Sports & Fitness: Performance Training, Rules & Recovery

Elite athletic performance and general fitness are sustained through structured hypertrophy strategies, sport-specific conditioning, and rigorous adherence to injury prevention protocols.

Pink dumbell, ankle weights and fitness shoes

Are Ankle Weights Bad for Kids?

Ankle weights can help build strength, speed and quickness in athletes. They can also cause damage when they are worn for long periods or during strenuous exercise. Knee ligaments and tendons along with ankle ligaments are often under duress while working out in ankle weights.

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Coach  And Team Discussing Soccer Tactics With Ball In Foregroun

What Do Coaches Look for in Varsity Soccer Players?

Varsity soccer players are accomplished players. Although high school soccer players usually can't compare to those playing at the college or professional levels, they have already reached a high level of skill development.

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American Football

What Is a Nose Guard in Football?

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.

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Soccer ball on grass

What Is the Number Nine Position in Soccer?

Soccer requires its players to make individual plays and work within the concept of the team. When players take the field, they know which position their coaches are assigning them to play. Soccer uses a numbering system for its positions.

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Man boxing on heavy bag at gym

Good Body Types for Boxing

There is no single body type that indicates a competitor will be successful in boxing. The history of the sport shows great success for tall boxers with long arms, shorter boxers with more powerful physiques and athletic boxers who can generate speed and power.

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USA, California, San Bernardino, baseball pitcher preparing to throw, outdoors

My Shoulder Hurts Whenever I Throw a Baseball

Shoulder pain in baseball can be a common occurrence among players. The overhand motion of throwing a baseball combined with the delicate nature of the joint can put it under stress. One of the first signs of stress in the shoulder is pain during and after pitching.

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Ice hockey player

Body Characteristics of Hockey Players

Hockey players are known for their physical toughness, willingness to battle through injuries, skating ability and talent with the puck. Players who can take the hits and keep on going forward need strong and resilient bodies.

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Portrait of smiling young man at the boxing gym leaning on punching bag

Kickboxing & Punching Bag Workouts

The 75-lb. heavy bag is one of the primary training tools for kickboxing, martial arts and boxing. Training with the heavy bag will help you throw effective combinations with kicks and punches.

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Concept for male tennis players

The Values That Can Be Learned by Playing Sports

Youngsters often start playing sports because their parents have an interest in it. They may see their mother or father watching a game on television and become inspired, or their mother or father may decide that they will benefit from this type of activity.

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Basketball player

5 Easy Steps to Play Basketball

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. Invented by Dr. James A. Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, to give his students something to do in winter, the game is played by some of the greatest athletes and provides thrilling moments to competitors and fans.

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Man passing a basketball

Five Different Types of Basketball Passes

Passing the ball in basketball requires touch, vision, dexterity and strength. Good teams have players who look to pass the ball to the open player to take the ball to the basket or get a good look for a jump shot. You can pass the ball effectively in several ways.

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Football Basic Skills and Techniques

Football often comes down to the strategy that a team employs at the end of close games. Out-think and out-execute your opponent at crucial moments, and your team often will find a way to win. However, competing hard on a consistent basis requires focusing on the fundamentals of the game.

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Men playing basketball

What Is a 1 and 1 in Basketball?

Fouls in basketball often send the fouled player to the free throw line to shoot free throws. When a player is fouled while shooting and the shot is unsuccessful, he gets two free throws. However, a player does not have to be shooting to go to the free throw line.

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Batter Hitting Softball

Bat Speed in Slow-Pitch Softball & Home-Run Swing Techniques

Strategies in bat selection and batting technique can lead to the coveted home run in slow-pitch softball. Send the ball deep into outfield or over the fence by delivering maximum bat-head speed as you swing through the hitting zone using a bat that feels comfortable in your hands and allows you to swing quickly.

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Short Stories About Basketball

The game of basketball was invented by Dr. James A. Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1891 to give his physical education students something to do in the winter months while indoors. Since that time, basketball has grown dramatically and is arguably the second-most popular sport in the world behind soccer.

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Man wearing wristbands in fighting stance, close-up

How to Train Like the Boxer Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest heavyweight champions in the history of boxing. He was a boxing phenom, winning the 1960 Olympic gold medal and then storming through the heavyweight division as a pro and defeating champion Sonny Liston.

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Hockey players at face-off

Why Do Players Get Kicked Out in Faceoffs in Hockey?

In hockey, the whistle blows, but play doesn't start until the linesman drops the puck. The centers of the two opposing teams quickly line up for a faceoff to start the play. Winning the faceoff is key to gaining possession of the puck.

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