The Sports Archives – How To Improve Your Golf Game

Posted on January 18, 2017 by thesportsarchives

Improve Your Drive – the Most Basic Basics

Many golfers will tell you the drive is the most difficult part of the game to master. There are several reasons for this, and they land in both mental and physical aspects of the game. On the physical side, the main reason is that the driver is the least forgiving of the clubs. Because of the greater distance that the ball will (hopefully) travel, small mistakes are amplified. From a mental standpoint, the driver is the most intimidating and most frustrating of the clubs, and the drive is the most public of swings. For the golfer who wants to focus on his or her drive, it appears to be a tough, uphill battle. However, if you take everything one step at a time, resist frustration, and stay calm, it’s a challenge that can be overcome.

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The Mental Game

Golf is supposed to be fun, remember? Then again, isn’t it the challenge that makes it fun? Golf is an extremely mental sport. It’s important to get your head in the right place so that you don’t allow small mistakes to ruin your game or push your frustration into the red zone. Your mind will play tricks, so here are a few tricks that you can play in return.

  1. Be Patient – If you know that you can hit the ball 200 yards right down the middle of the fairway, that may be the better option than trying to belt it 300 yards every time. The long ball is going to end up in the woods much more often, and is likely to cost you strokes in the end.
  1. Play Here, Now – It’s easy to dwell on the bad shot you made on the last hole, or to think about the dreaded par 5 ahead. You’re much better off focusing on the present and concentrating on the fundamentals of this drive, right now.
  1. Control Your Emotions – Rather than dwelling on a bad drive and carrying that frustration to the fairway (or into the woods), try to let go of that frustration. A simple distraction is often effective — try talking with one of your playing partners about a non-golf topic, for example.

 

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The Physical Game

As important as the mental aspect of the game is (some say golf is 90% mental), the physical aspect is critical, as well. Of course, you’ll want to try to stay as fit as possible. Also, you’ll need to teach your body what your brain may already know — how to play golf.

  1. Stretch – As with any sport, stretching is important to prepare your muscles for the workout ahead. Stretching before each drive, or at least before your first drive, will limber up your muscles and add flexibility. It will also help you relax, which is key to a good drive.
  1. Practice, Practice, Practice – The more time you spend teaching your muscles what they’re supposed to be doing on the golf course, the better you’ll be. Get one of those putting greens for your office. Head to the driving range as much as possible. If the weather keeps you from the links, find a golf simulator nearby where you can practice your swing and even tap into the software’s analytics.
  1. Focus on the fundamentals of your swing – You’ve heard this a thousand times, and it was sound advice every time you heard it. As you step up to the tee, take a deep breath and slow down. Forget about the last hole. Forget about the dreaded par 5. Now go over the fundamentals as you set up your drive. Alignment. Grip. Posture. Stance. Ball Position. Take your time. Take your swing. THWACK!

 

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Bio

Matt is an avid golf enthusiast and part of the TruGolf.com team. When he’s not working on his fairway shot, you will find Matt writing about his passion for the process of the game.

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The Sports Archives – The Story of Arthur Ashe

Posted on January 14, 2017 by thesportsarchives

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Tennis Greats: The Story of Arthur Ashe

On the 6th of February 1993, the only African-American man to ever win the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open died of complications as a result of AIDS. He was only 49 at the time. Some knew him for his wonderful tennis game, while others were ardent supports because of all his social activism. In either case, Arthur Ashe was a revered man who gained the respect of everyone who came across him. Even his closest rivals knew what a great athlete and man he was. And one way the tennis community paid tribute to the great man is by naming a tennis court after him. The Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows, New York, is the largest tennis arena in the world, holding over 23,000 people.

Trial and Adversity

Even though Ashe went on to become one of the best tennis players in the world, his life was not easy. He grew up in a segregated neighborhood in Richmond, with only his father to take care of him, as his mother had passed away due to complications from a toxemic pregnancy. Ashe was pushed hard by his father, who wanted his son to excel at both his studies and sports. However, Ashe Sr. never let his son play football, due to his thin build.

Luckily for Ashe, he found his entry into sports through tennis, as he began playing at public playgrounds from the age of seven. He was quickly spotted as a brilliant natural talent by Ron Charity, a student at the Virginia Union University. Ashe took lessons with Charity for several years, and he continued playing the game throughout his school years. Charity also connected Ashe with Robert Johnson and Althea Gibson, who had founded a tennis camp at his home in Lynchburg, Virginia. He invited Ashe there at the age of ten, and taught the young boy everything he could about tennis, sportsmanship and the mental composure he needed to make it as a black athlete during those times.

A First for Everything

Every step in his career was a first for Arthur Ashe, as he broke boundaries, proved people wrong and showcased his talent and temperament at every opportunity. After graduating high school, he went to UCLA on a full tennis scholarship and became the first African-American man to take part in the Davis Cup for the United States. He served in the Army for two years after graduating from UCLA, and then he went on to win the U.S. Open in 1968. Two years later, he was the Australian Open champion, and in 1975 he became Wimbledon champion after defeating Jimmy Connors in the final.

Graceful Giving

Off the court, Ashe dedicated his life to charity and humanitarian work, and his tennis programs were incredibly popular with inner city children in various parts of the United States. He was also outspoken about the cruelties of the apartheid government in South Africa, and he was never afraid of giving his opinion on social issues.

All Good Things Must Come to an End…

Ashe passed away in 1993 from AIDS, a disease he had contracted nearly a decade earlier due to a bad blood transfusion during a heart procedure. For many years, he had not told anyone about his condition, but he eventually made his AIDS diagnosis public after a newspaper discovered details about his health.

… But His Memory Endures

Four years after his death in 1997, the United States Tennis Association announced their decision to name their new center court at Flushing Meadows the Arthur Ashe Stadium, ensuring the man would be remembered and cherished in the sports world forever.

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The Sports Archives – What Winter Sports Will Fit Students Life?

Posted on December 26, 2016 by thesportsarchives

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All work and no play indeed makes jack a dull boy. What better way for a student to unwind than to engage in safe sports? With the winter season already at our doors, staying indoors is not the best way to curb the winter fever. A number of sports have been devised to help stay in shape and also to get rid of the monster called boredom. In the modern age we are, gone are the days when we used to sit by the fireplace all day to keep warm and to pass the time.

This article will come in handy especially for you who has no definite plan on how to spend your winter.

Winter sports for students.

1. Mountaineering.

This is especially suitable for the adventurous students who love the thrilling feeling of adrenaline rushing through their veins. A special form of dress code is required for this kind of sport because ‘the higher you go the cooler it becomes’ is a true phrase. If it is your first time to take part in this sport, you are much safer with an instructor standing close by. Mountaineering is a very healthy sport that helps get your mind off things or too stressed out to even think clearly.

2. Paragliding.

Is a sport that involves being suspended in the air using rigid structures known as paragliders. A pilot has to be on board to ensure a smooth sailing flight in the sky. Calmness of the mind is totally guaranteed as you soar higher to the altitude of your choice. Though it is classified as a winter sport, your skin comes to contact with the harmless rays of the sun. The reason why it is highly recommended for students especially those in campus, is that it is an appropriate way to utilize leisure time and to stay away from trouble.

3. Snow boarding.

This is an all time favorite of almost every student. Feeling the wind hitting against your face as you glide through the snow is an unbeatable combination of thrill and adventure. This too requires special kind of footwear that are streamlined to make you move smoothly across the snow filled region and avoid tripping and falling on the snow. For those trying it out for the first time, all you have to do is watch and learn, it’s no rocket science.

4. Snow skiing.

Is almost close to snowboarding only that you don’t need to hold on to any apparatus for support. Ensure that you are warmly dressed as the cold wind is bound to hit against your face. This is a sport that does not require any special kind of training or courses either. The more times you take part in it is the more skilled you will be in it.

Sports are a very vital part of a student’s academic life and should be taken very seriously. Also it is important to make your homework in time, so if you need help in your studying, read tips to write an informative essay. They help in all aspects of growth in a student’s body, especially physically and mentally. This winter, join your family for that vacation that took the whole year to organize and it will surprise you what wonder it will do for you when you go back to school.

This article was written by StudyFaq professional writers.

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The Sports Archives – What To Do If You Suspect A Child On Your Team Is A Victim Of Abuse

Posted on December 16, 2016 by thesportsarchives

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What to do if you suspect a child on your team is a victim of abuse

As a coach, you will be spending a lot of time with the kids on your team. Your team members look up to you and will listen to you in important matters even outside of sports. When spending this much time with your team members, you may discover some things that you wish you never happened. Child abuse is one of the scariest and hardest things to deal with. If you suspect one of your players is a victim of abuse, it can be very hard to know what to do. It is important to intervene and take action.

Confront the child in a loving and gentle way

For an abused child, it can be very scary to talk about the abuse they are going through. They may feel like it is impossible to get out of the situation they are in. Talk to them calmly and quietly about the suspicions you are feeling. They may not talk about it the first time you ask them, so be patient and follow-up with them about the concerns you have. Never pressure the child to tell you anything as this can make them close off even more.

Look for the signs

When you suspect that a child is being abused, there are certain signs that you must look for. Physical signs are the first that you should keep an eye out for. If you see repeated bruising that doesn’t make any sense, this is a big indicator of a troubling situation. Any burns or broken bones that make no sense can also be very scary signs of abuse. Unkempt hair, poor hygiene, and malnutrition can also be signs of neglectful behavior. The behavioral signs of abuse are very important to look out for as well. Extreme behaviors can be a sign of abuse. If a child is overly withdrawn, angry, sad, or shy, this could be the sign of repeated abuse. Problems with grades and truancy can also be a sign of abuse. If a young child is already experimenting with substances, this could be a warning sign.

The quicker you act, the better

While you may be afraid and not know what do, it is important to act quickly and seek help as soon as you can. The first 96 hours after an abusive incident are very important. Medical assessments that can be made quickly after an incident that can be very crucial in any criminal investigation. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for social workers to help remove this child out of a dangerous situation.

Make sure to reassure the child it is not their fault

Children who are enduring abusive situations constantly need reminders that this is not their fault. You must let them know that they did the right thing by telling you what is happening. Let them know that this has happened to other kids and it is not just something bad that only happened to them. This will help further their belief that it really is not their fault.

Jessica Kane is a writer for SteelLocker Sports. A leading provider of sporting goods and training programs for coaches, players, parents and institutions with a primary focus on youth sports.

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The Sports Archives – Incredible Feats: Athletes Competing in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games

Posted on November 28, 2016 by thesportsarchives

With the weather changing, and the first snows falling in many parts of the country, our attentions begin to turn to winter sports, particularly with the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang just two ski seasons away. Ski jackets are being dragged out of storage, ice skates are being dusted off, and Americans all over the country are preparing for a wonderful winter of sport. Whilst many of our Summer games champions will be enjoying a well-earned rest before they resume training for the 2020 games, a very few will begin training for their alternative chance at Olympic glory. According to renowned Olympic historian, Bill Mallon, throughout the modern history of the games a total of 128 athletes have competed in both Winter and Summer sports.

The Yongpyong Dragon Valley ski resort will be at the center of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games.

The Yongpyong Dragon Valley ski resort will be at the center of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games.

American Sporting Icons

This year two of those who are serving double duty in both games are American track and field athletes Lolo Jones and Lauryn Williams. Lolo Jones began her Olympic career as a 100 meter hurdler, finishing seventh in the hurdles during the Beijing 2008 games, and fourth during the London 2012 games. It was after London that Lolo made the decision to switch her sporting attention to bobsledding: we can expect to see her first Olympic race in the sport in PyeongChang during the 2018 games. Inspired by her former teammate Lolo Jones, Lauryn Williams has also joined the American Olympic bobsled team. Williams began her career as a sprinter, winning a silver medal for the women’s 100 meter sprint during the Athens 2004 games. She then took home a gold medal during the London 2012 games as part of the 4 x 100 meter relay team. Williams’ transition to the winter Olympics has happened incredibly quickly, and just six months after switching to the sport she was announced as a push athlete for the team. In 2014 Williams won a silver medal during the Socchi winter Olympics, as part of the two woman bobsleigh team, meaning that she has achieved the incredible feat of winning a silver Olympic medal in both the summer and winter games: She will be going for gold in 2018.

The Legend of Eddie Egan

Eddie Egan 1920 AntwerpThere is a precedent of American athletes who serve double duty by competing in both the summer and winter Olympic Games, and it would be impossible to talk about the phenomenon without mentioning Eddie Egan, who holds the record for being the only person to have ever won gold medals at both the Summer and Winter Olympic games. Eddie won a gold medal for light heavyweight boxing during the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. He then went on to win a second gold medal during the 1932 Winter Olympic games in Lake Placid as part of the four man bobsled team, despite the fact that until he arrived in Lake Placid that year, he had never actually been inside a bobsled before. Eddie Egan is often referred to as the greatest Olympian you have never heard of. There are huge similarities between the careers of Egan and Lauryn Williams, which many commentators are hoping could inspire the talented athlete to more double Olympic success.

Our diverse natural climate lends itself perfectly to athletes attempting to compete in both games: we have regions of the country where the winters are incredibly cold with plenty of powder, and warm dry summers that are ideal for track and field training. Athletes competing for America in both the summer and the winter games are well equipped and well-trained: the American Olympic Committee employs over 350 people across the country to ensure that our nation’s athletes have everything they need to go for goal. Financial support, in conjunction with great talent, is an incredibly important aspect of Olympic success and it is no coincidence that the countries who invest the most in nurturing their teams have the most success on the medal tables. Here’s hoping we are nurturing the talent that will challenge  Edie Egan’s incredible record in the country right now.

This is an article by Helen Cairns.

Photo Credits: Wikipedia Commons

 

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The Sports Archives – How To Become A Writer Of A Sports Column

Posted on November 21, 2016 by thesportsarchives
Press Room at the Philips Stadion

Press Room at the Philips Stadion

Sports writers play a crucial role when it comes to connecting fans with their favorite teams. Sports writers are expected to write an in-depth coverage on about teams and their performances. Besides journalistic writing about the game, reporters cover other aspects such as team transactions, coaching techniques and other news about the team. Sports writers have numerous opportunities including sports news websites, sports team websites, and starting their sports blog. However, to be a great writer of a sports column, one needs to have certain core competencies. The following are some ways to become an outstanding writer of a sports column.

I. Broaden your understanding of sports in general

Sports is like any other business. Sports writers need to have an in-depth understanding of sports as a business to be able to write about it thoroughly. Sports does not involve tournaments alone, there other several activities including public relations, transactions, sponsorship, and marketing among others. A great sports writer should be able to write about any given field.   But it helps to start with something you understand well. For example, if you love horse sports, you can start by writing Freddie Vasquez Equestrian reviews or reviews and bios for other riders.

II. Consider taking sports journalism as your major

Specializing in sports journalism will help you to acquire a broad knowledge base in sports. Sports journalism will allow you to watch and attend various sports activities. You can also associate yourself with a particular team and cover their events. Becoming part of the team will enable you to familiarize yourself with sports mechanics such as sports rules, strategies used to winning games, and player’s positions in the field.

III. Get a good editor of your work

You need to have an editor who will go through your story and point out some of the mistakes. Editors will improve your job, and they help in improving your writing skills as time goes. Good editors can also become your mentors.

IV. Read columns written by other writers

Read other author’s work to improve your writing. Consider reading columns written by good writers. Find jobs belonging to award-winning sports journalists and read them repetitively to be able to improve your writing skills. Reading great sports stories will encourage you to improve your writing. Besides reading columns written by other writers, you can also read sports articles, books, and opinion pieces. Extensive reading will expose you to writing skills and ingenuity that is required to succeed in this field.

V. Improve your research skills

A good sports column writer should be in a position to research well and write stories based on facts rather than gossips. Research properly on a given topic and write an authentic story. Remember to use relevant sources and official documents to support your story.

VI. Connect with your target audience

A good sports writer needs to write to a particular audience. The audience can be sports fans in general or fans of a particular sport. You need to convey a story that suits your target audience. The fans can consist of sports professionals, fans of a particular sport, or fans of general sports. The story should give readers the urge to read more of the writer’s stories. You ought to strive to develop a loyal following of readers.

VII. Consider obtaining a journalism

A journalism degree will give you a basic training needed to succeed in this field. Take journalism and communication programs that fit your field of interest. The program should provide you with courses that will earn you professional qualifications such as media law. You can also undertake a degree in other fields such as history, sociology, and psychology among others to give yourself an edge in the area of journalism.

Sports writing involves accelerated growth and development as time passes. Writers will be able to gain new skills and techniques as they keep writing. However, successful sports journalists possess core competencies that have been described above. Utilize those skills and make your writing better.

This article was prepared by Edusson writers.

Photo Credit – Wikipedia Commons

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The Sports Archives – It’s Game Over If Warriors Trade Klay Thompson To Celtics

Posted on November 19, 2016 by thesportsarchives

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Photo By Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA – Klay Thompson, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46776944

Feb 23rd will be the deadline of the NBA 2016-17 trade. That would be Thursday next year. That is long enough for some people to make rumors and speculations about the National Basketball Association (NBA) trade. However, some of the speculations may be correct. Klay Thompson being on the trading block and joining Celtics is more likely to happen. Most of the speculations may not come to pass but there is a possibility of Thompson joining the Celtics, something that would move the NBA odds on just any major sportsbook like MyBookie.ag.

Analysts of Celtics for CSNNE, Scalabrine Brian recently released a statement about those rumors. He talked about what he heard about The Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson. Brian believes that Celtics team is interested in Thompson. Of course, the Warriors need a rim protection since they are not doing great in their defense. Their defense is indeed weak and needs to be addressed. 

Celtics analyst is aware of the actual deal that will be laid on the table. There will not be a lot of negotiations. Most likely, Celtics will get Thompson, and in exchange, the Warriors will get Avery Bradley, Crowder Jae, and Brooklyn Nets first round pick.

Most importantly, the Warriors could get a tremendous boost to their title hopes is they choose to trade Klay to the Boston Celtics. Klay heading to Beantown was just a speculation but came to pass after former NBA analyst hints on the reality of the speculation. He hinted that Klay could join the Celtics. 

Warriors Head, Mr. Steve Kerr immediately called off those rumors and speculations regardless of the fact that trading Klay for a Bradley or Crowder Jae would be a viable option for the warriors. Of course, everyone knows that Klay is going. The question is, is this a good idea, what will happen to the Warriors? That’s the question many fans are asking. Of course, there must be a perfect substitute. According to the NBA GM, these guys could be good assets for Golden State.

Golden Gate needs more help at the center. They are weak and it is an issue that needs to be addressed. Trading Klay for Bradley and Crowder could be somehow a good idea for the Warriors. The NBA GM believes that those players could do wonders for the Golden State Warriors on the defensive end.

During past seasons, Klay played a key role in the Success of Golden State during the past seasons. Many people believe that trading this great player is not a wise idea.

“Of course we are not trading Thompson. I told Thompson. I called him, and you perfectly know that Klay does not listen to anything. Actually, he does not even know who we play most of the time. Klay is not a person that’s reading everything. Klay hadn’t even seen it. I talked to his agent. You know the media is very influential. We are in a very public business. Myer told 95.7.

If you are an NBA fan, always stay tuned to NBA trade rumors, speculations, and updates.

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The Sports Archives – An Hour of Sports Away is Sufficient to Defeat the Effects of the Sedentary Lifestyle

Posted on November 18, 2016 by thesportsarchives

Cubicles

Sitting is the new smoking, warn doctors, with grave warnings about the effects of spending too many hours a day sitting behind a computer. Being physically inactive significantly raises our risk of colon and breast cancer, as well as our chances of suffering from a heart attack. Our bones and muscle weaken, our mood worsens and the likelihood of diseases such as Type II diabetes, rise when we are physically inactive as well. In the past, there was doubt regarding exactly how much sport we needed to undertake, to counteract the effects of the sedentary lifestyle. Doctors warned, for instance, that simply heading to the gym two or three hours a week was simply not enough if we spent numerous hours sitting every day. Global estimates indicated that over five million people die every year simply because they are not getting enough exercise.

A new report published in prestigious journal The Lancet by scientists at the University of Cambridge in July 2016, however, has answered our question of exactly how much exercise we need: one hour a day is the magic number and you can take your pick – everything from a brisk walk to a CrossFit session, running, or climbing up and down steps, will do.

Soldier RunningThe researchers analysed 16 different studies which contained information obtained from over one million persons. They placed subjects into four groups depending on their level of physical activity, ranging from the least active group (those who obtained less than five minutes per day of exercise) to those who spent over an hour on their favourite sport or workout. Their findings showed that between 60 and 75 minutes of moderate intensity exercise ever day were enough to prevent an increased risk of early death associated with sitting for over eight hours daily. However, they also found that three-quarters of the people in the study failed to achieve this level of daily exercise.

Most of us manage to practice our favorite sport at least two or three times a week but how can we get an hour of exercise a day, bearing in mind all our competing responsibilities (work, family, etc.)? The researchers recommended making a daily effort, even if this simply involved taking a brisk walk at lunch time, cycling to work instead of catching public transport, and ensuring that weekends involved sport and outdoor recreation. “Better little than nothing,” they say, since even if you cannot accomplish a full hour daily, doing at least some exercise, can have a beneficial effect.

During the day, say doctors, we should also make efforts to move, so we are not sitting for extended periods of time. Within an office setting, there is much we can do. For instance, instead of communicating with colleagues by email or phone, we should get up and visit them. Talking in person can also strengthen bonds within the office and enhance team spirit. Think about having a ‘walking meeting’ next time, instead of sitting around a table. Why not head out into the Great Outdoors for your next brainstorming session, availing of the stress-busting effects of simply spending time in a green setting?

Those who have no choice but to sit behind a desk for various hours need to set (at least) hourly alarms, to remind them to get up off their desk and run up and down the steps, or at least perform calesthenic-type exercises, to enhance their circulation. There are many exercises which can be performed indoors with little or no equipment – perhaps just a mat fo squats, sit-ups or push-ups. These short breaks are also the perfect time to counteract bad posture or poor desk ergonomics by performing stretching exercises.

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They key to being physically fit, is establishing a positive relationship with exercise: making it a part of your everyday life, without setting unrealistic goals or embarking on an intense training program that you won’t manage to stick to. If you haven’t performed any exercise for a long time, ease into it by joining beginners’ classes and sports teams. Mindful based exercises such as yoga will help you increase your strength, flexibility and concentration, without overstressing your muscles and joints. Whatever you do, try to make sport as much fun as you can – there is nothing that will keep you committed more than an authentic enjoyment of working up a sweat.

Photos from Wikimedia Commons.

This is an article by Helen Cairns.

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The Sports Archives – NFL 2016 Mid-Season Breakdown

Posted on November 17, 2016 by aemery97

At this time of year, most parts of the United States are experiencing colder weather, but competition in the National Football League is about to turn up the heat! No matter who you might be rooting for this year or what you’ve already seen transpire over the course of this autumn, it is now time to take a mid-season review. In week 11 of this year’s general American football season, the team rankings for each division will now begin to shape what is to be expected in this year’s playoffs, leading all the way up to Super Bowl LI!

Important Team Rankings by League

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Image credit to google.com

Above, we can take a quick look at the current stats for each team. The graphic is split into 2 major columns of 4 blocks each, and each block is comprised of football teams in the American Football Conference (AFC) or the National Football Conference (NFC). Each of these conferences features 4 cardinal subgroups, which by extension, support 4 local teams. The current leader of each conference’s subgroup is depicted in 1st place with a bolded name (i.e. the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, etc.). At the end of the general season, the top player from each conference’s subgroup (North, South, East, and West) is selected to represent at the playoffs and to compete for a shot at the Super Bowl title. 2 Wild Card teams (teams with the next-best records in each conference) also compete in the playoffs.

This year, it would seems that the teams with the most commanding leads for their respective division are the New England Patriots, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens, the Houston Texans, the Dallas Cowboys, the Seattle Seahawks, the Detroit Lions, and the Atlanta Falcons.

Also worthy of recognition are the New York Giants, the Minnesota Vikings, the Miami Dolphins, and the Oakland Raiders, who are the 4 teams most postured at this time to take the 2 Wild Card for the NFC and the AFC, respectively.

Additional Rankings Info

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Left, the Super Bowl 50 logo, which substituted Arabic numerals out of tradition. Right, the new logo for 2017’s Super Bowl LI (a.k.a. Super Bowl 51).

As critical as it is to monitor the current rankings among the NFL teams, it is also equally (if not, more) important to conceptualize how these rankings could, potentially, change over the general season. Every team still has some games to win (or concede) before everything is decided for 2017. Note, however, that the “gap” between the Patriots and the Dolphins is larger to come back from than, say, that of the Raiders and the Chiefs. In fact, one game between Kansas and Oakland could completely change the remaining map of the season!

It is important to keep in mind that, no matter how sound or plausible a speculation is, the predicted lineup of teams for the playoffs could change very easily. Thus, hypothesize at your own risk and watch the rest of the season unfold diligently, game-by-game!

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The Sports Archives – Cubs Win! Overview of the Baseball Curse

Posted on November 10, 2016 by aemery97
where-will-you-be-chicago-cubs

Wrigley Field, home of the cubs, remained steadfastly hopeful in the years leading up to the 2016 World Series, and rightfully so, because it finally happened!

A historical moment in U.S. baseball history took place just about a week ago, drawing the 2016 MLB World Series to a close. In an outrageous 10-inning finale to a heated set of 7 games, the Chicago Cubs claimed victory against the Cleveland Indians with a score of 8-7. The success of Chicago’s resident team came down to a steadfast, committed defense during extra innings, and Cleveland was unable to catch up after the champion team claimed 8 runs in the midgame. Some may claim that the Cubs could not have cut this win any closer, but there are those who will tell you that this year’s outcome for American baseball was nothing short of destiny. With over a century separating the Cubs’ most recent victory in Major-League Baseball and the last occurrence of a World Series win for the team, avid fans and sports enthusiasts across the nation are acknowledging the events of this past November 2nd as evidence that (at least for the Chicago Cubs) “the curse has been lifted.”

“Bewitched Baseball”: What is the Curse?

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Quite evidently, this “curse culture” is alive and infamous in the realm of Major-League Baseball. on the bright side, however, the Chicago Cubs no longer have to worry about their own!

            In sports (largely professional), a team that experiences an era of consistently below-average statistics and/or poor performance can be considered “cursed.” There is little tangible evidence that supports the idea that an external force is plaguing the team or causing it bad luck, but by observing the team over a period of time, particularly one that otherwise has a good record, a simple graph would propose a less-than-random event is present. Why would a team that is normally good suddenly have terrible competitive performance? Furthermore, how could the team not bounce back after a prolonged period of time? These questions back the theory of the curse. But this phenomenon is not simply a concept that “explains” a sports team’s dry spell. It can also play a significant role in social culture.

Some consider the notion of a curse quite seriously, while others see it as metaphorical and symbolic. Many deny the very idea that the universe would supposedly “have it out” for a sports team. However, in prolonged periods without major or affirmable success, allegations that a sports team is cursed can begin to suggest more than just extensive bouts of bad luck.

            Historical Instances of the Curse in American Baseball

 

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The Cubs won after a dry spell lasting more than a century. The events of this past season are unforgettable history in the making!

            While likely the most recent/popular curse to date, the Cubs are certainly not the only case. Other historical instances in American baseball that suggest the presence of a curse include the brutal “Curse of the Bambino” between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. In 1920, the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees. The Red Sox had won four World Series in the previous eight seasons. Since this trade, however, the Yankees won 26 titles and the Red Sox won 0. The curse lasted until 2004, where it was broken after the Red Sox beat the Yankees to the World Series and won the pennant against the Cardinals. Another famous curse in history that has not yet been broken is actually afflicting the Cleveland Indians, who came close to breaking it this past season. After a poor trade involving Rocky Colavito in 1960, the Indians didn’t make the playoffs for 30 years. The team has yet to seal a win at the World Series, thus “preserving” this curse for now, but they did make land 2nd place this year!

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