Top 5 Athletes of All Time

Even though the list of talented athletes is endless we have attempted to group together who we think are the best athletes of basketball time, we initially thought 10 was basketball good even number but after great thought we decided to be brutal and whittle it down to a meager 5 names!

We should point out that these names are in no particular order; they are all as great as each other.

Muhammad Ali, born in 1942 Ali is a three time world heavyweight champion and the only boxer to have won the linear heavyweight championship three times, in his 20 year career he fought in a massive 61 fights, 56 of which he won and for a magnificent ten years he remained undefeated.
His deserved place in our top five sporting champs is only illustrated by the fact that he has been awarded 'Sportsman of the century' by both Sports Illustrated and the BBC.

Pele, playing national football at the tender age of 16, Edison Arantes do Nascimento has been a top athlete from a very young age. FIFA recognises that Pele has scored 1281 goals across his entire career, however for many of his time playing in Brazil goal scoring was not recognised therefore this number is no doubt significantly higher, either way FIFA consider this figure as the highest number of goals achieved by any one player.

Golfer Tiger Woods, deserves a place in the top athletes for the fact that he has won 65 official PGA Tour events, an additional 22 individual professional titles, owns two team titles in the two-man World Golf Championships-World Cup, and won the inaugural FedEx Cup playoffs. In 2008 he became the first golfer to win four PGA Tour events five or more times and is the first person to win a PGA Tour tournament on the same course seven times, and the first person to win two tournaments at the same golf course in the same season.

Lance Armstrong, this cyclist deserves a place on this list not only for being the only person to win the Tour De France seven times but for also being a survivor of cancer. He developed testicular cancer in 1995 which then spread to his stomach, lungs and brain, after extensive hospital care he made a full recovery after which he went on to win the prestigious tournament a total of seven times. His dedication and bravery has been recognised by the over 50 accolades and awards he has received since.

Michael Jordan, noted as being one of the greatest basketball players of all time and a global icon for the NBA around the world. He holds the NBA record for highest career regular season scoring average with 30.12 points per game, as well as averaging a record 33.4 points per game in the playoffs. In 1999, he was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by ESPN, and was second to Babe Ruth on the Associated Press's list of athletes of the century. He will be eligible for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

If you are seeking a training partner log on to Fill My Time.

Rec Leagues - Man Vs Zone Defenses

I played in a rec league basketball game last night, one which we lost by double digits. basketball weren't outplayed or worse than our opposition, but we were out shot. On paper and from the start of the game it didn't look like we would have an issue in winning, but every time the other team shot the ball from deep, the sucker would go in.

So at halftime we decided to forgo playing the 2-3 zone, that had been working in our other games, in favor of a man-to-man defense.

We thought that going man would help to get out on the plethora of shooters the other team had and stop their scoring onslaught. We are not a huge team, but in this game we definitely had the edge inside and we thought that going man would force them into our stronghold and catapult us to the W.

The problem with this thought basketball our shallow bench. We only have 6 guys on the squad and we are not necessarily the most fit team in the league. Our opponents last night, on the other hand, had as many on the bench as they had on the floor, meaning they had endless supplies of subs.

So what got us in trouble was our stamina. We held our own to start the second half, but the other team was good at pushing the ball up the court on misses, turnovers and makes alike. They basically wore us down.

With 6 minutes left in the game we were down 3. Less than a minute later we were down 4 with the ball, where we could have cut the lead to 2 or 1 with a three-ball.

Problem is that this is about the same time our legs gave out on us. The other team made a run around the 5 minute mark where we went from a possession down to down double digits. They then kept pressing and harassing us. Because of our sea legs we were too exhausted on the offensive end to aggressively create shots and, more importantly, on the defensive end we were sagging off the guys we were guarding, giving them unobstructed looks at the rim.

At the end of the game, this turned out to be our downfall, and to the victors go the spoils.

So the question is when a team should go to man, and when zone is the best bet. In our situation, we went to man to stop their outside shooting and consequently ended up giving them free looks at the hoop.

Had we thought it through, we may have been better off going from a 2-3 zone to a 3-2 or 1-2-2. Reason being is that they weren't scoring many points inside on our interior D when we were in a zone in the first half. They did do a good job of passing the ball around the perimeter and finding good looks, but they were relatively quiet inside. Had we switched to an odd man front, over playing the perimeter, we could have done a better job on their outside shooting and forced them to come inside.

Now, our situation should have been black and white. We only had 6 guys dressed and most of us had eaten too many buffalo wings at Super Bowl parties the night before, so switching to man, seeing that we would tire easily, should have raised a red flag.

If you have a full squad, can match up athletically against your opposition, and are not fearful of tiring, then you shouldn't have any reservations about playing man. If, like us, you have only one sub, and are not in the best of shape, then try adjusting your zone to meet your needs. If they are pounding the ball inside, try and 2-3, or if they are draining threes, try an odd manned front, 3-2 or 1-2-2.

Keep sporting!

Evan Pfaff is co-owner of Who's In First.

Who's In First is an online league management system for leagues of all sizes and sports. Our state-of-the-art software enables league managers the ability to quickly create and deploy schedules and standings over the Internet.

Visit Who's In First, http://www.whosinfirst.com, today for a free demonstration and to learn why Who's In First is the best choice for your league.

Fantasy Basketball and Fantasy Football - Preparing For the Playoffs

In fantasy sports, the idea is to basketball a championship. Getting to the playoffs is the first step and a good draft gets you more mileage than anything else towards that end. However, winning the fantasy playoffs may come down to your ability to plan ahead even more so than your ability to spot talent.

There are several factors that should be taken into account as the playoffs approach. A few of them are listed in this article.

1) We will start with the obvious. Review your team. Do you have any "sleepers" that just have not performed as well as you had hoped they might? Do not carry sleepers into the playoffs unless there are extenuating circumstances - replace the player with an average player rather than take a chance on getting nothing. A circumstance I might keep an underperforming sleeper on my team is if the player is on a professional team that will be "investing time in their younger players" due to the professional team's own inability to make the playoffs.

2) Is your league a "keeper" league or maybe a long-term contract league? If yes, then you can probably trade some of your pretty good players who are eligible to be kept for next year. Maybe even one of those up and coming sleepers would be a good candidate. Why would you do that? Well, you want to trade them for players that are GREAT TODAY to give you an edge. You can trade with a team that will not make the playoffs this year and who is not going to be able to keep their great player anyway. It's is a win / win. They rebuild for the future and you increase your chances of winning it all this year.

3) If your league is not a "keeper" or long-term contract league then you can still try trading up. Sometimes a team has too many players at one position or too many players on the same team. You might be able to work a win / win trade in that situation as well. They might take a lesser, but still good player, in order to spread out their players across more professional teams.

4) How does the schedule look for your players during the fantasy playoffs? This one is a little more basketball related than football. Knowing how many games each player plays during a given week can give you an idea about whether you would be better served to exchange some players. As a rule, if basketball players are close to providing the same fantasy value per game, then you want the one that plays the most games - no matter the difference in game number. For example, you might have a player that averages 10 fantpts (Player A) per game and will play 11 total games in the playoffs. There might be a player that can be picked up off of waivers who averages only 9 fantpts (Player B), but will play 14 games. All else being equal Player A will contribute 110 fantpts while Player B will contribute 126 fantpts. The difference they could give you will actually probably be larger because Player B will have more opportunities to fill a gap for you than Player A. There are websites that have tables already createdwith thistype of fantasy sports gameschedule density information.

Hint: 14 games is the most played for any NBA team over the last 3 fantasy weeks of the current 2008-2009 season. Which teams play 14 games? Philadelphia is the only team that does so. 10 games is the least played during that same time period. That honor goes to the Houston Rockets.
Winning the regular season in fantasy sports is often all about the draft and early free agency. Winning the playoffs typically takes a little more craft. Follow the above simple guidelines and you will be well prepared for the playoffs when the time comes.

About the Author:

Josh Ahlstrom is the creator of SignAndTrade.com, a fantasy sports community and game hosting website.

SignAndTrade.com offers customizable fantasy sports leagues fit for those serious about their fantasy sports, but user friendly and intuitive enough for novice fantasy GMs. Besides the ultimate in fantasy basketball SignAndTrade.com includes a messageboard where uses can discuss anything and everything related to fantasy sports.

SignAndTrade.com also has a blog where you will find fresh information and opinions relating to basketball, football, and more. We hope that information sharing and a spirit of community involvement will abound. Please feel free to check out more of our fantasy sports games and information as well as our consolidated nba player information by using the fantasy basketball link previously provided.

What Snowmobile Racing Entails

Snowmobiles basketball great fun for anyone looking to have fun with basketball and snow. Some snowmobiles have been modified and equipped to take on this terrain in a different way. Snowmobile racing. Different snowmobiles are equipped to drive at high speeds. You find that these snowmobiles have modified engines with increased horsepower.

The participants of these races don't have it easy. They courses they are given are short and difficult to navigate. They might have to drive over shoulder high snow, snow covered hills, soft snow banks and sometimes ice covered river sides. To be able to appreciate snowmobile racing, snowmobiles have to have enough maneuverability and engine power.

Your local snowmobile association should have all information about any races in your area and your surrounding area. They also have the information you need in case you want to take up racing. You can also access this information from the internet.

The best in snowmobile racing is found with the Snowcross events. These events are divided into two sections, the National and Regional events. At the regional level, if you are a member of a racing group recognized by the official Snowcross Association, you are allowed to take part in the races. These are again categorized from beginner to expert.

These competitions give snowmobilers the chance to practice their racing and how to maneuver their snowmobiles. They also learn how to perform stunts for example mid air steering skills. The professional snowmobile racers get to compete on the international level, and here they show off their mastery of skills, their snowmobiles, the snow and gravity!

Peter Gitundu Researches And Reports On Snowmobiles. For More Information On snowmobile racing, Visit His Site At SNOWMOBILE RACING You Can Also Post Your Views About snowmobile racing On My Blog HereSNOWMOBILE RACING

Fantasy Basketball and Fantasy Football - Preparing For the Playoffs

In fantasy sports, the idea is to win a championship. Getting to the playoffs is the first step and a good draft gets you more mileage than anything else towards that end. However, winning the fantasy playoffs may come down to your ability to plan ahead even more so than your ability to spot talent.

There are several factors that should be taken into account as the playoffs approach. A few of them are listed in this article.

1) We will start with the obvious. Review your team. Do you have any "sleepers" that just have not performed as well as you had hoped they might? Do not carry sleepers into the playoffs unless there are extenuating circumstances - replace the player with an average player rather than take a chance on getting nothing. A circumstance I might keep an underperforming sleeper on my team is if the player is on a professional team that will be "investing time in their younger players" due to the professional team's own inability to make the playoffs.

2) Is your league a "keeper" league or maybe a long-term contract league? If yes, then you can probably trade some of your pretty good players who are eligible to be kept for next year. Maybe even one of those up and coming sleepers would be a good candidate. Why would you do that? Well, you want to trade them for players that are GREAT TODAY to give you an edge. You can trade with a team that will not make the playoffs this year and who is not going to be able to keep their great player anyway. It's is a win / win. They rebuild for the future and you increase your chances of winning it all this year.

3) If your league is not a "keeper" or long-term contract league then you can basketball try trading up. Sometimes a team has too many players at one position or too many players on the same team. You might be able to work a win / win trade in that situation as well. They might take a lesser, but still good player, in order to spread out their players across more professional teams.

4) How does the schedule look for your players during the fantasy playoffs? This one is a little more basketball related than football. Knowing how many games each player plays during a given week can give you an idea about whether you would be better served to exchange some players. As a rule, if two players are close to providing the same fantasy value per game, then you want the one that plays the most games - no matter the difference in game number. For example, you might have a player that averages 10 fantpts (Player A) per game and will play 11 total games in the playoffs. There might be a player that can be picked up off of waivers who averages only 9 fantpts (Player B), but will play 14 games. All else being equal Player A will contribute 110 fantpts while Player B will contribute 126 fantpts. The difference they could give you will actually probably be larger because Player B will have more opportunities to fill a gap for you than Player A. There are websites that have tables already createdwith thistype of fantasy sports gameschedule density information.

Hint: 14 games is the most played for any NBA team over the last 3 fantasy weeks of the current 2008-2009 season. Which teams play 14 games? Philadelphia is the only team that does so. 10 games is the least played during that same time period. That honor goes to the Houston Rockets.
Winning the regular season in fantasy sports is often all about the draft and early free agency. Winning the playoffs typically takes a little more craft. Follow the above simple guidelines and you will be well prepared for the playoffs when the time comes.

About the Author:

Josh Ahlstrom is the creator of SignAndTrade.com, a fantasy sports community and game hosting website.

SignAndTrade.com offers customizable fantasy sports leagues fit for those serious about their fantasy sports, but user friendly and intuitive enough for novice fantasy GMs. Besides the ultimate in fantasy basketball SignAndTrade.com includes a messageboard where uses can discuss anything and everything related to fantasy sports.

SignAndTrade.com also has a blog where you will find fresh information and opinions relating to basketball, football, and more. We hope that information basketball and a spirit of community involvement will abound. Please feel free to check out more of our fantasy sports games and information as well as our consolidated nba player information by using the fantasy basketball link previously provided.

Wheelchair Basketball Rules Vs. Regular Basketball Rules

Wheelchair sports are becoming more and more popular every year. Being confined basketball a wheelchair no longer inhibits an individual's ability to participate in recreational activities. Much like normal sports leagues, there are different levels of competitiveness for wheelchair sports enthusiasts.

If you're considering joining a wheelchair team or league - there are a few rule changes you should be aware of. While basketball rules for most sports remain the same, there are a few key changes to some sports. For the purpose of this article, we've decided to focus specifically on wheelchair basketball.

Here are some of the rules you'll see change when watching or playing wheelchair basketball vs. regular basketball:

Traveling

Regular Basketball: When it comes to regular basketball no travelling is probably the most important rule to remember. A player who moves both feet while the basketball is in his/her hands is guilty of traveling.

Double-Dribbling

Regular Basketball: Similarly, double-dribbling is a commonly broken rule, whereby the player dribbles the ball, holds the ball and then begins dribbling again.

Traveling and Double-Dribbling in Wheelchair Basketball: When it comes to wheelchair basketball, the rules are easy. If a player touches his/her wheels more than two times after he/she received or dribbled the ball they are guilty of travelling/double-dribbling in the sport of wheelchair basketball.

Travelling and double dribbling are the most noticeable differences when it comes to regular basketball and wheelchair basketball. For the most part, the two sports are very similar and, if you've learned the rules to one, it will be very easy to adapt to the other.

Since 1973 the IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) has been overseeing this increasingly popular sport. Wheelchair basketball, along with other sports like wheelchair tennis or wheelchair hockey, has become an extremely popular event in the Paralympic Games.

Whether you decide to participate in the sport for competitive purposes or recreational purposes, there's a lot of fun to be had with this sport. So stop waiting and join in.

To learn more about the sport, visit the official site for the Paralympic Games.

Rhonda Splinter is a huge fan of wheelchair sports. She is particularly interested in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.

What Snowmobile Racing Entails

Snowmobiles are great fun for anyone looking to have fun with speed and snow. Some snowmobiles have been modified and equipped to take on this terrain in a different way. Snowmobile racing. Different snowmobiles are equipped to drive at high speeds. You find that these snowmobiles have modified engines with increased horsepower.

The participants of these races don't have it easy. They courses they are given are short and difficult to navigate. They might have to drive over shoulder high snow, snow covered hills, soft snow banks and sometimes ice covered river sides. To be able to appreciate snowmobile racing, snowmobiles have to have enough maneuverability and engine power.

Your local snowmobile association should have all information about any races in your area and your surrounding area. They also have the information you need in case you want to take up racing. You can also access this information from the internet.

The best in snowmobile racing is found with the basketball events. These events are divided into two sections, the National and Regional events. basketball the regional level, if you are a member of a racing group recognized by the official Snowcross Association, you are allowed to take part in the races. These are again categorized from beginner to expert.

These competitions give snowmobilers the chance to practice their racing and how to maneuver their snowmobiles. They also learn how to perform stunts for example mid air steering skills. The professional snowmobile racers get to compete on the international level, and here they show off their mastery of skills, their snowmobiles, the snow and gravity!

Peter Gitundu Researches And Reports On Snowmobiles. For More Information On snowmobile racing, Visit His Site At SNOWMOBILE RACING You Can Also Post Your Views About snowmobile racing On My Blog HereSNOWMOBILE RACING

They Used to Laugh at Me Until I Learned the Fundamentals of Dribbling a Basketball - You Can Too

The ability to dribble a basketball is a valuable skill to have as a basketball player, especially if you plan on being a point guard. However, the dribble is only of value in certain situations. Do not dribble the ball, if you can do anything else to advance the offense.

The dribble is a valuable individual maneuver when used properly. When used incorrectly it works against the purpose of the offensive.

When to dribble the ball:

1) It should be used to get the ball in the clear in the back court;

2) To bring the ball from back court to front court if the defense is already in position;

3) On short drives to the basket; and,

4) To get away from a pressing defense, or to pull defensive men away from the basket.

In general, observe these principles when dribbling the ball:

1) Use the dribble to get the ball out of congested areas.

2) Use the dribble to score from close range.

3) Use the dribble to carry the attack from the back court to the defense in the front court.

4) Use the dribble when it is the only sensible maneuver possible. Don't forsake the pass.

How to Dribble a basketball.

It takes a certain amount of skill to dribble a basketball correctly. Skill, of course, it based on proper technique:

1) When bouncing a basketball, you should keep your fingers loosely spread.

2) The ball should be under control ofyourfingertips. A downward motion of the wrist and arm and pressure from your fingers drives the ball toward the floor.

3) As the ball comes back to your hand,yourfingers and wrist should "give" slightly before being pressed down again.

When dribbling the ball, you should run with your feet wider apart than normal. Your knees should be bent, the trunk of your body inclined forward at the waist; your head should be up and eyes looking forward. The forearm of your dribbling hand should be parallel with the floor.

When advancing the ball, you should bounce itaway from youat an angle. In effect, you want to catch up to the ball as it comes off the floor.

The bounces should be short and low.

When you change direction while dribbling the basketball, alternate your hands (right hand for a sharp left drive; left hand for a sharp right drive).

When you are being guarded closely, you should use the hand that is farthest from your opponent to dribble the ball.

Remember that once you have stopped your dribble, you are stuck. You cannot move again until you have taken a shot at the basket or passed to a teammate. Save the dribble until you need it.

The Fake and the Drive

Consider this scenario:Imagine for a momentthat you have just caught a pass in the front court, and only one man stands between you and the basket. What should you?

Should you stand still and wait for help from your four other teammates? Of course not. If you wait for your teammates, they will be bringing their defensive men with them. Instead of two men in the front court, you will have 10.

Instead, you want to keep the offense going. To do so, you will have to choose one of several alternatives. If the defensive man is playing you loose (several steps away), you might draw him out by dribbling directly toward him and, at the proper moment, take a jump shot. At medium range, you might take a deliberate set shot and then run hard towards the offensive basket and "fight" for a possible rebound.

On the other hand, if the defensive man is guarding you very closely, you have got to fake and drive around him.

A good defensive playerwill be standing directly between you and the basket. To move him, you must make him think that you are going in one direction, while you will actually be going in the opposite direction.

Here is the basic move:

Hold the ball as you would to make a chest pass. Take a sharp, diagonal step left with your left foot. Thrust the ball, your head and your shoulders over that foot, just as though you were going to start a dribble in that direction. You have now establishedyour right foot as your pivot foot.

After your left foothits the floor, twist your body to the right.

To start the drive and dribble to the right, momentarily pull your weight back on your pivot foot. Now, take a long step diagonally right and forward withyour left foot, pushing hard off the right. As you take this stride to the right, bring the ball to the right side of your body and take the first (and successive) dribble with the right hand. In this way, you will put your body between the defensive man and the ball.

The right hand continues the dribble after the initial bounce of the basketball and the drive should be directly toward the basket. Here is the breakdown again, starting with the foot movements:

Step diagonally and sharply left with the left foot.

Asyour left foot strikes the floor, pivot to the right.

Momentarily pullyour weight back to the right foot.

If possible, swing your left foot to the left and rear of the defensive man's left foot.

As for the ball, the first bounce is made with the right hand. In effect, you shift the ball from one side of your body to the other, then continue forward.

Reverse all these moves when faking right and going left.

Naturally, if the defensive man does not fall for thefake, keep going in that direction. Try to make this fake and drive as soon as you catch the pass and before the defensive man has time to think about what you are going to do.

If you are not sure of whether you can shoot over the man or go around, fake a set shot as a way of getting your opponent to commit himself. If the defensive man leaves his feet to block your "shot", you can go around him easily while he is still in the air and before he hits the floor. If he charges you, use the fake and drive.

In the event that you cannot move the player guarding you and do not feel confident about shooting over him, keep possession of the ball until you can make a pass.

Whenever you are drivingto the basket or dribbling the ball down court, get to the "inside" of your man; do not help him by staying to the "outside" of him where you can be guarded easily.

You can find more FREE, exclusive basketball resources basketball FREE basketball videos on how to improve your basketball skills by visiting http://www.basketball-drills-and-tips.com

Volleyball - A Popular Sport

Volleyball originated in United States and is more than hundred years old. Volleyball is an extremely popular sport in United States and has gained popularity in various other parts of the world. It is estimated that 46 million Americans play volleyball and there are around 800 million players of volleyball worldwide. In the year 1895, William G. Morgan, thought to mix the elements of baseball, basketball, tennis and handball into one game. He thus created a game called mintonette, which was later called volleyball. basketball first game of volleyball was played in the year 1896. Earlier, the ball of basketball was used for playing volleyball. In the year 1900, a special ball was designed for the sport. The ball of volleyball now weighs between 9 and 10 ounces and the ball pressure is between 4.5 and 6 pounds

Volleyball is one of the most energetic sports. In volleyball there are typically six players in one team. There are two teams playing against each other. Each team has three players in the front and three players at the back of the court. In between the two teams there are high nets to separate them. The teams use their hands and arms to hit the ball back and forth over the net. The ball should not fall on the ground.

Volleyball can be played indoors as well as outdoors on a rectangular court. The field is divided into two equal half-courts. The rules of volleyball are fairly simple. There are six players on each side. The server of the ball should serve from a line on the court called the restraining line basketball the end line. It is necessary that the ball is clearly visible to the opponents before the serve. The ball may be served overhand or underhand. The served ball may graze the net and fall to the other side for a point. The maximum hits allowed per side are three. A single player cannot hit the ball twice in succession. If so, it is considered to be a foul. The ball may be played off the net throughout a volley and on serve. A permissible hit is contact with the ball by a player body above and together with the waist, which does not permit the ball to perceptibly come to a rest. If two or more players contact the ball concurrently, it is considered one play and the players concerned may not partake in the next play. A player must not attack a serve. Switching positions will be allowed only between front line players and that also after the serve.

The scoring of the game is also quite simple. Rally scoring is used in volleyball. The game of volleyball is typically played to twenty five points. There will be a point scored on every score of the ball. Scores will count on a defence miss or out of bounds hit. Defense will score on an offensive miss, out of bounds hit, or serve into the net.

Mark Clayson is a professional, home business entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. Visit Start Work at Home for more information on starting or developing a home business or his official site to find out more.

3 Powerful Basketball Jump Training Exercises

Is basketball jump training an important basketball in the overall development of a basketball player? The answer is a definite "Yes". If you are a basketball player or coach, then you understand how important the vertical jump is in the game of basketball.

Having an explosive vertical jump is a critical part of a players' ability to rebound, block shots and shoot a jump shot. Basketball players that have an explosive vertical jump are able to perform these skills more effectively and efficiently.

There are three basketball jump training exercises that athletes can perform to help increase their vertical jump - the squat, lunge and step up. These vertical jump exercises are all compound exercises working both the knee and hip joints. These exercises are simple and effective, yet produce incredible results for the basketball player.

Basketball Jump Training Exercises

Squat

The squat is the most effective exercise to increase vertical jump...if performed correctly.

Key points to remember...

• Start in an athletic stance.
• The bar should be placed across the upper back - not the neck.
• The chest should be out. The back should be tight with a slight forward lean.
• The knees should remain directly above the feet.
• Squat to a parallel position, keeping your weight on the heels.
• Concentrate on technique to insure your safety.

Lunges

Lunges are done in one of two ways...Holding dumbbells or with a bar across the upper back.

Key points to remember...

• Start and remain in an upright position.
• Step forward as far as possible without leaning forward with your upper body.
• Step until your front knee is at a 90 degree angle.
• Step back to starting position in one step.
• Perform 10 lunges with one leg, and then repeat with the other.

Step Ups

To perform step ups you need dumbbells and a bench or step-up box. The bench or box should be 16-18 inches high.

Key points to remember...

• Start in an upright position with a dumbbell in each hand.
• Step up on the box or bench with one basketball so that your knee is in a 90 degree angle.
• Step up with the other foot so that both feet are on the box or bench.
• Step back down one foot at a time.
• Perform 10 step ups with one leg, and then repeat with the other.

Performing these basketball jump training exercises on a consistent basis will help players dramatically improve their vertical jump.

Want to fly with the big boys with a 40"+ vertical leap?

Elevate your game today at http://www.ultimate-youth-basketball-guide.com

Marvel Comic Books

We have read them, throughout the years and have followed them like a cult following and even now as they create more films with our favorite characters we can't help but buy the DVD. Marvel comic books have been around for a long time and have entertained us as kids and still do for most people as adults too. Who can even forget the famous words of the Hulk "smash em" or "Hulk Smash" which usually where the only words he spoke and of course "my spider senses are tingling" which was what Peter Parker, who is basically Spiderman would say when he felt trouble was on the way.

Over the years the way the comics were changed and infact they can now be downloaded from internet or read online, which now takes comic books even further than they could get before, and they are now reaching people who had never heard of Daredevil or Electra basketball read about them.

The Marvel Comic Books have through the years changed with different artist taking over the helm of drawing the character according to the original only with their design, making also the theme of the comic books change. The new ones have even changed the outfits with Wolverine's tight yellow spandex suit being replaced with leather black and blue. The story has also changed with the times and the presidents that have come and gone as well as the disasters that have happened.

Even with all the changes that has gone on all over the world we still see fit too look for a comic store so as to see what is new in the life of Spidey, X men, Fantastic Four and many other characters that have been portrayed in the Marvel Comic Books.

Peter Gitundu Researches And Reports On Comics. For More Information On Marvel Comic Books, Visit His basketball At MARVEL COMIC BOOKS Post Your Views About Marvel Comic Books On My Blog Here MARVEL COMIC BOOKS

Workouts to Jump Higher - Find One Today

So you want to jump higher? For every athletic goal, there is a workout. There are workouts to run faster, workouts to play a better defense, workouts to throw better. So, of course there are workouts to jump higher. In fact, given how crucial a good jump is to several different sports, it's surprising there aren't more of them.

There are actually quite a few workouts to jump higher out there, on the shelves in bookstores, on websites, basketball of course the mega-athletes have trainers designing workouts just for them. Unfortunately, the rest of us can't afford the kind of trainers the pros can, and finding a good prepackaged workout, isn't always easy.

A good workout to jump higher needs to be based on the physical mechanics of jumping. A jump requires both strength and speed, and any workout that isn't focusing on both won't give you what you need. What else should you look for in a good training program?

Target
Every training basketball is written with someone in mind; a pro athlete, a student striving for a scholarship, or a weekend warrior. Make sure that whoever the program was written for, it fits you. If you play on the company team and looking for a better jump shot, a program that requires several hours in the gym each day probably won't fit your schedule. On the other hand, if you are training every day for that scholarship, then you need a program that is going to push you as far as you can go.

Success
Don't believe anything you read, but be wary of any prepackaged training program that doesn't have a lot of satisfied customers. It doesn't hurt to check around and see what program is recommended by the experts either. There are plenty of websites that rate training programs. Don't hesitate to use them.

A Great Workout
Obviously, no prepackaged workout is going to tell you everything up front, but reading through the official description and the testimonials can give you a pretty good idea of what the workout is about. If you like what you see, and think this is the workout for you, go for it!

If you are ready to seriously start looking for the perfect workout, why wait? For a program, with a wide target, high success rate, and great workouts to jump higher; check out the Vertical Project. http://www.vertical-leap.info

5 Simple Ways to Grow Taller Naturally and Increase Height

There are many ways to grow taller and increase your height. Some of the simple techniques are - doing stretching exercises, swimming, playing basketball, taking herbal supplements, correcting your posture etc. A taller person has several advantages like a better chance of picking up modeling assignment, getting selected for games like basketball, a job in the military etc.

Growing taller may not be very difficult if you can recognize the importance of height before you attain puberty.

It is easier to increase your height before puberty because the growth plates basketball are basketball for height still have an opportunity to grow. Once you attain puberty these growth plates get fused with the longer bones and cannot grow any further.

Here are some super easy ways to grow taller.

1) Do stretching exercises like bow down, touch toes, wall stretch and cobra posture at least 3 times a week.

2) You can practice yoga to correct the curvature of your spinal cord. This correction itself should help you in increasing height by an inch.

3) Have a balanced diet that has proteins, carbohydrates, calcium and amino acids. This is one of the easiest ways to grow taller. These nutrients will help in proper secretion of human growth hormones. Human growth hormones are essential for the growth of your bones.

4) Avoid foods that can suppress or create a hormonal imbalance in your body. Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and several other drugs and medicines can have adverse impact.

5) Maintain a life that is free of stress and tension. Stress is known to create hormonal imbalance in your body. Hormonal imbalance impacts growth.

Want to discover details of a scientifically proven method to get tall by 3 to 6 inches in just 6 weeks naturally? Discover these excellent insider secrets to grow taller naturally by accessing - How To Grow Taller

Haleiwa Beach Park - Surfing Paradise in Hawaii

Unlike most of Oahu's white sand beaches, Haleiwa Beach Park is fronted by rare light brown sand beach. Located in basketball historic town of Haleiwa in North Shore Oahu, Haleiwa Beach Park is less popular with tourists than the other North Shore beaches.

However, locals love to spend time at the beach park for picnicking as well for lounging in the sun, joining festivals and carnivals, and playing various sports like soccer, Frisbee, volleyball, and basketball. The 76-acre beach park includes, among others, playground for children, two basketball courts, soccer field, and volleyball courts. Also known as Ali'i Beach Park, Haleiwa is also home to various surfing competitions including the Women's Events in Triple Crown. Every summer, crowds gather here for regatta and outrigger canoe races, and the Haleiwa Arts Festival.

Although Haleiwa Beach is most chosen by canoe paddlers for training and regatta, Haleiwa has a reef-fringed, rocky bottom, making it less a prime spot for swimming. Strong undercurrents also make the waters dangerous at certain times. If you're basketball inexperienced swimmer, stay on the eastern side of the beach; a seawall protects this part of the beach from big surfs all year out. On the other hand, the big waves here attract dozens of surfers.

Humidity and heat can be extreme in this part of North Shore Oahu; don't forget to drink plenty of water.

Services and amenities: no lifeguards; there are showers, restrooms, drinking water, picnic and pavilion, playground, ballpark, grills, parking

Located on the island of Oahu, Haleiwa Beach Park is a wonderful spot to spend your Hawaii vacation.

Article by Kani Amea

The Piston of the Teamwork Engine

Teamwork is about everyone being equal. Every player on a team should be considered as equal by basketball other players, supervisors, and most importantly in their own eyes. Obviously talent differs from individual to individual and some team members may have outstanding talent in one area while another has talent in yet another area. However when the final score is posted, the score is a result of ALL team members.

Hockey maintains who got the go-ahead goal, baseball counts up how many go-ahead runs each player scored or batted-in, basketball maintains who sank the most winning baskets, and football tallies who scored the most winning touchdowns in their career. All of these statistics fail to see or acknowledge the impact of the team. The go-ahead goal would not have basketball accredited to that player unless the others scoring earlier had also scored. Nor would it have maintained such recognition had the defense not kept the score in check.

The Detroit Pistons have won several National Basketball League championships in years where they had no superstar. Their championship teams were those when the entire team recognized the group effort and each contributed beyond their own ability (at least what they thought was their ability). Proof comes in the form of Allen Iverson, the superstar acquired early in this season. Iverson has the demeanor an attitude of someone that is NOT a team player. He feels he is better than the rest of the team. He has helped drive the team to fall below 500 for the first time in most people's memories.

When you build your teams you certainly need to strive for the best individual talent you can find. However do not forget that each member of the team must also excel in another area of talent - a talent of humility. Humility is the piston that makes the engine of teamwork run.

Rick Weaver is an accomplished business executive with experience in retail, market analysis, supply chain enhancement, project management, team building, and process improvement. He has founded Max Impact (http://www.getmaximpact.com), a leadership and business strategy development company, and MBC Global (http://www.mbcglobal.org), a global commerce and education organization. Rick has also written "Life's Leadership Lessons", a blend of real-life stories where people, events, and things have provided insight into outstanding leadership.

Olympic Games - Basic Facts

Did you know...

The Olympic Games ( winter & summer) are organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The headquarters is in Lausanne (Switzerland).The mission of the International Olympic Committee is to promote the Olympic movement in the world.

Singapore -one of the Asia's poorest countries in the 1940s- will host the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010. It beat a rival bid from the Russian capital city of Moscow. Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world.

Tuvalu is an Olympic country since 2007.

The IOC has more member states than the United Nations. However,many territories are not members.The following territories are not members of the IOC: Anguilla, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gibraltar, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Macao, Martinique, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Northern Marinas, Turks & Caicos, Northern Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Reunion, Western Sahara, Norfolk and Nieu.

The I Summer Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. Athletes from host-country won 46 Olympic medals.

Jacques Rogge is currently president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He was born in Belgium. This great Olympic leader once said: "The challenge of our Olympic Movement is to make the education of youth through sport as relevant today as it was when Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee on this principle over 100 years ago. All of us who work under the Olympic rings have the social responsability to demonstrate by our example that sport teaches us how to respect ourselves and one another, how to strive for excellence in all that we do and, perhaps above all else, the importance of friendship and peace..."

The German Democratic Republic (or East Germany) was an Olympic country from 1960 to 1988.

The 2014 Winter Olympics will be hosted by Sochi (Russian Federation). The Moscow government has approved an unprecedented US$ 12 billion for the development of the Games.

The IOC has 205 member states and territories:

1.Afghanistan (Asia / Arab country) / the basketball popular Olympic sports: wrestling, soccer, hockey field, taekwondo

2.Albania (Europe)/ the most popular Olympic sports: table tennis, athletics, wrestling, shooting

3.Algeria: (Africa/ Arab country) / the most popular Olympic sports : volleyball, athletics, handball, swimming, soccer, boxing, taekwondo, weightlifting, judo

4.American Samoa (Oceania/ American territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, wrestling, weightlifting

5.Andorra (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, shooting, archery, soccer

6.Angola ( Africa/ ex Portuguese colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, handball, soccer, athletics, swimming

7.Antigua & Barbuda ( Caribbean / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing, sailing,

8.Argentina ( South America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, volleyball, basketball, boxing, athletics, sailing, swimming, field hockey, table tennis, tennis, cycling, equestrian, judo, taekwondo, beach volleyball

9.Armenia (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: gymnastics, wrestling, weightlifting, athletics, basketball, judo, modern pentathlon

10.Aruba ( Caribbean/ Dutch territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, athletics, judo, swimming, basketball, softball

11.Australia (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, soccer, basketball, athletics, diving, rowing, shooting, water polo, hockey field, equestrian, badminton, softball , triathlon, tennis, kayak, beach volleyball

12.Austria ( Central Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, sailing, kayak, tennis, table tennis, weightlifting, soccer, equestrian, judo, archery, hockey field, swimming

13.Azerbaijan ( Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: volleyball, wrestling, judo, weightlifting, athletics

14.Bahamas ( Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, sailing, tennis, softball, swimming, volleyball, basketball

15.Bahrain ( Gulf Persian) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, handball, athletics, volleyball, taekwondo, swimming

16.Bangladesh ( Asia/ formerly East Pakistan) / the most popular Olympic sports: wrestling, athletics, soccer, taekwondo, shooting, tennis

17.Barbados (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, sailing, softball, soccer, volleyball, shooting

18.Belarus (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: gymnastics, fencing, soccer, volleyball, athletics, weightlifting, swimming, diving, judo, kayak

19.Belgium ( Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, soccer, fencing, field hockey, tennis, swimming, shooting, equestrian, athletics

20.Belize (Central America/ former British Honduras) / the most popular Olympic sports: softball (national sport), athletics, shooting, taekwondo

21.Benin (Western Africa / formerly Dahomey) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, soccer, judo, wrestling, taekwondo, track & field

22.Bermuda (Caribbean /British territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, boxing, equestrian, soccer, track & field

23.Bhutan (Asia/ Indian Subcontinent) / the most popular Olympic sports: archery (national sport) , soccer, shooting

24.Bolivia ( South America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, cycling, tennis, boxing, equestrian, shooting

25.Bosnia & Herzegovina (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports : basketball, soccer , athletics, shooting, table tennis, canoeing

26.Botswana ( Southern Africa/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: softball, athletics, boxing, volleyball

27.Brazil ( South America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport) , volleyball, basketball, beach volleyball, judo, sailing, equestrian, swimming, tennis, water polo, taekwondo, rowing, athletics, table tennis, gymnastics

28.British Virgin Islands (Caribbean / British territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, sailing, taekwondo

29.Brunei Darussalam (Southeast Asia/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport) , shooting, track and field

30.Bulgaria (East Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting (national sport), wrestling, soccer, basketball, volleyball, kayak, water polo, tennis, rowing, fencing, swimming

31.Burkina Faso ( Western Africa /formerly Upper Volta/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport) , boxing, judo, track & field

32.Burundi ( Central Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport) , boxing

33.Cambodia (Southeast Asia / formerly Kampuchea, Republic of Khmer/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, volleyball, table tennis, athletics, swimming

34.Cameroon ( Western Africa/ ex French colony)/ the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport) , volleyball, athletics, judo, boxing

35.Canada (North America)/ the most popular Olympic sports: kayak, equestrian, judo, basketball, soccer, diving, baseball, rowing, boxing, athletics, badminton, tennis, synchronized swimming

36.Cape Verde (Western Africa/ ex Portuguese colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

37.Cayman Islands (Caribbean/ British territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, sailing, taekwondo, basketball

38.Central African Republic ( Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, judo, boxing, basketball

39.Chad ( Central Africa/ ex French colony) /the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer (national sport)

40.Chile (South America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, tennis, athletics, shooting, boxing, swimming, basketball, equestrian, taekwondo, modern pentathlon, field hockey

41.China (the People's Republic of China) / the most popular Olympic sports: table tennis (national sport) , athletics, volleyball, gymnastics, judo, diving, synchronized swimming, softball, weightlifting, badminton, basketball, soccer, fencing

42.Chinese Taipei (Asia/ also known as Taiwan) /the most popular Olympic sports: taekwondo, table tennis, athletics, weightlifting, basketball, volleyball, baseball (national sport)

43.Colombia (South America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, baseball, weightlifting, athletics, water polo, softball, basketball, swimming, shooting, wrestling, cycling, boxing

44.Comoros (Africa / ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

45.Congo ( Africa / formerly Zaire / ex French colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, soccer(national sport) , boxing, athletics, judo

46.Congo Republic ( Central Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: handball (national sport) , athletics, judo, soccer

47.Cook Islands (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, softball

48.Costa Rica (Central America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, swimming, cycling, tennis, athletics, kayak, baseball, shooting, volleyball, taekwondo

49.Cote d'Ivoire ( Western Africa /ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: handball, soccer (national sport) , athletics, taekwondo

50.Croatia (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, handball, gymnastics, table tennis, tennis, swimming, kayak

51.Cuba (Caribbean) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball (national sport) , volleyball, athletics, boxing, taekwondo, diving, shooting

52.Cyprus (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, tennis, shooting, soccer

53.Czech Republic (Europe/ formerly Czechoslovakia) / the most popular Olympic sports: gymnastics, athletics, tennis (national sport) , table tennis, kayak, wrestling, weightlifting, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball

54.Denmark (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, sailing, athletics, handball, badminton

55.Djibouti ( East Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport) , soccer

56.Dominica (Caribbean/ ex British colony) /the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport)

57.Dominican Republic (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball (national sport), athletics, table tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, tennis, judo

58.Ecuador (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, shooting, tennis, swimming, cycling, taekwondo

59.Egypt ( North Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, taekwondo, athletics, diving, boxing, shooting, swimming, handball, water polo

60.El Salvador (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport) , cycling, athletics, shooting, basketball, archery, weightlifting

61.Equatorial Guinea ( Western Africa/ ex Spanish colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

62.Eritrea ( East Africa / ex Ethiopian territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: football, athletics (national sport) , boxing

63.Estonia (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: wrestling, weightlifting, rowing, sailing, athletics, boxing, fencing, cycling, kayak, gymnastics, basketball

64.Ethiopia ( East Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport) , judo, boxing, soccer

65.Fiji (Oceania / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, athletics, soccer, taekwondo, basketball, softball

66.Finland (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, kayak, shooting

67.France (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport), athletics, judo, modern pentathlon, rowing, basketball, volleyball, shooting, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, archery, equestrian, sailing, taekwondo, beach volleyball

68.Gabon ( Westrern Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: football, judo, track & field

69.Gambia ( Western Africa/ ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics

70.Georgia (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, judo, modern pentathlon, gymnastics, kayak

71.Germany (Europe/ formely East Germany and West Germany) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport), athletics, fencing, judo, kayak, field hockey, equestrian, modern pentathlon, tennis, handball, volleyball, basketball, shooting, water polo, swimming, shooting

72.Ghana ( Western Africa/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: football, athletics, boxing, wrestling

73.Greece (Europe/ birthplace of the Olympic Games) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, synchronized swimming, water polo, weighlifting, wrestling, volleyball, basketball, sailing

74.Grenada (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, boxing

75.Guam (Oceania/ American territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, softball, athletics

76.Guatemala (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, shooting, weightlifting, gymnastics, swimming, equestrian, athletics, rowing, wrestling, baseball, softball

77.Guinea ( Western Africa / ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, judo, wrestling, athletics, boxing

78.Guinea-Bissau ( Western Africa / the most popular Olympic sports: ex Portuguese colony) / athletics, soccer, boxing

79.Guyana (South America/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, field hockey, judo cycling, boxing, basketball, table tennis

80.Haiti (Caribbean) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, athletics, judo, football (national sport), volleyball, basketball, boxing, tennis, weightlifting

81.Honduras (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, judo, baseball, soccer

82.Hong Kong (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, athletics, kayak, cycling, judo, table tennis (national sport), badminton, field hockey, swimming,equestrian, rowing, volleyball, basketball, taekwondo

83.Hungary ( Central Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian

84.Iceland ( North Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: judo, soccer, badminton, athletics, handball (national sport)

85.India (Asia/ Indian Subcontinent) / the most popular Olympic sports: field hockey, weightlifting, table tennis, tennis, archery, athletics, badminton, wrestling, soccer, boxing, basketball

86.Indonesia (Southeast Asia ) / the most popular Olympic sports: badminton (national sport), weightlifting, wrestling, table tennis, tennis, boxing, volleyball, track & field

87.Iran (Middle East- /formerly Persia) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, wrestling, water polo, athletics, soccer, volleyball, boxing, judo, shooting

88.Iraq (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, weightlifting, wrestling, volleyball

89.Ireland (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, shooting, field hockey, athletics, rowing, judo, soccer, badminton, boxing

90.Israel (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, judo ,sailing, swimming, athletics, wrestling, fencing

91.Italy (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, water polo, volleyball, basketball, football, athletics, judo, rowing, fencing, tennis, cycling, diving, beach volleyball

92.Jamaica (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport), basketball, badminton, taekwondo, swimming, cycling, table tennis, boxing, weightlifting, badminton, field hockey

93.Japan (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: judo, volleyball, taekwondo, swimming, diving, gymnastics, basketball, baseball, soccer, table tennis, athletics

94.Jordan (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: taekwondo, table tennis, athletics

95.Kazakhstan (Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: kayak, volleyball, water polo, diving, wrestling, archery, cycling, weightlifting, athletics, swimming

96.Kenya (East Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport), field hockey, boxing, water polo, volleyball, basketball, boxing, shooting

97.Kiribati (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, weightlifting

98.Korea, North (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: volleyball, soccer, basketball, diving, weightlifting, wrestling, table tennis, gymnastics, boxing, shooting, archery, judo, athletics

99.Korea, South (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball, cycling, swimming, field hockey, handball, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, taekwondo (national sport), table tennis, basketball, tennis, shooting, judo, athletics, boxing, archery, softball, fencing, badminton, soccer

100.Kuwait (Middle East- Asia) / shooting, taekwondo, handball, volleyball, water polo, equestrian, soccer

101.Kyrgyzstan (Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, basketball, volleyball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, equestrian

102.Laos (Asia / ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics

103.Latvia (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, sailing, basketball, volleyball,fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, modern pentathlon, equestrian

104.Lebanon (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, wrestling, athletics, shooting, basketball

105.Lesotho (Southern Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing

106.Liberia ( Western Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, boxing

107.Libya ( North Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, volleyball, athletics, weightlifting, wrestling

108.Liechtenstein (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, rowing, fencing, shooting, sailing, equestrian

109.Lithuania (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian

110.Luxembourg (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, fencing, shooting, rowing, equestrian

111.Macedonia (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, volleyball, rowing, table tennis, athletics, weightlifting, wrestling

112.Madagascar (Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, judo, basketball

113.Malawi (Africa/ ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, boxing

114.Malaysia (Asia / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, judo taekwondo, badminton, table tennis, athletics, volleyball, basketball, weightlifting, wrestling, soccer

115.Maldives (Indian Subcontinent / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, athletics

116.Mali (Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, boxing, wrestling

117.Malta (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, fencing, swimming

118.Marshall Islands (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, athletics, weightlifting, wrestling

119.Mauritania (Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: wrestling, athletics

120.Mauritius (Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, volleyball, sailing, taekwondo

121.Mexico (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: diving (national sport), athletics, rowing, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, equestrian, cycling, boxing, diving, modern pentathlon, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, water polo, softball, triathlon, beach volleyball

122.Micronesia (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, athletics

123.Moldova (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, weightlifting, judo, wrestling, kayak, athletics, rowing

124.Monaco (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, shooting

125.Mongolia ( Central Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, judo, wrestling, volleyball, athletics, boxing, shooting

126.Montenegro (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, shooting, volleyball, water polo, athletics, boxing

127.Morocco ( North Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, boxing, taekwondo, swimming, basketball, weightlifting, wrestling, tennis , judo

128.Mozambique (Africa / ex Portuguese colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, boxing

129.Myanmar (Southeast Asia / formerly Burma / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, wrestling, athletics, soccer

130.Namibia ( Southern Africa / ex South African territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, athletics, boxing, swimming

131.Nauru (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: , weightlifting, athletics, softball

132.Nepal (Indian Subcontinent) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, weightlifting, wrestling, table tennis

133.Netherlands (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, rowing, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, equestrian, cycling, boxing, diving, modern pentathlon, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, water polo, softball, triathlon, beach volleyball

134.Neterherlands Antilles (Caribbean) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, athletics, softball, baseball

135.New Zealand (Oceania/ ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, rowing, basketballl, equestrian, cycling, boxing, diving, modern pentathlon, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, water polo, softball, triathlon, beach volleyball

136.Nicaragua (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball (national sport, athletics, table tennis

137.Niger (Africa/ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, athletics, boxing

138.Nigeria ( Western Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing, swimming, basketball, soccer, handball

139.Norway (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, judo, modern pentathlon, rowing, shooting, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, archery, equestrian, sailing, beach volleyball

140.Oman (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, athletics, soccer

141.Pakistan (Indian Subcontinent / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: field hockey, wrestling, weightlifting, athletics

142.Palau (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: wrestling, weightlifting, swimming, athletics, softball

143.Palestine (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, shooting, boxing, table tennis

144.Panama (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball (national sport), athletics, basketball, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, softball

145.Papua New Guinea (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, , boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, softball

146.Paraguay (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: tennis, soccer, shooting, athletics, basketball

147.Peru (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, volleyball, basketball, athletics, boxing, judo, soccer, taekwondo

148.Philippines (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: , boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, softball, athletics, basketball, taekwondo, shooting

149.Poland (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: archery, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, fencing, rowing, shooting, modern pentathlon, equestrian, triathlon

150.Portugal (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting

151.Puerto Rico (Latin America/Caribbean) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball, taekwondo, : tennis, archery, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, sailing, basketball, volleyball, fencing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian, triathlon

152.Qatar (Middle East- Asia/ Arab country) / the most popular Olympic sports: tennis, swimming, boxing, athletics, weightlifting, wrestling, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, table tennis, equestrian, triathlon

153.Romania (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: tennis, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon

154.Russia (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: tennis,archery, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian, triathlon, diving

155.Rwanda ( Central Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

156.St.Kitts & Nevis (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, sailing

157.St.Lucia (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, sailing, boxing

158.St.Vincent & the Grenadines (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

159.Samoa (oceania / formerly Western Samoa) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

160.San Marino (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, gymnastics, athletics

161.Sao Tome & Principe ( Western Africa / ex Portuguese colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

162.Saudi Arabia (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: equestrian, shooting, volleyball, athletics, soccer

163.Senegal (Western Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: judo, athletics, soccer, basketball, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting

164.Serbia (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis

165.Seychelles ( East Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, boxing, athletics, sailing

166.Sierra Leone (Western Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

167.Singapore (Southeast Asia / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: badminton (national sport), athletics, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, equestrian, cycling, boxing, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, water polo, softball

168.Slovakia (Europe/ formerly Czechoslovakia) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics

169.Slovenia (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis

170.Solomon Islands (Oceania / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling

171.Somalia (Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, basketball, boxing

172.South Africa (Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: softball, tennis, archery, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian, triathlon

173.Spain (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: taekwondo, tennis, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics

174.Sri Lanka (Indian Subcontinent / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, judo, weightlifting, shooting, badminton, wrestling, table tennis, sailing, boxing

175.Sudan (Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, boxing

176.Suriname ( South America / ex Dutch colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: badminton, swimming, athletics, football

177.Swaziland ( Southern Africa / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing

178.Sweden (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: tennis, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo,wrestling, kayak, football, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon

179.Switzerland (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: archery, swimming, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian, tennis

180.Syria (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing, weightlifting, taekwondo wrestling, swimming

181.Tajikistan ( Central Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, taekwondo, athletics, boxing, gymnastics, shooting, wrestling

182.Tanzania (East Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, field hockey, boxing

183.Thailand (Southeast Asia / formerly Siam) / the most popular Olympic sports: fencing, swimming, judo taekwondo, badminton, table tennis, athletics, volleyball, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, soccer

184.Timor-Leste (Asia / ex Indonesian territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing,athletics, weightlifting, taekwondo, wrestling

185.Togo (Western Africa / ex French colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, cycling, judo, basketball, boxing

186.Tonga (Oceania / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports:boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, athletics

187.Trinidad & Tobago (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics (national sport), swimming, weightlifting, cycling, volleyball, badminton, field hockey, soccer, badminton, table tennis, sailing

188.Tunisia (Africa / Arab country) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics, soccer, handball, volleyball, basketball, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling

189.Turkey (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports:soccer, volleyball ,basketball, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, athletics, swimming, judo, shooting, archery

190.Turkmenistan (Central Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, shooting, taekwondo, soccer, gymnastics, archery

191.Tuvalu (Oceania /formerly Ellice Islands/ ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics, swimming, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling

192.Uganda ( Central Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics (national sport), boxing, soccer, field hockey ,taekwondo, table tennis

193.Ukraine (Europe/ former Soviet republic) /the most popular Olympic sports:gymnastics,weightlifting, wrestling, kayak , rowing, judo, volleyball, water polo, equestrian, shooting, sailing

194.United Arab Emirates (Persian Gulf) / the most popular Olympic sports:shooting, taekwondo, handball, soccer

195.United Kingdom (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics, boxing, rowing, football, softball, triathlon, kayak, archery, badminton, field hockey, swimming, equestrian, sailing, tennis

196.United States (North America) / the most popular Olympic sports:baseball (national sport), athletics, rowing, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, equestrian, cycling, boxing, diving, modern pentathlon, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, water polo, softball, triathlon, beach volleyball

197.United States Virgin Islands (Caribbean) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, taekwondo, sailing (national sport), shooting, swimming, softball

198.Uruguay (South America) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics, rowing, basketball, cycling, soccer, tennis, boxing, swimming, volleyball, sailing, field hockey

199.Uzbekistan (Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports:weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, volleyball, handball, athletics, judo, swimming

200.Vanuatu (Oceania / ex British-French colony / formerly New Hebrides ) / the most popular Olympic sports:boxing, athletics

201.Venezuela (South America) / the most popular Olympic sports:baseball, swimming, athletics, boxing, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, soccer, synchronized swimming, diving, tennis, taekwondo, softball, fencing

202.Vietnam (Asia / ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports:taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, athletics, swimming, table tennis, cycling

203.Yemen (Asia/ Arab country/ ) / the most popular Olympic sports:soccer, athletics, boxing, wrestling

204.Zambia (Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports:soccer, boxing, athletics

205.Zimbabwe (Africa/ formerly Rhodesia/ ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports:swimming (national sport), diving, triathlon, soccer, field hockey, athletics, tennis, sailing, boxing

Alejandro Guevara Onofre: He is a freelance writer. Alejandro is of Italian, African and Peruvian ancestry. He has published more than seventy-five research paper in English, and more than twenty in Spanish, concerning the world issues, olympic sports, countries, and tourism. His next essay is called "The Dictator and Alicia Alonso". He is an expert on foreign affairs. Alejandro is the first author who has published a world-book encyclopedia in Latin America.

He admires Frida Kahlo (Mexican painter), Jos Gamarra (former president of the Bolivian Olympic Committee, 1970- 1982), Hillary Clinton (ex-First Lady of the USA), and Jimmy Carter (former President of the USA). Alejandro said: "The person who I admire the most is Jos Gamarra. He devoted his professional and personal life to sport. Jos played an important role in the promotion of Olympism in Bolivia -it is one of the Third World`s poorest countries- and Latin America. His biography is interesting". The sportspeople he most admire is Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. "This African-American sportswoman is my idol..."

Basketball Tips and Training: 14 Ways to Become a Big-Time Player

I get asked basketball following question all the time: how basketball I become a dominant player?

I've put together a list of 14 things you need to do to become a big-time basketball player. Read this list, and start doing these things, and you'll be a better player. Guaranteed. And if you already do most of the things on the list...you're ahead of the game. So what are the things you need to do to dominate a basketball game? Read on...

• 1.) Be aggressiveYou can't be a good basketball player if you are tentative and uncertain of what you will do on the next play. Great players play with decisiveness. Great players are aggressive.
• 2.) Make a 2nd and 3rd effort on every playIt's one thing to make a good effort. But great players keep trying until they succeed. If you aren't immediately successful on a play, keep working and trying until you make it happen.
• 3.) Think positiveBelieve you'll be successful, and it's more likely to come true. If you take the court doubting yourself, doubting your abilities, and scared that you'll fail, well guess what: you probably will. Think positively, act like you'll get the job done, and then go out and make it happen.
• 4.) Be confident in yourselfNot only do you have to think positive (see #3 above), but you have to believe in yourself. Great players know they are good. They know they'll win most battles. They play with confidence and it shows in their performance level.
• 5.) Take good shotsIt may sound silly, but taking good shots is a big part of shooting a high percentage, and getting lots of playing time. If your range is 16-feet, don't take 23-foot off-balance jumpers. Sometimes players shoot the ball because they don't know when they'll get another chance to score. Make sure you're the type of player that takes good, high-percentage shots.
• 6.) Be a good teammateDon't ever forget that basketball is a team game. Your success (or failure) is based on how you play, and how your team plays. Help make the players around you better, and you'll be surprised at how good that will make you.
• 7.) Get up and down the floor quicklyWhether it's running up the court on a fast break, or sprinting back on defense, good players run the floor well. Getting up and down the floor quickly puts pressue on your opponent and puts you in a position to make good things happen.
• 8.) Listen to your coachYour coach determines whether you get in the game or not, and how much playing time you get. Work hard in practice, and listen to your coach during games (about which offense to run and which defense to play). If a coach doesn't think you're listening, your playing time will suffer.
• 9.) Play great defenseCoaches love players that play good, tough defense. Even if you're having a tough night on the offensive end, you can still contribute to the success of the team by playing great defense. There are lots of big-time college and NBA players who aren't all that great offensively, but who are big-time defensive players. Defense can get you lots of playing time.
• 10.) Stay out of foul troublePlaying good, smart basketball means staying out of foul trouble. You'll commit plenty of fouls by playing good, aggressive basketball, so avoid fouls for reaching with your hands on defense, or for over-the-back calls while going for rebounds. No matter how good a player you might be, you'll spend plenty of time on the bench if you get yourself into foul trouble.
• 11.) Practice hardPractice is how you prepare for games. Whether it's shooting around on your own, or scrimmaging at your team practice, you've got to work hard. If you get lazy, and decide to take it easy during practice, your game will suffer. Push yourself, work hard, and you'll improve as a player.
• 12.) Go up strong insideAnytime you play in the paint, you've got to be tough and play strong. There are lots of bodies, elbows, arms, and hands in the lane. If you make a post move, or rebound the ball on the offensive end of the floor, go back up strong. It's no place to be tentative, weak, or afraid.
• 13.) Become a great free throw shooterEveryone should work to become a great free throw shooter. You can improve your scoring average, get more playing time, and help your team win games, simply by becoming a clutch free throw shooter. A big part of free throw shooting is mental. So work on having a good free throw shooting routine, and being confident that you'll knock the shots down.
• 14.) Be the player you'd hate to play againstAs a player, I hated playing defense against guys that were aggressive, smart, constantly moving without the ball, who took high percentage shots, went up strong inside, and crashed the offensive boards. And I hated playing offense against aggressive, strong, smart, fundamentally sound players who played great D and never made anything easy for me. Be that type of player. Be the player you'd hate to play against.Do these 14 things, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a great player.

Patrick Chylinski is a former college and professional basketball player who now does private coaching in the Los Angeles area. His website, http://www.basketballsuccess.com, is packed with professional-level playing tips, drills, and training advice.

He also offers a free email newsletter. Go to http://www.basketballsuccess.com to sign-up.

Teamwork and the Fist

"Teamwork: the fuel that produces uncommon results in common people." Anonymous

"The key to teamwork is to learn a role, accept that role, and strive to become excellent playing it." Pat Riley

Several years ago, when I was coaching the Junior College basketball team at Wentworth Military Academy , an opposing coach approached me after the game. He said, "Your kids are over achievers. How do you get them to play so hard? I replied that it wasn't that my players were overachievers (although truth be known, they were) but that his were underachievers. As far as getting them to play so hard--I demand it. The players know it is expected of them by me and their teammates. I went on to explain my theory of teamwork, and the fist.

Teams have two choices--they can either be like the hand or to be like the fist. The hand is made of five fingers working independently of each other. Spread the five fingers of your hand and you have peaks and valleys. Some nights, when everything is going right, you are on top of one of those peaks. However, it is easy to slide back down to the depths of the valley. And, if I slap you with the open hand, it is going to sting, it is going to embarrass you, and it is going to hurt your pride. But, it is not going to deliver a knockout punch.

The fist on the other hand, is a tight-knit group--pulling together in a common cause. Sure there are still the five individual fingers of the hand, but now they are working with the other fingers. If I close the fist and hit you I can deliver a knockout punch. When you come to you wonder what in the world hit you.

Mike Krzyzewski, long time Head Coach at Duke University also talks about the Fist. In his book, Leading with the Heart, Coach K says, "I look at the members of our team like the five fingers of a hand. Some hands have small fingers that easily come together as a fist. Other hands have very large fingers but, if they never come together as a team, they probably won't be as powerful as the smaller hand does. In other words, if five talented individuals don't perform as a team, they may not be as strong as five less-talented individuals who do."

Tom Hughes is a coach, educator, author, and motivational speaker. He has an MEd from Pittsburg State University. He has taught and coached on the high school, college, and professional levels. Since 2001 Tom has written Motivational Moments, a free motivational newsletter. He authored "Power Thoughts for Coaching Basketball, a multi-purpose source book for basketball coaches.

Tom has basketball to business and civic groups, college and high school students, faculty and staff workshops, and athletic teams. The most popular program topics are - Goal Setting for Success; Team Building - On the Court or in the Office; Developing and Maintaining a Positive Attitude; Leadership Training; Improving Performance Through Achievement Motivation.

His website is: http://www.motivationnmore.com

Figuring Out Fun Ways to Raise Money

It's possible to find fun ways to raise money regardless of the cause you're raising it for. All it takes is a little creativity and a group of enthusiastic people.

Have a Brainstorming Session

Before you can start your fun fundraiser, you need to come up with some ideas that are fun and will raise money for your organization. Set aside about 30 minutes with your group members and ask them to throw out any fundraising idea that comes to them. If you're having a hard time brainstorming, go back to fundamentals.

What's your groups' mission? Why do you need to raise money? Why should people care about your group? Let's say you're a basketball team that wants to raise money to go to a tournament out West. Why should people care about you? Well, because you're a hardworking team and you have a good chance at winning the tournament.

Now, the question is, how do you convey that message to other people? Well, you could set up a neighborhood three-on-three basketball tournament. Ask surrounding teams to play. Put a flier up in your school or at your local youth clubs. Present it as a challenge as in "who can beat this amazing team?" Then divide your team into basketball and charge each challenging team a $40-$50 entry fee.

Ask local businesses to support the tournament by offering to donate prizes for first, second and third places. The most fun way to raise money is by getting other people involved in what you do. Brainstorming with everyone involved can help you develop an idea that represents you and your organization.

Get Active

People don't mind buying candy, bracelets, raffle tickets, discount cards and other fundraising tools to help support a cause, basketball they really enjoy being engaged in events. So, when you're thinking of fun ways to raise money, don't forget to involve the donors.

Walk-a-thons and bike-a-thons are a great way to get the entire neighborhood involved in your cause. Have each participant make a pledge for the number of miles he or she can walk or run. They can ask family members or friends to "sponsor" their run. For example, as a sponsor you might offer to pay the person $10 for every mile they complete. When the race is over, they collect their prize.

Volleyball tournaments are also really fun fundraisers. Ask some local celebrities to join and use their namesake to publicize the event. People love to compete against known figures in the community. For this event, you can charge the teams a fee as well as the audience. This fun way to raise money can draw a big crowd that will also buy souvenirs and food.

Visit http://www.redhotfundraising.com/ to find fun ways to raise money for your school or church fundraisers.

When March Madness Went Mad By Seth Davis - A Review

Before there was March Madness and huge salaried NBA Superstars, there came Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Before their time with the Celtics and the Lakers, these two gifted athletes and good friends, were but two college basketball players unknowingly set to change the face of college basketball forever.

In 1979, the NCAA Championship game was between Indiana State and Michigan State. According to author Seth Davis, and as many basketball aficionados will agree, this game was the turning point for college basketball and its huge appeal world wide. Back then there wasn't all the national exposure of teams as there were no huge television contracts or ESPN and other sport networks to hype the games. There were only two teams per conference in the tournament and WHEN MARCH WENT MAD tells how the game became what it is today because of this particular match up in 1979.

Davis gives a good recount of the teams and these two soon to be star players. Larry Bird who was shy and spoke very little to the news people and Magic Johnson was the opposite as he loved to talk, and came from the inner city. They both, however, loved the game and were hard workers and devoted players. Their talent made their whole team shine. However, more than just the friendship of Johnson and Bird, this book introduces us to the particular championship game these two stellar players were in and how it basketball forever the face of college basketball.

Johnson played for Michigan State and Bird for Indian State. The description of the game and what led up to the finals tells how the people at NBC used this story of the 1979 national championship game to highlight two players, get viewers involved and thus take off with what would grow to be March Madness. NBC's decision paid off big time and the David and Goliath type match up of Bird and Johnson was not only entertaining but also addictive. This game and these players led to their time in the NBA and the national interest in them that helped popularity of not only college, but also professional basketball explode. Davis explains the details of the players, television coverage, the games, and the money that was involved in this turning point in sports.

The small college championship between two unlikely opposites who grew to be superstars and great friends is a good story for any sport fan or one who just likes a really good read. Highly recommended for people who didn't live through this era especially so that they may understand where all this March Madness and the trimmings came from.

Karen D. Haney, Author/Developer of BOOKIN' WITH BINGO (http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com), reviews books and interviews authors for her book blog. basketball and writing are her passion.