The Sports Archives – The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall!

Posted on November 20, 2012 by thesportsarchives

david_vs_goliathI’m not a religious man and I’m certainly not one for preaching, but for the sake of spreading an important message, I’d like to call upon a well-known parable from the book of Samuel. I’m sure we’ve all had the heroic tale of David and Goliath recounted to us at some stage in our lives, but for those whose memories are a little foggy, here’s a quick rundown. The Old Testament tells us how David, the future king of Israel comes to do battle against the giant warrior and champion of the Philistines, Goliath. Regardless of the apparent hopelessness of the situation, David arms himself with only a slingshot and a handful of stones. To cut a long story short, he hits Goliath square between the eyes, knocks him to the floor and chops his head off! Although the tale is loaded with religious connotations and biblical metaphors, its wider message is one we can all appreciate. Regardless of size and strength, a clever strategy and accurate technique can always lead to a victory. Nowhere can this lesson be applied with greater effect than in the Octagon of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The great thing about the UFC is that it embraces combat disciplines from across the globe and welcomes athletes of all shapes and sizes. With an ever-increasing roster of international fighters there’s more variety in the kind of fighting styles being seen than in any other contact sport. Fighters from different backgrounds are being pitted against one another in the Octagon regardless of size or strength. Many of the smaller more nimble athletes are turning to a fighting style known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s the perfect strategy for a David and Goliath type situation and is arguably the most effective martial art ever created.

The Gracie Legacy

Mitsuyo Maeda

Mitsuyo Maeda

Although the ancient art of Jiu-Jitsu has its roots in the Far East, its greatest development happened thousands of miles across the globe in South America during the early 1900’s. This once secret martial art was taught to the Gracie family of Brazil by a Japanese prize-fighter named Mitsuyo Maeda. The family’s youngest son, Helio, who was at a considerable size and strength disadvantage to his brothers, took it upon himself to adopt many of Jiu-Jitsu’s core principles to benefit fighters of a smaller stature. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (as it later became known) promotes the idea that brute strength and size can be countered by leverage, timing and accurate technique. Although it sounds crazy, a BJJ fighter is most deadly when he’s attacking from the ground. A variety of mounting positions give smaller fighters the opportunity to unleash an intricate combination of grapples, chokes, holds and submission moves on opponents much bigger and stronger than themselves. Fighters who are used to staying on two feet often lack the skills required to defend against a BJJ ground attack. Once the fight is taken to the floor, it can be over in a matter of seconds.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the UFC

Royce Gracie

Royce Gracie

Due to its effectiveness, BJJ has become a popular style for many mixed martial artists. Helio Gracie’s son, Royce, was the first to introduce Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the UFC. In 1993 he won the first ever pay-per-view tournament, defeating three opponents with submission moves in three consecutive bouts. Ken Shamrock, who was almost twice Royce’s size tapped out from a rear-naked chokehold in just 57 seconds. Royce went on to win the second and fourth PPV events and became renowned for making BJJ a core martial arts skill in the UFC. Since the nineties, a number of high-ranking UFC fighters (including Anderson Silva and Frank Mir) have made a name for themselves by

Ken Shamrock

Ken Shamrock

putting BJJ to devastating effect. BJ Penn was trained in BJJ by Ralph Gracie in the late nineties and obtained a black belt in only three years. In 2000 he became the first non-Brazilian to win the black belt division of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. He later went on to win world titles in 2 different UFC weight classes – one of only two people to do so.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can teach smaller fighters the skills needed to bring down just about anyone, regardless of size and strength. If you’re looking to learn more about this highly technical martial art then head over to www.tapout101.com.

Related Blogs:
Popular Styles of Mixed Martial Arts!
Top 5 Martial Arts To Learn For Self Defense

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The Sports Archives – Sports in Ohio: A History!

Posted on November 19, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Ohio MapOhio is possibly the best state for sports in the entire country. Unfortunately, the success of professional sports teams in Ohio has been limited. There has been a lot of false hope and heartbreak. The good news is that regardless of what happens to the fans in this state, they are true diehards. They will stick with their teams through thick and thin. Though not a professional sports team, there is also one team with a stellar reputation and record, which we will cover below. First, let’s take a look at a brief history for all professional sports team in Ohio. Since the NFL is always the big daddy regardless of where you live, we will begin there.

Cleveland Browns logoThe Cleveland Browns are almost non-existent to NFL fans that don’t live in Ohio. That might sound blunt, but it’s definitely true. The Browns have been a disaster for over a decade. This is a sad state of affairs considering the former Browns that Art Modell moved to Baltimore and called the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000. This added salt to the wound for Browns fans who remembered the good old days of the 1980s. Let’s keep the nostalgia in check, though. While the Browns were competitive in the 1980s, and even though they made the playoffs from 1985 to 1989, they still broke the hearts of their fans on countless occasions. John Elway, former QB of the Denver Broncos, had a lot to do with this heartache. As far as Modell moving the team, he claimed that the fans and city government weren’t supportive enough. Since the new Browns have come into existence, we have seen a new era of futility. The Browns are consistently a non-contender, and their management has made one error after another with head coaches and quarterbacks. Their most recent move was to draft a 29-year-old QB. Time will tell how that works out.

Cincinnati Bengals logoThe Cincinnati Bengals have a slightly better history. In the 1970s, they made the playoffs often, yet they never won the Super Bowl. In the 1980s, the Bengals had their most successful decade under Sam Wyche. They made it to the Super Bowl in 1981 and 1988, but they lost to the 49’ers on both occasions. In the 1990s and early 2000s, head coaches included Dave Shula, Bruce Coslet and Dick LeBeau. They all had losing records. Head Coach Marvin Lewis took the Bengals to the playoffs in 2005, but they haven’t been back since. Many Bengals fans are hoping QB Andy Dalton can become a top-tier QB in the NFL.

Cincinnati Reds logoSwitching to baseball, the Cincinnati Reds were once a powerhouse. In the 1970s, they had The Big Red Machine with Pete Rose, Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan. With Sparky Anderson at the helm, this team was well-managed. They won the World Series in 1975 and 1976. However, since that time, the Reds have seen limited success. A lot of people think the Pete Rose gambling incident and Marge Schott racist incident pointed the team in the wrong direction, and that the team has been cursed ever since.

Cleveland Indians logoThe Cleveland Indians are the kings of heartbreak. They won the World Series in 1914 and 1948, but when you have been around for over 100 years, two championships isn’t very impressive. They lost the World Series in 1954. After that, it was all downhill for a long period of time. Between 1960 and 1993, they never finished better than third place. They constantly changed owners and traded players, never allowing their teams to gel. This great impatience has been the key ingredient for their consistent failures. Between the mid-1990s to 2010, the Indians had some great seasons, but they always choked in the playoffs.

Ohio State Buckeyes logoNow let’s take a look at the brightest spot for Ohio sports, which is the Ohio State Buckeyes. They have an all-time winning percentage of .716. That’s impressive, but what’s even more impressive is that they have seven national titles. Their championship years include 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970 and 2002. If that’s not enough, the Buckeyes have produced seven Heisman Trophy winners, which include Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Howard Cassady, Archie Griffin (2x,) Eddie George and Troy Smith. The Buckeyes also have a reputation for producing NFL talent. Their top players are often selected in the first few rounds of the NFL draft.

The most recent championship for the Ohio State Buckeyes was in 2002 when Jim Tressel coached his team to an undefeated record. Currently, Urban Meyer is coaching the Buckeyes and seeing great results. It’s definitely possible for the Buckeyes to win another championship within the next few years. Their fans are incredibly dedicated, which can be proven by the fact that the Buckeyes consistently sellout a 102,329-seat stadium. This large fan base makes for a tremendous advantage when the Buckeyes play at home.

It’s difficult to predict what will happen in the future for Ohio sports, but one thing will always remain the same. Ohio sports teams will always enjoy the support of the most loyal fans in the country.

Related Blogs:
Alabama and Ohio State head AP poll

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The Sports Archives – Popular Styles of Mixed Martial Arts!

Posted on November 17, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Martial ArtsMixed martial arts are one of the most popular types of martial arts, mainly because they are high energy, interesting to practice and one of the best fighting sports for losing weight. Mixed martial arts are also currently popularised by television with UFC and MMA fights.

People who want to learn mixed martial arts should choose a discipline that appeals to them and is available in their area.  It’s also possible to sign up for martial arts classes online, or find schools or trainers in your area via online websites and directories.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the newer styles of Mixed Martial arts, but came into prominence after practitioner Royce Grace won the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) multiple times.  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is mostly a grappling sport relying on ground fighting and leverage skills to allow a smaller opponent to fend off and defeat a larger opponent. Because of this, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is often considered one of the best martial arts for self-defence.

Wrestling

Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan

Wrestling is not often thought of as an MMA, but it qualifies as one. The sport of wrestling including Catch wrestling and Amateur wrestling both involve high intensity training, strength building and speed. Fighting styles include ground grappling, grappling, strength and submission holds.

Judo

Popularised by media, Judo is a predecessor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and combines grapples, throws, strikes and holds to take down, immobilise or subdue an opponent. Originally developed as a modern ‘gentle’ martial art, Judo uses a variety of techniques including hands and feet. It is widely popular and usually easy to find a school.

Karate

Chomo Hanashiro

Chomo Hanashiro

Possibly one of the most famous of the mixed martial arts, Karate is practiced by MMA greats. It is usually considered to be one of the core foundations of Kickboxing, notably featuring striking techniques using the hands and the feet. There are also multiple branches and variations of Karate, most of which use the same stance and the same basic movements.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a style of kickboxing that relies on striking from eight points of the human body. Muay Thai involves using the hands, feet, elbows and knees to attack an opponent and is similar to Pradal Therey or Tomoi Kickboxing. Practitioners learn to balance the body and strike from any part of the body. Muay Thai is one of the most practiced MMA arts.

Taekwondotaekwondo

Taekwondo originates from Korea and is one of the most popular and well known martial arts. For MMA, it often requires some cross training with kickboxing in order to allow the practitioner to keep up with other MMA fighters, but is an excellent choice for learning kicking, sparring, and distance fighting.

Mixed martial arts cover numerous ranges of martial arts but many of them are quite similar. This list covers the basic, most popular MMA styles and the ones most commonly seen in schools. People who want to train in a specific MMA should look for a school that specialises in that discipline. However, many MMA schools cover a wide range of UFC style fighting arts including Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and more.

There are many reasons to start training for martial arts including self-defence, self-discipline, weight loss, toning, competition, or even as a hobby. If you want to start training for any mixed martial art sport, you should consider talking to one or more trainers about what you’re looking for and why. They should be able to help you with choosing a discipline that suits your needs.

Many martial arts require long term dedication. Usually you won’t see results or learn ‘cool’ techniques right away. Martial arts take patience, training and perseverance so you should be ready to commit before you try signing up.

Related Posts:

Traditional Versus Sport Taekwondo

Karate: A Look into its Origin!

Is Pro Wrestling Better or Worse Than It Was Five years Ago?

Top 5 Martial Arts To Learn For Self Defense

Learn more about mixed martial arts, find classes, or read about your favorite MMA discipline at tapout101.com.

If you are looking for Mixed Martials Arts equipment, gear and apparel, then visit Knucklesdown.net, a comparison shopping site for MMA Training Gear and Equipment.

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The Sports Archives – Sports Memorabilia – Decoration and Pride!

Posted on November 16, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Sports Memorabilia – Decoration and Pride

Babe Ruth Steel CardDisplaying our accomplishments has long since been a practiced tradition. From diplomas, to awards, to trophies, we hang the items that are most important to us. Oftentimes, these achievements aren’t even our own. As sports popularity has continued to grow across the country, so has the significance of displaying one’s (second-hand) awards. Whether that be hanging wallpaper that displays a mascot, purchasing part of a disassembled basketball court, or having a personal item signed, the practice lingers on.

For some, though, the significance of an item is merely personal. Their team might have had a losing season (or multiple losing seasons), and the plaque that your office or mantle displays is purely sentimental. Others might have replicas of an important item, such as stadium seats. Companies then make copies so that a seat can be obtained at a lower price.

Finally, however, there’s a third form of collector – one who actually spends money, big money, on the sports items they desire. For instance, Babe Ruth, who was sold by the Boston Red Sox for a mere $100,000, used a bat that sold for $1.265 million. Made famous in 1923, the bat helped earn Ruth the first home run of Yankee Stadium.

Surprisingly, however, according to Forbes, the 10 most expensive sports pieces everMark McGwire all hail from baseball. Five of those items having belonged to The Babe himself (the cheapest of which went for just over $657k), spot number one goes to Mark McGwire. In 1998, his 70th home run baseball sold for $3,005,000.

While who is the owner of these funds is unsure, it’s safe to say that sales like these prove fans’ dedication. Whether you own a coffee cup of your favorite team or a collectable worth millions, don’t be afraid to show off just how important your team’s décor has become.

Related Post:

Baseball Card Manufacturing Broken Down In 5 Steps

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The Sports Archives – Sporting Activities For the Over 40’s!

Posted on November 15, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Many people who have been active in sports in their youth seem to think that once Person Sweatingthey hit 40 they have to give everything up and take up a more sedate life, but nothing is further from the truth. The fact is that there are lots more sports out there now that cater for the more mature athlete so that these athletes can perform sports at a master level rather than having to hang up their running shoes and watch the younger athletes from the side lines. Take the sport of power lifting as an example, they have a masters division for athletes that are aged 40 and over, many cycling clubs have a cut off age of 35 for standard riders but then offer an additional rider class for those aged 55 and over. No matter what your sport, just because you think your age places you over the hill, there is no reason for you to give up completely.

Sports to Consider

Running: Running is probably the sport that sees the largest amount of 40’s getting involved in it, after all no equipment is required other than a pair of running shoes and you can set you own pace and run for as long or as short a time as you want.  There is no team ethic unless you join a running club and it’s a pretty self-regulated sporting activity.

Mountain Biking & Cycling: You may assume that mountain bikes are strictly for the kids but who is to say that a more mature person can’t have a go? Cycling is great for boosting cardio vascular activity and is a lot lower impact on the joints that running. Join a cycle club and try your hand at road racing or on the track, there are even BMX groups for the older racer so get back on your bike and go and have some fun.

Power Lifting: Strength sports are often popular with more mature athletes, and nothing gets more attention in the gym from the young hopefuls than an older and wiser master. Even if you don’t want to take it as far as the power lifting competitions there are still many other strength related categories that you could go for such as the bench press.

Dwayne JohnsonBody Building: Forget about strength and stamina and flaunt your body beautiful, sculpting your body into a work of art in its own right is also something that the over 40’s are getting into. Even if you choose not to take it as far as competition level you will still be doing wonders for your levels of self-esteem.

Triathlon: We’re not talking about the iron man competition here, just the regular triathlon. Locally run competitions generally offer a shorter circuit for competitors and you can use these smaller local events to get you in shape for the bigger ones.

 

Adventure Sports: Try your hand at something that gets your adrenalin pumping and makes you feel well and truly alive, such as abseiling, kayaking or hiking and get back in touch with the great outdoors again, it certainly beats looking at the same four walls of the gym.

Related Blogs:

Are Extreme Sports Really Dangerous?

2012 International Triathlon Events

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The Sports Archives – Europe’s Unthinkable Comeback!

Posted on November 14, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Europe’s Unthinkable Comeback!

Ryder Cup 2012 LogoPerhaps it was destiny that brought the 2012 incarnation of the Ryder Cup to Medinah Country Club, a tranquil retreat ‘midst the bustling suburbs south of Chicago. The ‘Miracle at Medinah‘ was profound enough to find a hallowed place in golfing lore.

As U.S. golfers scored victory upon victory over the first couple of days at Medinah, announcers desperately and repeatedly referred to the 1999 Ryder Cup comeback by the United States. The TV ratings for blow-outs in golf are not all that good.

It was so bad at Medinah that the European contingent needed to climb a mountain just to get to that same 10-6 deficit the Americans had faced in ’99. Climb it they did, winning the final two matches on Saturday to begin an ascent from a 10-4 deficit. The miracle had begun to unfold, but only the players and the most fervently faithful believed it. The silhouette of former Ryder Cup captain Seve Ballesteros was emblazoned on the Europeans’ gear, an omnipresent reminder of what they were playing for.

The captains of the European and American teams get more attention at the Ryder Cup than non-golfing participants in almost any other golf competition. Jose Maria Olazabal and Davis Love III brought added gravitas to this biennial encounter of the best golfers from two continents. Each had known loss that inextricably linked their personal and professional lives.

The Olazabal/Ballesteros connection was oft-invoked, and a certain father/son partnership less so. Jose and Seve had teamed up in no less than 15 Ryder Cup matches in the eighties and nineties. Few giants of the game had departed so young as Ballesteros did at the age of 54. Payne Stewart and Babe Zaharias were two others. Davis Love had lost his own giant of the game, his golf pro father, in a plane crash very early in his own career. The rainbow backdrop on the eighteenth at Winged Foot when he won the ’97 PGA and invoked the memory of his father is also now permanently etched in the annals of golf history.

The setting was therefore imbued with such history that both inspiration and pressure attended every moment on Sunday, the final day. There was no immediate turnaround for those trying to retain the Cup. In fact, anyone tuning in halfway through Sunday’s individual matches would have heard learned prognostications of 16-12 or thereabouts. Should such predictions hold, the Cup would travel across the Atlantic with the triumphant Americans taking turns sipping champagne from it.

Then the golfing gods took over. On the final nine, putts dropped and putts didn’t. European putts dropped; American putts didn’t. There was fist-pumping by a resurgent Ian Poulter as well as the renewed prominence of Graeme McDowell.

Justin Rose was about to be closed out on 16 by Phil Mickelson, but he gamely holed a not-so-short par putt. Phil smiled with admiration. Rose’s pulled tee shot on 17 left a winding putt from another time zone. His improbable birdie captured the hole. The epitome of class, Mickelson was left to smile and applaud once again. Rose completed his putting trifecta on the final hole. In the span of just three holes he had turned a sure point lost into a full point won. The ‘Miracle at Medinah’ was well underway with a full two point swing.

A usually calm but now adrenalin-aided Jim Furyk hit it right at the pin with his approach on 18, but well past. He went on to three putt and lose his match to a steady Sergio Garcia. The Spaniard’s play further invoked thoughts of his childhood hero, Seve. Then, Steve Stricker hit a chip from behind 17 a tad too hard. Still, one of the best putters anywhere would surely knock it in. He didn’t. Martin Kaymer added to the European comeback and secured the Cup.

The final Woods/Molinari match was suddenly anticlimactic, save for deciding whether the Cup would be retained via a tie or an outright win. Molinari held off Woods and the once huge 10-4 deficit was transformed into a 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 outright win. And so it became the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ forevermore.

AUTHOR:  Colin Knight is an avid golf fan and habitual bogey rather than birdy.  Colin is more at home watching the Ryder Cup rather than dreaming of playing in it.  He currently works for Belmont Lodge.

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The Sports Archives – Some Less Active Sports to Try Out!

Posted on November 13, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Playing a sport is a great way to get some exercise, to improve a range of skills from control to spatial awareness, and to give yourself a brilliant hobby to improve yourself in and to pass the time. At the same time when playing a sport this can be a brilliant way to socialise and a great thing to do with friends, and you’ll find that conversation tends to flow a lot more smoothly when you have a sport or some kind of competition to involve yourself in.

Runner with StitchHowever not everyone is cut out for sports and while for some people a game like football is a great way to keep fit and meet people, for others it can be stressful, tiring and embarrassing even. If you don’t have a particular knack for team sports or athletics, or if you’re someone who gets easily tired then you might not be cut out for these kinds of activities. Likewise even if you are a fan of football or baseball, then it only takes a knee injury or the spectre of old age to unfortunately take you out of the game at which point it’s time to look for something new.

The good news is that there are plenty of sports that aren’t all that active that can be just as good as a way to improve your spatial awareness, that can be just as competitive and sociable, and that can be just as addictive. Here we will look at some of the less active alternatives you can try out if you want to play sports but don’t like the idea of legging it around a pitch and helping you to choose the right one for you.

Pool: Pool is a great game that anyone can play without having to run around or sufferPool Balls any impacts on the joints. At the same time though it’s also an incredibly sociable game (there’s a reason they put pool tables in pubs) and it’s a great game for strategy and planning. You can really feel yourself improve in pool over time so it’s highly addictive once you start.

Snooker: Snooker is similar to pool in appearance but there are a lot of differences – the table is faster, the balls are smaller and the rules are very different and more complex. If you are more serious about sports and want to delve into a game that has a bit more depth, then snooker is a better option than pool.

Darts in a DartboardDarts: Darts are a game you play standing up but again it doesn’t involve any rapid movements, and in fact you can play with a drink in one hand when you get good (and many people do). Again though it requires precise control and it’s highly addictive.

Golf: Golf is a game that unlike the previous options will get you outside and help you to see a bit of the world. This makes it brilliant for travel and great for developing a tan, but at the same time it’s also an incredible deep and addictive game in itself that won’t let you go once you start to get drawn in. Besides, riding around in a golf buggy is always fun.

The article is written by Henry Wood, a sports blogger and freelance writer.

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The Sports Archives – Traditional Versus Sport Taekwondo

Posted on November 12, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Traditional and Modern Sport TaekwondoBefore embarking on the physical engagement of martial arts one must recognize that each style of martial arts training stems from steep traditions. In the case of taekwondo, there are two different approaches that classes offer: (i) traditional katas and self-defense movements, and (ii) the sport sparring version of martial arts. Each is important for growing as a martial artist, as form bears a different focal point in the physical, mental and spiritual aspects. Therefore, it is crucial that one is in tune with the two main benefits of learning taekwondo so that he or she may become an all-rounded practitioner.

The first type of taekwondo is known as “traditional taekwondo” began thousands of years ago in the Korean Military. This style of martial arts emphasizes the elements of Korean history, intellect, and culture. Often at the beginning of each class, students repeat a code of conduct, one that reflects the vitality of self-restraint and modesty. This dates back to the concept of Confucianism, which held the ideals that a superior man should never show off. In addition, traditional taekwondo emphasizes the importance of the spiritual journey; it allows each student to go through his or her voyage to spiritual and personal improvement. Also, there are a number of technique differentiations between sport taekwondo and traditional.

Sport sparring technique is geared more toward the physical aspect of the participant. Overall, it promotes a more westernized style of teaching. The movements taught in traditional training use an older style kick and involve a lot of movement; whereas the sport version teaches movement and technique that is centered around competition. Also, the sparring in traditional taekwondo is not meant to necessarily hit the opponent hard, where sport sparring is geared around hard hitting, scoring, speed, and quick footwork.

It has been said that traditional taekwondo utilizes customary patterns, hand movement, and technique; while sport taekwondo focuses less on the traditional movements by adjusting them to a combat situation. Therefore, one should be aware of his or her ultimate goals before deciding which from best suits them. As the majority of martial arts are based on traditions, taekwondo is one of the arts that has branched out into two facets and many prefer the traditional style of it.

As the traditional style will stay true to the Korean values that it was based on, the concept of patterned movements and light sparring and sport sparring will focus more on combat situations and defeating an opponent. Ultimately, it depend on the journey that the student desires to take, be it traditional or sport, the art of taekwondo will be discovered.

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Visit with Sandoval Freestyle Karate for Gilbert and Chandler karate, kickboxing, and taekwondo lessons.

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The Sports Archives – Five NBA Players With The Strongest Star Power!

Posted on November 10, 2012 by thesportsarchives

In terms of social status, athletes rank right up there with movie stars and musicians. Not just any basketball player enjoys superstar status, though. Generally, only the highest caliber players from the National Basketball Association are able to build a brand that easily sells jerseys, shoes and even autographs for top dollar. Having the off-the-court charisma certainly does not hurt a player’s case either.

Here are some of the most popular NBA players gracing the court today.

Lebron James (Miami Heat)

Lebron James ArchivesThere is little doubt that King James is the most popular, and therefore most highly-scrutinized player currently active in the NBA. James is essentially this era’s version of Michael Jordan. The public is so interested in the 6-foot-8 small forward, that when it came time for him to announce which team he would sign with out of free agency, ESPN devoted an hour-long special to the occasion. Just last season, James finally broke through and captured an NBA Championship ring along with his Miami Heat teammates. Still just 27 years old, the phenomenon known as Lebron James is not going away any time soon.

Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)

The Bulls stumbled through the postseason last year after losing this star to a knee injury. Rose is obviously a vital part of the Bulls and his popularity is right on par with his talent. A study released earlier in the year by the NBA revealed that Rose’s jersey was the top-selling jersey of any player in the NBA. Fans are not only dying to drape that No. 1 across their chests and back, but are also flocking to his shoe line.

Jeremy Lin (Houston Rockets)

Fans might be waiting to see if last year’s breakout season for Lin was a fluke or the real thing, but in terms of popularity, no one can deny that Lin is at the top thanks to a meteoric rise. The 6-foot-3 Harvard graduate, who toggled between the NBA and the league’s farm system, prompted an era dubbed “Linsanity” when his breakout performance led the New York Knicks on a lengthy winning streak last season. Lin was all anyone could talk about for much of the season, and he still has the attention of many as he joins up with the Houston Rockets for the upcoming year.

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)

Aside from Lebron James, Kobe Bryant has been one of the most celebrated players of the last few decades. While Bryant may be on the last leg of his career at age 34, he is the most recognizable figure for the most recognizable team in all of basketball. Fans both young and old flock to his merchandise and memorabilia. There is little the 6-foot-6 shooting guard has not accomplished, including owning a jaw-dropping five NBA championship rings.

Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Since breaking into the league as a rookie in 2007, the 6-foot-9 sharpshooting small forward has watched his stock rise steadily. Durant was a high-profile collegiate player during his time at the University of Texas, and he parlayed that into popularity with the NBA. While Durant does not play for a big-market team, his talent is undeniable.  Illustrated in the fact he is a three-time all-star selection and was named Rookie of the Year in 2008. While Durant is still seeking his first piece of an NBA title, the Thunder reached the NBA finals last year, bowing out to the Miami Heat.

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The Sports Archives – Snowboarding vs. Skiing: Which One Is Best?

Posted on November 9, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Snowboarding and skiing rank among the most popular winter sports and as such, they have avid supporters. No doubt about it, winter sports enthusiasts like either one or the other, there would be no opinions in between.

Which winter sport is better? To assess skiing and snowboarding, we will have to look at different aspects and draw the final comparison.

Main Differences Explained

Skiing and snowboarding are two rather different sports. Each one has its unique technique and it will attract a particular group of people who will probably find the other option less attractive.

The only similarity between skiing and snowboarding focuses on the fact that equipment is used by the athlete to go down a snow-covered hill or track. This is as similar as the two sports get. Many differences exist, however.

Snowboarding involves no supportive equipment like the poles in skiing. This equates constant alertness. On the other hand, snowboarding is a sport that goes easy on the knees.

The surface that the two sports can be practiced on is different, as well. Snowboarding works best on powder. Many off-track experiences involve the snowboard. Skis work better on a well-processed track or on ice.

According to many people who have tried both sports, snowboarding is easier to learn and a better option for beginners. Ski lovers, however, will claim that skiing allows for bigger freedom and creativity in terms of maneuvering, which makes it worth the effort.

Which is Easier to Learn?

To start the comparison, let us look at the manner in which each of the sports can be mastered. When it comes to learning, is skiing or snowboarding easier?

Some claim that the basics of skiing are easier to master but once the specifics of snowboarding are learned, control becomes a whole lot easier to achieve. Once again, discovering completely unbiased opinions about one sport or the other will prove to be exceptionally difficult.

In the case of snowboarding, it will be difficult to get used to the bodily position and the fact that both of the feet are strapped to the board. It feels less natural than skiing precisely because of this position.

The Adrenaline Rush

Another important factor to consider is the adrenaline rush connected to each of the two winter sports.

The experiences are very different and comparing skiing down the hill to snowboarding will be a very challenging task. The fact that different styles are available in both of the sports turns the task into even a bigger of a challenge.

Some experiments were carried out to find out which sport allows for a bigger speed. Skiing proved to be the better option for everyone who just loves a high velocity.

In terms of adrenaline rush, skiing and particularly freestyle is considered superior but snowboarding and learning how to control and master the board will let you experience great exhilaration, as well.

Injuries

Each sport comes with a particular injury risk. As already mentioned, skiing is known for the knee trauma that many experience.

Snowboarding is connected to some dangers, as well. Wrist injury is highly likely, especially among beginners. Falling down when being strapped to a board can be a rather unpleasant and painful experience, as well.

Skiing allows for better maneuvers and a higher speed. Snowboarding is the perfect off-piste experience that comes with a higher coolness factor, as well. Is skiing or snowboarding better? It all depends on your preferences, the type of workout you are looking for and the particular adrenaline rush you are willing to achieve. Give them a try to figure it out.

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David Cope created this post on behalf of Sealskinz.com. Purveyors of fine apparel for elite sportsmen and women, their rather excellent winter skiing gloves will see you through rad air and apres ski. David is a passionate snowboarder and sealskinz blogger in his spare time.

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