Sports & Recreation

Overview When selecting the proper golf ball to complement your game, pick one based upon the realities of your skill level. Choosing a ball that his designed to be struck with the velocity of a PGA Tour pro while you…
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Women’s basketball follows the basic rules of men’s basketball, although there are a few differences in rules that account for the difference in male and female athletes, such as the ball being smaller in women’s basketball (28.5 inches). There are…
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There are so many different softball leagues, from juniors to adults, high school to college and slow-pitch to fast-pitch, that you can easily get confused about the rules that cover the game you’re playing. Knowing which official body governs your…
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While ultimately only runs have any direct impact on the outcome of a baseball game, scorekeeping is still an essential function to keep accurate statistics. Managers and coaches make essential lineup changes and pitching decisions based on those statistics. Because…
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Often in volleyball, a situation arises in which the ball is spiked onto the floor and bounces off a player’s foot. Is this a legal play? What about the situation where a player cannot reach the ball and slides like…
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Overview Though Trek mountain bikes are of high quality, they are still at risk for worn or damaged brake pads. Be sure to replace your bicycle’s brakes at the first sign of damage. Having properly working brakes is not only…
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Bicycle accidents account for 44,000 injuries and 2 percent of traffic-related deaths each year, according to the latest statistics from the national Highway Traffic Safety Association. While biking can be an effective way to stay active, it can also be…
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If you want to hit your golf shots farther, make sure you’ve honed your swing and that you’re not undermining your efforts by addressing the ball improperly or striking the ball with anything other than the sweet spot on the…
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In their textbook, “Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning” (Second Edition), Baechle and Earle define agility as “the ability to explosively brake, change direction and accelerate again.” Athletes in sports such as baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball must…
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Overview To the untrained eye, it might well appear that little or no differences exist between the types of shoe worn by players of soccer and rugby. However, there are notable differences between them, born out of the different physical…
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Jumping high is beneficial for many sports. Basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, and football all require jumping ability. Your vertical comes from a combination of maximum strength and rate of force development, according to Dr. Bill Kraemer and Dr….
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Badminton is a racquetball game played by opposing individuals or opposing teams of two. Badminton is played with a lightweight racket and a shuttlecock, a unique, feathered-style projectile. Recently, badminton has gained popularity and has even become an Olympic sport….
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Preparation for playing football requires a commitment to conditioning. Football coaches always want to have bigger, stronger and faster athletes on the field. Drills can be done to build speed and quickness, and players who take part in regular weightlifting…
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While there are many different forms of tai chi, they all adhere to the basic principle that the mind and body are connected. Tai chi is a martial art akin to a moving meditation, and it relies on balancing the…
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Baseball is “America’s pastime” and is the only sport where the defense is in control of the ball. The team on offense designates a batting order at the start of the game and then sends one player at a time…
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Overview A rack can provide an easy way to carry heavy and bulky loads on your bicycle whether you are taking a quick trip or touring cross-country. Many bicycles today are designed with holes existing in the frame that can…
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Also called a “ledge,” a portaledge is a temporary shelter and bed for climbers who spend multiple days on the sheer faces of rock walls. Typically portaledges are made of a series of connected aluminum poles that, when assembled correctly,…
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Overview Tracking your running distances is a great tool to help you train. Not only does it gauge the number of miles you are running on a given day, but it also can help you to gradually increase the distance…
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Overview Baseball and football are both played on grass or materials that mimic grass. However, in baseball, players must also play on dirt. Depending on a player’s position, he or she may play the entire game in the dirt portion…
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Electronics such as watches while hiking can be an important navigational and safety tool in the wilderness. Watch companies include several features in their hiking watches such as a compass, altimeter and barometer. The best hiking watches include these features…
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Dynamic climbing ropes have come a long way since the sport’s inception. A modern climbing rope is made of kernmantle, or sheath-and-core, construction and ranges anywhere from 7 to 11 mm in diameter. It’s important not to confuse static ropes,…
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Most strikes on a jig come when the jig is falling. That makes weight a critical component when you pick which one to throw. Crankbaits come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Some are for cold water, some…
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Overview Being a safe bicycle rider includes having lights and using them when necessary. Many jurisdictions require bicycles to be equipped with a rear and/or front light. Generally, when the law requires you to have lights on your bike, your…
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Ankle weights can provide several benefits to seasoned runners. Beginners should continue to gain a foundation which includes breathing, body alignment and stride. However, if you have cultivated an injury free foundation, the addition of ankle weights to your training…
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Swimming can yield significant health benefits, including improved weight regulation, enhanced cardiovascular endurance, reduced likelihood of developing chronic disease, enhanced mood and improved longevity, according to the Mayo Clinic. To swim efficiently and quickly, you need to optimize the use…
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Overview If you’re embarking on a tent camping adventure, it’s now possible to take some of the comforts of home along via solar power. Using solar technology to power your needs also eliminates the need to pack in batteries, cooking…
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Visiting a seafood restaurant is one way to get a nice plate of crab legs, but there’s nothing like fresh crab straight from the ocean. In order to catch enough crabs for that next seaside crab bake, you’ll need an…
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Overview Soccer requires sudden bursts, quick changes of direction and short sprints. Agility training is integral to a player’s success. This training enhances the ability to start explosively, accelerate, decelerate and change directions quickly while maintaining body control and limit…
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Stair running is an effective workout, and can be aerobic or anaerobic, depending on the intensity at which you work. Running stairs will also tone and strengthen your legs, and is a great fat-burning workout. According to Virgil Aponte, author…
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The best travel backpacks are designed to meet today’s demands for multifunctions, practicality and efficiency. According to REI.com, travel backpacks are used by those who travel light and stay mobile. Quality travel packs are built to endure the rigors of…
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