The beginning to doing anything effectively is to be grounded.  One of the best secrets to effective pitching is making sure that you are standing right.  For beginners, you will always want to have one leg in front of the other to balance properly.  The leg that is in the front will be the opposite side that will be used to throw the ball, giving you more power when you are getting ready to throw.  Having the right stance will always be about finding the right balance in your feet, then moving up from there.  This means leaning in at the right angle as well as keeping the strength in your legs to throw the ball.

After you have the basic stance down, you can begin to experiment with the various types of throws and types of pitches that you can throw.  All of these will depend on the outcome you want from your throw and how you want the batter to respond.  If you want the batter to strike out without having the ability to run to bases, then you will want to concentrate on putting the ball either lower or higher and at different speeds.  One of the easiest ways to do this is by making sure you have the right grips for each type of ball that you throw, as well as the right stance.

If you are learning how to pitch, there are several things to keep in mind in order to control the ball that you are throwing.  Everything from the way that you hold the ball to the balance that you have when throwing will make a difference in the effectiveness of your throw.  Learning the different angles and possibilities that the ball can take will help you in learning how to be more efficient when someone is up to bat.

The Zumba Way

Zumba fuses both Latin and international music and dance selections, thereby creating a very exciting, dynamic and creative fitness program. The routines are characterized by both fitness and aerobic interval training that combines both slow and fast movements to sculpt and tone the whole body. Zumba makes use of interval training and resistance training principles to boost calorie and fat burn. The entire body gets toned with special effects on problems areas like the glutes, arms, abs and legs. The heart benefits a lot because of the continuous flow of the workout.

Zumba mixes body sculpting movements with very easy to follow dance movements such as the cumbia, mambo, salsa, merengue and flamenco. Other types are also added like belly dance and hip hop. The dances incorporate so many movements like hip swivelling, toe tapping, arm swinging, etc. to make people want to move and burn calories more. The good thing about Zumba is that you do not feel like you’re working out. The entire 1-hour session takes on a party atmosphere that will keep you coming back for more.

What to Expect

One of the advantages of Zumba when trying to lose weight is that the workout does not require much. You do not need to be an expert in dancing or have any background. You can also wear any type of loose comfortable clothing. It puts fun back into the fitness program. There are no age requirements as well. Teenagers, sedentary individuals and the elderly can still enjoy and burn extra calories through the program. Zumba Gold is available specifically for those who have a hard time moving or are confined in a wheelchair.

Most classes typically last 1 hour. Instructors generally choreograph their own personal routine, although they do go to workshops and join forums and an internal network wherein they can continually hone their craft and give you the best burn for a better body. You can burn a minimum of 450 calories in a single session. You only need to workout 2 to 3 times each week to get the results you want.

Why It’s Ideal

Zumba is the ideal fitness program for individuals aiming to get rid of the extra pounds because it takes away common pitfalls like boredom, difficult movements and very slow results. You can expect results in a matter of 2 weeks or so, depending on the intensity and your diet program. Since the music is one of the main components of the workout, you stay entertained throughout, giving your more opportunities to be consistent in your fitness routine.

Most individuals admit hating to skip Zumba classes because it is one of the best ways to unwind, while staying lean and healthy. Zumba classes are also very affordable. You can register beforehand or go for trial sessions to have an idea how the program goes. Check the available classes near your area and assess the background of the instructors.

]]> http://sb530.com/how-to-lose-weight-with-zumba.html/feed 0 http://sb530.com/steffi-grafthe-legend.html http://sb530.com/steffi-grafthe-legend.html#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:40:05 +0000 owner http://www.sb530.com/?p=128 Stefanie Maria Graf (born June 14, 1969, in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany) is a former World No. 1 ranked female tennis player from Germany. Billie Jean King is quoted as saying in 1999, “Steffi is definitely the greatest women’s tennis player of all time.” Martina Navratilova has included Graf on her list of great players. In December 1999, Graf was named the greatest female tennis player of the 20th century by a panel of experts assembled by the Associated Press. Tennis writer Steve Flink, in his book The Greatest Tennis Matches of the Twentieth Century, named her as the best female player of the 20th century.

Graf won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, second among male and female players only to Margaret Court’s 24. Graf is the only player to have won all four Grand Slam singles tournaments (Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open) at least four times each. In 1988, Graf won the Olympic gold medal in singles and all four Grand Slam singles titles that year, becoming the first and only player to win the “Golden Slam”.
Graf was ranked by the Women’s Tennis Association as World No. 1 for a record 377 total weeks – the longest of any player, male or female, since rankings began – and Graf also holds the record (eight) for most years as year end World No. 1. Graf won 107 singles titles, which ranks her third on the list of most singles titles won during the open era, behind Martina Navratilova (167 titles) and Chris Evert (154 titles).

A notable feature of Graf’s game was her versatility across all playing surfaces. She won six French Open singles titles (second to Evert) and seven Wimbledon singles titles (third behind Navratilova and Helen Wills Moody). She is the only singles player to have achieved a Calendar Year Grand Slam across all three types of tennis courts, as the other Calendar Year Grand Slams won by other players occurred when the Australian and US Opens were still played on grass. Graf reached thirteen consecutive Grand Slam singles finals, from the 1987 French Open through the 1990 French Open, winning nine of them. She played in 36 Grand Slam singles tournaments from the 1987 French Open through the 1996 US Open, reaching the finals 29 times and winning 21 titles. Her 22nd and last Grand Slam singles title was the 1999 French Open. She reached 31 Grand Slam singles finals, third overall behind Evert (34 finals) and Navratilova (32 finals).

Her career prize-money earnings totalled US$21,895,277 (a record until Lindsay Davenport surpassed this amount in January 2008). Her singles win-loss record was 900-115 (88.7 percent).[17] She was ranked World No. 1 for a total of 377 weeks during her career, the record in both men’s and women’s tennis. She was ranked World No. 1 for 186 consecutive weeks (from August 1987 to March 1991), which is still the record in the women’s game.
Graf retired in 1999 while she was ranked World No. 3. She is married to the former World No. 1 men’s tennis player Andre Agassi on October 22, 2001.  They have two children boy and girl, Jaden Gill and Jaz Elle.

Before even beginning the game of tennis, you want to make sure that you have the right stance.  This will mean being prepared for the ball to come your way.  Most tennis players will have their feet hip width apart with a bend in the knees.  The focus will need to be on the ball and where it is about to go.  By doing this, you will have the ability to get to the right place quicker.  You will also want to have both of your hands on the grip of the tennis racquet, which will help you to control the ball more, as well as switch sides for the racquet.

After you have this stance, there will be the beginning of the game by service.  A serve will begin on one side from the back of the court.  After the ball is thrown into the air, the server will be able to hit the ball.  They can control the way that the ball begins to be thrown by simply hitting it in a different way.  This may make the ball spin, go to a different length, and move to a different area of the court.

After the serve has been made, it will be up to the opponent to meet the serve with different strokes.  The first is the forehand stroke where the tennis racquet moves from one side of your body to the other in order to hit the tennis ball.  Forehand strokes will be varied by the way that the tennis player holds the grip of their racquet.  The backhand stroke is the opposite of this because it will begin on the left hand side of the body instead of the right and go all the way across your body backwards.

After you know these two basic strokes, you can go to a variety of options for hitting the tennis ball.  The first possibility is a volley.  This occurs when you hit the ball before it bounces into your court.  The half volley is also an option, where you hit the ball after it has finished bouncing for the first time in your court.  With both of these they will stay closer to the net.  If you want to go further out into the court, you can use a lob to hit the ball higher and further out.  You can also use an overhead smash, which is a harder hit that comes from a higher ground and moves quickly to the court.  A drop shot can also be used by tapping the ball over the net so that it is closer to the edge.

If you are working on your tennis hits, then keeping the basics in mind about the types of hits to make can help you challenge your opponent, and even win against them.  There are a variety of possibilities for you to use.  All of these can be used strategically for you to benefit from the way you play the game.

Compared with the other three grand slams, Wimbledon is the only tournament that took place in the field grass. French Open took place in the clay (clay court), mean while Australia and America Open held on the ground hard (hard court) made of material synthesis.  The grass field is the fastest type than other types of field.

Wimbledon is unique in the clothing rules players.  The player should wear the white clothing.  Only 5% (maximum) of the area of cloth allowed in another color. Since 1877 to 2005, the official of tournament such as the match umpire, ball boys, ball girls up to the line judge were wearing a green uniforms. Then in 2006, the color of uniforms was changed with the blue one.

The first was held in 1877, Wimbledon become the oldest tennis tournament in the world.  Then followed by the U.S. Open in 1881, French Open in 1891 and Australian Open in 1905. In 1877, Wimbledon was supported by 22 men players.  At that first tournament, Spencer Gore was a champion.  The single women and double men championship were introduced 7 years later. Wimbledon then got the international’s status  in 1905 after the United States player, May Sutton reach the champion in single women championship. Two years later, the Australian player, Norman Brookes appear as the champion in single men championship. Since that time, some of players on Wimbledon Tournament came from all around world.  At 1936, the host player, Fred Perry appear as a champion on single men championship and his success was become unforgettable moment because no more player from United Kingdom at this time appear as a winner.
During World War II, Wimbledon is used for the war purposed such as ambulance services and fire. Wimbledon is also become a target of enemy attack.  Some 1200 spectators seats damaged by the bombardment the German army. Thanks to the joint venture between fans and players, then in 1949, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club as the sponsorship of tournament can be re-operated and the location of the match restore to the situation as they are. In 1968, Wimbledon was become the ‘open tournament’ and followed by professional players. Rod Laver and Billie Jean King appear as the champion at the first open tournament. (Kompas, 11 Juli 2008)

Regular hours of sleep, and regular, hearty food at regular hours are necessary to keep the body at its highest efficiency. Food is particularly important. Eat well, but do not over-eat, particularly immediately before playing. I believe in a large hearty breakfast on the day of a big match. This should be taken by nine-thirty. A moderate lunch at about one o’clock if playing at three. Do not eat very rich food at luncheon as it tends to slow you up on the court. Do not run the risk of indigestion, which is the worst enemy to dear eyesight. Rich, heavy food immediately before retiring is bad, as it is apt to make you “loggy” on the court the next day.

It is certain injury to touch alcoholic drink in any form during tournament play. Alcohol is a poison that affects the eye, the mind, and the wind three essentials in tennis. Tobacco in moderation does little harm, although it, too, hits eye and wind. A man who is facing a long season of tournament play should refrain from either alcohol or tobacco in any form. Excesses of any kind are bad for physical condition, and should not be chanced.

“Staleness” is the great enemy of players who play long seasons. It is a case of too much tennis. Staleness is seldom physical weariness. A player can always recover his strength by rest. Staleness is a mental fatigue due often to worry or too close attention to tennis, and not enough variety of thought. Its symptoms are a dislike for the tennis game and its surroundings, and a lack of interest in the match when you are on the court. I advocate a break in training at such a time. Go to the theatre or a concert, and get your mind completely off tennis. Do your worrying about tennis while you are playing it, and forget the unpleasantness of bad play once you are off the court. Always have some outside interest you can turn to for relaxation during a tournament; but never allow it to interfere with your tennis when you should be intent on your game. A nice balance is hard to achieve, but, once attained is a great aid to a tournament player.

The laws of training should be closely followed before and after a match. Do not get chilled before a match, as it makes you stiff and slow. Above all else do not stand around without a wrap after a match when you are hot or you will catch cold.

Many a player has acquired a touch of rheumatism from wasting time at the close of his match instead of getting his shower while still warm. That slight stiffness the next day may mean defeat. A serious chill may mean severe illness. Do not take chances.

Change your wet clothes to dry ones between matches if you are to play twice in a day. It will make you feel better, and also avoid the risk of cold.

Tournament players must sacrifice some pleasures for the sake of success. Training will win many a match for a man if he sticks to it. Spasmodic training is useless, and should never be attempted.

The condition a player is, in is apt to decide his mental viewpoint, and aid him in accustoming himself to the external conditions of play.

All match players should know a little about the phenomenon of crowd-psychology since, as in the case of the Church-Murray match I related some time back, the crowd may play an important part in the result.

It seldom pays to get a crowd down on you. It always pays to win its sympathy. I do not mean play to the gallery, for that will have the opposite effect than the one desired.

The gallery is always for the weaker player. It is a case of helping the “under-dog.” If you are a consistent winner you must accustom yourself to having the gallery show partiality for your opponent. It is no personal dislike of you. It is merely a natural reaction in favour of the loser. Sometimes a bad decision to one play will win the crowd’s sympathy for him. Galleries are eminently just in their desires, even though at times their emotions run away with them.

Quite aside from the effect on the gallery, I wish to state here that when you are the favoured one in a decision that you know is wrong, strive to equalize it if possible by unostentatiously losing the next point. Do not hit the ball over the back stop or into the bottom of the net with a jaunty air of “Here you are.” Just hit it slightly out or in the net, and go on about your business in the regular way. Your opponent always knows when you extend him this justice, and he appreciates it, even though he does not expect it. Never do it for effect. It is extremely bad taste. Only do it when your sense of justice tells you you should.

The crowd objects, and justly so, to a display of real temper on the court. A player who loses his head must expect a poor reception from the gallery. Questioned decisions by a player only put him in a bad light with the crowd and cannot alter the point. You may know the call was wrong, but grin at it, and the crowd will join you. These things are the essence of good sportsmanship, and good sportsmanship will win any gallery. The most unattractive player in the world will win the respect and admiration of a crowd by a display of real sportsmanship at the time of test.

Any player who really enjoys a match for the game’s sake will always be a fine sportsman, for there is no amusement to a match that does not give your opponent his every right. A player who plays for the joy of the game wins the crowd the first time he steps on the court. All the world loves an optimist.

What many don’t realize, is that Kempo is actually an older form of Karate.  To be more specific, Kempo mainly uses the forbidden techniques of sport karate and kickboxing to create a devastating means of self defense.  Throughout this deadly martial art, stylists will be taught that every block is a counter, and ever counter is a block.  Instead of simply blocking an attack, stylists will learn how to block in a way that executes a strike.

The most well known aspect of Kempo is speed.  If you’ve ever seen it in action by someone who has been studying for many years, the hand speed of the stylist is simply amazing.  Those that have been practicing for many years, including black belts, are able to execute techniques with blinding speed.  Often times, a Kempo stylist can land many strikes before you can even get the chance to counter – or block.

The hand speed in Kempo comes from something known as “speed striking”.  Although Kempo uses weapons and weapons training, it is more an unarmed martial art that teaches students how to defend themselves in any situation.  This style isn’t about just going around and hurting people though, as stylists learn a lot in terms of self control, and only to react when they are given no other option.

The speed striking in Kempo takes many years to master.  Students of the art will practice forms on a daily basis, which helps with the speed.  By practicing a certain movement over and over again, students will get faster and faster.  They will practice with other students, the instructors, and also with equipment such as punching bags.  Over time, students will get amazingly quick and able to execute strikes with amazing speed and precision.

Shadow boxing is also essential to developing speed with Kempo.  Students will spend quite a bit of time shadow boxing, learning their own movements.  As a result of shadow boxing, students will learn physical resistance as well as improve their levels of fitness.  This also helps with technique as well, as students will be engaging in practice with themselves.

The main exercise where speed striking will really come into play is with sparring.  When sparring, students will test their knowledge and skills against other students.  The instructors will pay close attention during this exercise, to see just how well the students are learning.  Sparring can be very fun to watch, especially when there are two black belts squaring off.  The more time a student spends sparring, the faster he will develop in the art of speed striking.

Throughout the years, Kempo has proved to be a martial art with very fast strikes.  It is one of the fastest striking martial arts in existence, although it teaches students self control and how to avoid confrontations.  Kempo is taught all around the world, making it an excellent martial art for children as well.  From adults to children, the martial art known as Kempo can teach self defense, harmony, self control, self confidence – and how students can help others in the world live a better life.

Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was born on December 14, 1883. As he was growing up in modern Japan, Ueshiba witnessed the local thugs vandalize his father. The young boy decided that he would make himself strong in order to seek revenge against the thugs. Ueshiba was strong willed, and devoted every waking moment to physical training and martial arts.

He received a lot of certificates in jujitsu, spear fighting, and fencing. Even though he was very impressive with his abilities, he found himself not happy with his skills. He knew that there was more to it, and began to look into religion, hoping that he would find a greater significance with life – pursuing martial arts all the while.

Ueshiba founded the martial art of Aikido by combining both his religious beliefs and his training in martial arts. At that time, the style was known as aikibudo, it wasn’t until 1942 that he decided to go with the name Aikido. The style was quite different indeed, incorporating several different styles of jujitsu, aiki-jujitsu, and spear and sword fighting techniques as well.

Even though a lot of us think of Aikido as the ultimate martial art, it is an art that is based on religion and harmony. Aikido uses joint locks, weight manipulation, and throws to achieve it’s purpose. The martial art is very effective, which were the intentions of Ueshiba from the start. Aikido consists of many techniques, and it is the result of Ueshiba’s creative innovation.

Aside from what many think, there really is no unified belief or philosophy in the martial art of Aikido. While Aikido is indeed rich in heritage and religion, it believes in harmony and peace of the spirit. By achieving a higher spiritual power, Ueshiba has always believed that the human body is capable of anything. Even though he wanted revenge, he still stated that Aikido wasn’t about fighting, but rather a way to reconcile with the world and make every human being on giant family.

Over the years, Aikido was introduced in America with amazing results. Steven Seagal is by far the most popular, showing the world the power and harmony of Aikido through his many movies. There are a lot of martial arts dojo’s around North America that offer Aikido to study, possibly even some in your area. Not only will Aikido teach you self defense, but it will also teach you harmony of the spirit and how to find inner peace as well.

1. Serving.  This is what always starts the game and helps to keep the game.  There are two basic types of serves.  One is overhand; where the player will throw the ball in the air first, then hit it.  The second is underhand, where the server will hold the ball and swing their other arm underneath the ball to hit it.  There are a variety of other serves beyond these basics, all which help to get the ball over the net, and get the game going. 
2. Pass or reception.  This is usually set up by the setter of the game.  It is used in order to take the ball and give it to the other players on your own team.  They will then have the ability to put the ball to the other side like they want to.  You can either pass by the forearm or by hitting the ball overhead.
3. Tip.  A tip is used as a way to trick the other team into thinking that the ball is going further than it will.  The player will hit the ball lightly, making it go over the net but not too far into the other player’s area so that they can’t hit it back.
4. Dig.  This is the ability for a player to save the ball from hitting the court after it has been spiked.  It usually requires a player to slide underneath the ball on the court or to dive underneath the ball.
5. Rebound.  This occurs when the ball stays on one side, making the players rebound, or take the ball back.

With all of these different hits for a ball, you will want to make sure that the players have the ability to move freely and effectively with every move.  With all of these different hits, the players will need to connect where they want to hit the ball with the way that their feet move.  For example, a dig will require the feet to move under the body in order to save the ball.  A serve will require more balance on both feet in order to hit the ball more effectively.  This will be important to keep in mind as you are training players.

The basics of volleyball hits can lead a long way when you are working towards playing the game.  If you are finding ways to teach techniques to players, this is the place to start.  It will allow everyone to have a good chance at controlling and hitting the ball, no matter what the set up is.