Basic Stretching for Increasing Vertical Jump Performance

When we talk about the process of maximizing explosion performance in athletics, we are always going to be talking about numerous internal body factors working together to produce the whole result.
In relation to the actual training process this will inevitably mean that training will be like a puzzle. All the pieces must be properly accounted for to help create that important total whole outcome.
The process of reaching our maximum vertical explosion potential includes factors like strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, quick twitch muscle development, proper nutrition, correct rest (to allow the muscles to rebuild), and flexibility through proper stretching. The bottom line with regard to that last puzzle piece of stretching is that it is the one which is least understood out of the entire list.
I frankly don't know one male elite athlete who has acquired the correct knowledge regarding what is what is proper stretching without the aid of a paid trainer. The obvious problem is these trainers cost money. So what about the rest of us who might want to know how to jump higher but aren't going to be able to pay a trainer? How do we learn proper stretching principles and techniques for our maximum jump height? We will look at the basics below with a vital joint and muscle group for jumping higher: the hip flexor.
--What is the hip flexor?
The hip flexor is actually a group of front muscles constituting the upper thigh from the hip to the knee. They are important in jump higher because they are primary working muscles in any full body explosion movement. To effectively stretch all the muscles making up the hip flexors of each leg you must concentrate on movements which are more pull and move, rather than grab and hold.
--Two simple dynamic stretch moves which are tailored to maximizing the flexibility of the hip flexor.
Again, when attacking the hip flexor you are wanting to think in terms of stretches which are done in a moving fashion rather than the more traditional hold or static form.
In stretch one you will want to get on your side and gently pull the leg back using your hand grabbing on your ankle. Go back as far as you can then release the hold and let your leg snap back forward slowly lifting as high as you can with the knee. Think about how high your knee would go up if you were standing and marching. Do this 10 or 15 times with each leg. This is an easy and powerful stretch which many athletes have never done.
Stretch two is also simple but powerful. Get on one knee with your other leg bent in front of you and the foot flat to the ground. Pull your shoulders back so your chest sort of sticks out in an exaggerated fashion. Roll forward with the upper body for a two count and back for a two count. 10 or 15 times is also a good number for this stretch. Remember with both basic stretches to be constantly moving but slow and controlled.

John Volk is founder of http://jumphigherexperts.com which he started after finding the resources to help him reach the goal of dunking a basketball at an advanced age. Join the fun at the website and at the Facebook fan page address: http://www.facebook.com/jumphigherexperts

Action Sportswear for BMX Riders

When it comes to BMX riding, it is hard core and it is necessary to have the right action sportswear not only to ensure that the rider is safe and protected but to also show style. Action sportswear is a form of active wear that is designed entirely for the use of athletic and sporting events.
Many designers create action sportswear exclusively as BMX apparel to make sure that the riders are safe as they take on the rush of adrenaline by doing flips and aerials while riding on their dirty path or ramps. In many cases, BMX riders have a style all of their own. With the popularity of the sport, some professional BMX riders even endorse certain designers as a form of commercialism. This helps the rider not only stay safe in the action sportswear but to also create a branding technique.
Some of the top riders in the world wear certain BMX apparel that has been given to them for the purpose of showing off the designer brand. Action apparel also helps a rider to create their own identity. Take for example, if a rider is wearing BMX apparel such as lime green shoes, they might be come to known to spectators that this is a certain rider and they should pay close attention to the high energy and expertise of the rider. It becomes a part of their signature look.
Fashion alone is not the only reason that BMX apparel is necessary for riders. The extreme sports pros must follow a specific dress code with action sportswear so that they are safe while they are riding their BMX bikes for fun and competition. It is necessary for a BMX rider to choose action sportswear that is comfortable yet functional. They must fit properly and not be loose fitting or otherwise the rider has risk of the clothing to get caught in the mechanics of their cycle which could cause a major accident and serves as quite a risk.
Some of the most common BMX apparel and action sportswear consists not only of a t-shirt and pants but also includes protective gear. BMX riders should wear shin and elbow guards in case they were to fall off the bike, protecting them from serious injury. Many times, BMX apparel will also consist of long sleeve jerseys. These can be found at a great value that includes graphics, cuffs that are made of elastic to avoid slippage on the arms and even a lightweight construction. That makes these jerseys useful in all types of weather.
There are also certain pants that BMX riders have available to choose from which are action sportswear called race pants. Many of these types of pants are designed with nylon for the best in construction and durability. The lightweight material allows a BMX athlete to ride in comfort without weighing a rider down or overheating them. These are also designed for flexibility so that added protective gear can be worn underneath the action sportswear.

Erika L. Rich is an Extreme Sports fan, Blogger, Social Media and Internet Marketer. If you are looking for a new and upcoming extreme sports designer with clothes that are made in the USA and are comfortable, check out http://FrithCoShop.com which is home of Frithco Extreme Sports Fashions based in Southern California and designed by Zach Lurie.

Basketball Skills

Basketball is one of the most complex sports there is. To master this sport it takes a combination of hand eye coordination, speed, power, agility, and most importantly the power of will. For the amateur this sport can be very difficult to play, especially against mildly difficult competition. I have played basketball since age four, and have also played at the collegiate level. I have a few tips on the basic skills of the game that the amateur can use to enhance their game.
1. Dribbling
Most amateurs want to be able to handle the ball like Allen Iverson and "shake and bake" their opponent at will, but this skill can be overrated. Basic dribbling skills are all that is required to be a sufficient player. Being able to handle the ball with both hands without it bouncing out of your control is the minimum you need for this category of the game. Some of the greatest players in the history of basketball, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, were not the best ball handlers.
2. Shooting
The object of the game of basketball is to put the ball in the hoop. In my eyes this is the most important physical skill on the court. The greatest players in the history of this game have had the ability to shoot the basketball, and at a very high level. While Ray Allen was not a great ball handler he made up for that in his ability to shoot the ball better than anybody ever has; he holds the three point shooting record in the NBA. This skill can be taught and perfected due to it being somewhat mechanical in nature. While someone may not be a good shooter the skill can be acquired overtime with repetition.
3. Defense
Maybe the easiest skill to perform in a game of basketball. No matter your skill level in the other categories, this particular category can make up for your other inefficiencies. This skill requires good footwork and mobility to stay in front of your opponent as well as jumping ability to block and alter shots. Mastery of this skill will almost guarantee you a spot on somebody's team during a pickup game, everybody loves the person that loves to play defense.
4. Passing
Possibly the most underrated skill in the game today. Passing requires knowledge of where your teammates are on the court and intuition of where they will be once you make your pass. This is a tough skill to master, many basketball experts say either you were born a great passer or you were not. Magic Johnson, regarded as the greatest passer of the basketball, had a ken sense of where ever person was on the court and knew the exact spot to give them the basketball in order for that person to achieve optimal success.
5. Mental Toughness
By far the most important skill you absolutely need to have before stepping onto any basketball court. Basketball can be a game of trash talking, dirty plays from opponents, and tightly played games. A strong minded mentality is needed to endure these intangibles. The trash talking in basketball games is quite intense and sometimes many opponents can cross the line while doing so, the reason the do this is to get you to react and lose you composure. I'm guilty of trash talking my opponents on numerous occasions, it is the easiest way to make your opponent give up and retreat from competition. By having this mental toughness there is nothing on the court that you can not overcome.
By achieving a greater level of skill than you currently have in each of these categories, you can become a better player and enjoy this great game even more.

An Off-Road Rider's Vacation Destination: The Hatfield McCoy Trails (A Dirt Bike/ATV Utopia)

Your vacation dollars are important (and usually in short supply) so you need to spend them wisely and plan accordingly. If you're an off-road rider, discovering a vacation destination that includes dirt bikes and ATVs is almost as good as finding out your favorite recently-deceased aunt left you some Berkshire Hathaway stock. Enter the Hatfield McCoy Trail System in West Virginia. You probably won't bump into Warren Buffet, but you're going to have so much fun that you're not going to care.
The Hatfield McCoy (HM) Trail System in southern West Virginia is an off-road utopia for ATV and dirt bike riders. There are over 600 miles of byways spread out across seven off-road systems, with more trails planned for the future. They range from scenic mountain views to tight and twisting pathways, and they offer something for every rider, beginner to advanced. Many paths connect to communities where you can ride your ATV or dirt bike right into town to get something to eat, re-fuel your machine and chat with the locals.
Hatfield McCoy officially opened in October 2000 with some 300 miles of trails. In 2002 another 100 miles were added, and an additional 100 miles in 2004, bringing the total to 500 miles. The Pocahontas Trail opened in 2012 and although it's only 57 miles, it offers a direct connection to two other routes (Indian Ridge and Pinnacle Creek) bringing the total rideable trails to over 600 miles, making it the second largest off-highway vehicle trail in the country, second only to the Paiute ATV trails in central Utah (roughly 2,000 miles). Although Paiute has more mileage, most of the routes are only open certain months of the year while the HM system is open all year.
Officials have done a great job of carving out a wide variety of trails for each off-road footprint and although all the trails offer each type of byway (easy to extremely difficult), some have a higher ratio of a particular type of trail. For example, Bearwallow, which is one of the larger trail systems of the HM Trails, is known for its difficult single track and having the most miles of difficult level trails, so if you're an experienced rider it might be high on your list of trails to ride.
The opposite side of the coin has Little Coal, which is most commonly known for its high percentage of green (easiest) level trails. Little Coal is also located near family summer activities. All the routes are well sign- posted and patrolled by Trail Rangers (who are graduates of the West Virginia State Police!).
The routes are color-coded by degree of difficulty and experience level needed, very similar to ski trails. The trails are rated easy (green), more difficult (blue), most difficult (black), and extreme difficult (black/red). The orange dirt bike trails (single track) are divided into more difficult and most difficult and are for experienced riders only. Be sure to contact the HM website for updated info and to get more details about each trail system, trail rules, where to buy permits, as well as more info about the surrounding area attractions and accommodations.
Whether it's a family vacation, or a group of off-road friends, spending time at the HM trails should bring a smile to all (even if you didn't get the Berkshire-Hathaway shares). We're only passing through - get out there and enjoy the Great Outdoors.

Thanks for taking the time to read the article - I hope it helps to bring joy to you and your family!
Stop by my website anytime at http://www.dirtbikes101.com

Different Types of Contemporary Pool Tables

Pool games have always been a popular indoor sport. To cater to the demands of enthusiasts, industries have been manufacturing various types of tables. They come with various features, which are unique depending on their designs.
Pool tables usually feature a Professional Cap for a better and durable bounce with a much more unique design. As such, this design provides pool and snooker tables a perfect level, which is key to the betterment of the play. There are, of course, a number of firms that manufacture these snooker and pool tables from which you can always pick what suits your taste and preference. However, the good thing about most of these companies is that they have a buyer's guide page on the web, which you can always visit to help you find more information on what you want for your pool game.
Below are some of the different types of designs that fall into this category.
The Navigator
This design comes with features that are specifically crafted to complement a contemporary decoration. It has been fitted with Jarrah cushions with hidden pockets and exclusive stainless steel legs, which are well streamlined. Most importantly, with the solid frame made from steel, you do not require the traditional bases. To crown it all, the contemporary pool tables, which are 8ft. in size, have four legs as compared to the standard 6-legged models.
Pool Champ Special
This is yet another design of the contemporary pool tables which is very ideal for snooker and pool games. It is built from high quality hardwood rails giving it a tough finish to resist scratch. If you are looking for a suitable table at an affordable price, then it would be good for you to go for the Pool Champ Special. It is similar to the Titan billiard table but relatively low in price. This model consists of a precision frame and it has been designed to provide a good bounce and is durable just like other tables.
BT Deluxe Slate Pool Table
On the other hand, this type of table allows for a better game play. Most of those people who have this kind of table, have praised it for the better game play it provides to the players. The precision frame gives it a perfect support for the slate and a good leveling. Studies show that among other pool table designs, the BT Deluxe Slate table has the longest bounce. To add on that, with its tough finish, you will never see it chip off as it resists any normal knocks for a longer period of time in use. Its flexibility is exceptional as it can take up to 10 and above years.
BT Professional Pool Table
If you are looking for a high quality pool table, then this provides you with all you are looking for. It is built with a KD furniture hardwood giving it a professional cap and a perfect finish of tough, flexible marine 2 pac polyurethane lacquer for chip and scratch resistance.

Quedos is a leading name for Contemporary pool tables in Australia. Contact us for custom built Pool tables Brisbane and snooker tables for your home.

River Rafting: The Best Recreational Activity in Rishikesh

Rishikesh the holy land in India is also an exotic location for tourists who love peaceful ambience and also to those who believe in hardcore adventure activities. Rishikesh is located in the northern state of India, Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is the name of Lord Vishnu. It is a holy city, and attracts millions of Hindu pilgrims from across the world. The sacred river Ganga flows through Rishikesh. The city is also popular as the "International capital of yoga".
There are plenty of yoga centres which are a major attraction for tourists from across the world. According to the Hindu belief; meditating in Rishikesh and a dip in the holy river Ganga helps one in attaining "Moksha" or salvation. Rishikesh is also important as an access to other pilgrim sites in its vicinity such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri.
Rishikesh is not just a place to experience spirituality, it is also known as the river rafting capital of India. It provides the right kind of setting for various adventure activities. River rafting in Rishikesh is a lifetime event. Rishikesh which is the centre of yoga and beautiful temples is also a visual spectacle because of its beautiful scenery. The Himalayan foothills and the lush greenery makes Rishikesh one of the most sought after destination.
Rishikesh being the Mecca for river rafting adventure attracts both national and international tourists. Adventure sports enthusiasts flock to Rishikesh throughout the year. River rafting in Rishikesh is not possible during rainy season due to flooding which makes it unsafe. The rainy season here begins around November and ends in March.
You can enjoy your favorite sporting activity to the fullest at Rishikesh, as the rapid flow of river Ganga allows Extreme River rafting. It doesn't matter if you are a novice or an expert at river rafting, at Rishikesh you will find rafting sport best suited to your level of expertise.
River rafting in Rishikesh can be enjoyed in the following places:
· Marine-drive
· Kaudiyala
· Shivpuri
· Bhrampuri
· Nim beach
The rafting route between Marine-drive and Shivpuri, and Shivpuri to Nim beach are the most popular. In order to have a great rafting experience one needs to have a thorough understanding of the rapids on river Ganga. The rapids on Ganga can be better understood based on its division based on the difficulty level.
Different levels of rapids on Ganga:
Grade 1 - These rapids are the easiest with small waves, and they are the best for beginners.
Grade 2 - They are moderately difficult but offer clear passages.
Grade 3 - They are difficult as they have irregular waves.
Grade 4 - They are irregular as well as have with fast currents.
Grade 5 - This is the most violent rapid, as it is congested. These are the most difficult rapids and are strictly meant for professionals.

No matter which rafting route you chose, at Rishikesh you are sure to be mesmerized by the colourful mountains and silvery rapids.

Sporting BMX Athletic Clothing

Choosing the right BMX athletic clothing is not only about style but also about comfort, performance, and safety. As a sport, BMX can be quite risky. It is essential to wear the right BMX athletic clothing to protect athletes and the outfit must be complete with comfortable outerwear and trustworthy protective gear.
When entering a competition, wearing the proper protective gear is not a choice left to the rider. Many contests make it mandatory and any rider that does not follow the restrictions of wearing the correct protective gear may even be disqualified from competition. That's why it is necessary to find the right BMX apparel.
Long pants made of denim or any other tear-resistant fabric is a must for the type of BMX apparel to be worn during a competition. Despite any weather conditions, no one is allowed to wear short pants. However, BMX athletic clothing may include the rider to wear loose pants but these should be tied around the ankles in order to prevent them from getting caught in the chain or pose any problem to the rider while in action. Shoes are important too and the athlete should wear shoes that have soft soles that allow a firm grip on the pedals of the bike with ease.
While falling is common in a BMX sports event, it is highly recommended that the riders wear a complete set of knee and elbow pads throughout the competition. These offer extra padding that provides additional protection to the body parts that the athlete could fall on if hitting the riding surface. These knee, elbow, and shin pads are made of hard plastic and have a foam lining. These types of BMX athletic clothing are lightweight yet solid. Velcro or elastic used to fasten these pads to the body of the rider will ensure full flexibility. Socks also are an important part of BMX apparel and an athlete should wear them.
An important part of being a BMX rider is that a person is allowed a firm handlebar grip. There are arrays of options of BMX athletic clothing that can ensure this. Gloves are made of stretchable material and not only offer a little extra comfort to the rider in a super-strenuous ride, but also provide an extra layer of protection in case of a fall. This particular BMX apparel has tough padding on the palms of the gloves and ensures that the handles of the bike never slip away.
The BMX upper body armor protects the upper part of the body of a rider. Through technological innovations, this BMX athletic clothing is not only lightweight, but is also comfortable and available in a large variety from some of the top brands. Although every aspect of BMX apparel is important and indispensable, nothing can compare with the importance of a good helmet. A helmet is important at all times when riding a bike and competing in BMX sports.
There are several choices for BMX athletic clothing and many reputable brands guarantee the best quality. It is better to have the protection in case of falls than to ever risk an injury than to wear the wrong BMX apparel.

Erika L. Rich is an Extreme Sports fan, Blogger, Social Media and Internet Marketer. If you are looking for a new and upcoming extreme sports designer with clothes that are made in the USA and are comfortable, check out http://FrithCoShop.com which is home of Frithco Extreme Sports Fashions based in Southern California and designed by Zach Lurie.