Comprehensive Sports Guide: Rules, Conditioning & Equipment

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

Senior Woman Swimming in the Pool

Can a Person With a Pacemaker Go Swimming?

When the electrical signals that keep the heart pumping at a normal rate become compromised, abnormalities in your heart rate result, and a pacemaker may be needed to correct the problem.

Read more →
Boxer in locker room with jump rope

Why Do Boxers Jump Rope?

Preparing to get in the ring for a boxing match is a serious endeavor. You are going up against an opponent who is trying to hurt you, and you are trying to do the same to him. To compete in this sport, you need to be in tip-top condition.

Read more →
Player skating towards goal

What Is a Fight Strap on a Hockey Jersey?

The fight strap on a hockey jersey attaches the playerโ€™s jersey to his pants, ensuring that his jersey cannot come off during a fight. Players who fight without a fight strap run the risk of receiving an extra penalty as a result.

Read more →
Low angle view of a teenage goalie reaching for the ball

When Can a Soccer Goalie Pick Up the Ball?

The goalkeeper is a vitally important position on the soccer team. Having a confident and commanding goalkeeper can bring uniformity and self-assurance to the back four, defenders, and the rest of the team.

Read more →
Swimming Pool Lanes

How to Train for Swim Team Tryouts

Swimming can be a competitive sport for young and old athletes. Whether you are a lifelong swimmer or new to the sport, try-outs for a swim team can be a stressful time. With dedication and training, you can increase your chances of making the swim team.

Read more →
Swimmers Racing in Pool

Types of Races in Competitive Swimming

People of all ages and skill levels compete in swimming, and the type of swim meet or swimming event they are entering determines the types and lengths of the races they swim. Swim meets are held in either short-course pools that are 25 yards or 25 meters long, or long-course pools that are 50 meters long.

Read more →
High School Football Four

Strength & Weight Training for High School Football

Lifting weights and football go hand in hand. During off-season, most teams lift hard to prepare for the coming season. The players and teams that get bigger and stronger have an advantage over their opponents when the new season starts.

Read more →
Senior couple on country bike ride

Cycling Position & Elbow Pain

When cycling, your elbows act as shock absorbers, cushioning your upper body as you ride over bumps or uneven terrain. If you cycle with your arms straight and elbows locked, your elbow joints take a beating, which can result in elbow pain.

Read more →
Resting player

Is It Bad to Walk in Soccer Cleats on Concrete?

Walking in soccer cleats on concrete is a bad idea because it can be hazardous to you and your cleats. Even though your cleats are rough and durable out on the soccer field, they could be rendered useless if you romp on concrete -- even for that short walk across the parking lot after the game.

Read more →

How Many Calories Burned in a 10K Cycle?

A 10-kilometer cycle can burn more than a few calories. Since counting calories without specialized equipment is an inexact art at best, your exact caloric burn will vary according to a wide array of factors. However, a "typical" baseline can be of help with your weight loss and exercise planning.

Read more →

How to Adjust the Tension on Bicycle Cleats

Bicycle cleats, used in combination with clips on the bottom of bicycle shoes, secure your feet to the pedals. Adjust the tension on your bicycle cleats to engage and disengage your feet to and from the pedals without difficulty.

Read more →
Boy Playing Basketball

Elementary Basketball Court Dimensions

There are no official youth basketball rules governing youth court dimensions, but there is a consensus about size in the national youth leagues, according to My Youth Basketball Player. An elementary school basketball court measures 74 feet by 42 feet.

Read more →
Just Fair or Foul Ball

ASA Softball 8U Rules

The Amateur Softball Association of America sets the governing rules for amateur softball in numerous leagues throughout the country, including leagues with players 8 years old or younger, called 8U players. The ASA 8U rules are limited to field dimensions and equipment requirements, rather than the rules of the game.

Read more →
Two football players with cheerleaders, being sprayed with champagne

What Tumbling Skills Do You Need for Cheerleading?

The tumbling skills required for cheerleading tryouts vary from squad to squad. A competitive squad may require more elite skills, such as a backflip or layout, while a squad that cheers at sporting events may not have specific tumbling requirements. Cheerleading has developed into an athletic sport over the years.

Read more →

The Best Bicycles for Over 60

The best bicycles for riders over 60 are all about comfort. Because so many people age 60 and older often have physical issues to contend with, riders should consider bicycles with features that reduce stress on your body. Look for bicycles with comfortable saddles and designs that keep you upright as much as possible.

Read more →
Ready to ride.

Is Bike Riding Good for Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that results from wear and tear to the knee joint and knee cartilage over time. Your knees, hips, shoulders and hands are most susceptible to osteoarthritis damage. If you experience osteoarthritis, you can engage in low-impact exercises like bicycle riding.

Read more →
Two freestyle wrestlers in action

What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Wrestling?

To succeed in competitive wrestling, you need to nurture a rare blend of functional strength, speed, endurance, technical skill and mental fortitude. On the other hand, injuries are commonplace, making wrestling one of the most difficult sports in the world.

Read more →
Low angle view of two men playing basketball

How Tight Should Your Basketball Shoes Be?

You might want the newest and trendiest looking basketball shoes, but fashion should never trump fit. Basketball shoes should fit differently than non-sports shoes, giving a snug fit in some places, but leaving room in others to help you move better on the court.

Read more →
Soccer Player Running with Ball

Tips on Soccer Training Alone

All great soccer players spent much of their lives training alone, in addition to practicing with a team, even before they ever joined one. To improve at the game of soccer, not only do you need to practice with a team, you also need to focus on developing skills on your own in your backyard or on an empty pitch.

Read more →