hair! • Simple contractions transformed giant stars into affectionate, approachable guys - Jurgen Klinsmann was Klinsi, Michel Platini became Platoche and Filippo Inzaghi is Pippo! • The famous wearer of the number 10 soccer shirt, Argentinian Diego Maradona was initially stuck with the not so flattering moniker, Fluffy, owing to his scruffy hairstyle! Luckily, he was later graced as the Golden Child (El Pibe de Oro). • One of the most skilled dribbler, finisher and free kick specialist, Brazilian Zico, was so multitalented, he became dubbed the White Pele - a tough title to live up to for any player! Interestingly enough, Pele himself endorsed this comparison, admitting that "throughout the years, the one player that came closest to me was Zico." • Pet names take on such huge proportions, they sometimes replace and erase a players real name! Even their soccer jerseys carry their nickname! And thankfully so, or we wouldn't have known where our favorite players were on field, without looking at the number on their soccer shirts! Pele, the greatest legend of the game, would've had Edson Arantes do Nascimento on the back of his soccer shirt! And our very own Garrincha would be Manuel Francisco dos Santos! • For reasons unknown to us, German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is known as Der Ausserirdische or The Extra Terrestrial! Is there something we should know here or has ET already gone home?! • If German soccer star, Franz Beckenbauer, was The Emperor (Der Kaiser), his team mate, Gerd Müller, went down in history as The Bomber thanks to his goal scoring prowess! • And now, time to enter the 'soccer zoo' where you'll find Lionel Messi - the Flea, Claudio Lopez - the Louse, Emilio Butragueno - the Vulture, and their illustrious ancestors, Jack Charlton - the Giraffe, Lev Yashin - the Black Spider, Mario Kempes - the Matador, Eusebio - the Panther and Kevin Keegan - the Mouse! It's a full house here, as you can see! • Some players found themselves firmly ensconced on royal ground and sat on the throne with due honors. Ghanaian international, Prince Opoku Bismark Polley Sampene, known as Prince Polley, was a popular player in the Dutch league back in the 90's. • And then a name came along in the 80's that took on spiritual proportions of the highest order - Jesus Zamora! Imagine Jesus playing for Spain at the Soccer World Cup! It doesn't get more surreal than that, does it?!
By Bruno Pisano
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
New Signings For FC Barcelona By Goran Maric
By Goran Maric
The 2008-2009 season is barely finished but Barca is already on the move for some new signings. Calalan giants are looking to add 3 to 5 new names to their list.
Left back position
First name on the list is Bruno Saltor from Almeria. Saltor is a Spanish player and knows the league and those are the best 2 reason working in his favor. Second in line is Inter Milan fullback, Maxwell. Brazilian is highly rated by FC Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola. He is also an attacking full back, exactly what Barca needs to cover the absence of Sylvinho.
Left winger spot
With Henry turning 32 next season, Barca have set their sights on a new left winger. Illustrious names such as: Frank Ribery, David Silva, Robin Van Persie and Mauro Zarate are being mentioned as front runners for the vacant spot. First option for Pep Guardiola is Frank Ribery who currently plays for Bayern Munich and is reportedly unhappy with conditions in Bavarian capital. The Frenchman already expressed his desire to wear the Barcelona shirt but Barca now faces another problem in Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, who is also looking to sign Ribery after just completing the Kaka transfer.
New striker
Future of Samuel Eto looks uncertain. Latest reports suggest that he is likely to leave the club despite finishing an outstanding season with scoring 30 goals in the Spanish league and the winning goal in Champions league final. His most likely successors are Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Villa or Karim Benzema. All strikers have already expressed their desire to join Barcelona.
By Goran Maric
The 2008-2009 season is barely finished but Barca is already on the move for some new signings. Calalan giants are looking to add 3 to 5 new names to their list.
Left back position
First name on the list is Bruno Saltor from Almeria. Saltor is a Spanish player and knows the league and those are the best 2 reason working in his favor. Second in line is Inter Milan fullback, Maxwell. Brazilian is highly rated by FC Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola. He is also an attacking full back, exactly what Barca needs to cover the absence of Sylvinho.
Left winger spot
With Henry turning 32 next season, Barca have set their sights on a new left winger. Illustrious names such as: Frank Ribery, David Silva, Robin Van Persie and Mauro Zarate are being mentioned as front runners for the vacant spot. First option for Pep Guardiola is Frank Ribery who currently plays for Bayern Munich and is reportedly unhappy with conditions in Bavarian capital. The Frenchman already expressed his desire to wear the Barcelona shirt but Barca now faces another problem in Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, who is also looking to sign Ribery after just completing the Kaka transfer.
New striker
Future of Samuel Eto looks uncertain. Latest reports suggest that he is likely to leave the club despite finishing an outstanding season with scoring 30 goals in the Spanish league and the winning goal in Champions league final. His most likely successors are Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Villa or Karim Benzema. All strikers have already expressed their desire to join Barcelona.
By Goran Maric
Soccer – A Number’s Game
By Giorgio Pirelli
Soccer shirt numbers were once closely associated with the position one played. To the extent that positions were actually referred to by shirt number! This meant that a player's number changed with each match, depending on which position was assigned to him on that particular day. The numbers 1 and 12 were usually kept for goalkeepers, 5 for a center midfielder, 9 for a striker, 11 for a left winger and number 10 for an attacking midfielder.
Things changed during the 1954 World Cup when FIFA laid down the rule that teams had to use a numbering system. A specific shirt number was to be given to each player for the entire tournament. But that was then and this is now...
With the numbering system of 1 to 11 relegated to the past, on the world stage, teams usually stick to the numbers 1 to 23, though there are a few exceptions. And at the club level, any number from 1 to 99 can be worn. So, you have random numbers at play - numbers that players consider lucky or their favorite player's numbers worn as a mark of respect.
Players now lay claim to certain numbers and jealously guard them. Only players that seem worthy of continuing a legacy are allocated the much coveted numbers 7, 9 and 10. They have history to back them up and have become synonymous with soccer legends. But the biggest honor goes to the number 10, given to the most creative playmaker on the field who scores the maximum goals. The number 10 soccer jersey has graced the shoulders of Pele, Diego Maradona, Michel Platini, Zico, Lothar Matthäus, Gary Lineker, Roberto Baggio, Zinedine Zidane, Michael Owen, Juan Román Riquelme, Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Van der Vaart, Wayne Rooney, Kaka and Lionel Messi.
Bobby Charlton, Ian Rush, Fornando Torres and Alan Shearer are famous number 9's. More recently, the lethal Brazilian forward Ronaldo did full justice to the number 9. Iconic number 7's are David Villa, Raul Gonzalez, Franck Ribery, Luis Figo, George Best, Eric Cantona, Juanito, Amaro, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Andriy Schevchenko.
And then, of course, you've got certain players who adopted their own unique numbers and made them their trademark. The legend Johan Cruyff took a liking to number 14 and wore it instead of the number 1 that should've been assigned to him. David Beckham chose 23 and made it the most sought out for number on the field! Recently, Ronaldinho selected number 80 based on the year of his birth.
There's no doubt that generations to come will associate these numbers with soccer greats. They'll be worn with a sense of pride, driving each player to deliver an inspired performance that does the number on his back proud...
Loving the World Cup countdown? Catch the fever and buy World Cup replica soccer kits from us.
By Giorgio Pirelli
Soccer shirt numbers were once closely associated with the position one played. To the extent that positions were actually referred to by shirt number! This meant that a player's number changed with each match, depending on which position was assigned to him on that particular day. The numbers 1 and 12 were usually kept for goalkeepers, 5 for a center midfielder, 9 for a striker, 11 for a left winger and number 10 for an attacking midfielder.
Things changed during the 1954 World Cup when FIFA laid down the rule that teams had to use a numbering system. A specific shirt number was to be given to each player for the entire tournament. But that was then and this is now...
With the numbering system of 1 to 11 relegated to the past, on the world stage, teams usually stick to the numbers 1 to 23, though there are a few exceptions. And at the club level, any number from 1 to 99 can be worn. So, you have random numbers at play - numbers that players consider lucky or their favorite player's numbers worn as a mark of respect.
Players now lay claim to certain numbers and jealously guard them. Only players that seem worthy of continuing a legacy are allocated the much coveted numbers 7, 9 and 10. They have history to back them up and have become synonymous with soccer legends. But the biggest honor goes to the number 10, given to the most creative playmaker on the field who scores the maximum goals. The number 10 soccer jersey has graced the shoulders of Pele, Diego Maradona, Michel Platini, Zico, Lothar Matthäus, Gary Lineker, Roberto Baggio, Zinedine Zidane, Michael Owen, Juan Román Riquelme, Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Van der Vaart, Wayne Rooney, Kaka and Lionel Messi.
Bobby Charlton, Ian Rush, Fornando Torres and Alan Shearer are famous number 9's. More recently, the lethal Brazilian forward Ronaldo did full justice to the number 9. Iconic number 7's are David Villa, Raul Gonzalez, Franck Ribery, Luis Figo, George Best, Eric Cantona, Juanito, Amaro, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Andriy Schevchenko.
And then, of course, you've got certain players who adopted their own unique numbers and made them their trademark. The legend Johan Cruyff took a liking to number 14 and wore it instead of the number 1 that should've been assigned to him. David Beckham chose 23 and made it the most sought out for number on the field! Recently, Ronaldinho selected number 80 based on the year of his birth.
There's no doubt that generations to come will associate these numbers with soccer greats. They'll be worn with a sense of pride, driving each player to deliver an inspired performance that does the number on his back proud...
Loving the World Cup countdown? Catch the fever and buy World Cup replica soccer kits from us.
By Giorgio Pirelli
Fantastic Football World Cup in South Africa - Is Success of Confederations Cup Important?
By Anshu Sawhney
The glorious international Football World Cup Championship is undoubtedly a much anticipated tournament. With huge football fanatics across the globe, South-Africa is under huge pressure burdened with lots of expectations from FIFA as well as the world. Till now, Confederations Cup has been hugely successful. It seems that South Africa has proved his mettle as a host of the upcoming 2010 Football World Cup!
Confederations Cup is like a big test event for the South Africa and has attained success so far. For both the host nation and the organizer, FIFA, it would be a little tough task to influence that everything will be fine by 2010. In order to make things clearer and more visible to the doubters, Sepp Blatter has given significant piece information. He clarified that lots of last minute activities are there to perform.
But, South Africa is anxious to show the world that it can successfully manage such a huge and glorious event. But, weather has betrayed during the Confederations Cup, as there might be winter on Highveld. Four venues of the Confederations Cup are positioned with a mildly pleasant cold atmosphere.
With brisk air all over, atmosphere becomes cold after some time. But, you can enjoy sunshine the whole day. Interestingly, there was sunshine during the eve of the first game, South Affrica Vs Iraq. On the other hand, Italians enjoyed a friendly-win against New Zealand during a consistent down pour. Let's hope for the success of 2010 soccer World Cup to be held in the nervous South Africa!
By Anshu Sawhney
The glorious international Football World Cup Championship is undoubtedly a much anticipated tournament. With huge football fanatics across the globe, South-Africa is under huge pressure burdened with lots of expectations from FIFA as well as the world. Till now, Confederations Cup has been hugely successful. It seems that South Africa has proved his mettle as a host of the upcoming 2010 Football World Cup!
Confederations Cup is like a big test event for the South Africa and has attained success so far. For both the host nation and the organizer, FIFA, it would be a little tough task to influence that everything will be fine by 2010. In order to make things clearer and more visible to the doubters, Sepp Blatter has given significant piece information. He clarified that lots of last minute activities are there to perform.
But, South Africa is anxious to show the world that it can successfully manage such a huge and glorious event. But, weather has betrayed during the Confederations Cup, as there might be winter on Highveld. Four venues of the Confederations Cup are positioned with a mildly pleasant cold atmosphere.
With brisk air all over, atmosphere becomes cold after some time. But, you can enjoy sunshine the whole day. Interestingly, there was sunshine during the eve of the first game, South Affrica Vs Iraq. On the other hand, Italians enjoyed a friendly-win against New Zealand during a consistent down pour. Let's hope for the success of 2010 soccer World Cup to be held in the nervous South Africa!
By Anshu Sawhney
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Italian Serie A Title Contenders
By Rick D. Lee
Serie A is Italy's top-level soccer competition. Even though it has declined a little from its peak in the 1990s, Serie A is still considered one of the strongest domestic leagues in the world. Serie A is also home to some of the most storied soccer clubs in Europe. Here are 3 title contenders for the incoming 2009/10 Italian Serie A season:
1. Inter Milan. Known simply as Inter, this famous soccer club is the champion of Serie A for the last 4 years. Possessing the strongest and most complete squad in Italy, Inter is widely expected to win the Serie A title again this season. Inter is owned by billionaire oil magnate Massimo Moratti and coached by the famous Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho. Throughout its illustrious history, Inter has won 17 Serie A titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles.
2. Juventus. Relegated to Serie B after the 2005/06 season for its involvement in the Calciopoli scandal, Juventus was able to get back in the top flight of Italian soccer within 1 year. Juventus is the most decorated soccer club in Italy with 27 Serie A titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles. They also finished second in the league last season. Now coached by rookie coach Ciro Ferrara, Juventus is Inter's biggest rival for the 2009/10 Serie A title.
3. AC Milan. Known simply as Milan, this soccer club is owned by the Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi. Milan is based in the same city and shares the same Giuseppe Meazza stadium with Inter, but there's no lost love between these two clubs as they've been great rivals in Serie A for many years. Throughout its history, Milan has won 17 Serie A titles and 7 UEFA Champions League titles. Along with Inter and Juventus, Milan is considered a strong favorite to win the Serie A title in the 2009/10 season.
By Rick D. Lee
Serie A is Italy's top-level soccer competition. Even though it has declined a little from its peak in the 1990s, Serie A is still considered one of the strongest domestic leagues in the world. Serie A is also home to some of the most storied soccer clubs in Europe. Here are 3 title contenders for the incoming 2009/10 Italian Serie A season:
1. Inter Milan. Known simply as Inter, this famous soccer club is the champion of Serie A for the last 4 years. Possessing the strongest and most complete squad in Italy, Inter is widely expected to win the Serie A title again this season. Inter is owned by billionaire oil magnate Massimo Moratti and coached by the famous Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho. Throughout its illustrious history, Inter has won 17 Serie A titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles.
2. Juventus. Relegated to Serie B after the 2005/06 season for its involvement in the Calciopoli scandal, Juventus was able to get back in the top flight of Italian soccer within 1 year. Juventus is the most decorated soccer club in Italy with 27 Serie A titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles. They also finished second in the league last season. Now coached by rookie coach Ciro Ferrara, Juventus is Inter's biggest rival for the 2009/10 Serie A title.
3. AC Milan. Known simply as Milan, this soccer club is owned by the Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi. Milan is based in the same city and shares the same Giuseppe Meazza stadium with Inter, but there's no lost love between these two clubs as they've been great rivals in Serie A for many years. Throughout its history, Milan has won 17 Serie A titles and 7 UEFA Champions League titles. Along with Inter and Juventus, Milan is considered a strong favorite to win the Serie A title in the 2009/10 season.
By Rick D. Lee
Soccer Strength and Conditioning - Some Common Mistakes
By Rupert L. Trubshaw
A soccer strength and conditioning programme is vital if you are going to play to any decent standard as it's one of the most demanding sports out there. There are important basics to getting the right exercise regime that will benefit your game.
Firstly, did you know in a soccer game the average player covers more than seven miles (that is 12 kilometres)? I was astonished to find that out. It's not an even run though - some of that time there will be flat out sprinting, other times you will be down to a walking place. That means interval training, with work followed by rest, is a good part of your soccer strength and conditioning regime as it mimics the real thing.
There is also one more thing that it is a surprise to find out - weight training might not help your soccer strength and conditioning workouts. If you are doing the standard three repetitions of ten, you might be gaining greater muscle bulk - but it could well be at the expense of stamina and recovery. That means you will be left drained for the last twenty minutes - and might struggle with recovery times.
Getting a complete soccer strength and conditioning work is difficult, as you need both upper and lower body work to compete for the ball in the air, to get power when you jump and to hold off players.
The best answer is a form of circuit training, ideally involving replicating some common soccer movements. This can be done cheaply and many exercises may not require weights.
By Rupert L. Trubshaw
A soccer strength and conditioning programme is vital if you are going to play to any decent standard as it's one of the most demanding sports out there. There are important basics to getting the right exercise regime that will benefit your game.
Firstly, did you know in a soccer game the average player covers more than seven miles (that is 12 kilometres)? I was astonished to find that out. It's not an even run though - some of that time there will be flat out sprinting, other times you will be down to a walking place. That means interval training, with work followed by rest, is a good part of your soccer strength and conditioning regime as it mimics the real thing.
There is also one more thing that it is a surprise to find out - weight training might not help your soccer strength and conditioning workouts. If you are doing the standard three repetitions of ten, you might be gaining greater muscle bulk - but it could well be at the expense of stamina and recovery. That means you will be left drained for the last twenty minutes - and might struggle with recovery times.
Getting a complete soccer strength and conditioning work is difficult, as you need both upper and lower body work to compete for the ball in the air, to get power when you jump and to hold off players.
The best answer is a form of circuit training, ideally involving replicating some common soccer movements. This can be done cheaply and many exercises may not require weights.
By Rupert L. Trubshaw
Soccer Training Videos
By Bryan Bean
The good thing about being a soccer player nowadays is that they can take advantage of modern ways of training. Before, players can only rely on doing soccer drills in order to develop their skills. Today, different training aids exist that can accelerate the pace of skills development among players. One of the relatively newer ways to train for soccer is through the use of soccer training videos.
Currently, almost all coaches and trainers are using training video to help players develop the their minds and bodies to be successful in soccer. This article is all about soccer training videos and the benefits that they bring to anyone who choose to use them.
The use of videos in soccer practice is pretty straightforward. Usually, a video monitor is set up in a gym and the players are required to watch the video. Some video are plain lectures about soccer. This means that they provide theoretical knowledge of the players.
When watching these videos, players need only to watch and listen and maybe take down notes to remember the topics being discussed. The use of theoretical videos is very useful in instilling in players the value of basics of the game and in giving them knowledge from which to base their skills development.
There are also videos that show soccer practice drills. While watching these kinds of videos, players are required to be active and follow the exercises being shown on the monitor. Watching these videos replaces the old practice of having someone lead the practice drills in front of the players.
The beauty of using videos in soccer training lies in the fact that videos can be repeated easily in case there is a need to show the video again. Videos can also be used both for personal and group purposes. This means that an individual can watch the video by himself or he can watch it with his teammates. Videos are also very convenient to use. It can be used anytime as long as there is a video player and a monitor around.
If you are a coach or a player and you are still not using soccer training videos then you are missing a lot. Videos can save energy and time which can be used for more important matter.
If you want to maximize your practice time and you want to get ahead of your opponents, then it is highly advisable that you use soccer training video.
By Bryan Bean
The good thing about being a soccer player nowadays is that they can take advantage of modern ways of training. Before, players can only rely on doing soccer drills in order to develop their skills. Today, different training aids exist that can accelerate the pace of skills development among players. One of the relatively newer ways to train for soccer is through the use of soccer training videos.
Currently, almost all coaches and trainers are using training video to help players develop the their minds and bodies to be successful in soccer. This article is all about soccer training videos and the benefits that they bring to anyone who choose to use them.
The use of videos in soccer practice is pretty straightforward. Usually, a video monitor is set up in a gym and the players are required to watch the video. Some video are plain lectures about soccer. This means that they provide theoretical knowledge of the players.
When watching these videos, players need only to watch and listen and maybe take down notes to remember the topics being discussed. The use of theoretical videos is very useful in instilling in players the value of basics of the game and in giving them knowledge from which to base their skills development.
There are also videos that show soccer practice drills. While watching these kinds of videos, players are required to be active and follow the exercises being shown on the monitor. Watching these videos replaces the old practice of having someone lead the practice drills in front of the players.
The beauty of using videos in soccer training lies in the fact that videos can be repeated easily in case there is a need to show the video again. Videos can also be used both for personal and group purposes. This means that an individual can watch the video by himself or he can watch it with his teammates. Videos are also very convenient to use. It can be used anytime as long as there is a video player and a monitor around.
If you are a coach or a player and you are still not using soccer training videos then you are missing a lot. Videos can save energy and time which can be used for more important matter.
If you want to maximize your practice time and you want to get ahead of your opponents, then it is highly advisable that you use soccer training video.
By Bryan Bean
Monday, July 27, 2009
State of Origin 2009 - Game 3 Preview
By Emily Habelrih
In games one and two this year, due to a lack of cohesion and very sloppy goal line defense, QLD have scored early, easy points and despite courageous fight backs in both games, NSW was never able to recover from these early onslaughts of points. If NSW can start the game strong and come up with the first couple of tries, leaving QLD scoreless in the first 20 minutes of the game, I think NSW has a slight chance of winning the game, as impossible as that sounds. However, I am concerned that the team is going to lack cohesion in both offence and defense due to the number of changes made to the side in important positions. Phil Gould made an interesting point on the Sunday Roast last week. He said that Newcastle coach Brain Smith has a tendency to take on players that most people would disregard and then coaches them into strong ball players. He went on to say that if Smith chose the team from the beginning, it would be an entirely different outfit of under rated players and those who stay out of the headlines. I agree with this and believe that NSW should have perhaps focused on those under rated players to be included in the side. That being said, the team chosen for game 3 has a nice balance to the side and Kimmorley brings both consistency and experience to the team and his kicking game will be welcomed because he has the ability to find the grass on most of his kicks, keeping Billy Slater just that little bit quieter on his kick returns.
By Emily Habelrih
In games one and two this year, due to a lack of cohesion and very sloppy goal line defense, QLD have scored early, easy points and despite courageous fight backs in both games, NSW was never able to recover from these early onslaughts of points. If NSW can start the game strong and come up with the first couple of tries, leaving QLD scoreless in the first 20 minutes of the game, I think NSW has a slight chance of winning the game, as impossible as that sounds. However, I am concerned that the team is going to lack cohesion in both offence and defense due to the number of changes made to the side in important positions. Phil Gould made an interesting point on the Sunday Roast last week. He said that Newcastle coach Brain Smith has a tendency to take on players that most people would disregard and then coaches them into strong ball players. He went on to say that if Smith chose the team from the beginning, it would be an entirely different outfit of under rated players and those who stay out of the headlines. I agree with this and believe that NSW should have perhaps focused on those under rated players to be included in the side. That being said, the team chosen for game 3 has a nice balance to the side and Kimmorley brings both consistency and experience to the team and his kicking game will be welcomed because he has the ability to find the grass on most of his kicks, keeping Billy Slater just that little bit quieter on his kick returns.
By Emily Habelrih
English Premiership Leave – Title Contenders
By Rick D. Lee The English Premier League (EPL) is one of the best soccer leagues in the world. In terms of prestige and money involved, the EPL certainly can boast itself as the best in the world. Many of the world's top players and coaches are plying their trade in the EPL. Here are 4 title contenders for the incoming 2009/10 EPL season: 1. Manchester United. As the defending champion, Manchester United is predicted to once again finish at the top of the Premier League table at the end of this season. Manchester United is one of the most successful clubs in England with 18 EPL titles and 3 UEFA Champions League titles to its credit. With the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm, Manchester United is once again a strong favorite to win the EPL. 2. Liverpool. Liverpool is one of the most decorated soccer clubs in England with 18 EPL titles and 5 UEFA Champions League titles. Finishing second in the 2008/09 season, Liverpool certainly wants to go one step further this time around and unseats its great rival Manchester United as the Premier League champion. 3. Chelsea. Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Chelsea has broken into the top tier of England's soccer clubs in the last few years. They won consecutive Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006, adding to the title they won in 1955. Finishing third last year, Chelsea is considered a strong contender for the EPL title this season. 4. Arsenal. With 13 EPL titles to its credit, London-based Arsenal is one of the most successful soccer clubs in the Premier League history. Coached by Arsene Wenger, Arsenal is famous for its free-flowing, attacking soccer and emphasis on young players. And even though Arsenal hasn't won a lot lately, it's still considered a strong favorite to win the EPL title in the 2009/10 season.
By Rick D. Lee
By Rick D. Lee
The Rivalry Between Liverpool and Manchester United
By Hitten Shah
One of the fiercest rivalries in English football, and even in World football, is the rivalry between Liverpool football club and Manchester United football club. There is no love lost between the fans, players or managers of the two giants of club football. A Tale of Two Cities The origins of this rivalry point towards the rivalries of the two cities since industrial times. Liverpool and Manchester were challenging for supremacy of the north west of England. Manchester was renowned for it's excellent manufacturing capabilities, whilst Liverpool had long been a major city due to it's port. However, once the Manchester Ship Canal was built, ships were able to bypass Liverpool to carry goods directly to Manchester. The loss in jobs in Liverpool no doubt strengthened the hostilities between the two cities. On the Pitch The first match between the clubs was on 12 October 1895 which Liverpool won 7-1. There have been 152 league matches. Manchester United have won 58, Liverpool 51 and there have been 43 draws. If anything the off field rivalries between the cities have been deepened by the great successes of the two clubs. Both clubs have had periods of dominance of English soccer and each of these periods has increased the rivalry between the clubs. During the 1970's and 80's, Liverpool dominated English Football and to some extent European Football, winning 11 league titles and 4 European Cups. The 1990's onwards have belonged to Manchester United who also won 11 league titles as well as 2 European Cups. Significantly in 2009, Manchester United equalled Liverpool's long standing record of having won 18 League titles overall. The team that came second was...Liverpool. The competition between the two teams reached fever pitch during this season. No more proof of this was required than the 'War of Words' between the two club managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez. The pair traded verbal blows as the season was heading to a thrilling climax. Is this rivalry good or bad? Well, in one sense the intensity of the rivalry spills over into deep hatred and irrational loathing not only from the fans, but from the players and managers too. Sometimes the personal insults that are thrown at each other seem to be going too far. In another sense, however, you get the sense that it is this rivalry that really creates the massive amount of motivation to succeed. Both clubs are determined to be more successful than the other and this seeps through from the fans to the players to the manager to every person connected with the clubs. It could be argued that neither club would have been as successful as they have been without this fierce rivalry. What of the future? With both clubs on 18 league titles, the 2009/10 league season promises to be the most bitterly contested ever as neither team will want to live with the stigma of falling behind in the reckoning.
By Hitten Shah
One of the fiercest rivalries in English football, and even in World football, is the rivalry between Liverpool football club and Manchester United football club. There is no love lost between the fans, players or managers of the two giants of club football. A Tale of Two Cities The origins of this rivalry point towards the rivalries of the two cities since industrial times. Liverpool and Manchester were challenging for supremacy of the north west of England. Manchester was renowned for it's excellent manufacturing capabilities, whilst Liverpool had long been a major city due to it's port. However, once the Manchester Ship Canal was built, ships were able to bypass Liverpool to carry goods directly to Manchester. The loss in jobs in Liverpool no doubt strengthened the hostilities between the two cities. On the Pitch The first match between the clubs was on 12 October 1895 which Liverpool won 7-1. There have been 152 league matches. Manchester United have won 58, Liverpool 51 and there have been 43 draws. If anything the off field rivalries between the cities have been deepened by the great successes of the two clubs. Both clubs have had periods of dominance of English soccer and each of these periods has increased the rivalry between the clubs. During the 1970's and 80's, Liverpool dominated English Football and to some extent European Football, winning 11 league titles and 4 European Cups. The 1990's onwards have belonged to Manchester United who also won 11 league titles as well as 2 European Cups. Significantly in 2009, Manchester United equalled Liverpool's long standing record of having won 18 League titles overall. The team that came second was...Liverpool. The competition between the two teams reached fever pitch during this season. No more proof of this was required than the 'War of Words' between the two club managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez. The pair traded verbal blows as the season was heading to a thrilling climax. Is this rivalry good or bad? Well, in one sense the intensity of the rivalry spills over into deep hatred and irrational loathing not only from the fans, but from the players and managers too. Sometimes the personal insults that are thrown at each other seem to be going too far. In another sense, however, you get the sense that it is this rivalry that really creates the massive amount of motivation to succeed. Both clubs are determined to be more successful than the other and this seeps through from the fans to the players to the manager to every person connected with the clubs. It could be argued that neither club would have been as successful as they have been without this fierce rivalry. What of the future? With both clubs on 18 league titles, the 2009/10 league season promises to be the most bitterly contested ever as neither team will want to live with the stigma of falling behind in the reckoning.
By Hitten Shah
Soccer for Beginners - Five Simple Steps to Improve Your Weaker Foot
By Heikal Suhaili
If you need to improve on your weaker foot quickly. Then you might want to practice these soccer drills every day for a month and hopefully you'll achieve the results. By that time, your weaker foot should accomplish most tougher soccer drills like shooting, passing, dribbling etc.
These soccer drills aims to improve on your touches, control and balances. So let's begin:
Drill #1: Warming-Ups Begin with simple stretches on your legs and feet to maximize performance and preventing injuries during practice.
Drill #2: Simple Juggle Find an open space, throw the ball at waist height and let it bounce. Then kick it up using your laces of the foot. Repeat this for roughly 5 minutes and then increase it to 10 minutes and so on. For a start, let the ball bounce as it is easier and gives you the confidence. Once you've become better, try by not letting the ball bounce on the floor.
Drill #3: Simple Control Touch the soccer ball lightly with your outstep and then quickly change to your instep and vice versa. Similar to doing a flip flap or elastico. Practice it for as long as you can by building rhythm along with speed with the ball.
Drill #4: Simple ball trap The simplest way you can do this is by throwing the soccer ball upwards and trap it by letting the ball fall on your toe part of the foot.
Drill #5: Simple Pass Find a wall, maybe in your room or even outside. Pass the ball against the wall by using the inside of foot and outside of foot depending on your preference. To make it interesting, build rhythm in your passing by increasing its speed which greatly improves ball trapping and passing skills relatively quickly.
Apply these five soccer drills in any order at any time you prefer. Keep practicing consistently and you'll benefit the result, enjoy practicing!
By Heikal Suhaili
If you need to improve on your weaker foot quickly. Then you might want to practice these soccer drills every day for a month and hopefully you'll achieve the results. By that time, your weaker foot should accomplish most tougher soccer drills like shooting, passing, dribbling etc.
These soccer drills aims to improve on your touches, control and balances. So let's begin:
Drill #1: Warming-Ups Begin with simple stretches on your legs and feet to maximize performance and preventing injuries during practice.
Drill #2: Simple Juggle Find an open space, throw the ball at waist height and let it bounce. Then kick it up using your laces of the foot. Repeat this for roughly 5 minutes and then increase it to 10 minutes and so on. For a start, let the ball bounce as it is easier and gives you the confidence. Once you've become better, try by not letting the ball bounce on the floor.
Drill #3: Simple Control Touch the soccer ball lightly with your outstep and then quickly change to your instep and vice versa. Similar to doing a flip flap or elastico. Practice it for as long as you can by building rhythm along with speed with the ball.
Drill #4: Simple ball trap The simplest way you can do this is by throwing the soccer ball upwards and trap it by letting the ball fall on your toe part of the foot.
Drill #5: Simple Pass Find a wall, maybe in your room or even outside. Pass the ball against the wall by using the inside of foot and outside of foot depending on your preference. To make it interesting, build rhythm in your passing by increasing its speed which greatly improves ball trapping and passing skills relatively quickly.
Apply these five soccer drills in any order at any time you prefer. Keep practicing consistently and you'll benefit the result, enjoy practicing!
By Heikal Suhaili
Soccer Recruiting 2009 - What You Must Know
By Gary V. Hawkins
It's time to start preparing yourself for soccer recruiting 2009. The fact is there are thousands of soccer players all across the country that share the dream of playing soccer at the college level. Some will make it to the college level, while others will come up short. The question is why? Why do some athletes make it to the college level, while others don't?
The very first thing you need to know about soccer recruiting 2009 is this: You must have the talent to play soccer at the college level. The competition level is very high at any division level in the college game. If you are struggling for playing time at the high school level, or just seeing average results, you may not have the talent to play at the next level.
Another problem may be that you play at a very small high school or a school that just isn't known for soccer. If you find yourself in that situation, you will have to take some steps to get your name and talents known by college coaches. If college coaches don't know you exist, you will never be recruited.
Are you relying on your coach to promote you during the soccer recruiting 2009 season? If you are, you could be making a huge mistake. Most high school coaches do not take an active interest in promoting players to colleges. Why? Many of them don't understand the recruiting and scholarship process themselves. They falsely assume if a player is good enough to play at some level of college soccer, the colleges will find them.
The biggest problem is that most high school athletes do not market and promote themselves to college coaches. If you have the talent to play at the college level, you must take the initiative to market and promote yourself during the soccer recruiting 2009 season. Think about any product you buy. At some point in time that product was new and nobody knew about it. It had to be marketed and promoted before you or anyone else could buy it. You must go through the same process for yourself. You must send letters and emails to college coaches and let them know about you and how you can help their program be successful.
If getting noticed during the soccer recruiting 2009 season is your dream, you can make it happen. You don't have to be a super star athlete that every college coach in America already knows about. You can simply be a very good player who becomes a super star at promoting and marketing yourself.
Gary Hawkins is a well known recruiting and athletic scholarships expert and the author of a popular 17-page free report titled
By Gary V. Hawkins
It's time to start preparing yourself for soccer recruiting 2009. The fact is there are thousands of soccer players all across the country that share the dream of playing soccer at the college level. Some will make it to the college level, while others will come up short. The question is why? Why do some athletes make it to the college level, while others don't?
The very first thing you need to know about soccer recruiting 2009 is this: You must have the talent to play soccer at the college level. The competition level is very high at any division level in the college game. If you are struggling for playing time at the high school level, or just seeing average results, you may not have the talent to play at the next level.
Another problem may be that you play at a very small high school or a school that just isn't known for soccer. If you find yourself in that situation, you will have to take some steps to get your name and talents known by college coaches. If college coaches don't know you exist, you will never be recruited.
Are you relying on your coach to promote you during the soccer recruiting 2009 season? If you are, you could be making a huge mistake. Most high school coaches do not take an active interest in promoting players to colleges. Why? Many of them don't understand the recruiting and scholarship process themselves. They falsely assume if a player is good enough to play at some level of college soccer, the colleges will find them.
The biggest problem is that most high school athletes do not market and promote themselves to college coaches. If you have the talent to play at the college level, you must take the initiative to market and promote yourself during the soccer recruiting 2009 season. Think about any product you buy. At some point in time that product was new and nobody knew about it. It had to be marketed and promoted before you or anyone else could buy it. You must go through the same process for yourself. You must send letters and emails to college coaches and let them know about you and how you can help their program be successful.
If getting noticed during the soccer recruiting 2009 season is your dream, you can make it happen. You don't have to be a super star athlete that every college coach in America already knows about. You can simply be a very good player who becomes a super star at promoting and marketing yourself.
Gary Hawkins is a well known recruiting and athletic scholarships expert and the author of a popular 17-page free report titled
By Gary V. Hawkins
Foreign Investment in Premiership Football Clubs
By Jason Towse
In recent years, there has been a staggering amount of money from foreign sources pouring into premiership football clubs which has generated much controversy because of the level of debt that these clubs would then be in. In many ways, the premiership is a victim of its own success and is hugely popular not just within the United Kingdom but also in many countries all over the world. The premier league is considered by many to be the best league in the world. Such popularity means that there is no shortage of investors who are only too eager to share in this success.
We now have owners that originate from the United States as well as Russia and the United Arab Emirates and there are more lurking on the horizon just waiting for the opportunity to invest.
Another concern that many fans have with these takeovers that are powered by foreign investment is the danger of the clubs concerned losing their identity although many supporters would welcome the injection of cash for transfers. Years ago it was the Italian and Spanish leagues that were the envy of world football and the place where all footballers wanted to ply their trade. These days this is not the case and all roads point to England and the premiership.
With financial concerns over the banking industry spreading worldwide, it remains to be seen whether the growth that premiership football has enjoyed in recent years can be sustained over the long term.
By Jason Towse
In recent years, there has been a staggering amount of money from foreign sources pouring into premiership football clubs which has generated much controversy because of the level of debt that these clubs would then be in. In many ways, the premiership is a victim of its own success and is hugely popular not just within the United Kingdom but also in many countries all over the world. The premier league is considered by many to be the best league in the world. Such popularity means that there is no shortage of investors who are only too eager to share in this success.
We now have owners that originate from the United States as well as Russia and the United Arab Emirates and there are more lurking on the horizon just waiting for the opportunity to invest.
Another concern that many fans have with these takeovers that are powered by foreign investment is the danger of the clubs concerned losing their identity although many supporters would welcome the injection of cash for transfers. Years ago it was the Italian and Spanish leagues that were the envy of world football and the place where all footballers wanted to ply their trade. These days this is not the case and all roads point to England and the premiership.
With financial concerns over the banking industry spreading worldwide, it remains to be seen whether the growth that premiership football has enjoyed in recent years can be sustained over the long term.
By Jason Towse
Friday, July 24, 2009
A Guide to Buying Soccer Equipment
By Rachel Spohn
When it comes to buying soccer gear, most people think of heading over to a sporting goods store. But what they don't know is that this isn't the only solution to getting what you need. The online soccer market gives soccer enthusiasts many more choices than the conventional sporting goods store. Here is some information on where and what to buy online to keep the game alive.
Where to start: As is the case with all sports gear, the quality of soccer equipment varies greatly. Depending on how serious you are about being the best, you can spend either a lot or a little. There's no reason to go all out if you mainly play pick-up games here and there, but if your goal is the professional leagues then it is a good idea to invest in quality soccer gear.
To play the game, you don't need much to begin. The basics include a pair of soccer shoes, clothing, shin guards, and a ball. Since soccer is a game you play with your feet, let's begin by discussing shoes. Your shoes are the most important equipment you'll own when playing soccer. They should fit snugly, like a glove, and allow for the maximum efficiency in control while playing. Shoes that are too loose fitting won't allow you the control you need when the ball comes your way.
There are two basic types of soccer shoes: one for play on natural grass (cleats) and the other for indoor play. Even better is a combination of turf-indoor shoe. Cleats give you sure footing and allow for quick direction changes. Indoor shoes have flat rubber soles that easily grip the hard playing surface of an indoor court. The ultra-thin sole allows you to get under the ball with your feet. Turf shoes are very similar to indoor shoes, but their soles will usually have more distinct texturing (almost like mini-cleats) for traction on turf. You may want a hybrid indoor/turf soccer shoe if you play on a variety of surfaces.
Clothing is also an essential part of soccer. The three components to any uniform include the shirt, shorts, and socks. Soccer jerseys are designed to keep you cool and wick away sweat while you run across the field. Short-sleeved jerseys are ideal for summer practices, and long-sleeved jerseys serve you well on cooler days. How should the jersey fit? It should be loose enough to let you move freely, but not so loose that it gets caught on others players when you're fighting for the ball. Soccer shorts are designed to allow full leg motion and should fall somewhere between mid-thigh and the top of your knee. To complete your uniform, you must buy soccer socks. They should be long enough to cover your shin guards, and thick enough to give your feet some cushioning.
When it comes to sports gear, don't overlook the importance of safety equipment. Getting kicked in the shins is extremely painful--that's why shin guards are so important to soccer players. To get the most protection, buy shin guards that you pull over the ankle and strap around the calf. For a greater range of flexibility, however, opt for the simple shin guards that are strapless and held in place by your socks.
The final basic component of any soccer game is the ball. Soccer balls have three pieces--the cover, the lining, and the bladder. Each of these elements affects the feel and control of the ball. The cover is the exterior of the ball; this is what makes contact with your feet. The best balls usually feature a synthetic cover; these are generally softer and more responsive than others. The lining goes between the cover and the bladder to provide structure and shape to the ball. Cheap soccer balls usually have two polyester layers, whereas the best will have four layers of cotton and polyester. And finally, the bladder holds the air in the ball. Latex bladders are usually seen in high-end balls; this means that it will require more frequent inflating than the lower-end butyl bladders.
The style, design, and quality of all of this equipment are quite far ranging. The Internet is your best resource for purchasing exactly what you need, want, and can afford. Keep these tips in mind when searching for your equipment, and you'll be on your way to soccer bliss.
By Rachel Spohn
When it comes to buying soccer gear, most people think of heading over to a sporting goods store. But what they don't know is that this isn't the only solution to getting what you need. The online soccer market gives soccer enthusiasts many more choices than the conventional sporting goods store. Here is some information on where and what to buy online to keep the game alive.
Where to start: As is the case with all sports gear, the quality of soccer equipment varies greatly. Depending on how serious you are about being the best, you can spend either a lot or a little. There's no reason to go all out if you mainly play pick-up games here and there, but if your goal is the professional leagues then it is a good idea to invest in quality soccer gear.
To play the game, you don't need much to begin. The basics include a pair of soccer shoes, clothing, shin guards, and a ball. Since soccer is a game you play with your feet, let's begin by discussing shoes. Your shoes are the most important equipment you'll own when playing soccer. They should fit snugly, like a glove, and allow for the maximum efficiency in control while playing. Shoes that are too loose fitting won't allow you the control you need when the ball comes your way.
There are two basic types of soccer shoes: one for play on natural grass (cleats) and the other for indoor play. Even better is a combination of turf-indoor shoe. Cleats give you sure footing and allow for quick direction changes. Indoor shoes have flat rubber soles that easily grip the hard playing surface of an indoor court. The ultra-thin sole allows you to get under the ball with your feet. Turf shoes are very similar to indoor shoes, but their soles will usually have more distinct texturing (almost like mini-cleats) for traction on turf. You may want a hybrid indoor/turf soccer shoe if you play on a variety of surfaces.
Clothing is also an essential part of soccer. The three components to any uniform include the shirt, shorts, and socks. Soccer jerseys are designed to keep you cool and wick away sweat while you run across the field. Short-sleeved jerseys are ideal for summer practices, and long-sleeved jerseys serve you well on cooler days. How should the jersey fit? It should be loose enough to let you move freely, but not so loose that it gets caught on others players when you're fighting for the ball. Soccer shorts are designed to allow full leg motion and should fall somewhere between mid-thigh and the top of your knee. To complete your uniform, you must buy soccer socks. They should be long enough to cover your shin guards, and thick enough to give your feet some cushioning.
When it comes to sports gear, don't overlook the importance of safety equipment. Getting kicked in the shins is extremely painful--that's why shin guards are so important to soccer players. To get the most protection, buy shin guards that you pull over the ankle and strap around the calf. For a greater range of flexibility, however, opt for the simple shin guards that are strapless and held in place by your socks.
The final basic component of any soccer game is the ball. Soccer balls have three pieces--the cover, the lining, and the bladder. Each of these elements affects the feel and control of the ball. The cover is the exterior of the ball; this is what makes contact with your feet. The best balls usually feature a synthetic cover; these are generally softer and more responsive than others. The lining goes between the cover and the bladder to provide structure and shape to the ball. Cheap soccer balls usually have two polyester layers, whereas the best will have four layers of cotton and polyester. And finally, the bladder holds the air in the ball. Latex bladders are usually seen in high-end balls; this means that it will require more frequent inflating than the lower-end butyl bladders.
The style, design, and quality of all of this equipment are quite far ranging. The Internet is your best resource for purchasing exactly what you need, want, and can afford. Keep these tips in mind when searching for your equipment, and you'll be on your way to soccer bliss.
By Rachel Spohn
Soccer Fitness and Conditioning - A Different Perspective For Youth Soccer Players
By Mike Grafstein
There are many different thoughts and theories on how to train for soccer fitness. Many of the theories or training regimens include running for distance or time. There is always some mention of doing jogs for cardio to build up stamina and recovery for the game.
This is great information however it is my opinion and experience that this type of preparation for soccer athletes is outdated and will only lead to weakness, slowness and injury.
It is my opinion and experience that soccer athletes need to build their "cardio"/aerobic base through a properly designed interval training program.
Soccer is a game of bursts of energy with rest periods in between. In most soccer games you see the pattern walk -jog - sprint.
It is my opinion and experience that over a 16 week period of time you can build a sufficient aerobic base for soccer through an incremental progressive interval conditioning program using different work to rest ratios with different movement and change of direction 2-3 times a week.
By doing this type of training you are preparing both the energy and muscle systems for the season and it compliments the strength training you are currently doing.
Together the strength training and incremental interval training will you have ready for from a cardiorespiratory, muscular, nervous and psychological perspective.
This is very different than the old standard of go for a 20 - 45 minute steady - state jog for soccer cardio / stamina / fitness / conditioning.
For me, I am a big fan of interval work - work to rest ratios. I have been using these since I was a student at university back in 1985. Here is some different work to rest ratios: 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1.
Here are some examples with time:
1:5 work hard 10 seconds - rest 50 seconds = 1 rep 1:4 work hard 12 seconds - rest 48 seconds = 1 rep 1:3 work hard 15 seconds - rest 45 seconds =1 rep 1:2 work hard 20 seconds - rest 40 seconds = 1 rep 1:1 work hard 30 seconds - rest 30 seconds = 1 rep 2:1 work hard 20 seconds - rest 10 seconds = 1 rep
To be honest I prefer to start with 1:3, 1:2 or 1:1 intervals and gradually increase the number of reps as the season gets closer. Work up to 15 to 20 reps.
During the season and a week or two before the season I like to start a work to rest ratio of 2:1. This is very demanding
Next it is important that you vary the set up you have for your interval runs. You need to have different courses that include change of direction. Many like to build "speed" endurance by doing runs of 150m, 200 m and 300m.
I prefer to do all out sprints for 10m, 20m and 30m instead. This is more representative of the game and I like doing intervals for conditioning. Keep in mind top end speed is reached at 40m -60m.
Finally the simplest way to condition if you like is what I call the 10-10-10- or 20-20-20 walk - jog - sprint. Players prefer this one because it is easier than the other types of interval work.
The 10 - 10 - 10 walk jog sprint is good for younger players. Walk 10m -jog 10m -sprint 10m. Work up to ten to twenty repetitions or they may work up to fifteen minutes.
The 20-20-20 walk jog sprint is good for older players. The other option is 30-30-30. Walk 20- Jog 20m - Sprint 20m. Work up to 15 to 20 reps or fifteen minutes.
This is good for forward movement; however there are times you need to move to sideways or backwards. difficult to do however the fitness results are very effective
By Mike Grafstein
There are many different thoughts and theories on how to train for soccer fitness. Many of the theories or training regimens include running for distance or time. There is always some mention of doing jogs for cardio to build up stamina and recovery for the game.
This is great information however it is my opinion and experience that this type of preparation for soccer athletes is outdated and will only lead to weakness, slowness and injury.
It is my opinion and experience that soccer athletes need to build their "cardio"/aerobic base through a properly designed interval training program.
Soccer is a game of bursts of energy with rest periods in between. In most soccer games you see the pattern walk -jog - sprint.
It is my opinion and experience that over a 16 week period of time you can build a sufficient aerobic base for soccer through an incremental progressive interval conditioning program using different work to rest ratios with different movement and change of direction 2-3 times a week.
By doing this type of training you are preparing both the energy and muscle systems for the season and it compliments the strength training you are currently doing.
Together the strength training and incremental interval training will you have ready for from a cardiorespiratory, muscular, nervous and psychological perspective.
This is very different than the old standard of go for a 20 - 45 minute steady - state jog for soccer cardio / stamina / fitness / conditioning.
For me, I am a big fan of interval work - work to rest ratios. I have been using these since I was a student at university back in 1985. Here is some different work to rest ratios: 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1.
Here are some examples with time:
1:5 work hard 10 seconds - rest 50 seconds = 1 rep 1:4 work hard 12 seconds - rest 48 seconds = 1 rep 1:3 work hard 15 seconds - rest 45 seconds =1 rep 1:2 work hard 20 seconds - rest 40 seconds = 1 rep 1:1 work hard 30 seconds - rest 30 seconds = 1 rep 2:1 work hard 20 seconds - rest 10 seconds = 1 rep
To be honest I prefer to start with 1:3, 1:2 or 1:1 intervals and gradually increase the number of reps as the season gets closer. Work up to 15 to 20 reps.
During the season and a week or two before the season I like to start a work to rest ratio of 2:1. This is very demanding
Next it is important that you vary the set up you have for your interval runs. You need to have different courses that include change of direction. Many like to build "speed" endurance by doing runs of 150m, 200 m and 300m.
I prefer to do all out sprints for 10m, 20m and 30m instead. This is more representative of the game and I like doing intervals for conditioning. Keep in mind top end speed is reached at 40m -60m.
Finally the simplest way to condition if you like is what I call the 10-10-10- or 20-20-20 walk - jog - sprint. Players prefer this one because it is easier than the other types of interval work.
The 10 - 10 - 10 walk jog sprint is good for younger players. Walk 10m -jog 10m -sprint 10m. Work up to ten to twenty repetitions or they may work up to fifteen minutes.
The 20-20-20 walk jog sprint is good for older players. The other option is 30-30-30. Walk 20- Jog 20m - Sprint 20m. Work up to 15 to 20 reps or fifteen minutes.
This is good for forward movement; however there are times you need to move to sideways or backwards. difficult to do however the fitness results are very effective
By Mike Grafstein
Monday, July 20, 2009
Bodybuilding Tips For Growing Bigger Muscles
By Dane C. Fletcher
This is not a prank it is possible to move from being skinny to becoming muscular in just six months. I used to be so skinny that almost my entire body was bony apart from my eyes. I was what fitness experts refer to as a hard gainer; I could not imagine my self ever getting muscular until I discovered the secret to gaining mass and growing bigger muscles.
It had nothing to do with any steroids in fact I strongly oppose the approach of trying to gain mass by the use of steroids. I know it is very hard to resist the temptations of using steroids especially because it is very hard to miss there commercials in almost every health article or site. Some of these commercials will state that the drugs will enable you to gain muscles even within three months but this is not true.
The commercials will show a before and after picture of models who claim that they were able to transform there bodies within a very short time thanks to the steroids. However this is not true, most of the models took years before they were able to acquire such massive muscles. What the commercials fail to mention is that some of these drugs come with various side effects such as; enlargement of the clitoris, shrinking testicles, low libido, low sperm count, impotence in men, loss of hair, growth of facial hair in women, coarse voice in women, irregularity in there menstrual cycle, increase in aggression, heart problems, liver conditions, kidney problems and sleeping disorders.
I was teased most of the time because I was skinny and my childhood was a nightmare. I can remember my nickname when I was a kid growing up, it was skeleton boy. Kids can be very mean and I had to find out the hard way. By the time I was a teenager I joined a local gym and that is where my fate turned around. Thanks to a very nice gym instructor I was able to learn the factors which are necessary to increase body mass and within six months my entire body was transformed.
Factor number one is that you need to lift weights. Weight training is very important because it leads to an increase in body muscles. If you want to gain mass then you need to ensure that it is healthy mass which comes from an increase in muscles and not an increase in body fat. You should avoid any kind of aerobic exercise since they lead to the burning of a lot of calories which you want to save.
You should also take in plenty of calories. Your diet should include plenty of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fat. The best types of carbohydrates are complex carbohydrates since they contain long chain sugars. They also contain a very high concentration of calories and should therefore be in plenty. The other types of food you need to include in your diet are proteins because they are the building blocks of muscles. With proper dieting and plenty of exercise you will be able to transform your body within six months.
By Dane C. Fletcher
This is not a prank it is possible to move from being skinny to becoming muscular in just six months. I used to be so skinny that almost my entire body was bony apart from my eyes. I was what fitness experts refer to as a hard gainer; I could not imagine my self ever getting muscular until I discovered the secret to gaining mass and growing bigger muscles.
It had nothing to do with any steroids in fact I strongly oppose the approach of trying to gain mass by the use of steroids. I know it is very hard to resist the temptations of using steroids especially because it is very hard to miss there commercials in almost every health article or site. Some of these commercials will state that the drugs will enable you to gain muscles even within three months but this is not true.
The commercials will show a before and after picture of models who claim that they were able to transform there bodies within a very short time thanks to the steroids. However this is not true, most of the models took years before they were able to acquire such massive muscles. What the commercials fail to mention is that some of these drugs come with various side effects such as; enlargement of the clitoris, shrinking testicles, low libido, low sperm count, impotence in men, loss of hair, growth of facial hair in women, coarse voice in women, irregularity in there menstrual cycle, increase in aggression, heart problems, liver conditions, kidney problems and sleeping disorders.
I was teased most of the time because I was skinny and my childhood was a nightmare. I can remember my nickname when I was a kid growing up, it was skeleton boy. Kids can be very mean and I had to find out the hard way. By the time I was a teenager I joined a local gym and that is where my fate turned around. Thanks to a very nice gym instructor I was able to learn the factors which are necessary to increase body mass and within six months my entire body was transformed.
Factor number one is that you need to lift weights. Weight training is very important because it leads to an increase in body muscles. If you want to gain mass then you need to ensure that it is healthy mass which comes from an increase in muscles and not an increase in body fat. You should avoid any kind of aerobic exercise since they lead to the burning of a lot of calories which you want to save.
You should also take in plenty of calories. Your diet should include plenty of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fat. The best types of carbohydrates are complex carbohydrates since they contain long chain sugars. They also contain a very high concentration of calories and should therefore be in plenty. The other types of food you need to include in your diet are proteins because they are the building blocks of muscles. With proper dieting and plenty of exercise you will be able to transform your body within six months.
By Dane C. Fletcher
Dangerous Bodybuilding Mistakes That You Should Never Make! Do Not Ignore This at All
By Rahul Talwar
In your quest for a perfect body, you might ignore some dangerous signs and end up damaging your body in the short or long run. The fact is that each human is constructed differently and workouts that might work for your gym pal might not work out for you. You should therefore avoid some common body building mistakes that could jeopardize your body's future.
Going flat out from day one. Many people think that by doing the maximum sets and reps with the maximum weights from day one, they will get a great body very quickly. Unfortunately this could result in a quick burnout at the least but in severe cases could even lead to injury. Instead of going flat out, go progressive and increase your weights as soon as your body gets used to them.
Eating the wrong foods in wrong quantity. Although your bodybuilding endeavor might require a higher intake of carbohydrates and proteins, it should be based on your current body weight and nutritional requirements. Blindly eating eggs and meat, and gulping down milk by the gallon can put an unnecessary strain on your digestive system and you might end up burning more calories than you consume or retain too many calories at the end of the day.
Not going to the gym regularly and skipping warm ups. If you are not attending gym on a regular basis then you will not be able to train each muscle group to its maximum potential. This could leave you with a disproportionate body with muscles in some parts and fat on the other. You should be consistent in your attendance and should also remain motivated enough to turn up on the next day. Skipping warm ups in a bid to save time at the gym too could be downright dangerous as you might damage muscles, tendons or bones when you start exercising with a cold body.
An absolute must know for you- But there are secrets about body building you don't know yet. So...don't sit back and relax. Get on the edge of your seat because you are about to be introduced to the dirty little secrets of body building you were never told. These secrets are so effective that they would get you the body you desire within a matter of a few months without any hard supplements or steroids. This is only known to a few and you are one of the lucky one's who is being introduced to this shocking secret.
By Rahul Talwar
In your quest for a perfect body, you might ignore some dangerous signs and end up damaging your body in the short or long run. The fact is that each human is constructed differently and workouts that might work for your gym pal might not work out for you. You should therefore avoid some common body building mistakes that could jeopardize your body's future.
Going flat out from day one. Many people think that by doing the maximum sets and reps with the maximum weights from day one, they will get a great body very quickly. Unfortunately this could result in a quick burnout at the least but in severe cases could even lead to injury. Instead of going flat out, go progressive and increase your weights as soon as your body gets used to them.
Eating the wrong foods in wrong quantity. Although your bodybuilding endeavor might require a higher intake of carbohydrates and proteins, it should be based on your current body weight and nutritional requirements. Blindly eating eggs and meat, and gulping down milk by the gallon can put an unnecessary strain on your digestive system and you might end up burning more calories than you consume or retain too many calories at the end of the day.
Not going to the gym regularly and skipping warm ups. If you are not attending gym on a regular basis then you will not be able to train each muscle group to its maximum potential. This could leave you with a disproportionate body with muscles in some parts and fat on the other. You should be consistent in your attendance and should also remain motivated enough to turn up on the next day. Skipping warm ups in a bid to save time at the gym too could be downright dangerous as you might damage muscles, tendons or bones when you start exercising with a cold body.
An absolute must know for you- But there are secrets about body building you don't know yet. So...don't sit back and relax. Get on the edge of your seat because you are about to be introduced to the dirty little secrets of body building you were never told. These secrets are so effective that they would get you the body you desire within a matter of a few months without any hard supplements or steroids. This is only known to a few and you are one of the lucky one's who is being introduced to this shocking secret.
By Rahul Talwar
Countless Benefits You Can Receive From Healthy Weight Training
By Dane C. Fletcher
Weight training is one of the best body building approaches both for the people engaging in competitions and the others who only want to keep fit. This is why all gyms are full of weight training equipments lending the body builders to concentrate on the approach more than any other within the body building field. However, there is a need to balance weight training with other elements of body building to avoid any imbalances within the field.
Weight training improves the circulation of body fluids which are very important for a balanced operation. Blood is a very important element in the body. This is because is helps to supply the relevant nutrients for muscle development and nourishing them with sufficient energy. Blood also helps to supply oxygen to the tissues and transport the deoxygenated blood back to the heart for more nourishment. The supplied oxygen is very essential since regular exercising is made possible with minimal risks of suffocation, dehydration, fainting or death.
Weight training also helps in the improvement of sleep for a body builder. This means that, one is able to get ample rest as a result of weight training. When you train, you workout muscles and strain them to the extremes and therefore they develop a lot of fatigue which makes them sour. This is why a person is able to sleep soundly when the muscles are relaxing and doing away with sleepless nights which are brought about by stress. This relaxing duration is very important since it helps in giving the body time to grow and repair the worn out tissues while still nourishing the muscles with more energy for further training.
Weight training helps in the improvement of bone density. This is made possible through the continuous workout of the bones when you lift weights making them strong and giving them more endurance. With the different motions and movements during training, the bones are well structured and their growth is maintained. On the same note, the reduction of fats within the body reduces chances of developing fragile bones which can easily break and this hardening is what is required for the body building process.
Indirectly, weight training improves self esteem. This is because of the self owned training programs which one develops on their own and follows them. In case of success, the individuals are proud of their step taken and they feel having achieved something in life. The nature of the body also determines an individual's self esteem in that, you are proud of whom you are. For the plump bodies, many people tend to shy of from the others because of the perceptions they get from different people. With weight training draining all the fats and shaping the body, the individuals usually develop some confidence which allow them to face everyone with pride. To add on to this, stress is far much reduced and therefore aging is slowed down. This is why you will find many people turning on to the gym when they age because it has been known to help reduce complications and diseases of the old age which reduces the life span.
By Dane C. Fletcher
Weight training is one of the best body building approaches both for the people engaging in competitions and the others who only want to keep fit. This is why all gyms are full of weight training equipments lending the body builders to concentrate on the approach more than any other within the body building field. However, there is a need to balance weight training with other elements of body building to avoid any imbalances within the field.
Weight training improves the circulation of body fluids which are very important for a balanced operation. Blood is a very important element in the body. This is because is helps to supply the relevant nutrients for muscle development and nourishing them with sufficient energy. Blood also helps to supply oxygen to the tissues and transport the deoxygenated blood back to the heart for more nourishment. The supplied oxygen is very essential since regular exercising is made possible with minimal risks of suffocation, dehydration, fainting or death.
Weight training also helps in the improvement of sleep for a body builder. This means that, one is able to get ample rest as a result of weight training. When you train, you workout muscles and strain them to the extremes and therefore they develop a lot of fatigue which makes them sour. This is why a person is able to sleep soundly when the muscles are relaxing and doing away with sleepless nights which are brought about by stress. This relaxing duration is very important since it helps in giving the body time to grow and repair the worn out tissues while still nourishing the muscles with more energy for further training.
Weight training helps in the improvement of bone density. This is made possible through the continuous workout of the bones when you lift weights making them strong and giving them more endurance. With the different motions and movements during training, the bones are well structured and their growth is maintained. On the same note, the reduction of fats within the body reduces chances of developing fragile bones which can easily break and this hardening is what is required for the body building process.
Indirectly, weight training improves self esteem. This is because of the self owned training programs which one develops on their own and follows them. In case of success, the individuals are proud of their step taken and they feel having achieved something in life. The nature of the body also determines an individual's self esteem in that, you are proud of whom you are. For the plump bodies, many people tend to shy of from the others because of the perceptions they get from different people. With weight training draining all the fats and shaping the body, the individuals usually develop some confidence which allow them to face everyone with pride. To add on to this, stress is far much reduced and therefore aging is slowed down. This is why you will find many people turning on to the gym when they age because it has been known to help reduce complications and diseases of the old age which reduces the life span.
By Dane C. Fletcher
Classic Bodybuilding - Success Driven Arnold
By Sharon Aquirre
There are icons that are identified in every game. Mohammed Ali will still continue to receive the attention in the world of Boxing. The Brazilian star, Pele, made great impact inn football, and was honored with a ministerial post in his country.
There is no sports icon that is probably rated to have had more achievement than Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold is a name that has been associated with the popularity of classic bodybuilding all over the world. Arnold has given Classic bodybuilding a very great facelift. It initially used to be described in many parts of the world as a game of social deviants. The game had no support, and it was not highly esteemed.
Since 1965 when Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Europe Junior Championships in Germany, the icon has continued promoting classic bodybuilding and shaped opinion of the people regarding it. The popularity of classic bodybuilding is actually owed greatly to the success Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold is reputed for starting a TV show to promote classic bodybuilding.
It is perhaps his great talent in theatre that made him up in the limelight in the promotion of classic body building. Arnold has featured as a main actor in many of the world classic movies which include the Villain, Terminator, Conan the Destroyer, Commando, The running Man, Conan the Barbarian and others.
In the world of classical bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger is reputed to be the sportsman with the largest number of awards in the industry. The awards include Mr. Europe, NBBA Mr. Universe, Mr. Universes Professional England, My Olympia Germany USA, South Africa and England.
The success of Arnold Schwarzenegger can also be seen in the business and leadership arena. Arnold is currently the Governor of the USA most populous State of California.
With Arnold Schwarzenegger in the picture, the world of Classical Bodybuilding will continue getting the attention in the international arena.
By Sharon Aquirre
There are icons that are identified in every game. Mohammed Ali will still continue to receive the attention in the world of Boxing. The Brazilian star, Pele, made great impact inn football, and was honored with a ministerial post in his country.
There is no sports icon that is probably rated to have had more achievement than Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold is a name that has been associated with the popularity of classic bodybuilding all over the world. Arnold has given Classic bodybuilding a very great facelift. It initially used to be described in many parts of the world as a game of social deviants. The game had no support, and it was not highly esteemed.
Since 1965 when Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Europe Junior Championships in Germany, the icon has continued promoting classic bodybuilding and shaped opinion of the people regarding it. The popularity of classic bodybuilding is actually owed greatly to the success Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold is reputed for starting a TV show to promote classic bodybuilding.
It is perhaps his great talent in theatre that made him up in the limelight in the promotion of classic body building. Arnold has featured as a main actor in many of the world classic movies which include the Villain, Terminator, Conan the Destroyer, Commando, The running Man, Conan the Barbarian and others.
In the world of classical bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger is reputed to be the sportsman with the largest number of awards in the industry. The awards include Mr. Europe, NBBA Mr. Universe, Mr. Universes Professional England, My Olympia Germany USA, South Africa and England.
The success of Arnold Schwarzenegger can also be seen in the business and leadership arena. Arnold is currently the Governor of the USA most populous State of California.
With Arnold Schwarzenegger in the picture, the world of Classical Bodybuilding will continue getting the attention in the international arena.
By Sharon Aquirre
Friday, July 17, 2009
When Soccer Came to Brazil
By Bruno Pisano
The history of Brazilian soccer is a disorganized one and it comes as no surprise that its origins has many a version! This British sport is said to have arrived in Brazil during the end of the nineteenth century.
One version of the advent of soccer in Brazil claims it all started with the arrival of British and Dutch sailors to the country. The locals learned the ropes of the game from these sailors on the beaches of the north eastern coastline. Another version gives credit to a certain Mr. Hugh as the 'father of Brazilian soccer'. It seems Mr. Hugh was the first person to teach the game to the workers of the São Paulo Railway back in 1882. Yet another version prefers a Mr. John as the first coach of soccer, who taught the skills to a team of Leopoldina Railway workers sometime in 1875.
Now, if that's not confusing, what is? Well, there's one more version that most people espouse as the 'true story'. According to this popular version, Brazilian soccer owes Charles William Miller for bringing the game to the country. Born in Brazil in the year 1874, Charles left for England for his studies at the age of 10. It was there that he was first came in contact with the sport. Charlie was a natural and soon became a deft dribbler and a free kick and header specialist. An accomplished striker, he won school honors that gave him entry into Southampton Club, and later, the Hampshire County team.
On his return to Brazil in 1894, he brought with him some soccer gear, a rule book and his skill. He formed the first Brazilian football club, the Sao Paolo Athletic Club (SPAC), and even came up with a few new rules! SPAC went on to win the first three championships with Mr. Miller at the helm. His football skills were far superior than his team mates and the 'Chaleira' - a football move invented by him saw him flick the ball with his heel - was named in honor of him. This move is still used by the legends of Brazilian football! The greatest names of the game, Pele, Socrates and Rivelino owe a lot to this pioneer of Brazilian football...
The first official match in Brazil was played in São Paulo back in 1894. Charles Miller had invited the English football teams from Southampton and the Corinthians Club to play against SPAC and other local teams. Charles had so much respect for the Corinthians sense of fair play, he even named a local team after them! And with that, one of Brazil's most popular club was born... It went on to become Brazilian Champion in the year 2005 and had some of the best players Brazil has seen on its roster.
In 1988, SPAC commemorated its centenary with a match against the English Corinthians! The final match had legends like Socrates and Rivelino on the local Corinthian side playing against their English counterpart. The local team was leading 1:0, when Socrates, in the spirit of Corinthian fairness, agreed to change his soccer jersey to play for the English team!
Well, those were the early years of Brazil's love affair with football. It went on to make history as five time World Cup champion and is the only country to have qualified for all 17 World Cups in the tournament's history! Until 2002, Brazil had lost only one World Cup qualifier in 70 years of playing! With its elegant dribbling, lightening speed passes and precision scoring, Brazilian Futebol has been likened to ballet dancing, and more recently, to the rhythmic samba!
By Bruno Pisano
The history of Brazilian soccer is a disorganized one and it comes as no surprise that its origins has many a version! This British sport is said to have arrived in Brazil during the end of the nineteenth century.
One version of the advent of soccer in Brazil claims it all started with the arrival of British and Dutch sailors to the country. The locals learned the ropes of the game from these sailors on the beaches of the north eastern coastline. Another version gives credit to a certain Mr. Hugh as the 'father of Brazilian soccer'. It seems Mr. Hugh was the first person to teach the game to the workers of the São Paulo Railway back in 1882. Yet another version prefers a Mr. John as the first coach of soccer, who taught the skills to a team of Leopoldina Railway workers sometime in 1875.
Now, if that's not confusing, what is? Well, there's one more version that most people espouse as the 'true story'. According to this popular version, Brazilian soccer owes Charles William Miller for bringing the game to the country. Born in Brazil in the year 1874, Charles left for England for his studies at the age of 10. It was there that he was first came in contact with the sport. Charlie was a natural and soon became a deft dribbler and a free kick and header specialist. An accomplished striker, he won school honors that gave him entry into Southampton Club, and later, the Hampshire County team.
On his return to Brazil in 1894, he brought with him some soccer gear, a rule book and his skill. He formed the first Brazilian football club, the Sao Paolo Athletic Club (SPAC), and even came up with a few new rules! SPAC went on to win the first three championships with Mr. Miller at the helm. His football skills were far superior than his team mates and the 'Chaleira' - a football move invented by him saw him flick the ball with his heel - was named in honor of him. This move is still used by the legends of Brazilian football! The greatest names of the game, Pele, Socrates and Rivelino owe a lot to this pioneer of Brazilian football...
The first official match in Brazil was played in São Paulo back in 1894. Charles Miller had invited the English football teams from Southampton and the Corinthians Club to play against SPAC and other local teams. Charles had so much respect for the Corinthians sense of fair play, he even named a local team after them! And with that, one of Brazil's most popular club was born... It went on to become Brazilian Champion in the year 2005 and had some of the best players Brazil has seen on its roster.
In 1988, SPAC commemorated its centenary with a match against the English Corinthians! The final match had legends like Socrates and Rivelino on the local Corinthian side playing against their English counterpart. The local team was leading 1:0, when Socrates, in the spirit of Corinthian fairness, agreed to change his soccer jersey to play for the English team!
Well, those were the early years of Brazil's love affair with football. It went on to make history as five time World Cup champion and is the only country to have qualified for all 17 World Cups in the tournament's history! Until 2002, Brazil had lost only one World Cup qualifier in 70 years of playing! With its elegant dribbling, lightening speed passes and precision scoring, Brazilian Futebol has been likened to ballet dancing, and more recently, to the rhythmic samba!
By Bruno Pisano
Soccer Superstitions!
By Bruno Pisano
These professionals worked hard at their game, trained to perfection and when all the work was done, they left the rest to superstition to get the job done! Some players and coaches followed the most bizarre pre-match rituals on and off the pitch and swore by their efficacy. Idiosyncrasies that worked for them once and became rituals, to be followed without question or logic. Here are some superstitions our soccer greats took recourse to in the hope that lady luck would smile their way...
Les Bleus were superstitious about goalkeeper Fabien Barthez's bald pate! During the 1998 World Cup, captain Laurent Blanc kissed the keeper on the head and France went on the win! And with that a ritual was born, with Barthez offering up his head for the habitual kiss before each match, often to the tune of Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive', which was blasted in the locker room to get them into winning mode! And then, there's coach Raymond Domenech's controversial reliance on astrology. He is said to have chosen players and put his team together based on their sun signs! This won Domenech his fair share of criticism from the players' who'd been left out simply because they were born on the 'wrong' date or time of the month!
A rather common practice among soccer players is to wear the same underwear for games! Colombian Rene Higuita admits that his underwear had to be blue during match days. It all started in the 80s, when his team couldn't beat their rival team, no matter what they did. So, a fortune teller was consulted, who announced a curse had been placed on them and could be remedied if all players wore blue underpants while playing! They did and it worked, winning them the Copa Libertadores! Since then, blue undergarments became a must for Higuita!
Brazilian player and coach Mario Zagallo is known for his unshakable faith in the number 13. Since Saint Anthony's Day is celebrated on the 13th of June, all things 13 were preferred by Zagallo. He married on his patron saint's day, lived on the 13th floor, saw Brazil through 13 World Cup victories and aided his post-op recovery from stomach cancer by visiting the saint's shrine all of 13 times! Personal preferences are one thing, but on-pitch peculiarities sometimes bordered on vulgarity! Argentinean goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea is a case in point. While defending penalty shots, he was known to urinate on the pitch! Now that could easily qualify as a 'pe(t)e peeve'!
Moving on to England's squad, striker Gary Lineker refused to shoot at the goal while warming up. He was convinced that he was saving up goals for the match! And if he failed to score in the first half of the game, he would promptly trot to the dressing room at halftime and wear a fresh soccer shirt. If goals evaded him for a lengthy period of time, it meant a trip to the hairdresser! Another legend, Paul Ince, always made sure he was the last player to leave the dressing room and only wore his soccer shirt while running onto the pitch!
These are some superstitions and there are plenty more... Some extremely funny, others seriously unbelievable!
By Brono Pisano
These professionals worked hard at their game, trained to perfection and when all the work was done, they left the rest to superstition to get the job done! Some players and coaches followed the most bizarre pre-match rituals on and off the pitch and swore by their efficacy. Idiosyncrasies that worked for them once and became rituals, to be followed without question or logic. Here are some superstitions our soccer greats took recourse to in the hope that lady luck would smile their way...
Les Bleus were superstitious about goalkeeper Fabien Barthez's bald pate! During the 1998 World Cup, captain Laurent Blanc kissed the keeper on the head and France went on the win! And with that a ritual was born, with Barthez offering up his head for the habitual kiss before each match, often to the tune of Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive', which was blasted in the locker room to get them into winning mode! And then, there's coach Raymond Domenech's controversial reliance on astrology. He is said to have chosen players and put his team together based on their sun signs! This won Domenech his fair share of criticism from the players' who'd been left out simply because they were born on the 'wrong' date or time of the month!
A rather common practice among soccer players is to wear the same underwear for games! Colombian Rene Higuita admits that his underwear had to be blue during match days. It all started in the 80s, when his team couldn't beat their rival team, no matter what they did. So, a fortune teller was consulted, who announced a curse had been placed on them and could be remedied if all players wore blue underpants while playing! They did and it worked, winning them the Copa Libertadores! Since then, blue undergarments became a must for Higuita!
Brazilian player and coach Mario Zagallo is known for his unshakable faith in the number 13. Since Saint Anthony's Day is celebrated on the 13th of June, all things 13 were preferred by Zagallo. He married on his patron saint's day, lived on the 13th floor, saw Brazil through 13 World Cup victories and aided his post-op recovery from stomach cancer by visiting the saint's shrine all of 13 times! Personal preferences are one thing, but on-pitch peculiarities sometimes bordered on vulgarity! Argentinean goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea is a case in point. While defending penalty shots, he was known to urinate on the pitch! Now that could easily qualify as a 'pe(t)e peeve'!
Moving on to England's squad, striker Gary Lineker refused to shoot at the goal while warming up. He was convinced that he was saving up goals for the match! And if he failed to score in the first half of the game, he would promptly trot to the dressing room at halftime and wear a fresh soccer shirt. If goals evaded him for a lengthy period of time, it meant a trip to the hairdresser! Another legend, Paul Ince, always made sure he was the last player to leave the dressing room and only wore his soccer shirt while running onto the pitch!
These are some superstitions and there are plenty more... Some extremely funny, others seriously unbelievable!
By Brono Pisano
Soccer and Girls - Women
By Yuri Mihaylov
Why should your daughter be practicing soccer? What is developed?
Personality, fitness, strength, coordination, social skills, discipline, and ambition are all developed.
What should you know about soccer?
What is the difference between soccer and the other sports played in the USA?
Why is it so popular?
It is the most popular sport in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, but nobody knows why. There are thousands and thousands of surveys, statistics, and theories. All kinds of scientists and sociologists have tried to explain the phenomenon of the collective craziness known as soccer.
But yet, there is no real, logical explanation why so many people from different walks of life, genders, religions, ages, and cultures are involved in this game.
There are national soccer teams and club soccer teams at amateur and professional levels. We have school and university soccer teams, too. Don't forget backstreet and neighbor hood teams, and teams for men, women, boys and girls.
We have tournaments, cups and leagues. Millions of people around the globe are playing or are interested in soccer.
And not only that, but it is a billion dollar industry.
TV shows, magazines, websites, books, souvenirs and equipment are connected with soccer.
There is an old English saying, "Soccer is a game, played by peasants and watched by gentlemen; rugby is a game played by gentlemen and watched by peasants".
Well, that was a hundred years ago. Today things have changed dramatically.
Some may be familiar with girls playing soccer and female coaches guiding their stars through this sport, while others are amazed by this fact.
Yes, girls play soccer too! Girls, just like boys run, pass, dribble, score, and play the game of soccer with ease and enjoyment. Girl soccer players also know the tactics on the soccer filed, just like the different kinds of passes, receiving techniques, goal and goal-keeping techniques. They also run around, train hard, and practice to have a good game on the field. And at the back of all this, is often a female soccer coach. Now, that is not supposed to surprise you because if there are girl soccer players, you can expect that there will be female coaches too!
So, if you really love this sport and soccer is really in your blood, practice and practice more. For who knows... you can be the next Mia Hamm!
By Yuri Mihaylov
Why should your daughter be practicing soccer? What is developed?
Personality, fitness, strength, coordination, social skills, discipline, and ambition are all developed.
What should you know about soccer?
What is the difference between soccer and the other sports played in the USA?
Why is it so popular?
It is the most popular sport in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, but nobody knows why. There are thousands and thousands of surveys, statistics, and theories. All kinds of scientists and sociologists have tried to explain the phenomenon of the collective craziness known as soccer.
But yet, there is no real, logical explanation why so many people from different walks of life, genders, religions, ages, and cultures are involved in this game.
There are national soccer teams and club soccer teams at amateur and professional levels. We have school and university soccer teams, too. Don't forget backstreet and neighbor hood teams, and teams for men, women, boys and girls.
We have tournaments, cups and leagues. Millions of people around the globe are playing or are interested in soccer.
And not only that, but it is a billion dollar industry.
TV shows, magazines, websites, books, souvenirs and equipment are connected with soccer.
There is an old English saying, "Soccer is a game, played by peasants and watched by gentlemen; rugby is a game played by gentlemen and watched by peasants".
Well, that was a hundred years ago. Today things have changed dramatically.
Some may be familiar with girls playing soccer and female coaches guiding their stars through this sport, while others are amazed by this fact.
Yes, girls play soccer too! Girls, just like boys run, pass, dribble, score, and play the game of soccer with ease and enjoyment. Girl soccer players also know the tactics on the soccer filed, just like the different kinds of passes, receiving techniques, goal and goal-keeping techniques. They also run around, train hard, and practice to have a good game on the field. And at the back of all this, is often a female soccer coach. Now, that is not supposed to surprise you because if there are girl soccer players, you can expect that there will be female coaches too!
So, if you really love this sport and soccer is really in your blood, practice and practice more. For who knows... you can be the next Mia Hamm!
By Yuri Mihaylov
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Running to Stay Fit
By Jeff M. Ray
One of the easiest sports to start is running as it involves very little equipment. As long as you have sneakers or running shoes, you can start to enjoy the benefits and really experience running. Running is one of the sports that exercises your entire body and keeps your blood pumping all through out. It makes use of a lot of muscles in your body not just your feet and legs but also your upper body as well.
If you are just starting to experience running as your sport there are a couple of things that you need to know, which will help prevent you from acquiring running injuries. Whether you want to go for long distance running or short distance it is necessary that you have the right warm up. This will prevent your muscles from shock and allow it to adjust to the stress that it is about to undergo. A 10-15 minute slow jog is often recommended to start the blood flowing and your muscles moving. Remember not to run, just slow jogging as this is only the warm-up or preliminaries to your running. Once you have got your blood pumping and your muscles working, be sure to get the right stretching that your muscles need. This is one of the things that you should never forego or miss out since this is one of the most common causes of injury when it comes to running.
Not having the proper stretching can cause your muscles to tear or can give you cramps which can be dangerous when you begin running. Once all this taken care of, you can then start on your running regiment with much ease and lesser chances of injury.
By Jeff M. Ray
One of the easiest sports to start is running as it involves very little equipment. As long as you have sneakers or running shoes, you can start to enjoy the benefits and really experience running. Running is one of the sports that exercises your entire body and keeps your blood pumping all through out. It makes use of a lot of muscles in your body not just your feet and legs but also your upper body as well.
If you are just starting to experience running as your sport there are a couple of things that you need to know, which will help prevent you from acquiring running injuries. Whether you want to go for long distance running or short distance it is necessary that you have the right warm up. This will prevent your muscles from shock and allow it to adjust to the stress that it is about to undergo. A 10-15 minute slow jog is often recommended to start the blood flowing and your muscles moving. Remember not to run, just slow jogging as this is only the warm-up or preliminaries to your running. Once you have got your blood pumping and your muscles working, be sure to get the right stretching that your muscles need. This is one of the things that you should never forego or miss out since this is one of the most common causes of injury when it comes to running.
Not having the proper stretching can cause your muscles to tear or can give you cramps which can be dangerous when you begin running. Once all this taken care of, you can then start on your running regiment with much ease and lesser chances of injury.
By Jeff M. Ray
The Most Important Part of a Workout
You pound out the miles, watch what you eat, and put your heart and soul into your running. But for some reason you don't improve the way you want to. Or you constantly feel sore even on the days you don't do much. When you are training or preparing for a big race, the most important part of your training regimen is probably the part that you forget about most. Rest.
Resting is your body's way of repairing itself after you damage it. When you do a workout, you tear apart muscle tissue at a microscopic level. But when you go to sleep at night, your body goes to work repairing those torn fibers and making them stronger and more fit to take on the next day.
That was the medical explanation of why sleep is a crucial part of your workout. But being well-rested also gives you a mental edge over the competition. When you wake-up after a full night's rest, your body is stronger than it was the previous day. This makes you feel well rested but it also allows you to be better equipped for the day to come. Getting out of bed knowing that you conquered the previous day is a good feeling.
When you are well rested your senses are sharper. You can think clearer and getting ready for the day's workout will seem easier. Not having to worry about the fatigue in your legs allows you to focus on getting mentally prepared for the daily pounding on the streets.
Sleep not only benefits your running endeavors, but it makes your life that much easier to live. You can work more efficiently, stay on task, and get more done when you are well-rested. One test that will tell you if you are getting enough sleep is a little on the drastic side, but it will tell you if you are well rested. 1. Don't take your daily dose of caffeine. 2. Make it through the same daily schedule without falling asleep. I know this sounds a long shot for most people but, it is a good measurement as to how well and how long you are and should be sleeping.
Your day starts the minute you wake up. If in that minute you don't feel like you can make it another ten minutes, chances are you just need to work out a schedule in which you get enough rest to make it through each day.
By Hunter Clarke
Resting is your body's way of repairing itself after you damage it. When you do a workout, you tear apart muscle tissue at a microscopic level. But when you go to sleep at night, your body goes to work repairing those torn fibers and making them stronger and more fit to take on the next day.
That was the medical explanation of why sleep is a crucial part of your workout. But being well-rested also gives you a mental edge over the competition. When you wake-up after a full night's rest, your body is stronger than it was the previous day. This makes you feel well rested but it also allows you to be better equipped for the day to come. Getting out of bed knowing that you conquered the previous day is a good feeling.
When you are well rested your senses are sharper. You can think clearer and getting ready for the day's workout will seem easier. Not having to worry about the fatigue in your legs allows you to focus on getting mentally prepared for the daily pounding on the streets.
Sleep not only benefits your running endeavors, but it makes your life that much easier to live. You can work more efficiently, stay on task, and get more done when you are well-rested. One test that will tell you if you are getting enough sleep is a little on the drastic side, but it will tell you if you are well rested. 1. Don't take your daily dose of caffeine. 2. Make it through the same daily schedule without falling asleep. I know this sounds a long shot for most people but, it is a good measurement as to how well and how long you are and should be sleeping.
Your day starts the minute you wake up. If in that minute you don't feel like you can make it another ten minutes, chances are you just need to work out a schedule in which you get enough rest to make it through each day.
By Hunter Clarke
Things to Remember When Running a Race
By Chuck R. Steward
You may think running a race it simple. Just stand at the starting line and wait for the gun, then run. But there are a lot of other things to consider when running a race. Remember to wear your silicone bracelet or silicone wristbands to support the cause. Here are a few things to remember when running a race.
Make sure you are going at your own pace. Don't try to catch up to someone in front of you. This will mess up your pacing, leave you exhausted for the rest of the race. Also, you will probably get in someone else's way, and could injure yourself if your not used to the pace your running at. Don't try to sprint past someone to beat them. Most 5k races are charity events anyway, not competition. Everyone is there for the same cause and just trying to compete against themselves to finish the race.
Many of these races can get very crowded, especially at the starting line. Be patient and don't try to get to the front. If you're a walker, try starting farther back in the pack. Most people will probably be passing you anyway, and it is difficult for runners to run by a slower person in such a big pack, especially if there is a large group of walkers.
If you do bring pets, make sure you're allowed to. A dog can be a great companion on a long run, but it's important to keep them under control. Make sure the leash is short, as many times runners can trip over long leashes. Also make sure your dog will behave himself in public and wont disturb or distract other runners.
Another thing that can be distracting to other runners is noise. Talking is a great way to pass the time on a long race, but it is good to remember that not everyone wants to hear your conversation about your bodily functions. Keep your music low, try not to slap your feet on the pavement, and keep keys and heart monitors or pacers quiet. Respect for other runners is one of the most important things you can bring to a race.
Be careful at aid stations too. Remember that other runners will be trying to get some water too. If you jump right in front of someone you can mess up their pace, trip them, or cause serious injury. Just step off to the side if you need to take a water break. When you finally get your water, watch where you aim it. Many runners tell horror stories about being hit with a careless runner's water, spit, or snot.
Dress is important too. While you don't want to be running in heavy clothes, try to avoid anything too skimpy or see-through. Remember that many of these races are family events and no one wants to have to cover their child's eyes when you race by in your drenched short shorts.
The key to running any race with a lot of other people is courtesy. It's not about winning. Just remember that others are running and they want to be treated just as well as you would want them to treat you.
By chuck R. Stewart
You may think running a race it simple. Just stand at the starting line and wait for the gun, then run. But there are a lot of other things to consider when running a race. Remember to wear your silicone bracelet or silicone wristbands to support the cause. Here are a few things to remember when running a race.
Make sure you are going at your own pace. Don't try to catch up to someone in front of you. This will mess up your pacing, leave you exhausted for the rest of the race. Also, you will probably get in someone else's way, and could injure yourself if your not used to the pace your running at. Don't try to sprint past someone to beat them. Most 5k races are charity events anyway, not competition. Everyone is there for the same cause and just trying to compete against themselves to finish the race.
Many of these races can get very crowded, especially at the starting line. Be patient and don't try to get to the front. If you're a walker, try starting farther back in the pack. Most people will probably be passing you anyway, and it is difficult for runners to run by a slower person in such a big pack, especially if there is a large group of walkers.
If you do bring pets, make sure you're allowed to. A dog can be a great companion on a long run, but it's important to keep them under control. Make sure the leash is short, as many times runners can trip over long leashes. Also make sure your dog will behave himself in public and wont disturb or distract other runners.
Another thing that can be distracting to other runners is noise. Talking is a great way to pass the time on a long race, but it is good to remember that not everyone wants to hear your conversation about your bodily functions. Keep your music low, try not to slap your feet on the pavement, and keep keys and heart monitors or pacers quiet. Respect for other runners is one of the most important things you can bring to a race.
Be careful at aid stations too. Remember that other runners will be trying to get some water too. If you jump right in front of someone you can mess up their pace, trip them, or cause serious injury. Just step off to the side if you need to take a water break. When you finally get your water, watch where you aim it. Many runners tell horror stories about being hit with a careless runner's water, spit, or snot.
Dress is important too. While you don't want to be running in heavy clothes, try to avoid anything too skimpy or see-through. Remember that many of these races are family events and no one wants to have to cover their child's eyes when you race by in your drenched short shorts.
The key to running any race with a lot of other people is courtesy. It's not about winning. Just remember that others are running and they want to be treated just as well as you would want them to treat you.
By chuck R. Stewart
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Train to Jump High - Nutritional Timing
By Daniel Back
I just have a few tips on nutritional timing with your training.
First, do not eat right before your workout. This is basic physiology. Your body sends blood wherever it is needed. When you lift weights, your muscles get big because they are filled with blood. In the same way, when you eat, blood is sent to the digestive tract for the process of breaking down food. If you try to do intense exercise following a meal, your body cannot fully commit blood flow to the muscles for exercise.
Second, although you don't want to eat right before exercise, you also do not want to go into your workout hungry. Your muscles have glycogen stores which are used for an efficient energy source. If you wake up in the morning having not eaten for 8 hours and begin working out, your glycogen stores will be low and you will run out of your best fuel source. If this happens, you will begin to break down protein for fuel instead. The goal is to use protein for building and strengthening various structures in your body, not for energy. And if there is not protein readily available (which is likely since you haven't eaten) your body will actually break down muscle tissue to get protein. That is really bad.
So try to eat 2-3 hours before your workout, depending on the size of the meal. A light snack in the middle of your workout is not a bad idea; it can be quickly broken down and help sustain the glycogen stores in the muscles. Mid-workout is actually probably the best time for sweets like candy or cookies. These foods are made of simple sugars, which can be broken down faster than anything to serve as the quickest source of energy.
Third, following your workout, your body will be in an anabolic (muscle-building) hormonal state. Basically you will have high levels of testosterone and low levels of cortical. You want to stay in that state for as long as possible. What you need to do is restore the glycogen supply in your muscles. This is done with carbohydrates. At the same time you also want to make protein readily available for use in repairing the things that you damaged or stressed in your workout. Milk has a good carbohydrate:protein ratio for post-exercise consumption. A typical protein shake will also fill this need. This consumption should be immediately after your workout. Then within a couple hours make sure to get plenty of healthy carbs and lean protein.
Beyond that, it is best to eat several smaller meals throughout the day to maintain stable levels of things like blood sugar, vitamins, minerals, available protein, etc... These are the very basics of nutritional timing.
I am a college student and former D3 basketball player. I have given up basketball and now focus solely on jumping higher. I have been successful enough to achieve a 43 inch vertical. I plan on going higher. I have learned a lot and now have also been successful in training other people. I have a free vertical jump training report available on my blog.
By Daniel Back
I just have a few tips on nutritional timing with your training.
First, do not eat right before your workout. This is basic physiology. Your body sends blood wherever it is needed. When you lift weights, your muscles get big because they are filled with blood. In the same way, when you eat, blood is sent to the digestive tract for the process of breaking down food. If you try to do intense exercise following a meal, your body cannot fully commit blood flow to the muscles for exercise.
Second, although you don't want to eat right before exercise, you also do not want to go into your workout hungry. Your muscles have glycogen stores which are used for an efficient energy source. If you wake up in the morning having not eaten for 8 hours and begin working out, your glycogen stores will be low and you will run out of your best fuel source. If this happens, you will begin to break down protein for fuel instead. The goal is to use protein for building and strengthening various structures in your body, not for energy. And if there is not protein readily available (which is likely since you haven't eaten) your body will actually break down muscle tissue to get protein. That is really bad.
So try to eat 2-3 hours before your workout, depending on the size of the meal. A light snack in the middle of your workout is not a bad idea; it can be quickly broken down and help sustain the glycogen stores in the muscles. Mid-workout is actually probably the best time for sweets like candy or cookies. These foods are made of simple sugars, which can be broken down faster than anything to serve as the quickest source of energy.
Third, following your workout, your body will be in an anabolic (muscle-building) hormonal state. Basically you will have high levels of testosterone and low levels of cortical. You want to stay in that state for as long as possible. What you need to do is restore the glycogen supply in your muscles. This is done with carbohydrates. At the same time you also want to make protein readily available for use in repairing the things that you damaged or stressed in your workout. Milk has a good carbohydrate:protein ratio for post-exercise consumption. A typical protein shake will also fill this need. This consumption should be immediately after your workout. Then within a couple hours make sure to get plenty of healthy carbs and lean protein.
Beyond that, it is best to eat several smaller meals throughout the day to maintain stable levels of things like blood sugar, vitamins, minerals, available protein, etc... These are the very basics of nutritional timing.
I am a college student and former D3 basketball player. I have given up basketball and now focus solely on jumping higher. I have been successful enough to achieve a 43 inch vertical. I plan on going higher. I have learned a lot and now have also been successful in training other people. I have a free vertical jump training report available on my blog.
By Daniel Back
Boost Basketball Jumping Power
By George S C
Unlock the hidden potential in you and tremendously increase your basketball jumping ability by learning the secrets on how to have explosive power. Being tall is not enough. If you want to dominate the court and maximize your rebound, defense and shooting skills to be at an advantage over your opponents, the benefits that you will get from learning basketball jumping drills will improve your game and help bring your team to the win.
There are exercises that increase vertical jump basketball move. One simple way to do it is to find a high platform and jump up and down on it. Try starting from the height of one foot and gradually increasing as you get better. Do this for at least 25 times three times a week. You will be amazed how easy it will be after the first week and how light and agile you will be. Another way is walking around on your toe tips every day for half an hour like a ballet dancer. Though it may seen rather silly to walk around like this, it is similar to the training basketball jump rope can give to you.
Basketball strength training must be done regularly and repetitively to not only strengthen your leg muscles but to achieve the agility and to get the springing motion to do fantastic vertical leap basketball play. Though you may have already built up your muscles by doing leg presses, standing calf raises and squats, having the proper plyometric exercises basketball focused programs is the best way for you to get that terrific jump shot basketball winning move during your next game plus consistently repeat and improve that move every time you play.
There are many programs offering basketball jumping exercises that will help you greatly improve your game but to achieve that explosive power you desire to unleash the untapped energy that will make it possible for you to jump so much higher you must undergo having a highly intense and quality plyometric exercise basketball training. Proper basketball strength training will make you avoid the soreness, pain and possible crippling injury that you might get if you attempt to the exercises yourself without professional instruction. Bring your athletic ability to a higher level and get the speed to run faster and jump higher by getting the training that you need. In a few weeks you will be flying higher that ever before. Start now and you will see amazing results on how explosive your basketball jumping moves will be even in your very next game!
So, there you have it. Now that you've learned the secret to boost basketball jumping power, the next step is up to you. Take this information and make use of it. It's easier to do nothing, but in the end you will thank yourself for having taken action on this. Please visit Skill Club for more information on how to jump higher.
By George S C
Unlock the hidden potential in you and tremendously increase your basketball jumping ability by learning the secrets on how to have explosive power. Being tall is not enough. If you want to dominate the court and maximize your rebound, defense and shooting skills to be at an advantage over your opponents, the benefits that you will get from learning basketball jumping drills will improve your game and help bring your team to the win.
There are exercises that increase vertical jump basketball move. One simple way to do it is to find a high platform and jump up and down on it. Try starting from the height of one foot and gradually increasing as you get better. Do this for at least 25 times three times a week. You will be amazed how easy it will be after the first week and how light and agile you will be. Another way is walking around on your toe tips every day for half an hour like a ballet dancer. Though it may seen rather silly to walk around like this, it is similar to the training basketball jump rope can give to you.
Basketball strength training must be done regularly and repetitively to not only strengthen your leg muscles but to achieve the agility and to get the springing motion to do fantastic vertical leap basketball play. Though you may have already built up your muscles by doing leg presses, standing calf raises and squats, having the proper plyometric exercises basketball focused programs is the best way for you to get that terrific jump shot basketball winning move during your next game plus consistently repeat and improve that move every time you play.
There are many programs offering basketball jumping exercises that will help you greatly improve your game but to achieve that explosive power you desire to unleash the untapped energy that will make it possible for you to jump so much higher you must undergo having a highly intense and quality plyometric exercise basketball training. Proper basketball strength training will make you avoid the soreness, pain and possible crippling injury that you might get if you attempt to the exercises yourself without professional instruction. Bring your athletic ability to a higher level and get the speed to run faster and jump higher by getting the training that you need. In a few weeks you will be flying higher that ever before. Start now and you will see amazing results on how explosive your basketball jumping moves will be even in your very next game!
So, there you have it. Now that you've learned the secret to boost basketball jumping power, the next step is up to you. Take this information and make use of it. It's easier to do nothing, but in the end you will thank yourself for having taken action on this. Please visit Skill Club for more information on how to jump higher.
By George S C
Monday, July 13, 2009
Engineering a Last Place to First Place Miracle in Youth Football
By Dave Cisar
Engineering a Complete Overhaul in Youth Football
This past weekend I was a speaker at the Pop Warner Treasure Coast coaches clinic held in the West Palm Beach, Florida area. Also speaking was Bill Powers, head football coach at Jupiter Christian High School. Bills teams have won back-to-back State Championships and are on a 28 game winning streak. The amazing thing about this story is Jupiter Christian prior to Bills arrival had never had a winning season. In fact the 2 years prior to Bills arrival the team went 2-17 and were outscored by over 600 combined points. The previous head coach resigned, declaring the football program "dead" and suggested it be discontinued.
Under Bill Powers leadership, the school has not only gone 45-5 and won 2 State Titles, but they are now competing with and beating schools with much larger enrollments. Jupiter Christian has just 250 students, but Jupiter regularly competes against schools with student populations of 400, 600, 1,000 and yes even one with over 2,000 students. In 2008 they played 3 different 4A schools with enrollments of 1500 or more. Perennial powers like Glades Day dot Jupiter Christians schedule as well as even out of state powerhouses from North Carolina and Georgia. This season their schedule includes several 4A schools again and even a 5A school (Lake Worth) with over 2,000 students. These guys are the Fresno State of High School football, anyone, anytime, anywhere.
What Kind of Ammo?
What seems so odd about this story is the team is not made up of big kids or great athletes. Not a single Jupiter Christian player from a Bill Powers team has gone on to play Division I football under scholarship. In fact starting quarterback Marshyl Rothman wasn't even sure he liked football, he was a hockey player and stands just 5'8" and 170 pounds. Starting fullback/linebacker Will Powers (Bill's son) started as a sophomore on the offensive line, before moving to fullback. At just 5'7" and 185 lbs he looks like a throwback in those 2007 game clips, wearing jersey number 65.
Watching Jupiter Christian game film is like watching a David vs Goliath movie nearly every game. What I noticed first was the shocking disparities in size especially in the offensive line. In many of the shots it looked like a college team lining up against a Pop Warner Midget team. The second thing I noticed was the incredible quickness of Christians offensive line as well as the outstanding execution and consistent effort of this entire squad.
From Youth Coach to State High School Championships
Another kicker to this unlikely story, Bill Powers and his staff had never coached High School football prior to taking over at Jupiter Christian. Bill was a former State Trooper, then Stock Broker, then successful business owner. He had however been a very successful Pop Warner coach. Yes folks, he went straight from Youth Football to winning State Titles in the High School ranks. His offensive line coach Tom Morton, offensive coordinator Jim Davis and assistant Tim Derrico all coached with Bill in Pop Warner.
Fortunately for me, my good friend Kevin Justice knows Bill Powers well and he arranged for Bill and I to have lunch and dinner together during my Florida stay. I wanted to find out what was so special about Bill Powers and how he engineered this amazing turnaround. Bill Powers has a very strong presence, at age 49 he looks just a few years removed from being able to strap it up and play himself. Just like his offense, he is very economical with his words, he uses just the minimum to get the job done, there is no fluff. Confident, but modestly giving credit to his assistants, players and supportive administration, he is an easy interview, my kind of guy.
How They Did It
When asked what 5 actions of his had the most impact on turning the program around, he didn't have to think at all, the answers flowed quickly. He felt the number one reason for the turnaround was getting the kids to believe they could win. He constantly bombarded them with stories of the unlikely hero, the player or team that everyone thought was too small or not athletic enough to prevail, but did. He told his players about friend Sam Mills, a 5'7" Pro Bowl linebacker, who no one wanted out of high school. After a stellar career at Montclair State, a Division III school, Mills was cut from 2 NFL squads as well as a CFL team. A full 2 years after playing his last college down, he caught on in the USFL and his coach Jim Mora took Mills with him to the Saints and then later to the Carolina Panthers where he went on to play in 5 Pro Bowls.
Powers sold his kids on the idea they had no choice but to outwork their opponents in order to compete. He made them face the harsh realities of the numbers and size disparities they would be facing and sold them the only solution was to outwork their opponents. Their mantra is "overachieve", it guides their every action, they break every huddle with it. They are relentless, whether they are lifting weights, doing speed training, doing 7 on 7 or playing lacrosse for Jupiter Christian with you guessed it, Bill Powers at the helm. Bill is a huge fan and proponent of football players playing lacrosse.
Powers and his staff started at ground zero with this team and they haven't strayed very far from their ground zero practice plans. They are fanatics on perfect fundamentals, pad level, footwork, swinging the hips, they leave nothing to the imagination. They don't scrimmage much, but work every day on the basic blocking and tackling that is the cornerstone of every great team. The schemes Bill Powers teams run are not complex, in actuality they probably run fewer than 20 different plays. But they do use many formations and motions to gain advantages. Bills offense mirrors his minimalist approach to the game, breaking the game down to a few critical success factors and requiring perfect execution and sustained effort of 4-5 seconds on every snap.
Jupiter Christian's coaching staff demands it's players play with enthusiasm, 100% effort and execute. They hold the kids accountable to that standard and by all appearances it looks like the kids are "all in" to use a popular poker phrase.
Coach Powers was also quick to credit the school administration for their support as well as the hard work of his very dedicated but now growing coaching staff. They endlessly study film to improve their teams. While they certainly meticulously analyze every opponent on film, you find this staff of film junkies looking more at how they can improve their execution and get every last bit of talent squeezed out of the hand that was dealt them. That includes things like having one of your best young running backs starting on the offensive line.
Lessons Learned
One of the biggest benefits I get from all the coaches clinics I do is getting to sit down and learn from guys like Bill Powers. Lucky me, I get the benefit of his 4 years of real life experiences, without having to suffer them myself. Simply put, there aren't many like him though, to have done so much with so little in such a short time period and with a coaching pedigree many long time coaches would raise their noses at.
For those of us out there who are trying to turn around a difficult situation, there is hope, there is a template you can follow, it can be done. But the answer is in economy, don't try to do too much, but what you do, perfect it. Get the kids to believe in themselves, that they can succeed, give them hope. Know what you have and what you have to do in order to have success, be the very best fundamental blocking and tackling team in your league.
Hold your kids accountable to playing with enthusiasm, 100% effort and perfect execution. Care about your players so they go "all in" and you can get the kind of effort Bills kids give. Coach with enthusiasm and intensity and lead by example, you can teach work ethic. As Coach Powers showed, there are some concepts that are universal to both youth and High School football teams, it's up to you if you decide to apply them or not.
Many thanks to Bill Powers for spending the time with me to help me understand how they achieved this remarkable turnaround, so other coaches out there can help their kids have a much more enjoyable season. He is the finest, best of luck to him and the Jupiter Christian kids this year with the brutal schedule ahead of them.
By Dave Cisar
Engineering a Complete Overhaul in Youth Football
This past weekend I was a speaker at the Pop Warner Treasure Coast coaches clinic held in the West Palm Beach, Florida area. Also speaking was Bill Powers, head football coach at Jupiter Christian High School. Bills teams have won back-to-back State Championships and are on a 28 game winning streak. The amazing thing about this story is Jupiter Christian prior to Bills arrival had never had a winning season. In fact the 2 years prior to Bills arrival the team went 2-17 and were outscored by over 600 combined points. The previous head coach resigned, declaring the football program "dead" and suggested it be discontinued.
Under Bill Powers leadership, the school has not only gone 45-5 and won 2 State Titles, but they are now competing with and beating schools with much larger enrollments. Jupiter Christian has just 250 students, but Jupiter regularly competes against schools with student populations of 400, 600, 1,000 and yes even one with over 2,000 students. In 2008 they played 3 different 4A schools with enrollments of 1500 or more. Perennial powers like Glades Day dot Jupiter Christians schedule as well as even out of state powerhouses from North Carolina and Georgia. This season their schedule includes several 4A schools again and even a 5A school (Lake Worth) with over 2,000 students. These guys are the Fresno State of High School football, anyone, anytime, anywhere.
What Kind of Ammo?
What seems so odd about this story is the team is not made up of big kids or great athletes. Not a single Jupiter Christian player from a Bill Powers team has gone on to play Division I football under scholarship. In fact starting quarterback Marshyl Rothman wasn't even sure he liked football, he was a hockey player and stands just 5'8" and 170 pounds. Starting fullback/linebacker Will Powers (Bill's son) started as a sophomore on the offensive line, before moving to fullback. At just 5'7" and 185 lbs he looks like a throwback in those 2007 game clips, wearing jersey number 65.
Watching Jupiter Christian game film is like watching a David vs Goliath movie nearly every game. What I noticed first was the shocking disparities in size especially in the offensive line. In many of the shots it looked like a college team lining up against a Pop Warner Midget team. The second thing I noticed was the incredible quickness of Christians offensive line as well as the outstanding execution and consistent effort of this entire squad.
From Youth Coach to State High School Championships
Another kicker to this unlikely story, Bill Powers and his staff had never coached High School football prior to taking over at Jupiter Christian. Bill was a former State Trooper, then Stock Broker, then successful business owner. He had however been a very successful Pop Warner coach. Yes folks, he went straight from Youth Football to winning State Titles in the High School ranks. His offensive line coach Tom Morton, offensive coordinator Jim Davis and assistant Tim Derrico all coached with Bill in Pop Warner.
Fortunately for me, my good friend Kevin Justice knows Bill Powers well and he arranged for Bill and I to have lunch and dinner together during my Florida stay. I wanted to find out what was so special about Bill Powers and how he engineered this amazing turnaround. Bill Powers has a very strong presence, at age 49 he looks just a few years removed from being able to strap it up and play himself. Just like his offense, he is very economical with his words, he uses just the minimum to get the job done, there is no fluff. Confident, but modestly giving credit to his assistants, players and supportive administration, he is an easy interview, my kind of guy.
How They Did It
When asked what 5 actions of his had the most impact on turning the program around, he didn't have to think at all, the answers flowed quickly. He felt the number one reason for the turnaround was getting the kids to believe they could win. He constantly bombarded them with stories of the unlikely hero, the player or team that everyone thought was too small or not athletic enough to prevail, but did. He told his players about friend Sam Mills, a 5'7" Pro Bowl linebacker, who no one wanted out of high school. After a stellar career at Montclair State, a Division III school, Mills was cut from 2 NFL squads as well as a CFL team. A full 2 years after playing his last college down, he caught on in the USFL and his coach Jim Mora took Mills with him to the Saints and then later to the Carolina Panthers where he went on to play in 5 Pro Bowls.
Powers sold his kids on the idea they had no choice but to outwork their opponents in order to compete. He made them face the harsh realities of the numbers and size disparities they would be facing and sold them the only solution was to outwork their opponents. Their mantra is "overachieve", it guides their every action, they break every huddle with it. They are relentless, whether they are lifting weights, doing speed training, doing 7 on 7 or playing lacrosse for Jupiter Christian with you guessed it, Bill Powers at the helm. Bill is a huge fan and proponent of football players playing lacrosse.
Powers and his staff started at ground zero with this team and they haven't strayed very far from their ground zero practice plans. They are fanatics on perfect fundamentals, pad level, footwork, swinging the hips, they leave nothing to the imagination. They don't scrimmage much, but work every day on the basic blocking and tackling that is the cornerstone of every great team. The schemes Bill Powers teams run are not complex, in actuality they probably run fewer than 20 different plays. But they do use many formations and motions to gain advantages. Bills offense mirrors his minimalist approach to the game, breaking the game down to a few critical success factors and requiring perfect execution and sustained effort of 4-5 seconds on every snap.
Jupiter Christian's coaching staff demands it's players play with enthusiasm, 100% effort and execute. They hold the kids accountable to that standard and by all appearances it looks like the kids are "all in" to use a popular poker phrase.
Coach Powers was also quick to credit the school administration for their support as well as the hard work of his very dedicated but now growing coaching staff. They endlessly study film to improve their teams. While they certainly meticulously analyze every opponent on film, you find this staff of film junkies looking more at how they can improve their execution and get every last bit of talent squeezed out of the hand that was dealt them. That includes things like having one of your best young running backs starting on the offensive line.
Lessons Learned
One of the biggest benefits I get from all the coaches clinics I do is getting to sit down and learn from guys like Bill Powers. Lucky me, I get the benefit of his 4 years of real life experiences, without having to suffer them myself. Simply put, there aren't many like him though, to have done so much with so little in such a short time period and with a coaching pedigree many long time coaches would raise their noses at.
For those of us out there who are trying to turn around a difficult situation, there is hope, there is a template you can follow, it can be done. But the answer is in economy, don't try to do too much, but what you do, perfect it. Get the kids to believe in themselves, that they can succeed, give them hope. Know what you have and what you have to do in order to have success, be the very best fundamental blocking and tackling team in your league.
Hold your kids accountable to playing with enthusiasm, 100% effort and perfect execution. Care about your players so they go "all in" and you can get the kind of effort Bills kids give. Coach with enthusiasm and intensity and lead by example, you can teach work ethic. As Coach Powers showed, there are some concepts that are universal to both youth and High School football teams, it's up to you if you decide to apply them or not.
Many thanks to Bill Powers for spending the time with me to help me understand how they achieved this remarkable turnaround, so other coaches out there can help their kids have a much more enjoyable season. He is the finest, best of luck to him and the Jupiter Christian kids this year with the brutal schedule ahead of them.
By Dave Cisar
The NFL's Increasing Problem With Steroids
By Ferdie Frederic
Steroids and the NFL have had a long and pretty interesting relationship. With the recent suspension of several players from NFL's Minnesota Vikings one has to ask does the NFL still have a drug problem?
On December 2, 2008 six players of the NFL team Minnesota Vikings were suspended four games without pay by the NFL for violating the league's anti-doping policy. It is reported that the players were suspended for the use of diuretics which is banned in the NFL because it might be used as a masking agent for steroids. Despite the players planning to appeal this will be a public relations disaster for the NFL if this decision remains and the accusation proves to be true.
Since the mid to late 1980's the NFL has gone through a series of a embarrassing issues in relation to steroids. From even the 1970's to the mid 1980's steroid use was picking up in the NFL and given the fact the league didn't have disciplinary rules regarding steroid abuse and the unethical use of steroids the National Football league became a safety heaven for those looking to become bigger and stronger at the expense of their own health. Players such as Steve Courson from the 1979 Super Bowl winning champions Pittsburg Steelers admitted to using steroids and the use of it in the NFL.
An incident that revealed much of the issues with steroid abuse within professional sports was the BALCO scandal. BALCO which stood for Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative was a company founded by Victor Conte and was basically in business for blood and urine analysis and food supplements. They eventually created quite a stir among their clients with the creation of "the clear" which was an undetected performance enhancing steroid. With the popularity of the company and its main substance gaining exposure the US started to take notice and begin investigations on the company, its clients, and how it conducted its business. Eventually the company was exposed and the many athletes that benefited from the companies products careers demolished.
With events like these taken place and the acquired knowledge of the health risks that involves with the use of steroids to enhance performance, the NFL started to tighten up its policies and the penalties that they enforce on players who disregard these policies.
Yet, the NFL with all its rules and regulations cannot stop these players from using such drugs. Examples like the recent six Minnesota Vikings players, Shawne Merriman in 2006, and even Bill Romanowski admitting to steroid use in 2001 and 2002 show that despite how hard you try to regulate, players will find a way to do their deed. Even though this may be true, someone has to ask a much bigger and deeper question. One that goes into the delicate structure of amature sports and the many inspiring teens that adore these athletes. That is, if the NFL cannot seem to get a hold of this delimma and many players within are benefiting from these drugs, breaking records, and getting million dollar contracts, then in truth and all honesty what does that say to our children? You be the judge.
By Ferdie Frederic
Steroids and the NFL have had a long and pretty interesting relationship. With the recent suspension of several players from NFL's Minnesota Vikings one has to ask does the NFL still have a drug problem?
On December 2, 2008 six players of the NFL team Minnesota Vikings were suspended four games without pay by the NFL for violating the league's anti-doping policy. It is reported that the players were suspended for the use of diuretics which is banned in the NFL because it might be used as a masking agent for steroids. Despite the players planning to appeal this will be a public relations disaster for the NFL if this decision remains and the accusation proves to be true.
Since the mid to late 1980's the NFL has gone through a series of a embarrassing issues in relation to steroids. From even the 1970's to the mid 1980's steroid use was picking up in the NFL and given the fact the league didn't have disciplinary rules regarding steroid abuse and the unethical use of steroids the National Football league became a safety heaven for those looking to become bigger and stronger at the expense of their own health. Players such as Steve Courson from the 1979 Super Bowl winning champions Pittsburg Steelers admitted to using steroids and the use of it in the NFL.
An incident that revealed much of the issues with steroid abuse within professional sports was the BALCO scandal. BALCO which stood for Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative was a company founded by Victor Conte and was basically in business for blood and urine analysis and food supplements. They eventually created quite a stir among their clients with the creation of "the clear" which was an undetected performance enhancing steroid. With the popularity of the company and its main substance gaining exposure the US started to take notice and begin investigations on the company, its clients, and how it conducted its business. Eventually the company was exposed and the many athletes that benefited from the companies products careers demolished.
With events like these taken place and the acquired knowledge of the health risks that involves with the use of steroids to enhance performance, the NFL started to tighten up its policies and the penalties that they enforce on players who disregard these policies.
Yet, the NFL with all its rules and regulations cannot stop these players from using such drugs. Examples like the recent six Minnesota Vikings players, Shawne Merriman in 2006, and even Bill Romanowski admitting to steroid use in 2001 and 2002 show that despite how hard you try to regulate, players will find a way to do their deed. Even though this may be true, someone has to ask a much bigger and deeper question. One that goes into the delicate structure of amature sports and the many inspiring teens that adore these athletes. That is, if the NFL cannot seem to get a hold of this delimma and many players within are benefiting from these drugs, breaking records, and getting million dollar contracts, then in truth and all honesty what does that say to our children? You be the judge.
By Ferdie Frederic
How to Throw a Football Like Tony Romo
By Bryan Burbank
It is always best if you want to be a great football passer like Tony Romo to start young. You can always pick up those skills but it works better if you learn them early because it can be more difficult to change bad habits.
Tony Romo is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and has guided the Dallas Cowboys to another exciting season. Many people may ask themselves if they can grip and throw a football like Romo. It is good if you have large hands because it makes it easier to grip the ball.
Next you want to study the way Romo rotates his shoulder when he throws the ball. It is important that you rotate your shoulder so that you can get the momentum behind the ball. It makes it easier for you to throw the ball 30 to 40 years if your timing with this is good. So practice this to get better at rotating.
Next the grip is one of the most important things you can do. You want to use the laces and put your last three finger over the laces so that it feels comfortable. You may need to practice this so that you get the grip that feel best for your hand. There are some variations form quarterback to quarterback but most of them grip this way.
Finally if you are just starting to throw the football then it is always better to learn how to throw it correctly form the beginning. It is hard to change the way you throw it if you have been taught a bad grip then starting with a great grip form the beginning.
By Bryan Burbank
It is always best if you want to be a great football passer like Tony Romo to start young. You can always pick up those skills but it works better if you learn them early because it can be more difficult to change bad habits.
Tony Romo is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and has guided the Dallas Cowboys to another exciting season. Many people may ask themselves if they can grip and throw a football like Romo. It is good if you have large hands because it makes it easier to grip the ball.
Next you want to study the way Romo rotates his shoulder when he throws the ball. It is important that you rotate your shoulder so that you can get the momentum behind the ball. It makes it easier for you to throw the ball 30 to 40 years if your timing with this is good. So practice this to get better at rotating.
Next the grip is one of the most important things you can do. You want to use the laces and put your last three finger over the laces so that it feels comfortable. You may need to practice this so that you get the grip that feel best for your hand. There are some variations form quarterback to quarterback but most of them grip this way.
Finally if you are just starting to throw the football then it is always better to learn how to throw it correctly form the beginning. It is hard to change the way you throw it if you have been taught a bad grip then starting with a great grip form the beginning.
By Bryan Burbank
Cheap New York Giants Tickets - How to Easily Obtain Them
By Michael Muraski
One of the most watched professional American football team is the New York Giants. They are based in East Rutherford, New Jersey and trains at the Giants Stadium. It is the same place where they play their home games. Whether on their home games or not, the New York Giants has always been an exciting team to watch in person. However, ticket price for their games may often be very expensive.
Fans should not despair because there are number of ways to get your hands on cheap New York Giants tickets. All you need is a little patience and diligence in browsing several online sites. You can start by checking out online ticket brokers. Their prices will surely vary. You can check out the most popular sites, as they are the most reliable. You can compare prices and opt to buy from the one that offers the cheapest. Or you can check out the prices and other bonuses attached to the sale. Some would offer free shipping and some gives lower price for bulk orders. How you will get your savings from this online ticket brokers will always depend on your need.
You can also visit online marketplaces for sports tickets. You can usually find sports tickets buyers and sellers on these sites. They will easily lead you to direct sellers even for sold out games. Season-ticket holders who don't go to all the games frequent these sites to resell at a lower price.
Online auctions are also a great place to visit for cheap New York Giants tickets. Although, there are several scalpers and ticket brokers auctioning on these sites, there are can be legit owners who just don't want their tickets to go unused. You just have to be very patient in browsing through these auctions.
If you are looking to buy for a group of people, the cheapest way to go about it is to go directly to the New York Giants ticketing office. They can offer discounts for bulk orders. And if you are not really particular about the team that they are playing with, you can also go to their ticketing office. Least desired games are those played against not-so-popular teams, and ticket prices for these games are usually way cheaper.
You can also use a little cunning in acquiring a cheap season ticket. You can bargain with scalpers on the day of the game itself. But you must be willing to miss a few minutes of the game to do this. Scalpers buy tickets by bulk, and once the game starts, they'll be panicking to dispose as much tickets as they can. Otherwise, it will be money down the drain for them.
Cheap New York Giants tickets can be easily obtained with a little effort from your end. It's true that tickets to their games can reach an exorbitant price at times, but if you know where to look, you can surely buy a ticket that's within your budget. You don't have to spend a fortune just to enjoy a fun-filled game of the New York Giants.
By Michael Muraski
One of the most watched professional American football team is the New York Giants. They are based in East Rutherford, New Jersey and trains at the Giants Stadium. It is the same place where they play their home games. Whether on their home games or not, the New York Giants has always been an exciting team to watch in person. However, ticket price for their games may often be very expensive.
Fans should not despair because there are number of ways to get your hands on cheap New York Giants tickets. All you need is a little patience and diligence in browsing several online sites. You can start by checking out online ticket brokers. Their prices will surely vary. You can check out the most popular sites, as they are the most reliable. You can compare prices and opt to buy from the one that offers the cheapest. Or you can check out the prices and other bonuses attached to the sale. Some would offer free shipping and some gives lower price for bulk orders. How you will get your savings from this online ticket brokers will always depend on your need.
You can also visit online marketplaces for sports tickets. You can usually find sports tickets buyers and sellers on these sites. They will easily lead you to direct sellers even for sold out games. Season-ticket holders who don't go to all the games frequent these sites to resell at a lower price.
Online auctions are also a great place to visit for cheap New York Giants tickets. Although, there are several scalpers and ticket brokers auctioning on these sites, there are can be legit owners who just don't want their tickets to go unused. You just have to be very patient in browsing through these auctions.
If you are looking to buy for a group of people, the cheapest way to go about it is to go directly to the New York Giants ticketing office. They can offer discounts for bulk orders. And if you are not really particular about the team that they are playing with, you can also go to their ticketing office. Least desired games are those played against not-so-popular teams, and ticket prices for these games are usually way cheaper.
You can also use a little cunning in acquiring a cheap season ticket. You can bargain with scalpers on the day of the game itself. But you must be willing to miss a few minutes of the game to do this. Scalpers buy tickets by bulk, and once the game starts, they'll be panicking to dispose as much tickets as they can. Otherwise, it will be money down the drain for them.
Cheap New York Giants tickets can be easily obtained with a little effort from your end. It's true that tickets to their games can reach an exorbitant price at times, but if you know where to look, you can surely buy a ticket that's within your budget. You don't have to spend a fortune just to enjoy a fun-filled game of the New York Giants.
By Michael Muraski
The Spread Offense For Youth Football? Not If You Are Coaching Non-Select Kids
By Dave Cisar
Make Sure Your Data is Real World When Deciding on an Offensive Direction
I attended a "youth football" session at a coaches clinic in the last 3 months that still troubles me. We won't go into where the clinic was or who the speaker was, that isn't important, what is important is the issue of how we as coaches interpret data presented to us. At this clinic, the data was totally bogus and flawed, which made the speakers premise that "ALL" youth football teams could run his system incorrect.
There are many very talented youth football coaches out there that know their stuff. They may have coached youth ball for decades and clearly understand what average kids can and can't do. They understand that even with the best coaching in the planet and even 4-5 days a week practice, there are certain things most average skilled kids just can't do.
Decisions, Decisions
On the other hand there are also plenty of dads that get pressed into coaching youth football that are uncertain what they should be able to get out of the typical grouping of non-select football players. Some of this group sell the kids short and don't get as advanced as they should, but many others think their kids are mini NFL players and put them into schemes and techniques that the average player has very little chance of succeeding with. The good coaches with all the experience usually sit right in the middle of these two extremes and put their kids in a system that is the right "fit".
Clinic Sales Job
Now back to the coaches clinic, the speaker seemed to be a very articulate, well educated, well meaning person who knew the game well. He played Division I football and had a fairly well organized presentation, he had credibility. His topic was the spread passing game for youth football. His premise was that anyone could run a spread passing game down to 9 years old and be successful with it, all it took was a commitment and lots of practice. He was preachin it and the first time 9 year old head coach sitting in front of me was nodding his "amens" and buying it hook line and sinker.
The presenter demonstrated some well thought out fundamentals for youth quarterbacks and even had some nice film of an impressive 10 year old passer. The coach did admit that he had coached this player since he was 7 years old including extensive individual off site training in the off-season. Now I don't know about your teams, but I just don't have year round access to my players or the time to individually coach my kids aggressively year-round.
Here's Where it Gets Tricky
The presenter also showed extensive team film clips that not only showed some very well executed spread passing plays, but some very nice zone blocking runs as well. The unusual thing about these clips were that every player had a different colored helmet on.
Not a Fair Comparison
When I politely asked him why the helmets were different colored, he said because this was an all-star team and each player used his own teams helmet. They were also clips of 13-14 year olds. Come to find out, the players on this all- star team had been chosen from a cast of thousands.
He didn't have any minimum play players to find playing time for, he had the very best player from 40+ teams. Imagine what you could do if YOU had the best player from every team in your area. Or imagine if you could clone your best player and make 40 more of him. What could you run then? What 13-14 year olds can do is also a bit different than what 9 year old rookies can do
The Real World Not Fantasy Lan
Not only does the average youth coach have to find some playing time for every player on our teams, but we probably have to start several kids on our offensive line that would best be described as minimum play players. In zone blocking one of the key premises is for your offensive linemen to get movement on a double team, come off the double team and block the near linebacker in space.
Now I don't know about your league, but in the 6 that I've coached in the other teams best, fastest and most athletic kids are playing linebacker. In zone blocking my minimum play player ( least athletic player on the team) offensive lineman is going to block the other teams best player, in space, on the move after getting movement on a double team? Really, in real life, not in an imaginary well intentioned parallel universe? Not on your typical non-select youth football team on planet earth. Do we have kids that can make that block? Sure, but not very many that can do it consistently and zero of my even most aggressively coached minimum play players.
Be Careful
Be careful what data you use to determine what you should and shouldn't be running in youth football. Don't be enamored with clips of some football plays being run well by a bunch of hand picked "studs". All-star teams selected from casts of thousands are not the example most of youth coaches can learn from. I've only coached "select" football one year, in 2003, it is a different animal, but even then we only chose from about 150 kids, not thousands.
Almost anyone can put together a string of highlights if they coach long enough. That's why we sell complete season DVDs of my teams. Non- select kids, every snap of every game for the season so you can see for yourself what average kids ( and minimum play players) with average amounts of practice time can do over the course of an entire season.
Let me say I don't think this coach is evil or meant to intentionally misguide coaches into doing something that had little chance of succeeding, he just doesn't clearly understand the boat most of us are in. Please don't misquote me, I'm a big believer in the pass, my teams have often led the league in passing touchdowns. Heck my age 7-9 team threw for 11 touchdowns last season in just 9 games. What I'm saying is it is extremely rare for non-select youth teams to move the ball consistently using zone blocking and spread passing without a "freak" grouping of players.
Dave Cisar-
Dave is a Nike "Coach of the Year" Designate and speaks nationwide at Coaches Clinics. His book "Winning Youth Football a Step by Step Plan" was endorsed by Tom Osborne and Dave Rimington. His personal teams using this system to date have won 94% of their games in 5 Different Leagues.
By Dave Cisar
Make Sure Your Data is Real World When Deciding on an Offensive Direction
I attended a "youth football" session at a coaches clinic in the last 3 months that still troubles me. We won't go into where the clinic was or who the speaker was, that isn't important, what is important is the issue of how we as coaches interpret data presented to us. At this clinic, the data was totally bogus and flawed, which made the speakers premise that "ALL" youth football teams could run his system incorrect.
There are many very talented youth football coaches out there that know their stuff. They may have coached youth ball for decades and clearly understand what average kids can and can't do. They understand that even with the best coaching in the planet and even 4-5 days a week practice, there are certain things most average skilled kids just can't do.
Decisions, Decisions
On the other hand there are also plenty of dads that get pressed into coaching youth football that are uncertain what they should be able to get out of the typical grouping of non-select football players. Some of this group sell the kids short and don't get as advanced as they should, but many others think their kids are mini NFL players and put them into schemes and techniques that the average player has very little chance of succeeding with. The good coaches with all the experience usually sit right in the middle of these two extremes and put their kids in a system that is the right "fit".
Clinic Sales Job
Now back to the coaches clinic, the speaker seemed to be a very articulate, well educated, well meaning person who knew the game well. He played Division I football and had a fairly well organized presentation, he had credibility. His topic was the spread passing game for youth football. His premise was that anyone could run a spread passing game down to 9 years old and be successful with it, all it took was a commitment and lots of practice. He was preachin it and the first time 9 year old head coach sitting in front of me was nodding his "amens" and buying it hook line and sinker.
The presenter demonstrated some well thought out fundamentals for youth quarterbacks and even had some nice film of an impressive 10 year old passer. The coach did admit that he had coached this player since he was 7 years old including extensive individual off site training in the off-season. Now I don't know about your teams, but I just don't have year round access to my players or the time to individually coach my kids aggressively year-round.
Here's Where it Gets Tricky
The presenter also showed extensive team film clips that not only showed some very well executed spread passing plays, but some very nice zone blocking runs as well. The unusual thing about these clips were that every player had a different colored helmet on.
Not a Fair Comparison
When I politely asked him why the helmets were different colored, he said because this was an all-star team and each player used his own teams helmet. They were also clips of 13-14 year olds. Come to find out, the players on this all- star team had been chosen from a cast of thousands.
He didn't have any minimum play players to find playing time for, he had the very best player from 40+ teams. Imagine what you could do if YOU had the best player from every team in your area. Or imagine if you could clone your best player and make 40 more of him. What could you run then? What 13-14 year olds can do is also a bit different than what 9 year old rookies can do
The Real World Not Fantasy Lan
Not only does the average youth coach have to find some playing time for every player on our teams, but we probably have to start several kids on our offensive line that would best be described as minimum play players. In zone blocking one of the key premises is for your offensive linemen to get movement on a double team, come off the double team and block the near linebacker in space.
Now I don't know about your league, but in the 6 that I've coached in the other teams best, fastest and most athletic kids are playing linebacker. In zone blocking my minimum play player ( least athletic player on the team) offensive lineman is going to block the other teams best player, in space, on the move after getting movement on a double team? Really, in real life, not in an imaginary well intentioned parallel universe? Not on your typical non-select youth football team on planet earth. Do we have kids that can make that block? Sure, but not very many that can do it consistently and zero of my even most aggressively coached minimum play players.
Be Careful
Be careful what data you use to determine what you should and shouldn't be running in youth football. Don't be enamored with clips of some football plays being run well by a bunch of hand picked "studs". All-star teams selected from casts of thousands are not the example most of youth coaches can learn from. I've only coached "select" football one year, in 2003, it is a different animal, but even then we only chose from about 150 kids, not thousands.
Almost anyone can put together a string of highlights if they coach long enough. That's why we sell complete season DVDs of my teams. Non- select kids, every snap of every game for the season so you can see for yourself what average kids ( and minimum play players) with average amounts of practice time can do over the course of an entire season.
Let me say I don't think this coach is evil or meant to intentionally misguide coaches into doing something that had little chance of succeeding, he just doesn't clearly understand the boat most of us are in. Please don't misquote me, I'm a big believer in the pass, my teams have often led the league in passing touchdowns. Heck my age 7-9 team threw for 11 touchdowns last season in just 9 games. What I'm saying is it is extremely rare for non-select youth teams to move the ball consistently using zone blocking and spread passing without a "freak" grouping of players.
Dave Cisar-
Dave is a Nike "Coach of the Year" Designate and speaks nationwide at Coaches Clinics. His book "Winning Youth Football a Step by Step Plan" was endorsed by Tom Osborne and Dave Rimington. His personal teams using this system to date have won 94% of their games in 5 Different Leagues.
By Dave Cisar
College Football - Looking Back on Johnny Rodgers' Career
By Charles Jay
In football today we talk a lot about "all purpose" yards, but that term probably got its origin with the exploits of Johnny Rodgers, the 1972 Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Nebraska. Rodgers was truly a multiple threat on the football field, lining up as a wide receiver, running back, and kick returner for the dynamic Husker teams which he helped lead to national championships in 1970 and 1971.
In three years, Rodgers posted the astounding total of 6059 all-purpose yards, and set an NCAA record with nine kick returns for touchdowns in his career. Rodgers seemed to be at his most brilliant in the big games - his 72-yard punt return for a touchdown kicked off the scoring in the ballyhooed "Game of the Century" between #1 Nebraska and #2 Oklahoma in 1971 (a 35-31 Nebraska win), and in the next season's Orange Bowl, he returned another punt 77 yards for a score as the Cornhuskers won the national title by routing Alabama 38-6 in yet another #1 vs. #2 game.
But one of his greatest single performances, and one of the great displays in college football history, came in the 1973 Orange Bowl against Notre Dame, Rodgers' last game, when he ran for three touchdowns, caught a pass for a fourth, and THREW for a fifth, as Nebraska rolled over the Irish, 40-6. With Rodgers, Nebraska compiled a 32-2-2 record from 1970 to 1972, winning three Big Eight titles, three bowl games, and the two national crowns.
A two-time All-American, Rodgers capped off his career by winning the Heisman Trophy for the 1972 season, winning the voting in every region and scoring nearly three times as many first-place votes as second-place finisher Greg Pruitt of Oklahoma. Rodgers was the first receiver in the two-platoon era to win the award.
Bypassing the NFL's San Diego Chargers, who had drafted him in the first round but didn't offer enough money, Rodgers went to the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, where he became the CFL's Outstanding Rookie in 1973, the Jeff Russel Trophy winner (most outstanding player in East Division) in 1974 and '75, and a CFL All-Star selection at both running back and wide receiver. He also was a member of Montreal's 1974 Grey Cup championship team, which was coached by Marv Levy.
Rodgers finally landed in San Diego in 1977, but spent only a couple of seasons with the Chargers, tearing up his knee in 1978, and bringing his football career to an unfortunate halt. But he eventually went back to get degrees in advertising and journalism from Nebraska, and became involved in several community projects in the Omaha area, including the Johnny Rodgers Youth Foundation, set up to foster youth programs, and offer support for youth job training and employment.
He also owns and operates JetWear Inc., a business which manufactures and distributes bedding products and novelty items which are licensed from various major universities.
Rodgers is still a very active participant in the Heisman ceremonies, and in fact, got married in the Heisman room of the Downtown Athletic Club. When the University of Nebraska's All-Century team was announced, he was the leading vote-getter, in a star-studded cast that included Roger Craig, Mike Rozier, and Rich Glover. And the ultimate accolade came his way in 2000, when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame along with John Elway, Dan Dierdorf, and Marcus Allen, among others.
Be on the lookout for an interview with Johnny Rodgers.
By Charles Jay
In football today we talk a lot about "all purpose" yards, but that term probably got its origin with the exploits of Johnny Rodgers, the 1972 Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Nebraska. Rodgers was truly a multiple threat on the football field, lining up as a wide receiver, running back, and kick returner for the dynamic Husker teams which he helped lead to national championships in 1970 and 1971.
In three years, Rodgers posted the astounding total of 6059 all-purpose yards, and set an NCAA record with nine kick returns for touchdowns in his career. Rodgers seemed to be at his most brilliant in the big games - his 72-yard punt return for a touchdown kicked off the scoring in the ballyhooed "Game of the Century" between #1 Nebraska and #2 Oklahoma in 1971 (a 35-31 Nebraska win), and in the next season's Orange Bowl, he returned another punt 77 yards for a score as the Cornhuskers won the national title by routing Alabama 38-6 in yet another #1 vs. #2 game.
But one of his greatest single performances, and one of the great displays in college football history, came in the 1973 Orange Bowl against Notre Dame, Rodgers' last game, when he ran for three touchdowns, caught a pass for a fourth, and THREW for a fifth, as Nebraska rolled over the Irish, 40-6. With Rodgers, Nebraska compiled a 32-2-2 record from 1970 to 1972, winning three Big Eight titles, three bowl games, and the two national crowns.
A two-time All-American, Rodgers capped off his career by winning the Heisman Trophy for the 1972 season, winning the voting in every region and scoring nearly three times as many first-place votes as second-place finisher Greg Pruitt of Oklahoma. Rodgers was the first receiver in the two-platoon era to win the award.
Bypassing the NFL's San Diego Chargers, who had drafted him in the first round but didn't offer enough money, Rodgers went to the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, where he became the CFL's Outstanding Rookie in 1973, the Jeff Russel Trophy winner (most outstanding player in East Division) in 1974 and '75, and a CFL All-Star selection at both running back and wide receiver. He also was a member of Montreal's 1974 Grey Cup championship team, which was coached by Marv Levy.
Rodgers finally landed in San Diego in 1977, but spent only a couple of seasons with the Chargers, tearing up his knee in 1978, and bringing his football career to an unfortunate halt. But he eventually went back to get degrees in advertising and journalism from Nebraska, and became involved in several community projects in the Omaha area, including the Johnny Rodgers Youth Foundation, set up to foster youth programs, and offer support for youth job training and employment.
He also owns and operates JetWear Inc., a business which manufactures and distributes bedding products and novelty items which are licensed from various major universities.
Rodgers is still a very active participant in the Heisman ceremonies, and in fact, got married in the Heisman room of the Downtown Athletic Club. When the University of Nebraska's All-Century team was announced, he was the leading vote-getter, in a star-studded cast that included Roger Craig, Mike Rozier, and Rich Glover. And the ultimate accolade came his way in 2000, when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame along with John Elway, Dan Dierdorf, and Marcus Allen, among others.
Be on the lookout for an interview with Johnny Rodgers.
By Charles Jay
History of the Softball Glove
By Peter V. John
Imagine catching a baseball bare-handed. Painful, right? Back when baseball first began, there were no baseball gloves. Fortunately, legend tells that A.G. Spalding saw a glove being used by a first baseman to protect his hand in 1875. Spalding then started the trend of wearing a glove for baseball, and the gloves became a standard in the game by the late 1890s.
By that time, softball had become popular and soon gloves were being worn in that sport as well. Today, there are specific gloves for all field positions as well as different gloves for baseball and softball.
What is the difference between a baseball glove and a softball glove? Naturally, the biggest difference is in the size. The softball itself is larger than a baseball, therefore you would need a larger glove to catch and field the ball easily. Baseball gloves range in length from 10.5 inches to 12.5 inches, depending upon the position played. Softball gloves are 12 inches long to 14 inches long.
Just as the gloves differ, so do the bats. Baseball bats are generally 31 inches long to 34 inches long. Softball bats are a bit longer, ranging from 32 inches up to 34 inches in length. Bats vary in weight between the two sports as well. Softball bats weigh an average of 23 ounces to 30 ounces. Baseball bats weigh 28 ounces to 31 ounces.
Now that you know the history and differences, it is time to purchase a glove. Choose a softball glove carefully, as it acts as your "hand" during play and should feel natural, not overly bulky or heavy. Ask a coach or other players for advice. Refer to the glove-maker's website, as it often has valuable information that you need to learn before making your purchase.
Years ago, it took a long time for a player to "break in" a baseball or softball glove. This usually meant oiling it thoroughly, wrapping up a ball inside the pocket and even sleeping with the glove under the mattress! Today's softball gloves are made of softer leather and have a nearly broken-in feel; however, it is still important to break in and care for your glove according to the manufacturer's instructions. Gloves still need to be oiled, but not over-oiled, to maintain their proper level of moisture and prevent cracking. Be sure to oil the laces as well to avoid brittleness and breakage.
Most of all, play ball often with your glove. That is the best way to get a good feel for the glove and form it to your hand. Use it as much as you can, and have fun!
By Peter V. John
Imagine catching a baseball bare-handed. Painful, right? Back when baseball first began, there were no baseball gloves. Fortunately, legend tells that A.G. Spalding saw a glove being used by a first baseman to protect his hand in 1875. Spalding then started the trend of wearing a glove for baseball, and the gloves became a standard in the game by the late 1890s.
By that time, softball had become popular and soon gloves were being worn in that sport as well. Today, there are specific gloves for all field positions as well as different gloves for baseball and softball.
What is the difference between a baseball glove and a softball glove? Naturally, the biggest difference is in the size. The softball itself is larger than a baseball, therefore you would need a larger glove to catch and field the ball easily. Baseball gloves range in length from 10.5 inches to 12.5 inches, depending upon the position played. Softball gloves are 12 inches long to 14 inches long.
Just as the gloves differ, so do the bats. Baseball bats are generally 31 inches long to 34 inches long. Softball bats are a bit longer, ranging from 32 inches up to 34 inches in length. Bats vary in weight between the two sports as well. Softball bats weigh an average of 23 ounces to 30 ounces. Baseball bats weigh 28 ounces to 31 ounces.
Now that you know the history and differences, it is time to purchase a glove. Choose a softball glove carefully, as it acts as your "hand" during play and should feel natural, not overly bulky or heavy. Ask a coach or other players for advice. Refer to the glove-maker's website, as it often has valuable information that you need to learn before making your purchase.
Years ago, it took a long time for a player to "break in" a baseball or softball glove. This usually meant oiling it thoroughly, wrapping up a ball inside the pocket and even sleeping with the glove under the mattress! Today's softball gloves are made of softer leather and have a nearly broken-in feel; however, it is still important to break in and care for your glove according to the manufacturer's instructions. Gloves still need to be oiled, but not over-oiled, to maintain their proper level of moisture and prevent cracking. Be sure to oil the laces as well to avoid brittleness and breakage.
Most of all, play ball often with your glove. That is the best way to get a good feel for the glove and form it to your hand. Use it as much as you can, and have fun!
By Peter V. John
4 Places to Park at a Cincinnati Reds Game For $2 Or Less
By Jake Cain
Free parking is readily available in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. You really just need to know where to look. Lets start with the $2 garage.
1. If you are cheap like me, the on of the best places to park is the garage on 6th St. near Broadway. The great part is its never crowded. The other nice thing is the walk to/from Great American Ballpark is similar distance to the $10 lots. Also this will walk you past the In Between Tavern, which is a popular pregame beer spot.
If $2 is out of your budget, you can always park for free In Cincinnati, most parking meters are only in effect 8am - 6pm Monday through Saturday (it will say on the meter).
2. The best thing to do is to be driving on 3rd street a couple minutes before 6. All the metered parking on the left becomes a free for all about that time. If you score an on-street spot there, you are a parking genius. You will be about a Corey Patterson throws length from Great American Ballpark and it cost you nothing!
3. If you don't care to walk awhile to Great American Ballpark, there is much more free parking available in Covington and Newport KY. On street parking in Covington usually isn't metered at all, but if it is they usually aren't monitored after 6 either. We used to live in the 600 block of Greenup St. and just walk from our apartment. Your best bets for on street parking are probably Greenup, Scott, and Garrard which all run North to South. It will be about a 15 minute walk across the bridge.
From there you can walk across the blue suspension bridge and enter through the right field gate. If you are walking that way, you want to take the side of the bridge closest to the stadium (right), you will get there quicker. That side gives you stairs down to the street level by the Great American Ballpark right field gate.
4. Due to the rise in popularity of Newport, free parking is tougher to find. I like to eat at Dixie Chili, and leave my car there on the street and walk. That is on Monmouth St. which runs N to S in the heart of Newport. There are more metered spots in the area now, but again they are free after 6. The yellow bridge you walk across from Newport will drop you off by the US Bank Arena. Again on that bridge, walk across the side closest to Great American Ballpark for the shorter route (left). It will give you a stairway to the left field gates. You now have plenty of options so you can stop complaining about expensive parking.
Parking doesn't have to be expensive, nor does the rest of your trip to Great American Ballpark.
By Jake Cain
Free parking is readily available in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. You really just need to know where to look. Lets start with the $2 garage.
1. If you are cheap like me, the on of the best places to park is the garage on 6th St. near Broadway. The great part is its never crowded. The other nice thing is the walk to/from Great American Ballpark is similar distance to the $10 lots. Also this will walk you past the In Between Tavern, which is a popular pregame beer spot.
If $2 is out of your budget, you can always park for free In Cincinnati, most parking meters are only in effect 8am - 6pm Monday through Saturday (it will say on the meter).
2. The best thing to do is to be driving on 3rd street a couple minutes before 6. All the metered parking on the left becomes a free for all about that time. If you score an on-street spot there, you are a parking genius. You will be about a Corey Patterson throws length from Great American Ballpark and it cost you nothing!
3. If you don't care to walk awhile to Great American Ballpark, there is much more free parking available in Covington and Newport KY. On street parking in Covington usually isn't metered at all, but if it is they usually aren't monitored after 6 either. We used to live in the 600 block of Greenup St. and just walk from our apartment. Your best bets for on street parking are probably Greenup, Scott, and Garrard which all run North to South. It will be about a 15 minute walk across the bridge.
From there you can walk across the blue suspension bridge and enter through the right field gate. If you are walking that way, you want to take the side of the bridge closest to the stadium (right), you will get there quicker. That side gives you stairs down to the street level by the Great American Ballpark right field gate.
4. Due to the rise in popularity of Newport, free parking is tougher to find. I like to eat at Dixie Chili, and leave my car there on the street and walk. That is on Monmouth St. which runs N to S in the heart of Newport. There are more metered spots in the area now, but again they are free after 6. The yellow bridge you walk across from Newport will drop you off by the US Bank Arena. Again on that bridge, walk across the side closest to Great American Ballpark for the shorter route (left). It will give you a stairway to the left field gates. You now have plenty of options so you can stop complaining about expensive parking.
Parking doesn't have to be expensive, nor does the rest of your trip to Great American Ballpark.
By Jake Cain
Become a Better Hitter - Have a Hitting Philosophy
The best way to increase your average happens before you even step in the batters box. I am not talking about your swing either. It would be way to difficult to teach somebody to swing over the internet, so this article is assuming that your coach has taught you the fundamentals of a good swing.
What I am talking about are things you can do before the game. Watch the opposing pitcher warm up. How many pitches does he throw? How hard is his fastball, curve ball, etc? Is he around the plate, up or down? Is his curve ball a 12 to 6 or more like a slider? These are the things that will help you prepare for your upcoming at bat.
The game has started, watch how the pitcher holds his glove, moves his fingers, changes his arm speed. Does he dig in his glove every time he throws a curve? Look for the slight differences between his motion and demeanor depending on the pitch he is about to throw.
Be aware of the other players in the field also, especially the catcher. Do infielders move over a step or two on off speed pitches? Does the catcher change his stance when a curve ball is coming? Do not turn your head and look where the catcher is. You can though sneak a quick peek through your peripheral vision to see if he is set up inside or outside. If the catcher is giving away the off speed pitch, come up with verbal code words with your on deck batter. First name, last name, number, something not to obvious.
Pick out the tendencies of the pitcher. Pitchers and catchers have patterns. Notice what his go to pitch is when he needs a strike, when he is going for a strikeout, when he is ahead in the count. Does he like to throw inside, outside, high, low, all these things you can pick up before you even step into the batters box.
The bottom line is, if you want to be a better hitter pay attention to details that may give you an advantage. There will be plenty of time to catch up with your buddies or play grab ass with your buddies after the game.
It's your turn to bat, you know how hard he throws, the shape of his curve, when he likes to throw the curve, and what he likes to throw on the first pitch to a new batter. The exception to this situation is if you are the lead off hitter. If you are lead off, you have a job to do. Get the pitcher to throw as many pitches as you can. Hopefully you can get him to throw them all. But at least the fastball and curve. This method should not only help you, but your teammates as well, if they pay attention.
Another key is not to think too much, but know the situation. Is there a runner on first, no outs. Look for something to hit to the right side to advance your teammate into scoring position. I can't go over every situation, but I think you get the picture. Do what works best for your coach and team philosophy.
So how do you increase your average? I believe you look for the situation that gives you the best chance for success. You have studied the pitcher, but do you know yourself?
What pitches do you hit the best? Do you like the ball inside, outside, up a little, down in the zone? Do you hit fastballs better than curve balls? I hope 95% of you said yes with the other 5% lying. Well that is the pitch you are waiting for until you have a strike. Let's say you hit the outside fastball the best. The pitcher throws a curve ball, don't swing. If it is a ball you are still looking for the outside fastball on the next pitch. The pitcher throws a fastball inside, don't swing. Cut the plate into thirds and make the ball be in your favorite third before you swing.
Something to avoid is what I call players pride. Players pride is when a batter wants to show the pitcher he can hit the pitchers best pitch. For what reason you ask, stupid pride. Yes a hitter will make contact with the ball, but is it solid contact, usually not. Along the same lines are the hitters that are so afraid to strike out they swing at anything they can reach with their bat. If you are a coach, nip both of these problems in the bud as soon as you can.
Let's say that the second pitch the pitcher threw, the fastball inside, was a strike. The count is now 1-1. Expand the zone you are going to swing at to 2/3 to 3/4 of the plate, the outside part since that was where we hit the best according to our scenario. Now you can add the hanging curve to swing at. It must be in the zone and you must be in a position to put a good swing on it, otherwise let it go. Never guess curve ball, always be ready for the fastball and adjust to the off speed stuff. Use this mentality whenever you have 1 strike and 2 balls or less. This is also the perfect time to go back to studying his tendencies. What does he usually throw with a 0-1, 1-1, or 2-1 count. Did I mention to always be ready for the fastball.
With a 3-1 count, a hitters dream count because of the percentages of knowing a fastball is coming, you are in the drivers seat. Go back to the 0 strike approach, maybe increasing the zone to half because of the probability of getting a fastball. Do NOT over swing. Do NOT be late. Put a good aggressive swing on the pitch, one that is in your ability. When you over swing you get long, slow, and probably jammed on the best pitch in baseball.
Just because it is 3-1 don't assume it is automatic you are getting a fastball. Go back to knowing the situation. What point of the game are you in, the score, runners on base, a base open, and how is the hitter behind you hitting today. The pitcher may want to avoid pitching to you and take his chances with the next batter. The opposite holds true, are there base runners on? Does the pitcher have to throw a strike? What are the tendencies?
With two strikes, your job is to put the ball in play. Do not swing at anything and everything. Stay calm, you hopefully have prepared yourself in practice. All those swings off the tee, all the batting practice swings, you know where the head of your bat is. Have confidence in your abilities. You can put the bat on the ball.
Always be ready for the fastball, I don't know how many times I have said that already, but if you only go away with one thing, you guessed it, always be ready for the fastball. What are the tendencies with 0-2. Does he waste a pitch to see if you will chase? Does he set you up with up and in before he goes low and away? You should already know these things and expect them.
With 2 strikes we go to a defensive mode. We expand the plate 2-3 inches on each side as well as up and down. Cut your swing down to a more controllable swing. Whatever it takes to foul off pitches or put the ball in play. It is a good idea to practice this zone in batting practice for about 8-10 pitches. The idea is to protect the plate. Anything close to the plate, you need to swing. Do not leave it up to the umpire, he gets paid by the out not the hour.
That is a good point to bring up when we talk about umpires. You need to know the umpire's zone that day. Does he love to ring people up? Does he reward the pitcher for making good pitches just off the plate but not in the strike zone? Is he consistent? If any of these answers give you doubt, swing at anything close.
Don't give in. Be what they call a tough out. Somebody that battles and wears a pitcher down. Take pride in not striking out. Anything can happen when the ball is in play. At the very least make the pitcher throw as many pitches as you can.
In the event the pitcher does get the better of you and strikes you out. Tip your hat and say you got me this time. I may not have won the battle but I am going to win the war. I know how you pitch, I've seen you before, you got me once it won't happen again. Keep your confidence. Don't let 1 at bat change your philosophy or your approach to hitting.
In closing I would just like to stress the importance of self evaluation. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Look for opportunities to use your strengths. Know the situation you are in at all times. Have a keen sense for details. Anything that may give you an edge. Prepare yourself in practice. Challenge yourself, don't just go through the motions and think you are going to get better. The harder you work the more confidence you acquire. The more confidence you acquire, the better player you will become. The saying goes baseball is 90% mental.
Have faith in your philosophy. And last but not least be ready for the fastball !!!
By Scott M. Thompson
What I am talking about are things you can do before the game. Watch the opposing pitcher warm up. How many pitches does he throw? How hard is his fastball, curve ball, etc? Is he around the plate, up or down? Is his curve ball a 12 to 6 or more like a slider? These are the things that will help you prepare for your upcoming at bat.
The game has started, watch how the pitcher holds his glove, moves his fingers, changes his arm speed. Does he dig in his glove every time he throws a curve? Look for the slight differences between his motion and demeanor depending on the pitch he is about to throw.
Be aware of the other players in the field also, especially the catcher. Do infielders move over a step or two on off speed pitches? Does the catcher change his stance when a curve ball is coming? Do not turn your head and look where the catcher is. You can though sneak a quick peek through your peripheral vision to see if he is set up inside or outside. If the catcher is giving away the off speed pitch, come up with verbal code words with your on deck batter. First name, last name, number, something not to obvious.
Pick out the tendencies of the pitcher. Pitchers and catchers have patterns. Notice what his go to pitch is when he needs a strike, when he is going for a strikeout, when he is ahead in the count. Does he like to throw inside, outside, high, low, all these things you can pick up before you even step into the batters box.
The bottom line is, if you want to be a better hitter pay attention to details that may give you an advantage. There will be plenty of time to catch up with your buddies or play grab ass with your buddies after the game.
It's your turn to bat, you know how hard he throws, the shape of his curve, when he likes to throw the curve, and what he likes to throw on the first pitch to a new batter. The exception to this situation is if you are the lead off hitter. If you are lead off, you have a job to do. Get the pitcher to throw as many pitches as you can. Hopefully you can get him to throw them all. But at least the fastball and curve. This method should not only help you, but your teammates as well, if they pay attention.
Another key is not to think too much, but know the situation. Is there a runner on first, no outs. Look for something to hit to the right side to advance your teammate into scoring position. I can't go over every situation, but I think you get the picture. Do what works best for your coach and team philosophy.
So how do you increase your average? I believe you look for the situation that gives you the best chance for success. You have studied the pitcher, but do you know yourself?
What pitches do you hit the best? Do you like the ball inside, outside, up a little, down in the zone? Do you hit fastballs better than curve balls? I hope 95% of you said yes with the other 5% lying. Well that is the pitch you are waiting for until you have a strike. Let's say you hit the outside fastball the best. The pitcher throws a curve ball, don't swing. If it is a ball you are still looking for the outside fastball on the next pitch. The pitcher throws a fastball inside, don't swing. Cut the plate into thirds and make the ball be in your favorite third before you swing.
Something to avoid is what I call players pride. Players pride is when a batter wants to show the pitcher he can hit the pitchers best pitch. For what reason you ask, stupid pride. Yes a hitter will make contact with the ball, but is it solid contact, usually not. Along the same lines are the hitters that are so afraid to strike out they swing at anything they can reach with their bat. If you are a coach, nip both of these problems in the bud as soon as you can.
Let's say that the second pitch the pitcher threw, the fastball inside, was a strike. The count is now 1-1. Expand the zone you are going to swing at to 2/3 to 3/4 of the plate, the outside part since that was where we hit the best according to our scenario. Now you can add the hanging curve to swing at. It must be in the zone and you must be in a position to put a good swing on it, otherwise let it go. Never guess curve ball, always be ready for the fastball and adjust to the off speed stuff. Use this mentality whenever you have 1 strike and 2 balls or less. This is also the perfect time to go back to studying his tendencies. What does he usually throw with a 0-1, 1-1, or 2-1 count. Did I mention to always be ready for the fastball.
With a 3-1 count, a hitters dream count because of the percentages of knowing a fastball is coming, you are in the drivers seat. Go back to the 0 strike approach, maybe increasing the zone to half because of the probability of getting a fastball. Do NOT over swing. Do NOT be late. Put a good aggressive swing on the pitch, one that is in your ability. When you over swing you get long, slow, and probably jammed on the best pitch in baseball.
Just because it is 3-1 don't assume it is automatic you are getting a fastball. Go back to knowing the situation. What point of the game are you in, the score, runners on base, a base open, and how is the hitter behind you hitting today. The pitcher may want to avoid pitching to you and take his chances with the next batter. The opposite holds true, are there base runners on? Does the pitcher have to throw a strike? What are the tendencies?
With two strikes, your job is to put the ball in play. Do not swing at anything and everything. Stay calm, you hopefully have prepared yourself in practice. All those swings off the tee, all the batting practice swings, you know where the head of your bat is. Have confidence in your abilities. You can put the bat on the ball.
Always be ready for the fastball, I don't know how many times I have said that already, but if you only go away with one thing, you guessed it, always be ready for the fastball. What are the tendencies with 0-2. Does he waste a pitch to see if you will chase? Does he set you up with up and in before he goes low and away? You should already know these things and expect them.
With 2 strikes we go to a defensive mode. We expand the plate 2-3 inches on each side as well as up and down. Cut your swing down to a more controllable swing. Whatever it takes to foul off pitches or put the ball in play. It is a good idea to practice this zone in batting practice for about 8-10 pitches. The idea is to protect the plate. Anything close to the plate, you need to swing. Do not leave it up to the umpire, he gets paid by the out not the hour.
That is a good point to bring up when we talk about umpires. You need to know the umpire's zone that day. Does he love to ring people up? Does he reward the pitcher for making good pitches just off the plate but not in the strike zone? Is he consistent? If any of these answers give you doubt, swing at anything close.
Don't give in. Be what they call a tough out. Somebody that battles and wears a pitcher down. Take pride in not striking out. Anything can happen when the ball is in play. At the very least make the pitcher throw as many pitches as you can.
In the event the pitcher does get the better of you and strikes you out. Tip your hat and say you got me this time. I may not have won the battle but I am going to win the war. I know how you pitch, I've seen you before, you got me once it won't happen again. Keep your confidence. Don't let 1 at bat change your philosophy or your approach to hitting.
In closing I would just like to stress the importance of self evaluation. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Look for opportunities to use your strengths. Know the situation you are in at all times. Have a keen sense for details. Anything that may give you an edge. Prepare yourself in practice. Challenge yourself, don't just go through the motions and think you are going to get better. The harder you work the more confidence you acquire. The more confidence you acquire, the better player you will become. The saying goes baseball is 90% mental.
Have faith in your philosophy. And last but not least be ready for the fastball !!!
By Scott M. Thompson
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