The Sports Archives – Skateboarding – The Early Years!

Posted on April 15, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Skateboarding is one of those sports that just oozes coolness and it has been doing so for quite a while. This article takes a brief look at where it started and why it became such a worldwide phenomenon

In The Beginning

1947 Fruit Crate SkateboardLegend has it that skateboarding was invented in California in the 1950’s, some surfers decided to swap their waves for solid ground. The early designs were said to be fairly cumbersome and not too attractive either. They were wooden boxes with roller skate wheels attached to the bottom, as you can imagine there were quite a few nasty accidents during these times. Eventually these boxes were ditched and small planks of wood were used as an improvement. At some point the planks were modified into pieces of pressed wood and skateboarding as we know it had begun.

High Times!

Skateboarding was at its peak in 1963, and there were several large competitions being held regularly. The big skateboard companies of this era were Makaha, Jack’s and Hobie, they would sponsor the events. The competitions were usually based on downhill slalom and freestyle events. The freestyle was akin to a dancing contest on the board whilst hitting some high speeds. The boards of this era were huge in comparison to the models favoured nowadays.

Crashed!

Skateboarding experienced a serious slump in 1965, and it seemed to disappear overnight like many other fads in the 1960’s. Many of the large board companies had to close down as nobody seemed to be bothered about boarding anymore. Youngsters who had the urge to go skateboarding were forced to make their own boards once more. People still dug this sport but it seemed to be destined to remain a minority sport for evermore.

Frank Nasworthy

In 1972 Frank Nasworthy invented urethane wheels, and this was a very important development and was a massive boost in the resurrection of this fabulous sport. These wheels allowed the skater far more control and speed in comparison to the old style roller skate medium.

1975

In the spring of this year, skateboarding suddenly exploded into the mainstream of teenage entertainment. There was a ground breaking show held in Del Mar that got the publics’ imagination and never let go of it. The Zephyr team proved to be the winners of the peoples’ hearts but the real winner that day was a piece of wood with four wheels!

Tricks

Up until 1978, most skating activities were centered around the downhill slalom and freestyle events.  A skater by the name of Alan Gelfand devised a move that allowed him to pop the board into the air. He did this by slamming his foot down onto the tail of the board whilst jumping into the air. This maneuver was known as the ‘Ollie’, his nickname, and started the ‘tricks’ repertoire that would soon sweep the world of skateboarding.

Tony Hawk McCallum ParkThe Fall and Rise..again

Skateboarding hit another world slump in the late seventies, and this was to last until the mid-eighties. The birth of VCR revived skateboarding and superstars like Tony Hawk were thrust into the publics’ eye once more.

When not obsessing over other sports, Jamie Strauss likes to keep up with the latest happenings in the world of skateboarding. He works at Fast Times Skateboarding, a company that sells one of the best skateboards in Melbourne. In his free time, he likes to blog about different sports.

Photo Credits:
http://www.radicalskatekids.com
Tony Hawk – Wikipedia

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The Sports Archives – Warm Weather Action Sports!

Posted on April 13, 2013 by thesportsarchives

As we spring our clocks ahead, our minds begin to fill with thoughts of the warm weather that lies ahead. Our yards will soon be in need of much TLC after a long, harsh winter. Spring break trips are being planned as well as longer summer vacations. For the cooped up action sports fan, warm weather means more chances to get out and enjoy their favorite sports.  From surfing to mountain biking and motocross, the warm weather provides the perfect climate to get the adrenalin pumping.  Here are three sports sure to make your summer fly.

Surfing

Big Wave SurfingSurfing has become increasingly popular in the United States, and surfers can be found riding waves up and down both coasts at all times during the year.  Despite the fact that surfers will brave the waves during the colder months, summer is when the sport really thrives.  People are more likely to enjoy “hanging-ten” when the cool water provides some relief from the heat, rather than a shock to the system.

Mountain Biking

There is perhaps no better way to enjoy the coming warm weather then with some extended time on the mountain. Whether you want to go for a hike or you prefer something a little more challenging, the mountains offer a little something for everyone.  Mountain biking is a sport that can be enjoyed by yourself or with your family and friends. Grab your bike, safety equipment, water bottle and snacks and hit the trails. There is nothing like the thrill that comes with barreling down a mountain full-force on your bike.  If you are looking for something a little less extreme, there are plenty of trails suited for a relaxing and scenic ride.

Motocross

MotocrossMotocross racing is another heart-pounding activity that can be carried out year round. However, if you would like to ride in the great outdoors, the warm weather is the best time of year. Participants in this sport need to be especially aware of the gear they choose to protect themselves during an event. Motocross pants, boots and goggles are just some of the equipment needed to keep riders safe.  The warm weather is also a great time to work on your bike outside.  There’s nothing like installing new motocross parts or giving your bike a tune-up while taking in some fresh air.

Warm weather means a chance to once again enjoy the outdoors. Find your preferred level of activity and go enjoy the sunshine!

Featured images:

Alyssa Golden is an avid blogger always looking to share her experiences and recommendations. She loves to travel, hike and surf. You can follow her on Twitter @madeofGolden.

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The Sports Archives – A Quick Primer Into Muay Thai Boxing!

Posted on April 12, 2013 by thesportsarchives

History

Muay Thai boxing, also known as the art of eight weapons, is a contact sport that was developed in Thailand and can be traced back close to a thousand years. As with most classical martial arts, the sport was not first developed as a sport but rather as a discipline through which learners could learn self-discipline, control, and the art of contact fighting and so on. Muay Thai therefore has its roots in Thai culture and lore.

The history of the discipline as a sport starts more recently, some few hundred years back when Thai kings and other monarchy used to organize religious and quasi-religious festivals where they would have Thai boxers come out and entertain the masses. Mainstream western Muay Thai boxing nevertheless came into the limelight only in the 20th century.

Thai Boxing - I

As globalization took shape and travel became easier, a lot of cross-pollination took place between classical Muay Thai combat and more competitive contact mixed martial arts combat forms. The result is the competitive Muay Thai boxing that we have today that no longer strictly adheres to the classical ideals of the discipline.

Skills

Muay Thai boxing is called the art of eight weapons because of the fourfold attack a combatant assumes: using the fists, elbows, knees and feet to target eight parts of the opponent’s body. The skills therefore needed in Thai boxing center on attack and defense using these four body parts. The shins are also an important part of the combat arsenal but these are similarly used as the feet to create various attack scenarios from the bottom up or laterally.

In order to be a successful combatant, the fighter must learn the art of attack-block-counterattack, which is the bedrock of the sport. Unlike in conventional boxing, for instance, where trying to wear down an opponent may be an option, Muay Thai boxing relies more on trying to knock out the opponent owing to the diversity of moves involved. Anticipation, mental acuity and conditioning are therefore absolutely essential in this sport.

Training

To achieve adequate conditioning and reflexive skills, fighters must engage in rigorous daily training to strengthen their bodies and harden their bones and muscles against the strikes of the opponent. All emphasis is laid on conditioning because it is a fighter’s ability to soak in the opponent’s punches and kicks and be able to retaliate when they least expect it that makes a sure winner.

On the other hand, conditioning also reduces the chances of getting soft tissue injuries while in the ring as well as increases the speed of recovery. One interesting type of training fighters engage in is bone strengthening. This is achieved by repeatedly hitting the shins or other bone structures against a very heavy and firm surface.

The bone sustains micro fractures which are filled up with bone material and this makes the bones denser and more rigid. This is how fighters are able to kick each other hard with their shins and be able to withstand the blows. This technique is also seen in bare knuckle fighters and conventional boxers who strengthen their hand bones trough repeatedly pounding them against a tough surface. Mental preparation also factors in but this is as varied as the specific training scenario. Most fighters however use sparring and dummy fights to prepare mentally.

As a contact sport

Bangkok-Muay Thai

As with many other contact sports, the people who get involved either professionally or as amateur fighters depend on a number of factors. For instance, in Thailand, most pro fighters come from the poorer sectors of society as the sport is seen as an escape from poverty. The opposite is true in the more affluent quarters where few if any become pro fighters.

More affluent persons do, nevertheless, get involved as amateur fighters and get involved mostly out of interest or for fitness purposes. Before any real fighting can be achieved, a significant amount of training must be first undertaken owing to the contact nature of the sport. The main governing bodies, which incidentally are the only governing bodies, are the International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur and the World Muay Thai Council.

To get involved in Muay Thai boxing, you must first find a gym or trainer well versed in the sport. With lots of training and conditioning, it is possible to take part in amateur fights. But besides this, the intense training also offers a good way to exercise and stay fit.

Featured images:

Scott Ryan is a fitness buff, martial arts enthusiast and music man who picks his music from Morris Brothers Music.

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The Sports Archives – Monster Energy Supercross!

Posted on April 11, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Ryan Villopoto SupercrossMonster Energy Supercross

Supercross has started to become more of mainstream sport and has even developed a bit of a snowball effect in the past few years. Increasing fans can be credited to live coverage on local television stations along with a push from sponsors and companies to take the sport to the main stage.

A brief history of Supercross:

Long before supercross there was motocross, which involved men and off-road motorcycles competing in a set number of laps around a natural terrain track. In the beginning of motocross there were no man-made jumps as the motorcycles were not equipped with today’s high-tech suspension.

In 1972 Mike Goodwin created the first ever supercross to help bring motocross to the public. This race was held at the Los Angeles Coliseum and was won by Marty Tripes at the age of 16. Unlike motocross, supercross is held in large stadiums and allows spectators to gather to watch the entire race in front of them.

Today the AMA supercross series consist of 15 races making its way from coast to coast. It is the 2nd largest motorsport following NASCAR, and is expanding to other countries such as Australia.

Ryan Villopoto

Ryan VillopotoEvery sporting event loves a comeback story. The comeback story of Ryan Villopoto starting in 2011 is one that is sure to be remembered for years to come.

In 2010, his second year of racing the premier class, Villopoto was in the lead and battling with Ryan Dungey when he came up short on a jump, bailed off the bike and broke his leg. It was a horrific crash that broke his tibia and fibula and required immediate surgery, removing him from the rest of the supercross season along with the outdoor circuit.

The 2011 season began with Villopoto coming out swinging and finishing 1st overall. He remained strong for the rest of the season until a bad night left the points leader out of the main event. This was the first time in over a decade that the series leader was unable to qualify for the main event.  Regrouping from the mishap at Jacksonville, Ryan was able to win the championship over Chad Reed by a margin of 4 points. He then went on to win that years outdoor motocross championship.

October of 2011 was the first ever Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas where if a rider won all three motos they would walk away with 1 million dollars. Villopoto did just that aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki.

In 2012, Ryan Villopoto again won the Supercross championship with a wide margin, but a mishap at Seattle left him out of the 2012 motocross series with a knee injury.

2013 is proving to be another great year for the Washington native as he currently sits atop the series standings with only four more races to go.

Ryan Villopoto will surely go into the records books as one of the greatest riders of all time.  At the young age of 24 this star is sure to win many more races.

Currently Ryan Villopoto is sponsored by Monster Energy Kawasaki, Atlas Braces, Go Pro, Monster Energy, Volcom, Thor, Oakley Motocross Goggles, Alpinestars, and Falken.

Photo Sources:

Racerxill.com
Mxlarge.com

Zack Smith is from Scottsville New York where he is actively involved in local motocross along with the action sports. He is the founder of Opticpulse and is dedicated to helping athletes find the right eyewear for every occasion. When not working he enjoys spending time with his family along with being active outdoors.

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The Sports Archives – Enjoy A More Skilled Approach To Football (Soccer) By Playing Futsal!

Posted on April 10, 2013 by thesportsarchives

FutsalIn the world of football it is recognised that two of the most skillful footballing nations are Brazil and Portugal. Many of these players from these countries have tricks, flicks and skills that can leave opposition players chasing shadows.

There are perhaps two fundamental reasons behind the skills of the players in these countries. One of which could be pointed at the almost unbridled passion that people have for the game of football. The other is that from youth level upwards teams play a version of the game called Futsal.

Many people believe that it is this format of the game that has influenced the skill levels of players from these countries. This blog post will take a closer look at how Futsal differs from other formats of the game.

What exactly is Futsal?

The first thing to know is that Futsal is essentially a version of five-a-side football. Indoor basketball or netball courts work well as Futsal pitches, with the dimensions being essentially the same. There are quite a few differences from its traditional five-a-side counterpart. However the biggest areas relate to the ball and the touch-line areas.

The official ball that is used is a size 4 which is one size smaller than the type that is used in both five-a-side and full size football. This heavier, smaller ball has been chosen because it delivers less bounce than the larger ones. Naturally with less bounce the ball stays on the ground more and as a direct result of this it demands a greater skill level from the participants. Whilst the ball is allowed to travel above head height, in most games of futsal it rarely does. Players prefer quick passing movements than longer punts up the field.

Kick-in to Restart Play

As discussed earlier the second biggest difference is that the ball is allowed to run out of play. Players who have regularly played five-a-side will know that the ball is always in play, with the exterior boards often being used to by-pass other players.

Futsal is significantly different in so much as once the ball has crossed the exterior lines of the pitch it is returned into play via the opposition kicking it in. These situations place an additional skill requirement, both on opposition players trying to force an attack and of course on the defenders.

Rolling Substitutions

In contrast to traditional five-a-side, all players are allowed to enter the penalty area. This means that the goalkeeper must be sharp and responsive to opposition attacks.

Additionally when it comes to substitutions, things are quite a bit different. Futsal features “rolling substitutions”, meaning that players are allowed to leave the field and subsequently return at a later stage.

Five Foul Limits

The originators of Futsal wanted to produce a game that required increased skill levels and less contact. As a result of this they introduced a five foul limit. Put simply this means that after the 5th foul the opposition team is given a direct free kick from 10 meters out. This kick works very similar to that of a penalty in so much as there is no opposition wall to block it.

Experienced players fully understand that several fouls can dramatically increase the chances of the opposition scoring. As a result they try their best to avoid shoulder barging and sliding tackles.

Catching Up

There is an increased following of this form of football in England. For many years, high-profile figures in the game have blamed the lack of progress in major football tournaments to a lack of passing ability in the national team. Whilst there is quite a lot of catching up to do to get on par with the skill that both Brazil and Portugal constantly demonstrate, headway at least is starting to be made.

Up and down the country more and more teams participate in Futsal leagues, which over time will help to raise the general skill levels of players. Older players seem to be more than happy to join in and make the transition from five-a-side. Many of the teams use replica shirts from their favourite teams. A growing number of them use services which allow you to create your own football kits to develop something a little more individual.

Lucas Conner is a writer who believes that futsal is a great training game for learning football skills. He suggests that participating teams should approach companies who help you to create your own football kits as this will make each player feel like part of the team.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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The Sports Archives – Fantasy Baseball: 2013 Top 10 Closers!

Posted on April 9, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Where you play daily fantasy sports or season-long fantasy baseball, you need to have a strategy. A good start is by having a list of the top players for each position. Here is a list of the top ten closers in MLB.

Craig Kimbrel 9-12-111. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

Kimbrel finished ninth in Cy Young voting in 2011 in his first year as closer. In 2012, he finished fifth, with a 1.01 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, 116 K in 62 2/3 IP and 42 saves. He is the top daily fantasy sports closer pick.

2. Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies

Papelbon has seven straight seasons of at least 30 saves. In his first year in Philly, he had a 2.44 ERA, 1.057 WHIP and 11.8 K/9, numbers consistent with his career marks of 2.34 ERA, 1.023 WHIP and 10.8 K/9.

3. Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds

As of mid-March, the Reds had not decided whether Chapman would continue as Reds closer or move into the rotation.  Here’s what he did in his first year closing: 38 saves, 1.51 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 122 K in 71 2/3 IP.

4. Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals

After taking over as closer late in 2011 and picking up five postseason saves, Motte took over the job in 2012, tying Kimbrel for the NL lead with 42 saves, along with a 2.75 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 10.8 K/9.

5. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

Before his injury-shortened 2012, Rivera had four straight seasons with a sub-2 ERA, sub-1.00 WHIP and an average of 40 saves per season.  Sure, he’s 43, but the usual rules don’t seem to apply to Rivera.

Mariano Rivera

Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees has recorded the most Saves in MLB History!

6. Rafael Soriano, Washington Nationals

Soriano did not get his first save until May 10, but finished with 42 saves and a 2.26 ERA after Rivera got hurt and David Robertson struggled as Yankee closer. Soriano put up even better numbers as  the Braves closer in 2010 and also closed successfully for the Rays in 2009.

7. Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers

After missing 2010 due to Tommy John surgery and struggling in his return in 2011, Nathan made the All-Star team as he returned to form with 37 saves, 2.80 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 10.9 K/9.  He had a 0.98 road ERA but 4.17 with 7 HR in 36 2/3 IP in Texas. Nathan turned 38 after the season.

8. Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays

Rodney had 48 saves with an 0.60 ERA and 0.78 WHIP. His K/9 was 9.2. But in Rodney’s previous four seasons, his lowest ERA was 4.24 and his lowest WHIP was 1.47. Rodney, now 36, has only one other season with at least 15 saves.

9. Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants

Romo had some great numbers in his first shot at closing: 1.79 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 10.2 K/9. But he only had 14 saves, since the Giants use more than one closer. The Giants relied on Romo in the postseason, though, and he got three saves in their World Series victory.

10. Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles

Johnson had a 2.49 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and an unbelievable 51 saves. Just as unbelievable – he did it with a 5.4 K/9 (Craig Kimbrel, by contrast, had a 16.7 K/9). But Johnson had similar numbers as a successful setup man in 2011 and doesn’t seem to have any real competition on the Orioles staff.

To learn more about how to play daily fantasy sports, click here.

Ben Hargrove writes on fantasy sports for a variety of sites, like DraftStreet.

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The Sports Archives – Bungee Jumping Basics

Posted on April 8, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Bungee JumpingAccording to those who have done it, there is no thrill to match the feeling of free falling from a high structure and then bouncing up and down on an elastic band attached to your ankles. Bungee jumping used to be something which was only done by gap year students traveling in places like New Zealand, but it’s growing in popularity with extreme sports fans of all ages and doing a bungee jump is a popular way of raising money for a worthy cause too.

History

Bungee jumping is a relatively modern invention, and the first jumps took place on the Clifton Suspension Bridge near Bristol. Leaping off bridges with a bungee cord attached isn’t exactly legal, so it’s no shock that the first jumpers were promptly arrested by the Police. This didn’t stop them trying again, on the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco, and the Eiffel Tower. The public gradually started to take notice of these daredevil feats, and through the 1980s and 1990s bungee jumping became almost a rite of passage for backpackers.

Equipment

The most important item of equipment is of course the bungee cord itself. The cord is basically a length of super stretchy rubber, covered in braided cord. This makes it stretchy yet strong at the same time. The jumper’s feet are secured using a special harness and then the cord is fastened on. Jumpers do not require any other safety clothing, but most reputable organisers will insist that the jumper wears some sort of helmet, especially if the jump is designed to bring them low enough to touch water. Some will attach gadgets like GoPro helmet cameras so that the jump can be filmed and the participant has a permanent record of an experience which is over in a flash.

Is it Safe?

There have been accidents while bungee jumping and the very nature of the sport means that any accident has serious consequences. Eyesight can be damaged because of the pressure around the eyes and brain, but the vast majority of bungee jumps are safe and pass without incident. People thinking about bungee jumping should bear in mind though that safety standards in the developing world are not always the same as here in the UK, so if jumping when overseas make sure you are happy about the equipment and expertise of the staff before attaching the cord.

Where’s Best to Do It?

Bungee jumping is mostly associated with New Zealand, and this country has amazing countryside and gorges which are perfect for jumping. The highest jump of all is at the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, USA, where the jumper launches themselves off a platform over 1,000 feet above the ground. Closer to home you have the chance to replicate the jump done by James Bond at the start of the Goldeneye movie by going to Verzasca Dam in Switzerland, or if you’re heading off to Greece this summer check out the jump site over the Corith Canal, which although lower at 260 feet is equally spectacular.

Citations:
Featured images:

Great guest article written by blogger Morag Peers for Vision MX, an online store that sells GoPro helmet cameras, which are perfect for catching those adrenaline filled moments.

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The Sports Archives – The Grand National 2013 Jockeys!

Posted on April 6, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Who’s the best bet to win – the jockey, the horse or the trainer? Let’s look at the jockey option.

Horse RacingSo you want to put a bet on the Grand National but trying to decide who is the best jockey? Here we take a look at how jockeys have performed in past Grand Nationals to see if the jockey offers a good indicator that your hard-earned cash isn’t being thrown into the wind.

Placing a bet on your favourite jockey no matter which horse they are riding is a popular choice for thousands of race followers and, because the Grand National is such a major race all the top jockeys that can be riding will be. So let’s take a look at the top names we can expect to see in 2013.

Quite possibly the greatest jockey at the jumps is top Irish jockey Ruby Walsh. A double time Grand National Winner, he has also been placed 4 times in the last ten years and has a truly remarkable record for the Grand National of finishing around 90% of his entries over the last dozen years. This level of performance makes it very likely that Ruby will be entering on one of the most fancied horses as well, meaning the odds aren’t likely to be very long. However, he is probably the closest anyone can get to a “banker” in the Grand National where there is never a guarantee of clearing the first fence, let alone winning.

Another Irish jockey, Tony McCoy has been the British Champion jockey 13 times, ridden a record-breaking 3000 winners and was seen as the best jockey never to win a Grand National until 2010 when Tony finally got his due reward and took the Grand National aboard Don’t Push It, contributing to his Sports Personality Of the Year award that year. He has taken a place in 3 other Grand Nationals and has to be another highly rated choice if you want to go with the jockey.

Irishman, Barry Geraghty won the 2003 Grand National on Monty’s Pass and has been placed 4 times in the last 10 years too. Another Irish jockey with an excellent record of finishes he is undoubtedly another strong choice of jockey for the Grand National. If he isn’t on one of the top favourites he could be a good choice for a jockey based bet.

Comply or Die HorseTimmy Murphy has won once on Comply Or Die and been placed twice which is all the more impressive for those coming from just 5 finishes over the last 10 years. If Timmy gets to finish he’s certainly capable of bringing home a good place. Another one to watch for a good return.

A mention must also go here to Nina Carberry the top Irish female jockey as many feel it is only a matter of time before a woman wins the Grand National. Nina has a record of 3 finishes out of 4 races but was rather eclipsed following her fall last year by Katie Walsh on Seabass who took a well-deserved third place.

An interesting option could be Richard Johnson. Richard is one of the elite top jockeys having ridden over 2000 winners in the UK, but he has a very unlucky record in the Grand National, only finishing 3 times in the last 10 years. If he doesn’t win in 2013 he will equal the unenviable record of 15 unsuccessful rides in the National without ever winning. That record is currently held by Jeff King while racing between 1964 and 1980. If determination and motivation count for much then Richard Johnson could well be your choice.

Featured images:
  •  License: Image author owned
  • Comply or Die:  Wikipedia

Neil Maycock writes articles on the grand national runners and results.

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The Sports Archives – The Biggest Mistakes To Make As Part Of A Football (Soccer) Team!

Posted on April 5, 2013 by thesportsarchives

BarcelonaIt does not matter if you are a Champions League player or someone who turns out for their local amateur club at the weekend, the ideals of what makes a good team player are universally relevant. The ability you have on the field goes much further than merely being able to put in a last-ditch tackle or a dangerous free-kick. It is a collective effort from the moment the whistle blows and it is easy to let your colleagues down if you do not play by the rules. Everyone is aware of the classic errors that can be made such as an own goal or a needless red card but these are some of the behavioural mistakes that should be avoided if you want to stay popular with those you play alongside.

Failing To Pull Your Weight

It is the thing that is guaranteed to make football supporters angry and it will not help you with your teammates either. When a group of players are out there doing their utmost to win a game an individual will stick out like a sore thumb if they are not putting in the effort. It is not all silky passing and great goals in football, there is a lot of work that has to be done to win the ball back and it starts from the forwards. Body language is huge in sport and if you are not prepared to put the yards in for the team then you will not win too much favour.

Shirking Responsibility

The very nature of sport means that there will be downs to go with the ups and when fortunes go against you it is important to accept your part in it. After a defeat there may be an inquest in the dressing room and you will make much more of a positive impact if you hold your hands up to something you could have done better. Singling out your teammates for harsh criticism is also a very dodgy route to go down if it is not justified.

Shunning Group Activity

The make-up of a football team is about more than just how well you do when the game kicks off as there is a strong social element that goes alongside it. Off-field activities are important for building camaraderie and establishing a rapport with various individuals. This can make all the difference in training sessions and when the competitive games come around and you will put yourself at a disadvantage if you isolate yourself from these things.

Mark Morris has played and coached at amateur and semi-professional levels of football and he buys training equipment from performancesportsstuff.com.

Photo Credit: news.yahoo.com

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The Sports Archives – 6 Top Earning Sportsmen Of 2012!

Posted on April 4, 2013 by thesportsarchives

We all know of famous celebrities and multi-millionaire investors, but many athletes have surpassed their net worth. Sports have now become businesses and athletes have become products. Some athletes make more than famous celebrities, singers, and even top models.

The more passion and talent a player has about the game, the more he will succeed. Below are the 6 top earning sportsmen of 2012.

Floyd Mayweather1. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Many are awaiting for the boxing match-off between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, however they might have to wait a very long time. Whether the two will ever fight, still remains undetermined.

Although, that fight isn’t what Mayweather needs to be the top earning sportsman of 2012. If the match up ever happens, it will be a fight for the books.

2. Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy BradleyManny Pacquiao is Filipino and serves both as a professional boxer and politician. He has won world titles in eight different weight divisions and is the first and only boxer to do so. He is ranked 2nd, behind a man he has never fought against, Floyd Mayweather Jr.

 

Tiger Woods3. Tiger Woods

The scandal that almost jeopardized his career hasn’t stopped him from landing the number three spot. Tiger Woods is one of the most paid athletes who were just shy of $60 million.

Woods is one of the most successful golfers of all time and once held the number 1 position of the highest-paid athletes.

Lebron James Archives4. LeBron James

2012 was a big year for LeBron James, after winning his first NBA Championship Ring with the Miami Heat. He also hasn’t hesitated to become the 4 top-earning sportsman of the year.

With all the controversy that has been keeping TV anchors chatting and internet browsers engaged on whether James can be the best player in the NBA without a championship ring has been put to silence.

However, now the controversy is whether LeBron James could ever be better than Michael Jordan. Luckily, that is for LeBron himself to decide.

Roger Federer5. Roger Federer

Although he has been bouncing back and forth from the 1st and 2nd spot due to his competitor, Novak Djokovic, he is currently ranked number 2, but once held the number 1 position for a little less than 6 years.

Many analysts, commentators, and fans consider Roger Federer one of the best to ever play the game of tennis. Court styles don’t stop him, whether its clay, grass, or a hard court, Roger brings his all. He is the leader of many records in the open era.

Kobe Bryant6. Kobe Bryant

After 16 years with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant has been on the charts of many records and broken many milestones. His career is one for people to remember for many decades to come.

However, still unsure of when he will retire, this time of his career is when he is becoming most memorable. He has stated that he will be most likely retiring with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Although some of our favorite players may not be on this list, it isn’t always about how much a player makes and how many sponsors he has behind him, but also how he plays the game.

The source of this list is from Forbes’s list of 100 best paid athletes.

After managing many vps hosting systems and dedicated servers for clients around the world, Robert decided to step into web development. After maintaining his 9-5 job he enjoys satisfying his clients while working from the comfort of his own home. However, when he gets a hold of some free time, he enjoys running, reading, and rock climbing.

Photo Credits: Wikipedia

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