December 6, 2023
Headlines

about

All About Field Hockey on School Sports Tours to Holland

Laura05 mins

Tucked away in the southern part of Holland, in the western Netherlands, is the village and former municipality of Valkenburg. In 2006 a number of districts in the area were merged together to form the municipality and town of Katwijk, which now includes Valkenburg as one of its districts. Valkenburg offers school sports tours a great location with easy access from the major airports and a larger city, while still providing a village feel. One of the highlights of a trip to Valkenburg is the chance to learn about field hockey and how to play or improve students’ games. While in Valkenburg students will learn about the history of field hockey, some of the most famous players, and even get the chance to spend an afternoon at the Phantasialand amusement park.
Field Hockey – It is thought that depictions from Ancient Greece, circa 200 B.C.E., possibly illustrate one of the forerunners of modern field hockey; players in the images are chasing a ball with a horn. Now, young athletes on school sports tours no longer need to chase the ball with a horn, but instead use modern interpretations of the ‘stick’ that can be made from wood, fibreglass or other approved materials. During their time in Valkenburg students can learn much about the rules of outdoor field hockey and how it differs from the indoor variety. In addition, they will get to try out their new skills on and off the pitches, with specialised coaches and organised matches against other teams in the area.
Famous Faces of Field Hockey – As the second most popular sport in Holland, it should come as no surprise that the field hockey has its own list of famous names attached to it. While on school sports tours to Holland, learning how to play field hockey and improve individual and team skills, students are bound to come across some of them and be inspired to learn more about what made them great. Some of these players are: Australia’s Fergus Kavanagh and Kiel Brown; Spain’s Ram?�n Alegre, who was part of the 2008 Olympic silver medal winning team; and the UK players Simon Mantell, who helped his team finish fifth in the 2008 Olympics, and James Tindall, famous for being named the UK Hockey Writer’s Player of the Year in 2006.
Phantasialand – During school sports tours to Valkenburg, students will also need a chance to relax, wind down and simply have some fun. Just a short coach trip away is Phantasialand. Located in Western Germany, Phantasialand was once a family theme park, but has added a host of thrilling rides in recent years. The park has rollercoasters and shows aplenty. Most match the park’s various themed areas such as: Berlin, Fantasy, Mexico, China, Mystery, and Deep in Africa. Phantasialand is a perfect place for students to take a break from pounding the field hockey pitches of Valkenburg.…

Read More

Follow This Great Article About Baseball To Help You

Laura05 mins

Baseball has really grown in popularity all over the world in recent years. If you are confused as to why baseball is such a great sport, or you have been following it for awhile and just want great tips, the following article is just for you. Keep reading for solid tips about baseball.

Learn how to hit a ball without chasing it by using a batting cage. A batting cage allows you to hit the ball as hard as you can without worrying about an errant ball going through a window. The batting cage has mesh sides so the ball is easily recovered.

If you coach baseball, motivating your players is a good way to push them to victory. Group activities such as pizza parties can help your team bond so they can work well together. Always remember baseball is only a game, and not the most important thing in the world.

If you want to hit with power, you should place your weight on your back foot. If you hit from the right side, the weight will be placed on the right foot with your thigh muscle tightening on that side. As you swing, your back foot will add power.

Always wear protective equipment when playing baseball. Just like any sport, injuries happen in baseball. Especially when batting, you need to protect your head. That means you need to wear a helmet whenever you enter the batter’s box. One poor pitch can mean a fastball hitting you in the noggin. That’s at minimum a ringing headache with the potential for a concussion or worse. Be safe.

For kids in baseball, make sure they their hands are placed properly for hitting. The top hand on the bat needs to be sitting near the same height as their rear shoulder, about 3 to 6 inches from that rear shoulder. Their rear elbow needs to be around 45-degrees. The front elbow needs to be lower and about even with the back elbow.

Do you have any children or grandchildren that are interested in playing baseball? As in other areas of life, we want to do all we can to help our kids experience success. To develop a quick swing, the hands, wrists and forearms have to be strong. You don’t have to buy expensive equipment to help kids develop better muscle strength. Give your child a tennis ball to squeeze on while watching TV. The tennis ball provides enough resistance to strengthen the hand, wrist and forearm.

When batting, don’t be afraid to take a few pitches, especially against a pitcher you are less familiar with. Those pitches will give you an idea of the pitchers speed and the ball’s action to the plate. Plus, the additional pitches will help wear out the pitcher over the course of the game. A tired pitcher makes more mistakes.

After reading the above article, you should now be aware of why so many people all over the world consider baseball to be a great sport. …

Read More

It’s Time To Make Things Easier By Reading This Article About Basketball

Laura06 mins

For years, people of all ages and backgrounds have found love in the sport of basketball. But, most folks who love basketball still do not know everything about the sport. This lack of knowledge prevents them from playing it to the best of their ability. The following piece has information that will help you play like a pro!

One of the hardest skills to learn in basketball is how to relax while shooting. Concentrating on the back of the rim or where you want the ball to hit on the backboard are great ways to practice this. It might seem strange learning how to relax, but the more you do it, the better prepared you will be come game time.

Practice passing drills as a team. Basketball is a team sport first and foremost. You’ve got five people on the court with the same common goal. Teams that are great at passing can really break up a defense making it much easier to get into good scoring positions. You’ll definitely win much more than you lose when you work as a team.

It is not always necessary to dribble the ball. In fact, you should only dribble it when it is part of your play. For instance, you will want to dribble the ball when you are trying to get the ball up the court, to get in a position for passing, or to get the defense off you.

Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.

Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Learn to play to your strengths and practice to improve your weak points. Not everyone on the team can be the guy who scores every point. Your position may be better suited on the defensive end. You can only learn these things through practice and play.

A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

Make sure you have prepared for your games by taking care of yourself. Don’t see your team short by staying up all night, eating junk food before games or skipping practice because you have things you would rather do. make a commitment to your team by being there for the team on the court and off the court.

In the off season, it is important to stay in shape so you can be at your best when the games begin again. Formulate a few goals, but make sure they are goals that you can actually reach. For example, jogging may be a part of your routine. Start slow and then increase your time as your endurance goes up. You are more likely …

Read More

Wanting To Know About Baseball? Check This Out!

Laura05 mins

How much do you think you know about the sport of baseball? Even the greats can always learn a thing or two about how to better their game. So, if you really want to become a better player, then you’re going to have to put in the hard work using the tips provided in this article.

If you’d like to increase your arm strength, make sure you’re out there every day throwing the baseball and swinging your bat. The more you perform the motion, the easier it becomes. You don’t need to lift weights to build up your arm strength. Continuously throwing a baseball or swinging a bat will work wonders.

If you’re trying out for a new team, make sure you’re on time! Always strive to be at least fifteen minutes early for each tryout, as well as any practices and games. Nothing will hurt you more than showing up late to a tryout. And if you show up early, it can only help you.

When you try out for a local baseball team that is new, act professionally and be respectful at all times. Behaving politely will always pay off when you’re meeting new players and coaches, whether you’re joining a neighborhood pickup game or a school team. This behavior will demonstrate that you are a mature individual and will stand you in good stead for the future.

One of the best things you can do before any game is to drink plenty of water. Baseball is generally played during the Spring and Summer months, meaning the weather is quite warm. Baseball players use a lot of energy running bases and running after balls. Therefore, it is important that you stay hydrated to avoid a heat stroke.

Always follow the signs given to you by your manager or base coach. Remember, baseball is a team sport. It’s not just about your statistics. Sometimes the coach may give you a sign you don’t like, but trust in the fact that it’s likely the best move given a lot of different factors.

Shaving cream can be used to break in a new baseball glove. When you get a new glove, spray a handful of shaving cream into your hand and rub it into the pocket area of the glove. Next place a baseball there and tie a rope around the glove and baseball. Repeat this process a few times for the first month you have the glove.

You must learn proper stride. For example, as a right-handed pitcher, you should be picking up your left leg some when releasing the pitch. Do just the opposite if you happen to be left-handed. When you see the pitch coming near, start pushing forward a foot so you can have some momentum build. If you are smaller, you do not need to make a long stride.

By now you’re probably ready to get out of your chair and play some baseball right? Well, of course you are! Just be sure you realize that …

Read More

Get Helpful Tips About Football That Are Simple To Understand

Laura05 mins

You play a lot of football, but you want to achieve greater things. You found this article as you searched for some football advice for players. Thankfully, it has so many great tips and tricks that, by the time you get to the end, you won’t be disappointed by what you read.

If you want to involve the whole family in a game of football, make it flag football that you play. Flag football is much safer than tackling, so it works well for all generations of players and all genders too. You can have a whole bunch of family bonding time with the game.

As you go onto the field, be prepared to win. Don’t settle for anything less and keep that in mind as you play. If you are positive and focused on winning the game, you’re more likely to reach your goals. If you have any misgivings in your mind, you will fail.

Learn the proper technique for backpedaling in football. Keep your posture low and make sure your shoulders are aligned over your feet. This technique allows you to keep your balance when changing positions. Practice this technique often with a few of your teammates so that it becomes second nature.

If you want to do well late game, make sure that interval training is a regular part of your cardio. This is basically alternating high-speed and low-speed laps or timed intervals within your overall running session. Doing this will help you keep up a consistent energy level throughout the whole game, meaning that coach can count on you in the fourth quarter.

One of the best ways to learn is to watch how professional players play their position. Observe the way they move and emulate those moves. It may go without saying, but the best football players will study the moves of successful athletes and mimic their plays.

A great tip to remember if you’re a runningback or receiver in football is to always make sure you keep the ball close to your body at all times. So many turnovers have occurred because a player wasn’t holding the football firmly enough, and an opposing player just took a swat at it.

Build power and muscles by training with box jumps. Make sure you have a very sturdy large box with a height between 2 feet and 3 feet, determined by your own height. Jump onto the edge of the box repeatedly, straightening your back each time you reach the top of the box. Repeat up to 20 times.

Learn to be precise in your patterns. It can’t be emphasized enough the importance of precision. Just a few feet in any direction and you won’t be in place to make an important tackle or to catch the football that’s been thrown to you. This takes a lot of repetition during practice, so be ready for it.

No matter how long you have been playing, or even if you are new to the game, these tips will …

Read More

Tops Tips About Soccer That Anyone Can Follow

Laura05 mins

Would you like to become a better soccer player? If so, then you are about to find some great tips to help guide you. This article is going to talk about how you can improve your soccer game and focus on becoming the player you wish to be. If you do what is asked of you, you will be successful.

To make the transition from receiving the ball to directing it more fluid, don’t trap or stop the ball completely. Instead, as the ball approaches, aim to make contact with the top or middle of the ball then tap it in the direction you want it to go and continue to maneuver down the field.

Always keep your eyes open. If you are fortunate enough to get the ball, pass it to the person that you think can advance toward the goal, even if that is not you. Be selfless in order to help your team win. However, in order to follow this piece of advice, you have to be vigilant and know what is happening on the field at all times.

Always look for an easy pass you can make to a player who is open. Do not try passing the ball to the best player on the team if they are not in a good position. Do not hesitate to make a pass to an inexperienced player if they are wide open.

The key to effective soccer play is constant communication with teammates. You will work better with your teammates when you communicate with them. Professional soccer players say that communication is one of the most important aspects to winning a game.

When it comes to learning penalty kicks, practice makes perfect. Practice one type of kick until it becomes second nature and then move on to the next type of kick and practice it until it too becomes second nature. Continue practicing different kicking styles until you have at least 6 kicks that you can use when kicking a penalty kick.

Make sure that you stretch both before and after a soccer game or practice. Running up and down the field combined with kicking the ball, can put a lot of stress on your muscles. Stretching can help you to avoid injuries on the field while you are playing and prevent you from being sore after the game.

It is important to practice playing soccer at home in your free-time, not just during practices. Doing drills and practicing handling the ball will help you when it is time for games. Putting a net in your yard to practice shooting goals can be very helpful to perfect that tricky shot.

It is very important that you eat a light meal before playing soccer, but make sure that you eat something that is not very heavy. You meal should contain a lot of carbs and it should be eaten a couple of hours prior to you heading out on the field to play.

You have now found out some …

Read More

What You Have Always Wanted To Know About Basketball

Laura05 mins

So you want to improve your basketball playing skills and don’t know where to begin. The good news is that here you will find excellent advice that the pros use to help them get better at basketball. Continue ahead to the following article that shows you what the pros do in order be a better basketball player.

When you dribble a basketball, you are supposed to use your fingertips. Many people think you are supposed to use your palm, but this is incorrect. Using the tips of your fingers when you are dribbling the ball will result in you being able to dribble more in a shorter amount of time.

One of the most important things to understand is when to make the shot. Taking a dangerous shot can result in the ball being overturned. If you do not feel comfortable making the shot, pass it to a teammate and either let them make the shot or get into a better position to make the shot.

Make it your goal to dribble well with both of your hands. You’ll obviously start with your strongest hand when learning, but if you want to play basketball well, you’ll need to learn how to switch it up. This way you can keep your body between the ball and your opponent, no matter what the angle.

Always remember that to be a great basketball player, you’ve got to be a great athlete first. Put as much time into conditioning your body and increasing your endurance as you do shooting and passing. This will improve your play under even the most excruciating circumstances, making you an invaluable team member.

Good shooters rely on the perimeter shot, so practice getting open to get these key shots. A good play to run is having a post player work the ball down low and then pass it back out once the defense collapses. Run a drill during practice where the only shots you take are those from passes coming from inside the paint.

Always keep your head up while dribbling. You will not be able to see an open teammate if you are looking at the ball. You also will not be able to see what kinds of defenses the opposing team is playing if you are looking at the ball while dribbling.

There may be sneaky or subversive moves that you can make in an attempt to won a game but they are not worth it. Your teammates and fans deserve a player to be proud of, not one whose actions they have to defend. Be a player that your team and the opposing team can both respect.

Move without the basketball. Running the baseline has advantages. You can possibly lose your defender in the paint for a second and become open. At the very least you might distract the ball defender’s attention for just a second. Even if you can’t get open, set a screen for who has the ball.

As stated in the above article, …

Read More

Wondering About Football? Read These Helpful Tips

Laura06 mins

People from all walks of life love football and have for years. The fact is, though, that not everybody has the skills and knowledge necessary to play the sport well. If you are interested in becoming a better football player, the guidance and tips that follow below can help you realize your goals.

Understanding the opposing team’s formation is key to being a good defensive player. Looking at the wide receiver, you can get a good idea of what play is going to be called. If the receiver lines up very wide, there is a good chance the play is a pass. Of course, this could be a decoy, but it leaves the offense with fewer blockers inside.

Take up a dance class to improve your footwork. Before you laugh, think back to reality television dancing competitions and how many times NFL players not only competed but succeeded! Ballroom dancing and even ballet are extremely effective at helping football players get an extra edge on the field.

If your goal is to become a quarterback, make sure you practice with a lot of distractions. Although Tom Brady makes maneuvering in the pocket look easy, it’s actually pretty intense, and that’s the time most players make mistakes. Practice when you’re under lots of pressure and learn to make smart decisions with lightning speed.

Build power and muscles by training with box jumps. Make sure you have a very sturdy large box with a height between 2 feet and 3 feet, determined by your own height. Jump onto the edge of the box repeatedly, straightening your back each time you reach the top of the box. Repeat up to 20 times.

Learn to be precise in your patterns. It can’t be emphasized enough the importance of precision. Just a few feet in any direction and you won’t be in place to make an important tackle or to catch the football that’s been thrown to you. This takes a lot of repetition during practice, so be ready for it.

Consume adequate amounts of protein to give you the strength and body mass you need as a football player. Avoid getting your proteins through junk food, as this will contribute to an unhealthy body that does not function well for you. Get protein from meat, eggs, fish and protein powder shakes.

Your 40 yard dash speed is something that you need to work on improving if you want to be a great football player. In order to increase your speed, practice proper foot and shoulder placement at the start. Practice getting out of the blocks quicker and keeping your focus. This will help you increase your speed.

Never take the field without a helmet. Each season, your helmet should be inspected thoroughly. The plastic shell should not have any cracks in it and the padding must be in good condition. It should also have a face mask that properly attaches to the helmet and a chin strap that fastens securely. All this is to …

Read More

Expert Advice About Baseball That Can Really Help You!

Laura05 mins

They call baseball America’s favorite pastime, but why is that? If you are wondering why baseball has been such a great American sport, then you will want to read the following article. There is so much to learn about the game, and the article below has many great tips from the pros.

If you’re playing infield and a groundball is hit, always go toward it. Don’t sit there and wait for the ball to come to you. This will help you have a much better chance of getting the batter out and your team will appreciate it. This also applies to outfielders as well.

Remember that baseball is only a game. Yes, it may be important to you and your team, but you don’t want to let it get you down. Even if you make a mistake, if you keep positive there’s always a chance to correct that mistake. But if you let it bother you, chance are you’ll make another mistake.

Talk to other people about your goals. When you talk to people about your baseball goals, you are more likely to meet them. A great idea is to join a forum for baseball players and get to know people who are as passionate about baseball as you are. That way, you can share experiences and suggestions about how to get better.

Practice your defense. Sure pitching and batting get all of the glory, but being a great defensive player is worth just as much to your team. The ability to save a run is just as valuable as the ability to create a run. Both are needed to win ball games.

When coaching baseball, there are a few things you will need to have close at hand. Be certain you keep a good first aid kit, properly stocked and at the ready. Bring along plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to help players avoid dehydration. Have your practice plan ready for each day with detailed drills and broken into manageable time segments. Naturally, you must be certain of having all the right equipment.

If you are a catcher, be sure you are in the proper position when no one is on base. This means getting into a low squat and balancing your weight on your feet’s balls. Get as close to the underside of the bat as possible, but be sure you will not get hit.

Keep both of your eyes on the pitcher when you play baseball. This helps you to see them better versus just using one eye. The earlier you can pick up on the ball, the better your chances are at being successful. Never take your eyes off that ball while you prepare to swing.

After reading the above article, you now see why baseball is America’s favorite pastime. You don’t have to be a student of the game to enjoy it, rather all you need are some great tips like the ones in the above article. After you’re done reading them, pass them …

Read More

Want To Know About Soccer? Keep Reading!

Laura05 mins

The history of the sport of soccer dates back centuries and spans the globe. However, many people still need to gain an education on the rules, skills and nuances involved with the sport. The information presented below should serve as a wonderful reference for anyone wishing to understand soccer a bit better.

The part of the ball you kick is crucial in soccer. If you kick too high on the ball, it is not going to go very far. On the other hand, kicking the bottom of the ball will just make it go high in the air. It is best to aim for the middle.

Don’t be the soccer mom who makes all the other parents cringe and all of your child’s teammates ridicule him or her at school. Support the decisions of the referee and do not shout instructions from the sidelines or run out onto the playing field to consult with the ref or instruct your child.

Be aware that the ball can come to you at any point in time. That means that you have to be ready to receive it, or you risk having possession of the ball transferred to the other team. If you are constantly on the move, and filled with energy, the other team will have to step up their game to match your enthusiasm.

Rushing to the goal is very tempting but you need to make sure you have some backup first. Do not mount an attack unless you have at least one player on each side. You need to save the ball with a quick pass to one side in case too many defenders close in on you.

It;s crucial that you develop a good sense of orientation in soccer. Being able to see the entire game and having good orientation while playing is tough. Know where your opponents and teammates are in order to gain a better perspective. This also helps you better plan your next move.

It is important to practice playing soccer at home in your free-time, not just during practices. Doing drills and practicing handling the ball will help you when it is time for games. Putting a net in your yard to practice shooting goals can be very helpful to perfect that tricky shot.

When shooting a penalty kick scrutinize the goalie. Find an open spot that he does not have guarded and kick using the inside of your foot. Keep your non kicking foot close to the ball and your body over the ball. Then with your eyes on the ball, kick forcefully.

Try to play soccer inside instead of outside. Whenever you practice indoors, you are practicing on a smaller field. Since this is the case, it will help you to control the ball better while making faster decisions. The practicing of those skills will help you have a better performance when you’re back outside.

Soccer is something that has provided joy, excitement and physical activity to people everywhere. That is not to …

Read More