The Sports Archives – Which Of These Four Track Materials Would Suit You Best As An Athlete?

Posted on March 28, 2013 by thesportsarchives

As a track athlete, you probably have certain preferences as to the surfaces you run on. That’s why some athletes fair pretty well on track meets while others perform best in cross country races. You may be used to running on one track surface alone but did you know there are up to four different types of track surfaces? They are made from different materials and offer different levels of traction, hardness of surface, levelness and so on. Here they are and what each of them is all about. Find out which you prefer and which would actually fit you best based on your skills and talents on the track.

Natural

Running track along Takitimu Dr (with HDR)

Natural tracks are made from rock, soil, grass, slate, wood or any other naturally occurring earth substance. They require extensive maintenance because they tend to deteriorate when left exposed to the elements. Rain is especially detrimental to most of these tracks as it makes them slippery and hard to run on. One advantage of natural tracks is that they are cheap to install and environmentally friendly. In many cases, simply leveling the track is enough for maintenance. The downside is that with rain and other elements, as well as rocky extrusion, the track could prove dangerous to run on, running the athlete the risk of a twisted ankle.

Synthetic

Running Track

Synthetic tracks are designed specifically for running on. Made of materials such as latex, polyurethane and rubber, the track has a spongy feel to it and has a fantastic grip when you wear running shoes with studs. They often have very clear markings and remain this way for a very long time. They are also very durable and can last for decades if well maintained. The upside is the design and materials, which make it best suited for running on. The down side is the cost of installing it and the materials used, which may not be very environmentally friendly.

Asphalt

Running Track

Asphalt tracks are rare to find because of the prohibitive cost and complexity of laying out asphalt but they do come with some with some advantages. Asphalt is very durable and tough. Built with the stuff used to make all-weather roads, these tracks are best for the outdoors and places where the track may double up as a parking lot or something similar. As an athlete, you may not be able to run on this with studs because they will have no grip but it provides a firm and solid track to run on.

Recycled tires

track

Rubber from recycled tires provides yet another type of track. Recycled tires have a strong and slightly hard rubber that can be used to make running tracks. The surface produced is hard and lacks the rubbery feel of the synthetic tracks. The upside to using these tracks is that they offer the best of asphalt tracks (firm and hard) while giving some perks of synthetic tracks (slightly soft and tremendous grip).

Whichever type of track you choose or prefer as an athlete, it is worth noting that using the safest track for your kind of running is paramount. If you sprint then you are better off using synthetic tracks while if you run long distance, using an asphalt or natural track would suit you better.

Featured images:

Scott Ryan loves to run in the great outdoors when he is not writing for polished concrete x, a firm that develops all manner of flooring solutions.

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The Sports Archives – The History Of Golf In America!

Posted on March 27, 2013 by thesportsarchives

 

Ming Emperor Xuande Playing Golf

Ming Emperor Xuande Playing Golf

Golf is an increasingly popular international sport. Golf originated in the United Kingdom but, despite golf’s rich tradition in Britain and Ireland, for most of the 20th century it was the Americans that led the sport. For proof of this just look at the results of the Ryder Cup, which is played every two years and matches up the United States against the best Europe has to offer. There have been 39 matches in the history of the Ryder cup and the United States has won 25 of those.

This dominance is not likely to continue. The spread of golf’s popularity internationally has made the tournament much more competitive in recent years. Before 1979, America’s competition in the Ryder Cup was composed solely of players from Ireland or Great Britain. The addition of players from the continent gave Europe the boost they needed; since then Europe has won 9 Ryder Cups to the United States’ 7.

Despite this apparent equality in competition, it is the American based PGA tour that is easily the most well-known professional golf tour. The tour is still dominated by Americans and its tournaments are almost entirely in the continental United States. The PGA European tour, which is considered second to the American PGA tour in prestige, traditionally acts as a stepping stone for European golfers wanting to make it to the States.  All of this raises the question: how and when did golf’s spotlight start shining on the United States?

Early Beginnings

As early as 1297, a golf-like game was reportedly supposed to have taken place in the Netherlands. The Dutch played the game with sticks and tried to hit a leather ball into a target several hundred yards away. Other people argue that a game fairly similar to modern golf was also played in China 500 years before it was even mentioned in Scotland.

The origins that most closely resemble what we now call golf, however, are found in Scotland. What really set golf apart from other stick and ball games are the standard 18 holes. The first documented mention of golf in Scotland appears in an 1457 act of parliament which prohibited the playing of gowf because it was causing a distraction from archery practice in the army. From this we see that from a very early date golf was enthusiastically pursued in Scotland.

Going Through a Rough Patch

The sport was apparently banned off and on for the next few hundred years until about the 19th century when both Scotland and England saw a huge boom in the amount of golf that was being played. In 1880 England had 12 golf courses. By 1887 the number had risen to 50 and just 27 years later the 1,000th golf course was built in the country.

A Hole-In-One

It was around this same time that golf began growing quickly in the United States. Although it is unclear which was the first golf course in America by 1894 there were enough golf clubs that many of them joined together to form the United States Golf Association (USGA). Golf continued to grow through the rapid expansion of the upper class during the 1920’s. By 1980 there were over 5,000 USGA affiliated courses.

Pub sign of the Golf Tavern, EdinburghWith its stronger economy and expanded television networks it is no wonder that golfers quickly had more incentive to play in the United States. This American advantage persisted until very recently but now the promise of large prize money and increased tournament prestige has caused many of the world’s best golfers to frequently take part in tournaments outside of the United States.

About the Author: Phil Oscarson is an avid golfer/golf analyst. He currently resides in the southern California region so he’s able to golf year round. No matter where you want to golf, there is always a place to find great public golf courses.

Photo Credits:  Wikipedia

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The Sports Archives – Top 10 Biggest Sports Stadiums in the World!

Posted on March 26, 2013 by thesportsarchives

10. Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne Cricket GroundThe Melbourne Cricket Ground, in Melbourne, Australia, can hold 100,000 spectators for cricket matches and other sporting events. The ground opened to the general public on the 30th of September, 1854. At that time, 130,000 people could get into the arena. However, safety restrictions over the decades saw the capacity go down to 100,000.

9. National Stadium Bukit Jalil

Malaysia’s national stadium can hold 100,200 people for sporting events. Athletics, Commonwealth Games events, and football matches are held at this stadium throughout the year. The National Stadium was built in 1998 for the Commonwealth Games of that year.

8. Neyland Stadium

This stadium is the home of the Tennessee Volunteers, an American football team from Knoxville, Tennessee. The stadium has a capacity of 102,037 and is home to various political conventions and National Football League exhibition games. It was built in 1921.

7. Ohio Stadium

Ohio Stadium is the home of Ohio State University’s football team, the Buckeyes. The stadium has a capacity of 102,329 for sporting events and 110,000 for musical concerts. The stadium opened in 1922, but has undergone several renovations to keep it in line with more modern stadia.

6. Jornalista Mario Filho

Rio de Janeiro’s principle football stadium, the Jornalista Mario Filho, hosts 103,045 for games all year round. The stadium is owned by the government and used by the country’s best football teams. The likes of Flamengo, Botafogo, and Fluminense call Jornalista Mario Filho their home.

5. Beaver Stadium

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Beaver Stadium is home to Pennsylvania State University sports teams. 107,282 people can cram into Beaver Stadium for games every week as they cheer on their school against some of the best teams in the United States.

Beaver Stadium

Beaver Stadium

4. Michigan Stadium

Michigan Stadium edges out Beaver Stadium by only a few seats, with a capacity of 107,501. It is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan and plays host to the University of Michigan’s football team. The last time the stadium had an attendance of less than 100,000 was in 1975.

3. Estadio Azteca

The Aztec Stadium, or Estadio Azteca, has a capacity of 114,465. The Mexican National Team plays all their games at this stadium, and they rarely lose at the Estadio Azteca. America, a Mexican club football side, also hosts their games at this stadium. The Estadio Azteca is the only stadium to host two football World Cup finals – 1970 and 1986.

2. Salt Lake Stadium

Located in Kolkata, Salt Lake Stadium is India’s largest sports stadium. The stadium, which has a capacity of 120,000, goes by the official name of “Yuva Bharati Krirangan”. The stadium’s construction was completed in 1984 and plays host to various football, athletics, and hockey games.

1. Rungnado May Day Stadium

Pyongyang, North Korea is the home of the largest stadium in the world. Rungando May Day Stadium is used to various sports events and also plays host to political rallies. It is said that 190,000 people were in the stadium for a wrestling game in 1995.

Rŭngnado May First Stadium

Rŭngnado May First Stadium

Steve is a travel enthusiast who loves to travel the world and visit man-made wonders such as the stadiums listed above. He works at a steel fabricators in Brisbane and would love to one day work on a project as large as those on this list.

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The Sports Archives – Where to Find Your Favorite Teams for Spring Training!

Posted on March 26, 2013 by thesportsarchives

If you want to watch your favorite baseball team during spring training, there are one of two places you will find them – in Florida or Arizona. Florida is home to the Grapefruit League, which includes the Braves, Nationals, Astros, Mets, Blue Jays, Tigers, Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox, Pirates, Orioles, Rays, Twins, Cardinals, and Marlins. These teams play at 13 different stadiums throughout Florida.

The rest of the teams play their spring training games in the Arizona Cactus League. 10 different sports stadiums in central Arizona play host to the Royals, Rangers, Padres, Mariners, Reds, Indians, White Sox, Dodgers, Giants, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Angels, Cubs, Brewers, and Athletics.

The Red Sox stadium is less than a year old, while the Pirates have been playing in their stadium since 1923. Tickets for these spring training exhibition games range from $6 to $41. There are many young pitching prospects to look out for this season, as well as a shortstop for the Boston Red Sox – arguably one of the toughest field positions in baseball.

Source: Sports Management Degree Hub

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The Sports Archives – Looking For A New Sport To Follow?

Posted on March 25, 2013 by thesportsarchives

motocross

Not surprisingly, motocross racing has dramatically increased its viewership in the past few years. Not only does the equipment get better year after year, but the rising stars of the sport such as Ryan Villopoto, Josh Coppins, and Ryan Dungey vie with each other to surpass the feats of such legendary stars as Roger DeCoster and Jeremy McGrath. One thing is for sure – the action is continually getting better every year.

A Little Bit of History

Born in the dusty fields of England at the beginning of the 20th century, motocross has evolved to become the pre-eminent, “no holds barred” form of motorcycle racing in the world. Motocross races are held year round in every type of weather and on the most difficult tracks in the world and motocross riders have only one goal: to finish first.

The sport grew in popularity throughout the 20s, 30s and 40s but finally hit its stride with the introduction of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme. For many years, this international body held the honor of proclaiming the world motocross champion. Eventually, however, it was eclipsed by other governing bodies as the sport grew ever popular.

The Present

These days, the sport has blossomed and there are four distinct racing categories: FIM Motocross World Championship, AMA Motocross Championship, Motocross des Nationsand the British Motocross Championship. In addition, in the U.S. there is Freestyle, Supermoto, Quadmoto and Supercross. Every one of these distinct varieties of motocross demands a different set of skills, both physical and mental. However, they all demand a ruthless determination to win.

With a burgeoning following that grows every year, motocross is definitely a sport destined for greatness in the 21st century. It combines technological know-how with physical strength and mental dexterity. If you’ve never experienced the thrill of a motocross race and you are a real sports fan, you should definitely check out a race. There’s nothing quite like the noise, the vibration and the crowd at a Motocross event.

What Next?

If you can’t catch a motocross race in person, try watching it on ESPN2, FUEL-TV or at the X-Games. It is a fascinating sport. You’ll never look back. With these things said, make time in one of your busy weekends, put on the required motocross clothing, pack your friends into the car and head out to see one of the most exciting 21st century sports. You and your friends will not regret or soon forget your motocross experience.

Featured images:

Heather B loves to watch different sports. She always likes to share the newest and most interesting ones with others.

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The Sports Archives – Time To Bring Out The Big Guns!

Posted on March 23, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Peter Wilson Olympic Gold Medal WinnerSince Peter Wilson dramatically won a British gold in the 2012 Olympics, clay pigeon shooting has risen in popularity and is getting the exposure it deserves. Since the Olympic Games, the profile of the sport has been raised significantly, with more people gaining an understanding of it and getting involved as a result.

 

Olympic Glory

When the event first began, actual pigeons were used before clay was later substituted as a more suitable target. Since the early days of competitive shooting with just three events in 1896, the event has grown and grown featuring an impressive 15 events at London 2012 and boasting 390 athletes from 103 countries worldwide.

Of course, no clay pigeon shooting event would be able to proceed without the very best equipment available, which includes a whole range of eco-friendly targets, as well as an array of electric and manual traps.

During the London 2012 games, a grand total of 270,000 clay pigeons were used across the various competitions and skeet shooting, trap shooting and double trap shooting were all showcased spectacularly with a huge degree of skill and precision seen and appreciated by crowds who weren’t necessarily too familiar with the sport just a couple of months earlier.

One For All and All For One

Thanks to Wilson’s big win, clay pigeon shooting is now gaining further recognition with many people realising that its unique appeal is in its simplicity and the fact that it can be practised by a huge variety of people, whether they are a novice or more experienced.

In fact, Wilson only began shooting a mere six years before his big win, starting from scratch just because he liked the sound of it. This proves that success can be achieved very quickly for those brave enough to follow their passions. A certain level of discipline is of course is essential, as well as a good eye and dedication to the sport, but those in possession of these qualities can certainly go a long way.

An all-weather sport that requires limited equipment to get started, this type of shooting is taught and practised countrywide, with the Olympics simply prompting a renewed interest in it. So, with plenty to recommend clay pigeon shooting, including considerable Olympic glory, where will the sport take you? You needn’t get too hung up on the shooting aspect as at heart, the sport is just a measurement of a person’s skill.

Walton Eller at 2008 Summer_Olympics double trap finals

Lewis Ellison is interested in most competitive sports, with a particular fascination for shooting, which he has enjoyed watching at various events. He is now hoping to get involved and is going to make some purchases from gdktrading.co.uk.

Photo Credits: Wikipedia

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The Sports Archives – Michael Jordan: 23 Must Know Facts About His Royal Airness!

Posted on March 22, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Michael Jordan is considered by most, the greatest basketball player who ever lived. His legend and image have long outlived his actual playing career, having been retired for over a decade now. He continues to appear on television frequently with endorsement deals while overseeing the Charlotte Bobcats as President of Basketball Operations and part owner.

The winner of six NBA championships as a player—including two three-peats in the 1990s and winning Finals MVP all six times, Jordan has dominated the sports and media marketing climate like no athlete before or since. Jordan is the definition of being his own brand. An inspiration to generations of children and athletes worldwide, his image and brand have dominated cultural and economic barriers the world over. With Jordan’s 50th birthday being celebrated in 2013, here are 23 things you may or may not have known about the greatest living basketball player/endorsement icon that has ever laced up sneakers, who just happens to be best known by his trademark jersey #23.

Source: Top Online Colleges

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The Sports Archives – The Allure Of Augusta!

Posted on March 21, 2013 by thesportsarchives
The Masters 9th Hole

The Masters 9th Hole

The Augusta Golf Club has a rich history, dating back to 1931 when the land in Georgia was purchased. Originally a fruit orchard, the area boasted many unique natural features. The founders of the club, Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, saw a unique opportunity to create an amazing golf club. With the vision of Jones and Roberts, Augusta opened in 1934, hosting annual invitation tournaments.

What’s in a Name?

This prestigious club flourished, changing its tournament name from the Augusta National Invitation Tournament to the Masters in 1939. This tournament is one of four major professional golf championships, and the only one that plays at the same course each year. The Masters attracts golfers and spectators alike as it displays some of the best professional golf that the world has to offer.

Green with Envy

The classic green jacket associated with Augusta was the vision of Roberts, who originally intended it as a uniform for the staff so that helpful assistance could be easily recognized. The jacket soon became the badge of honor for the members of the club and for the winners of the Masters Tournament. From the first endowment of the jacket to Sam Snead in 1949, to the latest victor, Bubba Watson, this tradition has become a symbol of honor and prestige for its wearers.

The A-List

One must be invited to join this exclusive club; there is no application process. This makes membership at the Augusta Golf Club a coveted title. Until 1990, African-Americans were not allowed to join, and past rules of the club stated that all caddies must be black. It was an epic year at the Masters in 1997 when Tiger Woods, employing a white caddie, won his first of four Masters Championships. Some of the more notable Augusta members include Bill Gates, President Dwight Eisenhower, Warren Buffett, Lynn Swann and T. Boone Pickens, Jr. In August 2012, the club admitted its first two female members, Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore. The club has been the object of severe criticism for its membership policy, but Augusta has always stood firm, saying that it’s a private club, and their policy regarding who is allowed to join is also private.

The Price of Success

Because of the exclusive nature of Augusta, actual membership fees and annual dues is a well-kept secret. Anonymous members have disclosed general ball-park figures regarding the investment required to join the golfing elite. The amount lies in the “low five-figures,” with annual dues being “a few thousand dollars.” Considering this amount is drastically lower than some other golf clubs (requiring upwards of $500,000 to $750,000), it is clearly not about the money. Augusta profits more from revenues of the Masters Tournament than from the dues of its members.

Augusta Architecture

Augusta has undergone many changes and improvements to its landscape. These additions have added depth and beauty to Augusta, intensifying its meaning and creating sentimental attachment to the club for its members.

  • Water Under the Bridge: Dwight Eisenhower inspired the building of a 3-acre pond which was named in his honor, Ike’s Pond. Many legendary golfers have inspired the construction of bridges at Augusta. In 1955, Sarazen Bridge was built to honor Gene Sarazen’s miraculous “shot heard round the world,” leading to his victory over Craig Wood. Hogan Bridge was constructed in 1958 in honor of Ben Hogan and his 1954 score of 274 in four rounds, the record at that time. Nelson Bridge, named after Byron Nelson, honors his 1937 victory against Ralph Guldahl.
  • The Fountain of Youth: The Par 3 Fountain lists the contest winners, beginning with Sam Snead.  The Record Fountain commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Masters Tournament. These tributes to past winners allow players to connect with legendary Augusta victors.

The Masters Tournament LogoSacred Ground

So, what exactly is the attraction of Augusta? It is a connection to the past for those who appreciate the sport. Through the years, it has taken its place as a venue unlike any other. Its exclusive membership and its rich legacy of golfers who have played here have given it the sacred position as the home of the masters.

About the Author: Phil Oscarson is an avid golfer/golf analyst. He currently resides in the southern California region so he’s able to golf year round. No matter where you want to golf, there is always a place to find great golf deals.

Photo Credits:  Wikipedia

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The Sports Archives – Training A Racehorse For Flat Track!

Posted on March 20, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Horse Cooled DownTraining a horse for horse racing is very similar to the basic training techniques for all disciplines of horse training. Any breed of horse can race, but the most common racing breeds are the Quarter horse, Thoroughbreds and the Arabian horses. Thoroughbreds are especially made for running. Their strong, sleek bodies have the ability to propel them forward at remarkable speeds.

The most common racing for racehorses is flat track. This involves a full-speed run on a flat surface with no obstacles to overcome. Flat track racing is the most popular kind of racing since it is heavily advertised and many people bet on the outcomes. While it may seem relatively straightforward, training a horse for flat track racing can be quite challenging. These basic training tips will get your horse started to begin a long, healthy career as a racehorse.

Slow and Steady Conditioning

The main focus of training a racehorse is conditioning. All horses have the natural ability to run, but they will only run for short distances. Much like humans, horses have to build up their stamina so that they can finish any race. Start by building the endurance slowly.This should include short gallops around the paddock in to order to build his muscles and lung capacity. Ride your horse for a minimum of three miles, but only every three days. As the horse progresses, you can start to lengthen his gallops so that he gets use to running long distances. Once your horse is conditioned properly, you can push him to run faster. Again, you will want to start out slow and only push the horse a few hundred yards at first. As your horse gets use to the speed, you can push him for longer distances and more frequently.

Rest and Recuperation

Also like humans, the horse’s body needs time to recuperate. A young horse must slowly build up muscles, tone and control to exert the amount of effort necessary to race on a flat track. For that reason, a good workout should be followed by an appropriate period of rest. You will also want to invest in equine massage. The massage will help the horse to develop his muscles in a more evenly distributed and healthy manner. It will also help to increase circulation, which is extremely helpful in reducing any swelling or inflammation of the ankle, which is coming for young racehorses.

Starting Gate Preparation

The other focus should be training the horse on how to start from the starting gates. The first step is training the horse to go from a complete stand still to a run. Once the horse understands this concept, you can try it in a confined space. Lead the horse through so that he will get the idea that he is supposed to leave the chute. When the horse becomes familiar with the chute, make him go from complete stand still to a run just like before. Finally, put the horse in the chute with the front and back openings closed off. Then, open the front of the chute and simultaneously ask the horse to run out. This will replicate the starting gate.

Training a racehorse can be exhilarating. However, not every horse is meant to race on a flat track. Also, it’s important to never push a horse younger than 32 months into speed training. Before this age, the horse’s knees are not fully closed up. This could result in severe damage if the horse is pushed too hard. It’s best to wait until the horse’s body is matured and ready.

Featured images:

Karen Smith is a freelance writer and avid horseplayer. In her spare time, she enjoys horse racing betting online. Karen looks forward to attending the Kentucky Derby each year with her husband Richard.

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The Sports Archives – What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Posted on March 19, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Brazillian Jiu JitsuBrazilian jiu jitsu is a combination of several styles of Asian martial arts that was developed in the country of the same name. It was designed to be an effective form of self-defense that has some cultural elements from Brazil integrated into the maneuvers. It has grown in popularity over the last century and is now an officially recognized martial art. Students of the technique start as white belts and eventually move up to black belts and finally red belts. There are several distinct elements involved in this style of fighting.

Leverage

One of the main concepts in Brazilian jiu jitsu is leverage. Leverage means that an individual will use specific techniques, the weight of the body and the weakness of the opponent in order to gain an advantage during a match. Properly using this concept means that the size, strength and weight of an opponent is largely irrelevant. Leverage is achieved in a number of ways including finding methods to knock an opponent off-balance and using fighting stances to retain control when holding an opponent.

Ground Fighting

The most definitive part of the technique is ground fighting. This means fighting from a position where all or most of the body is on the ground. Ground fighting can be incredibly effective. There are moves that will deal with standing opponents as well as opponents who have been taken to the ground. Ground fighting often uses the feet and legs to strike opponents in areas that cannot be defended. It is also an effective way to target the legs to draw opponents to the floor.

Guard Position

An important position that every student of Brazilian jiu jitsu learns is known as the guard position. This position involves wrapping both legs around the waist or torso of an opponent. The fighter can be located in front of or behind the opponent. The position is executed from a ground fighting position. Guard position is very effective because it constantly keeps the opponent off-balance and often neutralizes common attacks such as punches and kicks. The person performing the guard position can use the arms and the weight of the body in order to move an opponent around, draw the opponent to the ground or to attack.

Submissions

Submissions are special holds that are used to subdue an opponent or to end a fight. The idea of a submission is to achieve a solid hold on the opponent in a way that will restrict breathing or the flow of blood to the brain. Submissions are usually launched from a ground fighting or grappling position although there are exceptions. Some submissions are designed to cause large amounts of pain by compressing sensitive muscles.

Competition

There are many official Brazilian jiu jitsu competitions held all around the world. Many of the moves, positions and techniques that are part of the fighting style are against the rules of more formal mixed martial arts competitions. This is one reason why competitors must take part in separate competitions. Another option for competitors is to use a modified form of the fighting style that excludes the maneuvers that are considered to be against the rules.

Featured images:
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: depositphotos.com

Josh Torrance is A Toronto based blogger who enjoys writing about BJJ, Muay Thai and all other MMA disciplines.

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