The nose guard -- also called the nose tackle -- is a key position on the defensive line. In a 3-4 defensive setup, the nose guard is situated in the middle of the defensive line and his primary area of responsibility is to disrupt the opponent's interior running game.

Before you backflip your way down the football field before the big game, you have to land that coveted spot on your high school's cheerleading team. Although every school's tryout expectations vary, there are some cheer and tumbling staples you can expect at any tryout.

A basketball player who possesses strength and power and is conditioned will have performance advantages on the court.

Although basketball is a team sport, there are a number of individual skills you can improve by practicing alone. Passing, shooting and dribbling are some of the skills you can practice anytime.

Running hard undoubtedly comes with rewards, including increased muscular strength in the legs and improved stamina and endurance. Continually training hard without rest, though can lead to fatigue, illness and poor performance.

Hammer curls and barbell curls recruit the same collection of muscles. However, they differ slightly in technique and the weighted implements that are to be used. Because of the technique differences, three muscles involved in the exercise are recruited slightly differently in the two exercises.

If you've ever noticed the chiseled legs of pro cyclists, you have some idea of the impact biking has on leg musculature. A regular biking routine, whether on roads, mountain trails or inside your local gym, can help you tone and strengthen your calf muscles.

Sports condition both your body and your mind. Apart from the obvious physical prowess required to participate in any sport; you need the mental discipline to maintain your focus. And like any form of exercise, you’ll benefit from the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins that elevate your mood.

A cardiovascular activity, swimming works every major muscle group in the body and strengthens your heart and lungs. As with most cardiovascular exercises, you can perform it at least three times weekly to build stamina, tone muscles and lose weight.

Socialization is “the process by which a human being beginning at infancy acquires the habits, beliefs, and accumulated knowledge of society through education and training for adult status,” according to Merriam-Webster.

The link between positive mental attributes and sport has been part of human culture since the earliest civilizations, as evidenced in poetry and art from ancient Greece, early historical records from China and biblical texts.

A heavy bag hung at the optimal height responds to punches similar to an actual opponent, providing valuable feedback during practice. Because the heavy bag is an important tool for learning correct technique, it is essential to hang it so that it responds consistently to a correct punch.