Comprehensive Sports Guide: Rules, Conditioning & Equipment

Athletic mastery depends on understanding official gameplay rules, optimizing equipment technology, and implementing sport-specific conditioning drills.

Taping a Sore Wrist for Boxing

Boxers often wrap or tape their hands for protection before donning their gloves. Taping up to support a sore wrist requires a different procedure, however.

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young basketball player ready to shoot

How to Get in the Zone Before a Basketball Game

The practice of "getting in the zone" before a big game applies to amateurs and professionals alike. It typically refers to a state of mind where basketball is in the forefront and confidence, relaxation and preparation combine to make you a better player.

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The Difference Between an Iron Swing and a Driver Swing

With few exceptions, the average weekend golfer makes better shots hitting irons than hitting drivers. This is because it’s easier to maintain the shorter shaft of an iron on the correct inside-out swing plane. Problems arise when golfers attempt to hit drivers with the same swing used to hit irons.

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Boxers in match

Boxing Peek a Boo Stance Tips

Legendary boxing trainer Cus D'Amato devised the peek-a-boo boxing style as a way to protect the head and body from unnecessary punishment. D'Amato instructed his fighters to hold their gloves high in front of their faces, offering protection from punches while still allowing them to peek out at their opponents.

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Portrait of american football player holding a ball

Top 10 Reasons to Play Football

American football conjures many conflicting images: school spirit and team brotherhood on the one hand, trash talk and debilitating injuries on the other. This explains why the sport remains controversial despite its widespread popularity.

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Young People Spinning in the gym

How to Get Thin Thighs With Bicycle Exercise

Thighs that rub together are one reason for beginning an exercise program. A cycling workout uses fat as fuel to decrease your body weight and reduce the thickness of your thighs. Unfortunately, you cannot tell your body to burn fat from only your thighs.

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What Are the Causes of Shanking Chip Shots?

Golfers strive for the perfect swing, hoping to drive the ball with power and accuracy. However, even the slightest flaw can result in disaster. Failing to make square contact with the ball can result in a shank, which describes a shot that goes wildly to the side, flying away at a sharp angle from the golfer.

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What Can Get You Disqualified in Swimming?

Like every sport, swimming follows a strict set of rules to ensure competitive balance and to protect the safety of its athletes. Any swimmer who violates the rules may suffer an immediate disqualification. The exact reasons for disqualification may vary depending on the race's precise swimming stroke or style.

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Can I Play Sports After a Tooth Extraction?

Sports-related dental injuries affect all ages and all sports. Colliding with another player or the ground often causes broken teeth, lacerated tissues and teeth getting dislodged partially or completely. Teenagers may need to have wisdom teeth extracted.

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Gripping a Basketball With Small Hands

Small hands can make it difficult to grip and palm a basketball, especially if the leather is worn down, and players with small hands might find themselves losing control of the ball more while dribbling or passing. Even if you can jump high enough, small hands might keep you from dunking the ball.

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Required Level 1 Gymnastic Skills

Whether a gymnast plans to eventually compete on a team or wants only to participate in the sport recreationally, all gymnasts in the USA Gymnastics program must master the required skills in Level 1 before advancing to the next level.

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Rider mountain biking along cliff

Does Riding a Bike Tone Your Arms?

Similar to many recreational activities, riding a bike tones certain muscles. Many prefer cycling on roads instead of running to tone their legs. Others take on the challenge of off-road riding that tones core muscles in their torso. Riding a bike requires using your arms.

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Zion National Park

What Is the Difference Between a Downhill & a Mountain Bike?

Downhill mountain biking is a fast-paced segment of mountain biking that takes place on steep courses or off-season ski slopes. Downhill bikes are sturdy and have full suspension with extra travel, making them especially adept at conquering rough terrain at high speeds.

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female soccer

What Soccer Position Runs the Most?

Soccer players walk, jog, run and sprint in the course of the 90 minutes of a typical outdoor game. A player at the older youth or adult level may cover five miles per game. And an elite, energetic player such as Kyle Beckerman of Real Salt Lake can manage nearly 10 miles per game.

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Teenagers Playing Volleyball

Traits of a Good Volleyball Player

Unlike many competitive team sports, volleyball doesn't feature any physical contact between opponents. Volleyball players remain on their own respective sides of the court with a tall net serving as a barrier between the two teams.

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The Importance of Playing Sports

Playing sports provides important benefits for young and old alike, ranging from improvement in fitness and health to development of team spirit and feelings of accomplishment. Find a sport that you love and you'll stick with it while at the same time learning some essential life lessons and reaping positive rewards.

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Men playing basketball

Does Height Affect Ability in Sports?

Besides obvious examples, such as race horse jockeys, the height of an athlete doesn't necessarily limit anyone's ability to participate in a particular sport. What height does impact, however, is your ability to play certain positions.

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Wrestler

Long-Term Effects of Cutting Weight in Wrestling

Much of the discussion of cutting weight in wrestling -- on both the pro and con sides -- focuses on the short-term effects of the practice. However, research into eating habits and disorders indicates that cutting weight may have effects that last long after the end of your last competitive match.

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