Archive for December, 2007
Ididit.
by admin on December 31st, 2007
Now I’d like a cookie and some sleep, please.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Online Poker Blog
Three More Days
by admin on December 30th, 2007
… and I’ve 722 VPPs left. I sat down about 30 minutes ago to finish the rest of it in one sitting, but I realized after 20 minutes that I wasn’t feeling my best, mentally. I was tired, unfocused and easily confused. It happened three times in 20 minutes that I timed out on one (out of 7 or 
table without realizing it, which is a sure sign that my brain isn’t in prime condition. So for once, I’m going to be smart about it and play some other time - like tomorrow.
We’ve had two very unproductive days, Lori and I, but I don’t mind. I think she feels like it’s a waste of time but the way I figure, spending time doing stuff I like can’t be qualifed as “waste.” If anything, it’s time I spend doing things I don’t like that’s the waste. I only get on average 75 years, I’d like to spend it as happily as possible. Yeah, don’t get me started on life and death - I recently turned 30 and like the walking cliché I am I started contemplating my own mortality, heh. Perhaps a topic best left alon in this blog.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Online Poker Blog
Six Keys to Success for Basketball Players
by admin on December 30th, 2007
>
I’m often asked this question: what are the keys to becoming a great basketball player? I give them a two-word response: hard work. All joking aside though, hard work is a key component of success in basketball (or any other area of life for that matter). But a more detailed, useful answer is really in order. I have broken down success as a basketball player into 6 broad categories: 1. Basketball skill 2. Physical ability 3. Confidence 4. Aggressiveness 5. Thinking big 6. Being in the moment Let me go into detail on each of these items. Basketball Skill First and foremost, you have to be able to play the game. From shooting, to dribbling and passing, to rebounding and defense, you’ve got to know the game, and be a good player. This is, it goes without saying, the foundation on which every successful basketball career is built. Physical Ability In addition to being able to play the game, great players are usually exceptional athletes. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to be the fastest, strongest, highest jumping player on the team. But it does mean that you have to be very mobile, very agile, have good hand-eye coordination, and have good endurance (among other things). Being a good all-around athlete allows your basketball skills to flourish and grow. Confidence Having basketball ability and physical skills takes you only so far. Taking your game to the next level requires massive confidence, the belief in yourself that you can go out on the floor and dominate, each and every game. Look at the great players (Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Kobe, et al)…these guys think one thing when they play: that they are the best player on the floor, and they are going to dominate the opponent. Aggressiveness In addition to believing in yourself, you have to be extremely aggressive every time play the game. You may be a nice, quiet person off the court, but once you put on a uniform and get into a game, you have to be fierce and determined, passionate and competitive. Thinking Big I coach a lot of players that doubt themselves and what they can do on the floor. Get rid of that kind of thinking. Don’t be satisfied with what you were able to do last season, or last month, or yesterday. Set high goals for yourself, and think big…and you’ll be amazed at how you are able to achieve more than you did before, just by picturing yourself playing better than you did in the past (picturing it, and expecting it). For example: if you scored 10 or 12 points a game last season, plan on increasing that by at least 2 or 3 baskets a game. If you grabbed 4 or 5 rebounds a game, plan on upping that number to 6 or 7. Now, remember that scoring more points doesn’t necessarily mean you are playing better than before, but you get the idea. The point is to expect more of yourself, set higher goals for yourself, and set firmly in your mind the belief that you will play better than you have in the past. Believe it, and it’ll happen. Being in the Moment Lots of players over-think the game. Whether it’s psyching yourself out at the free throw line, letting a bad play compound itself and negatively impact the next play, or being hesitant to take the ball to the basket for fear of getting blocked, you can’t allow these types of negative thoughts, or over-thinking to keep you from playing at your best. The key is to be in the moment, be in the flow of the action, and let your physical abilities, and all the practice you’ve done take over. Don’t think or worry, just play. These are the 6 main areas of success in basketball. Think through each of these, and really figure out a way that you can get better in each one. What can you do today, tomorrow, or next week that will help you improve in these areas? Come up with some answers…then go out and make it happen!
About the Author
Patrick Chylinski is a former college and professional basketball player. He is now a private coach based in Los Angeles.
Visit www.basketballsuccess.com for playing tips, articles, newsletters, DVDs, and e-books.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
NBA Basketball
by admin on December 29th, 2007
Basketballs rich history.
Basketball has a rich history of superstar players. Although the game continues to evolve, the talents of yesterday’s stars are seen in today’s NBA basketball.
Russell and Chamberlain
The greatest rivalry in pro sports during the 1950s and 1960s in NBA basketball may have been that between Bill Russell’s Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers and Lakers squads. Russell and Chamberlain defined the role of the dominant big man in different ways. Chamberlain was the better offensive player, providing his team with low-post scoring while passing out of double-teams to open teammates. Russell was the greater defender, providing an intimidating presence for his team by blocking shots and rebounding. This started the fast break for his teammates, allowing them easy baskets in transition. The interior presence of Russell and Chamberlain has been seen in later generations of NBA players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.
Chamberlain had the statistical edge, averaging 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds for his career. Russell, though not the scorer Wilt was, led in another impressive category: NBA titles. Over the course of their careers, Russell won an astounding 11 championships, while Chamberlain won two. Russell’s ability to raise the level of his teammates’ play contributed to the Celtics’ championship dynasty. By making the players around him better, Russell created a model for future championship players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
About the author:
http://www.a1-nba-basketball-4u.info/
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
NBA Basketball
by admin on December 29th, 2007
Basketballs rich history.
Basketball has a rich history of superstar players. Although the game continues to evolve, the talents of yesterday’s stars are seen in today’s NBA basketball.
Russell and Chamberlain
The greatest rivalry in pro sports during the 1950s and 1960s in NBA basketball may have been that between Bill Russell’s Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers and Lakers squads. Russell and Chamberlain defined the role of the dominant big man in different ways. Chamberlain was the better offensive player, providing his team with low-post scoring while passing out of double-teams to open teammates. Russell was the greater defender, providing an intimidating presence for his team by blocking shots and rebounding. This started the fast break for his teammates, allowing them easy baskets in transition. The interior presence of Russell and Chamberlain has been seen in later generations of NBA players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.
Chamberlain had the statistical edge, averaging 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds for his career. Russell, though not the scorer Wilt was, led in another impressive category: NBA titles. Over the course of their careers, Russell won an astounding 11 championships, while Chamberlain won two. Russell’s ability to raise the level of his teammates’ play contributed to the Celtics’ championship dynasty. By making the players around him better, Russell created a model for future championship players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
About the author:
http://www.a1-nba-basketball-4u.info/
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
College Basketball picks - NCAAB bets to win money
by admin on December 29th, 2007
>
Pick: AVOID MARCH SADNESS PLACE YOUR PARLAYS WITH bet365!
It’s a big weekend for college basketball, as a number of crucial games take place that will likely decide conference titles. Top ranked Duke has already wrapped up the ACC conference, and George Washington seems unstoppable in the Atlantic 10. But things are much closer elsewhere - none more so than in the Big 12. Kansas and Texas aim for Big 12 title. bet it live, livebetting basketball
For all you college basketball aficionado’s out there, it will soon be time to fill out your bracket sheets for the NCAA tournament, but serious bettors will be getting excited at the prospect of picking point spread winners.
bet365 have lines on all the games as soon as the final 65 teams and match ups are known. At this moment in time, the newly realigned 16-team Big East looks likely to have seven or eight teams involved, while the The Big 10 (which appears to be one of the strongest conferences this season), might get as many as seven. However, it’s the presence of the smaller - local - teams that make March Madness the exciting (and unpredictable!) spectacle that it is.
If you’re looking for some value during March Madness season (aren’t we all!), it may pay to steer clear of the public teams - like Duke and Kentucky - as they’re always likely to be well-backed, and that will be factored into the point spread. Hence, the other team is going to be a value price, in order to attract equal money on both sides.
For example, supporters of last year’s North Carolina squad were asked to lay a heavy price to back their team, and they only covered one spread on their run to the Final Four. Meanwhile lesser-known schools provide great value for their backers - who will forget the great run by Wisconsin-Milwaukee last year! Another piece of advice is to check which teams will be playing on close proximity to their home venue and thus have a “home” crowd advantage. Also, don’t ignore teams that have had a poor season. They will generally be up for this final chance to make the Big Dance, and will be capable of pulling off an upset or two!
While be backing our picks in singles (as every serious bettor should), it will be hard to resist a speculative parlay wager along the way, especially as we re assured of getting more back with the bet365 Parlay Bonus. Each week, pay out up to 50% more on successful NBA & NCAAB parlays on the following 6 markets:
Point Spread, Game Total, First Half Point Spread, Second Half Point Spread, First Half Total, Second Half Total. What wait more? It’s a big weekend for college basketball, bet live basketball
About the Author
It’s a big weekend for college basketball, bet live basketball
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
California vs. Air Force: Armed Forces Bowl Free Picks: Monday, December 31st
by admin on December 29th, 2007
Air Force +3.5 (-110)
Monday Dec 31 ‘07 12:30p
The California Golden Bears were a train-wreck coming down the stretch, losing six of their last seven games while going 0-7 against the spread, and they cannot be too thrilled about facing a disciplined Air Force Falcons team in the Armed Forces Bowl.
It is hard to believe that the Golden Bears were poised to become the top ranked team in the country two months ago, when they were ranked number two and gave away a home game to Oregon State on the same day that number one lost. California never did recover from that loss, and more disturbingly, it looked as if they just threw in the towel, losing to the likes of Stanford and Washington. In fact, their only win in the last seven games was by just three points at home vs. lowly Washington State.
Air Force quietly had a very nice season going 9-3 straight up, and they were very nice to their supporters going a scintillating 9-2 ATS. Oddly, while California lost its last seven games ATS, Air Force ended the season with a 7-0 ATS run! Now normally, that combination would give value to the Cal side, but that does not appear to be the case here, as the Golden Bears still appear to be getting a little too much respect from the oddsmakers.
Finally, while Pac-10 underdogs have been great bets in bowl games lately, Pac-10 bowl favorites are just 9-16 ATS since 2000.
Armed Forces Bowl Free Pick: Air Force +3.5 - CLICK HERE FOR MORE FREE BOWL GAME PICKS
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Touthouse Free Sports Picks
Lasseters Launch New Games
by admin on December 29th, 2007
4 more slot games (Dead Man’s Chest, Cupid’s Bow, Ancient Wonders and Odd Shaped Balls) have been added to over 35 slot games available at Lasseters’ Casino. While $0.01 is the minimum bet, $60,000 is the maximum payout. Players can also get an advantage of the possibility to wager in USD, GBP and Euros. Besides, the games offered are available in 8 languages.
Income Access and the Lasseters Corporation have also developed a new affiliate promotion which is open to all members of the Lasseters Casino Affiliate Program. The promotion has been designed to support the launch of these new games. The participants of the contest that will be over on December 15, 2007 have to promote one of the four games on their sites or via an email campaign. The cash prize amounts to $1,000.00.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Online Casino Blog - Fresh online casino and gambling news every day !
Lasseters Launch New Games
by admin on December 29th, 2007
4 more slot games (Dead Man’s Chest, Cupid’s Bow, Ancient Wonders and Odd Shaped Balls) have been added to over 35 slot games available at Lasseters’ Casino. While $0.01 is the minimum bet, $60,000 is the maximum payout. Players can also get an advantage of the possibility to wager in USD, GBP and Euros. Besides, the games offered are available in 8 languages.
Income Access and the Lasseters Corporation have also developed a new affiliate promotion which is open to all members of the Lasseters Casino Affiliate Program. The promotion has been designed to support the launch of these new games. The participants of the contest that will be over on December 15, 2007 have to promote one of the four games on their sites or via an email campaign. The cash prize amounts to $1,000.00.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Online Casino Blog - Fresh online casino and gambling news every day !
Pro-Style Basketball Goals: How to Select the Right System
by admin on December 29th, 2007
>
There are many reasons for wanting to find a pro-style system when preparing to purchase a basketball goal. These reasons are important to consider when checking out the various options and features offered by each manufacturer.
The Minimum Requirements for a Professional Basketball System
One of the primary reasons that people are interested in the pro-style basketball systems is because they, or their children, aspire to become professionals in the game. Of course, it only makes sense that a proper professional basketball goal is used in practice or training. For this reason, having a pro-style goal serves a greater purpose than just providing a sense of authenticity when shooting basketball hoops. While shopping around for the right system, be sure to check that the basketball goals being considered fulfill at least the minimum criteria to be considered ‘professional’. The standard features of a pro-style basketball goal should include:
* Shatterproof tempered glass or acrylic backboard;
* Flexible, breakaway basketball hoop;
* Weather-resistant structure, including a specialized rustproof coating and nylon bushings where metal meets metal;
* Height adjustment mechanism to set the precise level of the basketball hoop;
* Thick, sturdy padding around the post of the basketball goal;
* Must meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for safety in basketball goal design.
The Bells and Whistles of a Basketball Hoop
The various basketball goal manufacturers offer numerous additional features that can make their system an even more desirable choice. Often, consumers find they prefer basketball hoops with special conveniences or key advantages when undertaking such a considerable investment. Some of these extra special features can include:
* Motorized height adjustment;
* Portability;
* Nighttime basketball hoop lights
* Easy do-it-yourself installation;
* Guarantee of durability
Portability is a concept that many people generally do not associate with basketball goals. Most people assume that once they install their goal, it will at best add to the resale value of their home when they move because it will have to stay there. This is not always the case because some basketball goal manufacturers have designed the system to allow for portability. With many of these systems, the goal post footings are simply unbolted from the anchor installed within the concrete supporting the basketball hoop. Thereafter, the whole system, minus the old concrete and anchor, can be reinstalled at a new location. It is nothing more than a matter of pouring new concrete and laying in a new anchor for reinstallation.
Professional Basketball Hoops are not just for the Wealthy Pros
For many people looking to purchase a basketball goal, cost is often a consideration. The special features of pro basketball goals are obviously going to make them more costly than a basic portable or simplified residential system. The pro basketball hoops tend to range anywhere from around $700 to as much as $2,000 or more, with the higher-end goals including such options as motorized height adjustment and hoop lights. However, because many of them are designed for portability, an investment into a professional basketball system can be considered long-term, and worthwhile for individuals serious about their training.
About the Author
Always an avid sports enthusiast, Bill Gibson had become especially interested in basketball to the point he got involved in the industry. He can now be found either writing articles about his passion or enabling others to participate in his interest. His website can be found at http://www.basketballgoalstore.com/
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
College Basketball picks - NCAAB bets to win money
by admin on December 29th, 2007
>
Pick: AVOID MARCH SADNESS PLACE YOUR PARLAYS WITH bet365!
It’s a big weekend for college basketball, as a number of crucial games take place that will likely decide conference titles. Top ranked Duke has already wrapped up the ACC conference, and George Washington seems unstoppable in the Atlantic 10. But things are much closer elsewhere - none more so than in the Big 12. Kansas and Texas aim for Big 12 title. bet it live, livebetting basketball
For all you college basketball aficionado’s out there, it will soon be time to fill out your bracket sheets for the NCAA tournament, but serious bettors will be getting excited at the prospect of picking point spread winners.
bet365 have lines on all the games as soon as the final 65 teams and match ups are known. At this moment in time, the newly realigned 16-team Big East looks likely to have seven or eight teams involved, while the The Big 10 (which appears to be one of the strongest conferences this season), might get as many as seven. However, it’s the presence of the smaller - local - teams that make March Madness the exciting (and unpredictable!) spectacle that it is.
If you’re looking for some value during March Madness season (aren’t we all!), it may pay to steer clear of the public teams - like Duke and Kentucky - as they’re always likely to be well-backed, and that will be factored into the point spread. Hence, the other team is going to be a value price, in order to attract equal money on both sides.
For example, supporters of last year’s North Carolina squad were asked to lay a heavy price to back their team, and they only covered one spread on their run to the Final Four. Meanwhile lesser-known schools provide great value for their backers - who will forget the great run by Wisconsin-Milwaukee last year! Another piece of advice is to check which teams will be playing on close proximity to their home venue and thus have a “home” crowd advantage. Also, don’t ignore teams that have had a poor season. They will generally be up for this final chance to make the Big Dance, and will be capable of pulling off an upset or two!
While be backing our picks in singles (as every serious bettor should), it will be hard to resist a speculative parlay wager along the way, especially as we re assured of getting more back with the bet365 Parlay Bonus. Each week, pay out up to 50% more on successful NBA & NCAAB parlays on the following 6 markets:
Point Spread, Game Total, First Half Point Spread, Second Half Point Spread, First Half Total, Second Half Total. What wait more? It’s a big weekend for college basketball, bet live basketball
About the Author
It’s a big weekend for college basketball, bet live basketball
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
College Basketball Totals
by admin on December 28th, 2007
>
Off the top of your head, give me a quick answer: When you think of Duke, would you classify the Blue Devils as a slow defensive-oriented team, or a wide-open, run-and-gun team?
The answer is easy: They run. That’s not surprising, as the program is able to stockpile McDonald’s All Americans each season, bloating their depth, not to mention the fact that Coach K always has a brilliant ball handler or two capable of running the break. Sports bettors should notice that Duke started this season 15-8 over the total. Their wide-open running offense and capacity for nailing three-pointers is key factor in this correlation.
Naturally, coaching philosophies are tied into this, as well as personnel. Certain coaches prefer the uptempo game, like Gonzaga’s Mark Few, Roy Williams and Coach K. Then that program has to balance this with the right personnel.
This season the lack of personnel and an overabundance of youth have been problems for coaches like Bobby Knight and Rick Pitino who also prefer an uptempo approach. Pitino had to endure the loss of Tarquan Dean for several weeks, and even with Dean, Pitino has admitted he has a young team that is a few years away. Louisville started 14-5 under the total, while Texas Tech is 16-8 under the total. This is where public perception comes into play. The general betting public thinks of Texas Tech and Louisville as explosive offensive teams under those coaches, and they have been in the past, yet they just don’t have the offensive personnel this season for several reasons.
Other coaches prefer a slow down, all out defensive approach. The contrast has been very noticeable in the NBA this season, as the Pistons went from defensive-oriented Larry Brown last season to coach Flip Saunders this year. Saunders has let his troops run and be more creative offensively, and the difference in Detroit’s points scored and points allowed has been stark.
It happens in college, too. Temple under Jon Chaney comes to mind as a program that plays a slow, stifling defense. Temple started 14-9 under the total. Nobody likes to play Air Force of the Mountain West Conference with its strangling defense, and notice the Falcons are 11-6 under the total. Northwestern and Wisconsin? Two Big 10 teams with defensive reputations. And what do we find when examining their over/under tendencies? Northwestern is 13-5 under the total, while Wisconsin is 9-4 under the total at home.
That last point is worth reviewing carefully. Some teams fit into their preconceived model at home but not so much on the road. Wisconsin’s defense has been sensational at home, allowing 58 ppg, but on the road they allow 74 ppg! So it is wiser to look at the Badgers under at home, but either lay off a totals play when they go on the road.
This has been the case with Dave Odom’s South Carolina squad, too. Odom likes tough defense and this season they allow 57 ppg at home (7-3 under), but 70 ppg on the road. Washington State: 9-5 under the total at home, where they slow things to a crawl. The same is true for slow-down St. Louis at 13-4 under the total overall.
Southern Illinois has been a sensational defensive team the last few years and they take great pride in defending their home turf. Southern Illinois is 15-11 under the total on the season and 9-2 under at home. Coaching strategies, personnel, home/road play and even reputations need to be examined when assessing college basketball over/under spots.
About the Author
Bryan Leonard is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at www.procappers.com/Bryan_Leonard.htm
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com