Archive for February, 2008
Choosing Basketball Shoes To Suit Your Specific Needs
by admin on February 29th, 2008
Choosing basketball shoes is easy because they all tend to have a very similar design. While the sizes and styles might vary, the actually design of basketball shoes is fairly uniform and standard. Choosing basketball shoes is easy when you realize that they are all high cut towards the ankle. The primary reason for this high cut design on basketball footwear is that is provides the player??s ankle with extra stability whilst the player is running, turning and jumping on the court. With jump shots, lay-ups, slam dunks, pivoting and rapid changes in direction all now playing a major part of the game, the demands on a player??s ankles is quite extreme.
The features that are quite literally essential in any good pair of basketball shoes that should choose include:
?? Lace Ups - Laces as opposed to Velcro enclosures are essential because they help to keep the player??s foot set back properly in the heel of the shoes. In Velcro shoes there is a tendency for the foot to creep forward in the shoes which restricts the foot from performing properly and can add to the pressure on the toes.
?? Broad Toe Box ?V A broad toe box is essential to prevent a squeezing of the toes from occurring. If the basketball shoes are too shallow, this can lead to blisters and the formation of corns, callus, ingrown toe nails and/or bruised toe nails.
?? Thumb Space Clearance ?V Players should always try on any potential basketball shoes in a standing up position because their feet will elongate and spread in this position. By trying shoes on in a sitting down position a player can inadvertently purchase the wrong size shoe which can lead to nail problems and effect the stability of the foot in the shoe during a game. In a standing position there should be at least 1/4″ to 1/2″ of room beyond the longest toe for maximum comfort.
?? Forefoot Bend ?V When tested, basketball shoes should only bend at the ball of the foot near the toes, not through the archway area.
?? Heel Counter - The heel counter on a basketball shoe should be firm and feel snug when the heel is placed inside the shoe. This is one area where you want snugness not plenty of room.
?? Uppers ?V Wherever possible you should buy shoes that have leather uppers as they are far more durable and allow the foot to breathe more readily than those that are made using synthetic materials.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
2008 Arena Football League Picks - AFL Football Picks
by admin on February 28th, 2008
2008 Arena Football League Picks
THIS IS MUST READ: Gamblers, we serioulsy offer the 3 best Arena Football Experts on the planet. This is not a joke, not hype, not crap - we are deadly serious, between Alex Smart, Mike Rose and Teddy Covers, our AFL is free money. Nothing we will do all year will make more money than any of these 3 guys and their Arena Football picks. OUR GUYS WILL MOVE THE LINES: This is the truth and is especially apparant when Teddy Covers and Mike Rose play and we are talking 3 point swings. Teddy literally lives in Vegas and the linemakers there consider him better at sharpening the lines then they are. Mike Rose actually works for the AFL as a beat writers and is one of the most knowledgable AFL experts in the world. Both Teddy and Mike have been offered countless jobs doing the AFL line making for off-shore casinos. They have steadfast refused to enter the darkside and for the 4th straight year will be selling their AFL Picks
When plays will be released.
For Rose and Teddy Covers: Starting Thursday February 29th at EXACTLY 1pm EST every Thursday, the AFL plays will be released.
For Alex Smart: The plays will be released the day off - early morning EST and if there are afternoon games by the night before.
This will be a rock solid time every week for the entire season and the plays will never be put up earlier, so as to avoid the plays sitting online without you getting them and the line moving.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE AN ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE PICKS PACKAGE TODAY
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Touthouse Sports Betting Picks
NHL Hockey Picks - Bob Akmens NHL Picks: February 27th 2008
by admin on February 28th, 2008
| >NHL Wednesday NHL Picks Special Get EVERY Experts NHL Winners Wednesday Night - $60 |
Bob Akmens’ is on a 38-22 NHLÂ Picks Run
Bob is up #1 in Units on the NHL Year - 1 Total Winner Weds - $35»
This sport is why we begged Bob Akmens to join us. Mr. Akmens is one of the best NHL Expert in the world. Bob Akmens has finished on TOP of more categories of more documented sports handicapping contests than any service ever: 148 top finishes and still counting. This NHL season, he is on fire, winning 24 of his last 40 Cards, sitting on a 32-19 and 38-22 NHL Run and is over 60% in all his NHL Bets, making dime bettors $40,000 in profit.
Get 1 Month of Bob Akmens’ Hockey Bets for a very low offer of - $299»
Get the Rest of Bob Akmens’ National Hockey League Season for - $499»
Burns is up +30 Units in NHL 2007/08
Ben is back in MUST BET Mode - RARE 2 Pack Weds Nite - $30»
This is Ben Burns sport - period and he has been betting it for over a decade. This season he is up Big NHL Cash again and his run has just begun. Ben is having a monster year, going on a 42-28 Run and is 60-37 over his last 97 pucks plays. On the entire season, they are 64-42 on the year and rolling in pucks. And this is his usual year, as last year in NHL, he was #1 in profit and win %, earning 50 Units, and cashing in at OVER 61% of his NHL Bets.
Get 1 Month of Ben Burns’ NHL Season for a low - $199»
Get Ben Burns’ Entire NHL Season and Playoffs for a low - $499»
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Touthouse Sports Betting Picks
Nebraska vs. Oklahoma Free Pick: February 27th
by admin on February 28th, 2008
Free Pick: Nebraska -2.5 (-110)
Wed February 27 ‘08 8:00p
Tonight’s Big XII matchup in Lincoln is a critical one for both school’s postseason hopes.
Nebraska, however, has a few things on its side tonight, not the least of which is the homecourt advantage at the Devaney Center.
The Cornhuskers, who are coming off a road win at Texas A&M, are 14-3 straightup at home this season and face a Sooner squad that has struggled on the road in recent seasons.
Oklahoma has only covered four of its past 19 games on the Big XII road, in addition to only having brought home the money in three of its past dozen games this season at all venues.
Nebraska’s Aleks Maric, who averages 16 points and 10 rebounds, is one of the Big XII’s top inside players and should be able to at least somewhat offset the Sooners’ bread and better which is their interior play.
CLICK HERE FOR 2008 MARCH MADNESS COLLEGE BASKETBALL BETTING PICKS
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Touthouse Sports Betting Picks
NBA Basketball Jerseys
by admin on February 28th, 2008
NBA Basketball Jersey
An NBA basketball jersey comes in all sizes and textures. Every team in the NBA has a replica jersey that you can buy.
Name an NBA basketball player, and you can find an NBA basketball jersey. Do you like Mike Bibby?
You can find an NBA basketball jersey printed with Mikes name and number
100% nylon mesh body
Reebok and NBA logo on left strap
Extended split drop tail
Larger chest size and length
Do you like Yao Ming?
Authentic Jerseys are available with Yao’s number.
You can even find throwback NBA basketball jersey’s.
Whatever you’re looking in for in NBA basketball jersey’s, you can find them today on the internet.
About the author:
http://www.a1-nba-basketball-4u.info/
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Fantasy Basketball League Is Worth Learning
by admin on February 27th, 2008
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There is nothing that can be more exciting than being a member of a fantasy basketball league. It allows you to be the manager and owner of your own team. You can draft players, trade players or bench players, very much like professional managers and owners do in real life. You even have a commissioner who makes sure that the league is played according to rules, and no one who is part of the league cheats.
No wonder the fantasy league has become an addiction. Millions of Americans join fantasy leagues set up by different organizations before the season starts. These leagues operate very much like professional basketball leagues. You are first required to register your team. Generally, a league has 12 teams though this is not a fixed rule. Some leagues have as many as 20 teams.
The roster size of teams varies from league to league though generally this number is around 14. However, only nine players are allowed to start every week. The remaining five are in reserve, and their points are not counted.
The most exciting day is the draft day. Each team is allowed to pick its stock of players, based on their performance. This allows teams to pick up several superstars in different positions. However, the draft rules make sure that each team manager in a league has a fair chance, and that no one individual walks away with the best players.
There are two points system that are followed in deciding the winner. These are Head-to-Head and the Rotisserie. In the Head-to-Head league each team enters the points that its players have scored against a rival league team during that week. These include points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. The team that gets more points, based on the way its players have performed on the court, wins that week. In the Rotisserie League, the player’s statistics are tallied up against the entire league.
Before each game you are required to prepare your line ups. This is where your skill and knowledge of the game is tested. You may have superstars on your team but if you do not play them in the right position you may not derive the right benefit.
Either way, the success of your team depends on how the players you have chosen are performing. Of course, you have the right to trade off the players who are not performing well, or get a rookie who has taken the tournament by storm. The trade off is done in a very just manner, and is supervised by your league commissioner.
The team that tops the fantasy league walks away with the jackpot.
About the Author
David Barnes phd. Social Sciences, UTSA http://www.ifantasy-basketball.info
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Priceless Tips For Finding The Perfect Basketball Shoe
by admin on February 27th, 2008
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What basketball shoe you wear is a crucial part of your game, especially at the competitive level. Oh, sure you can play in any pair of tennis shoes but you risk the chance of sliding, being slowed down by weak grip or worse of all, injury. Competitive ball players take their basketball shoes very seriously. I know I do. In today’s market there are so many different styles of bball shoes. So how do you choose what’s best for your game? There are a few important things to look for in your shoes. By nature, basketball puts a lot of wear and tear on your shoes. All the constant starting, abrupt stopping, high jumps and quick side-to-side movements really take it’s toll. So what do I look for in a basketball shoe? I’m glad you asked. The most important factors are durability, support, traction, comfort and for most ballers, style. DURABILITY: Have you ever seen the movie “Like Mike”? Lil Bow Wow plays an orphan boy who finds a pair of magic shoes with “MJ” written on the tongue. He suddenly has super bball skills. Anyway, in the most important game of the season “Calvin” drives the lane and gets fouled. When he gets up his magic shoes have completely fallen apart. Magic shoes or not you want to make sure that never happens to you. Buy quality shoes. And yes, sometimes that means paying a little more. SUPPORT: Different types of players require different types of support. Power players like “Shaq” need high tops with maximum ankle support and comfort. All-around players like “Kobe” or “T-Mac” usually will wear a midsole type of shoe and speedsters like “Iverson” wear low tops for light weight and non-restriction of the ankles. TRACTION: Have you ever played on the hardwood floor of a gym that didn’t clean the floors? Your slipping, sliding away and it’s hard to cut and slice your way to the hoop. Wearing the wrong shoes can have the some results. You must be able to stop and start on a dime. Look for good traction on both the forefoot and the heel. COMFORT: The goal is to find a basketball shoe that fits like a glove. You don’t want your foot to be swimming in any area. Since the toes, arch and heel all have different needs for comfort, you want a shoe that provides comfort in each area and still provide the support you need for your type of game. STYLE: And, of course, you gotta look good on the court. Whether you’re wearing the “Jordan Retro”, the “T-Mac 5″, the “Air Zoom Kobe I” or either of the “Answer 1 - 9″ pair of shoes, style is definitely key. The bottom line is you must think of your shoes as an investment in your game. If you’re looking to excel, then don’t cheat yourself when it comes to your gear, especially your shoes. The right pair will not only help you play at top level but most importantly help prevent injury. If you’re hurt you can’t play! So go get some quality kicks and get out there and play!
About the Author
Matt & Dave run http://www.basketball-plays-and-tips.com/shoe and have written the free coaching report, “How To Fly Higher With Plyometrics”. Pick up your free copy along with one additional free report by sending a blank email to basketballtip@aweber.com We give full permission for you to use this sport coaching article in your newsletter or on your site as long as you include our Resource Box with our website link and email link included.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Basketball Offense Secrets Revealed
by admin on February 27th, 2008
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Every basketball player I know is passionate about wanting to improve their offensive game. Well here are some secrets to stepping up your offensive game to take you to another level.
For starters, let me ask you are you moving without the ball?
The fact is you should always be moving. Never letting the defense find you sitting still. So, I’m going to reveal to you my favorite ways to keep yourself moving without the basketball.
1. Change your pace. For example: Standing, sprinting are all forms of pace.
2. Change of Direction. For example make a V cut.
3. Pop up moving toward basketball
4. Make Your Pick. Make a pick and roll of to find yourself open for a jumper.
See, there is no change of direction without change of pace (slow- fast) Now, push off your foot opposite of direction.
Next, lets talk about making screens to get your self open so that you can rise up and dunk or so that you can take that wicked jump shot. First, realize that the most dangerous person on the court is the one behind the ball. Ok, lets dig in to making effective screens. It’s laid out in five steps that are self-explanatory:
1. Give the frozen angle
2. Call the teammate
3. Jump Stop
4. Protect Yourself
5. Screener Make the 2nd cut
Now, if you’re the Receiver of the Screen, here’s how to make it the most effective:
1. Wait
2. Read the defense
3. Make the proper cut
4. Rub off the screen
5. Call for the ball with mouth and hands
It’s better to be a step slower on offense than too fast, this way you remain in constant control. Moving too fast can cause chaos among offense and the increases likelihood of turnovers.
Lets talk some more about getting open, more importantly moving, moving with the ball and moving without the ball.
Move the ball, Move people, Move the screens!!!! Just freaking’ MOVE!!!
Here are the top 3 ways for you to Get Open
1. Hit The Lane
2. Back Door Pass
3. Beat your defender back door
Now, intensity and technique lead to hustle play. Be a practice player first, practice properly and quickly execute the fundamentals of the game for the welfare of your team. Sometimes, getting to fancy will do nothing more than cost you points on the board and make you look like a fool in the process.
About the Author
“Who Else Wants To Discover the Shortcut, Sure-Fire Secrets to Increase Your Vertical Jump ? Go to http://www.increaseyourvertical.com for more details and be sure to get my Free Basketball Tips.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Fantasy Basketball League Is Worth Learning
by admin on February 27th, 2008
>
There is nothing that can be more exciting than being a member of a fantasy basketball league. It allows you to be the manager and owner of your own team. You can draft players, trade players or bench players, very much like professional managers and owners do in real life. You even have a commissioner who makes sure that the league is played according to rules, and no one who is part of the league cheats.
No wonder the fantasy league has become an addiction. Millions of Americans join fantasy leagues set up by different organizations before the season starts. These leagues operate very much like professional basketball leagues. You are first required to register your team. Generally, a league has 12 teams though this is not a fixed rule. Some leagues have as many as 20 teams.
The roster size of teams varies from league to league though generally this number is around 14. However, only nine players are allowed to start every week. The remaining five are in reserve, and their points are not counted.
The most exciting day is the draft day. Each team is allowed to pick its stock of players, based on their performance. This allows teams to pick up several superstars in different positions. However, the draft rules make sure that each team manager in a league has a fair chance, and that no one individual walks away with the best players.
There are two points system that are followed in deciding the winner. These are Head-to-Head and the Rotisserie. In the Head-to-Head league each team enters the points that its players have scored against a rival league team during that week. These include points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. The team that gets more points, based on the way its players have performed on the court, wins that week. In the Rotisserie League, the player’s statistics are tallied up against the entire league.
Before each game you are required to prepare your line ups. This is where your skill and knowledge of the game is tested. You may have superstars on your team but if you do not play them in the right position you may not derive the right benefit.
Either way, the success of your team depends on how the players you have chosen are performing. Of course, you have the right to trade off the players who are not performing well, or get a rookie who has taken the tournament by storm. The trade off is done in a very just manner, and is supervised by your league commissioner.
The team that tops the fantasy league walks away with the jackpot.
About the Author
David Barnes phd. Social Sciences, UTSA http://www.ifantasy-basketball.info
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Free Basketball Betting Picks & Betting Odds: February 26th 2008
by admin on February 27th, 2008
Washington Wizards +12.0
Tue February 26 ‘08 8:35p - Click Here for Basketball Betting Odds
Reason: The Washington Wizards enter into this tilt against the red hot Houston Rockets off back to back wins vs the Charlotte Bobcats and the New Orleans Hornets. They won those tilts against the Hornets despite of playing without Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas. The Wizards have proved on numerous occasions that they own a cohesive bench that is able to play with heart and determination, making them a good bet as double digit underdogs in this spot, against a Houston team that is perceived to be superior. Final notes & Key Trends: The Wizards have covered 5 straight as road dogs and are 21-7 ATS L28 away as a dog of 6.5 to 12 points. Play on the Wizards cover
Boston College +5.5 (-110)
Tue February 26 ‘08 7:00p
Neither the Boston College Eagles nor the Virginia Tech Hokies are going to the NCAA Tournament this season unless they upset the apple cart in the ACC Tournament, but we do expect a tight battle here, giving the underdog Eagles value at this price.
Yes, Boston College has won just once in nine games, but at least the Eagles have been competitive while going 3-1 against the spread in the last three games, and their last two road efforts have been nice covers at Duke and Florida State. They should also be motivated by revenge here, as they lost 81-73 at home in overtime to the Hokies last month, so they would love to return the favor here in Blacksburg.
On the other hand, we feel that 16-11 Virginia Tech will have a difficult time getting excited about the Eagles, as they are coming off of an upset win at Maryland and a revenge win vs. Georgia Tech, and they have another revenge game vs. Wake Forest up next. Tonight seems like the dead spot in this stretch of games, especially since the Hokies beat BC earlier.
As a result, we see this game going down to the final buzzer with an outright upset not out of the question.
CBB Free Pick: Boston College +5.5
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FREE BASKETBALL BETTING PICKS
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Touthouse Sports Betting Picks
College Basketball Betting Picks: February 26th 2008
by admin on February 27th, 2008
|
> >HUGE College Basketball Betting Picks Tuesday Special |
Bob’s 42-14 CBB Totals Run
Bob is 56-26 in CBB Totals 2008 - Get his 1 CBB TOTAL Tuesday - $35»
Bob Akmens is a legendary handicapper, going 62% in NFL, sitting at 63% in NHL and his CBB is dominating. After a monster 3 months, Bob has won 7 of his last 9 CBB Cards, 23 of his last 31 CBB Cards put out and is on a 29-13 and 41-18 CBB Run. On the season, his dime bettors are up close to $45,000 and Bob has won 60% of all his CBB bets. His totals are nuts, as Bob is on a 19-8, 29-11 and 42-14 Totals run and is 56-26 (66%) in all his CBB Totals this year.
Get Bob Akmen’s Entire CBB Season incl The Madness for - $325
AJ is on a 17-8 CBB Run
Apollo is on a 26-12 CBB Run and has 1 CBB Winner for Tuesday - $30»
Our #1 CBB Expert this year, AJ Apollo is on a 17-8 (he has done a a 15-1 run twice this season - wow) and 26-13 run and long term is on a 50-29 and 64-40 Run. He’s won 7 of his last 11 Cards, 12 of his last 17 CBB Cards and on season has his dime bettors close to $60,000. And this is no-anomoly, as last year he won again, cashing for Double Digit Units. 3 years ago AJ hit a hair under 57%: 2 years ago he finished even better almost hitting 58% and making his Dime Bettors $60k. This will be his 4th winning CBB Season in a row and looks to be his biggest.
Get AJ’s CBB Bets from Now through the Madness for only - $285»
LT is on a 13-5 CBB Run
LT Profits are ROLLING in College Hoops and have 1 CBB Bet Tues - $25»
They are sitting on a 4-0, 13-5 and 20-10 run and over the month, Profits are on a 24-13, 37-19 and 45-28 CBB streak. After a perfect 3-0 Saturday and an 0-1 Sun and 1-0 Mon, they have won 10 of the last 16 cards and 15 of their last 24 CBB Cards. The LT Profits Group were the 2004-05 CBB CHAMPION at UHC, going 59% and earning 68+ units. Their Best Bets are things of Legend, as LT holds a 7 year record of 65% in all their Bests and 75% Win Rate in their Total Bests.
Get LT Profits’ Entire CBB Season incl The Madness for - $299
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Touthouse Sports Betting Picks
The Road to the Hardwood: The Making of Professional Basketball
by admin on February 27th, 2008
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Imagine the game of basketball without the slam dunk showcase, celebrity players and flashy entertainment value we’ve come to expect. That’s how the game began in 1891, New England. Two teams, two peach baskets and 13 rules.
James Naismith, a physical education teacher at the School for Christian Workers in Springfield, Massachusetts created an indoor game to “provide an athletic distraction for a rowdy class, through brutal New England winters,” and is to this day, credited for creating the game of basketball.
Naismith asked the janitor to find two boxes to fasten to the balcony railings at either end of the gymnasium, but all the janitor could find were two peach baskets. In the original 13 rules, the ball, made of leather panels stitched together with a rubber bladder inside, could be batted but not dribbled because players could not move with the ball.
In 1896, as a result of a dispute between a YMCA official and YMCA members, in Trenton, NJ, a professional team was formed to play for money. Two years later a group of New Jersey newspaper sports editors founded the National Basketball League, consisting of six franchises from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. During this time, the Buffalo Germans and the original Celtics were standout teams in the league. The Germans won 111 straight games between 1908 and 1911, and the Celtics pioneered many of the game’s tactics that are still used today, such as zone defense.
The American Basketball League (ABL) was the first successful professional league, running from1925 to 1931. Teams made up of all black players, like the New York Renaissance and the Harlem Globetrotters, dominated the league in the 1930’s. By the mid 1930’s another professional league called the National Basketball League, which had taken its name from the earlier league that had folded a few years earlier, started to make a name for itself. In 1946, a group of executives got together to form another league called the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which ended up persuading most of the teams from the NBL to join them. By the 1949- 1950 season the remaining six teams in the NBL moved to the BAA, forming three divisions, and renaming themselves the National Basketball Association (NBA). Following that season, the NBA reduced its size and established two divisions- the beginning of the eastern and western conferences, which were later established in the 1969- 1970 season.
Red Auerbach’s Celtics from Boston were the team to beat from 1957 to 1969, when they dominated the league, winning 11 NBA titles. In 1967, the ABA was formed and became known for its flashy playing style. Julius Irving, known affectionately as Dr. J is one of the most well known players whose career began in the ABA, before moving to the NBA for a notable and successful career on the court.
By the 1970’s, basketball had hit a low point. The ABA disbanded in 1976, and NBA ticket sales were down. The game was viewed as dull, and revenue declined, while TV ratings bottoming out at a record low. But, two young collegiate players were causing a stir in the mid-west in 1979. Larry Bird of Indiana University and Magic Johnson from Michigan State faced off against each other in a NCAA battle that sent both players to a visible place in the NBA, and generated some much needed attention on a game that was potentially dying.
College basketball was the focus of the 1980’s, and the 90’s were all about Mike. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls mastered 6 NBA championships from 1991 to 1993, and 1996 to 1998. Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippin and Karl Malone all made waves in the NBA during the 90’s and interest in the game hit an all-time high.
Salary caps and other issues forced a player lockout during the 1997-98 season, canceling all league play until an agreement was reached in 1999. Now, athletes are celebrities on and off the court. They are icons in pop culture whose style and finesse on and off the court is replicated and in some cases available for sale. NBA players sported Mitchell & Ness vintage throwback jerseys of past court royalty like Chamberlain, Bird and Johnson off the hardwood. Mitchell & Ness now features over 1600 players including more recent greats like Kobe Bryant, Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal.
From peach baskets to pop- culture, the game of basketball has taken fans on a roller coaster of ups and downs from the beginning and will certainly hold our interest as it continues to change in the future.
About the Author
Nina Nocciolino is a copywriter with DMI Partners, an interactive marketing agency specializing in higher education, finance, retail and real estate. For more information, visit www.dmipartners.com.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com