The Sports Archives – Kansas is No. 1 for a Second Time this Season; the First School to Reach the Top for a Second Stint

Posted on March 12, 2016 by thesportsarchives

ncaa-basketball-big-12-kansas1When this week’s college basketball rankings were released, the Kansas Jayhawks were the top-ranked team in the country. By being ranked number one, the Jayhawks became the first team this season to achieve the top ranking in the polls twice. Their return to the top of the college rankings also improved their online March Madness sportsbook odds.

Despite the team’s return to the top of the rankings, they are still behind Michigan State in terms of how long they have been ranked at the top of the college basketball polls. The Spartans have held the top spot in the rankings for four weeks, which is one more week than Kansas has. Oklahoma and Villanova have also been the top-ranked team in the country for three weeks while North Carolina and Kentucky have held the position for two weeks.

With six teams holding the top spot this season, the record of seven teams being ranked number one in one season that was set during the 1982-1983 season could be broken if another team is ranked number one before the end of the season.

Kansas has been the top-ranked team in the polls 60 times, which moves them into fifth place in the all-time list behind North Carolina (113 weeks), Kentucky, (115 weeks), Duke (127 weeks), and UCLA (134 weeks).

While the Kansas Jayhawks were moving up the rankings, the rest of the top 10 teams struggled during the past week. The top 10 teams in the rankings lost 10 games during the week, while the remaining 15 teams in the top 25 rankings lost only six games.

ncaa-basketball-big-12-kansas2

Some of the teams that benefitted from teams in the top 25 losing games this week include the California Bears, who returned to the top 25 thanks to a seven-game win streak. The Bears were 14th in the preseason polls and were ranked during the first two weeks of the season before dropping out. They are currently ranked 25th.

Notre Dame was ranked for six weeks during the season, but it came to an end this week when they dropped out of the top 25. The Irish were 1-1 during the past week, but the loss was a 21 point blowout at the hands of the Florida State Seminoles, which is something the voters couldn’t overlook.

The biggest movers in the rankings this week were Utah and Indiana. The Utes defeated Arizona State and Arizona during the week, helping them jump from #22 to #13 in the rankings. Indiana defeated Illinois in its only game last week and moved from #18 to #12.

The biggest drops of the week belong to Arizona and Iowa. The Wildcats lost to Utah and Colorado last week and fell from #9 to #18 in the rankings. Iowa lost to Wisconsin and Ohio State during the week and fell from #8 to #16 in the rankings.

Based on the rankings, the Big 12 Conference is the best college basketball conference right now. The Big 12 has six teams in the top 25; they are followed by the ACC and the Big Ten, which have five teams each. The Pac-12 has four ranked teams, the SEC and Big East have two teams each, and the American Athletic Conference has one.

Posted in College Basketball | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sports Archives – “Eddie the Eagle” and Ski-jumping

Posted on February 28, 2016 by aemery97
takeoff

Dangerous, but exhilarating!

Most people have a good understanding of skiing, but if you don’t, it is a sport, often recreational, that involves sliding across snow over hills and slopes with the assistance of “skis” – derived from the Norse expression “split piece of wood.” While skiing is a popular practice in its own right, popular derivations of the sport exist across the globe. Among the more popular variations is “ski-jumping” which, as the name suggests, involves an extreme build-up of force to effect a long jump.

Mechanics

6c93a3a6-959d-4c8b-a19b-ace54a7d0caf

The slope of the artificial ramp is specifically designed to ‘launch’ jumpers!

Ski-jumping and skiing feature enough differences to be regarded as completely separate sports. Perhaps the most notable discernment between the two is the addition of a “launch ramp.” The launch ramp is a necessary element of ski-jumping, as it provides participants with the means to generate momentum for a jump. Another difference between skiing and ski-jumping is tied to the skis themselves – those used for jumping are specially constructed to be wider and longer than normal skis in the interest of safety. Due to its extreme nature, ski-jumping is almost always presented in a competitive environment.

History

In contrast to most other sports, the origin of ski-jumping can be traced with surprising accuracy. In the early 1800s, ski-jumping emerged as a demonstration of courage in Eidsberg, Norway. By the mid-1800s, it had been formalized into a modern, competitive sport. Naturally, any sport that involves launching one’s self a great distance and altitude with minimal protection is exhilarating, entertaining, and very dangerous, and safety continues to be a priority and a concern, particularly in the competitive environment.

The “Legend” of Eddie Edwards

eddie1-450630_v7ufoa

The story of “Eddie the Eagle” was scheduled to hit movie theaters in February of 2016!

Michael Edwards was born in December, 1963. With a natural talent for downhill skiing, Edwards went on to pursue competitive ski-jumping and eventually became the first person to represent Britain in Olympic ski jumping. What makes Edwards’ story so unique is the path he took to his dreams; he was unable to qualify for Britain’s Olympic skiing team, and as a result, decided to take his dream a step further. How? By pursuing jumping instead.

The qualification requirements for ski-jumping would seem to be easier for Edwards, as there was much less competition in his way. However, many other pitfalls would work against him – his poor vision, his weight, and his lack of sponsorship meant that he would literally have to reach for the stars to accomplish his goals.

“Eddie the Eagle’s dream” would be realized, however! In 1987, as the sole participant, he would represent Britain in the World Championships, and his performance there would carve him a path to the 1988 Winter Olympics. In his career, Edwards set records for ski jumping in the United Kingdom and, to this day, his legacy is a symbol of how many things may stand in the way of one’s dream, but with perseverance, nothing can truly stop them!

Posted in Olympics, Other | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Sports Archives – Retirement in Professional Sports

Posted on February 26, 2016 by aemery97
bigpapi

David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz will retire at the end of 2016 at the wholesome age of 40. While this would be quite low for any ordinary job, for athletes, it is actually in the higher margins!

In November of last year, David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox publically announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2016 season. A renowned left-handed batter known infamously for his power-hitting abilities, Big Papi has indeed come a long way in his professional baseball career. In 2004, he played a major role in the Red Sox’s World Series victory (the first in nearly a century) and completed 2015 with a solid record of 37 home runs (among them, his career 500th) and over 100 runs-batted-in. Now, at 40 years of age, Ortiz has expressed his desire to conclude his career as an all-star athlete and begin a new chapter of his life.

In sports, player retirement is often a subject of much disappointment among fans and a necessary eventuality among players. Even the most gifted athletes will have to face it someday. Yet, as a marginalized component of professional sports with little bearing on the competition itself, retirement is not a commonly discussed topic amid sports enthusiasts. Are there rules? What happens to athletes afterwards? How does it work?

What Retirement Means

The first thing to be realized about retirement in professional sports is that no league is the same; salary plans differ in type and payout, and the requirements that must be fulfilled by each athlete in order to receive benefits are generally unique.

How the Big Leagues Do It

The NFL: The National Football League requires 3 credited seasons for an athlete to be eligible for full retirement benefits included in their pension plan. The minimum monthly payout for this pension is $200, but can potentially vary based on the number of years the athlete has been an active member of the league. Benefits will scale up to account for players in later years of the sport. The NFL also features a 401(k) program and an annuity plan as potential supplements.

1392832046000-2014-02-19-jeter-story

Derek Jeter, renowned baseball player for the New York Yankees, also retired recently in 2014. With such a career worthy of remembrance, even Red Sox fans cheered as he walked off the field from his last at-bat.

MLB: It is not uncommon for Major League Baseball athletes to retire in their 20s-30s. MLB’s retirement pensions are particularly generous. Players are only required to play for 43 days in the major leagues to be fully vested. With over 10 seasons, benefits rise to six-figures!

The NBA: The National Basketball Association provides retirement benefits to players that spend at least 3 years in service. The minimum age these pro-basketball players can begin collection their pension is at 50. However, the NBA extends benefits if a player does not collect until turning 62. Benefits grow per season active until capped at 11 seasons.

MLS: Perhaps the most dramatically different from most other major leagues, Major League Soccer’s pension plan is relatively new, only first being implemented in 2004, and permits its players to allocate an amount of their salary up to a cap set by the IRS. Some critics claim that the extent of MLS’s benefits fall short compared to other pro-sports.

The NHL: The National Hockey League requires players to play 160 games to be eligible for a pension of about $50,000 in 2012. However, as with many other professional sports organizations, this can scale based on service.

team-sports2

Retiring from professional sports is often difficult, especially for those with an enduring passion for the game.

Other professional sports leagues also have varying plans. One thing, however, is certain: a professional career in sports normally does an excellent job of seeing each of its players through financial stability later on in life.

Posted in Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Other, Soccer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Sports Archives – A Brief History of Peyton Manning

Posted on February 22, 2016 by aemery97

This past year, the Denver Broncos claimed the 2016 Super Bowl, tasting victory in the National Football League championships for a 3rd time, and this win certainly could not have been achieved without one of the most renowned quarterbacks in the history of American football leading the charge – Peyton Manning.

Early Life

ul_Manningfamily+Z

Peyton Manning (right) with his father, Archie (center) and brother, Eli Manning (left). The NFL runs in this family!

Manning was born in March, 1976 amidst a “football family” in New Orleans, Louisiana. The son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and middle child of 3 boys, Peyton was no stranger to a passion for competitive sports, even before his professional career. His path to fame and recognition could only be fate. In his adolescence, Manning began to make a name for himself during his time at Isidore Newman High School. His natural talent for football helped him guide his team to a 34-5 record and he was widely recognized as a top ranking recruit at the conclusion of his high school career.

In contrast to many high school football players, Manning did not end his involvement in competitive sports after graduating. Instead, he enrolled as a student at the University of Tennessee in the mid-1990s and continued to excel at football. His childhood experience, exceptional wit and ambitious drive allowed him to rapidly develop a reputation in his 4-year college career.

            Going Pro

Becoming a professional athlete is often romanticized as a straight-shot to fame and fortune. Sadly, as few as 1% of all college players will truly have a shot at a professional career. Courtesy of his record and superior skills, it should be no surprise that Peyton Manning made this cut. In 1998, fresh out of his college football career, Manning was drafted first overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts and had a rather rough, difficult first season. However, he wasted no time in establishing a “groove” and consistently kept the Colts in high ranking for several more years.

peyton-manning-colts-broncos

As of this year, Manning is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, but his professional career began and ran with the Indianapolis Colts for several years.

Manning is certainly one of the more noteworthy pro-football players in history. In 2003, he won his first NFL “MVP” Award in 2003, and in less than 10 years, has managed to achieve it an additional 4 times, making him the first NFL player in history to do so. He has also claimed 2 Super Bowls, the most recent being that of the 2015 season. Along with these exceptional recognitions, Manning also boasts a cumulative 70,000+ passing yards and over 5,000 completions. His extraordinary record has left his name on the lips of millions as one of the greatest professional quarterbacks of all time!

            Manning Today

Peyton Manning’s most recent accomplishment is the success of the Denver Broncos at the NFL’s 50th Super Bowl. After claiming a decisive victory against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC championship round, Manning carried his team into a final successful game in Levi’s Stadium against none other than the Carolina Panthers. The success of the Broncos in 2015 was the team’s first championship win in over 15 years.

Posted in Football, Other | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sports Archives – NASCAR: Anatomy of the Machine

Posted on February 18, 2016 by aemery97

Automotive racing can be a perplexing sport, as the competitive aspects of it do not appear to test human faculties compared to most other professional-tier sports. However, its tremendous popularity certainly verify that it is an international phenomenon in sport-related entertainment. The facets of auto-racing that make it unique revolve around how it pits competitors against each other. In a simplistic sense, auto-racing is surprisingly akin to chess; both activities center on the performance of the individual, and that performance is measured against another’s will and patience. It also requires focus, mental stamina, and strategy above sheer physical endurance. The “mechanical” aspect of auto-racing is left to the vehicle itself. Interestingly enough, a prominent side effect of dividing up the BuschSeriesFieldAtTexasApril2007psychological and the physical aspects of racing between man and machine is the impact it has on the rules of the sport. After all, if all of the “heavy-lifting” that accompanies a sport is to be handled by a machine, careful restrictions and regulations must be implemented to prevent significant advantages from being unfairly achieved and exploited, particularly in a professional environment. Thus, when it comes to stock car racing, it is not unexpected that the most critical rules often revolve around the vehicle, not the driver.

Fuel Tank Regulations

All stock cars are required to operate with a 22-gallon gasoline cell. Apart from the obvious reason of preventing any unfair advantage in size, this standard is strictly enforced to ensure strategic driving will contribute to a solid win. In day-to-day driving, optimum gas mileage is a nice thing, but most people don’t place much importance on it. When it comes to auto-racing, on the other hand, precise calculations on the weight and usage of gasoline are critical and often necessary for success. After all, fuel acts as more weight on a car chassis until it’s actually burned for energy, and the emptier a vehicle’s tank, the less power it requires for acceleration. The constant fluctuation between weight and thrust can be tricky to manage at breakneck speeds!

Engine Power and Attributes

v0wahsru9c2dexvhgqr7jwzrwbfaetgzAny engine used in NASCAR racing are equipped with (and required to boast) 8 cylinders and pose a considerably resilient frame; this is to ensure that it can respond to the strenuous demands not commonly found on civilian roadways. In recent years, the parameters of an acceptable racing engine have been seeing more restrictions. For example, the upper limit of engine capability, according to the official 2015 NASCAR news release, can no longer exceed 725 horsepower. Those in favor of this change hope that a reduction in engine power outputs will leave more up to the skills of those in the driver’s seat, and argue that as a professional sport, even racing should strive to put as much variability in the hands of the person competing.

The Safety Harness and “Roll Cage”

While the exterior of most NASCAR racing vehicles is adorned with the logos of sponsors, flashy accessories, and the racer’s signature number, the cockpit is a bit more neglected. Racing vehicles are not built to carry extra passengers and generally forgo the comforts and luxuries reserved for regular vehicles. However, one component of every NASCAR racer that is not found in any general-public models is a heavy-duty safety harness, which substitutes air bags and conventional seatbelts. The harness is designed to cradle the driver and, for obvious reasons, does not provide much wiggle-room. In addition to this fortified pilot seat, surrounding the main cabin of every racer is a “roll cage” – a skeletal frame, usually made of steel piping, which acts as a driver’s first line of defense in the event of a crash. The fast-paced, frantic nature of auto racing goes without saying, but all vehicles are designed as much for safety as they are for success.cot.384

Downforce

Aside from the fuel tank, engine, and the framework of the car’s chassis, pretty much every other piece of automotive hardware in a racing vehicle is designed for two basic purposes: maximum drivability and minimum drawbacks. The shape and design elements of a NASCAR racing machine are designed to channel downforce – a specific type of kinetic force that effectively weighs the car into the ground without actually making it heavier. Downforce is a critical part of what keeps the aerodynamic powerhouses from flying out of control on the track. When harnessed stably, downforce can improve the handling of vehicles at higher speeds.

Posted in Motorsports, Other, Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sports Archives – Personal and Athletic Health: Regulating F, C, & P

Posted on February 2, 2016 by aemery97

What is F, C, & P? Why, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, of course! The human body is an organic machine, and its fuel comes directly from one of these three sources. A solid understanding of how each of these substances interacts with the human body is necessary to leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle. In athletics, having the right kind of energy at the right times is vital to maintaining strength, endurance, and wellbeing. Examining how fat, carbs, and protein are broken down for use and how they each represent a unique form of nourishment in the body can help in deciding “which” and “when”.

understandingcarbs-365x285

Most people attribute carbohydrates to grains and starches (including complex food products comprised of them, like bread). However, fruits and vegetables are often an even better source of carbohydrates, both simple AND complex.

Carbohydrates

            Of the three main forms of energy, carbohydrates are identified as that which burns in the body the fastest. When consumed, these molecules are converted into what is generalized as the term “sugars.” There are two main types of carbs: simple and complex. Simple carbs are small, basic molecules that can be absorbed very quickly, and complex carbs are larger “chains” made up of many of these simpler molecules.

In the context of dietary impact and athletics, carbohydrates immediately provide the energy the body needs for strenuous physical activity, but if they are not absorbed shortly after being consumed, the body will store them as fat instead. As a result, people prone to long periods of inactivity are encouraged to “watch their carb intake” because they are not using what they are eating! Athletes, on the other hand, can benefit from high amounts of carbs before exerting themselves, which is where this form of energy comes in handy!

Proteins

proteinmolec1

A simplified graphic that demonstrates the relationship between amino acids and proteins.

            Proteins are molecules comprised of substances called amino acids. Amino acids are a vital component of bodily function, and while some can be “artificially” synthesized, many of the amino acids that humans need to survive cannot. Thus, protein must be acquired from food. Proteins are more complex than any type of carbohydrate, and as a result, are slower to be assimilated into energy.

The role of proteins as a component of the human body is not as direct as carbs or fats. Amino acids are required to repair and fortify most human cell tissue. This is why athletes who are working to gain muscle mass are encouraged to consume more protein than other people. However, if a person is not getting enough energy from food or stored fat, proteins are the next to be burned for energy. Protein’s flexibility and restorative qualities make it a “friend” to athletes everywhere.

Fats

protein-carbs-fats

Protein most often comes from meat and animal sources, carbs from starches and plants, and fats from nuts and healthy oils. However, there are food items that break these patterns! Do not hesitate to seek them out!

            The final major form of energy for the human body comes in the form of fat. In modern society, any source of fat is stigmatized because of the adverse physical effects it can have in excess quantities. It is important to understand, however, that some fat is necessary for survival! Fat molecules are the most complex of the three energy types, and they are also used for several other bodily processes, including growth and hormone synthesis. They are also more efficient than proteins and carbs when the energy that they produce is weighed against quantity consumed. Unfortunately, the body stores excess nutrients as fat molecules because it is such an effective fuel source. Burning fat with exercise is a chore for the same reason.

Understanding the different forms of energy the body utilizes as nutrients is critical to leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Sadly, even in the world’s wealthiest countries, food options that contribute to physical fitness and wellbeing are sometimes difficult to find, let alone keep. However, a knowledge of what to look for in a meal is always beneficial, and it paves the way to an optimum, controlled living standard, and, in the case of an athlete, an ideal consumption plan that accomplishes fitness goals and maximizes performance!

Posted in Fitness/Wellness, Other | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sports Archives – Cricket: No, Not the Insect…!

Posted on January 29, 2016 by aemery97
Cricket

Wrong subject.

A candidate for peculiar names in the realm of sports, cricket is an international sporting activity, known most prominently among Eastern-Hemisphere nations. While perhaps not as world-renowned as baseball, cricket does share a few symbolic similarities with America’s pastime sport and is still recognized as one of the most entertaining sports across the globe.

Rules of the Game

Cricket features 2 competing teams, which are typically comprised of 11 players each. Throughout the game, one team is batting while the other is bowling; these postings are offense and defense, respectively.

For bowling, the team captain selects a player to be the ‘bowler’ – his role is like that of a baseball pitcher. 10 of the 11 bowling team members are charged with defending the field of play while the 11th ‘bowls’. This is similar to the mechanics of baseball, in that a single player is responsible for throwing a ball to initiate play.

In the case of cricket, there are 2 ‘wickets’ made up of 3 posts (called ‘stumps’) that face each other in the in-field. The batter of the offensive team stands at one wicket with a cricket bat (described as a wooden blade or paddle-shaped object), while the bowler stands opposite of him at his own wicket.

2000px-CricketBaseballBasic

An overarching view of a cricket field, compared to that of a standard baseball field. While trace similarities in gameplay may abound, the environment of the action is, quite clearly, not one of them.

The bowler’s objective is to over-hand ‘bowl’ the ball towards the batter’s wicket. A bowler delivers up to 6 balls before he must switch off with another member of the same team. This period is called an ‘over’, and the same bowler may not cover more than a single over consecutively. If the bowler hits the batter’s wicket, the batter is bowled out. If the ball misses the wicket, and just rolls out, the batting team automatically receives 4 ‘runs’ – these runs constitute the point system for the game.

The batter’s objective is to prevent the bowler from striking his own wicket. After each pitch, the ball can be struck into the outer reaches of the field, whereupon it will have to be returned to the infield by the other fielders on the team. The two members of offense that occupy the field continuously will, at this point in time, have the opportunity to tag in between each of the wickets to accumulate runs. However, in travelling between both wickets, both players are susceptible to being caught “out.” As a result, they may choose not to run and instead to remain ‘safe’ in proximity of one of the wickets.

history-of-the-cricket-bat

A progressive evolution demonstrating changes to the cricket bat’s size and shape over the years.

Each game of cricket consists of a set number of innings, each of which ends once 10 (all but one) players on the batting team have been eliminated from play. At this time, teams change roles and a new innings begins.

            History

Cricket is believed to have begun somewhere in Northern Europe, following the conclusion of the Roman Empire. Any sort of game that follows the principle “stick-strikes-ball” mechanic of multiple modern sporting activities has a common root in early sports. Historical evidence of cricket’s first mentions and gameplay occupy the mid-late 1500s, but over the last several centuries, it has refined itself and spread across the planet as a popular sport. In the mid-18th Century, the first written rules of cricket were established, but the game had been played less strictly for over 100 years prior to that. Over the years, rules and regulations were occasionally tweaked to provide for smoother, more logical gameplay instances and neatness of the sport.

            Popularity and Recognition

Pollock_to_Hussey

A closer view of cricket’s infield. The placement of the bowler, the batter, the two wickets, and the running track between them are clearly visible.

Contrary to what many may believe, the name of the sport has nothing to do with the insect of the same name and is, supposedly, derived from a variety of European roots that mean “stick.” Cricket is recognized quite prominently across the world, managed primarily via the ICC. The International Cricket Council is host to over 100 members worldwide, and is the organization responsible for most international cricket-related affairs and events.

Posted in Baseball, Cricket, Other | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sports Archives – NBA Draft 2016 – Who will be picked first?

Posted on January 28, 2016 by thesportsarchives

Deng shot

With less than 5 months to go until the NBA off-season, the teams are starting to get a good idea of who will be the big names in the NBA draft for this year. But the draft can be unpredictable at times, as last year proved with one of the most surprising drafts in decades.

Before we can really predict which player will be picked first in the NBA draft, we need to know which team will be picking first. But as the first three teams to pick are decided by a lottery system, it’s almost impossible to try to predict the outcome until. Although we can get a good idea of who the first 14 teams to pick will be, and although the worst performing teams get more of a chance of being drawn out first, it’s still near impossible to predict who will be picked in the top 3.

Last year as soon as factors like the draft lottery were decided, the odds of who will be picked first, second and third dropped massively. Last year as soon as the Minnesota Timberwolves were announced to have the first pick, the odds of Karl-Anthony Towns being picked first dropped massively on betting comparison sites like Betting Sports. The team had already shown a lot of interest in him and were true to their word and the young lad from Kentucky was last year’s first pick.

Despite the uncertainty about the team order, the bookmakers and the pundits are already making their predictions of who will be picked first. Of course if you’re impressing in college basketball, no matter what team is picked first you’ll have a good chance of being picked first. At this early stage in the season, there are already two players that are catching every team’s eye.

The first of those is LSU’s Ben Simmons, who at the end of January is averaging an impressive 20.6 points per game. There is a lot of pressure on the young 19-year-old forward who is already being compared to the likes of LeBron James. Despite his incredible performance, there’s also a lot of pressure on him to turn LSU’s fortunes around this season. Simmons is a big name in college basketball in more ways than one, as the freshman stands at a powerful six-foot ten and weighing 239 pounds. Some betting websites already offering odds as low as 3/10 that he’ll be the first overall pick before we even know who will be picking first.

The other name most teams will be keeping a close eye on is fellow forward Brandon Ingram. The freshman from Duke is almost as tall as Simmons at an impressive six-foot nine but weights over 40 pounds less at 196 pounds. Ingram has averaged 16.4 points per game up to January for Duke thanks to his big wingspan that he puts to good effect with his impressive shooting ability. Compared to the start of the season, Ingram has improved massively and was named as CBS Sports’ Freshman of the week both in December and January.

Many will be surprised if these two aren’t the first two picked in the NBA draft, but a lot can change between now and June. So keep an eye on those betting comparison sites, especially after the lottery has been drawn, for more confident odds on who will be picked first.

Posted in Basketball, College Basketball | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sports Archives – The Intricacies of Throwing a Football

Posted on January 26, 2016 by aemery97
728px-Throw-a-Football-Step-2-Version-2

While there is no “tried-and-true correct” way to hold a football, this set-up is among the most common, especially for beginners. Note that only the 4th and 5th fingers grip the lace.

The NFL’s 2016 Super Bowl is rapidly approaching, and players are still in the thick of competition to see which 2 teams will be representing this year. In any professional, competitive sport, players consistently demonstrate high-level playing mechanics and complex strategies as they work to systematically come out ahead of the opposing team, but much of the knowledge and awareness that goes into creating athletic “experts” is lost to a spectator. As a result, many people are often surprised that they are, themselves, unable to duplicate even what a true athlete makes seem like the simplest techniques on the field. Indeed, something that seems trivial (for example, successfully swinging a golf club) has much more that goes into it, and the all-stars that dominate professional sports are those that are able to maximize the impact of every move they make; this perpetual pursuit towards perfection is a principle of all great sports. But even the pros had to start somewhere. This article attempts to break apart a successful throw, examining factors such as power, precision, and practice…

Preparation: One of the Most Forgotten Procedures

Even if you do not plan on throwing a football around for long, it is still a good idea to warm up and prepare yourself. The art of properly throwing a football involves the entire body – not just the arms. As a result, thorough stretching is a must! Beginning with light physical activities – jogging, jumping-jacks, etc. – will provide muscles with energy and strength without putting too much stress on the body.

Technique: Setting up a Proper Throw

           

When attempting correct placement in the process of throwing, it sometimes help to imagine that one is “bracing a right triangle” between torso and forearm. The 90-degree angle formed between the forearm and shoulder increases stability and power during launch.

At first, a football can be large, heavy, and unwieldy for some; this makes technique all the more critical in managing and throwing it. The most fundamental manner of holding a football involves off-set placement of the hand away from the tip. The thrower should position their 4th and 5th fingers over the lace of the football, while the 1st and 2nd remain more towards the facing pointed end. In a proper grip, the fingers do all the work and the palm is risen off the surface of the ball. First-time throwers should avoid clamping excessively on the ball, as this can reduce the potency

the throw.

Technique does not end at hand placement! Immediately before the ball is tossed, the thrower should position his body at a right angle to his receiver. A high amount of force can then be generated by the thrower twisting his body, without any loss in accuracy.

Power: How to Maximize Distance

            The process of refining one’s throwing technique is predicated on a central motif; maximize power BUT with no loss to control. Indeed, precision is immensely important when it comes to throwing a football, but this does not necessarily mean that power is worth sacrificing!

bore_rifling_football

While it may be a crude realization, the mechanisms behind the spiral of a football and the spin of a bullet are not all that different in aerodynamic principle.

For the actual mechanics of generating power, the feat is, in fact, more related to physics than individual strength. The thrower should raise the ball at about the level of his head, so that his elbow and forearm make a 90-degree angle. He must then launch the ball in almost a “catapult”-like fashion. This will lead to a clean arc when the ball is released, and, provided the thrower’s finger placement was correct, the ball should fly accurately. A slight ‘snap’ of the wrist is what generates the spiraling motion that is characteristic of footballs, and the surging motion of the thrower’s entire body is what generates the optimum amount of force.

As a player gains more practice and experience handling a football, new throwing techniques are made available. However, the fundamentals will remain the same across all different types of passes, and will always be important to an elegant, successful throw.

Posted in Football, Other | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sports Archives – The Best Amateur Golf Tournaments In Ireland 2016

Posted on January 23, 2016 by thesportsarchives

northern ireland

Ireland is renowned as one of the top golfing destinations in the world. And, with its combination of top-class courses and breathtaking scenery, it’s little wonder that it’s so popular with golfers the world over. If you want to put your golfing skills to the test in 2016, why not enter one of the many amateur golf tournaments that Ireland has to offer? We’ve rounded up some of the best.

4th Social Media Open
18-23 April, 2016

Taking place in the South and South East of Ireland, the Social Media Open tournament offers the opportunity to play on some of the most beautiful links and parkland courses in the region, including Ballybunion Golf Club (Cashen Course), Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course), Dooks Golf Club and Tralee Golf Club. The tournament is open to both men and women, and play is in a pairs team format. Deadline for registration is 18 March, 2016.

The Down Spring Links Trophy
26-30 April, 2016

Now in its 18th year, the Down Spring Links Trophy takes place on three of the best courses in the Northern Ireland – Ardglass Golf Club, Kirkistown Castle Golf Club, and Royal County Down Golf Club. The event is open to men and women and, as well as competing to be crowned the Down Spring Trophy Champion, golfers also have the opportunity to win daily competitions and prizes, such as longest drive and nearest the pin. Entries close on 15 April, 2016.

12th Laois International Golf Challenge
15-20 May, 2016

A hugely popular and well-established tournament, the Laois International Golf Challenge welcomes golfers of all abilities and from many different parts of the world. Competitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, sociable environment and the opportunity to play on some of the best courses in Ireland’s Ryder Cup Region. Entries must be received by 29 April, 2016.

Donegal Links Classic
29 May-2 June, 2016

The Donegal Links Classic is one of the best known and most popular amateur golf tournaments in Ireland. Playing in a Singles and Team Stableford format, men and women competitors can enjoy three days of golf at the country’s most northerly course. The event is rounded off on the third day with a presentation evening. Submit your entry no later than 20 May 2016.

4th North West Open
30 June-4 July, 2016

In recent years, the Midlands of Ireland has grown in popularity as a golfing destination. Entrants in this competition will get to play on three of the best courses in the region – Slieve Russell Golf Club, Headfort Golf Club (New), and Farnham Estate Golf Club. Confirm your North West Golf entry by 3 June, 2016.

6th Atlantic Coast Golf Challenge
3-7 July, 2016

If you like to combine your golf with stunning views of the countryside and the Atlantic Ocean, then the Atlantic Coast Golf Challenge is definitely for you. The tournament is played on three fantastic links courses – Carne Golf Club, Enniscrone Golf Club and Co. Sligo Golf Club (Rosses Point) – and entrants benefit from a significant discount on the usual cost of playing on these courses. Enter by 3 June, 2016.

6th Two Sisters Golf Tournament
7-10 July, 2016

Taking place in the picturesque town of Kenmare on the Ring of Kerry, the Two Sisters Golf Tournament is a women-only event taking place over two days. As well as some first-class golfing, Kenmare golf course also offers fantastic views over Kenmare Bay and the nearby mountains. You must hold a current playing handicap to enter this event, and entries must be received by 24 June, 2016.

Lough Erne & Links Challenge
17-21 July, 2016 (TBC)

The Lough Erne & Links Challenge takes place in the Donegal and Enniskillen areas during peak season. The chosen courses for this tournament are Narin & Portnoo Golf Club, Donegal Golf Club (Murvagh Links), and the Faldo Championship Course at Lough Erne Resort – one of Rory McIlroy’s favourite clubs. The tournament is played in teams four, and there are opportunities to win individual and team prizes on each day of the competition. The deadline for entries is 1 July, 2016.

West Coast Challenge
4-9 September, 2016

This 72-hole tournament is played over Bundoran Golf Club, Donegal Golf Club (Murvagh Links), Strandhill Golf Club and Enniscrone Golf Club – some  of the top links courses on the West coast of Ireland. Located amidst rolling mountains and stunning sea views, this event offers a challenging test to even the most experienced golfers. The event is open to men and women, and must be entered by 12 August, 2016.

Great North Links Challenge
12-14 October, 2016

Taking place in Ireland’s winter season, and all the inclement weather that entails, this tournament is often seen as the ultimate test for amateur golfers. Taking place on Ballyliffin Golf Club (Glashedy Links), Royal Portrush Golf Club (Dunluce Links) and Portstewart Golf Club (Strand Course), this is an exciting and popular event, attracting over 300 entrants. Both men and women can enter this tournament, but must do so before 23 September, 2016.

When it comes to amateur golf tournaments, Ireland really does have something for everyone, no matter your golfing style or preference. However, if a tournament isn’t for you, don’t let that put you off visiting. An organised golf tour can help you to tailor a trip to your preferences and ability, helping you to full enjoy everything the Emerald Isle has to offer.

Featured images:
  •  License: Image author owned

Adrian Stanley is the founder of AGS Golf Vacations, which specialises in arranging golf tours to the home of golf.

Posted in Golf | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment