If you are a baseball player and you want to be an asset to your team, you know how important it is to be proficient at batting. No matter how good you may be at pitching or fielding, if you have a poor batting average you are hurting your team.
No one hits the ball every time they step up to the plate, not even the very highly paid professionals. However, there are tips you can take that when followed will improve your efficiency and the satisfaction you feel with your level of play and your ability to contribute to your teams success.
Consistency is an important goal for someone who wants to be good at batting. You want to feel that your bat is going to connect with the ball every single time and that when you step up to home plate you have the confidence to get the job done.
Being good at anything requires practice and learning to be a good hitter is no exception. Plan to spend a fair amount of time working on improving your skills. You can go to a local school yard, a park or an empty field and get someone to pitch balls to you. Family members and friends come in very handy for this project. Remember that the more practice you put in, the greater the likelihood that you will achieve your goals.
Mental preparation is also important. You need to be mentally ready to bat a ball with complete focus on the task at hand. The hand to eye coordination which is so necessary to this sport requires that you concentrate fully on your objective. You might want to try some visualization exercises. Get a mental image of the perfect swing and how it feels. Set this in your mind to crowd out any negativity about your ability to hit the ball.
Take a deep breath and relax your body relieving built up tension that can cause your body to stiffen up. Think positively. Many events in life involve mind over matter and batting a baseball is certainly one of them.
Nancy Smith is one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, an online retailer specializing in volleyball nets and basketball backboard.
Without a doubt, one of the most popular of American sports is the game of baseball. It is played by pee wees and little league players, some of whom are not even of school age yet. It is played in high schools and colleges and at the professional level. It is also a popular activity for city and county recreational teams.
Baseball is a game that requires skill, speed, coordination and accuracy. In order to become proficient at this sport (or any other), it is necessary to learn the correct techniques associated with this game and then to put in a sufficient amount of time practicing those techniques.
One of the most important elements of the game of baseball is the art of throwing a ball accurately and with sufficient speed. Nothing can adequately substitute for training and practice but it is helpful to understand the mechanics of good ball throwing. The hand placement is crucial is you want to throw a ball quickly and have it go where you intend it to go. Placing the ball in your dominant hand (your throwing arm) with the first and second fingers griping across the seams and your thumb on the underneath side for support but also griping across the seams on the bottom is the correct placement of the ball. This position may not seem natural at first but after some practice using this technique one can understand how this ball placement allows the ball to travel straighter and faster.
Keeping the ball on the fingertips where it will get the fastest release rather than settling toward the back of the hand will result in a superior throw. The optimum throw involves wrist action as well as hand and arm movement. When preparing to throw, cock the wrist backward so that it becomes a full arm effort when the ball is brought forward rather than just an arm movement only. This will also increase power and speed.
Correct body alignment calls for squaring your body toward the object you are aiming at and then lining up the rest of your body in like manner. As you progress into the throw, your throwing elbow should be at shoulder height and your knuckles pointing skyward. The ideal throw is more of a circular motion than a straight back and forth movement. Again, this may seem unfamiliar and odd if you are not used to throwing this way but with practice it will produce much better results than a simple back to front movement with the ball.
Nancy Smith is one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, an online retailer specializing in volleyball nets and basketball backboards.
The Utah Jazz came out as limp and lifeless as newborn kittens for Wednesday nights game against the Charlotte Bobcats. Their uninspired play continued for the entire first half of the game leaving fans to wonder where their red hot team had gone. Andrei Kirilenko (still out of action) was sorely missed on this night to defend against the long arms and aggresive play of Charlottes’ Gerald Wallace. By midpoint in the game the Jazz were down by 11 points to a team whose road record is 7-22. Whatever Jerry Sloan said at halftime must have worked because the team came out with a resurrgence of energy and finished the game with a 102-93 win. The Jazz have owned the best record in the west from mid January until the present time with a record of 17-3 but still remain a half game behind Denver and a mere 1/2 game in front of Dallas. They will play back to back games Friday and Saturday night so here is hoping that they will have Andrei back on the court and will continue with their winning ways.
Some people feel that the term “baseball etiquette” is an oxymoron. These are the people who have witnessed some extremely rude and obnoxious behavior on the part of teammates and sometimes even by the coaches. Unfortunately this experience has not been limited to a small number of people, but rather has been evidenced by a great many individuals, myself included.
At a baseball game (or any other type of sporting event for that matter) people can get excited and tend to be a bit more vocal than they would normally be. This, in and of itself, does not have to be a negative. Cheering and encouraging are always a welcome contribution to the game efforts. Even harmless chatter and good natured “ribbing” have their place on the field. What does not have a place in the game is boorish, demeaning and tasteless behavior. Yet all too often this is the type of behavior that is exhibited by players toward members of the opposite team. Unfortunately, this behavior often starts at a young age and escalates over time. Coaches should accept a certain amount of responsibility for the behavior of their teams. In a perfect world each player (no matter their age) would be able to control themselves without the need for outside supervision or correction. We do not live in a perfect world, however, and many young people are growing up without role models and without a proper understanding of correct behavior. That is when it becomes necessary for the coach of a team to take charge and make certain that his players understand some etiquette.
It is just as unseemly (if not more so) to see adults on a team exhibit behavior that would be more likely to be seen in a street brawl. It becomes offensive to players and spectators alike when abusive language or gestures are permitted without any consequence. The truth is, it takes a lot of the enjoyment out of a game to have to be subjected to such behavior. It shows such a complete lack of respect. Doesn’t everyone desire (and deserve) respect. How about the game itself. Shouldn’t there be some respect for a game that has been around for hundreds of years and has even long been considered the “great American pastime”?
Nancy Smith is one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, an online retailer specializing in volleyball nets and basketball backboards.
The sport of boxing is not just some new fashionable trend of the moment but rather it is an activity that has been around for hundreds of years. It is, however, enjoying a resurgence of popularity as many are finding it to be a fulfilling and rewarding activity (both physically and mentally) to be involved with. If you are one of the thousands of individuals who are drawn to this sport, there are some things you may be interested in knowing.
Not surprisingly, boxing is a great form of exercise. It combines both aerobic and anaerobic into each workout thereby allowing the participant to receive the benefits from each of these activities. Some of the benefits of aerobic activity would include the ability to breath faster and deeper, an increase of blood flow to muscles and to lungs and the release of endorphins which are naturally occurring pain relievers that promote feelings of well-being. Some of the benefits of anaerobic exercise (without oxygen) are muscle building, fat burning, and the development of a stronger, leaner body. Many individuals who are involved in the training for this sport claim that like no other sport, boxing can lead one to get in the best shape of their entire lives.
A side benefit of this sport is the ability it has to allow one to “get their frustrations” out and to battle stress in a much more effective and productive manner. Considering this and all the other benefits associated with this sport, it is easy to see why so many people are becoming boxing enthusiasts.
Nancy Smith is one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, an online retailer specializing in basketball backboards and punching dummies.
Speed skating is another Olympic event that is not for the faint hearted. With athletes who are propelling themselves at high rates of speed in very close proximity to other athletes doing the very same thing, the risk for collision and injury is ever present. One has to imagine that hitting the side wall or the ice itself at such high speeds would be akin to being in a car crash minus the protection of the automobile. Even so, this sport is immensely popular and has been since the first competitions were held in the early days of the 20th century.
The first World Championships for speed skating were held in France in 1981. Since that time the sport has enjoyed a continual increase in participation and popularity. In short track speed skating competitors race against a field of other athletes (usually from 4-6) on a rink about the size of a standard hockey rink. The rink is marked with cones that the skater must stay within or face elimination. A series of races or “heats” take place in which the two fastest skater advance to the next heat. These heats continue until the field has been reduced to the final skaters who then compete in the race for the medals.
Short track relays involve two teams with 4 members who have replacements coming in as needed. One cannot begin skating until he has been tagged by the skater he is replacing. Men race for 5,000 meters and the women for 3,000 meters.
The U.S. favorite, Apollo Ohno has been keeping up a grueling training regiment to prepare himself for these events in the winter games at Vancouver. He arrived at the host city already holding 5 medals and with hopes of gaining 2 more which would make him the most decorated U.S. Olympic Athlete of all time. During the course of the games he has realized that incredible achievement and has added another gold and a bronze to his impressive collection.
Nancy Smith is one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, an online retailer specializing in basketball backboards and punching dummies.
Besides being an intensely exciting and very popular sport, basketball is also a business and that fact was evidenced this week when Ronnie Brewer was unexpectedly traded. At an eleventh hour decision on trade deadline day, Ronnie was shuffled off to Minnesota to become one of the Grizzlies and in exchange Utah received a first round draft pick for 2011. The reaction from the Jazz team was shock and disappointment. Carlos Boozer said he felt like Ronnie was part of the family and that it was hard to see him go. Deron Williams went even further in expressing his dislike for the decision saying that while he saw most of the NBA teams trying to better themselves through their trades, in his opinion, Utah became worse. He even suggested inadvertently that his feelings may carry over to when it becomes time to resign with the Jazz.
If there were concerns about how the Jazz would come out on this first game since the trade went down and if their disappointment would affect their chemistry and their play, those worries were soon laid to rest. The Jazz took an early charge against the Golden State Warriors and for the most part, they didn’t look back. There was a let-up in the fourth quarter which allowed Golden State to come within 12 points of the Jazz who had lead by 23 at one point but they got it going again and finished with a 100-89 win. This win makes it six straight road wins and leaves them only 1/2 game behind Denver in the quest for the #2 spot in the Western Conference.
We are coming up on that time of year again when so many of us are looking forward to the beginning of the baseball season. Memories of the cold winter will be behind us and we can anticipate afternoons or evenings spent at the ballfield watching or participating in one of Americans’ favorite sports. It is time to start thinking about the uniforms that are so much a part of that sport and deciding which ones will be the most comfortable, the best looking and the most durable.
Most baseball uniforms are made from a cotton/polyester blend of fabric which offers both comfort and long lasting wearability. It is a lightweight fabric which is an obvious benefit and also is soft against the skin. Many of the fabrics available provide a certain amount of stretch which is beneficial when playing a sport where one must be able to have good body movement. Absorbency is another feature that should be considered when decided on your fabric of choice. Good absorbency potential increases the comfort level for the wearer.
The baseball jersey has become a hot item for casual wear for many people and not strictly something that is worn as part of a uniform. Jerseys come in a rainbow of colors as well as various styles and a wide range of sizes. Generally speaking, there can be found a jersey to fit the smallest baby or the largest adult.
You can have your favorite professional team logo on your jersey or your own name if you would prefer. The pullover styles are particularly popular and also very affordable. For those who prefer the traditional full button front jerseys, these are also available in a vast array of colors and sizes.
Get prepared for the season ahead by doing a little research that will allow you to find the uniform (or jersey only) that will be the best fit for you.
Nancy Smith is one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, an online retailer specializing in basketball backboards and punching dummies.
Utah matched up against the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night and continued their current pattern of commiting way too many turnovers including 22 for this particular outing. One would think, hearing that statistic, that it was a losing effort, but in fact the Jazz came out on top 98-90. This was due in large part to the 24 points thrown down by Paul Millsap, the 16 points and 15 rebounds handed out by Carlos Boozer and the solid effort by Deron Williams who added 16 points and 10 assists to the win.
The trade deadline for the league is today and rumors have been rampant all season long about trades for the Jazz, however, with the current red hot play of the team perhaps those rumors have been put to bed for the time being. The players insist that they don’t want to be jostled around and would like to have things left status quo. Time will tell.
Fresh off the All Star break, the Jazz arrived in Houston to do battle with the Rockets whose record coming into the game was 27-24 including losing a dismal 6 of their last 9 games.
Fans weren’t sure what to expect from Utah after having several days of rest. That exhilarating 9 game winning streak that the Jazz enjoyed in late January/early February had come to a screeching halt just prior to the break when they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers.
So the question was, which Jazz team was going to show up Tues. night. Grateful Jazz fans were happy to see that it was their winning team on the floor with the Rockets. The Jazz definitely were not firing on all cylidners for the first three quarters of the game evidenced by a lack of focus at times which allowed Houston to go on some pretty good runs. The Jazz hung on through these little droughts and emerged victorious at games end with a score of 104-95. This win gives them a 14-2 record for their last 16 games. Not too shabby!