Best Outdoor Yard Games to Motivate Outdoor Play for Your Kids

We're all familiar with the common refrain exhorted by parents everywhere, "Go outside and play!' As a parent, you'll get a lot farther ahead with that request/demand/ fervent desire if you have the right equipment stocked for your kids. Stocking right will insure success when you send them outdoors to play yard games--you might want to join them!

You need appealing, age-appropriate outdoor yard games, toys and equipment. Properly stocked, you will be helping your kids master skills they'll use forever. Mastery of skills leads to confidence building and self-esteem. Getting the right playground balls will really set you on a roll here.

Younger kids need to work on both small and large motor skills. It's a good ideal to have different types of balls, in a variety of sizes and textures. Variety impels exploration.

The right sized balls for your children will help them master the art of throwing and catching with precision. Balls that are worthy of your serious consideration include: textured rubber balls, inflatable beach ball, tennis ball, kick balls, volleyballs. This list could go on forever but these are the key ones you should consider stocking in order to create enthusiasm about outdoor yard games in your own yard.

Grade schoolers are beginning to check out 'real' sports. Foursquare only begins its popularity at this point. In some cases, adults are still playing this outdoor yard game classic--with a new ferocity never seen as children.

Badminton, volleyball and even bocce ball are good considerations to make your outdoor yard games more enticing for this age group.

It's also a good time to think about adding a basketball hoop and playing some pick-up games each evening. It's a great way to check in with your child about their day, become alerted to any impending issues or dramas before they escalate and simple de-stress from a busy day--works for both the adult and the child.

Middle schoolers will likely be getting more seriously into organized recreational or classic sports like soccer or softball but you can help here as well. Games like croquet, badminton and that new European sensation, Speedminton, are very popular with this age group.

One of the best middle school parties our kids attended last year included a night time game of Speedminton, with glow in the dark 'speeders' (shuttlecocks) and glow in the dark 'war paint' worn by the opposing teams. The kids had a blast and since it was in a neighbor's back yard--many of the locals came by to cheer and get in the act. Now some of the adults are playing too. This kind of outdoor game play can be infectious good fun.

When you let your imagination start roaming and stock up on the right toys, "Go outside and play!" can take on new dimensions as outdoor yard games move into the 21st Century. These yard games may be classic but they're keeping up with the times without question.

Go outside and play! Get the outdoor yard games that will make your back yard the neighborhood favorite!

Middle schoolers are getting so into Speedminton! Click on the link to find out what you may be missing!

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Best Kites for Your Outdoor Adventure

On a bright sunny day, doesn't matter what season, there is nothing, and I mean nothing, like a beautiful kite soaring against a bright blue sky. It's just the best feeling in the world. The wind can be kicking it or just gusting gently and the effect is amazing, either way.

The beauty is more special because getting your kite at that elevation meant a special running start and good cardio workout; it is an accomplishment.

To help you have the best kite day as an outdoor adventure, I thought it would be helpful to give you some background about all the different kites that are 'out there' so you can pick the best kites for your skill level and artistic flair not to mention your fitness level.

My list of the top contenders for 'best kites' for your outdoor adventure:

1. Single liners: Diamond and delta are two single line kites that are fairly well known and popular because of their ease of use. They are known as "dowel sode" in the Far East because their shape emulates a Japanese sail shape that bears that title.

2. Sled kites: Sled kites usually have inflatable spars and are taking center stage on the beach and especially at kite festivals worldwide. You'll see many varieties-extra spars, vents, cutouts and more. The most attractive feature of these kites is their easy transportability and simple set up.

3. Diamond kites: In some folks' minds, diamond is synonymous with 'kite.' Diamond kites are considered by many to be 'idiot proof.' They have a good wind range but aren't capable of flying at very steep line angles.

4. Barn Door Kite: This is a 3-spar kite that's quite popular in Australia. Larger ones fly very well without a tail in light to moderate winds, the likely reason for their increasing appeal.

5. Rokkaku Kite: Sometime nicknamed, the "Rok", it has to be the Japanese kite that is most copied by Westerners. They are dramatic looking but most people that love this kite prefer getting up to altitudes of 400 feet in heaveir air,not using them in kite-fighting per popular stories of late. These kites are so stable that the tail is purely decorative, except perhaps in powerful winds.

6. Delta Kite: One of our particular favorites-this is the best kite for beginners. It's easy to launch, flies well even in a light breeze and will almost always sit at a good steep line angle. Deltas can be a bit less dependable in high gusts but in light winds or smoother breezes, they rank high!

There are so many awesome kites out there, it's hard to choose. Having some of this background might make it easier. Be sure to pick the best kite for your skill level and most likely wind intensity and you are to sure to have an outdoor adventure that soars! Go fly your kite and you know what? Your kite will be the best one ever!

Let's go fly a kite! Can you get yours off the ground and soaring, along with your spirits?

Find the best kites for your outdoor adventure right here! <==Just Click and soar to new heights!

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History of Playground Design

With playgrounds we recognize both intelligent design and evolution as supportive of each other in the development of new ideas. We often find ways to marry form and function. Initially, playgrounds were developed by landscape architects looking to create public spaces that would bring communities together. Artists moved in to exert their influence and in the process more creative forms for playgrounds began to be explored.

So how did we get here? Today's traditional "post and platform" design wasn't always the norm.

By 1900 playgrounds appeared in major American cities and consisted of a sandbox and a cubist metal climbing apparatus known as a "gymnasium". By 1912 New York City decided these gymnasiums were unsafe and were removed from all parks. By the 1930's landscape architects took a serious interest in playground design and sculptor Isamu Noguchi introduced abstract concepts that helped give the modern playground a push forward.

After WW II the Baby Boom demanded more playgrounds. Most postwar urban playgrounds were designed for combined use between schools and parks. But throughout the fifties playground designers were split into two camps: recreational movement (fitness) and art. Play was a structured affair. The idea of unstructured play had not yet hit home. Safety surfacing development was slow, at best. The playground was limited to a sandbox, see-saw, slide and swings. During the 1950's attention was given to the "handicapped", ironically the result of wounded warriors from WWII and Korea arriving at the playgrounds with their children. Noguchi's famous 1952 design for the United Nations was rejected by Robert Moses and touched off a heated debate. The design was revolutionary but not understood and it never got built.

By the 1960's play components started to link together. Composite structures were being explored along with massive climbing structures made of wood and stone. The idea was to make playgrounds interesting and draw kids to them or else they would be back out on the streets - presumably up to no good. Not all playgrounds were post and platform. Adventure Playground in Central Park is a wonderful look back to this transitional period where art and play came together. Water moves down lengthy channels and collects in a basin where it drains - no standing water. There is sand, water, and climbing structures. Every Landscape Architect should make a pilgrimage to this historic park!

By the 1970's we entered the Age of Litigation. Suddenly the City of New York and Chicago found themselves in multimillion dollar injury settlements and parks began to close. Property values plummeted if they had playground equipment on them. Some NYC coops closed down. New York City eliminated see-saws and they remain on the blacklist. Insurance company premiums were so high that some cities decided to self-insure. By the 1980's this debacle started to calm down when the CPSC formed guidelines and NPSI (National Playground Safety Institute) set up a certification program for playground designers. Safety-engineered playgrounds followed the new recommendations or guidelines and now some states are mandating CPSC code.

Playgrounds came back stronger with creative climbers that encouraged children to use different muscles. Slides had enclosures at the top and higher sidewalls. It got safer in a hurry - it had to. By and large playgrounds became better and better and by 2004 what we had was a playground so safe it was hard to say "no way." At then end of the day we still get broken bones but they usually are with children who fall 2-3 feet or trip when running. Their bones are weaker and let's face it, there was always one or two kids in the class who were prone to wearing a cast. You can't blame the playground

Isamu Noguchi may be the father of the Natureground. His concepts are in use today: molded forms of earth create hills, slopes, curves from which playground equipment can be positioned around. Research shows when playground equipment is placed in a natural setting around trees, plantings, berms, boulders children use them more often and for longer periods. A playground dropped into a box or rectangle looks more institutional and is less appealing. Even children seem to possess an aesthetic sense and we designers notice these things.

We design consultants have to keep up with all these developments because it's our job to know these things. Sometimes we are the ones who bring things up to the manufacturers and they do listen to us. We might not get any credit but we have a hand in shaping some of the things you see out there.

John Graziano, CPSI, is a playground design consultant in the New York area. You can see more of his work at http://www.newyorkplaygrounds.com/

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Image Stabilized Binoculars Explained

I used to think that a pair of binoculars was just a pair of binoculars. I thought that the more expensive models would give higher magnification and clearer images. I never really found that binoculars were very comfortable to use neither for observing wildlife nor for trying to spot the planets. This was before I discovered image stabilization technology. When I came to use a pair of image stabilized binoculars there was a bulky section in the centre which did not correspond with the old style binoculars I knew. This turned out to be the heart of the IS or Image Stabilization system. The result was obvious when I used the binoculars, clear focussed steady images, the binoculars were not at all tiring to use and were an absolute delight for the birdwatching I enjoy.

Of all the brands of optical instruments on the market one of the most prestigious is Canon. When I first read Canon IS Binoculars, I thought it was an advertising slogan like "Toys R Us".Canon is at the forefront of optical technology and never more so than with image stabilisation technology. The Canon IS Binocular range incorporates image stabilisation and this feature makes an enormous difference in use. This brand is my all time favorite for really good binoculars.

Image shake

When an optical device is hand-held it is impossible to avoid a certain amount of image shake. This problem is accentuated when the instrument is used in a moving vehicle, a boat or a plane. The normal solution is to mount the instrument on a tripod; this is fine for astronomical telescopes and in some circumstances for cameras. If the telescope or camera is not firmly fixed then the images seen or recorded will be out of focus.

Portability

One of the most important features of binoculars is that you can take them anywhere, they are great for observing sports events, wildlife as well as distant natural objects such as mountains, planets and stars. It is possible to tripod mount a pair of binoculars but it means that the ease of transport is reduced and the ease of rapid use as well. Anyone out hiking who wants to quickly observe some natural wildlife with as clearly focused a view as possible does not want to have to mount the binoculars on a tripod before getting a clear view.

In a moving vehicle or a boat the tripod is not a solution, the movement and vibration will be transmitted to the binoculars and you will get a blurred image. The more powerful the magnification the more noticeable will be the problem of shake. High powered binoculars are great for observing the Moon, and the stereoscopic effect of the binoculars will give a more realistic view than a telescope, however if the image is not sharp the observations will be less than satisfactory and tiring for the eyes.

The image stabilizer system

The image stabilizer system developed by Canon gets rid of these problems in quite an awesome way. It works marvellously whether you are observing the Moon or a humming-bird from a short distance.

Binoculars are small and portable because they contain a series of reflective prisms as well as the lenses which magnify the images. The Canon stabilisation system uses advanced electronic motion sensors which vary the angle of the prisms to compensate for any movement, a high-speed micro computer incorporated into the binoculars monitors the process continually and the result is a very reliable and stable image with fantastic definition. The system takes into account movement in any direction and means that whatever you are doing be it observing an elephant from a moving jeep, following the gold medal winner at the athletics track, following a soaring eagle in flight, or observing Saturn from the top of a mountain, the image is always absolutely sharp and in focus

Pietre O Donnell is a writer with an engineering background who is a keen hiker, birdwatcher and amateur astronomer. You can check out his latest website by clicking here He explains in clear language the features to look out for when buying binoculars, what the technical specifications mean and what is the background to his favorite brand Canon Binoculars their history and technological innovations and much more.

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Photographer Sol Neelman Loves Weird Sports and Sharing Them With Us

If you thought you'd seen everything, you probably have not seen the photos from photographer Sol Neelman who travels the globe in search of the world's strangest competitions. There are many weird sports out there that you may never have dreamed existed and now, thanks to Neelman, you can learn more about them through photos.

Here are 10 of the most unusual and exciting weird sports Neelman has to share:

The Kaiju Big Battel is a mix between Japanese anime and professional wrestling that shows off the participants skills in a very humorous way.
Have you ever heard of Underwater Hockey? It's sometimes called "octopush" and instead of pushing the puck around an ice-rink, players are pushing it around on the floor of a pool.
When you combine gymnastics, capoeira and soccer to the sport of volleyball, you get Bossaball equipped with trampolines on both ends of the playing court.
Snow Polo is an amazing game similar to the traditional Polo but players are on top of horses in a snow-covered arena. The horses wear special shoes to help with traction.
The Pillow Fight League really puts on a show when these women gather together, go wild and fight each other with pillows. What an interesting way to cut loose and let out some anger.
Surfing is not just for humans anymore. Both small and large dogs are getting in on some of the action when they go Dog Surfing. In this sport, the dogs surf alone or with their owners and it's one heck of a sport.
One of the "Arctic Winter Games" includes an event called Pole Push in which two teams grab hold of the opposite end of a pole and each team tries to push the other team to the outside of the ring.
Vancouver holds an unusual competition called the Ultimate Firefighter Competition in which the participants compete in a variety of events to see who is the best and fastest.
Soccer is an amazing game that's fun to play or watch but here's something I bet you never thought you'd see. Blind Soccer is one exciting and powerful game that is played by four blind athletes and a goalkeeper who is visually impaired or sighted competing in a game of soccer in a field that has a wall around it.
Racing in a kayak is exciting but when the kayak is make from a giant pumpkin that can weigh as much as 800 pounds, a whole new sport is born called the Giant Pumpkin Kayaking and it's one exciting race.

These are just a few of the amazing pictures that photographer Sol Neelman has to share when it comes to weird or unusual sports. His photography is amazing and the sports themselves are intriguing. I can't wait to see more.

Sports Zone Media is your #1 source for all things sports. Here you will find news, articles, updates and more on your favorite sports topics, professional teams, youth coaching, high school sports and health/nutrition.

Lisa Mason has been writing professionally since 1998 with a specialty in Internet content. A youth coach with a passion for a variety of sports, she founded Sports Zone Media to combine her love of sports and writing.

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Shuffleboard - History Is Repeating Itself With This Great Game!

While the full history of Shuffleboard is hazy, here's what we do know: it was played throughout Europe over 500 years ago. It was a gambling game for King Henry VIII who forbid commoners to get in the game at all. British records reveal that Henry paid off shuffleboard debts as 'royal expenses' in 1532 so he may have been elitist but at least he paid up when losing.

In the old days, Shuffleboard was also known as Shovelboard, Sioelen and Shove Ha'penny. Very British sounding indeed.

Due to its past associations with cruise ships and retirement homes and because it doesn't promote great physical fitness, the game has come to be associated as a 'geezer' game but that is rapidly changing in Century 21.

Sometimes people like to get together and play just for fun. Sometimes they don't want a full physical workout but a relaxing game to enjoy with friends and family in person. Away from their iPads and computers. Shuffleboard fits this bill beautifully.

In traditional deck shuffleboard, a player uses a stick, known as a tang, to push weighted disks, known as cues or biscuits along a wooden or plastic surface. The idea is to place the cue within the triangular scoring zone at the distant end of the court. In the old days, this was actually called "sending the biscuit" but propriety forbids me to reveal some of the terms now used for this maneuver. We have both "clean" and not so clean versions, depending on whether we are playing en famille or adults only.

The pinnacle of the triangle score zone points towards the shooter and is divided horizontally into 4 smaller zones, each zone representing a certain point value. If the cue lands within the triangular 'tip,' without touching any borders of the triangles, the player receives 10 points. If the cue lands in the second tier of the triangle, it is worth 8 points and the lower tier is worth seven points.

A shooter can actually lose points if the cue land in the trapezoidal '10 off' section. A game is played in frames of 10 with individual players or teams taking turns. A great feature of shuffleboard is that the game can accommodate a number of players.

The basic winning concept is to get the opponent team's cues out of the positive score zone and increase one's own score in the process. It can get surprisingly vicious, but in a good way.

The game is catching on--sort of a retro-game revisited. It's definitely not limited to the old folks anymore. There are also now table top versions making it into so-called 'man caves' all over the place.

There's a reason for these renewed incarnations--shuffleboard is awesome fun! Everyone loves to play and it is inclusive--just about everyone can do it. Are you in?

In the mood to push the biscuit? Whatever you call it, get ready to have fun when you play Shuffleboard!

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Top Hand Position Can Make All The Difference for the Lacrosse Goalie

Eye. Thumb. Ball. He told me.

The young goalie had read a book on the internet about top hand position for the lacrosse goalie. "Eye. Thumb. Ball. Eye. Thumb. Ball." he repeated.

The stick was in front of his face and about a third of the goalie stick was covering his face. Not good when we're trying to cover as much surface area as we can.

While I appreciate the eye, thumb, ball rule, I'd like to add to it just a little bit. The purpose of this eye, thumb, ball idea was to help young goalies get their hands up. However, what I have seen over the years is that this hand position is a bit high for most goalies and it brings the stick too much in front of the face of the goalie.

I would like to modify the eye, thumb, ball rule to shoulder, hand, ball. This cue reminds the goalie to keep the hand as high as the shoulder first, which is what most goalies need. Without coaching most lacrosse goalies hold their hands way too low and in towards their chest. This is not optimal as the head of the stick is covering the body. We want to maximize the coverage of the surface area of the goal by moving the hand out towards the stick side which...

... we do by moving the hand in front of the shoulder. I find that this is a very simple cue that all goalies understand. Keep the hand as high as the shoulder and then keep the hand in front of the shoulder. "High and in front." is the short way to say it.

By keeping the shoulder high and in front of the shoulder I find that the goalie has the correct height of the hand position and the proper distance to the outside so that the stick isn't covering the face or shoulder.

The one exception I find is with very tall goalies. For tall goalies they can lower their top hand position if, by having the hand shoulder high, the top of the stick extends above the cross bar. This is wasted coverage, and although the stick is covering the body a bit by moving the hand down, they are now able to shorten the distance to low shots and are able to make more saves.

For short goalies, they should not try and raise their hands higher than their shoulder to try and cover the upper portion of the net because they are compromising their stance too much. Young goalies, especially ones who are growing, should not compromise stance to cover the upper portion of the cage. Be patient, you will grow young Jedi. And when you grow you will finally have the height to go along with the great movement to the ball that you have honed over the last many years.

So remember, "Shoulder high and in front of the shoulder" will give you a great base to move to the ball effectively.

Jonathan Edwards is "The Goalie Guru" to thousands of lacrosse goalies, parents and coaches. His website http://www.lacrossegoalietips.com/ is read in over twenty-two countries and you can subscribe to his free lacrosse goalie newsletter there. So for the latest tips and tricks to be the best lacrosse goalie you can be go to http://www.lacrossegoalietips.com/

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Youth Sports at Its Best - Compete AND Have Fun

Sports are enjoyable...

Sports are fun...

Sports are exciting....

All positive sentiments, aren't they? Well, in theory, that is what they should be. We have all heard how positive, in so many different regards, that sport can and should be in a participant's life. Individuals start playing youth sports as early as four years old and continue playing well into their social security years. (We have a few of those guys playing in our adult rec hockey league!)

Sports are supposed to be all of those things. After all, it is a GAME that is played, right? You spend time with friends, make new ones, have a snack or two and have stories to tell for the rest of your life. We especially like to think these sentiments are true when kids are playing.

Unfortunately, some kids are not enjoying their sports experiences as much as we think, or hope. A survey done by i9 Sports suggests that are some issues that we need to be aware of when it comes to kids enjoying their athletic experiences.

Of 300 children surveyed (8 - 14 years old), 84 percent said that they wish they had more fun playing sports. 84 percent also said that they wanted to quit at one time because of a variety of reasons; lack of enjoyment, conflicts with teammates, too many practices. Close to one third said that they would rather not have their parents watch their games.

There is such a negative connotation with parents and their involvement in their kids' sports that some youth sports leagues have made rules, or at least highly suggest that the parents coming to games not do any cheering at all. Some feel that silencing parents will ease the pressure some of their comments put on the kids.

The study also showed that 42 percent of kids would rather play video games than play sports. The following are more than startling numbers to me; 20 percent said that they have seen a physical fight between players, 59 percent had seen a verbal fight between players, and 36 percent had seen a verbal fight between parents.

Some tough numbers to swallow, for sure and can help explain why some kids do not enjoy their sports experience as they should.

I believe kids can enjoy being involved in a youth soccer, youth football, youth baseball, youth hockey, etc. league, but there needs to be a complete commitment from the entire sports community. So, what are some things that can contribute to a positive youth sports experience?

First, the negativity needs to be put to a halt. That comes from both parents and coaches. .

As parents, we just need to think a little bit before we say what we want to say to our kids. You are toughest on your own and it is hard not to be right to the point when talking to your son or daughter about their sports experience. After they have struck out three times with the bases loaded, your own frustration might come out when talking to that player after the game.

"You left a ton of guys on base tonight" might add more fuel to an already smoldering fire of frustration and disappointment that your child is already feeling. How about commenting on their 'at bats', instead? Were they swinging and missing? If so, perhaps comment on the fact that they were up there trying to get a hit and maybe just faced a tough pitcher.

Even better, ask open ended questions. Have the child tell you how they felt about their performance. Try and be as matter of fact as possible when asking, too. Your child comprehends what a poor performance is and what is not.

If he or she offers up some part of their game that is lacking, offer to try and help in some way. "Boy, that guy was throwing so fast tonight. I just couldn't get my bat around fast enough." Maybe, jump in with an offer to throw batting practice, or take him or her to a local batting cage and turn up the speed to get them used to faster pitches.

I'm a parent and a coach. I get caught up in some of this, as well. You feel like your child, or a player that you are coaching, can do better. In the heat of the moment out comes "What kind of a play was that?", rather than being calm and thinking of a 'teaching' moment you can bring to that situation. That might be after the inning is over, the game is over or the next practice.

My daughter struggled on the community swim team when she swam competitively for a few years. She started swimming late, by competitive standards, and was not a natural swimmer. My goal was to think before I spoke and find some ways to be positive, encouraging and also to try and help her want to get better. It was a lot of fun for her. She gained some great friends and had a good sports experience. It wasn't all me, either. She had coaches who worked with her and other parents who were constant streams of support for her, as well.

She has gained an interest in tennis now, at age 13, in hopes of trying to play competitively in the next couple of years. I love my daughter dearly but she's not the most gifted athlete.

After squirming in my chair and rubbing my forehead a number of times as I saw her swing and miss at multiple balls tossed to her in drills, I took a deep breath and a moment before talking to her about her first session. That especially hit home as I saw her walking off of the court with a big smile on her face. Instead of hammering her on how timid she seemed or on how she wasn't focusing on the ball hitting the racket (after the fifth mis-hit in a row), I took another approach.

After seeing that smile, I realized she had fun, so I asked her if she indeed enjoyed herself. When she emphatically said "Yes!" I threw in a couple of open ended questions. I asked her first what she thought were her strengths and then what she thought she needed to work on for the next session. This gave her an opportunity to express herself objectively and reinforcing to herself the good and the challenging aspects of her game.

I am convinced that you can be a positive influence on your kids and a sense of encouragement without quashing their ability to improve and compete. I do not think that those two concepts are mutually exclusive. However, I believe that those harsh streaks can be hard to overcome, but as anything, if it is something you work on consistently that mindset can be changed for the better.

As a coach, player and parent I understand the value of proper training. Get the training you need off to a fast start with this free guide! Whether you are trying to make the 1st team varsity squad or simply a weekend warrior, kick your program into gear for free right now... Grab your free "Jump Start Your Training" guide at http://www.athletictrainingnow.com/.

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Circuit Karting: The Options

Circuit karting is a brilliant form of entry level motor racing. All the thrills and excitement of F1, but at an accessible level. Of course, some people take their karting very seriously and spend years honing their skills. It's even become a popular proving ground for future stars of F1; Ayerton Senna and Louis Hamilton both began their careers in circuit karting. But it's not just as simple as jumping in your kart and racing off. There are karting circuits all around the UK and each offers a selection of different racing options.

Track Drive Experience

Perhaps you're new to the world of karting and just want to try it out for fun. Track drive experience does what it says on the tin; it allows up to 10 karts to go out on the track for no other reason than to drive. No racing, no trophies, no competition. If you do have a bit more experience behind the wheel, then track drive experience sessions are a great opportunity to get some practice in without having to worry about your position or form.

Track Race Experience

The next step up. Track race experience makes for a short, sharp race with a limited number of competitors (generally around 10 karts). They're the perfect place for novice drivers to begin, whilst more experienced karting enthusiasts will enjoy the more intense driving experience they offer. Don't worry if you lack confidence, each race only lasts for around 15 minutes - that's 40 laps plus a 10 lap qualifying session. Trophies go the three top placed drivers and every competitor gets a precise printout of their lap times.

Endurance Circuit Karting

The Le Mans of the karting world - in fact, an annual 24 hour endurance race is held at Le Mans every year. For those of us booking a place at our local karting circuit, however, the average endurance race is unlikely to last quite that long.

Endurance circuit karting races are available in both solo and team configurations. Solo races will generally last somewhere between 40 and 100 laps with an additional 10 lap practice session to get your grid positions. The scoring is simple; the first three finishers get the trophies. Team endurance circuit karting sessions will be longer, around 60-120 laps (or 1-2 hours). Here, team mates will hot seat in relay fashion, driving the same car in an effort to secure the best times. In team circuit karting, the aim isn't necessarily to finish first, but to complete the most circuits in the time allowed. Just like Le Mans. Most karting circuits will offer a range of race lengths and will likely have a minimum age requirement.

So, whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll find the circuit karting experience to suit you. Find your nearest local karting circuit and book your first (or seventy-ninth) race today.

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Some Things to Think About Before Buying a Themed Chess Set

We are all familiar with the pieces of a standard chess set - the kings and queens, the bishops, the knights, the rooks and of course, the pawns. But have you ever seen a chess set where the king and queen are the spitting images of Homer and Marge Simpson, and the pawns are miniature versions of Bart?

A Simpson-themed chess set is just one of many novelty sets that you can choose from these days. Although standard chess sets remain to be the bestsellers, themed chess sets have definitely increased in popularity over the years, and it's not difficult to see why. After all, who wouldn't be delighted to see their favorite characters come alive in an exciting game of chess?

Attractive though they may be, one needs to take some time before deciding on buying a themed chess set. These are merchandise that you don't simply buy on a whim. In order to avoid buying something that would turn out to be not what you wanted at all, it would help to take a few important things into careful consideration first.

Price

Many themed sets can be rather expensive, particularly the ones that are available in limited editions. There are some sets that are reasonably priced but there are also others that cost several thousands of dollars.

Even if you have already decided on which particular set to buy, it is advisable to do some comparison shopping first before you make the actual purchase. You can do this both online and in traditional stores - the more outlets you check, the better your chances of finding the best deal.

Longevity

The novelty of a themed chess set can quickly wear off. For example, you may be pretty stoked about getting a Hello Kitty chess set today but you may feel quite silly playing with it a few years down the road when your interest in the cute beribboned cat has diminished. You may even be too embarrassed to let people know that you have it and so instead of taking it out to play with when you have company, you'll just keep it buried underneath a pile of junk in the attic or the deepest recesses of your closet.

Of course, this does not happen all the time. In fact, there are some classic themed sets that just get even better as they age. The point is to try and think of how you would feel personally about your themed chess set, say, ten, twenty, or even fifty years from now. You just definitely wouldn't want to buy something that you will want to get rid of in a few years time.

Material

Some people buy chess sets to play with while others buy them to use as decorations in the house. Themed chess sets, in particular, are more frequently used as decor because they not only look very interesting but they also make for excellent conversation pieces for your visitors.

Before you buy a themed chess set, you first need to decide whether you are going to use it primarily as a display or if you are actually going to use it in actual games. Your decision will determine a number of different factors regarding the set, such as the type of material that the pieces can be made of. Fragile materials like glass and some kinds of wood would be perfect for a display piece but not so much for a set that would be played with on a daily basis.

If you expect your chess set to be used frequently, then it should ideally be made of a sturdy material that is not easily prone to breaking or scratching. Many themed sets are made of wood, but there are also ones that are made of plastic, which are ideal for younger players.

Aside from these considerations, you would also have to realize that playing with a themed chess set can be rather confusing, especially if you are used to using a regular chess set. With some sets, it can be pretty hard to distinguish between the different pieces. Before making each move, you may have to look closely to determine which is which, and this added task can certainly distract you from the actual game.

If you are not really that eager to have a themed set and are only interested in getting one for the purpose of novelty, then you may want to think twice before making the purchase. Furthermore, if you are a serious chess player, there are many classic sets that would probably suit you better.

On the other hand, if you are truly interested in getting a themed set, either for purposes of display or gifting to a special person, there are several great options that you can choose from. Just make sure to take your pick carefully so that you can be sure to get your money's worth.

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Games Bring The Family Together

These days, many families don't get nearly enough quality time together. For those who would like to get their family together and engaged in a healthy activity, outdoor games can be a great option. These family games get everyone together in an enjoyable activity that boasts the added bonus of providing exercise, which is another thing that many families want more of. There are many great outdoor games to choose from. Below are some suggestions for people who want ideas for family games to try out.

Volleyball

Volleyball is a great game to get the family outdoors playing together. Unlike many games that require piles of equipment to play, for this one you only need a net and ball. Divide everyone up into even teams and pick a side of the net. You earn points by grounding the ball on the other team's side of the net. This simply means making them miss the ball so it lands on the ground.

Corn Hole

This is a fun game that even the youngest members of the family can participate in. Boards with holes in them called cornhole platforms are propped up, and small sacks filled with corn are tossed into the holes to score points. If the bag lands on the platform it scores one point, and a bag that makes it in the hole scores three. The corn hole game goes until a player makes it to 21 points.

Washer Toss

This game is similar to corn hole, but has a slightly different set up. Instead of corn bags washer toss uses standard metal washers, and the boards have three holes instead of one. The closest hole is worth one point, the next three, and finally the farthest is worth five. This game is also played to a final score of 21 points. It is most often played with two teams of two people.

Croquet

Croquet is a sport that has been adapted to a lawn game for recreational play. Players use a mallet to hit balls through hoops called wickets. There are many versions of croquet, each with their own rules, but the main goal, in all of them, is to get your ball through all the hoops before the other team does. Games can be played with two teams of either two or three players each.

Tetherball

Tetherball is a game played with a volleyball hung from a stationary pole by a length of rope. It is played between two competitors, who each try to hit the ball counterclockwise from their position. A player wins when they manage to hit the ball enough times to get the rope wrapped completely around the pole with no slack left. They must do this without the ball bouncing back and partially unwrapping or the game keeps going.

Any of these games are a great way to get your family out of the house spending quality time together, and getting a healthy amount of exercise. So the next time you have some free time together as a family, turn off the television set and head outdoors to engage in one of these great team games.

For a great selection of games and backyard sports for the whole family please visit our store http://www.kandyvines.com/ There's no better time than the present to get things started. Indoor and outdoor family games are one of the least expensive ways to create family togetherness.

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The Features of The Gobi Arabian Flex2 Saddle

The Gobi Arabian Flex2 Saddle is jam packed with great features for Arabian horses as well as any horse with a shorter back. The saddle has a shorter skirt to accommodate the shape of the arabian and, additionally, features three distinct inskirt riggings which let you choose the position which is most suitable for your specific horse. This customization is a key feature that provides more comfort for the horse and more control for the rider. All of this comes in a compact, lightweight package that weighs a mere 28 pounds. It is comprised of Gunmetal hardware and the special flex2 technology. Flex2 refers to the flexible tree design of the saddle as well as the shock absorbing neoprene that fills its core.

Benefits of Master Design

The skirt on the Gobi Arabian Flex2 Saddle is fourteen and a half inches deep by twenty six inches long. Any Arabian horse lover will tell you that this is the perfect size for horses from the region and a necessary buy for any horse with a shorter back. However, aside from the breed specific benefits, the saddle contains many marks of master craftsmanship that reveal a love of horses. The tunnel skirt design allows for an even distribution of pressure on the horse so that much of the pressure that is usually focused on the spine is dispersed. For the rider, the Circle Y Softee reduces the strain that is put on the rider's joints over the course of a normal ride.

How A Good Saddle Offers Freedom

You'll love how the Gobi Arabian Flex2 Saddle feels when you ride. The tree on the saddle allows for a greater range of motion through the shoulder area on your horse so that movement is effortless and unrestricted. This also offers a feeling of close contact for the rider that increases rider confidence and potentially control. Feeling this close contact connection is a great way to grow the bond between you and your horse.

Recommendation

Simply put, a regular saddle won't do if your horse has a short back or is an Arabian. With imprecise saddling the rider loses precision control, but also, a great deal of harm can be inflicted upon the horse as well as the joints of the rider. A Gobi Arabian Flex2 is a great investment in years of safe and comfortable riding. Thankfully, the saddle is known for its durability so you won't have to give it up. Even through long rides and extreme weather, the saddle holds together and the master craftsmanship shines through. Whether you are a dedicated rider or someone who casually rides the trails, this saddle is a great pick for your special Arabian horse. A great saddle offers much more than comfort for you and your horse. Namely, through comfort and a precision fit less material gets between the rider and the horse. This natural feeling allows for the fostering of a stronger bond between horse and rider which is perhaps the most satisfying thing about trail riding.

Are you in the market for Circle Y Saddles? At Horse Saddle Comparison, we do in-depth reviews of the top horse riding saddles on the market so you can make an informed investment. Read our circle y horse saddle reviews before buying a saddle.

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What Is Paracord? And How Do You Tell The Real Stuff From The Fake Stuff?

What does the term 550 paracord mean? What is it used for?

The term paracord itself comes from the cord used on the parachutes in WWII. The term 550 simply meant that it had a breaking strength of 550 pounds. Giving it it's full name of 550 paracord or 550 cord. When soldiers landed in the battle fields they would cut the paracord off their parachutes and pack it up for later use. This particular cord would come in handy for the soldiers during battle. Whether it was used to strap gear to humvees, help build a shelter, or lowering gear down ledges, the cord could be used in endless ways.

What types of 550 cord are there?

Commercial: Ever since paracord started becoming popular amongst civilians, there has been plenty of knock off types of paracord made. This particular type of paracord can be called "commercial 550 paracord".

Genuine MIL-C-5040 Type III: This particular 550 cord is the real deal, and there are only a handful of companies that make it for the government. One well known company, is E.L. Wood Braiding Company. They make a number of cords and ropes for the government which are used for a number of things throughout the military.

What's the difference?

Well the difference is pretty slim. Commercial 550 cord has the same breaking strength, and is the same diameter as well, so you must be careful when purchasing as there are many fakes out on the market that claim to be the real deal. The US military has a number of parameters and specifications which the MIL-C-5040 Type III paracord must pass before it's ready for use. The commercial 550 cord does not have to pass these same parameters, making it different in another way.

How do you tell the two apart? Well the only way to actually tell the two types of 550 cord apart is by cutting it in half and looking at the inside "guts". The "guts" or the inner strands of the paracord are different in commercial paracord then they are in the genuine Type III cord. Most commercial paracord will have 7 or 8 inner strands each consisting of 2 inner strands of themselves. While the genuine military issued cord has always been made with 7 inner strands, each consisting of 3 inner strands of themselves. In addition to this, one of the 7 strands is yellow and black in color, and all the other strands are white.

When buying paracord be sure to watch out for what you are buying. If you want the genuine stuff, make sure it follows all the parameters listed in the article above.

Visit http://www.paravival.com/ for all your paracord, paracord supplies, and paracord products.

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STX Proton Power Lacrosse Head Review

The Proton Power lacrosse head from STX is without doubt one of the most popular lacrosse heads in the sport. The lacrosse head has an excellent shape for maximum ball control with deadly accuracy when catching and shooting the ball. The lacrosse head is molded with an aerodynamic and streamlined style that guarantees the head stays light-weight and strong and provides greater performance in the game. The best part about this lacrosse head is that it is constructed with STX Forward Cant for straightforward ball release, faster passing and faster shooting. This lax head is highly recommended for attack players and is NFHS certified.

Good features

Firm fit with STX shafts

As a general rule, I've found that the STX lacrosse heads attach more tightly on lacrosse handles than heads from other brands. It barely attached to a STX handle, and I could hardly fit it on a Maverik handle. The Maverik shaft was slightly larger. The rule of thumb is that all lacrosse heads fit on all shafts, but more brute force or tape may be required when you mix the brand of head and shaft.

Mid and high pocket, ideal for shooting

I strung up a mid-pocket which was more or less straight forward. The ball felt very nice and it was extremely smooth when transitioning from cradling to winding up for a shot on the cage. The pinch is fairly nice and made for even better ball retention. A shooters pocket would also function pretty well too. Don't insult this lacrosse head by stringing a low pocket. This lacrosse head was designed to shoot, go a high or mid pocket.

The scoop is sort of bendy, but this is to provide the shooting flex. This, along with the STX Forward Cant, means you get great hold and you feel the "whip" while cranking.

Accurate passes from a great channel

You only need to look at the face of the head to see it isn't NCAA certified. The lax head does not include the longer parallel side walls extending from the throat. The steadily diverging catching area performs well and the mid-pocket I had strung up was awesome. All of my feeds and shoots were very accurate.

The tip of the Proton Power scoop results in a nice combination of being ground ball friendly and precise. Some lacrosse heads have a really pointy tip which leads to a great pocket channel but you are not able to grab a ground ball. While others are designed with a tip like a spade, making ground balls a breeze, your feeds do not have the accuracy you'd like. This head is pretty decent, but if the scoop were less curved I don't think the pocket would be as accurate.

Great for ground balls

The back side of the scoop is sleek enough so that there is no lip to elevate the top of the lacrosse head off the ground when getting ground balls. The face is broad enough which provides you a greater area to scoop up the ball with. You can get some bend if you go strongly for a ground ball.

Made for attackers

The Proton Power lacrosse head is created for shooting and feeding and for that reason is highly recommended for midfielders and forwards. If you're not generally a finisher, there are better midfield heads available in the market.

A fantastic choice for faceoff

If you take the odd face-off here and there, this head should hold up well. The streamlined sidewalls sit near to the ground, which surely is a benefit. The low amount of rigidity means you won't be able to take the most intense faceoff, but slicker face off maneuvers ought to be fine. The head can hardly hold its shape for too long in a faceoff, but the lacrosse head is quite easily forced back into shape, if it won't revert naturally.

Things for STX to work on

Relatively easy to string, but difficult to string legally

My first try at stringing this head ended up being illegal. The ball wasn't able to roll out of the throat when held upright and tilted forward. I had to change the side-wall laces near the throat to make sure they didn't hinder the ball and also restring the bottom laces to be certain the ball couldn't get trapped behind the ball stop. These were minor modifications, but with the likelihood of further pinching from the expected wear and tear this may well end up being something you will have to address on a consistent basis. Stringing up a low pocket isn't highly recommended.

For lovers of traditional stringing, you'll be a little bit annoyed to discover that you have only two openings at the bottom. You will have to put two leathers through each hole or devise another option. The stringing holes are quite tight so you really have to work to get the string through most of them. If you are melting the lace ends you must ensure that they're narrow because if you make a fat knob it won't fit in the slots. But when your pocket is set and the nylons are tied off, they're fixed for good.

What's the idea with the ball stop?

I'm not quite sure exactly what the actual aim of the island ball-stop is. I haven't been able to find any kind of real gain. The brand say it's intended to make this lacrosse head more lightweight, but it'd be only one or two grams at most.

Keep an eye on the pinch

As a rule with heads that feature a defined pinch, you'll want to ensure that it won't pinch excessively, resulting in it being illegal. You can put a bit of wood just a bit wider than a lax ball between your side walls around where they pinch to keep it compliant. Field hockey balls work just as well.

Not necessarily the sturdiest head going around

The Proton Power head from STX is not the strongest head going around. The scoop has actually been designed to bend, so if a somewhat inflexible lax head is what you feel will suit, this may not be the lax head for you.

Not really ideal for defense

This lacrosse head is simply too flexible for defense. You get no real effect from a poke check, aside from the top hourglassing right out. But it's not created for defense so I don't see this being an issue.

Summary

So if you are an attacker, how can you not absolutely love this lacrosse head? There certainly are various other heads stronger, lighter, stiffer and that of the like. But the Proton Power lacrosse head from STX symbolizes everything that lacrosse is about. This lax head is a goal-scoring weapon of mass destruction.

This lax head is not built with All Climate Performance so be aware in case you are playing in the heat or cold. The heat mainly, as the head currently flexes quite a lot. The lightweight factor and the extra flex might have an effect on its longevity, but still this is a super lacrosse head.

For more information about the best lacrosse heads, visit our website for the latest lacrosse gear reviews.

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Athletes Looking for the Psychological Edge by Training Emotion

"I visualized where I wanted to be, what kind of player I wanted to become. I knew exactly where I wanted to go, and I focused on getting there." Michael Jordan

Many, many famous athletes credit visualization for being the difference between losing and winning. For example, the greatest boxer of all time Muhammad Ali claims to have visualized winning a fight over and over again in his head before a match, in his words "the man with no imagination has no wings." What we get from visualization and imagination is actually just an emotion, in the case of great athletes the peak emotion being the emotion of winning. When we feel like a winner, we play like a winner.

If we visualize going into a dark room and then getting attacked by a ghost, and we do this over and over again, feeling the fear each time. The next time we go into a dark room most of us will naturally feel a small rush of adrenaline or even in some cases fear. Similarly if we imagine walking onto a tennis court, and winning over and over again. When we walk onto the tennis court we will feel like a winner. When we feel like a winner, we play like a winner.

When our friend or family member is depressed, can we tell that this person is depressed? Most of us can immediately identify this, because our unconscious mind acts differently based on our emotions. Now, similarly if we feel like a winner and we are competing in a sport, we will play according to our emotion, like a winner. This occurs in primarily three ways.

1. We try to prove our emotions right. (For example, if we feel like a loser we will walk around proving to ourselves that we are a loser. Similarly, if we feel like a winner, we will put in all we have to prove that we are a winner by playing at an unconscious level our best.)

2. Our emotion affect us at a hormonal, and chemical level. (For example, when we win a sport game, it is very common for most people to feel a burst in the hormone testosterone.)

3. We behave differently depending on how we feel. For example, happiness equals smiling, sadness equals frowning, and feeling like a winner equates competing like one.

Tigers Woods asserts that emotional control is a major reason for his success. And I believe that all of us can benefit from further developing emotional mastery. Whether it is feeling more like a winner whilst playing a sport, feeling more attractive when dating, or feeling more intelligent when winning, these emotions help us in time of competition where it is either win or lose.

So go out and train, feel like a legend during the competition and break the records.

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For more information on simple techniques for controlling your mind, hit up my site! http://www.cocomack.com/. I am currently 23 years old, study psychology and everything I write comes with study backup and practical utilization. I just want to share the great things that work when it comes to influencing our own mind with the world.

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Brief Introduction to Futsal

Futsal is a sport that is not well known among the common public. You may see some similarity in its name to Football. Well, it is not just in the name that there is a similarity. Even the way it is played is quite similar to football. Please note that when I say football, I am not talking about American football. I am talking about soccer. Let me give you a brief idea of how futsal compares with soccer further in this article. I also talk about which countries know about and play this game and the competitions that have been conducted for Futsal.

Futsal can be called a smaller version of soccer. To be more specific, it is played the same way as soccer as in there are two teams competing against each other to score more goals than the opposing team. Just like soccer, International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is the association which governs this sport and the rules are quite similar to those of soccer. However, there are some striking differences as well between futsal and soccer. First of all, it is an indoor game unlike soccer which is completely an outdoor game. Also there are just five players in each team as compared to the eleven players forming a team in soccer.

Coming to the countries in which futsal is played, I need to make it clear that it is not as popular and widespread as soccer. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Just like soccer, futsal is popular in Brazil. Brazil is one country which laps anything related or similar to soccer. However, Uruguay is the country in which futsal was first played. The year in which it was first played goes back to early 1930s. Some of the notable countries, apart from Brazil, which play futsal include Argentina, Spain, Italy and Japan. The list is not limited to these countries though. It is covered by many countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and America (north and south).

There are also a good number of competitions that have been held by FIFA for futsal. The most prominent one among them is the world cup conducted by FIFA. However, only 7 editions of futsal world cup have been held till now with the latest one in 2012 at Bangkok.

After reading this article, you might have gotten an idea of what this game is all about so that if someone says futsal, you would not blink your eyes in bewilderment.

If you are based in Singapore and want to access to an indoor soccer court to play futsal, then you must know about a company called Playlor based in Singapore which deals with indoor soccer Singapore.

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What Are the Benefits of an Inflatable SUP

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding is considered to be one of the fastest growing pastimes in the world. There are a variety of reasons for this, but it is primarily because it doesn't require much equipment to get started and is an activity that everyone can participate in, regardless of age or ability. When selecting a SUP, there are two fundamental options - inflatable or rigid. Both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Inflatable SUP Boards

Inflatable SUP boards first became popular because they are so easy to transport. Unlike their rigid counterparts, inflatable boards can easily fit into a backpack when deflated. This makes taking them on cruises or through an airport extremely easy. Not only can they be deflated and made extremely small, but this also makes them easy to pack. Carrying around a rigid SUP would not only be an inconvenience, but nearly impossible in a crowded airport.

While it does take a little time to use a hand pump to get the inflatable SUP ready to ride, it shouldn't take more than 5 or 10 minutes. One thing to keep in mind is that getting the ride amount of air pressure is critical. If the inflatable SUP does not have enough air in it, the section being stood one will often bow. This raises the front and back sections, while potentially pushing the center below the water level. Taking the time to inflate the board correctly can make or break how well it handles in water.

A hidden benefit of an inflatable SUP is its durability. This has been proven particularly true on shallower rivers and lakes. If an inflatable SUP hits a rock, it will most likely simply bounce off of it. If a rigid SUP hits a rock, it could end up receiving a huge dent in the bottom of the board.

Rigid SUP Boards

The primary benefit of rigid boards (fiberglass) is that they can be faster and more agile. If the SUP is being used to catch waves, then a rigid board is often a better choice. Along with greater speed, rigid boards tend to have longer fins, which greatly improve agility.

Another benefit of a rigid SUP is that it can be customized to fit personal specifications. While this is not an option most people will ever require, it is something to keep in mind.

Overall, inflatable SUP models provide a variety of benefits which are not available with the rigid alternative. While they may not be quite as fast or agile, the gap in performance is quickly closing. With the added benefit of easy transportation and improved durability, it is obvious why some people consider the inflatable SUP to be one of the best innovations in recent history.

Mike Funes invites you to take a look at Woosung I B Co. With the added benefit of easy transportation and improved durability, it is obvious why some people consider the Inflatable SUP to be one of the best innovations in recent history.

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How To Gain A Mental Edge Over The Competition

While many people quickly chalk up being a superior athlete to simple physical prowess, one thing that must not go overlooked is the mental component of thing. Physically you can be the absolute best athlete out there, but if you fall apart mentally when push comes to shove, you aren't going to be winning any races, games, or competitions any time soon.

Having a mental edge of your competition is one of the key factors to get in place for success, so this is something that you should be training for as well.

Let's look at a few of the key points to keep in mind for how you can put yourself on top from a mindset point of view.

Practice Visualizations

One of the absolute best techniques to be using as an athlete training hard is mental visualizations. For these, you're going to find some place quiet where you can sit or lay and then close your eyes and imagine yourself performing to your best of abilities.

When you actually 'see' yourself doing this in your mind, you'll boost your confidence level that you can actually do it and it'll be more likely to take place in real life.

Furthermore, since your mind does actually control all the movement patterns you make, by rehearsing the mental element of execution, you can also boost your performance as well.

The mind is a very powerful tool and when yours is in the right place and confident, your body will perform that much better. You can also use these visualizations to see yourself overcome obstacles as well, so it can help out in that regard also.

Tune Out Distractions

The next thing you must do to overcome your competition is to tune out distractions. Before a big game or race, go someplace where it's very quiet where you can focus in on what you need to do.

Some athletes will listen to music that serves to motivate them and get them in the mood to work hard. Do whatever is right for you - but try and center yourself and your body. The less distractions there are around you, the easier this will be to do.

Use Motivational Devices

Finally, consider using motivational devices to gain a mental edge over your competitors. This could be watching videos of superior athletes perform for inspiration or simply re-reading your own personal goals and self-boosting statements.

Or, maybe you have inspirational quotes that you need to read to remind you of certain things to help keep you focused and performing your best.

Try a few different things and see what works best for you. As silly as some of these may sound, they can really help out.

So make sure you aren't neglecting the mental aspect of your game. It really is critical to your success.

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Reduced Playtime At School Means Classic Lawn Games Must Rule At Your House!

Recess periods are shrinking. Homework is increasing. Tag, soccer, and even running are being banned at schools everywhere... Cities are building new schools without playgrounds. Playing classic lawn games at your house could easily bridge this gap.

These simple statements, facts actually, make the case for the need for more outdoor play and more classic lawn games in motion. The need and value of creating play time at home in your own back yard with classic lawn games is more important than ever.

More and more kids aren't getting enough space and time to play during the school day. This status continues in spite of innumerable studies documenting that play is vital to children's learning and health.

I am an ardent and very vocal advocate about why we need to save play in our schools and, if the schools can't or are financially unable to save it, why we, as parents, have to do it ourselves. Enter the emerging importance of playing classic lawn games at your house.

Consider these facts:

Since 1990, American creativity scores have been declining, due to the lack of "creativity development" in our educational facilities. At the same time, an IBM poll of 1,500 CEOs named creativity as the primary indicator of "leadership competency" for the future.Finnish elementary school kids-who benefit from an average of 75 minutes of recess a day-consistently rank higher than U.S. children in International Student Assessment Scores.Two major studies of of more than 180 homework practices document very little correlation between the amount of homework and achievement in elementary school.Childhood obesity is directly connected to the decline of play time, increase in ADHD and behavior management issues as well as delayed cognitive, social and creative growth.Increasing physical activity during a child's school day improves attention span, classroom manners and ultimately, achievement test performance.

If these straightforward, documented facts from reputable studies don't make the case for backing off from video games and TV and going outside to play, then I can't think of what possibly will. You don't need to spend a lot of money.

Purchase a few classic lawn games and get in the swing of true, old-fashioned, quality outdoor play. Make your back yard the welcoming haven for the neighborhood children. Classic lawn games (being the classics they are) do tend to have that kind of appeal.

Just getting a badminton or speedminton game going in your back yard can make yours the popular place to hang for the local kids. They'll be having so much fun playing the various classic lawn games they won't realize that their brains are being wired to improve their studies, their creativity and their behavior. The fun is so good that they won't care.

All this from playing classic lawn games? Absolutely yes!

Is your school feeling the pain of budget cuts and reduced playtime for the kids? Enter the world of classic lawn games and fill the gap! A fast paced game of speedminton might rock your world and your child's! Get your game on today!

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Is Your American Flag Design Accurate?

We display our country flags on our homes, recreational vehicles, boats and on our vehicles. We love patriotic flags because they reveal who, what, where, and maybe even why. By displaying our country's flag through either a decal or freestanding design we are announcing WHO we are; WHAT we believe in; WHERE we came from; WHY we drive, or think the way we do. As an American, when I display an American flag or decal I'm showing that I think, feel and believe that I'm from the United States of America. To show off this flag states that I'm proud to be where I come from: for our freedoms. All of this deductive reasoning is made from the simple design of a flag.

However buying a country flag or decal requires research. For example, an American flag must meet certain dimensions in order for it to be considered a true, accurate "American Flag". Not all manufacturers place emphasis on the design of their product. This severely compromises the actual value of their product. For example, the American flag is required to have fifty stars, seven red stripes and six white stripes. If the flag design is modified to show only eleven stripes or thirty six stars then it's not a true American flag. Its colors may be accurate, but accurate colors alone are not ample to support a truly proportionate patriotic flag. Who determined this? President Eisenhower prescribed the direct proportions of the American flag on August 21, 1959. There are no exceptions.

So how does a buyer know if a flag is proportionate? Conduct your research on the internet. There are several references on the internet that state the absolute dimensions of the American flag and flags from other countries. By researching "(country) flag dimensions" you will find the specifics that you are looking for. Compare these references to the flag or flag decal to be sure that the product you are buying represents accuracy. If you can't seem to find the information with the manufacturer that you are interested in buying from then contact the manufacturer directly and inquire into their design requirements.

Displaying patriotic flags and flag decals can certainly convey an important message about who you are, where you come from and what you believe in. Be sure that your flag or flag decal is accurate in design. If it is then you'll feel confident showing off what you stand for.

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Attention Ballroom Dancers, Have You Tried The Argentine Tango?

The Argentine Tango is actually a classic dance which emanated on the roads of Buenos Aires during the completion of the 19th century. This dance has actually developed in appeal over time with both social and professional dancers. The music is both varied and also more contemporary than the usual ballroom tango tracks thanks to added components and instruments, which is actually why at some get togethers the Argentine Tango alone is danced all evening.

The movements consist mainly of walks with the feet making close contact with the floor at all times. The follower normally walks with her legs outside of her partners. It is danced counterclockwise around the floor, and cutting across the middle of the floor is strongly frowned upon.

Argentine Tango is a bit different, a bit dangerous and a bit more exciting than the normal tango. The reason for this is that the woman must allow the man to utterly 'control her body.' It is danced in an embrace which can vary from wide at arms length to a very close chest on chest.

Apart from having to balance herself perfectly with his frame, she has to feel the slightest hint of him stepping forward, so that she can shoot her corresponding foot backwards and be ready for any sudden changes.

The lady can occasionally choose to decorate him with her foot or leg, but mostly she is his mirroring puppet. This I know won't suit a lot of strong-willed woman. It's like he is doing all the talking for once.

Some woman will struggle to come to terms with this imbalance, but this type of connection is very necessary to allow for the correct execution of the Argentine Tango.

With the right partner the Argengine Tango can be extremely sexy as well as strangely spiritual. The dancers have to give the audience the impression that they have been lovers for ages.

In Buenos Aires it is the custom to have milongas or gatherings where the Argentine Tango is the dance of the evening. There are however a few rules you need to follow if attending one of these Milongas.

Firstly you have to dance with a partner for at least three songs, even if he dances like a 'hefalump.' Woman are never allowed to ask the men to dance. Men tend to try and avoid rejection by simply looking at you and jerking their heads towards the dance floor if they want to dance with you.

Whatever way you choose, the Argentine Tango might just be the dance for you, and if you enjoy ballroom dancing, then you simply have to give it a whirl.

For more on dance related matters, please visit The Dancers Forum

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Classic Outdoor Games: Why Do They Matter?

A recent survey commissioned by a well known clothing catalogue company revealed surprising results: Classic outdoor games like hopscotch, foursquare and even marbles are on a serious decline.

In the U.K., a well known radio commentator, also a father of two, has joined the bandwagon by supporting the return to 'rough and tumble' play campaign. Many of us who are over forty will mourn this loss because most of us have such fine memories of... a croquet game that got us laughing hysterically, a badminton game where the 'birdie' got stuck in a tree and we had to get it down... fill in the blanks with your own here.

But there's something much more important at stake than a simple loss triggered by such memories. It's not just corny nostalgia. Adults do need to get involved.

Outdoor games are simple and elegant in their simplicity. The equipment is not outrageously expensive, especially when compared with all the techno games out there today. We should not dismiss the waning of classic outdoor games as misplaced nostalgia. We need to breathe new life into outdoor activities that build human interpersonal skills and relationships.

One commentator remarked, quite pointedly, that "outdoor games... provide children with valuable rehearsals for everyday life." I couldn't agree more.

Just choosing up sides for teams requires organization, consensus and basic team building skills. Fair play is essential; this is a concept many adults participating in today's business world could go back and relearn.

The basic physicality of an outdoor game, volleyball for example, compels accurate risk management. Whether on the offensive or defensive, strategizing is in play. A player may want to smash the ball but it's certainly not clever to keep smashing into another player.

Many classic outdoor games cut across gender and cultural lines. The symbol for 'time out' is pretty universal. Pretty cool when you think about it.

But mostly, classic outdoor games are about simple, basic, essential fun. They create an invaluable opportunity for physical immersion, mental stimulation off computer and the building of the purest human connections that soothe the soul and build character.

We cannot and should not deny our children, our families and our friends the time, space and opportunity to continue to participate in the kind of play offered by classic outdoor games. The loss would be incalculable. And, do note, that the classic outdoor games have kept up with the times.

Equipment is safer, more ergonomically designed for better, even faster play. Some games do have 'bells and whistles' added, like LED lights for night time play but the basic skills underlying the original games survive.

When you consider that many of these skills originated from pre-Greek Olympic times, that's considerable food for thought.

Let's not mourn the loss of outdoor play time. Let's make time for it. Despite budgetary cuts plaguing many schools today, this is one thing that a family of moderate means can do, together, with benefits that are priceless.

Go outside and play! Pick up classic outdoor games and start your fun! Party at your house! Play today!

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Garden Jenga - Fun to Play With Your Family

When you are looking for an option that can keep you, your family and your friends busy or that can get all together, you might just think about some activity that one can perform in his garden which is capable of occupying everyone around. A game would be a better idea as this is something that people among all ages enjoy. From kids to the middle aged, all enjoy getting involved in games. So, it would be a good get together or family time for all.

There are a number of games that one can take up in the garden. But keeping in mind the age factors as well, there is one game that everyone would be keen on trying. This game is known as Jenga. Leslie Scott was the founder of the game. Since then, it has been widely acclaimed by people all over the country and around. The garden Jenga involves a lot of physical and mental skills. One needs to be calculative to be a winner of the game. The number of players to this game is not limited. The greater number of players you have, more fun would you have.

The kit that you receive on buying the game would include minimum 54 blocks and a tray. The size of the blocks may vary depending upon the manufacturer. The general ratio of the size of each block is three times the width of the block to its length; and one-fifth of the length is its thickness. Depending upon this ratio, different companies have different sizes for the blocks of the game. To start with, you have to arrange the blocks in the given tray in a tower of 18 levels.

The blocks should be arranged in such a manner that if at the first level, the blocks are placed in the north-south direction, then the next level should be in east-west direction. As the game progresses, each player has to take out one block from the tower at each turn. The first player, to start with the game is the one who built the initial tower. The player must use only one hand to pull out the block. He can place that block back in the tower at the same place if he feels he needs to pick up a different one. But this must be done within 10 seconds of picking it up or before the other player touches the tower. Once a block is pulled out, it has to be placed on the top level.

If the tower falls or partially falls, i.e. if either of the blocks fall out, the game is supposed to have ended. The winner of the game is then declared to be the one who placed the last block successfully in the tower. It is calculated that the maximum number of moves that are possible in this game is 6 * (X - 2) +2, where X is the number of initial levels that were set out at the beginning of the game. If you wish to purchase a set of garden Jenga for yourself then you can either look for it in a local store or even order it online.

The Author of this article show you exactly how garden jenga involves a lot of physical and mental skills. If you wish to purchase a set of garden jenga for yourself then you can either look for it in a local store or even order it online.

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3 Lessons Our Female Athletes Should Learn

While I wouldn't necessarily call myself a feminist, I do think there are certain things that coaches of female-athletes must talk to their athletes about. I don't mean sit them down at a team meeting and talk, but it can be an in the bus talk or a between tournament games talk... you know, casual.

What are those things? Title IX for one. This is a great time to do it because it's the fortieth anniversary of the amendment this year. I've found that women don't understand that we didn't always have fancy pants uniforms and stay at nice hotels like the guys. We didn't always even have the same access to athletic facilities... our women need to know and appreciate these things.

As coaches, we're trying to prepare our athletes for the next stage... of athletics and of life, so that's where these other three things come in. With the goal always being creating a group of young women who are so informed and confident that they're ready to take over the world (seriously!), here are three areas where we can affect their growth.

3 things we should try to teach our female-athletes

It's okay to talk about being a woman. Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and was recently named the first woman to its board. Beyond all of her amazing accomplishments, she's been quite vocal about being a business woman. You can click here to hear her great TEDtalk. She says that early on she felt that she shouldn't focus on the differences and that she was actually counseled to not talk about it. In the past, I had similar reservations about talking to my team about female specific issues. Now, I feel that I'm doing them a disservice if I don't talk to them about it.
There can be work/life balance. Life is all about choices. I give private lessons to a Division One athlete who says that I should move up to that level. I've gotten numerous calls from folks at bigger and higher level institutions than mine and my answer is always the same: I'm happy here. I'm not saying all of this to toot my own horn, but to show our players that they have a choice. Luckily I've got plenty of people to use as examples for my team: myself... I've chosen to stay at a manageable level for myself. But I've also got friends who are higher up corporate big-wigs who have families (and probably a lot more money than me!) and love their life. We've also got to let our players know that not wanting it all is okay too. But they should be warned, there's no work/life balance for a stay-at-home mom... it's work/work balance!
Women are good enough. My sister-in-law is a big shot with a major corporation and is in charge of leading hundreds, if not thousands, of people. One of the things she's talked to me about since I was in college is that women don't advocate for themselves. She would tell me about entering the negotiation process with women and not having to do much, even though she had additional thousands available to offer, because women just take what is offered. Whereas men would negotiate for salary, stock options, and vacation time. She's not alone, check out this post about negotiating salary. I tell my players this story because I want them to understand that they're not being rude by negotiating... it's expected!

This post was inspired by this great article about Sheryl Sandberg, Sheryl Sandberg's lessons on women and success, check it out!

Dawn Redd is the Head Volleyball Coach at Beloit College. Come visit Coach Dawn's community of coaching nerds and team leaders over at her blog, http://www.coachdawnwrites.com/, where she teaches how to become an excellent coach, motivate individuals, and build successful teams.

Her book, Coach Dawn's Guide To Motivating Female Athletes, is available for purchase on her website.

Follow Coach Dawn on Twitter: @CoachDawnWrites

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Improve Strength Today With These 4 Simple Techniques

As an athlete, one thing that you must be sure you're not missing out on is strength development. Being strong is going to allow you to exert more power, meaning that you can perform better as each movement you execute will be done more easily and with greater speed.

In order to improve your strength, you must pay attention to technique. There are a few key points that you should remember as doing them will enhance your strength in any exercise that you might perform.

Breathing

Nothing will sap your strength faster than a build-up of carbon dioxide in the body. To prevent this from happening, make sure you maintain regular breathing patterns throughout the entire exercise. Many athletes get into the habit of holding their breath, which just causes a build-up of pressure in the body and can even cause you to feel light-headed.

Mental Focus

Next, you also must sustain good mental focus. This means thinking about each contraction that's taking place. As you move through the strength exercise you're performing, imagine the muscles shortening and then lengthening with each move that you make.

Doing this will instantly boost your strength and help you put in maximum intensity to the exercises you're doing.

Time Under Tension

Time under tension is a training technique factor that refers to the speed in which you execute a given exercise. For optimal strength gains, you want to maximize your time under tension.

Do be sure that you're doing this throughout your workout, focus on executing the reps you perform in a slow and controlled movement pattern, taking at least 2-3 seconds to lift the weight, pausing at the top for a second or two, and then lowering the weight over a 2-3 second time period (or longer!).

This will stimulate more muscle fibers with each rep you do, increasing your overall strength gains dramatically.

Note that in some instances you may want to perform the first section of the exercise faster as this can help to improve your power abilities, but always be sure that you are slow to lower the weight so that you can sustain a good amount of time under tension.

Core Support

Finally, the last technique factor that you must make sure that you have in place is good core support. If you have a strong core behind you as you execute each and every exercise you do, this will significantly ensure that you are preventing injuries and able to maximize your power output.

To achieve good core support, think of contracting the abs throughout the entire movement pattern.

Never allow your stomach to go weak or un-flexed. There should always be some minimum level of contraction being held in the core muscles throughout every exercise you do.

So keep these simple yet highly effective strength technique tips in mind and watch your workouts progress dramatically.

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The Ultimate Telescope Equipment Checklist for Astronomy

This is used as the ultimate checklist for anyone who intends to head out for a night under the stars. The article is structured into 4 Sections. The Basics, Optional Accessories, Telescope dependent Accessories & Astrophotography Accessories. All of which is available at most specialist stores.

The Basics

Telescope of any kind. If you have not purchased a Telescope yet and still shopping around. I would strongly recommend that you visit a specialist (Online or in Store) and not a Department Store. I would recommend an Aperture of 130mm and above for Reflector or 90mm and above for a Refractor.

Eyepieces. Minimum of 2. You should have received 2 Eyepieces with your telescope anyway. If you are a beginner, the brand is not vital but Plossl eyepieces are highly recommended and well worth the money.

Appropriate clothing. This is often looked over by people starting out. Remember, you will be out in the open field with no roof above you and in the middle of the night. Dress appropriately. If you are unsure, dress as if you are going for a hike in the middle of the night.

Binoculars. This may seem odd but you will most likely be doing this with a companion and they need to be entertained as well. With a Binoculars, at least both of you can share your observations. I recommend 10x50 or 15x70 Binoculars.

Optional Accessories

Barlow Lens. This acts as a doubler and will multiply your eyepiece collection by 2. I would classify this as a Basic (Must Have) but some people may not need it. Buy one that is of similar quality to your Eyepiece. If you have a Televue Eyepiece, don't buy some chinese OEM Barlow Lens and vice versa. When you are using the barlow lens, it becomes part of your eyepiece and if you buy an inferior quality one, you will notice it.

Red Flashlight. That feeling you get when you get dazzled by a High-Beam while driving. You do not want that in the middle of looking at a planet you've just spent 15mins tracking down. It will take you 15mins for your eyes to adjust back to the darkness before you can see anything meaningful. A Red Flashlight reduces that dazzled feeling.

Sky Maps. Whether it is an iPhone, Star Disc, Night Sky Guide. You will need something to use as a reference. If using an iPhone, remember that you will want it at the dimmest setting preferably with a Red Cellophane paper over the screen to minimize the glare.

Compass. Everything is pitch black and it will be very hard to get your bearings. You will need this as a Reference Point.

Telescope Dependent Accessories

PowerSupply. If your Telescope is computerised. Remember that your AA batteries are only going to last a couple of hours in heavy use. Bring Spares or buy a Power Adapter like a Celestron PowerTank.

Dew Shield. If you have a large Cassegrain and it is very cold. This is a must. Store bought or DIY is fine.

Wooden Board. If you have a Dobsonian. Remember, your telescope needs something flat to stand on to be stable and usable. A large piece of MDF works well.

Astrophotography

Adapters and T-Rings. Don't forget it. Check that the T-Ring fits on your camera before you leave and the threads are all compatible.

Lens. Its not all about the telescope. Trust me. A good 70-200mm Lens will do wonders when you are out in the dark skies.

Laptop/Memory Cards. If you are a keen photographer, you will be shooting RAW. Remember, they are very big files and you will fill your card fast.

Camera. Pretty obvious. Also bring Spare batteries.

So there you have it. The ultimate checklist for your Astronomy Trip. Use this list and you will truly enjoy the experience.

Missing something from this list? Not to worry. In Australia, OpticsCentral is a leading retailer and will have everything in this article. OpticsCentral - Australia's Optics Superstore stocks  Telescopes, Binoculars, T-Rings. Everything. Most of these items are in stock and they have a shop in Melbourne. They offer professional and helpful advice. My personal favourite brand is Celestron Telescopes.

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Here Are Some Excellent Safety And Exercise Tips To Keep You Playing Sports

Sports and exercise safety is important for everyone, but any who's already suffered an injury has to be extra careful. Safety concerns then become even more important than usual, as you definitely don't want to experience another injury in the same spot. Any injury in the foot area can be especially stubborn when it comes to healing. A bad ankle sprain, for instance, isn't something you can quickly recover from, as anyone who's had this experience knows. An injury to a critical area such as the spine can be quite severe and have an impact on basic motor functions. Another, related area that's prone to injury is the neck, and this type of injury can make movement very difficult. Sports and exercise safety are important for active people, and the following are some tips on how to engage in these activities as safely as possible.

Annually there are mishaps in all areas of the sports field, including damages to the head and neck. Unfortunately, sometimes young athletes are paralyzed due to severe neck or spine damage. Wearing the right gear is not a guarantee. Using standard precautionary measures will reduce the risk of serious injury. Saving a few dollars should not be a concern when you buy your sports helmet. Helmets are required to show a sticker by which the helmet design has been approved for safety. We know you want to play hard, so just always be careful with how you use your head. You always want to be sure that your eyes are adequately protected, and if you're involved in sports that involve contact you have to be especially careful. Younger participants, and those just starting out at any age are usually given special protection in many sports. The quality of any eye protection must be good enough to ensure your safety. Use all such safety products as directed at all times. When you are buying on your own, be sure to look for the appropriate and applicable safety certifications by reputable associations. Your eyes are a part of your body that can't be replaced, so take good care of them.

Lots of people, including those training for various sports, engage in weight training of one type or another. Football obviously comes to mind first, but there are others such as basketball, baseball, swimming and others. When weight training, make sure you always include stretching, and you should also stick to a regimen that's appropriate for your particular sport or exercise objectives. Different types of workouts will yield different results, so you have to focus on your own goals. So, as an example, you do not want to get huge and bulky if you are a basketball or baseball player. While weight training causes your muscles to grow, it also makes them shorter; that's why you should include stretching in all your workouts. You can avoid tears to ligaments, tendons and muscles by keeping them limber and stretched. The above are some of the sports and exercise safety tips that can help you enjoy your favorite sports and other activities in the safest possible manner. Always take the time to do proper warm-ups and cool-downs to give your body the greatest advantage possible.

Gregory Avery is a professional and a well inspired writer of different clothes and dresses. He is fun of seeing for that stuff and makes some articles about it. But among those clothes, the one that he loves writing the most is all about the GTM Sports Wear. The reason behind it is because he loves sports. As a matter of fact, he sees to it that he is present in every sports event. He has many collections of Italian Sportswear Brands as his inspiration in doing his work. To get more information, just click here.

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Truck Tents and Tailgate Canopies Make Great Vehicle Accessories

Truck tents and tailgate canopies are gaining popularity in the world of sports and outdoor enthusiasts. These accessories are perfect for SUVs as well as pickup trucks, and some models even fit cars. The great thing about truck tents and tailgate canopies is that they can be utilized in a variety of situations, from camping to tailgating and beyond.

Using a truck tent for camping saves campers from having to prepare a tent site. With a normal tent, campers have to find or prepare a dry, level surface large enough to set up camp. This can take up a lot of time and energy and also require extra tarps to keep moisture and insects out of the tent. With truck tents, campers can easily avoid these things, making camping quick and easy. Even better, sleeping in your pickup bed will better protect you from cold temperatures and windy conditions. Truck tents are also great space-savers. Whether you are in a campground or on a hunting trip in the middle of nowhere, these unique accessories allow you to consolidate your campsite significantly.

Tailgate canopies also make great portable vehicle shelters. Unlike truck tents, tailgate canopies aren't usually fully enclosed. Instead, these accessories provide overhead protection and are perfect to use at tailgate parties, picnics, barbecues, or for a day trip to the beach. Most tailgate canopies are lightweight, portable and very easy to set up and take down, making them virtually hassle free.

As I have said before, these vehicle accessories are gaining popularity and more companies are coming up with their own product lines to answer consumer demand. This means there is a wide variety of products to choose from, ranging in size, price, quality, materials and more. When shopping for a tailgate canopy or a truck tent you should take durability, versatility, and size into consideration.

If you plan on using your canopy or tent often, it is important to buy a model that is durable. Look for models made with rip-stop fabrics and aluminum poles. Products that offer waterproof, UV inhibiting, and fire retardant materials will also offer the best protection against heat, sun, and rain. Higher-quality models will also come with a warranty or a guarantee from the manufacturer.

It's also important to look for models that are versatile, just in case you don't always use the same vehicle for different events. This is an important variable, especially with tailgate canopies as they tend to be made for the type of tailgate your vehicle has - including lift gate, cargo or barn door, and drop gate styles. For truck tents, options might include long bed and short bed or even drop gate models. They might also vary by vehicle make, so look for a Ford truck tent or a Chevy truck tent if you want a tent made specifically for your truck brand. If you can't find a model that fits various tailgate styles, then finding one that fits your vehicle is the next best option.

Size is a big factor in choosing tents and canopies for your vehicle. Take into consideration not only the set-up or in-use size, but also the space it takes up when stored. When shopping, keep in mind the number of people who will be using the product, as you won't need to buy a large model for just two people and you won't want a small model if your group is large.

Truck tents and tailgate canopies are the must-have new accessories for any outdoor enthusiast. No matter what the recreational activity, having these vehicle accessories will provide you convenience and protection. Take the time to shop around for the right truck tent or tailgate canopy for your needs. There are many stores online that offer a wide range of these products, making side-by-side comparisons much easier.

Renee Christenson invented the Bumperchute®, a tailgate canopy that transforms the rear area of an emergency responder vehicle into a mobile incident command post. These EMS vehicle tents were designed specifically for first responders, but have been finding popularity as recreational truck tents for events as well.

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