The Sports Archives – A History Of Rugby League!

Posted on June 10, 2014 by thesportsarchives

RugbyWith the First Utility Rugby Super League in full swing, the centuries old debate concerning the differences between Rugby League and Rugby Union again comes to light. So, why do two versions of the same sport exist and what are the fundamental differences?

Conception

Rugby League came about when clubs in the North of England broke away from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in 1895. The clubs wanted to compensate their working-class players for time spent away from work because of rugby tours and injuries. When the RFU refused, the Northern Union (NU) made changes to set itself apart from rugby union. Similar schisms occurred later in Australia and New Zealand in 1907.

First match

The first international Rugby League match took place in 1904 between England and an Other Nationalities team, mostly made up of Welsh players. The Northern Union initially stuck to RFU rules but the first change, awarding a penalty for a deliberate knock-on, came into practice during the first season of the new game.

Continue reading →

Posted in Rugby | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sports Archives – There’s Software For Coaching Now!

Posted on June 6, 2014 by thesportsarchives

Half of everything is luck, and this is no different in coaching.  You can be the best coach in the world, but sometimes, something is wrong, and you can’t always out your finger on it, and I am sure everyone can understand the frustration that such a scenario brings about.  Sports coaching is a lot like owning a car; everything can be great on the surface – the headlights are working, the engine’s running soundly, and the tires are so full of air that they’re practically bouncing… but for some reason, you’re still leaking oil whenever you put the clutch down.

Sometimes it’s the problems that you can’t see that are causing you the most drastic problems.  Whether it’s something going on deep within the engine that only a particularly sharp-eyed mechanic could understand, or just the tiniest screw that needs tightening, sometimes there’s just no way of telling!  And here’s where coaching software comes in.

Optimisation of particular athletes’ abilities

Gretl ScreenshotCoaching and performance software has the ability to tap into a huge central database of tens of thousands of athletes worldwide, from a whole host of different disciplines.  It’s not that simple, though; the software logs more than physical information; it also logs ability and performance, which is then cleverly collated with factors such as age, physical features – everything right down to their date of birth.  The software then feeds back with information sourced from tens of thousands of different places, to accurately pinpoint exactly what you could do to make the most of the abilities of each of your individual athletes.

Continue reading →

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Sports Archives – The Ultimate Motorcyclist Jargon Buster!

Posted on June 2, 2014 by thesportsarchives

When learning to become a motorcyclist, you need to master more than your theory and driving. The motorcycle world is its own community, and with it comes a lot of jargon that can be difficult to understand.

No, they aren’t talking in another language, it’s just terms that one day you’ll be chatting too. But to help you overcome this apparent language barrier, we’ve come up with an ultimate motorcyclist jargon buster that covers the key things you should know.

(Image Source: Renjith Sasidharan)

Kitting Yourself Out

Gore-tex isn’t the name of the latest sci-fi movie hitting the cinemas, it’s the only waterproof fabric you’ll need to stay warm and dry whatever the weather. High quality and breathable, it’s designed to be comfortable and practical. Invest in some gore-tex gear before you take your motorcycle test, oh and don’t forget a skid lid or a brain bucket…. That’s a helmet to you.

You should wear ATGATT when riding a motorcycle, an acronym that means all the gear, all the time. So purchase your helmet, gloves, vest, trousers and boots when learning to drive a motorcycle. Drivers who don’t wear their gear are known as squids or worse, organ donors.

Want to look the part when out on your bike? If you become part of a biking community, you’ll inevitably end up with patches sewn onto your jacket, whilst those cloth head coverings that so many motorcyclists wear are known as do-rags.

Continue reading →

Posted in Motorsports | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Sports Archives – Longtime Sports Rivals That Fans Love To Debate!

Posted on May 30, 2014 by thesportsarchives

Babe Ruth Steel CardIt is not unusual to find rivals in sports. Most of the time it is between teams, such as the long-standing rivalry between the NFL’s Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys, the MLB’s New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, or the NHL’s Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens.

But rivalries are not limited to professional leagues. One famous college rivalry, “The Iron Bowl”, takes place any time the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers go head to head. When it comes to World Cup soccer, the USA and Ghana are long-time rivals.

Sports Rivalries Exist on All Levels

From little league to college teams to professional leagues to the Olympic Games, any time there are two sides competing there is a chance of a rivalry. Generally this takes place when competitions or games are widely broadcast between two teams that meet on a regular basis.

However sometimes sports rivalries are less generalized, and take place between to specific players. Individual rivalries have existed for as long as people have been playing sports. With so many rivalries associated with athletics, of course fans find some more appealing than others.

The Most Notable Rivals in Sports

Sports rivalries can turn otherwise mature adults into something similar to children on a playground. Here are seven of the most notable rivalries in sports history across a wide range of athletic events and competitions.

Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball, Basketball, College Football, Football, Golf, Hockey, Horse Racing, Motorsports, Olympics, Other, Soccer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sports Archives – New Soccer Ball For World Cup 2014!

Posted on May 29, 2014 by thesportsarchives

The 2014 World Cup will be starting soon and with it comes a newer and better ball from the folks at Adidas.  If you remember, players were not too happy with the 2010 World Cup ball called “Jabulani”.  The new ball is named “Brazuca”, a term used to describe the Brazilian national pride and Brazilian way of life centered around the game of football.   The name is a symbol of Brazilian emotion and goodwill to all which Pele himself could have been a spokesperson for and fits perfectly for the host nation, Brazil.

Physics

The physics of a soccer ball in flight, like any other object, is subject to the amount of drag it experiences.  The less interaction of outside forces, the more aerodynamic the flight of the ball.  Similar to cars and planes aerodynamically designed for better performance due to methods used to reduce friction, Adidas has crafted a new ball that has been tested to outperform its predecessor.

Jabulani Failure

2010 JabulaniThe Jabulani which could have been called the Jabu-land-anywhere was composed of eight panels (six less than the ball used in 2006 World Cup) that were thermally bonded and three-dimensional.  The surface was smooth and textured with grooves designed to improve aerodynamics.  Herein lies the problem, the smooth surface allowed air to break away from the surface in such a way that any wind would greatly impact the ball trajectory.  Many players complained of how the Jabulani would break unpredictably in the air.  Players of the likes of Luis Fabiano, Lionel Messi, Robinho and even Argentina Coach Diego Maradona had harsh criticism of the Jabulani.  However Portugal Coach Carlos Queiroz stated how much he loved the ball after his team’s pounding of North Korea 7-0 in the second round of the group stage!

Continue reading →

Posted in Soccer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Sports Archives – An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Skiing!

Posted on May 27, 2014 by thesportsarchives

Downhill skiing is a sport that provides people of nearly all ages a great source of pleasure and excitement. For many, there is something special about downhill skiing. For those who would like to learn how to ski, here is a brief guide that will highlight various necessities in skiing downhill.

Ski Gear

Having the right ski gear and clothing will make hitting the slopes much easier. Purchasing skis is a great way to go since it can easily be maintained, and the material does not have the wear and tear that can prevent a skier from having a terrific experience out of the slopes. A boot must have a snug fit, but not a tight fit. After all, the boots are designed to absorb a lot of pressure, as an individual is making various twists and turns. Brackets attach the boots to the skis. A ski store can do this type of work. Ski poles are next. Make sure the handle of the pole comes up a few inches above the elbow. One of the challenges concerning ski gear is transporting it to a ski resort, mountain or slope. A great way to overcome this problem is to ship skis to the destination. There are many companies that specializes in this type of work.

Apparel

Once the gear has been chosen, it is time to carefully consider what apparel to have when on the slopes. A warm hat is one of the first items that needs to be addressed. Look for a hat that is designed to keep a head warm, but can keep it cool when an individual is sweating profusely. In addition to this, consider the type of gloves that will be worn. Gloves need to keep the hands warm, and this is especially vital to have when temperatures can dip below zero. Although some overlook eye gear, this can be very important. Eye gear, which some refer to as goggles, allows a skier to be able to identify small and large changes in the hill that may not be easy to see by the naked eye. Eye gear is especially beneficial when it is snowing or windy. A ski jacket is very important. Look for one that is waterproof and is made to endure cold temperatures. Ski pants are always appropriate, but not vital on the slopes. Many Internet stores feature apparel and gear useful for this type of activity.

Continue reading →

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Sports Archives – The Origin of Football (Soccer)!

Posted on May 23, 2014 by thesportsarchives

England playing Scotland in a representative match in 1872 at The OvalFootball, or Soccer as we say in America, is the world’s most popular sport.  The game, which originated as a folk custom in eleventh century England, has evolved steadily and now transforms the entire globe into a battle for bragging rights every four years during the venerable World Cup Tournament.

Legend has it (and from a few football historians) that between 1018 and 1042 after the Danish invasion of England, workers discovered the head of a Danish soldier to which they began to ‘kick’ around.  Thus, the game of ‘Kick the Dane’s head’ was started and later on, the ‘head’ was substituted with an inflated cow’s bladder.

Early football games resembled riots as two opposing villages would attempt to kick the ball into the center of the rival village.  A picture of rugby without the use of hands comes to mind with mobs of villagers pushing the ball through.  The game became more refined in the twelfth century and was played on vacant lots where rules were eventually drawn up.

Continue reading →

Posted in Soccer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Sports Archives – Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Top 5 Ballparks in the US!

Posted on May 20, 2014 by thesportsarchives

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime for good reason. There’s nothing more iconic than catching a game during the summer and watching your favorite players take the field while eating hot dogs and drinking lemonade. However, some stadiums are more iconic than others, here are the top five that you need to visit.

Yankee Stadium in New York City

Yankee StadiumYankee Stadium is iconic, even given its evolutions. The Yankees are simultaneously one of the most loved and hated teams in the league, and they’ve earned both of those reputations. Even the new stadium has elements of history, and fans have seen both their dreams come true and their worst nightmares realized.

Fenway Park in Boston, MA

Fenway ParkFenway’s Red Sox play a dramatic part in the love of and loathing toward the Yankees. The rivalry between the two, dating back to the Babe, keeps fans going. In addition to being the oldest park in the country, Fenway is home to all sorts of traditions. Boston is one of the best places to live if you love all things baseball, and the team attracts the kind of support that brings fans together.

From the Green Monster (an icon in its own right) to Pesky’s Pole (responsible for both miraculous and tragic home runs) to the red paint denoting the spot where Ted Williams hit the longest home run ever smashed at the park, the stadium is full of baseball history. You won’t forget what it’s like to sing “Sweet Caroline,” with an entire stadium, either.

Continue reading →

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

The Sports Archives – The Benefits of Playing Sports!

Posted on May 17, 2014 by thesportsarchives

It Pays To Play!

We all like the fun and competition of participating in and following our favorite sports.  But aside from the amount of enjoyment we get; there are many more benefits that can be reaped from playing sports in our youth and continuing on as we get older.  The following is a  quick list of the benefits of playing sports followed by a more in-depth infographic.

Enjoy reading, playing and staying thirsty!

Some Benefits of Playing Sports:

  • Lowered Risk of Heart Disease and Breast Cancer
  • Stress Relief
  • New Friendships
  • Stronger Muscles
  • Higher Mental Awareness
  • Working As A Team
  • Self-Discipline
  • Self Respect and Higher Self Esteem
  • Better Overall Fitness

Related Blogs:
Getting Fit by Playing Indoor Football (Soccer)!
Why Playing Table Tennis is One of the Best Things You Can Do!
The Benefits Of Soccer Camp For Kids!

Sports Benefits InfographicSource:  sports-management-degrees.com

 

 

 

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

The Sports Archives – Three of the Most Financially Responsible Professional Athletes !

Posted on May 8, 2014 by thesportsarchives

If it bleeds, it leads. That’s the tenet of many media organizations when deciding which stories to report on first. Our society focuses on the negative; international conflicts, murderers, serious crimes, famous people making huge mistakes, the list goes on. Rarely do we read or hear about a story that makes us feel happy about life and about the good things people do for others. It’s the same way with sports. You’d be much more likely to hear about Kobe Bryant’s adultery case than you’d hear about the children’s hospital Peyton Manning funded himself. It’s just the way it goes. When it comes to athletes and their personal finances, we tend to focus so much attention on the athletes that blow their entire paychecks in nightclubs, make egregious purchases on impulse, or go into major debt and fail to recover after poor investments. Let’s look on the brighter side of this and focus more on the athletes who have been intelligent in regards to their spending and investment habits.

In 2009, Sports Illustrated estimated that 60% of NBA players go broke within five years of retirement and 78% of NFL players go broke within two years. How can these players go broke so quickly after making millions upon millions of dollars? Many do, the smart ones don’t.

Magic Johnson

In 2003, Johnson met with Nancy Pelosi to discuss federal assistance for those with AIDS.The model of financially efficacious athletes, Magic Johnson’s net worth is over $500 million. He owns a movie studio company, owned then sold a chain of Starbucks, and owned then sold a percentage of the Los Angeles Lakers, gaining him around $50 million alone.

In 2012 Johnson (and others) purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2 billion. Recently Magic has considered purchasing the Los Angeles Clippers as well.

Continue reading →

Posted in Basketball, Football, Other | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments