How to Develop a Proper Bodybuilding Program

If your quest is to come up with a proper bodybuilding program which will help you stay fit, then this article will help you achieve your goal. The first thing you need to do before establishing your bodybuilding program is to seek the advice of a physician. A physician will be able to determine whether you are healthy enough to begin your training. If your body is not fit enough health wise you cannot begin the bodybuilding program because this could worsen your situation.

After getting the go ahead from your physician, you need to write down what you aim to achieve. Your goal could be to increase your muscle mass or to lose weight and getting a toned body. The goal you write down will determine the kind of bodybuilding program you are going to use. If you are looking to get a well toned body, your bodybuilding program should incorporate the use of light weights with many reps. if you are looking to getting very muscular then you should use heavy weights with fewer reps.

When you adopt a proper bodybuilding program you will be able to train in good form. Training using poor form leads to cheating which means the muscles will not experience the stress as a result of the weight. If you want to perform the lifts at a controlled tempo and rate you should also maintain proper form in your training. Proper form is as important as using heavy weights as far as muscle development is concerned. Training using the right tempo will allow you to stay focused in your training and thus be able to avoid injuries.

Your bodybuilding program should be able to stimulate the growth of your muscles as much as possible. You need to apply techniques such as compound movements as well as the use of free weights so that you can be able to increase the size of your muscles. Free weights are very effective in increasing the tension felt by the muscles. You should also use compound movements when training since they are able to train more than one muscle group at the same time.

After determining the bodybuilding program you are going to use, it is important that you monitor your progress so that you can be able to evaluate whether the bodybuilding program you have chosen is helping you develop your muscles. First you need to keep track of your progress and in order to do this you should purchase a set of body fat callipers as well as weight scales. The weighing scale helps you calculate the weight of your body any given time. Your total weight includes that of your fat, muscles and bones. If you are looking to reduce your body fat then the weighing scale will show you whether you are making any progress. The body fat calliper is more effective than the weighing scale because of its ability to differentiate between body muscles and body fat.

Dane Fletcher is the world's most prolific bodybuilding and fitness expert and is currently the executive editor for BodybuildingToday.com. If you are looking for more bodybuilding tips or information on weight training, or supplementation, please visit http://www.BodybuildingToday.com, the bodybuilding and fitness authority site with hundreds of articles available FREE to help you meet your goals.

By Dane C. Fletcher

A Guide to Women's Bodybuilding

I wanted to take the time to supply you with a bit of a women's bodybuilding guide that you can use to help enhance your training. Bodybuilding is a growing sport, but it is mainly being grown by females. More women are turning to this sport for a challenge. Stay at home moms are suddenly finding themselves looking for a purpose as their children get older and need less attention. They're turning to this sport because it is challenging, difficult and rewarding. This is still considered a taboo sport to most people, but that is not stopping the thousands of women that are getting involved each day. I'm going to help you by giving you a guide to women's bodybuilding.

The first thing that you need to understand is that diet is everything. I know the gym is often the place people like to start, but it's not. Your diet is what determines your results and there are specific things you need to do. First, you have to start eating smaller meals more often. This gives your body a consistent flow of nutrients to build muscle. Secondly, you should try to get more protein into your diet because that is what builds muscle tissue. Lastly, you'll want to have a diet journal and record everything you eat.

Women's bodybuilding wouldn't be complete without a little information for the gym. You have to be intense in the gym. It isn't necessarily how much you life, but intense you are. As long as you are working hard and are challenging yourself you should have good results.

By Elle Nash

Countless Benefits You Can Receive From Healthy Weight Training

Weight training is one of the best body building approaches both for the people engaging in competitions and the others who only want to keep fit. This is why all gyms are full of weight training equipments lending the body builders to concentrate on the approach more than any other within the body building field. However, there is a need to balance weight training with other elements of body building to avoid any imbalances within the field.

Weight training improves the circulation of body fluids which are very important for a balanced operation. Blood is a very important element in the body. This is because is helps to supply the relevant nutrients for muscle development and nourishing them with sufficient energy. Blood also helps to supply oxygen to the tissues and transport the deoxygenated blood back to the heart for more nourishment. The supplied oxygen is very essential since regular exercising is made possible with minimal risks of suffocation, dehydration, fainting or death.

Weight training also helps in the improvement of sleep for a body builder. This means that, one is able to get ample rest as a result of weight training. When you train, you workout muscles and strain them to the extremes and therefore they develop a lot of fatigue which makes them sour. This is why a person is able to sleep soundly when the muscles are relaxing and doing away with sleepless nights which are brought about by stress. This relaxing duration is very important since it helps in giving the body time to grow and repair the worn out tissues while still nourishing the muscles with more energy for further training.

Weight training helps in the improvement of bone density. This is made possible through the continuous workout of the bones when you lift weights making them strong and giving them more endurance. With the different motions and movements during training, the bones are well structured and their growth is maintained. On the same note, the reduction of fats within the body reduces chances of developing fragile bones which can easily break and this hardening is what is required for the body building process.

Indirectly, weight training improves self esteem. This is because of the self owned training programs which one develops on their own and follows them. In case of success, the individuals are proud of their step taken and they feel having achieved something in life. The nature of the body also determines an individual's self esteem in that, you are proud of whom you are. For the plump bodies, many people tend to shy of from the others because of the perceptions they get from different people. With weight training draining all the fats and shaping the body, the individuals usually develop some confidence which allow them to face everyone with pride. To add on to this, stress is far much reduced and therefore aging is slowed down. This is why you will find many people turning on to the gym when they age because it has been known to help reduce complications and diseases of the old age which reduces the life span.

By Dane C. Fletcher

Your Best Bodybuilding Workout Guide

You want the body of The Terminator. That is not a huge impossibility if you are willing to work hard and endure the discipline of serious training. A good bodybuilding workout has effective weight lifting programs designed to push each target area to its maximum level of endurance. If you think you can handle the work that comes before the rewards of a great physique, read on to find out how.

Let's begin with the chest workout. Nothing inspires a damsel in distress more than a broad and well-developed chest on a guy. To get the most out of your workout, remember to stretch and warm up well so that blood is flowing to the target area preparing it for hard training.

Start with 2 sets of bench press 15 light weight reps each. Then progress to 3 heavy sets of incline bench press and dumbbell flyes of 8 reps each. A 25-30 degree angle for the inclined bench press gives maximum weight lifting emphasis especially for the upper chest muscles. You can also train your arms alongside your chest. Start with lower weights and build your way to higher loads with less repetition per set.

The crunches are still the best way to sculpt the abdominal muscles. Do not put your hands under your head because this will lead to poor posture and put strain on your neck area. Cross your arms over your chest instead. Other effective abdominal exercises are leg raises. You can do this lying down or gripping the arm rests of a bar or the Roman chair. For obliques, you can hold on to weights on either side of your body and slowly bend from side to side. Do not perform these sets quickly or it can lead to lower back injuries.

Many aspiring bodybuilders work out their backs less because it is a muscle group they seldom see. It is one of the most important muscles to develop because a strong back is the cornerstone of most exercises. For beginners, the best back workouts will be chin up, pull ups and dead lifts. As you progress, you can alternate with barbell shrugs, upright rows, lat pull downs (upper back); hyper extensions, bent over barbell rows (lower back); one arm dumbbell rows, seated rows (middle back).

Shoulders are one of the hardest body parts to target. The seated shoulder press is an effective exercise for this. Begin with one to two sets of warm ups that is 50% of the weight you usually use. You can also switch it up with military press exercise, machine presses and lateral raises. Always perform these exercises before you do triceps.

Leg muscle training is demanding but usually grows without much of a problem unlike some of the other body parts. The basic bodybuilding workout for legs is the squat. Squats work almost all areas of your legs and then some. Incorporate leg press, leg curls, lunges, calf raises and hamstring exercises to ensure strong and muscular thighs that can carry the rest of your buff body.

Weight lifting programs challenge the best of us. They require determination of steel and a strong disregard for temporary pain. The end result is not just a rock hard body; it is good health and a key attitude of resiliency that will carry you anywhere in life.

Emmanuel Palmer has read up and learned from the best weight lifting programs out in the market today. Read on to get free Bodybuilding Workout articles you can use today.

By Emmanuel Palmer

Pitcher Gets Famous Thanks to Chiropractic Help

Cole Hamels, the baseball pitcher, was part of his team's disabled list around a year back, and had to sit out a majority of the games during that period due to injuries. This is the same pitcher that is now being celebrated as the Most Valuable Player for helping his team win the World Championship in the World Series 2008.

He pitches for the Philadelphia Phillies. He started to develop elbow problems during the last part of the 2007 season, and these were so bad that they kept him on the side-lines. He had suffered from knee pain and hip pain related matters earlier but had received help in the form of Chiropractic assistance.

Before the start of the 2008 season, he is known to have requested his team's management for the availability of Chiropractic care to be given to him and his fellow teammates when they played in Philadelphia. He also requested that this Chiropractic care also be provided in the other cities that they travel to playing their scheduled games.

Once the team management agreed, Hamels went on to say that using a Chiropractor's help had worked very well for him, and that it was a good thing that the management had put in place, a team of Chiropractors in different cities. This was in April 2009. He went on to saying that after this Chiropractic care was made completely available, he had an opinion that they could achieve the 20 game winning mark for that season.

While he did not get to the 20 game number that he had set out for, he did finish the year with a notable 14-10 record. This got his team to the conference championship, and also got them a spot in the play offs. This is the time when Hamels began to do extremely well.

The first of his play off appearances was in opposition to the Milwaukee Brewers. He did a great job and got his team in the next round where they had to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. He pitched in their series first game and again helped his team win, getting his team a spot in the World Series. The MVP was then awarded to Hamels for the League Championship Series.

Owing to the recent success, and feeling good about his health, the World Series saw him taking to the mound in the first game opposite the Tampa Bay Rays, and helping his team get a victory. Hamels was called to play again in the last game, and pitched his way to victory. He got the much sought after MVP award for his performance in the 2008 World Series.

His amazing performance in the post season coupled with the record of 4 wins and no losses will surely be remembered for some time to come. In contrast to the 2007 season, where he was nursing his pitching arm, Hamels was now in the spotlight, and even featured on a number of TV shows such as the Late Night Show with David Letterman.

It is obvious that the confidence that he had in Chiropractic care along with his willingness to work in taking care of his fitness, had helped him succeed during the season. Well done Chiropractors, the Phillies, and Cole Hamels.

Dr. Ross Carter D.C.
Chief Wellness Consultant
Discover Family Wellness Center

1860 Duluth Hwy
Suite 103
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
(770) 817-4445

By Ross Carter

2010 Worth Baseball Bat Reviews

Last year I said that Rawlings is the Rodney Dangerfield of baseball bats and their brother brand, Worth, is the Joe Piscopo of baseball bats. You know he's still doing comedy shows somewhere on earth but you just don't care. For the 2010 model year nothing has changed. Nobody seems to care about Worth bats and it's difficult to even find much information on their bats. Amazingly this is the case on their own web site where they don't tell you which baseball bats are for the 2010 model year! They only talk about their new softball bats.

Worth is owned by K2 (the ski company) which also owns the Rawlings and Miken brands. To the best of my knowledge it appears Worth has abandoned composite bats and is exclusively focusing on alloy bats in 2010. On the surface this makes sense as Miken and Rawlings are focused on composite bats. What's amazing is that Worth's 2010 alloy model is priced in the high end of the alloy bat category! Even Joe Piscopo is scratching his head about this strategy. Shouldn't Worth be K2's discount brand?

I'm including Worth's composite bats in my reviews even though they're the same bats they offered in the 2009 model year. They make no mention of any 2010 composite models on their web site. In addition, all there 2009 composite models have drastically reduced prices indicating they are discontinued.

Here is what Worth is offering:

Worth Composite Bats

• Titan - Adult only 100% composite, one-piece bat with a balanced design. Worth does not specify whether this, or any of their bats, has a stiff or flex handle. This is the 2009 model and they do not have a 2010 model. The Adult -3 can be found for anywhere between $159 and $329. Clearly this bat is on the discount racks to clear it from their warehouse. Needless to say you should stay away from this bat.
• Mayhem Comp - Youth only 100% composite, one piece bat with does not specify the handle flex. This bat is the youth version of the 2009 Titan. Like the Titan it's on the discount racks and appears to be discontinued. Stay away from this bat as well.

Worth Alloy Bats

• Lithium Prodigy/Amp: This actually is a 2010 model. A 100% alloy, one-piece bat with what appears to be a flex handle and balanced design. The name is different for the Adult/Senior and Youth model but it's the same bat. The Adult -3 model retails for $199 which amazingly prices it with the Louisville Omaha and Easton V12. This bat should be priced around the $149. Unless you're playing T-Ball or want to be ridiculed while at the plate I'd go elsewhere for a bat.
• Copperhead, Prodigy and Mutant: All low quality, bargain basement priced alloy bats. They are made with older material and have retail prices between $49 - $89.

Don't forget to take a look at My Baseball Bat Recommendations by Category for my picks in each category.

By R. Nelson

Electronic Baseball Scorebook - The Tech-Savvy and Convenient Scorebook

Recording and keeping track of your team's statistics are now made easy thanks to the electronic baseball scorebook. This also lets you record your team placement, the quality of play during tournaments, and the history of each of your players. This type of scorebook is useful for both managers and coaches of baseball teams because it helps keep their records and statistics more organized.

Why go electronic?

Before the advent of the electronic baseball scorebook, there was the manual scorebook that comes in the form of spiral bound notebooks that has stat sheets inside. While they are significantly cheaper, you may have some difficulty in using one especially when it comes to keeping the data organized. For instance, you may have to struggle reading the handwriting of the person who is assigned to write on it, and you may have a hard time organizing the records later on when you do everything manually. Therefore, you are better off with electronic baseball scorebooks that boast extensive databases that can fit in all the data and information you need to input in them.

More benefits

The electronic baseball scorebook is technically a high-end software program that helps you keep track of your team's per-game statistics and season-to-date statistics. It can also be used for recording statistical reports of your rival baseball teams, the schedules, and the biographical information of each of your players.

Software tech support and compatibility matter

When purchasing electronic baseball scorebooks, make sure that they are equipped with software that is compatible with the operating system of your computer. Furthermore, make sure that it comes with free technical assistance or support that you can easily access by calling a toll-free number any time. That way, you can easily find solutions for any technical problems that may occur at any point in time, especially during a game.

By Ilse Hagen

The Late, Great Ted Williams

Baseball, The United States' homegrown past-time, has always been considered as a national prize. To an avid fan such as myself, nothing is more happy than to watch the hobby being played well by the famous heroes of the game. To me, none swatted the ball stronger, or played the sport better than the now deceased, great Ted Williams, and in my eyes he is the most sparkling of all those baseball heroes. His name in my eyes should be on the tongue of every dynamic lover of baseball, and should carry on to be pressed on baseball caps, on the backs of wholesale jerseys, or even on those lunchboxes kids used to sling. Why? The name, the legacy, and the man should never be forgotten, for the heritage of baseball is wealthier because of it.

Christened lovingly as Terrible Ted, Ted Williams played the left field position for twenty-one seasons, two of which were delayed by duty in the United States Marine Corps. as a pilot, and in two separate wars no less. The character of a man who plays a sport with love and devotion, while not dismissing the same devotion to the assurance and service of his nation and countrymen, is the archetype of class itself. The man was absent for five years on that field, during the peak of his fitness, and I have complete trust that were his feet present on the ballfield, that his extraordinarily great average would be that much more spectacular.

Mr. Williams was a hitter and boy, could he hit. He honed the science of hitting like you would a subject at school. Stan Musial was heard as saying, "Ted Williams was the most amazing hitter of our age. He obtained six batting titles and served his country for 5 years, so he would have clutched more. He loved talking about hitting and was a great student of hitting and pitchers." He gained the MVP Award twice, commanded the major leagues in batting six times, and clutched the Triple Crown two times as well. He totalled a career batting average of .344, with 521 home runs and became the last player to bat over .400 in a sole season, which was .406 in 1941 to be accurate. He is the undoubted leader of batting averages for those with 500 runs or more.

A moment in Ted Williams' illustrious career was in the 1946 All-Star Game at Fenway. He walloped a home run to add to his belt, this time off of Rip Sewell's notorious eephus pitch. It was like 2 gunslingers warring it out through mental warfare. Williams dared Sewell to toss the pitch, even feigning weakness with a strike on the 1st. He defied him a second time, and slammed a home run. In that celebrated game, he hit four for four with two home runs and five RBIs, as the AL beat the NL, 12-0. Now let's see those wholesale jersey products. Otherwise I'm thinking about becoming a jerseys wholesaler myself to get "The Kid's" legendary name on as millions jerseys, to as many baseball fans as I possibly can.

I have great interest in wholesale jerseys such as NBA jersey, soccer jersey and NFL jersey.
As a famous jersey wholesaler, I have engaged in this line for more than 10 years.
I am glad to share experiences of wholesale jersey with you.

By Gary Gao

Football World Cup Ticket Fever

South Africa is the proud host of the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup! From February 2009, tickets for this mega event have been on a booking spree. Million of sports aficionados are dying to grab the live action of world class football championship at the picturesque locales of South Africa.

If you also want to be the part of this glorious and mega event then you must start planning your trip to South Africa! Watching the champions playing live will be undoubtedly a unique experience. Check out your favorite team and the date of tournament. Now, you must plan your trip in accordance with it.

Although, it must be quite fiddly to choose a few games from 64 rounds, still you need not bother. To make things easier for the football lovers, various exciting opportunities and packages have been offered. With the limited availability of ticket applications and massive followers, getting ticket for this grand event is quite impossible. Thus, you must start doing preparations right now!

You would be astonished to know that there are almost 1.6 millions applicants for this mega soccer championship during the first phase. Competition for grabbing a seat in the stadium is certainly a big deal. If you managed to book tickets from the governing body of football then you are lucky!

In case you are unable to bag your ticket then look out for agents. There are various online as well as offline providers for the soccer cup. Check out for them! Collect relevant information about them. Read customer reviews and comments. And, if you are satisfied then you don't think twice and book your tickets at earliest possible using credit cards.

By Anshu Malika

The Union of European Football Associations

The U.E.F.A. is the governing body for the European football league. This group of people is responsible for setting the rules and standards for the European football league at all levels of football playing. The people in this group take their jobs very seriously. The association was formed so that the integrity of football would not be lost in the European countries, as it is believed to have been lost in other countries around the world.

Each year there is a convention held to discuss the rules and regulations that should followed by the league. Each year the convention is held in a different country that participates in the football league. This year, the U.E.F.A. set a list of value that they intend to instill in the league to safeguard the sport.

The first value that they feel needs to be instilled is to keep football first. Football is about the sport of playing the game, not the merchandize that is produced and sold because of the game. They also believe players sponsoring other products should be kept to a minimum.

The second value they implemented is pyramiding the structure of football. The purpose is of this is to keep the players and the coaches involved in the decision making processes of the league. The U.E.F.A. feels that if the coaches and players help in the decisions it will help keep them honest and passionate about the game.

Unity and leadership is considered the third value that they have implemented. With unity and leadership the sport can be protected and the players stay role models for the younger people in the nations. This is a big concern for the leaders of the sport.

The leaders also feel that keeping football as a grassroots sport will help preserve it's presence in Europe for years to come. Although they put that youth protection and education is a separate value to maintain, it actually falls in to this category as well. The U.E.F.A. feels that the protection and education of Europe's youth is vital to maintaining a respectable football league.

Sporting integrity and betting is another value that the association hopes to instill in the league. While betting revenue helps support the football league, leaders are concerned about coaches and players rigging games for the profits of betting. Maintaining integrity and limiting the betting is a sure way to help insure the league's standings for years to come.

The other values that were set by the association are just as important as the ones listed. Financial fairness to the players and regularity of competitions helps to further keep the integrity and success of the sport. Discrimination of any type is not tolerated in the European league. National teams and clubs are also regulated to insure fairness and structure. Respect is a must for all players, coaches, and fans. No violence of any type is tolerated.

Maintaining the European sports model is the ultimate goal for the U.E.F.A. For more information regarding their rules and regulations, as well as season scheduling check out their website.

If you want to find out more about Football Shirt , please visit Football Shirts Website for more information. By Soophott Lert

Zola and West Ham United - Were They Really Made For Each Other?

Let's be honest. We were all a little sceptical when West Ham appointed Gianfranco Zola as their new manager in September, 2008.

I know he was a genius as a player; no question about that. And, by common consent, one of the 'nicest men in football'. But a manager, in the cut-throat, live and die by results world of the Premier League? As a West Ham follower might have said, 'You're having a laugh.' And, after all, the man who was once voted Chelsea's best ever player, had only ever been assistant manager to Italy's Under 21 side. What sort of experience was that to bring to a club under financial pressure and struggling for results?

Except, so far, it's working. Really working. Those West Ham fans who were dubious about someone with such an obvious allegiance to the moneybags of Chelsea across London have been won over. Strangely, perhaps, Zola was helped by the fact that, also from Chelsea, the club appointed Steve Clarke as his assistant. Clarke, combative, shrewd and synonymous with Chelsea for many successful years, was looked upon as a real coup by the West Ham supporters. They were genuinely delighted to have captured someone with such an illustrious track record.

And the two seem to have been accepted almost straight away. Clearly determined, professional, honest and hardworking, Zola and Clarke have succeeded in getting West Ham playing the kind of football the fans want to see. In the days of Ted Fenton, Ron Greenwood and John Lyall everyone knew that West Ham played football the 'proper way', and many successful managers - Malcolm Allison, Noel Cantwell, Harry Redknapp, John Bond, et al - developed through the West Ham 'academy'.

The Academy, of course, has continued to develop some of England's brightest players. Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Glen Johnson are all members of the England squad - and all started their careers at West Ham. Current players such as Mark Noble and the audaciously promising Jack Collison already are playing way beyond their years.

Zola, unbelievably only West Ham's twelfth manager in 108 years of history, is also just the second non-English appointment; and he already has managed the team for more games than the other, Scotsman Lou Macari. He's also impressed the notoriously hard to please aficionados by the way in which he and his coaching staff have improved the players they have - and with the financial situation, at the moment, seeming no nearer resolution, that's important. Carlton Cole was talked about glowingly a few years ago when he was a youngster at Chelsea; Clarke and Zola's belief in him coupled with their coaching abilities have helped show people just why that was. Matthew Uposn was a defender who always looked good but made careless errors; he now looks well worth his England place. Robert Green has every right to consider himself a justifiable contender to eventually replace David James in the international number one jersey.

Neutral football supporters would love to see Gianfranco Zola and West Ham continue to thrive. Let's hope they don't have to sell off all their best young players, the likes of Dean Ashton can stay fit for a season, and that the Icelandic owners can find someone who will bring financial stability.

Then we can hear the Bubbles anthem resoundingly echoing around the Boleyn Ground and see Gianfranco Zola's claret and blue army perhaps fighting for a place in Europe - their form in the second half of last season certainly suggested it's a realistic ambition.

By Steve Yates

Football World Cup 2010

The hugely popular 2010 FIFA Cup is a big craze among football lovers. There is a considerably huge number of online 2010 World Cup Ticket Sales with approximately one million of ticket request submissions. Isn't it astounding? You would be astonished to know that around 743 000 ticket submission applications from 160 countries have already hit the market!

The largest number of 2010 world cup ticket application requests from the abroad sport lovers have come from United Kingdom and trailed by USA. Jerome Valcke, the Secretary General of FIFA has stated, "We have had a phenomenal response from football fans around the world. We do expect a last-minute rush over the next few days to submit applications to beat the March 31 deadline - in particular in South Africa." He further added, "This is the best chance to secure a ticket at an early stage, so as not to miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the first FIFA Cup on African soil."

Interestingly, requests for the Team Specific Series comprised of fifty percent of the total applications. The major cause for the huge popularity of Team Specific Series is that it enables the sports enthusiast to follow his/her favorite team throughout the championship. Year 2002 marked the debut of this Team Specific Series package.

If you are also looking forward for the upcoming 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa then do not waste your time, as Football Cup tickets will vanish soon from the scene. Moreover, out of the three million 2010 Cup Tickets, international sport lovers will be catered with one million tickets.

So, without thinking twice, book your soccer world cup tickets at the worldcupticketservice.com. We are the renowned 2010 fifa Cup Ticket providers at cheapest prices. Book your affordable World Cup Tickets now!

By Gajendra Verma

Portsmouth FC Need to Take Care of Their Fans in the Future

Today, Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim has been hitting out at the national press coverage regarding the Portsmouth takeover. His spokesman is quoted in the local newspaper, for the first time directly referring to the 'misleading' stories and reiterating that the takeover remains on track.

That is all I have to say on that subject for now, as I am trying my best not to comment further on press coverage until the takeover is complete.

All I can do today is refer you to the excellent Mike Hall, writing on pompey-fans.com.

His article goes back to a point he made a few weeks ago. Dr Al Fahim obviously bought the club because he could see potential. The dream of building a new 40,000-plus capacity World Cup stadium requires the fulfilment of this potential to a level far beyond the performance of the club at present. I think the dream is possible, but although there are undoubtedly converts located even within the City and immediate vicinity, the vast majorityof the potential exists in the surrounding districts.

The problem is that the club can not rely on family loyalty and tradition in these areas. Portsmouth will need to be the best-run club in the country if it is to attract these people. They will need to feel like valued customers getting value for money at all times, or they simply won't come back. For all the progress Portsmouth has made in recent years, both on and off the pitch, at times it still continues to treat its supporters with less than the respect they deserve. There can be no more episodes along the lines of the Glen Johnson shirt referred to in Mike's article.

The fans ARE the club, and never has that been more true than now, as we bid to stage the World Cup in a brand new stadium. I hope Dr Al Fahim is the one to finally realise the implications of that, and to put the ethos into practice. If he does, we might finally get our new stadium after all. By Matthew Robert Jones

Manchester United V Liverpool - The World's Biggest Football Rivalry

For many years Liverpool FC have held the title as the most successful club in England thanks to their record breaking 18 First Division/Premier League titles. However in recent years Manchester United have had a long run of constant success and now tie with Liverpool's record of 18 League titles thanks to their Premier League title for the 2008/09 season.

Manchester and Liverpool are both in the North West of England and are situated approximately 34 miles apart, with the M62 motorway the easiest way to get between the two cities.

The rivalry between inhabitants of both cities transcends Football and is part of the culture, and originally stems from the Industrial revolution period of the late 1800's and early 1900's. Liverpool's port was large and brought in huge amounts of ships and cargo providing jobs and wealth to the area. As Manchester floundered they decided to build the Manchester ship canal that linked the city of Manchester with the Irish sea. Whilst this brought prosperity and jobs to Manchester it caused unemployment in Liverpool and much resentment.

On the footballing side Manchester United were the first team to lift the European Cup in 1968 under the stewardship of the legendary Scottish manager Sir Matt Busby. Liverpool did not win the European Cup until the 1970's but have now won the trophy 5 times to United's 3 times.

Whilst the 1970's and 1980's were most definitely Liverpools glory period of success, the 1990's and 2000's were Man Utd's glory period of success. Liverpool have now gone 19 years without winning the League title in England.

During the 2008/09 Premier League season Liverpool did the double over Man Utd, beating them 2-1 at Anfield and 4-1 at Old Trafford, it was Liverpool's best league campaign in years but they still came up short as United won the league by four points.

Games between the sides are fiercely fought occasions and tickets for these games are very hard to get hold of due to the extremely high demand, if you are not a season ticket holder the only way to get one is to use a reputable ticket agent.

By Dave James Anthony

FC Barcelona Extends Victor Valdes' Contract to 2014

It came as a shock to many supporters of FC Barcelona when it looked as if Barça management was at loggerheads with their star goal keeper over an agreement to extend his contract beyond 2010, when it was due to expire.

Eventually negotiations between FC Barcelona and the manager of Victor Valdes broke down entirely, with the club's president insisting that he would only speak to Valdes directly, with the aim of resolving the standoff.

Valdes is every inch Barcelona, and it is difficult to imagine the squad without him. Highly opinionated, he is a real force to be reckoned with both as goalie and as third team captain, behind Puyol and Xavi.

The good news is that the dispute is over and an extended contract agreed. Victor Valdes is now contracted to play for Barcelona until 2014, where he believes he will finish his playing career aged 32.

Valdes career as first team keeper is curious; brought up in the Barcelona youth system he had been in the main squad since 2002/03. He'd joined the club in 1992, although moved with his family to Tenerife for three years. Initially Barcelona had bought Rustu Recber as keeper for the 2003/04 season - the year that Laporta took over and brought in Frank Rijkaard as coach - but for a variety of reasons he was not up to the job and so it was Victor Valdes who played in goal for the 2003/04 season.

Valdes won the Zamora Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper in Spain, in 2004/05, but perhaps his real moment of glory was in the Champions League win of 2005/06 when he won a lot of fans thanks to two fantastic point-blank saves from Arsenal's Thierry Henry.

By David Leigh

Exercises to Jump Higher - 4 Surefire Exercises to Increase Your Vertical Jump

Many people are using special techniques and exercises to jump higher. Even though there are many exercises that you can do to increase your vertical jump, I'm going to give you a few that have worked for me. Remember that prior to performing these exercises, you should warm up and stretch to reduce injury to the muscle groups you will be exercising. A good way to warm up is to use a jump rope, if you have one.

Toe Raises

This exercises is fairly self explanatory. Toe raises exercises several muscle groups that are involved in jumping, and are a great way to stretch the ligaments in the ankle to reduce injury in the future. To perform this exercise simply stand erect, and raise to your toes. Be sure to move slowly and stretch as high as you can possibly go. Prevent yourself to rocking back and forth. Once you reach a point you can and should use weights to increase resistance.

Deep Knee Bends

Deep knee bends work on the major muscle groups that are involved in jumping. They can also strengthen the ligaments involved in knee bending, which can reduce future injury. To perform the exercise, bend your knees and crouch down with a very slight arch in your back, or as straight as possible. You should go down as far as you can go without pain, this is usually below a 90 degree angle. Slowly raise to an erect position, ensuring that your back remains at the same angle. These can also be done with small weights to increase resistance.

Stomach Crunches

Stomach crunches are a very simple exercises that can increase your core strength. Believe it or not, your abdominal muscles are heavily involved when jumping.

Jumping Rope

If you have a jumping rope, use it. These can be done virtually anywhere or any time, such as watching TV. Using a jumping rope is not only good for your cardiovascular endurance, but it also helps to increase the core muscles involved in jumping.

By Brad Hartford

Basketball Goals - Core Facts For the Basketball Hoop Shopper

It's hard to call your house truly a home until you have a basketball goal in your driveway, especially if you love sports. A basketball hoop can give your kids a great excuse to get out the house and actually move their bodies, can give you a good reason to get in some fun exercise, and make it easier for your friends to come over and hang out. But before you dive into an investment with a basketball hoop, you should learn a few vital things about basketball hoops.

Assembly Is Necessary - Don't make the mistake of thinking that your work is done once you have bought the goal. You also have to go about assembling the thing. Assembly times vary widely depending upon whether you got a portable or and in ground, and wither you got a cheap or a premium basketball goal. An inexpensive kids hoop you should have no problem whipping together in under an hour. If you bought a really high end in ground system, then you should expect to have to recruit a couple buddies to help you put it together and wait for three days for the cement to cure before you can even play on it. It is possible outsource a project like this, however, just by hiring a local handyman to do it for you.

Be Cautious with Your Dunking - On almost all basketball hoops, the manufacturer won't cover the damage in the highly unlikely event that you hurt the backboard when dunking. It is usually safe to dunk, so long as you have an in ground system, but you should simply beware of this before you start playing on it. If you absolutely must get a basketball hoop that covers dunking, First Team basketball goals makes a couple, but they are high priced premium systems.

Check out the Basketball Backboard Material - One of the greatest indicators of how rigid and firm the backboard is will be just what it is made out of. Ideally, your backboard is made of glass, as that is the same material that the NBA uses and it is the most rigid, but these kind of premium hoops are out of some people's price range. The next step down is either polycarbonate or acrylic, and you should go for the polycarbonate if you can just because of its impressive level of durability.

It's simple to get a fantastic Deal - If you want to know the key to getting the hottest possible deal on your basketball backboard in a single word, it's "research." By looking into make for a good pole, the different kinds of basketball brands that are on the market, and what to look for in adjustment systems, you can wind up saving hundreds of dollars for only ten or fifteen minutes of your time.

To get all of the best deals on basketball goals, you need to have the best information. Basketballhoopbuyingguide.com helps you learn what makes for a fantastic basketball hoop so that you really save money and enjoy playing on your system for years to come.

By James Drexler

Improve Vertical Jump - Tips to Let You Leap Higher!

Has the thought 'How should I improve vertical jump', been continuously invading your mind?

If it has, you too are one of those million athletes and players who, owing to a low vertical leap, have not made it high in their game. It is very normal to get depressed when your coach gives you all the required training but you still miss out on those last 8 inches.

In such periods, you just need to maintain your calm and follow the simple & easy tips given below which would help you enhance the level of your vertical jump.

a. The first thing you need to do is analyze yourself. Based on your past experiences and your bodily strengths, make a complete analysis of how high can you actually leap?

It would be better at this juncture to stop imposing unreasonable expectations on yourself and seek medical advice to practice precaution & safety in your sessions.

b. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise- there is no substitute to it. Practice lifts, squats, climbing stairs on toes, jumping the rope and elevated plus explosive jumps to reform your jumping technique and give your muscles and legs the desired endurance.

It is only by means of your regular exercising regime that you will improve upon your vertical jump.

c. With physical training, it is also of utmost importance to train yourself mentally. Visualize yourself jumping high. Break free from the forces which pull you down. Swing your arms free and thrust your body upwards.

Sometimes, even physical training is not able to produce such wonders as a mental boost does. Supplement them with each other and get ready to improve your tactics and methodologies.

Vertical jumps may sound tough, while truly they are not. All they require is oodles of practice and loads of belief in your own capacities. For more such tips log on to http://www.the-vertical-project.webs.com and discover an all new world which not just helps you raise the bar of your jump and improve it but also aids you in strengthening your own abilities.

All that you need to do is trust yourself and have faith that you can indeed make that jump! Improving your vertical jump, after all, does not come with a day's practice- it comes with a constant vigor and an unwavering enthusiasm. So, be up and doing- And you shall surely achieve success! Click Here!

By Kobe Bryant Jr.

Basketball Training Tips For Youths and Kids

The origin of NBA is from the US and the game has attracted many youths and kids from different states. Now it is played worldwide where this game is enjoyed by everyone. Basketball training for kids is provided in all schools and clubs. There are different types of clubs present in the city which play basketball. Kids love this game. Shooting the ball in the basket is fun as kids love to do this activity. These clubs or schools give advanced training of basketball to kids.

Learning is fun and your kid can develop his interest. Basket ball training requires high concentration and help improve good heath practices. Health plays a major role in every sport. It is essential to exercise regularly to play basketball. Once exercise is done you can have a painless game. There is a time for everything in this training as it should be followed everyday without bunking.

In basketball training kids are taught how to shoot the ball inside the basket with fewer effort. They are also taught on how to hold the ball in the right way. Enrolling kids in this training can be beneficial as they will get to learn a new sport. Shooting from different angles is also possible as the kid should be able to have a good view of the basket. Shuttling is also taught in this training where the kids can learn the different techniques of playing basketball. Shuttling requires lot of stamina so running can help a lot. You need to be flexible so eating the right diet and performing the correct exercises can help a lot. You cannot take the risk of entering the field instantly without a good warm-up. Dribbling is another important activity which needs to be trained to kids. Obstacles are being set up while dribbling to get the feel of the real game play.

Dribbling the ball in different situation is important thing to tackle. Dribbling the basketball in special parts of field needs to be practiced. Jumping is another activity which should be carried on while playing basketball. For shooting the ball in the net it is important to jump. Skipping rope is the best substitute for this exercise. You can increase your jumps by skipping fast. All these activities are conducted in basketball training. You kid will learn how to play basketball in less time with this advanced training. Other fun games are also played where this sport is played.

For more information visit Sportscapers University at houston youth basketball - You can also find more information and online training videos to help you improve your skills at katy youth basketball.

By Sameep Shah

Exercises to Jump Higher - Some Quick Tips on Jumping Higher For Balls

Don't you wish you could jump higher so you can finally start dunking over your opponents? Well you're not the only one, there are many people looking to jump higher, it might be for basketball or some other sport. Some try special shoes, ankle weights, extreme training programs, magical pills etc. But none of them work and Let me tell you now all these methods are a complete waste of time; if you've ever wanted to jump higher then you must follow the correct training guidelines. Below I will show you a few easy exercises to jump higher so you can get started today!

Firstly you must understand the two main factors in improving your jumpiong ability is to increase your overall strength and quickness. The amount of strength you can generate multiplied by how fast you can generate it is equal to the amount of upward propulsion you will create. Therefore increasing strength and quickness together will allow you to explode into the air higher than you ever thought possible?

Now for the main part you want to increase strength in your leg muscles so you can easily launch up off the ground. A couple of the best excersie to help you jump higher would be doing squats, calf raises, leg press and hamstring curls. Create a workout plan which has all these leg excersies in it and you should notice some major improvements inn your leg strength. Oh yeah and also add the Deadlift to help build your lower back and hips.

For the quickness part I will give you another couple of exercise which will significantly help out. One easy way to increase the quickness and snap in your legs is to jump off a chair using one leg, propelling yourself forward as jump in the air, switch legs when you come down and repeat for the other leg, do around 3 sets of 10. 25-50 yard full speed sprints are another great exercise for increasing overall quickness and speed related to jumping power.

You should also strengthen your toes as your toes add the final touches and help you launch into the air. To strengthen them, simple walk around on your tip-toes for around 30 mins, it will be a bit of a mission at first but you'll get the hang of it after a while. You should also stand on your toes for 30-60 secs at a time.

These are just some easy exercises to jump higher thaqt you can do in the comfort of your own home at any time, they should really help increase your overall vertical. If you are serious about learning how to jump higher and dunk the ring someday, then you must follow the correct training routines and principles. Believe it or not but the correct training methods have helped guys as short as 5"5 dunk 10 feet basket ball ring, check out the link below to learn more...

Do You want to learn how to jump higher? If so then you're in the right place, anyone can learn How To Jump Higher you just have to follow the correct principles. There is one particular training program that taught me how to dunk the ring, it is called the Jump Manual and is an absolute must for anyone looking to jump higher. Check it Out and watch a video of a 5"5 guy dunking a 10 foot ring on their website, it's pretty amazing! By Vikram Singh

Perfect and Incredible Bass Fishing Lures For Your Catch

Bass fishing is really a fun and breathtaking fishing each person wants to experience. It is true that fishing is an activity that numerous people love and enormous fishers have in fact even been fishing from their early days, probably since their families too were excited fishermen.

Surely to experience the fishing you need to be very patient. It does so since this is a virtue that aids you get more out of this kind of fishing and, all other types of fishing as well.

Comprehend the Fundamentals

To have the most out of fishing you need to recognize the basics of it and to also be able to relax and have an amazing time without letting you becoming saddened when fish don't bite.

You need to also be familiar the whys and hows of bass fishing and identify which gear is relevant to acquire most out of your fishing activities. No matter what, you will need having the ideal accessories knows the eight most excellent fishing spots as well as knows the eight most high-ranking bass fishing etiquette rules.

Then you should recognize the five golden rules connected to fishing and also identify the six dissimilar kinds of bass to look out for. A book called "All Things Bass Fishing" can aid you get the whole lowdown on fishing.

You will need to also learn how to shun regular fishing mistakes including keeping away from being impatient, distracted and camping out for too long. Furthermore, you must be certain that you don't camp at any one spot for too long. When in thirty minutes of angling you haven't been able to trap bass, then you require to move to a dissimilar location.

Even though when we talk about selecting the most excellent bass fishing lures you require to be sure that you select just those lures that look and feel real.

By Jay N Fellas

The Season of Football

Faithful fans of football know that the Football Season will soon be here. Whether it is sitting in the stands watching your favorite team play or hanging out at home with friends, fans around the world are preparing for this year's season. Both the American league and the European league are busy getting ready for the kick off of the season to begin. If you are one of those fans that just can not wait, do not worry the season is almost here.

Before the actual season begins, the preseason will start. If you are not a diehard fan, you may not realize the importance of the preseason. The preseason is a series of football games that occur before the actual football season begins. In this time frame football teams play each other in order to get an idea of the ranking in which they will stand during the normal season. This also allows the coaches to see how their teams play against the other teams, rather than each other as they do in practice. The games played in the preseason have nothing to do with which teams will play in the championship at the end of the season.

Usually the teams that are believed to be the strongest will kick off the football season with the first games. Once the season has started, all wins and losses are tallied to determine who will go to the championship games. Those teams that go undefeated during the season are not necessarily going to win the championship, but it certainly gives you an idea of who will.

During this season fans of the different teams can be found just about anywhere routing on their teams to win. Many fans chose to crowd the stadiums in order to be there when their team wins. However just as many will have tailgate parties in the parking lot of the stadium, and listen to the game on the radio. You can also find many people having cookouts and pizza parties at home while watching the games. No matter what their style of support is, most fans go all out when their teams are playing.

After the teams play all the games in the normal season, they will have playoffs to determine who goes to the championship. Four teams are chosen to play in the playoffs. The winner of each team will then advance to the championship. When the playoffs begin, the official football season is considered over. However, most fans disagree with this statement. To the fans the season is not over until the championship has been played.

No matter how you look at it, the championship is the official end to the football season. The championship game, better known as the Super Bowl in the United States, is the most attended and watched game of the year. Diehard fans will pick one of the two teams going to the championship as their pick to win. This is whether their team goes or not. Once the game is over, the champions go home in glory while the losers go home thankful that they had a chance to play in the biggest game of the year. And the fans go home and wait for the next season to begin.

By Soophott Lert

Weight Training For Defensive Backs

Defensive backs are usually the most all around athletic players on the football field. A defensive back must keep up with a receiver, watch the quarterback, play zone, come up on run support, blitz and make tackles on larger players. Defensive backs are expected to be the fastest players on the field while also generating explosive power to make big hits.

A weight lifting routine for defensive backs should reflect the demands made on them during the game. Defensive backs should train heavy, like a linebacker, but for speed, like a receiver. They need to be decisive, explosive and extremely strong for their lighter body weight.

Day 1
Push - Chest, Shoulders and Triceps
Defensive backs need shoulders and triceps more than anyone else on the field. They need to not only be able to bench press their own weight, but do it in explosive fashion. Just imagine the surprised look on the receivers face when you go to bump on the snap and knock him on his butt.
Bench press - 5x5
Dumbbell bench press - 3x8
Incline press 5x5
Overhead dumbbell press - 3x8
Reverse cable crossovers - 5x5 - At the cable crossover station set the cables all the way at the bottom. Grip the handles over hand with opposite hand so that your arms are crossed in the starting position. Explosively pull up the cables across your body and out with your shoulders to end in a position like a lateral raise.

Day 2
Pull - Back, Biceps and Forearms
Defensive backs need a strong back and biceps to wrap up tackles. They also need powerful forearms to grab cloth and bring down ball carriers when they can't wrap them up.
Dead lift 5x5
Dumbbell row 5x5
Lat pull down 5x5
Bicep curls 3x8
Finger curls 3x12 - Let the bar roll down to hand on the tips of your fingers, then close your hand to roll the bar back up into your palm.

Day 3
Legs - Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads and Calves
Defensive backs need powerful legs to drive through tackles and keep up with receivers. They must train for power as well as speed to be successful and well rounded on the field.
Split squat 5x5
Speed squat 3x8
Hang clean 5x5

Stiff leg dead lift 5x5
Leg curls 3x8
Jump calf raises 3x12 - holding dumbbells in each hand jump up using only your calves.

Remember to keep all exercises explosive to build power. Heavy weight does you no good if it is lifted slowly. Do proper warm ups and stretch during your cool down so that you can keep up with more limber receivers.

By Bobbi Lynn Miller

Football Trivia - How Well Do You Know Your Facts About Football Teams?

Whether you're a football player, spectator, or collector of football sports cards, you may enjoy challenging yourself to see how well you know your facts about football teams.

1. Which of the following football teams are not associated with the NFL?

a. New York Giants
b. Baltimore Stars
c. Carolina Panthers
d. Oklahoma Outlaws
e. Tennessee Titans

2. How many teams are there in the Canadian football league?

a. 10
b. 8
c. 18
d. 14

3. How many NFL football teams begin with the letter C.?

a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. 5

4. Which NFL football team had a linebacker who was the first (and so far, only) player that was named Super Bowl MVP from the losing team?

a. Denver Broncos
b. Green Bay Packers
c. Dallas Cowboys
d. New Orleans Saints

5. How many football players from Hawaii have been sent to the NFL as of 2009?

a. 63
b. 36
c. 85
d. 75

6. What is the most number of games that the New York Jets quarterbacks started during any season?

a. 16
b. 14
c. 13
d. 12

7. Which team in the NFL is one of the oldest franchises in all of professional football?

a. New York Jets
b. Philadelphia Eagles
c. Dallas Cowboys
d. Seattle Seahawks

8. In what year did the Seattle Seahawks enter the NFL as an expansion team along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

a. 1975
b. 1984
c. 1976
d. 1979

Answers to Trivia Question #1: b, d
Answers to Trivia Question #2: a
Answers to Trivia Question #3: c
Answers to Trivia Question #4: c
Answers to Trivia Question #5: d
Answers to Trivia Question #6: a
Answers to Trivia Question #7: b
Answers to Trivia Question #8: c

Next, how many football players can you name that appear on the home page of this web site: http://www.americaspastime.com

Football sports cards and memorabilia are collectibles that have become a passion and business for sports enthusiasts and collectors around the world. For the latest in mint condition football cards, autographs, memorabilia, ticket stubs, and gifts, be sure to shop at stores that you can trust, such as http://www.americaspastime.com known for their physical store and their online business.

What's on your "Want List?"By Richard Budnick

Cheap Packers Tickets - Where to Find Them

The Green Bay Packers is one of the most successful football teams in history. They have won nine NFL Championships and three Super Bowls. They have made it their tradition to win and respect the game at every level. Their determination to win has filled seats on their games. Prices for tickets to their Sunday games would always shoot up as fans clamor to get a chance to be part of Green Bay Packers history.

However, there are ways to see this exciting team in person without hurting your budget. Especially on this economic time, all you need is to exert a little effort to find cheap Packers tickets available out there. Your first option is to buy your Packers tickets as soon as they go on sale. This usually happens at the start of the season. Packers tickets tend to sell out by the bulk and soon. When this happens, prices immediately inflate. It is, therefore, wise to be aware when new schedules would be released and be one of the first people to purchase tickets.

The best place to find cheap Packers tickets is online. You can visit online brokers, auction sites or online marketplaces. These are often good hunting grounds for reasonably priced sports tickets. If you are opting to use online brokers for its convenience, it is advisable to compare prices first before deciding which one to transact with. Auction sites are usually used by resellers who have earlier bought tickets by bulk. They dispose of these tickets through biddings. Or if you have the patience, you can look for owners who are auctioning few tickets just because they won't be able to see the game and they don't want their tickets to go unused. Online marketplaces, on the other hand, are where direct buyers and sellers meet. Season ticket holders who are not able to attend all the games frequent these sites to resell at a lower price.

If all else fails, you can go at the stadium on the day of the game itself. Wait a few minutes until the game starts and then negotiate with scalpers. They are usually forced to sell the tickets at a lower price rather than let their investment go to waste. You can also find legit owners who are disposing their tickets for the game. These are people who ended up with an extra ticket or are just there to sell their tickets because for some reason they won't be able to see the said game. But you have to be extra cautious if you are going this route. You have to double check the authenticity of the ticket before buying it.

Prices to Packers tickets can understandably become extremely expensive because of the excitement and dedication that you can expect in each game. But it doesn't necessarily mean that there are no cheap tickets available for you to buy. Finding cheap Packers tickets is easier than you may think. All you need is the diligence in finding where they can be available.

By Micheal Muraski

Independence Bowl History - Past Winners & Facts of the Now Advocare V 100 Independence Bowl

Since the initial Bowl game in 1976, it produced 33 winning teams and every team has a Special story to share, a story of sportsmanship and bravery.

Meet McNeese State: The very first winner

The very first winner of 1976 Independence Bowl is McNeese State.The team played in the inaugural Independence Bowl game in 1976, and they got victory for a 20-16 over Tulsa. They make two more appearances in 1979 and 1980. In 1997 and 2002, the Cowboys football team has more recently played in two Division I-AA Finals.

McNeese's renowned colors are blue and gold. The men's athletic teams are known as the Cowboys, while the women's athletic teams are the Cowgirls.

The team with most wins

The football history of the University of Mississippi (also known as Ole Miss) is very exciting. It includes the formation of the state's first football team and is 31st on the list of college football's all-time most winning programs.

Ole Miss has participated in 32 bowl games with a good record of 20 wins and 12 losses. Particularly, Ole Miss' win percentage of 0.625 and ranks third all-time among football teams that have played in 25 or more bowl games (a little behind USC and Penn State). Twenty bowl wins record also ranks them 12th all-time.

Mississippi has most wins in Independence Bowl Game with 5 wins. They hold the record for the year 1983, 1986, 1998, 1999, and 2002 accordingly.

2008 Winning Team

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team is the official team of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. They are currently competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the WAC (Western Athletic Conference). At present, the team is led by Derek Dooley. He is the only Athletics Director/Head Coach in NCAA Division sports.

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team played 4 times in Independence Bowl with 2 losses and 2 wins, they got their first win on December 17, 1977 and they won the latest 2008 Indy Bowl with 17-10 scores over Northern Illinois.

Here is the complete list of Independence Bowl Winners:

Dec. 28, 2008-Louisiana Tech 17, Northern Illinois 10

Dec. 30, 2007-Alabama 30, Colorado 24

Dec. 28, 2006-Oklahoma State 34, Alabama 31

Dec. 30, 2005-Missouri 38, South Carolina 31

Dec. 28, 2004-Iowa State 17, Miami (Ohio) 13

Dec. 31, 2003-Arkansas 27, Missouri 14

Dec. 27, 2002-Mississippi 27, Nebraska 23

Dec. 27, 2001-Alabama 14, Iowa State 13

Dec. 31, 2000-Mississippi State 43, Texas A&M 41, OT

Dec. 31, 1999-Mississippi 27, Oklahoma 25

Dec. 31, 1998-Mississippi 35, Texas Tech 18

Dec. 28, 1997-LSU 27, Notre Dame 9

Dec. 31, 1996-Auburn 32, Army 29

Dec. 29, 1995-LSU 45, Michigan State 26

Dec. 28, 1994-Virginia 20, Texas Christian 10

Dec. 31, 1993-Virginia Tech 45, Indiana 20

Dec. 31, 1992-Wake Forest 39, Oregon 35

Dec. 29, 1991-Georgia 24, Arkansas 15

Dec. 15, 1990-Louisiana Tech 34, Maryland 34

Dec. 16, 1989-Oregon 27, Tulsa 24

Dec. 23, 1988-Southern Miss. 38, Texas-El Paso 18

Dec. 19, 1987-Washington 24, Tulane 12

Dec. 20, 1986-Mississippi 20, Texas Tech 17

Dec. 21, 1985-Minnesota 20, Clemson 13

Dec. 15, 1984-Air Force 23, Virginia Tech 7

Dec. 10, 1983-Air Force 9, Mississippi 3

Dec. 11, 1982-Wisconsin 14, Kansas State 3

Dec. 12, 1981-Texas A&M 33, Oklahoma State 16

Dec. 13, 1980-Southern Miss. 16, McNeese State 14

Dec. 15, 1979-Syracuse 31, McNeese State 7

Dec. 16, 1978-East Carolina 35, Louisiana Tech 13

Dec. 17, 1977-Louisiana Tech 24, Louisville 14

Dec. 13, 1976-McNeese State 20, Tulsa 16

The Independence Bowl Game is the most watched post season game ever. See you there!

Real Andrews is a Certified Personal Trainer & Gym Owner. An actor by profession who is very passionate about the health and wellness industry, He is very passionate about making a difference in the State of health in our Country. Please visit his blog for more related articles. Real is an expert at helping people achieve their dreams & Goals. You might recognize him as Lt. Taggert from the ABC Show General Hospital.

"THERE IS NO SUCH WORD AS CAN'T !!!"

"Oh by the way. YOU are a CHAMPION !!!"

By Real Andrews

Football Safety Tips For Kids

Let's face it: in America, football is king. It is the social glue that holds together countless communities, groups of friends, and even entire families, with millions gathering in the stands and around TV screens annually to share in the thrill of a big game. In some towns, it would not be a surprise for a child to make his first pass before learning to walk. On the field, in the home or bar, football reigns supreme.

Every year, thousands of kids gear up for a first-hand taste of this national pastime. However, as a full-contact sport, there is no avoiding the fact that football can be dangerous at any level, amateur and professional alike. With this in mind, here are a few ways in which you can best ensure your child's experience on a school or club football team is as positive and character-building as it should be.

Proper Gear

The first step to take in keeping your child safe regardless of position he or she will play is an investment in the right protective gear. The following list covers all the equipment with which any football player should be outfitted:

Helmet with face mask and a mouth guard - A proper fit in this department is crucial, as oversized helmets and mouth guards can easily be knocked off during rougher moments.

Protective padding for thighs, shoulders and around the hips

Cleats - Football is traditionally an all-weather sport, so having a shoes that can grip the turf well in every condition is important in preventing twisted ankles and other foot-related injuries.

Leg and ankle braces - Related to the point about, these minimize the severity of the slips, trips, and falls that occur in virtually every play.

Preparation

As with any sport, proper stretches and warm-up exercises are vital to preventing strains and maximizing athleticism. A thorough routine can be anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes long, and will raise body temperature, heart and respiratory rates, and increase metabolic Stretches should be comprehensive, covering not only limbs and joints but also the torso. Remember, always include at least a short run before stretching out to avoid pulling a muscle, and stretch just to the point of discomfort - not beyond.

Last but not least, always make sure your child understands the rules of the game before taking the field. This is one of the simplest to avoid an injury, and yet it is too often overlooked. Good communication between coaches, players, and referees is one of the best guarantees for safe game.

By Joseph Devine

Collecting Football Shirts

Many football fans collect football shirts. Having a football shirt collection for some is more than just a hobby. It is a statement of how much they enjoy football and support their favorite players. For others, it comes as a surprise.

Serious collectors go out of their way to find the shirts. Some collect only from their favorite teams. Others collect their favorite players shirts with little thought to which team they play for. There are people who collect only the rookie shirts. And some who only collect the shirt once a player has announced their retirement.

Whatever your personal football shirt collection contains, there are many options to choose from to obtain the shirts. Retailers around the world carry authentic football shirts as well as replicas. Depending on what area you live in, most retailers will predominantly carry the home team's shirts. They will also keep a few of the most favorite player's shirts on stock as well. In many malls you can now find stores that only carry football shirts. These stores will have a wife range of shirts for players of different teams. You can also shop online at one of hundreds of websites that carry the shirts as well. These websites will vary with what they sell so shopping around is a must.

Once in a while you will find an entire football shirt collection that is for sale. This typically happens when the collector has passed on. Many times at these sales retired jerseys will be sold for a fraction of what they are worth. Of course sometimes people try to sell the shirts for more than they are worth too. It is a good idea to research the value of particular shirts prior to purchasing them.

Lots of sports bars are now displaying football shirt collections as well. The collection being displayed is often of the loyal team's players. Sometimes at the end of the season they will sell some of the shirts. These are usually from players that are going to another team the following season. Shirts from retired players are often hung in glass frames. This helps preserve the condition of the shirt. Sometimes the proprietor will display the team shirts from a team that is not local. This can be because of the proprietor's personal favorite team, or if the restaurant is a themed place.

Starting a football shirt collection is becoming more of a hobby for fathers and their young sons. This gives the fathers and sons a hobby they can share together. It also is a great way to introduce a young boy to the history of football. If the shirts are properly cared for, the young boy will some day find his collection is worth much more than a stamp collection.

No matter what reason you have for starting a football shirt collection, you are sure to enjoy every minute of it. Hunting for your shirts is only part of the thrill. Displaying your collection to friends and family will give you a sense of fulfillment.

By Soophott Lert