Dr Razz

Showcase softball events present an opportunity for travel teams to participate in tournaments that have some of the top talent at the high school level. In fact, travel teams in these tournaments are usually full of players who go on to play at some level of college softball. Depending on the size of the city and the tournament, hundreds of teams from around the prospective state or even the country will play in these showcase softball events. These tournaments are usually considered the premier events and therefore the very best teams usually participate. As a high school player looking to play at the next level, these showcase softball tournaments can be a great opportunity. These tournaments get...

Once up on a time, Go-Kart racing was limited to kids & children only. But, the scenario is totally changed now. Go Kart racing is now a popular sporting activity amongst sport lover adults. Cart Racing is a very thrilling type of race for adventurous people with high level of adrenalin. In Go Kart Racing small four wheeled vehicles are used. It is an open wheeler motor sport and considered as the previous stage of higher-ranking motor sport. The vehicles also called as "Kart"," Gearbox" etc. These vehicles are different types & designs. Some of them simple and user friendly while others are highly sophisticated with latest facilities. A player should be careful enough before choosing a...

As a player and a coach I've often wondered how top flight players have generated such amazing power. It's a combination of many factors including timing of the shot, getting behind the shuttle to hit it, body-weight transfer, string tension, conditioning/training and the athletes natural muscle fibre combinations to name but a few. There is one key element missing that I believe plays a major role in the power played on a badminton court - the speed of the shuttle. I began to analyse shuttle speeds further and it suddenly dawned on me, thinking back over the years and even to this day, we're killing skill at club/league level, which in turn is having a negative effect on our players, both junior...

When one thinks of basketball player Shaquille O'Neal, the image of the big "Shaq" pops into the mind. A dominant player for years, the 7 foot 1, 330-pound mountain is a nightmare to play against for opposing teams. He has been voted into the top 50 players of all time. He will certainly go to the Hall-of-Fame. He has made an outlandish amount of money in the sport he loves. Millions upon millions of dollars to play a game, Shaq has everything a man can want in terms of property and possessions. O'Neal is interesting for other reasons, though. Despite all of his wealth, he has a desire to do good in life. Perhaps it is due to his mother and stepfather, a military man named Phil Harrison, that have...

If you have been to a beach in Rio de Janeiro you probably have noticed that the bouncing sound of that rubber ball has been taken to another level. In Brazil it's called frescoball and it is one of the sports that the city claims was invented here. Although that claim is debatable, it's not debatable that this is one the best beach activities that exists. Resting for the restless I'm one of those people that gets restless sitting still. Hours and hours on the beach doing nothing doesn't work for me. I wish it did but it doesn't. If the waves are good I can do a bit of body surfing but sometimes the waves are too small, too big or the currents are too strong. There's no lack of vollyball on the...

The following is an example of what I have heard many student athletes say: "My All Star Travel Team is going to be playing in the Holiday Wood Bat Classic in Peoria during the 4th of July Weekend. This is a great opportunity for exposure." FACT: There are only a select few tournaments for both baseball and softball where a vast number of college coaches will be in attendance. In terms of the example above, you can be sure that college coaches will not be spending their 4th of July weekend away from their families on the recruiting trail. FACT: Getting exposure through tournament play is only possible if college coaches know who you are prior to attending a particular tournament. Just like showcases...

Jet skis, especially when used in racing are probably among the world's most battered marine vehicles. Let us consider the length of time they have to stay in water and sway harshly to create the waves that the racer exactly needs. While many of us find this experience exciting, well should we not consider how a jet ski would feel (in case it actually has the capacity to feel)? Their suffering is more aggravated with the fact that after long days of water cruising, they would be stored in places where harsh elements can violate their good working condition. Let us be realistic. We don't normally have the time and effort enough to attend to our jet skis. Because of the grime and dirt and salt that...

The sport of curling is steeped in tradition yet on that note it is still changing. Not surprisingly, Canada has had a great year winning both the men's world championship and the women's world championship. Canada has always been a force to reckon with and this year was no exception. They have been very strong all year long with a couple of world class teams in Glen Howard and Kevin Martin. Kevin played a bit more consistently to earn the right to defend the world title for Canada this year. Maybe some news that may be a bit more surprising is the success of China. Both men and women from China gave what is likely their best ever performances for China in the world championships. They are showing...

-Looking Back to Look Ahead- Last season is long gone and another is just around the corner. For some teams, there was much to celebrate. For others it was a season of despair, frustration, and second guessing. It is time to take a look back at the season - 1. What were your individual goals? 2. Did you accomplish your goals? 3. If not, why not? If so, did you reset your goals to help you reach new levels of success? 4. What were the team goals? 5. Did your team accomplish them? 6. If not, why not? If you were able to accomplish initial team goals, did you reset them? "All great men are dreamers. Some, however, allow their dreams to die. You should nurse your dreams and protect them through bad...

Staying fit has always been everyone's obsession, so it's no wonder that sporting good stores are quickly expanding their inventories. When you need equipment for any basic sport, whether it is for golf, basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, swimming, or even billiards, the sporting goods store can give it to you. Are you in need of exercise equipment? Sporting goods stores can help you out with this, too. Expanded Product Lines Sporting goods stores are also expanding their product selections to cater to individuals in the "underserved" markets - those people involved in more expensive sports, such as diving, mountain biking, downhill skiing, and snowboarding, among others. These stores also...

The 2008 major league baseball season is quickly coming up. Which teams really have a shot at making it? Which teams are the ones to watch for? Where there be any repeats? That is exactly what we are about to find out. We are going to discuss several different teams and what their chances are for reaching this years World Series. Will the Cubs make it? Will we see the Red Sox vying for their third Championship? Will we see an appearance by the Mets, Rockies, or Yankees? Let's have a look. Boston Red Sox Still on a high from last years World Series win, can they do it again? It depends on who you ask. Of course, Red Sox fans are biased; they will always choose their favorite team to win. However...

I think a key to an athlete's success is their unwavering belief in themselves and their own ability. This self-belief does not always cross over to skills outside of sport and can contribute to the struggle athletes' face on retirement. Beliefs are aspects of life that we believe to hold true. What I believe determines my reality, what you believe determines your reality. So how do we come to believe different things? It often comes down to our experiences, particularly our experiences growing up. Research shows that our experiences within our first 7 years of life are very instrumental in determining our beliefs, in shaping our beliefs. They can be shaped by our parents and what we see happening...

There is a misconception that luge and bobsledding are actually the same sport. In reality, while the two winter sports are quite similar, there are some significant differences that you must take into account. First, the similarities. Both luge and bobsledding are featured as events in the winter Olympics. Both of these sports involve plunging feet first down an icy track and are extremely dangerous for the participants. They also both require a great deal of nerve and extremely quick reflexes. This however, is basically where the similarities end. The first difference is in the number of participants. Lugers are generally working alone of with a partner where as bobsledders can work in teams of up...

There's nothing more enjoyable for a child than bouncing as high as they can on a trampoline - as a parent you can see their immediate delight as soon as they start jumping up and down on a trampoline, but also as a parent, you can't help but worry for your child's safety as many accidents occur on trampolines. That should never put you off considering the prospect of getting your own trampoline for your back garden but should lead you towards a trampoline that is renowned for its safe design. Some revealing statistics regarding trampolining injuries make for interesting reading and should be taken on board for any prospective buyers of a trampoline. The safest trampolines are those that encompass a...

Born on January 26, 1977, Vince Carter graduated from college in North Carolina and now plays the guard position for the New Jersey Nets. One of the most exciting players in the NBA, Carter was chosen in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. After suffering injuries, Vince Carter regained his momentum with the Nets as one of the leading players in the NBA. Even before entering the NBA, Carter showed promise as an up-and-coming basketball star. While playing as part of the North Carolina Tar Heel team, he averaged 12.3 points per game. During his junior year, Vince Carter was named First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference, Second Team All-America and became a finalist for the John R. Wooden...

On the weekend, I had the pleasure of watching a wonderful race at the Mooloolabah ITU World Cup Triathlon for the women. The eventual winner of the race was Vendula Frintova and she is coached by Darren Smith, a valued client of Athlete Assessments. In fact, Darren had three of his athletes finish in the top five with Kate Roberts from South Africa and Sarah Groff from the USA (and his forth athlete competing was also in the top ten). It does not get much better than that. Watching the race, reminded me of how sporting success is all about ensuring every little detail which contributes to winning results is executed to the best of your ability. The reality is, every athlete in the race has a...

The name of the man? Lewis Hamilton The sport? Formula 1 Grand Prix Motor Racing. The luck? To start his career in the best car in the sport? The 2007 Formula 1 World Championship started with a few names on peoples' lips. There was Michael Schumacher, the 8 time World Champion, who was no longer in the sport - how would it be after his retirement? Then there was Fernando Alonso, the latest young gun, already twice World Champion, but starting with a new team this year, McClaren. Another name was Lewis Hamilton, a 21 year old British driver who had made waves in the lower levels of racing, but was now thrust into the full force of the Formula 1 circus. Well, Alonso seems to have made a wise choice...

Are you looking for a vertical jumping program to increase your vertical leap and become explosive? Do you play basketball, volleyball, football, or track and want to get ahead of your competition with a vertical leap exercise workout program? A vertical jumping program is the best way to improve your overall performance and gain that competitive advantage. Your vertical jump, or "vert", is measured by standing on a flat surface and raising your hand straight up while flat footed, then jumping as high as you can. This difference is your vertical leap, or vertical jump. There are some very specific exercises that when done properly will unlock your maximum vertical leap. I will discuss some of the...

Are you the UTV enthusiast? Have the passion for them? Then definitely you would be searching for the best accessories for UTV. Read on and know the different accessories available for the UTV. On the list comes the UTV bed or tailgate accessory. These include the bed covers, bed lifts, bed liners, bed rails, and tailgate accessories. Nerf bars, skid plates and tail light guards are the accessories that come under UTV body armor. Dust reducers, floor mats are a part of the body parts. There are also a huge variety of the brake parts in the market. Front bumpers, grille guards and rear bumper accessories are the things which you could try. There are different types of doors such as hard doors, soft...

Unfortunately, paying for health care these days - whether it's hospital care, group or private health insurance, or durable medical supplies - is a lot like buying a car: You gotta haggle. If you can research and take care of your out-of-pocket expenses prior to surgery, it's possible and wise to negotiate with the hospital and providers for a lower out-of-pocket rate. For example, say you know you have elective surgery coming up, and you've discussed it with your doctor and agreed on a date. His office already has the paperwork process underway with the insurance company, and you read through your policy and find that it does not cover out-of-network anesthesia. What do you do? You might call the...

The British woman? Jacqui Oatley. The sport? Football. The date? April 21st 2007. The main highlights show for the British national game of football had a first in its' 43 year history in April 2007 - the first commentary by a woman. The decision was criticized in many quarters, but not from me, I think she did a good job. Like most new male commentators, she worked her way up the ranks after studying journalism, and she also has experience of playing the game, being a keen player until she dislocated a kneecap and ruptured tendons. That's the focus of this article, the fact that she played football. Womens' football in this country was always viewed as a novelty, in fact it was banned on our...

The spondylitis usually strikes between 20 and 30 years old it affects more men than women. There also a variant of the disease that manifests at an early age. Ankylosing Spondylitis is one of the most common forms of espondilartropatias. According to study blood donors in the city of Berlin, it is estimated that approximately 1.9% of the German population suffers from this disease. It is not known whether this figure can be projected to the rest of the world population, but the probability is quite high. In many cases the disease presents with symptoms very mild, making it very difficult diagnosis and statistics impossibly relevant. The German mentioned Morbus Bechterew 100,000 to 150,000 cases...

Questions and Answers about Knee Problems Knee problems are very common, and they occur in people of all ages. This booklet contains general information about several knee problems. It includes descriptions and a diagram of the different parts of the knee. Individual sections of the booklet describe the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of specific types of knee injuries and conditions. Information on how to prevent these problems is also provided. What Do the Knees Do? How Do They Work? The knee is the joint where the bones of the upper leg meet the bones of the lower leg, allowing hinge-like movement while providing stability and strength to support the weight of the body. Flexibility, strength...

This type of injury is most common in car accidents, where the victim is exposed to very quick deceleration, although it can occur in other types of circumstances, for example sporting accidents. Symptoms of a whiplash injury can include headaches, stiff necks/back of head, and general pain around the neck area. This is caused by a tightening of the muscles around the injured tissue, as the body reacts to the injury by trying to limit movement in the affected area. Generally, these symptoms will disappear a month or two after diagnosis and treatment, but in some cases the symptoms can last much longer, especially if medical attention is not sought straight away. Other symptoms can range from nausea...

In 1988 the Shroud of Turin entered into a period of its history as dark and gloomy as an approaching hurricane. This would be a storm of bad press and negative opinion. The Shroud was a fake as determined by three carbon dating labs. The party was over. Seven years earlier, in 1981, hopes were high as the Shroud of Turin Research Project announced their results after five days with the cloth and three years analyzing the data. Their results electrified the world with possibility. The Shroud was not the work of an artist and the blood was genuine. Could the Shroud be authentic? Is that even possible? Not according to the carbon dating labs. Science had spoken and science is never wrong. I dedicate...

Ankle impingement is a condition whereby the patient suffers from a restriction in their ankle movement due either to a bony or soft tissue problem. The typical causes of this condition are usually irritation of the capsule or synovial membrane of the ankle secondary to a single or a repeated series of accidents or incidents. Ankle sprains, especially if repetitive, can lead to chronic pain and impingement syndromes. This gives the patient continual pain on weightbearing and limits their mobility and sporting activities. Estimates vary but 10% of people suffering ankle sprains may develop some degree of impingement. An acute ankle sprain which precedes impingement is commonly precipitated by a...

In ankle impingement there is a limitation in the joint mobility of the ankle due to pain from a soft tissue or bony pathology. A common finding to precipitate this pain syndrome is an irritation of the synovial membrane or the joint capsule, typically after an ankle sprain or a repetitive series of such injuries. Chronic pain in the ankle and impingement can result from the ankle being sprained and this can give a persistent pain problem with limitations on involvement in sports. Numbers are unclear but some level of impingement could occur in about ten percent of people who undergo ankle sprains. Impingement is often secondary to an acute ankle sprain where the person stands on something uneven or...

Surprisingly enough you need some money. In order to get your Guinness World Record registered, assuming that you break a record, and that you follow all the rules and regulations for the particular record that you are going to attempt, you need to register a claim form with the good folks at Guinness, and this process costs over $500 USD. As in any endeavor, the job isn't done until the paperwork is finished; this has to be done correctly, if you are going to get a record recognized by Guinness. You will need to provide witness to the event, and they will need to fill out forms that say that the rules and regulations for that particular record were adhered to. Photographic and video evidence of...

Think back. Do you remember times spent with your family playing baseball or a backyard game of touch football or perhaps a wild game of badminton? Most of us can recall some cherished moments playing sports with family members as we were growing up and these recollections provide a beautiful backdrop for some sweet memories. With all the various things that compete for the time and attention of just about every family member, it's hard to find time to just have fun together. Finding that time, however, is vitally important. It takes a little thought, planning, desire and commitment to make it happen but when it does you'll find it so worth the effort. There are many things that most families would...

In many articles, I get the opportunity to subtly reiterate some of my views on grappling. For example, I still believe that most fights don't have to "go to ground." I also feel that most people don't strike enough when fighting on the floor. So, let's begin with the premise that you are already down on the ground, in a grapple with your enemy. Most martial artists forget to hit as much as they could be. Note: You can make your opponent's life miserable with all of the hitting, biting, kicking, clawing, scratching, locking, and so forth that you can throw at him or her while entangled. Most don't even try. The corollary is that those who do hit a lot, often waste their motions. I have witnessed a...

There are many ways to keep fit but more and more people are looking for more fun ways to do just that. Having some kind of gaming equipment at home to practice on is perhaps the perfect way to keep fit without really trying. Pitching machines, along with baseball training aids, are the perfect combination to get the family involved with the sport and gets them fitter too. These great ball throwing gizmos give each individual the opportunity to hone their skills in a remarkable way. Because they are adjustable, even the smallest member of the family can join in and have fun too. They throw at anything up to seventy five miles per hour and do curve balls from both sides. This not only gives the...

I love to play airsoft gun games a lot. There are several occasions when my friends and I would go to different fields just to have a very exciting skirmish and superbly intense battles. Airsoft gun games are indeed very exciting, and more people are joining the excitement each day. When you play airsoft gun games, you can actually assume different roles. Attackers or strikers usually use submachine airsoft guns or assault rifles and be the front line of the team. There are also support crews, using longer range airsoft guns such as machine guns or rifles to support the attackers. My personal favorite is snipers, using long-ranged sniper rifles with accurate scope, luring from strategic spots in...