The Sports Archives – Skip The Gym, But Still Look and Feel Great!

Posted on June 11, 2019 by thesportsarchives

You may not think it’s possible, but you can actually skip going to them and still be as fit and healthy. Of course, you can’t just sit down on the couch with a bag of chips. Instead, you need to pick other non-gym based activities that will get your heart rate going and burn those calories. Something you can find out more about in the post below.

Running

OK, so lets deal with the most obvious choice for those that don’t want to set foot in the gym first, running. Of course, running is a fabulous activity for fitness because not only does it work most of the major muscle groups, it encourages stamina as well.

You don’t need to be put off if you haven’t got much experience with running either, as there are plenty of couch to 5K programs that can get you covering this distance in a solid jog in around a month. Just be sure to invest in the right shoes for your gait, as this can save you a lot of discomfort further down the line.

Cycling

If pounding the pavement isn’t quite your style then what about taking up cycling instead? Of course of the most significant advantage of this activity is that you get to go even faster than you would if you were running, which make it an excellent choice for speed demons!

There is such a wide range of different types of cycling to choose from as well. What this means is whether you want something more casual and leisurely, or something fast and challenging, you are likely to be able to find what you need without too much effort.

Cycling

Image here

The only real downside of cycling is that you do need to invest in the right equipment, namely a bike and helmet to start, which can be expensive. A topic you can read more about at sites like bikeradar.com. Although, if you live in a major city it’s worth noting that they have free or low-cost bike rental schemes which will allow you to try out this activity without having to spend lots of money initially.

Exercise videos

You don’t even have to leave your home to get a good workout if you don’t want, as you can in follow along with an exercise video at home. In fact, you can get these on BluRay and DVD, on Youtube, and even via app download services now.

Although, it is always smart to go to sites like healthandfitnessvitality.com where they review this most popular programs before you buy. Then you will have a good idea not only whether they will be suitable for you, but also if they are effective as well.  

Walking everywhere

Probably the most simple solution for folks wanting to be fit and healthy, but that dislike the gym is to up the number of steps they walk in a day.

Happily, this super easy to do because you can walk to work instead of drive, hike as a recreation, and even go for a stroll on your lunch break instead of sitting at your computer. All activities that will help you stay fit without having to go anywhere near a gym unless you pass it on your walking route that it!

 

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The Sports Archives – 5 Benefits of Hiring a Personal Trainer

Posted on June 10, 2019 by thesportsarchives

training and exercise

There’s no arguing with the fact that exercise is key to a long and healthy life. But how you choose to exercise is entirely up to you. While some people may prefer to go it alone, hitting the gym with a personal trainer can make a huge difference in achieving your goals. Never had a personal trainer before? Considering hiring a trainer for your fitness needs? There’s no better time than the present to commit to your health. Here are five benefits of hiring a personal trainer.

1. A Trainer Can Help Set Realistic Goals

One of the major benefits of hiring a trainer is that they can help you set realistic goals for your fitness journey. For many, it’s easy to get wrapped up in all of the things you want to achieve without realizing the steps necessary to getting there. Instead of setting goals that are too far out of reach, a trainer will understand achievable milestones that will keep you excited about the progress you are making every step of the way.

2. They’ll Meet You Where You Are

Personal trainers are skilled at understanding your fitness level—wherever that level may be. If you’re an experienced exerciser who is looking to try different workout routines and fitness techniques, they can help introduce new sports or activities to vary your workout. That said, if you’re new to exercise and not sure where to start, they can help you learn the ropes and get you started with a routine that fits your lifestyle.

3. Their Schedules are Flexible

Another benefit to hiring a personal trainer is that they can work around your schedule. Most are likely available during hours, times, and the days that are more convenient for you and your needs. Whether you want to work out in your home, early in the morning, late at night, or just want to go somewhere different to exercise, your personal trainer can work with you and your schedule to make sure you’re getting the workout you desire.

4. They Keep You Safe

It’s not uncommon for people who exercise on their own to sustain injuries due to misalignment or misunderstanding of how to properly do a routine. With personalized instruction, you can make sure you’re in proper alignment and moving safely. You won’t make the mistake of lifting weights that are out of your ability level or doing a series of lunges that leave your low back hurting the next day.

5. They’ll Keep You Accountable…and Motivated

There comes a time in any exercise schedule when you may find yourself bored with your routine or lacking your initial enthusiasm. When you have a personal trainer, they can keep you accountable, motivated, and enjoying all the ways you can strengthen your body.

Hiring a personal trainer could be one of the best investments you make in your workout. If you’ve been on the fence before, these five benefits could be the encouragement you need to take your exercise routine to the next level.

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The Sports Archives – 5 Reasons to Take Up Fishing

Posted on June 7, 2019 by thesportsarchives

If you are looking to take up a new sport, have you considered fishing? From learning a new skill to exploring new destinations, fishing offers you the chance to be at one with nature and is something that we feel that everyone should try at least once. Not convinced? Then take a look at our 5 reasons to take up fishing below.

fishing

Image pixabay

  1. You’ll be learning something new

As is the case when you take up any new hobby, you will find that fishing is a whole new world to you and there will be plenty for you to learn. Whether you are researching the best baits for river fishing or reading up on the latest equipment and technology available, that learning will never stop as this is a sport that continues to evolve with new gadgets coming onto the market regularly. This is all in addition to needing to learn the actual basics of fishing, so go grab that rod and tackle and get out there with a seasoned angler so that they can show you the ropes and get you hooked.

  1. It’s relaxing

Fishing is a relaxing pastime. It can often be a solitary pursuit and it offers the angler time with their own thoughts, in pretty surroundings, doing something that they love. It is a chance to unwind fully and completely. You can be mindful and present in that moment or take the opportunity to turn over things in your mind whilst in a rested state. Fishing tends to move at a slow pace, giving you the chance to de-stress and decompress.

  1. It’s good for your health

There are numerous health benefits of fishing. It is an outdoor sport so you will be soaking up that vitamin D and taking in lungfuls of fresh air. There’s cardiovascular exercise through unloading your fishing tackle, walking to your chosen spot and then setting up and casting on. Then there is the muscle toning and exercise whilst reeling in and landing fish. All of that time spent outdoors will have you feeling healthier and fitter in no time.

  1. It’s great family bonding time

How many of us remember times with our fathers teaching us how to fish? It is a great sport for family days out and teaches children about patience and resilience as well as the skills required to fish. Dock fishing is often the best and safest way to start this, and where possible opt for a spot with dock lights for added excitement for the kids and an increased chance of drawing the fish to you and catching plenty.

  1. You can explore

Once you have caught the fishing bug, you will find yourself wanting to fish more often and to try out new locations. Before you know it, you will be looking for the best fly fishing lodges or seeking out the latest boat excursions to take your love of fishing to the next level. Fishing uncovers new beauty spots and adds new travel destinations to your list, so you can enjoy exploring natural landscapes.  

Have we tempted you to give fishing a go?

 

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The Sports Archives – 5 Sports To Try With Your Family This Summer

Posted on June 6, 2019 by thesportsarchives

We all know that quality time spent with our children is the best thing that we can ever give them. It’s good for them and it’s good for us. Time spent together as a family builds bonds, strengthens relationships and it should also be a lot of fun. If you then throw into all of those benefits the positive gains that we get from sports and physical exercise, spending time together as a family playing sports should be a natural choice for us all this summer. However, though we are often willing, the difficulty in doing this can be in finding a sport that is appropriate for all of the family to take part in, irrespective of age or ability. This is why today we are sharing a few possibilities with you, here are 5 sports to try with your family this summer.

Badminton

Badminton is a brilliant game to play as a family, as it ticks so many boxes. It will encourage your children to learn and understand the rules of the game, along with the coordination skills required to actually play it. As it is a competitive game, they will learn how to lose gracefully and if playing doubles, how to work effectively with their teammate. This is a game that you can play in your backyard, or you can book a court for around an hour at a time at a relatively inexpensive rate. You’ll each need rackets to play and a tube full of shuttlecocks and you are then good to go. This is one that will get everyone running around so it is a great option for getting that heart rate going, as well as developing your skills in playing the game.

Cycling

Many of us take the time to teach our children to ride a bike whilst they are young. We chase round the yard holding onto their saddle as they find their balance and their confidence and then before you know it they are doing it by themselves. This is where our involvement in their cycling often ends, which is a real shame as family bike rides are a lovely way to spend an hour or two. The chances are that cycling is something that you can all do, so this is a sport where you just need to get yourselves some killer bike accessories from Bontrager and you will then all be ready to go. Choose quieter times to go out initially whilst you all get used to cycling together, or take the bikes up to a national park and have fun on the cycling trails.

Image Pixabay

Yoga

Yoga is brilliant for the mind and body, and is a perfect sport for people of absolutely any age or ability to take up. It develops core strength and flexibility whilst also improving muscle tone. You can have fun with yoga all together as a family and build it into your daily routine. If you are struggling to see how you can fit in age appropriate classes for all of you at the same time, there is a simple solution. YouTube have lots of great yoga channels and sessions for you to all try from the comfort of your own home. We would recommend starting with the Yoga with Adriene channel as she has something for everyone there.

Running

Possibly the easiest of all sports to get into, perhaps running could be the sport for you and your family? You just need to grab those running shoes and hit the pavements. You can choose to run around your local neighborhood, which is the easiest option of all, or opt for the beach or prettier landscapes. You will need to adjust your pace to accommodate everybody in the family, but you will be surprised by how quickly you all improve with regular runs. With the growing popularity of Parkrun, you could also make it a social and regular thing and run with other families.

Swimming

Whether your children are able swimmers or not, swimming is a brilliant sport for all the family. If your children are still learning, here is an opportunity to support them and develop their skills and confidence. If they are like little fish in the water, you can all have fun racing one another, practising your diving and splashing around together in the pool. Either way, you will all be sure to have lots of fun with this one.

swimming

Image Pixabay

Do you do any sports as a family currently? If not, has this list inspired you to give one a go?

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The Sports Archives – Practicing Mindfulness In and Outside of the Gym

Posted on June 1, 2019 by thesportsarchives

fitness and wellness

There’s a lot of talk about living your life “mindfully” and how it can help you be happier and healthier overall, but can it really help you with your exercise goals As it turns out, being mindful while working out is just as helpful for physical activity as it is for mental activity. Staying in the moment allows you to pay better attention to your body and tailor your workouts to accommodate the information it’s trying to relay. Let’s take a look at why mindfulness, both in and outside of the gym, is a great healthy habit to develop.

Why are you exercising?

One way to practice mindfulness while exercising is to consider the reasons you’re working out in the first place. Are you trying to lose weight or are you simply attempting to maintain a healthy lifestyle? This information can help you push forward even when you’re beginning to tire. Instead of thinking about how much you wish the workout was over, in other words, you can think of your overall goal and keep going. Keep any short-term benefits, like better sleep or lowered stress, from your workout in mind, too, and redirect your thoughts as necessary.

Build Yourself Up

Your task to stay mindful doesn’t end after the workout is complete. Instead, it’s something you should carry throughout the day. One common issue many people face is negative self-talk that worms its way inside their minds. As a result, they have trouble moving through their day confidently and happily.

Mindfulness can help with this issue by allowing you to redirect your thoughts when you realize you’re thinking negatively. Focus instead on things you’re doing right! The workout you just completed, for example, is something for which to give yourself credit.

Create a Peaceful Environment for Home Exercise

Working out at home can be a great way to stay on track with your health goals even when you’re too busy (or too financially strapped) to make it to the gym. According to House Method, you can practice mindfulness when working out at home by creating a quiet space to get your exercise in. Designate one area in your house and remove distractions from the room. This includes pets and clutter. Take this time to focus on yourself and make your health a priority.

End Everything with a Positive Attitude

When you’re done with your workout, take a moment and revel in the experience. Even if you’re a bit sore and sweaty, remember that you worked hard and did well to get to that point. It’s okay to be happy about your effort! The same goes for the end of your days. Instead of worrying about things you need to get done tomorrow, make a conscious decision to instead think about everything that went well throughout the day. Take that positivity and make it a point to remember it tomorrow.

Staying mindful can help you do well both inside and outside of the gym. Take a look at the tips above and see how they can help you feel healthy and happy.

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The Sports Archives – How to Make Yoga an Integral Part of Your Everyday Routine

Posted on May 30, 2019 by thesportsarchives

These days, it seems like everyone is talking about the importance of a regular yoga practice. But getting to a yoga studio for a 60- or 90-minute class can feel like an impossible task to add into your everyday routine. How do people do it? Is yoga really something that can be as integral as brushing your teeth? If you’ve been yoga curious, here’s how to make yoga an integral part of your everyday routine.

Wake Up on Your Mat

One of the easiest ways to make yoga a part of your life is to do it first thing in the morning. As the day wears on, you’ll likely find an increasing number of excuses for why you can’t or don’t want to get to your mat. But if you roll out of bed and start your day with a few sun salutations, you’ll avoid falling into procrastination and may just feel better about taking on everything else.

Get the Right Gear

The truth is that you can do yoga in pretty much any type of clothing. If it’s first thing in the morning, there’s nothing stopping you from practicing in your pajamas! But for some, it can be helpful to have the right clothes for the right activity. If this sounds like you, then give yourself a few new yoga outfits that you’ll look forward to wearing. If you love what’s on your body and love how you feel in it, you may be more inclined to make yoga a daily ritual.

Make It Mindful

Of course, the beauty of yoga is that it’s more than just asana—the physical poses we most closely identify with it. While some people come to yoga for physical motivations and improved balance, flexibility, and strength, others may find yoga beneficial for stress relief. Whatever your motivation, be clear with yourself for why you are coming to your mat.

Once you know why you showed up to practice, know that yoga isn’t just what happens within the four corners of your mat, or the walls of the studio or the space in your home. It can be so much more. One way to make yoga an integral part of your daily routine is to practice mindfulness. The time you spend on your mat is great for teaching you patience, presence, and kindness. Take these beliefs with you as you do other activities throughout the day.

Release the Need to Compete

Unlike other activities, yoga is not a competitive sport. In fact, comparison in yoga—with ourselves and with other people—can actually de-motivate us in the long-run. Instead of constantly comparing your arm balance with the person in class next to you, consider releasing this need to compete, instead creating more space to show up openly and with curiosity about how your practice will feel on that specific day.

Take a Deep Breath

With so much focus on the physical shape, it’s easy to overlook the fourth limb of yoga—pranayama. Although you’re breathing all day, have you taken the time to notice the quality of each breath? Are they smooth and deep or short and shallow? Just checking in to notice how you are breathing can be enough of a reminder to get you back into the present moment. And just like that, you’re practicing yoga—at your desk, on the bus, or wherever else your busy life has taken you.

Integrating yoga into your everyday routine can feel like a unique challenge. It makes you feel great, but it can be a challenge to make it to class everyday. The good news is that you don’t have to even show up on a mat to get your daily practice going. With a few of these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to a regular yoga routine in no time.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Sports Archives – Can South Africa Erase The Ghosts Of 1999 In The 2019 World Cup?

Posted on May 29, 2019 by thesportsarchives

1999 WC Semi- Image via BBC TMS Twitter

After a gap of two decades, the World Cup returns to British soil. In some ways, the 1999 World Cup was a pivotal point in cricket history- it began a period of unprecedented Australian domination of the sport. The Aussies would probably not have even reached the semi-finals of the tournament but for that dropped catch from Herschelle Gibbs in their Super Six clash against the Proteas. As fate would have it, they progressed, and have since gone on to win four of the last five World Cups.  While Australia seem able to win World Cups at will, South Africa appear to have become the ultimate chokers and are yet to win the tournament despite having one of the best overall records in the competition.

The Super Six game between Australia and South Africa has its place in history, although it’s often overshadowed by the semi-final contested between the same two teams- often considered as the best Cricket World Cup game ever.

That Edgbaston last-four fixture saw South Africa put the Australians in. The Proteas pace attack reduced their opponents to 68/4 in 17 overs before a partnership between skipper Steve Waugh and Mr.Fixit Michael Bevan- both scoring half centuries, helped Australia cross the 200 mark.

In reply, South Africa’s openers started well and added 48 runs before introduction of Shane Warne changed the game. The Proteas were 43/0 in 10 overs when Warne started, but by the time he had finished his first spell (8-4-12-3), they had only managed to crawl to 71/4 after 25 overs.

Like Waugh and Bevan had done for Australia, Jacques Kallis and Jonty Rhodes set about resurrecting the South African innings. The current Proteas side, as has oft been pointed out by the folks at The Cricket Blog, doesn’t quite have the batting depth that squad had. With Mark Boucher coming in at 9, South Africa had a formidable lower order, marshalled by the brilliant Lance Klusener, who had rescued them from many a sticky situation previously in the tournament.

The equation came to 16 off 8 balls with one wicket in hand, but Klusener first hit Glenn McGrath for a six, and then took a single off the final ball to keep strike. With 9 needed off six, he then proceeded to bludgeon Damian Fleming for consecutive boundaries, making it just one to win from four balls.

After having done all the hard work, Klusener however had failed to finish it off. Non-striker Allan Donald backed up too far on the third delivery, but Australia missed the run-out. With the pressure potentially getting to him, Klusener went for the single on the fourth ball, but Donald, perhaps affected by how he had just missed being run-out on the previous delivery, froze and failed to respond. Klusener continued to run, but by the time Donald started to run, it was too late, and Australia ran him out at the wicket-keeper’s end.

The match finished in a draw, but this is where it got more dramatic. South Africa could’ve put Australia out of the tournament in their Super Six clash, but that dropped Gibbs catch allowed Steve Waugh to mount a rearguard and send the Kangaroos though. As a result of that win, Australia had finished ahead of the Proteas in the league table, and therefore advanced to the final.

This South African team isn’t quite in the same mould as the class of 99, but they do have their strengths- notably a strong fast-bowling attack and the in-form Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis upfront. They were favourites in 99, but few expect them to win this year. Will the lowered expectations work in the Proteas’ favour? We’ll have to wait and find out.

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The Sports Archives – The Greatest Ever Cricket World Cup Stars

Posted on May 28, 2019 by thesportsarchives

Greatest Cricket Stars

The 2019 Cricket World Cup is almost here as England & Wales host the 12th edition of the tournament, with holders Australia looking to retain their title from four years previous. Betfair have all the odds, whether you think you can predict the group-stage winners or outright victor, the tournament’s top run scorer or wicket taker.  But before you do, let’s take a look at some of the greatest ever World Cup stars to grace the field.

Batting

Sachin Tendulkar (India)

The former India captain competed in six Cricket World Cups between 1992 and 2011 and boasts countless records. Tendulkar lays claim to the all-time record of runs scored in the World Cup, with 2,278, as well as the most runs in a single tournament (673 in 11 innings during the 2003 World Cup). The former is a particularly enviable record, especially when you consider it’s some 500 runs more than Australia’s Ricky Ponting, who sits in second-place and managed 1,743 in five tournaments.

He reached a century of runs on six occasions, but also holds the record for the most half-century scores (21 in total and 7 in one tournament) – with the 2003 World Cup proving fruitful. Despite winning Man of the Tournament that year, Tendulkar was on the losing side as Australia were victorious, winning their third title. He recorded 152 against Namibia in the group stages and racked up 83 runs in the semi-final against Kenya.

Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Windies batsman Chris Gayle is set to participate in this year’s World Cup, his fifth and final one after announcing he will retire from One Day Internationals. The former captain will act as vice-captain to Jason Holder this year.

Individually, Gayle holds the record for the most sixes in one tournament (26 from 6 innings at the 2015 World Cup), as well as overall (37). He also recorded 16 sixes against Zimbabwe, which saw the Windies victorious by 73 runs in their Pool B game at the same tournament. In the same game, Gayle recorded 215 runs from 138 balls to take the record for the fastest double century.

As a pairing, Gayle and teammate Marlon Samuels hold the record for the highest partnership – with the duo scoring 372 runs in that demolition of Zimbabwe in the 2015 World Cup.

There’s no doubt his experience will help a young West Indies side this year and it would be great to see him add to his records.

Bowling

Glenn McGrath (Australia)

Glenn McGrath won Man of the Tournament at the 2007 World Cup, when he contributed to Australia’s success, taking 26 wickets to aid the Aussies to their fourth title.

He’s rightly considered one of the greatest bowlers in cricketing history and the records don’t lie. Participating in four World Cups during 1996 and 2007, he took a record 71 wickets and also boasts the lowest average of just 18.19 runs for every wicket taken.

In the 2003 World Cup, he famously took 7 wickets when a poor Namibia side could only amass 45 runs all-out and Australia were victorious by 256 runs. During those 7 wickets, McGrath only conceded 15 runs, setting a record that doesn’t look likely to ever be beaten.

Team

Australia

As a nation, there’s little doubting Australia’s ability as a cricketing force – they’ve won the most titles, with five. But they are the one and only nation to date to win three successive tournaments (achieving the feat between 1999 and 2007).

At the last World Cup, their score against Afghanistan, 417-for-6 was the highest there’s ever been. While it’s quite clear they lead the way as a nation, with the highest win percentage (75%, with 62 wins from 84 matches), they’ve played in every World Cup since its inauguration in 1975 and further to their successes, the Aussies have been runners-up twice and made one quarter-final.

Can they add to their tally, or even go all the way and win the World Cup for a record

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The Sports Archives – How to Introduce Exercise into Your Weekly Schedule

Posted on May 28, 2019 by thesportsarchives

Exercise is key to a long, happy, and healthy life. However, if you’re just starting to create an exercise routine, it can be overwhelming especially if you already have a full and busy schedule. You may be wondering if it’s even possible for exercise to fit into the mix? The short answer is yes. Here are five ways to introduce exercise into your weekly schedule.

1. Have Fun with It

One of the biggest mistakes that new exercisers make is taking their workout routine too seriously. Of course, you want to improve your wellbeing, lose weight, feel more confident, and so forth. But if you’re just focused on the end result, you may lose sight of the enjoyment aspect. If your exercise is going to be sustainable, it has to be something you like doing. Instead of treating your exercise like a “must-do,” approach it as a “want.” You might decide to exercise with a friend to help keep things light or opt for a dance or yoga class, instead of a more intense session in the gym.

2. Just Do It… First

Another potential obstacle is time. Many people who want to exercise worry that they don’t have enough time in the day to fit in their workouts. The truth is, everyone has time, if they decide that exercising is what they want to do. If you fear you’ll skip a workout later in the day, be sure to exercise first thing in the morning. Early in the day, there are fewer excuses, so you’ll be less likely to bail on your health.

After your morning workout, don’t be afraid to reward yourself. After all, you got yourself out of bed and into your workout gear! Whether that reward is a few more minutes on social media or your favorite cup of coffee, allow yourself a little celebration for each exercise milestone.

3. Focus on Your Chores

Despite what you may have heard, there’s no need to even put on your workout clothes to increase your heart rate. According to House Method, you can get your heart rate up by doing certain chores around the house such as gardening, vacuuming, and even washing dishes. You’ll be taking care of your health and your home in one fell swoop.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Many new exercisers want to jump into the most intense and results-oriented plan possible. While their ambition is commendable, it’s likely just going to lead to burnout. Instead, set realistic goals for each week, month, and quarter. If you’ve never run before, don’t try to run a mile in your first month. Begin with simple changes like taking the stairs at work or opting for a longer route when going to the bathroom. It may feel pointless, but it’s these incremental changes that will support you in developing a fitness routine you love.

5. Establish a Wellness Mindset

If exercise is going to be part of your weekly schedule, one of the most important things you can do is shift your mindset. Instead of looking at exercise as something you do to fix a current problem, think about it as helping you prevent health concerns in the future. When you consider how a simple exercise routine could exponentially improve your quality of life down the road, it becomes a lot easier to find even a few minutes each day to put toward your wellbeing.

Introducing exercise into your weekly schedule may seem daunting at first, but by breaking it down into manageable goals, keeping it fun, and making it a priority, you’ll be on your way to full-body wellness in no time.

 

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The Sports Archives – Awesome Tips For Amateur Footballers

Posted on May 25, 2019 by thesportsarchives

Youth Soccer (Football)

Image

Football is one of those sports which most of us grow up with at one point in our lives. Whether we join a small school team in our youth or head out to the nearest park and play with our friends at the weekend. Football is the most popular sport in the world and many people play it every single week even into adulthood.

If you are looking at joining a 5 a side club and trying your hand at football this year, but you’ve gotten a little rusty after the long gap, here are some quick tips for playing a great game.

Buy good boots

One of the things which is important when playing football is the grip and movement you are able to achieve on the pitch. If you are looking to make things easier for yourself this year it is a great idea to get yourself some Custom Designed Sportswear and boots. Football boots come in many different shapes and styles so be sure you buy ones which are either suited for playing on turf or grass.

Observe the goalkeeper

When you play in a forward position there will always be the aim to get the ball into the back of the net. When playing in a position like this it is always good to keep an eye on the position of the goalkeeper. This will affect how you make passes to the other players in the team and eventually manage to make that great goal.

Keep eyes on the ball when striking

Although you might think that the best thing to do when striking into the goal is to have your eyes on the prize and look straight into the back of the net, this isn’t the case. You are actually much better off keeping your eyes fixed on the ball because this will allow you to make an accurate strike at the right angle, and you’ll be much more likely to score a goal.

Mark a player

When playing football it is always important for every player to pair up with another player. From the start of the game you will want to make sure that you mark one player and stay with them throughout the game. This is a why of forcing some constant pressure on the other team and it will ensure that if the ball comes towards the other player, that you are close enough to be able to intercept.

Don’t stress

When playing football it can be easy to be caught up in the moment and get angry or upset about something which didn’t go your way. However it is crucial for you as a player not to lose your cool in this situation. Take the time to breathe for a moment if you are strung worked up and remember to stay focussed on the prize. The less stressed you are the easier you will be able to concentrate and this will do wonders for you and the game you play.

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