Sunday, June 7, 2009

Bowling Wrist Supports: To Wear or not to Wear?

by Gregg Taliercio

Wrist supports are one of the most popular bowling accessories. Wrist supports come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials with each boasting different benefits. Most bowlers usually attest to the fact that it keeps their wrist stable throughout the shot and gives them more consistency, revs and power at the pins.

Why I Don't Recommend Them. With all these benefits it's surprising to most people that I rarely if ever recommend them to anyone. Allow me to explain. Bowling at the high level requires the bowler to be skilled enough to change the ball roll depending on the conditions on the lane. This is done by manipulating the wrist position not only up and down, but side to side as well. Keeping your wrist "locked in" to one position really limits the required versatility to perform on a vast array of conditions. While bowling on a typical house shot you might be successful, a more difficult sport condition with multiple lane transitions will leave you wondering what could have been.

Lessons from the pros. "But PBA member Mike Scroggin's is seen on television bowling with the latest and greatest wrist device. What do you have to say about that?" Yes I'd agree Scroggin's definitely uses a wrist aid, but looking at the big picture he is definitely the exception and not the rule. The vast majority of the modern greats do not wear wrist devices. Think Walter Ray Williams Jr., Norm Duke, Wes Mallott, Chris Barnes, Tommy Jones, Parker Bohn III, etc. None of them use wrist devices in competition. In fact going through the list of the 50 PBA all time greats I don't see any modern player that uses a wrist support.

Weak wrist? A lot of female bowlers as well as some male bowlers lack the strength in the wrist to get the reaction they want. If that is the case then there should be some serious considerations on starting a strength training program. Using a wrist support in this instance is akin to applying a band aid, rather than addressing the problem. In a matter of months a smart training program will give you all the strength you need to manipulate the ball roll, not to mention the added benefits of being fit and healthy.

Youth Considerations. When working with youth I really advocate holding off on using a wrist aid and allowing the athlete to develop the necessary strength over time. Once a youth bowler starts using a wrist device it's rare to see them ever stop. It becomes a crutch and prevents their wrist from developing the strength they'll need to take the device off.

Exceptions. While I said I rarely recommend wrist devices there still are times when they can be useful.

* Wrist Supports work great as a training aid. Getting your hands on an adjustable wrist support will allow you to practice the feel of different releases. A lot of the wrist devices only allow for one release, so make sure it is adjustable and see just how many different ball rolls you can do.

* Pain or an injury in the wrist or forearm can prevent someone from bowling all together. We see this a lot with senior players and even some younger players for a variety of reasons. If not wearing a wrist support would prevent someone from bowling then obviously go ahead and have at it.

* A recreational player that has no intentions of ever competing at a high level could certainly benefit from using one

If you are reading this and regretting the purchase of a stationary wrist aid don't fret. If it's leather wrapped they make excellent chew toys for your dog.



About the Author
Gregg Taliercio, better known as Coach 3G is a USBC Bronze Certified Bowling Coach in the Greater Salt Lake City Area. He serves as a Youth Committee member of the GSLBA. Visit his coaching site The Bowling Approach by visiting www.thebowlingapproach.com

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Saturday, June 6, 2009

The Wide Reaching Effects Of Soccer

by Art Gib


The Super Bowl, the World Series and the national championships of basketball and hockey cannot compare to the fan base or the fanaticism of professional soccer. The world cup is the culmination of a years best soccer teams from nearly every country in the world joining together to celebrate the sport of soccer.
International teams come together to play for the title of world champion. Unlike other sports competitions that claim to be worlds best, soccer is the only truly international sport. American football, baseball and basketball teams propose that they are world champions when they win competitions against rival teams from other cities and states within the US, but when compared with the reach and influence that professional mens soccer has on the world the typically US affiliated sports franchises pale in the number of fans and the number of players that can be found in the streets and fields of cities, towns and villages throughout the world.

From the time that they are able to stand children everywhere around the globe are introduced to the sport of soccer. Athletes in the poorest regions of Africa can be found dribbling a soccer ball and playing a fast paced game of what is referred to outside the United States as football. Throughout south and central America and all across Europe and Asia children of all ages engage in the sport of soccer. Many young players dream of one day putting a pair of mens soccer cleats and walking on to a football pitch to play in a national game against the professionally ranked teams of the world for a shot at the championship of all championships the famous World Cup of soccer.

Gaining in popularity over the past decade or so, soccer has finally reached the shores of the United States and kids from every city enroll in soccer leagues for both boys and girls to play matches in. As the sport has grown and gained a following in the US a few cities have bravely adopted a professional mens soccer league that plays in matches against 12 professional teams. Although the sport is not yet as popular as the leagues that are found in the United Kingdom and Europe, American soccer is finding a home in the hearts of fans that enjoy watching the scrimmages of the players that lace up a pair of mens soccer cleats and emerge onto the field to play a game known the world over.



About the Author
Marca Personal, Inc. (http://marcapersonal.com) provides mens soccer cleats and soccer uniforms for leagues and teams. Also sells authentic professional soccer team jerseys and uniforms. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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Resistance Training for Running?

by Pace Rogers


It is commonly accepted that you should prepare for a resistance training based workout by starting with some cardiovascular activity; running is the most likely choice.
There has always been a huge debate however on whether or not you should do any resistance training when your primary goal is to become a better runner.

You can find respected, knowledgeable experts on both sides of the debate; all of them present valid arguments along with solid data gathered during serious studies on training for runners. Since so much has already been said on the subject, there is no point to yet again pick sides, but instead, let's look at if from a different angle.

More likely than not, you are not (yet) high-level professional marathon runners; otherwise, you would have coaches, trainers, facilities and resources at your disposal and wouldn't need to look for information on the Internet. As it happens, for most people, resistance training is beneficial; it is also a great complement to your usual training regardless of what physical activity you are training for.

Lifting weights is always preferable to machines, especially for runners. Machines always target muscles in a very isolated fashion with a controlled, often unnatural plane of motion. Free weights on the contrary allow for a more natural workout that relates to running in a much better way, while at the same time help to strengthening your core. Ask any sport professional: countless studies have demonstrated that resistance training is beneficial to increase bone density, metabolism and strength of connective tissue. These are all great in reducing the risk of ankle or knee injury often associated with running.

Decreasing body fat and increasing muscle density is also a result of resistance training which is great for running as you will have less "useless weight" to carry around. A lot of runners are concerned about the extra weight they will put on from muscle gain. Don't worry! It is unlikely that you will become much bigger since you probably already burn all your calories with your running routine; lifting weights will only result in an increase in muscle density and strength, not mass.

It seems obvious that runners should target muscles in the lower body if they opt for resistance training; abs and lower back muscles should not be forgotten as they are heavily used while running. However, upper body muscles also play an important role in the symmetrical movements and balance involved while running.

It is true that most studies done on runners around resistance training did not involve long running efforts, such as marathons. It is also true that very high-level marathon runners do not lift weights; rather, their resistance training consists in running up and down hills. Both supporters and detractors of free weights for runners also agree on the fact that resistance training should be kept at a minimum in the couple of weeks preceding a race, as it will induce muscle fatigue.

Again, in the end, if you're not a high-level competitive athlete, resistance training can only be beneficial for you as a complement to your running routine.
Each runner is different, and so his or her workout should be too. It will vary depending on which type of runner you are, want to be, and will become. Diversity among runners is one of the greatest things you come to understand and appreciate when you've been running in San Francisco for a while!


About the Author
Pace Rogers has been practicing and teaching martial arts for over 20 years. He also worked as a personal trainer for a few years and is part of the team operating www.runninginsanfrancisco.com

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Thursday, June 4, 2009

Tennis: Roots and Influences

by Marian Aldana


From all high school graduates not every one of them are able to continue their education to the college level. Earning a college degree can be difficult. Location, available courses need to be carefully considered, as well as the cost of enrollment. Many students therefore apply for financial aid; if they are talented in sports, they look into sports scholarships and internships, which could also serve as a stepping stone for a career in professional sports. Each year, many high school tennis athletes, for instance, are hoping to get noticed during college tennis recruiting and obtain a college sports scholarship.

A college sports scholarship is a form of in which schools admit applicants based on their athletic abilities. The applicants are expected to perform well on the school team, and at the same time maintain a fair academic standing. These scholarships are quite common in the United States. They are largely regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The NCAA sets the guidelines by which the students are expected to perform, on what particular basis they can be admitted as well as the standards by which schools can grant a college sports scholarship.

The roots and influences of tennis can be traced as far back as the ancient Greek sport called sphairistike. Similar games are referred to in literature as far back as the Middle Ages, such as in The Second Shepherds' Play, where shepherds gave a tennis ball to the newborn Christ. Sir Gawain plays tennis with a group of giants in a scene in The Turke and Gowin.

The vast financial burdens involved in pursuing a college degree can prove daunting, especially with the current economic crisis. Thus many high school tennis athletes are hoping to get noticed during college tennis recruiting. The Internet has proven to be a useful venue for both student tennis athletes and coaches involved in the process of college tennis recruiting. There are many websites and online forums wherein students and scouts can come together and interact. D1Athletes is an online community wherein high school tennis athletes and coaches alike can share and exchange information they need during college tennis recruiting. D1Athletes offers them a place to build an online presence and gain important public exposure. To learn more, visit D1Athletes.com.


About the Author
To learn more, visit D1Athletes.

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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Indulging the Outdoor Adventurer in Me With Altrec.com Online Deals

by David Stack


I love the outdoors. Every month or so I meticulously plan an adventure that I haven't yet gone on: white water rafting, a quiet hike by myself, mountain climbing, multi-day marathon and long-distance running, snowboarding, kayaking. Last month I camped for several days in the Amazonian wilderness, away from civilization. I haven't made a decision yet on what I am going to do this month, but I will certainly indulge the outdoor adventurer in me, what with terrific online deals from Altrec.com.
The terrific thing about Altrec is that their team is made up of outdoor enthusiasts like me, explorers and adventurers who know how to have a good time and what they need for it. They also supply what I think is the best outdoor clothing and equipment today. So if there's anything I might need for an adventure, I know that I don't have to look anywhere else.

Should I go camping and hiking? If I wanted to plan for that, I need only to look up the Altrec website to help me with my requirements. They carry a wide selection of the top and most trusted brands, such as The North Face, Osprey, Arcteryx, MSR, and Mountain Hardware. The store also has plenty of options for hiking boots, hats, backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping pads, head lamps, stoves, water filters, camping tents, electronics (like GPS and satellite messengers), and jackets to weather any potentially mischievous weather.

Or ought I take a trip to the beach? Altrec has an extensive selection of clothing products and accessories to make me look good on the shores or in the water. With sandals, sunglasses, casual shoes, shorts, rash guards, hats, swim suits, bags, and other such accessories from brand like Hurley, Billabong, Roxy, Oakley, and Water Girl (for when I have a lady with me), I am sure that I won't run out of choices for good beach trip online deals.

Or maybe I should go mountain climbing. The satisfaction of reaching the peak is worth the challenge. Only, I have to be fully and appropriately equipped, for climbing requires specialized gear that are essential for any adventurer. Luckily, Altrec has climbing harnesses from brands like Black Diamond and Mammut; climbing helmets from Petzl; climbing ropes that focus on mountaineering, alpine, ice, traditional climbing, and sport climbing; footwear from Sportiva, Nepal, Trango, Five.Ten, and Boreal; as well as climbing protection that include products such as quickdraws, hexes, stoppers, and first aid kits.

Of course, Altrec also has an offering of products and accessories if I decided to go on another snowboarding adventure. In that case, I would need innovations from top brands such as Burton, Ride, Salomon, and many more. Whether it's for jackets, goggles, gloves and mittens, snowboard boots, pants, hats, and impact shorts, I can easily take a look at the selection of online deals from the store for most of my snowboarding-related purchases. And I know that whatever path I choose, Altrec will be there to help me along the way.



About the Author
David Stack is a coupon code aficionado and loves to search for promo deals in the Web. He runs a website where you can see a list of thousands of promo codes and coupons from different online stores, such as Buy.com promotion codes.

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