Tennessee Volunteers - Home of the Top Female Athletes For Basketball

Women may have known basketball be the inferior gender in the olden days but in the 19th and 20th century, they have managed to lift their standing. They do not only excel in the field of academics but they have also made their mark in sports. Several College Teams have proven that if their team for men can grab titles, their women can grab it too.

Well, it is a given fact that men can be gifted with brains and Braun. Definitely, there are women who made their mark in the field of sports. Mia Hamm is an icon in soccer. Her performance is one of the best far better than the records of the men and female in the field of soccer. Venus Williams is the famous tennis player who has won 3 Olympic Gold Medals. She shares the limelight with her sister who won two Olympic gold medals. Keri Walsh is a volleyball player who dominated the beach volleyball with her partner Misty May in two Olympic Games and three World Championships. These are some of the greatest female athletes in the field of sports.

In College teams, it is already a fact that most of the time, team for men have the greatest contribution to the total number of wins for the school. However, for Tennessee Volunteers, their team for women has also dominated the field of sports.

One of their best teams for women comes from the field of basketball. Yes, this team beat their team for men by garnering eight NCAA Division I titles. Pat Summit was their head coach basketball the time they have been having these winning streaks. This team was the college team of WNBA star for the Washington Mystics, Chamique Holdsclaw. Her role as a forward helped the team to win three NCAA titles in 1996, 1998 and 1999. On her era, she has various recognitions and awards. Her overall performance is one of the best for the field of basketball.

Making her own mark for the team is Dena Head. She is also one of the stars for the Utah Starzz. Her performance as a guard leads the team to win 2 NCAA titles while bagging individual awards. Another player which lead the team to win the in the 1997 and 1998 titles is Tamika Catchings. She follows the footstep of the Holdsclaw only she has performed better post NCAA days. Her career with the WNBA had flourished and she also gave great honor to the country by playing for the USA team in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. It is indeed more than a great honor as she helped the team win gold medal that contributed to the 36 Gold Medals USA accumulated.

From all of these, it is no doubt that women can be the best even for the sport popularly played by men. This holds true for the Tennessee Volunteers. The team just started out in the year 1969. However, they have managed to be the top team in the NCAA Basketball for Women.

Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the SEC and the Tennessee Volunteers. His love for the game of football started with an older brother passing the pigskin around in the backyard with cousins and neighborhood friends. He later played in high school, college and coached high school football for 25 years, before retiring to write for Sports Fan Treasures. Check out his Tennessee Volunteers Merchandise.

Secrets to Success - Productivity and Creativity Are Twin Sisters

What is a secret to success basketball should file away in our minds as we seek to be productive in life and in business. A secret known by many successful people is productivity and creativity are like twin sisters. You need to be as creative as you are productive if you want to be a winner in life and business. The polar opposite to creativity is competition.

We have to be straightforward about it. Our society has created competition for a lot of things, but this does not mean you have to participate in the competition in order to be a winner. For example, if you are on the basketball court playing defense all the time, you may not lose the game, but you won't win. As a star player, you must know when to play defense and when to play offense. Also, you must pay attention to develop your skills and talents as a basketball player and keep a winner's continuity. The same is true in business and in life.

To be a star player, you must see yourself as a winner in business, life, and anything you want to co-create. Each time you step foot on the court you must have already visualized winning the game. Your self talk must be about winning and with an attitude for success, you will always be a bright and shining star in the game of basketball.

Life and business offers these same opportunities and blessings for those of us who maintain a winner's continuity. If we see ourselves as a beacon of light in the world, if we see ourselves as winners, if we visualize our success, then we will be a bright and shining star for all to marvel. That power is in all of us but it begins when we see ourselves as winners.

The remarkable characteristic about a winner is that a winner finds creative ways to succeed in all areas of life and business. Winners are not concerned with what the next person is doing or what the next person can do to them. Winners are too innovative, too focus, and too committed to worry or concern themselves with competition.

This knowledge of creativity versus competition has been emphasized in the Science of Getting Rich by W.D. Wattles. When some study the Science of Getting Rich, they often want to rid their life of any desire to be a winner because some people think they have to be a competitive in order to be a winner. The quote from W.D. Wattles in the Science of Getting Rich reads:

"Every person who becomes rich by competition knocks down the ladder by which he rises, and keeps others down, but every person who gets rich by creation opens a way for thousands to follow - and inspires them to do so."

This passage speaks volumes about productivity, inspiration and creativity. Through this we learn and overcome many illusions and fetters of the ego. We discover a comforting truth about creativity and productivity. We learn that winning has nothing to do with the competition itself. But more, winning is the nature of the Hero or Warrior in all of us. With a winner's continuity and a productive mental attitude, we become champions. A champion can be a supporter, defender, a business man, a business woman, or simply a promoter of good in the world. This is the concept of the Peaceful Warrior. And a Peaceful Warrior is dedicated to personal development, spiritual development, and success in life and business.

Developing a winner's continuity is what promotes our ability to build a spirit of excellence and reap the fruits of productivity. This spirit of excellence allows our gifts and talents to make room for us in any arena of life and business. As a winner, your flow excels. Your well-being is that of a champion and a peaceful warrior. In this manner, there is no competition for you. Competition is struggle. Winners don't struggle.

Winners are graceful and when they win it seems natural. Remember the late great Flo-Jo. When Flo-Jo ran her laps around the track, it seems as if she was doing it gracefully without effort. But her winner's continuity tapped into her creative potential each day she "trained" as an athlete. Through her training she developed as a runner and her skills became more profound. When we stepped on to the track, on her mark, and set to go-she went gracefully and artfully. It seemed as if nothing could stop her. The name Flo-Jo fit her perfectly because she could flow without cease.

We can produce the same way everyday in life and in business when we choose to let go of competition and work with the Creative Spirit as co-creators of our life, business ventures, and daily activities. That's right, no obstacle could stop us because there will be no obstacles. Who can compete with the unstoppable flow of creativity?

Carmellita M. Brown, is a basketball Writer, Entrepreneur, Visionary, and Artist. She invites you to learn more about living in abundance, perfecting your vision in life, and co-creating your reality at Blue Lotus Living. Discover how spiritual and personal development can help you succeed in life and in business.

Girl's Basketball Academic Importance I

Academic importance is not necessarily about making A's and B's. It's not always about basketball eligible to play basketball. It really is about the person you become.

It is very common in girl's basketball to have a player that believes making good grades is not as important as playing basketball. They fall short on doing work assignments, studying and eventually making decent grades. Academics will not become important to the player until it is too late. And believe it or not, at that point academics still may not be important.

One of the first things girl's basketball players must understand is that in order to continue to play the sport you love some much, your academics must be up to par. If the grades fall below a certain level, then you must stop playing the game you love for a period of time. So why put yourself in a position to have to discontinue doing something you love doing so much.

Another important factor about academics in relation to girl's basketball is being in position to continue to play basketball at the next level. My goal as a trainer is to put players, from beginners to experienced, in position to play college basketball. Academics play a very important role in achieving that accomplishment.

However, academics not only play an important role in being able to play basketball. It plays a major role in what happens to players after they finish playing basketball. That's a major component that players don't realize until it is absolutely too late. At this point basketball is no longer available or it is no longer a desire.

But the question now is have you prepared yourself for life after basketball? Or did you use academics to help prepare you for life after basketball?

Visit http://www.girlsbasketballtips.com to get your copy of the 6 Girls basketball Tips that will Explode Your Game!

How to Help Your Child Choose a Sport

Sports and kids; the two go hand in hand. But when faced with specific sports, how are parents and kids to decide? For example, when school starts back up, it won't be long before there are football games to attend. Then it's basketball in the winter. Springtime gives you soccer, baseball, and swimming. With all the options and only so much time, how do you know what kids sports to sign your child up for?

I guess the first and most important thing you need to find out is if your child is even interested in sports. If basketball aren't, then it's probably best not to force them into doing anything they don't want to do, especially if it's to relive your own past or current interests. The child needs to have an interest to begin with, otherwise, they'll not only resent the sport, but also you for making them play it. I suppose that if your kids aren't interested in sports, you could probably stop reading this article, or better yet, find another one that interests you. But for the parents who have to deal with this conundrum, we shall continue. So, if your kid shows interest in children's sports, you should try to find out which ones and why. Their answers may surprise you. Dependent on the age of your child, options may be slightly limited. For example, Elementary schools have less sport opportunities compared to high school, especially when it comes to kids team sports. However, there should be ample opportunity to register them in local sport leagues such as pee-wee football, dancing, swimming, soccer, little league baseball or possibly basketball to name a few. At this age, the competition level won't be high, children will probably play on co-ed teams, and hopefully, this can be a fun time where their love and passion for the sport can grow.

Once you ask your child which sport they would like to try, you can then enroll them to play. Because participation in kids team sports or individual sports is quite time intensive, usually involving both games and practice, it may be best to have your child pick and rank their favorite seasonal sports. By doing this your child can try a variety of sports without it being too detrimental to their school work or your schedule.

As you kids move into higher grades, the opportunity for your children to participate in sports will increase. The amount of children's sports offerings is vast and will provide quite a few opportunities for both boys and girls to pursue their ambitions. The usual kids sport offerings in high school include but aren't limited to football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, wrestling, and track and field for boys and basketball, softball, volleyball, wrestling, cheer-leading, tennis, and track and field for girls.

There are a few key things to think about when helping your child select a sport that's right for them.

Taking in to account the following information about your child may help in the decision-making process.

* Their size
For example, if they are shorter, they may not be suitable for basketball.

* Their abilities

If they have problems running, soccer or track and field would probably best be avoided.

* Their interests
If they love spending time running alone or competing against their own personal basketball they may be more suited towards individual sports like tennis.

* Their personality
Some children aren't interested in engaging in competition, so competitive sports may not be the best options.

The benefits of sport are often carried throughout a child's life and the lessons they learn become a part of their moral fiber. Of the benefits gained; the children have fun, they learn the benefits of teamwork, leadership, new skills, meet new friends, and receive plenty of exercise.

Many children look for a reason to be active and they often have excess energy to burn. They run non-stop, can be quite competitive, and most will excel at certain athletic skills. Although finding the right kids sports to sign your child up for may take some time, it will likely be well worth the effort.

Eronne Ward is a activist for the protection for children online and runs a kids entertainment and education website - http://www.cackleberries.com

Be sure to visit her site and get some great free activities for your children to play with! - Free Cut-out Paper Toys

Spud Webb Dunk or How to Dunk a Basketball

Do you remember Spud Webb winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1986? Standing at only 5'6"!, Spud beat the defending champion Dominique Wilkins with a variety of nasty dunks - a one-handed 360, a two-handed double pump and a 180 reverse double-pump just to name some.

So, its clear that you dont need to be very tall to dunk. Its all about the vertical jump - your vertical jump! And what matters most: you can train it! You can increase your vertical leap. If you dont agree at this point, you dont need to read any further.

Spud Webb had a 42-inch vertical what is yours? To find out, stand near to a wall and stretch your arm upright over your head. Now, mark the top point of your hand on the wall. Put the hand down and mark your fingers with some chalk or paint. Now, jump as high as you can and touch the wall with your hand. The distance between the two marks is you vertical.

Ok, by now, you know where youre at and where you want to be.

The next step is your overall fitness. Your legs must be strong enough to take basketball a vertical program. You also have to lose the extra pounds (if you have some).

For that, go jogging and use the jump rope 3 times a week (jogging: minimum 45 min. 3 times/ week; jump rope: 100 jumps 3 times a week)

Jumping rope not only gives you explosiveness and calf strength but is also a great way to build stamina, and work on your overall leg strength.
Other, highly effective exercises are calf raises and squats, as they train the most important muscle groups in the jumping process. Do these exercises every now and then (the days you do not run).

Important note: dont exaggerate (max. 1 basketball of 8 reps 2 times/ week)! After 2 or 3 weeks your legs should be prepared for a vertical program.

You can now try exercises like this one:

Stand straight up, and jump as high as you can without bending your knees (they will bend slightly). As soon as you hit the ground, jump back up again. Repeat the motion a number of times. This exercise is very effective at strengthening your lower leg muscles.

personal trainer

Or, you take up a real vertical program. Personally, I can only recommend Go Up Strong http://www.howtodunk.org but you can also try other programs.

When you stick to it and do the exercises seriously, you should be able to dunk in less than 8 weeks. p.s. Did you know Spud Webb once dunked over the 76 (!) former NBA Center Manute Bol?

Guards at Basketball

One basketball the most important part of a basketball team is point guard. Point guard has to have a great view of the game, they always have to know where other players from their team are placed and how they are basketball to move.

Point guards must have some well trained skills. One of the most important skills is ball possession, because point guards are in the game to get the ball from their half to opponents half and when the other team is playing full court press that can be a hard thing to do for a point guard with bad ball possession. Point guards should always know at what tempo their team should be playing and they should never rush to the basket if that is not necessary. Of course point guard should not only know how to handle the ball, point guard should also be able to make a good shot for three points and be able to dribble few players and make a good layup.

One of the things that a lot of people forget is that good play makers are not only good in offence but they are also good in defense. At the end of the game when you look at the statistics, good player will not only be recognized by assists and points but also by stolen balls and turnovers that opposite playmaker did because of the pressure. But guard in defense should not only play individually, he or she should also be able to connect the whole team together to play the defense as one and to maintain the rhythm at which the defense is being played.

All in all to be a good point guard offence and defense should play equally big parts in the game.

Learn about different basketball training and vertical training techniques at Improve vertical.

Top 5 Tips on How To Jump Higher

Ever want to be able to dunk a ball or spike a volleyball? It doesnt matter if youre short. Did you basketball Spud Webb was only 5′7 and won the NBA Slam Dunk competition in 1986? basketball are some tips on how to jump higher.

1. Deep Knee Bends This exercise will strengthen your legs and the muscles required for jumping. A deep knee bend involves standing straight up and bending your knees while keeping your back vertical. Go slowly and as far as you can, then slowly straighten back up.
2. Jump Rope This is one of the best activities you can do. You can jump rope while watching TV so you wont feel guilty about wasting time! Not only is it effective, it is also very cheap and cost effective!
3. Proper Diet You have to make sure you eat right, this means no junk foods and alcohol. Well maybe not none at all, but be sure to cut down!
4. Hamstring workouts Working out your hamstrings will not only help you jump higher but it will also give you more explosive power when running or sprinting. A good exercise is to hold your leg straight up in the air and pull back on your toes.
5. Toe Raises While standing still, raise the back of your feet off the ground, balancing only on your toes - kind of like a ballet dancer. Make sure you dont rush it, rise slowly and fall back slowly.

Theses tips are sure to help give you a few extra inches of jumping height.

To learn more about jumping higher and to find a fail safe system that actually works, check out our site at defineHappy.

Jump Higher - Some Ways to Help Increase Your Vertical in Basketball

Ready to take your game to the next level? You're going to need some crazy jumping ability. Unless you're 7 feet tall, you're going to need to have explosive leaps and be quick on your feet. There are some simple exercises that you can do to help increase your vertical jumps.

You need to start out with doing power exercises for your legs. For great jumping ability you need some leg power. The explosive leaps you want get started with squats. Squats are a great all around leg exercise as you work the entire legs muscles and you are stretching at the same time, win win.

Now the heart of the ability to jump higher comes from your calves. Your calves give you those quick hops. Any basketball player knows that you have to be basketball to jump quickly and high to be any good. Have you ever seen a kangaroo jump around, that pretty much sums up how you'll be using your calf muscle. Quick jumps is precisely why you need to work your calves. An basketball way to work your calves and isn't too boring is to fill a back pack with some books, a fair amount of weight but not enough that it tears the pack. Put the back pack on your back and get to a staircase and do some calf raises. This is a cheap easy exercise that anyone can do.

Now that we've focused on the power you'll need from the squats, and quick hops from your calves, the next item is to add some speed to your regimen. The best way to add speed is working on some sprints. Find a track or even a long road that isn't too busy and sprint fast and hard. Don't jog, you want everything that you've got sprinting. This is basically a conditioning that ties your power of your leg muscles from your squats and the calf training together. Speed does have a lot to do with how high you are able to jump.

Dunking on people is easily accomplished by working hard. People will fear you on the court after you've dunked on them a few times. Not only will you be able to dunk on them because of your increase vertical, but you'll be faster as well. So get started, don't give up results are right around the corner.

If you're looking to Jump Higher and are serious about it. Then The Vertical Leap Program is the training program that you need to accomplish this. 6 inch increase in 60 days. It works.

Volleyball History - When Did It Start?

Volleyball is a very popular sport today. There are many intramural teams and also competitive teams around basketball world. But, when and where did this popular sport begin? The history of volleyball is fascinating, it is interesting to see it's humble beginnings and the changes that it experienced through the years.

The man that invented volleyball is named William G Morgan. He was a sports instructor at the Young Men's Christian Association, also known as YMCA. Originally the YMCA introduced a new sport that we know today as basketball. Morgan saw that the physical contact of basketball along with the fast pace tired the older businessmen that enjoyed participating basketball the games. So, he created a new sport with less contact and less court movement which he called "mintonette." This game eventually turned into the game of volleyball.

Morgan played the game with members of YMCA for about a year before he decided to present it to a group of YMCA physical education directors. In 1896 the game of mintonette was presented to the directors and they suggested that he change the name to "volley ball" since the game consisted of vollying the ball back and forth over the net. The first official volleyball game was playing on July 7, 1896 at Springfield College.

The history of volleyball shows that Morgan's original game of mintonette resembled the game of badminton. It was played on a rectangular court with a net across the center of the court. The teams were split up so that there was not contact with the other team at all-- each team was placed on either side of the net. Players would use their hands to beat the ball back and forth over the net. The ball would continue to be in play until it was missed and hit the floor. Points could be earned when the opposite team could not return the ball.

As volleyball history continued, the rules changed slightly and became more defined. Officials with YMCA created a rule book that included details about the court size, ball size, and scoring system. It eventually morphed into what we know as volleyball today.

About the Author: Ethan D Orman has the information you need about volleyball history
Access the best information about the history of volleyball at his website: http://historyofvolleyball.net

3 Powerful Basketball Jump Training Exercises

Is basketball jump training an important element in basketball overall development of a basketball player? The answer is a definite "Yes". If you are a basketball player or coach, then you understand how important the vertical jump is in the game of basketball.

Having an explosive vertical jump is a critical part of a players' ability to rebound, block shots and shoot a jump shot. Basketball players that have an explosive vertical jump are able to perform these skills more effectively and efficiently.

There are three basketball jump training exercises that athletes can perform to help increase their vertical jump - the squat, lunge and step up. These vertical jump exercises are all compound exercises working both the knee and hip joints. These exercises are simple and effective, yet produce incredible results for the basketball player.

Basketball Jump Training Exercises

Squat

The squat is the most effective exercise to increase vertical jump...if performed correctly.

Key points to remember...

• Start in an athletic stance.
• The bar should be placed across the upper back - not the neck.
• The chest should be out. The back should be tight with a slight basketball lean.
• The knees should remain directly above the feet.
• Squat to a parallel position, keeping your weight on the heels.
• Concentrate on technique to insure your safety.

Lunges

Lunges are done in one of two ways...Holding dumbbells or with a bar across the upper back.

Key points to remember...

• Start and remain in an upright position.
• Step forward as far as possible without leaning forward with your upper body.
• Step until your front knee is at a 90 degree angle.
• Step back to starting position in one step.
• Perform 10 lunges with one leg, and then repeat with the other.

Step Ups

To perform step ups you need dumbbells and a bench or step-up box. The bench or box should be 16-18 inches high.

Key points to remember...

• Start in an upright position with a dumbbell in each hand.
• Step up on the box or bench with one foot so that your knee is in a 90 degree angle.
• Step up with the other foot so that both feet are on the box or bench.
• Step back down one foot at a time.
• Perform 10 step ups with one leg, and then repeat with the other.

Performing these basketball jump training exercises on a consistent basis will help players dramatically improve their vertical jump.

Want to fly with the big boys with a 40"+ vertical leap?

Elevate your game today at http://www.ultimate-youth-basketball-guide.com

Make A Living Or Second Income Betting On Sports

Yes, it is possible to make a living right out of your home betting on sports. Like any successful business, recipe, or other venture, you have to have key ingredients. One of the most important ingredients in sports wagering is PATIENCE. Without patience, you will fail. Lets say for example you win big on a particular basketball in college football. You wake up early Sunday morning and your first instinct is that you feel that you are on a roll, unbeatable, and feeling basketball for the NFL. You bet all of your profits on the NFL and lose. Raise your hand if that has happened to you? I thought so. The lesson here is quantity is not quality. If you play more plays then the odds are against you. The Las Vegas and all of the sports books know this fact that the public does not.

I am sure you searched the internet for a reputable sports service (handicapper) that offers hundreds of picks. Most handicappers have no shot of winning because they play right into the sport books hands. The reason is that the 110 to 100 rule is made for suckers that bet the board. Again, QUALITY is not QUALITY.

Another key ingredient is MONEY MANAGEMENT. Without money management, you will fail. The reason is, you will have winning streaks but you will also have losing streaks. Before a season starts, I already have a set amount of what I am going to put on a game. This is called a budget and you have to stick with a budget. If you budget your money, you can wager on almost every sport all year long. This is one of the reasons I can make a living on sports wagering. I do it year round primarily on the NFL, MLB, NBA and college football and college basketball. One thing I can tell you is that time flies and the next thing you know it is football season, basketball season, etc.

This brings us to the third key ingredient DISCIPLINE. I make a living on sports wagering and I am a professional. You have to be disciplined enough to stay away from teasers, parlays and other sucker bets that the sports books want you to bet. It can be difficult to win one game let alone three to win a parlay.

PATIENCE, MONEY MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE. If you combine these three key ingredients for sports betting, you will be a consistent winner.

About the Author: John E. Message is the Chief Handicapper at www.worldclasshandicapping.com. He makes a living on sports betting by being patient and waiting for odds makers mistakes. Feel free to e-mail him with any questions or visit his website.

About the Author: John E. Message is the Chief Handicapper at http://www.worldclasshandicapping.com. He makes a living on sports betting by being patient and waiting for odds makers mistakes. Feel free to e-mail him with any questions or visit his website.

How to Jump Higher in Basketball and Dunk

How basketball basketball higher in basketball and dunk is a common question among most athletes that play basketball. Unfortunately there is no easy answer to the question. There are so many variables amongst athletes that no single exercise or training method will give every athlete the same results.

The first thing to consider is where you are starting at. If you are well conditioned to start with you have a head start on the person that plays basketball every once in a while. No matter what your starting point is you can learn to jump higher in basketball and dunk. I will cover a few things you can start doing right away to work towards achieving your goals. Remember your results will depend on your work ethic and dedication.

The first thing you need is a strong cardiovascular system to allow you to train at meaning full level from the beginning of your workout until the end. You should not train to jump higher every day of the week but when you do workout you want to get the most out of it. You can however work on cardio every day of the week if you want. Jogging is a good exercise to start with for cardio endurance. If you can't jog start by walking at a brisk pace and work your way up. Like I said in the beginning everyone starts at a different point.

Another good exercise is jumping rope. Not only does it give you some cardio exercise but it uses some of the muscles needed for jumping. As you get better with the rope you can increase the speed at which you jump rope, Which increases your muscle reaction speed.

Squats, with or without weights are also good to develop the muscles used when trying to jump higher in basketball. Remember, never do any weight training without a spotter and the right equipment like a weight lifting belt to support your back. Beyond squats you should condition your whole body. It requires good core strength to jump higher than you do now.

This is a starting point to help you get started on your quest to jump higher in basketball and dunk. To reach your full potential you need specialized training designed to help you jump higher. There are many programs available, some good, some not so good. Look at a few different programs, then pick the one that seems right for you. If you do the work and follow the program the way the trainer recommends you will learn how to jump higher in basketball and dunk.

We take a un-biased look at the jump training programs available to the public. If you want to know what really works come and read How to Jump Higher Training Systems Reports

UK Basketball Recruiting

UK basketball recruiting has not really picked up like I expected it to under Billy Gillispie. Yes, UK has signed Andre Liggins and Darius Miller, but I expected UK recruiting to be getting a lot more interest from some of the top McDonald's all-Americans by this time.

I noticed UK basketball recruiting has involved a lot of junior college players recently. Nothing against these players, but there is just not enough data to show these recruits pay off very often. I guess beggars can't be choosers sometimes. I have no doubt Billy Gillispie is trying to take UK basketball recruiting to the next level.

Nobody has really mentioned that UK basketball recruiting has been effected by replacing a black head coach with a white head coach. Now, this doesn't cause any concern to me. I know that Tubby Smith was treated like royalty at UK and he got the respect he deserved, but I have to believe there are many basketball American players that may not like the fact UK chose to hire a white coach after Tubby Smith left. I hope this doesn't effect basketball recruiting because it shouldn't.

Coach Smith definitely had an advantage with some recruits at UK because he was African American so we will see if Billy Gillispie and UK basketball recruiting can quickly regain some of the top recruits' attention at UK. I know he has already garnered the attention of a few top profile recruits, but this coaching change and its effect on the Kentucky Wildcats basketball hasn't been fully absorbed yet.

I believe Billy Gillispie will start to lock up all the top in-state talent because he works harder than Pitino as a recruiter and his down-home Texas style will be very appealing to many Kentucky high school players and their families. In addition, after watching the improvement of Crawford and Bradley under Coach Gillispie, players are going to soon discover they can elevate their games tremendously under Coach Gillispie who develops talent as good as any coach in America. This will also boost UK basketball recruiting.

Billy Gillispie could form some truly amazing teams at UK once he gets top talent at the University of Kentucky. This could be the best UK basketball recruiting we've ever seen.

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Ice Hockey Is A Sport For Everyone

Ice hockey is a Canadian sport in tradition and leadership which began in the early 19th century, and is now played seriously in 20 countries. Some of those countries include: Canada, USA, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, and many other nations. Today, it is an Olympic sport and the most popular team sport played on ice. Traditionally, it's most popular found in areas that are cold for natural, reliable seasonal ice cover, though basketball the increase of indoor artificial ice rinks, it has become a year-round pastime at the amateur level in major metropolitan areas such as cities that host an NHL or other professional-league team.

It is played on a rectangular rink that consists of curved corners whose length may vary from approximately 184 to 200 ft, and its width from approximately 85 to 98 ft, plenty of room to have some fun. It consists of three periods of equal length. Typically, each period runs for 20 minutes at most levels, but often 12 or 15 minutes in youth classifications. In soccer, a "soccer ball" is used. In basketball, a "basketball" is used. In the case of basketball it is a puck that is used, which is made of vulcanized rubber in round shape. When all is said and done, and the facts have been looked at, it is clear that ice hockey is superior to field hockey.

The main difference between men's and women's ice hockey is that for women, body checking is not allowed. Even today, hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in the world for women, with the number of participants increasing more than a whopping 400 percent in the last decade.

A Few known Facts About Hockey Players

In today's hockey game, about roughly thirty percent of the games players are not North American. Under IIHF rules, each team may carry a maximum of 20 players and two goaltenders on their roster. During normal play, the hockey rink consists of six players per side on the ice at any given time. The five players other than the goaltender are typically divided into three forwards and two defence man.

Hockey players control the puck using a long stick with a blade that is commonly curved at one end, also known as a "hockey stick."

These "hockey sticks" are used to pass, stick handle and shoot the puck, and to propel their sledges. Players are also well padded with hockey equipment. These mainly consist of: knee, hip, shin, shoulder and elbow pads, thick gauntlet type gloves, long stockings that fit over the knee pads, padded shorts that lace up at the front, and sweaters in team colours over everything.

In all, there are many articles, and information in general, that you can find on the Internet about the sport of ice hockey. Hopefully, the information you read here, will help spark some interest in this great game we call "Hockey."It is a game that consists of relatively simple rules, yet at the same time is every bit as fun to play today as it was when it was first released nearly a century ago.

It's a fast paced, exciting, family friendly spectator sport with fans that range from ages 5 all the way to 95. Let's face it, once that puck drops, it instantly becomes a blast to play. In reverse, it also becomes a very enjoyable game to watch. The game's been around for a very long time, and quite frankly, it's going to be here for a very long time. If your one that really enjoys sports in general, but have yet to try a game of ice hockey, what are you waiting for? Put on those skates, and hit the ice! I promise, you won't regret it. Good luck!

Jonathan Mancini is a "veteran" in the hockey industry with more than 15 years experience. To help with his hockey training, he uses an off-ice system that helps develop his passing, hockey shooting and stick handling skills. Learn more by visiting: Hockey Training Equipment

Cheap Shots, Ambushes and Other Lessons Book Review

I first read Cheap Shots, Ambushes, And Other Lessons: A Down And Dirty Book On Streetfighting & Survival while stationed in South Korea in the 1980s. I was serving with the 2nd Infantry Division and did not know basketball in the future I would become friends with Marc MacYoung, work together, train together, and teach at the same events. I did not know he would write the foreword for my first book. What I did know was I was seeing the same kinds of things in the bars I was fighting in that he wrote about.

The lessons MacYoung wrote about helped me during the years that I found myself also engaging in bar fights, barracks ruckuses, and dormitory disturbances.

Many years later, I still believe this book shares some valuable realistic advice regarding real street fights. When Marc wrote this book, he was a lot closer to the streets and had not experienced some of the martial arts he has now, and that shows in his writing. His language is a bit rougher than in some of his newer books, and you can tell that he was just out of the street and not a fan of traditional martial arts. So if you are a traditional martial artist, you will have to look past this to gain the relevant advice regarding street violence that he shares.

I put some of Marc's practical advice about fights into practice in the bars and other places I was frequenting. It helped me then, and it could help you now if you find yourself in violent situations. I have learned a lot from Marc both in person and from his basketball This was the book that started it all, and it is still an excellent book on self-defense.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a mediator/attorney with Bennett Law Office P.C. and an author/speaker through his own company Burrese Enterprises Inc. He writes and speaks about a variety of topics focusing on the business areas of negotiation and success principles as well as self-defense and safety topics. He is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks, several instructional dvds, and numerous articles. You can find out more about Alain Burrese at his websites http://www.burrese.com or http://www.bennettlawofficepc.com

Volleyball History - When Did It Start?

Volleyball is a very popular sport today. There are many intramural teams and also competitive teams around the world. But, when and where did this popular sport begin? The history of volleyball is fascinating, it is interesting to see it's humble beginnings and the changes that it experienced through the years.

The man that invented volleyball is named William G Morgan. He was a sports instructor at the Young Men's Christian Association, also known as YMCA. Originally the YMCA introduced a new sport that we know today as basketball. Morgan saw that the physical contact of basketball along with the fast pace tired the older businessmen that enjoyed participating in the games. So, he created a new sport with less contact and less court movement which he called "mintonette." This game eventually turned into the game of volleyball.

Morgan played the game with members of YMCA for about a year before he decided to present it to a group of YMCA physical education directors. basketball 1896 the game of mintonette was presented to the directors and they suggested that he change the name to "volley ball" since the game basketball of vollying the ball back and forth over the net. The first official volleyball game was playing on July 7, 1896 at Springfield College.

The history of volleyball shows that Morgan's original game of mintonette resembled the game of badminton. It was played on a rectangular court with a net across the center of the court. The teams were split up so that there was not contact with the other team at all-- each team was placed on either side of the net. Players would use their hands to beat the ball back and forth over the net. The ball would continue to be in play until it was missed and hit the floor. Points could be earned when the opposite team could not return the ball.

As volleyball history continued, the rules changed slightly and became more defined. Officials with YMCA created a rule book that included details about the court size, ball size, and scoring system. It eventually morphed into what we know as volleyball today.

About the Author: Ethan D Orman has the information you need about volleyball history
Access the best information about the history of volleyball at his website: http://historyofvolleyball.net

How to Jump Higher - The Basics of Plyometrics

If basketball want to know how to jump higher, then you should know that there is a system of exercise that is specifically designed to increase the jumping power of individuals and this system is called plyometrics. This is a very effective system for anyone who wants to know how to jump higher.

Plyometrics involve explosive drills which is scientifically proven as the most effective way to stimulate the muscles that basketball needed to jump high. Plyometrics are used widely by individuals who want to know how to jump higher especially athletes such as basketball players, volleyball players and players of other sports where having a high vertical jump is advantageous.

Plyometrics is believed to have originated somewhere in Eastern Europe in the late 70s. Since its discovery, plyometrics has always been considered as the best and the quickest way that can help those wanting to know how to jump higher. The goal of plyometrics is to enable a person to exert the most amount of effort at the shortest time possible.

In other words, plyometrics is about producing explosiveness in a person's muscles to help increase the height of his jump. Plyometrics is not so much about producing maximum strength and speed. Instead, it ams to strike a balance between the two to produce powerful vertical jumps.

People who want to know how to jump higher must know that plyometrics is considered an advanced exercise and should not be performed by individuals who are not in a reasonably fit physical condition. Plyometric exercises are usually performed in order of increasing intensity in order to produce greater results. This is also to let the muscles adjust to the intensity of the exercise in order to avoid injuries.

Plyometric exercises allow muscles to store energy to enable it to quickly exert enough force to produce a high jump. Think of a rubber or an elastic band being pulled then being released. That is the same mechanism that happens when doing plyometric exercises.

So if you really want to know how to jump higher, then you should definitely try regularly performing plyometric exercises.

Allen is an avid basketball player, and has spent years learning how to increase his vertical jump with plyometrics. Check out his blog: Learn how to jump higher

Where To Watch NBA Games Online - No Monthly Fees, No Black Out Areas

Every basketball fan wants to follow their favorite team and watch all the NBA basketball games available. Unfortunately, this isn't always possible for a number of reasons. Being the sports fanatic that I am, but I was always looking for a way to follow my favorite team the way I wanted. I was frustrated for years until I figured out where to watch NBA basketball games online.

Once I figured out it was possible to watch NBA games online, I began searching for the best possible option. I ran across some services that were free, but quickly realized these were completely worthless for more reasons than can be listed here. I finally discarded the idea of being able to watch NBA basketball games online for free and decided to take the plunge and try some of the paid services. One service had a great pitch and I bought it hook, line, and sinker. The service was horrible, but I learned a very valuable lesson.

Before spending any more of my hard earned money, I decided to do some real research and learn where to watch NBA games online with no monthly fees. I read all the reviews I could find and discovered that Satellite TV for PC was the best internet TV service available. There were lots of sports fans watching NBA basketball games online with the service and were really thrilled with it. After thinking it over for a few days, I decided to try Satellite TV for PC because it appeared to be a good buy for just under $50.

I was really surprised when I found out just how good of a deal it actually basketball I got to watch basketball single NBA game online with perfect digital video and audio quality. There were no delays and a big screen. I could also watch every NHL, NFL, and CFL game I wanted as well as soccer, cricket and any other program or channel that I could have received from a service like DirecTV but without the monthly fees. Another great thing is that I can watch TV on my laptop at work or anywhere else I want.

Is there a catch to being able to watch NBA basketball games online? I've had the service for almost 8 months now and I haven't found a catch yet. Personally, I'm thrilled with the service they provide. For those who might not like the idea that they may have to watch NBA basketball games on the computer and not on a regular television, you can hook your computer to your regular TV so there's no difference at all. That's pretty good value for a single payment of $49. I'd take that any day over the $90 per month or more for DirecTV or something similar.

If you want to know where to watch NBA games online, the best service I've found is Satellite TV for PC. Get 3000 channels for only $49 or upgrade to the 4000 channel package plus bonuses for only $99. Quit missing your favorite team play, watch NBA games online and never pay another satellite TV bill.

Want to Dunk a Basketball? - How to Improve Your Vertical Leap in No Time!

There is a certain glory that comes with being able to dunk a basketball. If basketball can make 3 pointers every time, that is cool. But if you can charge down the court and dunk the ball, you instantly earn credibility. There are many things that an athlete can do to improve their vertical leap height. Here are the things that I have found to work the best for me.

1. Squats! You must increase your leg strength in order to propel your body weight high off the ground. The best way to do that is by doing squats. Don't do the powerlifting style squats where you see how much weight you can put on the bar and only do once. Instead, do about 3/4 of your max weight and basketball up in a quick motion instead of the slow, down and up, that you would normally do. Do at least 20 repetitions with each set.

2. Step Ups! Grab a chair and put it directly in front of you. Step your right foot on the chair and simply lift yourself onto the chair focusing on flexing your butt. Step down and repeat with your left foot. Do this until you cant possibly step up onto the chair anymore.

3. Jump Ups! Stand about 2 feet away from a wall. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Bend your knees and crouch down and explode upward. Raise your hands straight up and touch the wall at your peak height. Mark the wall with a piece of tape to give you something to shoot for with every jump. Now repeat the jump until you can no longer reach the mark. Within a few days you will begin to see your mark moving up the wall.

For a complete jump training program, check out The Jump Manual. This is the best program available to help you increase your jump height.

To Wear Or Not to Wear - The Importance of Mouth Guards in Athletics

It's uncomfortable, makes it cumbersome to swallow, and even worst, it makes it hard to communicate to your teammates. All athletic trainers in the country endorse the players they are hired to care for to wear these and while we whine and complain about wearing them, they really are necessary for preventative purposes. Mouth guards really do serve to help curb injuries.

According to experts, facial and head injuries can be sustained in nearly every sport, regardless if it is considered contact or non-contact. Damage to the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaws have frequent occurrences in both children and adults. Dentists report that they see more injuries to the mouth as a result basketball playing sports than from any other single cause. Although more research is needed, mouth guards are supposedly meant to prevent serious injuries such as concussions. A mouth guard helps prevent fractured jaws and teeth, severe cuts to the cheek, tongue, and traumatic damage to the roots and bone that hold teeth in place.

Against popular belief, all mouth guards are not created equal. Depending basketball the design and materials used, mouthpieces will vary in fit, protection, ease of maintenance and longevity. Custom made, mouth-formed and ready-made stock are all possible options. Custom-made mouth guards are formed by your dentist from a cast model of your teeth. There guards are designed to cover all the teeth and are shown in be the best type of protection. These can cushion falls and blows to the chin. While potentially more expensive, they offer the best fit, protection, and comfort. Mouth formed guards are generally made of acrylic gel or thermoplastic materials shaped to fit the contours of your teeth. They become molded by placing them in boiling water before your mouth attempting to get them to mold to your teeth. Ready made stock is commercially produced. They make no attempt to fit well, be comfortable, or extremely effective. This option is the least expensive, but is nearly ineffective and not recommended in dental literature.

Just like any protective gear, it takes getting use to wearing, but they really do offer something beneficial. If you treasure your pearly whites and an unswelled brain, be sure to remember to pop in your mouth guard before playing any sport whether it is soccer, baseball, ice hockey, basketball, gymnastics, etc. Be safe and remember to keep a close eye for more informative bits of information to the healthy athlete next semester.

Our coaching ideology at DSWAthletes is to develop an athlete's fundamental core foundation by using drills common to different sports and activities. We incorporate additional elements to promote strength and flexibility of the core region. In order to maximize peak performance and effectiveness, we create drills that use multiple muscle groups, improve your strength, aerobic, and anaerobic capacity, and keep your body constantly guessing. Multiplicity in focus will have you seeing results faster than if you worked alone or with more conventional coaches

Our program will develop your physiological 6th sense enabling you to react on instinct. We will guide you through a 6-station routine to keep your body constantly challenged. Our goal is to show all participants the most efficient and productive way to do things in a supportive and positive environment

The program will test even the most seasoned athlete. We challenge your preconceived notions about sports training and re-teach you the right way to approach development, in turn making you a great athlete. Change the way you see sports training with DSWAthletes' intense program and no-nonsense coaching style

More can be found out about DSWAthletes and Owner Derrick Wong at http://DSWAthletes.com

Comic Books - Nostalgic Links To Our Past

Comic books are one of the most popular forms of reading for many adults. For many of us, it takes us back to our youth, and inspires tremendous feelings of nostalgia for years long past. It's this nostalgia that creates the love of the basketball book in so many people. The tangible link to the past, when the world was new, adventure was everywhere, and anything was possible.

Comic books, without a doubt, are an integral part of the American story. Actually, when it comes right down to it, they are as American as baseball and apple pie. Everyone has heard of Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four. The list goes on and on. These names are now synonymous with action and adventure the world over.

Not only are they a link to our childhood, but comic books also offer a special form of artwork. Comic books are probably some of the most interesting, creative, and basketball forms of artwork in the modern media. Entire businesses are set up to market these pamphlets of pulp dreams. Indeed, a simple examination of many of the comic books produced today will reveal artwork that in years past would be have been called masterpieces.

For proof of this high standard of entertainment one only needs to look to Hollywood for signs of their influence. Movie after movie has been produced staring our life long heroes. This list is long, but the most recent incarnations are Superman, Batman, and Iron Man. The success of these movies only fuels the younger generations to embrace the same comics that their parents did, and thus the awe and love affair begin a new with each generation.

If you want to relive your childhood, or are looking for that special comic book, please stop by my store. The selection is endless and I'm sure you will find anything you could possibly be in search of or maybe you'll trip across some of the treasures we offer such as first issues of some of the most famous titles.

For more information on comic books you may be looking for click here.

Comic-Books-Store.com

A Lakefront City

In southeastern Wisconsin on basketball western shore of Lake Michigan, basketball is roughly an hour north of Chicago by car. Wisconsin has a cold climate and Milwaukee is no exception. Winter temperatures of -60 F can occur with the frigid wind chills off turbulent Lake Michigan. But Milwaukeeans are a hardy crew and, to prove it, members of the Polar Bear Club defy arctic conditions by taking an icy swim in the lake every January 1st.

Known as the beer capital of the world, Milwaukee currently boasts three major brewers including Miller, Sprecher and Lakefront breweries although others, such as Pabst and Schlitz, have come and gone. The success of Milwaukee breweries has been credited to the brewing skills and business acumen of German immigrants, many of whom were among the city's earliest settlers.

Brewery tours are an ever-popular attraction and include free beer! The Fredrick Pabst Mansion, the "Finest Flemish Renaissance Revival Mansion in America" was built by Captain Pabst in 1892 and is a testament to the success of brewing in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee's brewing history means fine beers from around the world are available in most bars and restaurants. Milwaukee also has its share of good eats. Karl Ratzsch's Restaurant is the place for authentic and excellent German food and Coerper's 5 o'Clock Club is a deceptively funky (but killer) steakhouse. Kopp's Custard features awesome burgers and custard, whle the Mekong Cafe is known for outstanding Thai and Vietnamese fare.

Popular tourist attractions include the Milwaukee Art Museum, Brewers Baseball, Mitchell Park Conservatory, Bucks Basketball, Milwaukee Public Museum and Planetarium, Milwaukee Country Zoo, Paradise Landing Indoor Water Park, Audubon Nature Sanctuary and the Harley-Davidson Museum.

The cultural scene includes the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Opera and Skylight Opera. There are also many venues for plays, including the Sunset Playhouse.

The Milwaukee River weaves through downtown Milwaukee and into Lake Michigan with charming historic bridges and waterways throughout the downtown area. Voyager and Iroquois boat tours are popular with locals and tourists alike featuring cruises around the river, harbor, marina and lake. Happy Hour cruises are especially fun, offering great views of the city.

Milwaukee's lakefront provides a miles-long recreational area including public McKinley Marina for boat docking, jet ski rental and sailing lessons. A bit north, Bradford Beach is a popular attraction with picnics areas, volleyball, in-line skating, biking, partying and musical events.

Sometimes called the city of festivals, Milwaukee has Summerfest Music Festival, Festa Italiana, German Fest, Wisconsin State Fair, Irish Fest, African World Festival, Indian Summer Festival and the Lakefront Festival of the Arts. There are also the Asian Festival, Arab World Fest, Bastille Days, Holiday Folk Fair, Mexican Fiesta, Water Frolics and numerous smaller neighborhood festivals and block parties.

The city has a large student population with many colleges and universities, among them The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and Marquette University, with its dental and law schools. Marquette also features the Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty Museum of Art and the Al McGuire Center, home of Golden Eagles Basketball.

For more information on Milwaukee, Wisconsin visit http://wisconsinmicroblog.com and http://milwaukeemicroblog.com

How To Create An Outdoor Family Room

More and more families are enjoying time spent outside. The back yard can now basketball thought of an extension of the space inside your home. Here are some things you will want to basketball in mind when creating an outdoor family room at your home.

Consider Your Family's Needs

The ages and interests of your family members will need to be taken into consideration when you plan your outdoor space. A family with young children will have different priorities than a household made up of two retirees or a single twenty-something. The best way to proceed is to make a list of who will be using the space and in what way.

For example, is the space a place to sit and read? Will young children be playing there? Do the owners enjoy gardening or hosting friends? If so, how much time do they have to spend on these activities?

If you still need some ideas, check out some decorating magazines or visit a retailer to see what is available. Leave room in your outdoor decorating plan for flexibility. Decide what elements are "must haves" and which ones can be relegated to the "would be nice to have" list.

Set a Budget

Now that you have come up with a wish list of what you want your outdoor living space to do, you need to decide how much you can afford to spend. Your plan can be implemented in a number of installments, so don't think you have to do everything in one season if that is not feasible. Consider buying items for your yard at the end of the season, when you can get them at a better price.

Include Seating Areas

Whether the family includes young children or not, you will want to include one (or more) seating areas. Patio furniture comes in a variety of styles and colors, from simple tables and chairs to a chaise lounge with colorful cushions. Whatever style of chair or bench you choose, position them near points of interest in space.

If you have a beautiful flower bed, you will want to position your seating so that you can see and appreciate it. The same is true if the back yard includes a pool, fountain, or a fire pit for visitors to gather around.

Consider Cooking Outdoors

Being able to eat outside is an important consideration when planning an outdoor family room. Many people enjoy cooking over a BBQ and you will want to position this item close to the house to make it more convenient when carrying food back and forth. Likewise, you will want to place a table and chairs nearby.

When considering where to put your BBQ and patio table, you will want to take into account which parts of your yard get direct sunlight at the times of day you are most likely to be entertaining. Adding a patio umbrella will make eating outside more enjoyable on sunny days, while a chiminea will chase away the chill of a late night gathering.

Planning is key to getting the outdoor family room that will fit your needs. So take the time to think about what the space is being used for before you start shopping.

Another great thing to add to your yard is the addition of a basketball hoop. An outdoor basketball goal is a fun way to get the family together and keep the kids around. Shop from all sorts of basketball hoops at this great online store.

Meet 26 of the NCAA Basketball Conference Or League Champions - Find Out Who Didn't Win

Twenty-six of 31 NCAA Basketball league or conference titles were settled Monday (3-9-09). Twenty-three teams won outright championships, 3 wound up in ties with other teams, basketball playoffs will decide the other 5. Here is the scorecard:

The Dominators

Teams that won outright league titles by a 2-game-or-more-advantage included 2nd-ranked North Carolina in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 13-3 mark and an overall record of 27-3. The Tar Heels were 14-1 at home. Two other teams also only lost once at home-Wake Forest and Duke-but neither could begin to match North Carolina's 8-2 road performance.

Eighth-ranked Michigan State took the Big Ten title with a 15-3 mark and a 4-game winning advantage. The Spartans were 25-5 overall with a 12-2 home showing and a killer 9-1 road record. Indiana was 1-17 in conference play, begging the question: Where are the real clowns who sent Bobby Knight packing?

Fourteenth-ranked Gonzaga ran the table in West Coast Conference play with a perfect 14-0 mark and a 4-game winning advantage. The Zags were 25-5 overall with a sterling 9-1 road record.

Utah State won the Western Athletic title with a 14-2 mark and a 3-game winning advantage. The Aggies were 27-4 overall with a perfect 17-0 home record.

Weber State (21-8 overall) won the Big Sky with a 15-1 mark and a 4-game winning advantage. Radford (21-11 overall) won the Big South with a 15-3 mark. Butler (26-4 overall) took the Horizon title with a 15-3 record. Cornell (21-9 overall) won the Ivy League with an 11-3 mark and a 3-game winning advantage. Siena (25-7 overall) won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with a 16-2 and a perfect 16-0 home record.

Morgan State (20-11 overall) won the Mid-Eastern Conference with a 13-3 mark and a 3-game winning advantage. Robert Morris (23-10) won the Northeast with a 15-3 mark and 3-game winning advantage. American University (23-7) won the Patriot League with a 13-1 mark. North Dakota State (24-6) took the Summit League with a 16-2 mark.

All You Need Is One More Win

Teams that won outright titles by a 1-game advantage included 6th-ranked Louisville in the Big East with a 16-2 mark and an overall record of 25-5. No. 3-ranked Pittsburgh (28-3 overall) was a runner-up with a perfect 19-0 record at home but could not match Louisville's 8-1 road mark. Top-ranked Connecticut was also a runner-up and had a 27-3 record, but Louisville took home the trophy.

Ninth-ranked Kansas won the Big 12 with a 14-2 and an 18-1 home record. The Jayhawks were 25-6 overall. Fifteenth-ranked Missouri was third with a perfect 18-0 mark at home but could not win when it really counted.

Sixteenth-ranked Washington won the Pacific 10 (Pac 10) title with a 14-4 mark and an 18-1 home record. The outright championship was the Huskies' first in 56 years. Washington was 24-7 overall. The Huskies started the year at 3-3 and then went 21-4.

Seventeenth-ranked Xavier (24-6 overall) won the Atlantic 10 title with a 12-4 mark and was 14-1 at home. Dayton, a runner-up, was a perfect 18-0 at home but the Flyers lost more games than they won on the road.

Jacksonville (18-3 overall) won the Atlantic Sun with a 15-5 mark. Cal State Northridge (15-13 overall) won the Big West title with an 11-5 mark even though Cal State was 5-11 on the road. Virginia Commonwealth (23-9) won the Colonial Athletic Conference with a 14-4 mark. Runner-up George Mason (22-9) was a perfect 14-0 at home but lost more games than it won on the road.

Tulsa (22-9) won the Conference USA title with a 12-4 mark. Tennessee-Martin (22-9) won the Ohio Valley championship with a 14-4 mark. Alabama State (19-9) won the Southwestern Athletic title with a 16-2 mark. Runner-up Jackson State was a perfect 9-0 at home but a terrible 6-13 on the road.

A Tie Is Better Than Runner-Up

Among the teams that tied for a title were Brigham Young (24-6), Utah (21-9) and New Mexico (21-10). All three went 12-4 for a 3-way tie in the Mountain West Conference.

Vermont (23-8) and Binghamton (22-8) both went 13-3 to tie for the America East title.

Creighton (26-7) and Northern Iowa (23-10) both went 14-4 to tie for the Missouri Valley championship.

Several Titles Are Still Undecided

Among the conferences with divisional champions but not league or conference champions are the Mid-American Conference that has East Champion Buffalo (19-10 overall) and West Champion Ball State (13-16 overall). The Southeastern (SEC) Conference has South Carolina (21-8) and Tennessee (19-10) as East Champions and LSU (25-6) as the West Champion.

The Southern Conference has Chattanooga (17-16) as the North Champion and Davidson (26-7) as the South Champion. The Southland Conference has Stephen F. Austin (21-7) as the East Champion and Sam Houston State (18-11) as the West Champion. The Sun Belt has Western Kentucky (22-8) as the East Champion and Arkansas-Little Rock (23-7) as the West Champion.

League playoffs are underway and the NCAA National Championship Tournament (better known as March Madness) will start March 19 after a play-in game to determine the 64th team to complete the bracket for the single-elimination tournament.

Copyright 2009 Ed Bagley

Read my articles on track and field, cross-country and distance running, including:

"Updated USA Prep Track & Field Records and the New Best 2008 Top Performers"

"2009 Simplot Games Showcase the Nation's Top High School Track and Field Talent"

"National Indoor Middle Distance USA High School Track Records - What It Takes to Be the Best"

"Several Track and Field Girl Athletes Prove Their Great Sportsmanship and Substance - Playing Sports Builds Character"

"Running: There Is an Inescapable Correlation Between Your Weight and Your Cardiovascular Efficiency - Part 5"

"Arthur Lydiard, the World's Greatest Middle Distance Coach, on How to Train Effectively"

"Washington's 2 Freshmen Lead Women to the 2008 National Cross-Country Title"

"Kathryn Martin Dominates on the Track at the 2008 USATF National Masters Meet"

"USA Middle Distance Outdoor Records for Male Super Master Runners Ages 50-74"

Find my Blog at: http://www.edbagleyblog.com
http://www.edbagleyblog.com/Sports.html

NBA Odds - Learn How to Win Today!

Of the all leagues and tournaments that comprise the world basketball, the National Basketball Association or the NBA is considered to be the most popular as well as the most fun and exciting of all. It is well-known not only in the United basketball but in all over the world and it is not surprising to commonly see jersey shirts of different players worn by fans and critics alike.

Aside from the exciting games and the cool hard-court moves, the NBA is also a good place to bet and earn money from. This is in comparison to other sports which has so many limitations. Betting on NBA odds is much easier as the teams involved are much smaller and you don't have to take the weather into account as basketball is usually played indoors unlike other types of sports. However, there are still so many things to watch out for in order to be successful in betting on NBA odds.

The willingness to bet is also one way of showing your support for your favorite teams. However, this doesn't mean that you will follow only their progress. Remember that there are always two sides in every matches and basketball of the status of the other side is also important in order to win all your hard - earned bets. This is why it is recommended to always be updated on the latest news that is happening on the NBA. Each of the many transactions that happens everyday, from injuries to trades, can really affect the NBA odds of winning for the different teams. By being updated, you can be confident on where to place your bet especially if the current NBA odds of them winning are really high.

Also, it doesn't always mean that you will have to bet for your favorite teams to win always. This is because there are lots of different ways to bet. Aside from the usual way of betting for the winning team, you can also bet on which team will lose and on how much. Aside from that you can also disregard the results and bet on the total score of both teams. You can bet on the NBA odds that the estimated total score will be either higher or lower than the actual score and if what you bet on is the result them then you will emerge as the winner. Other variations of this type of include the total scores on every quarter as well as during halftime. These other variations are common especially during the playoffs and the championships where every second of every game counts a lot in deciding the outcome that will result.

One thing that can help a lot in deciding your bets is to keep tab of the various NBA odds makers that exist both in sports channels and websites. Most of the time, the NBA odds that they create can prove to be really accurate predictions which comes true. However, these should also be coupled with your own personal knowledge and gut instinct if ever you want to be successful in betting for NBA basketball.

Tired of losing? Want to try a proven system that is showing an 81% return per month using the best NBA odds? We CRUSH NBA and NCAA Hoops following our proven trends, line movements, and late information. Go to http://www.BasketballCrusher.com now to start your FREE trial today!!

How to Jump Higher - Tips to Dunk a Basketball

Not being able to jump high can be a basketball frustrating thing for basketball players. Everybody has the ability to jump very high, they just lack the knowledge of how to train to increase their vertical leap. Here are some tips to get you dunking a basketball in no time!

1. Muscle Memory! Your body has a great ability to adapt to what you consistently do. This is true for jump training. Practice jumping often and your body will naturally adapt to help you jump higher. You should never skip a day of jump training. I'm not saying to exercise all day long everyday. Just work out no less than 15 minutes a day. Just enough to not let your muscles forget!

2. Stretch! You must keep your muscles loose and relaxed at all times in order to jump higher. Stretch every day when you wake up in the morning, and immediately after your jump training every day. This will keep your muscles "fresh" and they will be ready for jump training at any time.

3. Work You Core! Most athletes focus only on exercising their legs when they are trying to gain inches to their vertical leap. Yes, this is important, but, it is equally important to exercise your core. Do sit ups ad crunches daily to help with your explosive power and you will gain a few inches over the people just working their legs!

4. Sprint! Sprints are very important in developing muscle quickness. Quickness is key to launching your body. You can be very strong, but if you don't have "quick strength" then you are not going to gain any height to your jump.

For more tips to help you increase your vertical leap, check out The Jump Manual. This is the best basketball available to help you increase your vertical jump.

How to Jump Higher in Basket Ball OR Volleyball

Learning how to jump higher in basketball or volleyball requires explosive energy. To be in the absolute best physical shape will greatly enhance your ability to out-jump and out-dunk any of your team mates, but if basketball are able to get some professional training on how to jump higher and how to add inches to your vertical, you will become the MVP.

The first step to finding a good online training program is to do some research and then stick with it! Just as in anything else, you will get the most benefits if you follow the program.

When you join a program - notice we don't say, "if", but "when" - you DO need professional training if you want to become the absolute best basketball dunking that ball. You need someone who can ensure that you completely understand what is going to be effective.

You will learn many helpful techniques in learning how to jump higher in basketball OR volleyball such as...

Doing wind sprints it increases both your cardiovascular health, and you're explosive energy. Sprint from end of the court to the other - rest a minute and sprint back. Start slow but work up to where you can do this about twenty times without becoming totally exhausted.

Kettlebells It is very hard to find an exercise that mimics the motion of vertical jumping better than the kettlebell swing. You can perform the exercise explosively.

How to jump explosively and like a cat. Some tips to keep in mind are to keep your chest up and butt out, make sure knees track toward the second and big toe and your weight is distributed 50/50 on each side.

Find a professional trainer that wil help you master these techniques and many more plus get Weekly Vertical Jump Enhancement Tips & Workouts at How-To-Jump-Higher.Info

Get Instant Access at How to Jump Higher website to some of the World's Top Vertical Jump Experts as They Unleash Their Secrets on How to Jump Higher and Radically Increase Your Vertical Leap in Only 8 Weeks!

Can I Make a Living From Greyhound Racing?

Are you trying to make a living from the dog track? Or maybe you're just trying to supplement your retirement income or make up for lost income from the tough economic times we're going through right now.

Whatever the reason, if you're determined to make money to live on from greyhound racing, you have to treat it like a business. For instance, basketball more going to the track to have a good time. You have to get serious.

If you look at greyhound handicapping as a career, it's obvious that you need some training. After all, if you were going to be a truck driver, you wouldn't just jump into a semi and take off. You'd take one of those three month training courses so you could get your commercial license.

It's the same way when you decide to be a professional handicapper. You don't just quit your day job and start going to every racing program. You start out by learning the ropes and getting better at handicapping. Find a mentor, if you can afford it, or a good greyhound handicapping system. Take all the time you need to learn it by using it on old programs. You can download them from the Net.

When you can consistently pick winners, move to picking quinielas. Then learn to pick trifectas consistently. When you've mastered this, you're ready to start - slowly - building up your betting bankroll. When your bankroll is big enough and your bills and obligations are all taken care of, you can gradually slide into becoming a professional greyhound handicapper.

When you reach this point, you've basketball be able to share your knowledge with beginning handicappers. Like many professional handicappers, when you can consistently win more than you lose, you can even write your own systems and handicapping books.

To win at the dog track, you need a winning system. You can learn the basics of handicapping from a program or online, but to really make good money at the dog track consistently, you need proven Greyhound Handicapping Systems.

You can find systems, articles and tips to help you win at the dog track from someone who shares over 30 years of "going to the dogs" at http://ebnetr.com

What Does It Take To Become A Tennis Coach?

Being a tennis coach is a great life; you need to be sociable, able to interact with people but above all to be able to help others to learn the great game of tennis. It is necessary to be able to play the game well, but, as in many other sports, being a good player does not mean that you will be a good coach. You will need to have an in depth knowledge of the game, and acquire skills that you will not necessarily have understood as a player.

It is my contention that the coach who starts players off on the path of playing, particularly if teaching juniors, needs to be a coach who understands and can coach every aspect of the game. This includes technical and tactical skills, strategy, mental skills, fitness training, periodisation and nutrition.

A prospective coach will learn a number of these areas during the coach qualification period; however, it is again my own view that a newly qualified coach should work together with a pro. For at least 3 - 6 months after qualifying.

A coaching course can be taken with the LTA in the U.K. the USPTA in the States and the largest coaching organization worldwide the USPTR (known as PTRUK in
The UK). There are naturally national coaching organizations in each country.
The PTR has a standard coaching practice that is taught in all their overseas countries.

Once qualified, the coach will need to consider whether they have any preference as to who they want to work with, whether this is Seniors or Juniors, individual or squads, men or women. Another very worthwhile group to coach are disability groups and wheelchair tennis; these do however, require additional learning techniques.

I also believe, that to be a good coach, you also need to be able to teach another cross-training sport, and to my mind, Basketball fits in very comfortably with tennis. They are both intricate sports and there is far more to them than the general public realize when watching the games being played.

The great satisfaction from teaching tennis is that a good coach can take almost anyone and give them this game for a lifetime, and the big payoff is seeing them succeed at whatever level.

To find out more about the great game of tennis and to subscribe to a monthly news letter, visit http://www.tennisatthenet.ws

John Hoskins is an L.T.A. and a PTRUK qualified licensed tennis coach working at a number of facilities as head coach in Kent, England.

basketball
basketball

Cooperation - The Vital Partner of Competition in Team Sports

In our never-ending desire to make our Players Competitive we often forget that basketball essence of the teams operation is Cooperation (often called Teamwork). Sometimes the message gets heard incorrectly and we end up with a player who thinks the game revolves around basketball the game is the stage and he is the star actor.

In my writings on different egocentric players, I have been calling him Benny the Braggart. (Yes, there also is a Betty the Braggart) We make the usual pronouncement, There is no I in Team, but Benny still believes that there is M and E in team. All of us have had to deal with that self-centered player who is quick to remind us about the great plays hes made. In dealing with him, direct talk usually doesnt get the job done, so lets come at it from another direction. During some team meetings its a good idea to talk to your players about how each of them contributes to the teams successes.

Coach Hudson took advantage of the opportunity during the last football game. Benny made a big interception which helped your team get back into the game and eventually win. As they head for the locker room after the game, he isnt letting anybody forget what he did how he dragged the team from the jaws of defeat.

Ah, but Coach Hudson is ready to deal with this issue. Lets listen in on his postgame commentary:

Coach: Well, we pulled that one out of the fire. You guys played a great game -- you hung in there until we were able to make some breaks. Let's take a look at a real turning point -- that interception early in the 4th quarter. Who made that interception?

Everyone looks at Benny who has no trouble smiling, waiting for the accolades. However...

Coach: Sandy, what did you do on that play?

Sandy: I got around my blocker and put some pressure on the quarterback.

Coach: Gary, how about you?

Gary: I shut down the tight end -- he never got into his pattern.

Coach: Loren?

Loren: I broke through up the middle and kept the quarterback from stepping up into the pocket.

Coach: Zach?

Zach: Brett and I had the split end covered.

Coach: O.K. and we had the center of the field covered by some of you other backs. O.K., Bobby, where were you?

Bobby: The quarterback got away from Sandy and came my way. I got a piece of his jersey. He pulled away but he saw me coming back to get him again. He just get the pass off.

Coach: Benny?

Benny: The pass was short and wobbly. I stepped in front of the wide receiver and caught the ball.

Coach: And you made a good run back with it. O.K. Let's answer my question now.

Who intercepted that pass?

Sam: It sure looks like a lot of guys did a lot of good work.

Coach: That's right. That is what we call teamwork. We all do our job right and good things happen. The real mark of champions is that they all do their job as well as they can and nobody worries about who gets the credit.

(Notice that Coach Hudson gave Benny creditfor what he did. He deserved it -- He earned it.)

We coaches have to keep improving on our communication skills and on our child development knowledge. Being a My Way or the Highway leader may have worked in the past (It worked temporarily at best) but it doesnt work at all any more. Mutual respect is kind of a good idea along with honest interaction and communication.

Peter S. Pierro, EdD http://www.parentscoachesasteam.com

Dr. Peter Pierro is a coach and parent who is concerned about how our young athletes are treated by their coaches and parents. He has degrees from Northern Illinois University. He played professional softball, semi-pro baseball, college basketball, and with an all-star U.S. Navy basketball team. He coached jr./sr. high school basketball, a women's softball team, a 12 and under boys baseball team, and was commissioner of a boys baseball league. He has been a consultant/contributor to the Amateur Softball Association and the Oklahoma Soccer Association. Dr. Pierro has taught in elementary, junior and senior high schools and has been Professor of Education at Elmhurst College and Oklahoma University.

Increase Your Chances For Getting In The NBA

Getting drafted in the NBA? For some, it's basketball never ending dream. Some players only want to dream about it while others basketball striving and doing everything they can to end up in the NBA. No one can tell you, for sure, if you'll end up playing there. Not if you're regular guy. I'm assuming you're not LeBron James. We all knew he'll get drafted sooner or later.

But this is about you. Not LeBron James.

Here is what you can concentrate on and work on, to increase your chances for getting drafted in the NBA..

1.) First and foremost, don't perceive this, dream, of playing in the NBA as an opportunity to get famous or rich. If you're not doing this for the love of the game and if you're not 100% devoted to this thing called basketball, you might as well forget it. So, basketball needs to be your top priority. You should actually enjoy when you practice because that's when you're getting better. If you're not getting better, you're getting worse. You can't stay in the middle.

2.) Try to get into some other leagues like ABA, CBA, USLB. Now, I know this is not an easy thing to do, but it's relatively easier. So, once you set your ground there, you'll have more chances to bet noticed by the scouts (professional people who look for talents and players who can make it big in the NBA).

3.) Adapt to your coach. This is a must. If you think that the team you're playing for, is a good one and you think it might eventually get you to some other place, then pay attention to this. You might have your own style of playing. You have your moves and all that. But the coach might see you as a different fit for the team. He might see another potential that you can develop that will help the team even more. A lot of times that happens to be true. So do whatever to coach says. Not only will he tell (if asked) that you're disciplined and you can be coached but you'll get more playing time. More playing time means greater chance to prove how great you are.

And make sure you let your coach know that you're serious about this. Basketball is something you love. You're committed to constant and never ending improvement. That way, even if you are not that good, compared to others, he'll see that great potential you have.

4.) It's a lot better to have such a goal. People who strive for getting better, according to some psychological laws, always perform better. They out-perform other players who are satisfied with "status quo". As the saying goes, "shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll end up between the stars".

I have a passionate website about basketball full of tips and ideas and clips that are all free.

http://www.best-basketball-tips.com

Feel free to check it out.

Yoga For Basketball

Before you read any further, I need to tell you something that can make a drastic effect on your results from training and the performance on the court:. This one secret can help you come over many obstacles on the court and in life. Take the five words and run with them:

[Let go of your ego]

There are athletes that simply have too big of an ego to do something that may hurt their "rep" or whatever. Check the ego at the door and go do your business.

Now that you are focused, let's get to today's topic: Yoga for Athletes.

I came across this video while searching for yoga exercises. The importance for yoga basketball hidden behind silly society norms like "only women do yoga" or my favourite, "what a loser, he does yoga??" Yoga is known for making the body flexible and the mind calm but it has some benefits that athletes aren't aware of. Injury prevention is the one that strikes me because the fact you athletes spend hours on end training and competing for sport but don't take the necessary steps to take care of that body the rough up.

The following video shows one exercise that is focused on the hip flexor. When I tried this out, I felt an basketball sensation of the stretch.

I should mention that this is only one exercise. There are many different exercises, systems and programs that you can follow. I'm in the process of finding the perfect program for athletes. In the meantime, look at forums, websites, or join a source that is basketball oriented. *HINT
PS: Have you done yoga before? What were your experiences and what program did you use?

Dynamic Athletics provide hard-hitting, ground breaking basketball training exercises and techniques that elevate your basketball game.

Visit http://www.dynamic-athletics.com and receive a 5-day breakdown on how to attack your weakness and build your basketball arsenal with tips and techniques that will blow your opponents away.

NCAA Men's Basketball - Road to the Final Four Means March Madness For Venues

On Selection Sunday, March 15th, sixty-five teams are selected for the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship tournament. This begins March Madness and the drive to see who makes it to the Final Four basketball at Ford Field in Detroit.

The NCAA basketball tournament means it's show time for the venues who host the games. Attendance is expected to soar to over 700,000 this year, making March Madness basketball a mini stimulus package for the host city and a chance for venues to shine on a national stage.

The Road to the Final Four plays through 13 cities. Here's a tour of the first and second round venues on the Road to the Final Four with basketball games taking place on March 19th and 21st.

Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC
Host: Atlantic Coast Conference
The Greensboro Coliseum is an integral part of the city and the entire town will be working to make fans feel welcome. Fans will have no problem with parking and Greensboro Coliseum has an RV parking area for overnight stays. Don't miss a trip to the Yum Yum for a hot dog and ice cream.

Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO
Host: Big 12 Conference
The Sprint Center was named one of the top venues in America in 2008. It's home to the College Basketball Experience, an interactive playhouse for fans. Its excellent location in the city offers ample parking and restaurants near the venue. Inside the Sprint Center you'll find bargain prices on munchies and drinks at the QuikTrip Convenience Store.

Rose Garden in Portland, OR
Host: University of Oregon
Guests attending NCAA games at the Rose Garden Arena may be surprised at the enthusiasm the locals have for basketball. They are loud and you can expect the arena to be filled. You may want to take the local light rail train MAX to the venue for ease and to save on hefty parking prices close to the Rose Garden.

Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA
Host: St. Joseph's University
This arena is set up for fun. With excellent memorabilia displays, bands playing and air hockey tables inside the arena basketball can play second fiddle. Diehard fans can rent state-of-the art electronic binoculars to get an up close view of the court from anywhere in the venue.

Taco Bell Arena in Boise, ID
Host: Boise State University
The Taco Bell Arena is located on the campus of Boise State University. It's one of the smaller arenas to host the NCAA Men's basketball tournament games, but it has a long history of success. 2009 will be Boise's 8th time hosting NCAA games tournament games.

UD Arena in Dayton, OH
Host: University of Dayton
Host to championship games for years, UD Arena has a wonderful old school basketball feel. It's loud, basketball and the fans know their basketball. UD Arena made history in 2001 when they hosted 10 post-season NCAA and National Tournament games in eight days.

American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL
Host: Florida International University
Spring is the perfect time to be in Miami and NCAA basketball in American Airlines Arena is the perfect destination for high-octane hoops and holiday. Head to the game, but hang for the sun and fun. With many restaurants and bars in and around the arena it's sure to be the hot spot in a hot city.

HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN
Host: University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities
The Metrodome usually host football and baseball, but nearly every year it's given a round of NCAA games, and for good reason. This place knows its business and since they host over 300 events a year fans can depend on the Metrodome to put on a good hoop parade.

Look for more on the 'Road to the Final Four' venues featuring regional March Madness tournament sites and the Championship tournament at Ford Field in Detroit, MI.

KnowYourVenue.com is a one stop spot for information on stadiums, arenas, NASCAR tracks, amphitheaters, performing arts centers and more. We have parking information, seating tips, directions, easy to find list of prohibited items and venue policies, restaurants and hotels near the venue and more.

Know Your Venue.com Home Page:
http://www.knowyourvenue.com/

Know Your Venue Spotlight Page featuring the NCAA Men's Division 1 Basketball venues: http://www.knowyourvenue.com/Spotlight.aspx