Comprehensive Sports Guide: Rules, Conditioning & Equipment

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

Two street basketball players on the basketball court

Basketball Rules on Changing the Possession Arrow

College and high school basketball use a possession arrow to determine which team receives the ball after a held ball or other situations, such as when the ball gets stuck between the rim and the backboard or after a double foul in which neither team earns possession.

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Basket Ball Hoop

What Are the Dimensions of a Basketball Backboard?

The game of basketball has come a long way since a peach basket was mounted on a wall or wire-mesh board to provide the object of the game, sinking a ball through the basket. Having evolved from wire to wood to plate glass, the transparent backboard currently in use today was first approved in 1909.

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Why Do Football Players Wear Bicep Bands?

Players on NFL and college football teams wear bicep bands. Bicep bands range in color and size and can be worn on one or both arms. The bands are made from old socks, swatches of stretchy material or athletic tape. Nike and the NFL also have their own lines of logo-endorsed bicep bands.

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Golfer Hitting Ball Down Fairway

The Best Golf Clubs for 80 MPH Swing Speed

The average PGA Tour professional swings over 110 miles per hour and carries a driver at least 275 yards, according to Golf Spyder. Though a swing speed of 80 mph is on the low end, you can still maximize your distance and lower your scores by choosing the correct equipment.

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Biking

Bike Tires That Support a Lot of Weight

Choosing wider tires and stronger wheels helps heavier cyclists have a safer, more comfortable and enjoyable ride. Most bikes, except for high-performance racing bikes designed for thin riders, safely support riders of at least 200 pounds, and many can support riders weighing 300 pounds or more.

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thermometer

What Water Temperatures Are Warm Enough for Swimming?

Don't ask members of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club how warm it has to be to swim. These winter swimmers plunge into the Atlantic Ocean every Sunday from November until April and revel in the chill. Swimming temperatures are a matter of preference -- some people can tolerate much colder temperatures than others.

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Items Inside of Garage

Is It Bad to Hang a Bicycle by Its Wheel?

Regular maintenance can help ensure that your bicycle has a long life. A properly functioning bicycle also keeps you safer. Pay attention to the small details, such as how you store the bike, to further prolong its mileage.

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Thirty something Man Riding a Mountain Bike

Hybrid Bikes for Beginners

A hybrid is a specific class of bicycle that combines the features of a road bike and a mountain bike into a commuter-friendly ride suited for a little of both terrains. Hybrids, which can also be called "cross bikes" or "fitness bicycles,"

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Cycling race

What to Eat Before a Bicycle Race

If you're like most athletes, pre-race anxiety is a fact of life. Despite feeling like you couldn't possibly eat anything, having a good meal before your bike race can mean the difference between riding the best race of your life or running out of steam halfway through.

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Young man swimming in a pool

The Fastest Swimming Strokes

International swimming competitions feature four strokes: freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke. The freestyle remains the fastest stroke, according to world records posted on USAswimming.com, followed by butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke, the slowest competitive swimming stroke.

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Soccer ball in grass

Party Games for Soccer Kids

Whether planning a birthday party for your soccer player or coordinating a team gathering, include party games to provide entertainment. Soccer party games can differ from the actual game played on the field, shifting the emphasis from winning the game to simply playing for fun.

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Measurements for an Olympic Size Swimming Pool

Swimming has been an Olympic sport since 1896, with the 100-meter and 1,500-meter freestyle competitions being held in open water. Since then, additional events, such as the backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke and relays, have been implemented along with an indoor pool.

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African American boy holding baseball

What Is the Difference Between Baseballs?

On the surface, all baseballs are nearly identical. Featuring the classic white surface with red stitching and small spherical shape, it is difficult to understand why one baseball costs significantly more than another baseball.

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Removing golf club from bag

Comparing Cheap Golf Clubs To Expensive Golf Clubs

If you're thinking of picking up the game of golf, you may find the costs prohibitive. One of the major cost items you need for the game is a set of clubs, which can range into thousands of dollars. Clubs that don't come from brand-name manufacturers are significantly cheaper.

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Rugby

Things to Do Before a Rugby Game

Rugby is a strenuous contact sport similar to American football, with two teams kicking, throwing and carrying the ball across the field in an attempt to score. Games last 80 minutes, and players require a significant amount of strength, speed and endurance on the field.

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Coach with a soccer team

Requirements to Be a College Football Coach

College football is one of the most popular sports in America. Every Saturday, fans from across the country gather in front of their televisions to support their Alma mater or favorite team. Behind each and every team is a coaching staff.

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Golf club and golf ball on tee

Golf Ball Performance Results

For many golfers, distance off the tee is one of the most important aspects of the game. Factors such as swing speed, release, club flex and club head size all affect your tee shots flight distance and roll.

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Celebrity Fight Night XIX - Inside

How Did Muhammad Ali Train?

Muhammad Ali is considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. The charismatic Ali ranked No. 3 on ESPN's list of the greatest athletes of the 20th century behind Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth. Ali's speed, quickness and athleticism belied his training style.

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