The Sports Archives – A Look at the Benefits of Buying Sports Merchandise Online

Posted on December 14, 2012 by thesportsarchives
Michael Jordan Nike Logo

Michael Jordan Nike Logo

When it comes to picking out the perfect sports merchandise for you, it can sometimes be challenging to find exactly what it is that you’re looking for. After all, there are quite a few different options out there these days. That said – aside from actually picking up your merchandise at games or niche gatherings in support of a specific team – it can be difficult to find exactly what you want in order to properly round out your collection.

That’s where doing some of your sports merchandise shopping online can be an excellent help. Shopping online can come attached to many benefits that you just can’t get from traditional brick and mortar stores.

Better Prices

If there’s one thing we’re all doing in this day and age, it’s watching the state of our bank balances. However, we naturally still want to treat ourselves to the occasional fun purchase to help brighten up our lives. Buying sports merchandise online can be a great way to find t-shirts, pennants, throw blankets, and much more at prices that are positively unbeatable.

Brick and mortar shops don’t have to cover the same high overhead costs that standard stores do. For instance, they don’t have to pay a fortune in exorbitant rent prices or wages for full-time employees. They don’t have to pay for other expenses like electricity, property tax, and so forth either. That said, these establishments are able to pass the savings on to you, their loyal customer. This ultimately adds up to a lot more bang for your hard-earned buck. You’ll be able to enjoy two or three t-shirts instead of one… or get the items you want at the fraction of the cost you’d have to pay elsewhere.

More Variety

For the same reason online retailers don’t have to charge the same sky-high prices standard sports merchandise shops do, they’re able to offer you the lion’s share in regards to variety as well. Instead of having to go to the trouble and expense of keeping a stock room full of various options or subject the potential customer to the hassle of a special ordering process, online shops can connect their customers to merchandise on an as-needed basis. They don’t’ have to restrict their offerings to only the items that are the most popular or guaranteed to sell. The result is a shop that is capable of offering pretty much every option under the sun. Increase your chances of finding exactly what you want today!

The Best in Convenience

Possibly the best thing about shopping for your sports merchandise online is the incredible degree of convenience you get to enjoy. Instead of having to make the time on your weekends or after work to drive out to your favorite store in search of that special item you’ve been dreaming about, you can let your fingers do the walking in the comfort of your own home instead.

With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can locate, price, and purchase exactly what you were looking to find within minutes of sitting down in front of your computer. Shop in your pajamas at any time of the day or night if you so desire. Enjoy a cup of tea or your favorite television show while you do so! Make your purchase for a stellar price that’s impossible to beat and then simply wait for you item to arrive at your front door. It’s simple, easy… and fun, too!

Stan Thompson offers advice on where to find your college sports apparel, MLB merchandise, NFL apparel and more at SportsFanFare.com.

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The Sports Archives – The People’s Champion – The Story of Jimmy White!

Posted on December 14, 2012 by thesportsarchives

James Warren White was born in Tooting, South London in 1962. Just 22 years later he was already one of the most popular snooker players in the world and had reached the final of the World Championships. Jimmy “Whirlwind” White is one of the best-loved characters the game has ever produced and his infamous six failures in World Championship finals have cemented his position as the People’s Champion.

Jimmy White 2011

Early Years

Jimmy attended comprehensive school but failed to achieve academic success. This was largely down to his constant truancy from an early age. He was staying away from school to attend “Zans” snooker hall where he quickly showed great promise. As a teenage his career really took off and he won the English Amateur championships in 1979. In 1980 he became the youngest ever winner of the World Amateur Championship at the tender age of 18. It was then time to turn professional and step into the public gaze.

Professional Career

Jimmy’s cheeky character endeared him immediately to snooker fans who quickly dubbed him “Whirlwind” after seeing his fast paced style. He entered the World Championship for the first time in 1981, losing in the first round to Steve Davis. He would go on to reach the final 6 times but sadly lose all of them, and was one of only 6 people to make a maximum 147 break in the competition. He did, however, win 23 professional tournaments during his career and reached the ranking of number 2 in the world.

By 2002 his form was becoming less consistent and by 2005 he had dropped out of the world’s top 32, never to return. He did notably win the Senior World Championships in 2010, defeating Steve Davis in the final! White still plays on the professional tour but is ranked only 55 in the world. He now spends much of his time playing exhibition matches and making personal appearances.

Away from Snooker

Jimmy is an excellent pool player and loves a game of poker! In 1995 he was part of the winning team in the Mosconi Pool tournament, winning the deciding match and in 2003 he won the Poker Million with, of all people, Steve Davis sitting at the same table. In 1995 He was diagnosed with testicular cancer after a routine visit to his doctor.

He had a lump surgically removed and was later given the all clear. In 2009 he found time to enter ITV’s “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!” where he again proved popular with the viewers and finished third. He was also in the news in the late 1990’s when his bull terrier “Splinter” was dognapped and held to ransom. White agreed to pay the ransom and managed to get “Splinter” home safely.

Personal Life

White’s life away from the table was less than successful! He had a fiery and sometimes violent relationship with wife Maureen. The couple eventually divorced but had five children together. Jimmy led a rock and roll lifestyle at the height of his fame, ending up in quite a mess from over indulgence in drink and Drugs. He was also poor with money, frittering away millions and eventually ending up bankrupt. Today he has calmed down and lets his eldest daughter, Lauren, manage his affairs but he still drives a flash car with the number plate “CUE BOY”!

Jimmy White

Legend

Jimmy White can rightly be regarded as a legend. He is one of the most successful players in snooker history and certainly one of the most popular. Famous for his wild lifestyle, fast play, unusual cue action and an endearing personality he is truly one of the sporting superstars of our times.

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Sally S writes for a large range of blogs and websites and loves to watch Snooker, but bizarrely prefers to play 8 ball Pool! Sally has been known to swing her 8 ball pool cue wildly when losing…

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The Sports Archives – Popular Sports in Thailand!

Posted on December 13, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Thailand could hardly be described as a sporting nation. If you are going to measure sporting success at the Olympics, then Thailand was hardly rated as a mention at the last Olympics in London. The only medal that the country won at those Olympics was a controversial silver medal in boxing. Even though the country has minimal material success, the general population are sporting fanatics. Though gambling is illegal in the kingdom, the amount of irrational betting on their weird and wonderful sporting events has to be seen to be believed.

Muay Thai Boxing

The two popular sports that the Thais are fanatical over are Muay Thai Boxing and European Football. Muay Thai is fought in a conventional size boxing ring, it is also known as Thai Kickboxing, Thai Boxing and Tharshanning. For many it is the ultimate in unarmed combat, the purists say it requires more skill and agility than the traditional form of boxing. A champion Muay Thai boxer in Thailand is treated as a semi-God and called a hero by the general public.

Image Author: Dmitri       Licience: Creative Commons

In the notorious Thai prison system, kickboxing holds a special place. They have an annual competition in the different regions of the country where the winner of the prison kickboxing tournaments gets a pardon. Even if you are convicted of being a murdering rapist and you win the fights, you are released and have a clean record as your trophy. Most foreigners find this concept hard to comprehend.

European Football

European Football, (also known as soccer) is a semi-religion in Thailand. Not playing the sport itself though, but supporting and betting on it. Actually the Thai league is relatively weak and the games struggle to draw any decent crowds. Very few Thais could tell you who won the Thai Premiership last year or name one local player , however you don’t have to look far to find someone who can tell you everything about a European team. The most popular football team is Manchester United;  there is even an official “Man-U’ complex in Bangkok. It is located in ‘Soi-11’ which is in the middle of the red light area in Bangkok and either side of it are numerous chrome pole “entertainment” venues.

Thailand also host many other international competitions, ranging from hot air balloon races to prestigious golf tournaments. They also host one of the rounds of the FIVB Swatch Beach Volleyball World Tour which was held his year at Bangsaen Beach which is an hour from Bangkok as seen in the above image courtesy of www.gogoflorist.com. Although very few Thai people were interested in this event it was a hit with tourist and resident expats who enjoyed watching the fine athletes at their best.

Citations:
Featured images:
  •  License: Creative Commons image source
  •  License: Image author owned

Gogo Florist is a Bangkok based flower delivery service covering all of Thailand.

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The Sports Archives – Why English Football Continues To Struggle At Grass Roots Level

Posted on December 12, 2012 by thesportsarchives

As we come to the end of yet another year in which success has been noticeably baron for our nation team in the nation’s number one sport, it’s time to look back and see if there are any signs we are moving forward. It has been a year that has been dominated by the opinion that it is time to ditch some of the older, veterans of the game and revert to a younger, fresher looking approach.

The appointment of Roy Hodgson as England manager and his subsequent decision to take a relatively inexperienced squad to this summer’s Euro championships seems to suggest that the decision makers in the game also have this opinion. But with another year added to the ‘years of hurt’ mentioned in the famous football anthem Three Lions, are we really doing enough to improve the game at grass-roots level and produce the young talent that our country so badly needs?

The English game

It is widely believed that the Premier League is the best league in Europe, possibly the world, and to play in it is a real privilege. But although the quality of the league has a great influence on the progression and development of players, it also breeds a great deal of competition. Don’t get me wrong, competition is great and sometimes it can be an important catalyst in getting the best out of a player but it is also making it harder and harder for our young lions to break into the game.

The best English players will always be attracted to, and picked up by, the biggest clubs from a young age but these clubs are also the ones that are in the market for the best players from around the world that are already established. With pressure on these clubs to succeed at the highest level year in and year out, they are tending to look abroad for the talent they require rather than blooding young English expertise and ultimately stunting their sporting growth.

In recent years the FA have put measures in place to try to prevent this from happening as much. For example, there is now a law that states Premiership clubs can only name up to 17 non home-grown players over the age of 21 in their squad for the season. But is this really going to improve football for kids in this country?

Money in the wrong areas

Another step that the FA took recently towards improving the standard of football for youngsters in England was the opening of St George’s Park, a new centre of excellence in Staffordshire to be used by all 24 of England’s teams. The park will also be used to produce more coaches as well as more sports science and sports psychology experts but although this will eventually filter down and have an impact on kids playing the game in our country; I can’t help thinking that the 105 million used to build this park has been plied into the wrong areas.

It may seem like the best idea is to develop the players that are already within the England system but that is not where the game needs addressing. It is all well and good-looking after the talent that we have already scouted but there is not an endless conveyor belt of players waiting to come through.

Instead, we need to put our focus and money on the numerous clubs and coaching systems that have the task of developing these youngsters form the first time they kick a football. This is where the game needs help. There is a severe lack of facilities, equipment and quality coaching for the next generation to be produced on the playing fields that are the foundation of our national game. Neglecting these areas will only lead to a decrease in kids getting into the game in the first place and then improving their abilities if they do. If this happens, it doesn’t matter how millions the FA spends creating elite centres of excellence, there will be no new talent to use them.

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Dominic Shepstone writes here on behalf of Sports 4 Kids. Their football classes for children are sure to help produce England’s next generation of young Lions.

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The Sports Archives – Where are the Best Golfers in the World From?

Posted on December 11, 2012 by thesportsarchives

World of GolfThe Best Golfers in the World are From . . .?

Which country produces the best golfers? In order to get to the bottom of this question let’s take a look at the world rankings over the last 6 years.

World Golf Rankings 2007

  1. Tiger Woods – United States
  2. Phil Mickelson – United States
  3. Jim Furyk – United States
  4. Ernie Els – South Africa
  5. Steve Stricker – United States
  6. Justin Rose – England
  7. Adam Scott – Australia
  8. Padraig Harrington – Ireland
  9. K.J. Choi – Korea
  10. Vijay Singh – Fiji
  11. Rory Sabbatini – South Africa
  12. Sergio Garcia – Spain
  13. Geoff Ogilvy – Australia
  14. Angel Cabrera – Argentina
  15. Zach Johnson – United States

World Golf Rankings 2008

  1. Tiger Woods -United States
  2. Sergio Garcia – Spain
  3. Phil Mickelson – United States
  4. Padraig Harrington – Ireland
  5. Vijay Singh – Fiji
  6. Robert Karlsson – Sweden
  7. Camilo Villegas – Colombia
  8. Henrik Stenson – Sweden
  9. Ernie Els – South Africa
  10. Lee Westwood – England
  11. Anthony Kim – United States
  12. Geoff Ogilvy – Australia
  13. Jim Furyk – United States
  14. Kenny Perry – United States
  15. Steve Stricker – United States

World Golf Rankings 2009

  1. Tiger Woods – United States
  2. Phil Mickelson – United States
  3. Steve Stricker – United States
  4. Lee Westwood – England
  5. Padraig Harrington – Ireland
  6. Jim Furyk – United States
  7. Paul Casey – England
  8. Henrik Stenson – Sweden
  9. Rory Mcilroy – N. Ireland
  10. Kenny Perry – United States
  11. Sergio Garcia – Spain
  12. Ian Poulter – England
  13. Martin Kaymer – Germany
  14. Geoff Ogilvy – Australia
  15. Sean O’Hair – United States

World Golf Rankings 2010

  1. Lee Westwood – England
  2. Tiger Woods – United States
  3. Martin Kaymer – Germany
  4. Phil Mickelson – United States
  5. Jim Furyk – United States
  6. Graeme McDowell – N Ireland
  7. Steve Stricker – United States
  8. Paul Casey – England
  9. Luke Donald – England
  10. Rory Mcillroy – N Ireland
  11. Ian Poulter – England
  12. Ernie Els – South Africa
  13. Matt Kuchar – United States
  14. Dustin Johnson – United States
  15. Francesco Molinari – Italy

World Golf Rankings 2011

  1. Luke Donald – England
  2. Lee Westwood – England
  3. Rory Mcilroy – N Ireland
  4. Martin Kaymer – Germany
  5. Adam Scott – Australia
  6. Steve Stricker – United States
  7. Dustin Johnson – United States
  8. Jason Day – Australia
  9. Charl Schwartzel – South Africa
  10. Webb Simpson – United States
  11. Matt Kuchar – United States
  12. Nick Watney – United States
  13. Graeme McDowell – N Ireland
  14. Phil Mickelson – United States
  15. K.J. Choi – Korea

World Golf Rankings 2012

  1. Rory Mcilroy – N Ireland
  2. Luke Donald – England
  3. Tiger Woods – United States
  4. Justin Rose – England
  5. Adam Scott – Australia
  6. Lee Westwood – England
  7. Louis Oosthuizen – South Africa
  8. Jason Dufner – United States
  9. Webb Simpson – United States
  10. Brandt Snedeker – United States
  11. Bubba Watson – United States
  12. Ian Poulter – England
  13. Phil Mickelson – United States
  14. Steve Stricker – United States
  15. Keegan Bradley – United States

By sheer number the Americans have the advantage. Over the last 6 years America averages about 6 players ranked in the top 15 each year. The next closest country is Great Britain and Ireland with about 4 players each year. Australia comes third averaging a little over 1. No other country consistently placed a player in the top 15.

There is a big difference, however, between a player ranked 1st and a player ranked 15th on the list. For example you wouldn’t consider a country that has 3 or 4 players somewhere in the 10th – 15th range in the rankings to be more dominant than a country with 2 to 3 players in the 1st – 5th range. By creating a simple reverse-order point system (15 points for 1st place, 1 point for 15th place) we can see which country has not only the most good players but which has the very best. According to this adjusted point system the U.S. still comes out ahead. The average score for the United States is 47.3 each year, which puts it ahead of the United Kingdom and Ireland’s average of 38.3. But if you take into account the average ranking per player in the rankings than the United Kingdom actually scores better with an average ranking of about 7 to America’s 8.

Even with the help of these rankings the answer to our question remains a bit hazy. America consistently has more players in the top 15 each year and together their rankings are higher than any other country but when you take into account the averages the United Kingdom seems to have fewer but, nevertheless, slightly more talented golfers. This is hardly the concrete, definitive answer I was looking for, but it certainly helped me eliminate a lot of possible countries from the argument. For now, at least, because of the current rankings the United Kingdom seems to hold a slight edge over the United States.

Phil Oscarson is an avid golfer/golf enthusiast. A self-proclaimed semi-pro golfer, Phil has been around the world visiting some of the best major tournaments. He is currently in the green technology industry, and a freelance writer for AmericanGolf.com.

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The Sports Archives – The Popularity of Cycling!

Posted on December 10, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Cycling has become more popular over the last few years a small part of this increase in popularity can be attributed to the 2012 London Olympics and Bradley Wiggins Tour De France win.

However cycling has a rich history that most people do not know anything about.

popularity of cycling

The first bicycle race took place on the 31 May 1868 in Paris.  The race was held of 1,200 metres the race was won by James Moore who rode a wooden bicycle with iron tyres.

This article will look at the different cycling events that have become popular since this first race.

Road Races

Road racing can be done as part of a team or as an individual competition, there are various types of road races from one day events to multi stage events.

Let’s take a look at some of the different Road Races.

  • Criterium – This one day event is held on a short course generally less than a mile and are often run on closed of city centre streets.
  • Time-trial – This one day event can be held on roads or in Velodromes.
  • Multi-Stage Events such as the Tour de France and sister events are held over several weeks and cover different stages across Europe.

Cyclo-cross

Cyclo-cross racing takes place in the autumn and winter months.  The Cyclo-cross world cup season is normally held between October and February.

Cyclo-Cross consists of many laps between 2.5 – 3.5 km, some courses feature different surfaces such as pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles that require the rider to quickly dismount and carry their bike whilst navigating the obstacle before they can remount.

Races for senior categories are normally between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Mountain Bike Racing

Mountain bike racing is held on various terrains and has several different events.  Let’s take a look at some of these events.

  • Cross-Country is held on varied terrain circuit between 6 and 8 km and is a massed-start race.
  • Short Track cross-country is held on a track of 800m in length
  • Downhill racing is a time trial event, participants start at 30 second to 3 minute intervals depending on the stage of the competition the rider with the lowest time wins.
  • Super D is a race that combines cross-country and downhill stages

Track Cycling

This type of event has been going since at least 1870 when cycling was in its infancy. Track cycling is held on wooden indoor tracks which consist of 2 straights and 2 banked turns.

One appeal of indoor track racing when it was introduced was that organisers could control the spectators and charge an entrance fee which made track cycling a lucrative sport some early races of this type attracted up to 2000 spectators.

Another advantage of indoor tracks meant that events could be held all year round.

BMX

For those of you who are old enough will remember that the BMX craze started in the 1970’s when kids started riding their bikes on dirt tracks and was considered to be one of the must have bikes of the 80’s.

In 2003 the International Olympic Committee made BMX a full medal Olympic sport and made its debut Olympic appearance in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The first Olympic champions for BMX racing were Māris Štrombergs (Male for Latvia) and Anne-Caroline Chausson (Female for France).

Mountain Bike Trials

Also known as an observed trial it is carried out on Mountain Bikes and consists of the participants attempting to pass through an obstacle course without setting a foot on the ground.

This form of event is a true test of handling skills for mountain bikers.

Cycle Speedway

Although the origins of this event are obscure there is evidence that shows that cycle speedway existed in the 1920’s. This event is held on short oval dirt tracks which are usually outdoors however some events are held on indoor tracks.

Tracks are typically between 70 and 90 metres.

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James Olsen is an amateur bike racer and takes part in several different events throughout the year one of his favourite events is the Super D which he uses his Hybrid Bike for.

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The Sports Archives – The Top 5 Football Movies in the Past 20 Years!

Posted on December 8, 2012 by thesportsarchives

The Top 5 Football Movies in the Past 20 Years

Baseball might be America’s pastime, but football is its passion.  There’s just something about those crisp fall Sundays paired some chicken wings, cold beers, buddies, and the game that make life seem a little sweeter.  Luckily, for those dark months when football is taking its seasonal hiatus, there are plenty of football-themed movies to get your pigskin fix. Here are the five greatest football flicks from the past two decades that have something for everyone—from the underdog to the hardcore fan (and even something for the kids!)

#1 “Remember the Titans”, 2000

Remember The TitansDirected by Boaz Yakin, “Remember the Titans” not only tackles the hardships of winning a football championship but also the perils of overcoming racism and the desegregation of schools in the early 1970s.  Denzel Washington stars as Coach Herman Boone whose personal goal is to win the championship while ridding the team of racial discrimination. Through tough technical drills, strong leadership, and powerful lectures he succeeds in his goal with the help of his defensive coordinator and previous head coach, Bill Yoast (played by Will Patton).The film is a perfect mix of tactical football, humor, and heart-wrenching scenes thanks to a dynamite cast; especially the intense team captains played by Wood Harris and Gerry Bertier and the lovable and large defensive lineman turned peacemaker played by Ethan Suplee.   A young Hayden Panettiere, who plays Coach Yoast’s daughter, rounds out the cast as the team’s unofficial mascot and lead heckler.

#2 “Rudy”,  1993

Rudy“Rudy” is the classic underdog comeback story based on the real life accounts of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger. Directed by David Anspaugh and starring Sean Austin as the title role. The film follows the character as he overcomes physical limitations, a learning disability and relentless taunts and teasing from his family to fulfill his dream of playing for the Notre Dame Football program. The sound of the crowd chanting Rudy’s name before he finally gets put into his first and only Notre Dame Football game is one of the most motivating scenes in sports movie history.

#3 “The Blind Side”, 2009

The Blind SideBreaking football movie tradition with a female star, “The Blind Side”, directed by John Lee Hancock, is based on the true story of football star Michael Oher and his adoptive mother Leigh Anne Tuohy, who along with her family, takes in the homeless Michael ”Big Mike” Oher. Throughout the film, Oher eventually overcomes the obstacles he faces as a foster child from the projects to become a NFL star for the Baltimore Ravens. Tuohy, played by Sandra Bullock (who won an Academy Award a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild award for her performance), not only helps Mike understand his role to protect the quarterback’s blind side on the field but she also gives him something else he’s never experienced before—a bed to sleep in and a family unit that loves and supports him. Young Jae Head plays Tuohy’s son, SJ, who instantly befriends Oher and brings warmth and comic relief to the film.

#4 “Little Giants”, 1994

Little GiantsThis family friendly football comedy follows two battling brothers: Kevin a well-known retired football star and Heisman trophy recipient and his nerdy younger brother, Danny, who settle their sibling rivalry by coaching opposing Pee-Wee football teams. Ed O’ Neill plays Kevin, who despite her undeniable athletic ability, cuts Danny’s daughter from his team. As revenge, Danny, played by Rick Moranis, allows his daughter to convince him to form and coach his own competing team of misfits who didn’t make Kevin’s elite squad. The two teams face off in a hilarious football battle, which ends up with an underdog victory by the misfit team known as the Little Giants.  Director Duwayne Dunham ensures the film has a great mix of romance, comedy, heart-warming plot and even a few cameos by real life NFL stars to keep the adults interested.

#5 “The Program”, 1993

The Program“The Program”, directed by David S. Ward, follows the fictional ESU Timberwolves as the players and coaches attempts to deal with the pressures that come with participating in a college-level program; including performance enhancing drugs, partying, family pressure, media scrutiny, scholastic expectations and performance anxiety. James Caan stars as head coach Sam Winters who, along with his staff, struggle to bring the football team a championship by overlooking some out-of- control behavior from the players. The movie does an excellent job at showing the intensity of the hits and tactical movements on the field but also reveals the complexity of the athletes’ lives off the field. One of the most famous scenes features defensive-end Steve Lattimer, played by Andrew Bryniarki, who during a bat of “roid rage” smashes his head through several car windows while celebrating his newly elevated position on the team by screaming, “Starting defense! Place at the table!”

With all of the negative attention football has received this off-season, (http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/06/22/jerry-sandusky-trial-verdict/) and the anticipation of NFL season just around the corner; it’s sometimes comforting to take a football escape with a few good flicks from this list.

Author Bio: Dwayne Thomas is a huge DC sports fan (Redskins, Nationals, and Wizards).  He is also a staff writer for cabletv.com.

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The Sports Archives – Rookie Runners: Opportunity for Giants’ David Wilson!

Posted on December 7, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Rookie Runners HamsterDanceThere were three running backs picked in the first round of the 2012 draft. Tampa Bay’s Doug Martin (drafted 31st out of Boise State) is already a star (though he still has to deal with being nicknamed Muscle Hamster). Martin was fourth overall in rushing yards after Week 12. Cleveland’s Trent Richardson; (drafted 3rd out of Alabama) was on pace to have a 1,000-yard season.  The Giants’ David Wilson, selected out of Virginia Tech with the 31st pick, one pick after Martin, had failed to make any impact. But that could be about to change, thanks to an injury to Giants running back Andre Brown.

Andre Brown is suffering from a leg injury

Before Brown broke his leg in Week 12, he had scored a touchdown in five straight games, giving him eight touchdowns on the year compared to five for Giants lead back Ahmad Bradshaw. Brown outgained Bradshaw in both Week 11 and Week 12 and had more carries than Bradshaw, 13 to 10, in Week 12. With Bradshaw battling an injured foot, the Giants wanted to lessen his load.

Now Brown out for at least the rest of the regular season, so Wilson will see increased playing time. If the Giants wrap up a playoff spot early, Bradshaw could get more rest, which could increase Wilson’s playing time even more.

Bryce Brown gets his chance

In Week 12, Eagles rookie running back Bryce Brown showed that sometimes all a player needs is a chance to play. Brown, a seventh-round pick out of Kansas State, went into the game against the Panthers with just 141 rushing yards and no touchdowns.  But with LeSean McCoy out due to a concussion, Brown exploded for 178 yards and two touchdowns, equaling McCoy’s touchdown total for the season.  Brown also fumbled twice, though.

As Week 13 approached, McCoy appeared unlikely to play. With the Eagles going nowhere, there is no reason to rush McCoy back, so Brown could continue to start into the fantasy football playoffs.

But it can be risky to count on an untested rookie running back, as Week 12 also showed. With Denver’s Willis McGahee out, Ronnie Hillman, drafted in the third round out of San Diego State, appeared to be the front-runner to take his place in the game against Kansas City. Instead, Denver started Knowshon Moreno, who had not seen action since Week 2, and Moreno responded with 85 yards on 20 carries along with four catches for 26 yards.  Hillman, meanwhile, had just nine yards on three carries, leaving Moreno now the likelier Broncos starter the rest of the regular season.

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Ben Hargrove writes on fantasy football for DraftStreet.

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The Sports Archives – Who’s Tough Enough For Tough Mudder?

Posted on December 6, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Tough MudderThere are many arduous sporting challenges and activities out there but Tough Mudder certainly provides a unique battle to complete.  When the winter time is getting into full flow in the UK one of the toughest assault courses around comes to the North West of England in November. Tough Mudder is not for the faint hearted though as this 1-12 mile assault course has been designed to be both mentally and physically challenging by the British Special Forces. The challenge is one that will give participants the ultimate sense of pride at the finish line and you will also experience great camaraderie with fellow participants that will help you through the battle.

Tough Mudder is all about having fun and enjoying yourself, as well as putting yourself through a huge physical test. Along the way you will encounter interesting obstacles and you will certainly see enough mud to last you a lifetime. The 5000 participants will line up at the start and set off with a traditional war cry and head straight into the Swamp Stomp, which involves wading through waist-deep mud before you hit Bale Bonds. At this stage you will be throwing yourself over huge hay bales. These are just the first 2 of 30 obstacles dotted along the course and it is fair to say that they get a lot worse.

You will have to navigate your way through the Black Forest, climb the Berlin Walls, encounter the Kiss of Mud as you crawl under barbed wire, face the Fire Walker with four-foot flames and finish off with a bit of Electroshock Therapy. After all of this you will be greeted by cheering supporters, and a live band to go with a well-deserved beer.

As the event is in November it is sure to be cold and there is the potential of ice in the water. In the Canadian Tough Mudder some people got hypothermia and some also had cardiac troubles at the obstacle Arctic Enema. You can take precautions by wearing under armour heat gear which is designed to hold moisture away from the skin, keeping you drier and more comfortable.

Tough Mudder is a great event if you want to test yourself and it is all for a good cause. The Tough Mudder raises money for the charity Wounded Warrior Project who serve wounded service men and women who have had an injury, wounds or illness since September 11th 2001. The charity will contribute towards improving battlefield medicine and body armour amongst other things, so get involved and do something great for yourself and for others.

Article written by Warren Thomas representing http://www.performancesportsstuff.com/ who offer all kinds of activity wear and sports protection clothing.

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The Sports Archives – The History And Basics Of Wheelchair Basketball

Posted on December 5, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Wheelchair BasketballThe History And Basics Of Wheelchair Basketball

With the popularity of this year’s Paralympic Games, we think it’s time to take a closer look at one of the most watchable sports: wheelchair basketball. Developed by American World War II veterans, this activity became much-loved, not just as a rehabilitation program, but as a competitive sport across the world. Tellingly, more than 80 countries now have a wheelchair basketball teams.

Wheelchair basketball first appeared at the Rome Games in 1960 and was followed by women’s wheelchair basketball in 1968, two Paralympics later.

In the Paralympic Games, 12 teams competed in the men’s and 10 in the women’s groups. Each team has 12 athletes – 5 players and 7 subs. Every participating country is only allowed one men’s and one women’s team.

Classification

Of course, every person in a wheelchair has varying levels of disability, and this is reflected in the classification of athletes. The points range between 1 and 4.5 – 1 for the lowest physical function and 4.5 for the highest. In total, a team can’t exceed 14 points for their players.

The Court

The field of play is 28 metres long and 15 metres wide. The baskets are 3.05 metres above ground. The court is split down the middle, with the three-point line 6.75 metres away from each basket and the free-throw line a little closer at 5.8 metres.

The Basics

Generally, wheelchair basketball is no different to basketball: the court size, the basket height, and the scoring are all identical. You get 2 points for a regular shot, 1 point for every successful free throw, and three points when you score from a distance. Athletes also pass and dribble the ball – wheelchair players have to throw or bounce the ball every 2 turns of their wheels or they will be accused of traveling. The game lasts a total of 40 minutes, which is split into 10 minute quarters and players can call for time-out for one minute, if they like.

How to Win

Every wheelchair basketball player needs to be strong, fast, and high in endurance. Not only that, but they need to have fantastic skills with a basketball and a tactical mind. It also helps to have a fantastic chair like the products available at disability specialists, Allabilitycycling.

Officials

Like most sports, a referee presides over the game, as well as two umpires. There will be timers and scorers on hand to take care of the play’s statistics.

Rule Breaking

Some violations that aren’t tolerated on a wheelchair basketball court are traveling, going out-of-bounds, or rising out of the seat to achieve an advantage over other players. Usually, this results in the ball going to the opposition.

For fouls against other athletes like blocking, pushing, or charging, the opposition team gets a throw-in, but if the victim was close to scoring, then more than one throw-in may be awarded.

 

The Lingo

An ‘assist’ is when a pass goes directly to a teammate and they score. ‘Downtown’ is the area outside the three-point boundary. Finally, ‘shot clock’ is the 24 seconds awarded after a shot to get another rim-touch, or the ball turns over to the other team.

Article written by Jamie Knop on behalf of Allabilitycycling.

Related Blogs:
History of the Paralympics!
An Introduction to Goalball: How Touch & Sound Trump Sight!

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