Ball…hoops…and a court…
Basketball isn't just about these three things; the play itself requires skill, good technique, perseverance and a great deal of confidence so as to perfect basketball shots and actualize them on the court. While many people can play basketball, too few can truly play the sport to the highest degree. In this article, we have gathered some tips that could help improve your scoring average.
There is no great secret to basketball and no one was born to play basketball. Remember that even Michael Jordan poured tons of dedication and long hours of tiring practice before he was recognized on the court.
Practice…practice…practice…
Accidents don’t happen on courts and no player ever scored out of luck. Accurate shots are the products of day in and day out practice until jump shots become second nature.
Constant practice will groove your muscles so that every time you aim the ball, your muscles will retrieve the motion you have registered on it. It is like moving automatically without being conscious of the entire movement; instead you just release the ball in its most perfect motion.
Use the backboard
Have you ever considered using the backboard? If not then you might be losing more scores than you can imagine. Watch Tim Duncan play. His scores often come from using the backboard.
This drill is quite simple but too few players truly use it. Once you excel in this skill, you can set yourself apart from all other players. And there's no question- it truly works.
The key in here? Practice. During training it is best to use a glass board as this will let you see more clearly the focal point at which you should aim your shot.
Observe good form
Form is central for a good shot. It all starts with the mechanics such as tucking the elbow in, quick movements in maneuvering the ball upward, proper handling of the ball so it doesn't slip from your hands, shooting the ball and a practiced flick of the wrist.
Like what we have already mentioned, good form is also something that doesn't just happen. It has to be practiced and no amount of time dedicated to practicing is wasted as this will contribute to the development of your play.
You see, it all lies in the dedication of a person to improve the skills he already has and to discover some that are yet to be seen.
Learn more about family fun activities at http://familyfunforyou.info/
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Online Gaming Safety for Your Kids
With Nintendo WII and xbox 360 now released, when could be the best time to take responsibility for making sure that your kids stay safe while engrossed with online gaming but now, right? With the emergence of online gaming's popularity, gone are the days when your kid could stay in your living room playing all by himself or maybe with you. Now, the Internet made it easy for your kid to play with anyone around the world. And that means being exposed to just about ANYONE's bad behavior.
So just how do you make sure your kid doesn't get harmed while playing an interactive game? The following tips can be of great help:
1. Internet Safety Training
Look for your local government's efforts to make kids safe while using the Internet. Usually, these programs, which are implemented by police departments and schools, include online gaming safety lessons. One example of these programs is Teenangels. These are teens who are FBI-trained about Internet privacy, safety and security. After training, Teenangels help develop programs and help them implement to other teens and parents in their community.
2. Inform your kids about the safety features of their gaming systems.
Xbox 360 has a safety feature that allows one to report offensive or abusive players. Also, a voice masking feature is also available to avoid other online players to prey on kids, who can easily be known by their voice. These will help kids from succumbing to online harassment.
3. Teach your kids safety basics.
One basic way to stay safe when playing online games is to not reveal any information to strangers. Tell kids not to tell anyone who has been playing with them any important details about them. And always remind them that they can turn to you if anything or anyone bothers them in any situation, which includes while playing online games. Make sure that they understand the consequences of their actions if they reveal anything about them to online strangers. Also, don't forget to make them realize that a stranger who would want to meet with them will most probably not do them any good.
Those tips and being updated with other safety measures that the online gaming system creators want to make their players learn should alarm us enough in keeping our kids safe. But a responsible parent should never just rely on any measure, always be on the lookout for your kid's safety.
So just how do you make sure your kid doesn't get harmed while playing an interactive game? The following tips can be of great help:
1. Internet Safety Training
Look for your local government's efforts to make kids safe while using the Internet. Usually, these programs, which are implemented by police departments and schools, include online gaming safety lessons. One example of these programs is Teenangels. These are teens who are FBI-trained about Internet privacy, safety and security. After training, Teenangels help develop programs and help them implement to other teens and parents in their community.
2. Inform your kids about the safety features of their gaming systems.
Xbox 360 has a safety feature that allows one to report offensive or abusive players. Also, a voice masking feature is also available to avoid other online players to prey on kids, who can easily be known by their voice. These will help kids from succumbing to online harassment.
3. Teach your kids safety basics.
One basic way to stay safe when playing online games is to not reveal any information to strangers. Tell kids not to tell anyone who has been playing with them any important details about them. And always remind them that they can turn to you if anything or anyone bothers them in any situation, which includes while playing online games. Make sure that they understand the consequences of their actions if they reveal anything about them to online strangers. Also, don't forget to make them realize that a stranger who would want to meet with them will most probably not do them any good.
Those tips and being updated with other safety measures that the online gaming system creators want to make their players learn should alarm us enough in keeping our kids safe. But a responsible parent should never just rely on any measure, always be on the lookout for your kid's safety.
Basketball: How the Game Started
It all started with a child's game that the inventor, Dr. James Naismith used to play outside his schoolhouse when he was younger. This game was called duck-on-a-rock, it aimed to knock the duck off the rock by tossing another rock against it.
This then gave Dr. Naismith a concept of a game which he introduced to the students of YMCA Training School in 1891. Due to the cold weather, the trainees of the School for Christian Workers needed a game that could be played indoors and one that wouldn't use much strength. He then conceptualized a ball game that uses two baskets as goals with both teams competing for the most number of shots.
Apart from the game itself, he also outlined the first 13 rules on playing the game which covers the guidelines, distinction of violations and fouls, and the roles of both umpires and referees, including the duration of each game.
Thus, these events led to the actual birth of the game in December 21, 1881 when it was first played after Dr. Luther Gulick, the head of physical education at the YMCA, gave a two-week allowance for his employee to create a new game.
While the game would be developed in the following years, the students of the YMCA Training School loved it initially. It was even said that Dr. Naismith had a difficult time convincing his students to leave the game after each session.
The game went on to be played in the Olympics in Berlin, Germany where the USA Team beat the Canadian team with a score of 19-8. At this time, there were 22 nations that joined the competition. By 1976, Women's Basketball was introduced into the Olympics.
On August 3, 1949 in New York City, the National Basketball Association was formed. But prior to that were the creations of National Basketball League (NBL) in 1937 and Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1946. The NBA now serves as the largest group in the history of basketball. There are only two leagues left which retained their names since the formation of NBA, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics.
The first women's collegiate basketball was splayed on April 4, 1896 in San Francisco's Page Street Armory where Cal and Stanford met. Unlike the physical and strenuous game we now see in WNBA, the women basketball teams back in 1896 retained their ladylike approach in the game and rules were even modified to accommodate this natural tendency. Stanford then won with a 2-1 score against Cal team.
These events led to the popularity of basketball in our time.
This then gave Dr. Naismith a concept of a game which he introduced to the students of YMCA Training School in 1891. Due to the cold weather, the trainees of the School for Christian Workers needed a game that could be played indoors and one that wouldn't use much strength. He then conceptualized a ball game that uses two baskets as goals with both teams competing for the most number of shots.
Apart from the game itself, he also outlined the first 13 rules on playing the game which covers the guidelines, distinction of violations and fouls, and the roles of both umpires and referees, including the duration of each game.
Thus, these events led to the actual birth of the game in December 21, 1881 when it was first played after Dr. Luther Gulick, the head of physical education at the YMCA, gave a two-week allowance for his employee to create a new game.
While the game would be developed in the following years, the students of the YMCA Training School loved it initially. It was even said that Dr. Naismith had a difficult time convincing his students to leave the game after each session.
The game went on to be played in the Olympics in Berlin, Germany where the USA Team beat the Canadian team with a score of 19-8. At this time, there were 22 nations that joined the competition. By 1976, Women's Basketball was introduced into the Olympics.
On August 3, 1949 in New York City, the National Basketball Association was formed. But prior to that were the creations of National Basketball League (NBL) in 1937 and Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1946. The NBA now serves as the largest group in the history of basketball. There are only two leagues left which retained their names since the formation of NBA, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics.
The first women's collegiate basketball was splayed on April 4, 1896 in San Francisco's Page Street Armory where Cal and Stanford met. Unlike the physical and strenuous game we now see in WNBA, the women basketball teams back in 1896 retained their ladylike approach in the game and rules were even modified to accommodate this natural tendency. Stanford then won with a 2-1 score against Cal team.
These events led to the popularity of basketball in our time.
Family Fun Vacations - 10 Fun Things for Kids To Do On A Camping Trip
No doubt about it, camping trips are fun. A vacation in the wild outdoors, fresh air, roughing it can be such a fun break from the hectic routine of city life. However, a lot of people think they cannot enjoy or even survive a camping trip because of kids. Children can indeed add enjoyment to anybody’s life, but to be honest, it is really hard to bring kids along on a camping trip. Imagine having no television or computers to keep them busy (and quiet). For the average parent, that could spell disaster. But you should not despair, there are many activities in the outdoors that can keep kids entertained during a camping trip. Here are ten of them.
1. Get wet and go splashing. More likely, you would be able to find a nice swimming spot. Whether a big lake or a small brook, you are bound to locate a nice body of water to splash around and have wet fun. Swimming amidst nature can be so much more enjoyable than swimming in a man-made pool. Just be sure that the swimming hole you find is safe for people, normally camping parks would tell you which ones are good for dips and which ones are not. Also, be careful about diving and never leave your kids swimming alone.
2. Bike together. Most camping sites have great bike trails. Riding bicycles is very fun when the view is great. It is faster and cooler than just traveling on foot. Make sure to bring a map and plan your trip so that you would not easily get lost. Do not ride too fast, or you might leave each other behind, anyway, you would not be able to enjoy the scenery if you speed so much.
3. Watch for birds and animals. Most camping sites and forest parks have primers and leaflets about the various animals thriving in their area. You may also bring books about wild animals and see if you could spot them. Try having a contest – the one who spots most kinds of animals wins. See the different animals that come out during the night compare them to those that come out during the day. Just keep your children from a safe distance so that they would not disturb the animals.
4. Play games in the outdoors. It may be the classic sac race, tug-o-war, or just plain tag. Nothing beats the time-tested games when done in the woods. Just be sure to play games in a clear area to avoid accidents. Also, avoid creating so much noise so that you would not disturb the wildlife.
5. Organize a scavenger hunt. Kids love to go on quests and adventures. Scavenger hunts can be a great alternative to the role playing games kids play these days, not to mention that it is more physical, allowing your kids to exercise rather than just sit in front of the computer screen all day. Just be warn your kids about the many prickly plants that could be lurking in the woods, such as poison ivy, oak and sumac.
6. Learn how to read maps and compasses. The great outdoors is a nice way to teach your children about navigation. Take out your map and compass while exploring the forest. Show your kids where you are in the map and show them where you are heading. This can also be done in conjunction with the scavenger hunt.
7. Light a campfire. Perhaps this is among the most awaited activities during camping. This can be the best way to end the day. Gather around the campfire to sing songs and tell stories (scary ones if you would like). Roast marshmallows and hotdogs. Play riddles and other word games.
8. Watch the stars. This is another night activity that can be both fun and educational. You may just simply lie on the grand and appreciate the free light show in the sky, or you may bring out a star chart and look for famous constellations and other heavenly bodies. Look for shooting stars and make your wish.
9. Bathe in the rain. The weather can be unpredictable in many places, you cannot expect to have clear and sunny skies all the time. But do not pout if the rain does pour. You can have fun playing in the rain and enjoy mother earth’s natural shower. Just be careful not to go out when there is thunder and lightning.
10. Just relax and simply enjoy the moment. You are in the outdoors for only a few times in a year (or even in a lifetime). Enjoy what nature has to offer. Avoid bringing any electronic gadget and simply bask in the quiet of the forest. This is the time to bond and enjoy each other’s company.
There are hundreds of other activities to do out doors, these ten are just a fraction of the many activities you can do with your kids on a camping trip. The point of it all is to enjoy spending the time together as a family.
1. Get wet and go splashing. More likely, you would be able to find a nice swimming spot. Whether a big lake or a small brook, you are bound to locate a nice body of water to splash around and have wet fun. Swimming amidst nature can be so much more enjoyable than swimming in a man-made pool. Just be sure that the swimming hole you find is safe for people, normally camping parks would tell you which ones are good for dips and which ones are not. Also, be careful about diving and never leave your kids swimming alone.
2. Bike together. Most camping sites have great bike trails. Riding bicycles is very fun when the view is great. It is faster and cooler than just traveling on foot. Make sure to bring a map and plan your trip so that you would not easily get lost. Do not ride too fast, or you might leave each other behind, anyway, you would not be able to enjoy the scenery if you speed so much.
3. Watch for birds and animals. Most camping sites and forest parks have primers and leaflets about the various animals thriving in their area. You may also bring books about wild animals and see if you could spot them. Try having a contest – the one who spots most kinds of animals wins. See the different animals that come out during the night compare them to those that come out during the day. Just keep your children from a safe distance so that they would not disturb the animals.
4. Play games in the outdoors. It may be the classic sac race, tug-o-war, or just plain tag. Nothing beats the time-tested games when done in the woods. Just be sure to play games in a clear area to avoid accidents. Also, avoid creating so much noise so that you would not disturb the wildlife.
5. Organize a scavenger hunt. Kids love to go on quests and adventures. Scavenger hunts can be a great alternative to the role playing games kids play these days, not to mention that it is more physical, allowing your kids to exercise rather than just sit in front of the computer screen all day. Just be warn your kids about the many prickly plants that could be lurking in the woods, such as poison ivy, oak and sumac.
6. Learn how to read maps and compasses. The great outdoors is a nice way to teach your children about navigation. Take out your map and compass while exploring the forest. Show your kids where you are in the map and show them where you are heading. This can also be done in conjunction with the scavenger hunt.
7. Light a campfire. Perhaps this is among the most awaited activities during camping. This can be the best way to end the day. Gather around the campfire to sing songs and tell stories (scary ones if you would like). Roast marshmallows and hotdogs. Play riddles and other word games.
8. Watch the stars. This is another night activity that can be both fun and educational. You may just simply lie on the grand and appreciate the free light show in the sky, or you may bring out a star chart and look for famous constellations and other heavenly bodies. Look for shooting stars and make your wish.
9. Bathe in the rain. The weather can be unpredictable in many places, you cannot expect to have clear and sunny skies all the time. But do not pout if the rain does pour. You can have fun playing in the rain and enjoy mother earth’s natural shower. Just be careful not to go out when there is thunder and lightning.
10. Just relax and simply enjoy the moment. You are in the outdoors for only a few times in a year (or even in a lifetime). Enjoy what nature has to offer. Avoid bringing any electronic gadget and simply bask in the quiet of the forest. This is the time to bond and enjoy each other’s company.
There are hundreds of other activities to do out doors, these ten are just a fraction of the many activities you can do with your kids on a camping trip. The point of it all is to enjoy spending the time together as a family.
Party Games - Kiddie Games for Kiddie Fun!
What can be more enjoyable than a kiddie party? All those fun foods, party hats and mascots that make children's parties so much fun! But the fun aggrandizes the moment everyone starts with the games!
What are the best games for these cute kiddie parties? Read up and get some ideas so the next time you throw a party for your five-year-old, it will be a blast!
1. Limbo.
An upbeat music, a limbo stick and the kids just go together. The limbo master must keep his body from sticking to the stick while he is limbo-ing.
2. Balloon Target
This is fun because upon blowing up a balloon, the kid allows it to deflate and hit a target!
3. Blind Cow
This is like a guessing game wherein within a circle, the kids listen to a bell and find out where it is.
4. Charades
Let the kids act out the names of cartoon characters, persons or animals and make sure they don't talk!
5. Copycat
This is one silly game as the children simply copy each other's movements.
6. Creepy Crawlies
This is another guessing game in which a kid acts out a kind of insect and everyone guesses what insect it is.
7. Dress Up Relay
This is a relay race where the kids get to dress up in hilarious clothes and race against each other to the finish line.
8. Freeze Tag
This is a game of tag when the kid does not move or is "frozen" in his place.
9. Ha Ha Ha
The rule of this game is simple: laugh until everyone does!
10. Heads Up Seven Up
This is a guessing game intended for huge groups of kids.
11. Hide and Seek
Who does not know how to play this game? Kids love hiding and having someone seek for them!
12. I Love
This game solicits "aww" because the kids are asked to think of all the things they love.
13. Kick The Can
This game is a fusion of hide-and-seek and tag.
14. Mother May I
This is the game for kids where they ask their "mother" to take funny steps before they get tagged.
15. Pinata Party
Every kid loves a pinata party! They just have to break the pinata open to get all those candies inside.
16. Sock Mania
This is where kids put as many socks as possible on one foot.
Make sure every kid plays these games and the party will surely get a hundred times better and crazier!
What are the best games for these cute kiddie parties? Read up and get some ideas so the next time you throw a party for your five-year-old, it will be a blast!
1. Limbo.
An upbeat music, a limbo stick and the kids just go together. The limbo master must keep his body from sticking to the stick while he is limbo-ing.
2. Balloon Target
This is fun because upon blowing up a balloon, the kid allows it to deflate and hit a target!
3. Blind Cow
This is like a guessing game wherein within a circle, the kids listen to a bell and find out where it is.
4. Charades
Let the kids act out the names of cartoon characters, persons or animals and make sure they don't talk!
5. Copycat
This is one silly game as the children simply copy each other's movements.
6. Creepy Crawlies
This is another guessing game in which a kid acts out a kind of insect and everyone guesses what insect it is.
7. Dress Up Relay
This is a relay race where the kids get to dress up in hilarious clothes and race against each other to the finish line.
8. Freeze Tag
This is a game of tag when the kid does not move or is "frozen" in his place.
9. Ha Ha Ha
The rule of this game is simple: laugh until everyone does!
10. Heads Up Seven Up
This is a guessing game intended for huge groups of kids.
11. Hide and Seek
Who does not know how to play this game? Kids love hiding and having someone seek for them!
12. I Love
This game solicits "aww" because the kids are asked to think of all the things they love.
13. Kick The Can
This game is a fusion of hide-and-seek and tag.
14. Mother May I
This is the game for kids where they ask their "mother" to take funny steps before they get tagged.
15. Pinata Party
Every kid loves a pinata party! They just have to break the pinata open to get all those candies inside.
16. Sock Mania
This is where kids put as many socks as possible on one foot.
Make sure every kid plays these games and the party will surely get a hundred times better and crazier!
Party Games - Children's Party Planning Tips
To a child who's about to have a party, there's nothing more important than this event! This could potentially be the highlight of his or her year! So moms and dads better get this right, so there won't be any tears afterwards from you or from your child!
Planning a party for children can sometimes be a big headache if you're not up to the task. That is why you need to have a game plan before going into battle!
The first thing you need to do is ask the child what kind of party he or she wants to have. The average children's party contains some sort of a theme. Once a child has expressed a theme or an idea about what kind of party that child wants to have, all you have to do is to follow up on this idea.
There are things that have to be included in a party at all costs! The fun and the merriment of the children depend on it! One of them is games. This is quintessential. What's a children's party without games?
Hearken back to your childhood, and try to remember all the party games you ever played as a child. If you can't remember this far back, you can always ask your friend who's got children to help you come up and organize these wonderful parlor games.
Make sure you add decorations to your list of things to purchase for the party. Balloons, streamers, party hats, all help ensure that the party you are throwing becomes a fun and festive occasion.
While you are making a list, don't forget to include the entertainment. Kids love clowns, no not you, you silly goose, but a professional clown who can make animal shapes out of a balloon.
If you can't find a clown, a magician will do. This will give the children something to talk about with their friends the next day when they go to school.
Also, make sure that the food you serve is something that children will love. Reserve the onions and liver recipe for another day and bring in the hotdogs and ice cream!
Lastly, make sure that each and every child has a parting gift that they can take home with them. A lot of party stores carry goody bags that you can fill with special treats and toys.
By following these quick and easy tips, you will now be able to throw the children's party of the century. Your child is going to love you; what's more you're going to love yourself for this triumph!
Planning a party for children can sometimes be a big headache if you're not up to the task. That is why you need to have a game plan before going into battle!
The first thing you need to do is ask the child what kind of party he or she wants to have. The average children's party contains some sort of a theme. Once a child has expressed a theme or an idea about what kind of party that child wants to have, all you have to do is to follow up on this idea.
There are things that have to be included in a party at all costs! The fun and the merriment of the children depend on it! One of them is games. This is quintessential. What's a children's party without games?
Hearken back to your childhood, and try to remember all the party games you ever played as a child. If you can't remember this far back, you can always ask your friend who's got children to help you come up and organize these wonderful parlor games.
Make sure you add decorations to your list of things to purchase for the party. Balloons, streamers, party hats, all help ensure that the party you are throwing becomes a fun and festive occasion.
While you are making a list, don't forget to include the entertainment. Kids love clowns, no not you, you silly goose, but a professional clown who can make animal shapes out of a balloon.
If you can't find a clown, a magician will do. This will give the children something to talk about with their friends the next day when they go to school.
Also, make sure that the food you serve is something that children will love. Reserve the onions and liver recipe for another day and bring in the hotdogs and ice cream!
Lastly, make sure that each and every child has a parting gift that they can take home with them. A lot of party stores carry goody bags that you can fill with special treats and toys.
By following these quick and easy tips, you will now be able to throw the children's party of the century. Your child is going to love you; what's more you're going to love yourself for this triumph!
Family Fun Projects: Making Your Own Greeting Cards
There are many ways we can celebrate special days with those that we care for. Simple acts of kindness can brighten the day of anyone. However, one of my favorite ways to make a day special for my friends and family is to give them handmade greeting cards. Personal cards like this show that you have put some extra thought into their creation.
Card making is becoming more and more popular. Anyone can walk into a shop and buy a greeting card. It is even easier to find an online card and simply email it. However, it takes time and effort to make a card yourself, so it demonstrates to the receiver that they are indeed special. Handmade cards aren’t restricted to any particular occasion. They can be made for birthdays, anniversaries, valentines or simply to say ‘I care’.
Over time it is useful to collect various card making supplies, such as fabric and buttons, which you can incorporate into the cards. It is also useful to collect card-making ideas and store these in a special folder which you can refer to when needed. You don’t have to be an artistic person. An easy way to be creative is to use simple shapes and to trace patterns such as a cat or a fish. Another easy way to create fabric shapes is to use cookie cutters as a template. Using the patterns you can trace them on to fabric and cut out the appropriate shapes. Then you can use fabric paint to outline the shape on the card. Fabric paint is raised so it gives texture. The paints come in a wide range of colors and may include glitter for extra sparkle. The card can take on an even more 3d appearance by using wire, buttons or other materials.
If you are interested in calligraphy you can make the text look special. However, if you aren’t good at this there are many computer programs which can print out text in great looking fonts. Nevertheless, it is your personalized message that will mean the most, so take some time to express just the right words.
The final product can have your own acknowledgment by using a rubber stamp with "Handcrafted by (YOUR NAME)” on the back. Another nice feature is that no two handmade cards are ever exactly alike. Making greeting cards is not only a wonderful hobby, but is also a way to let your family and friends know just how much you care.
Card making is becoming more and more popular. Anyone can walk into a shop and buy a greeting card. It is even easier to find an online card and simply email it. However, it takes time and effort to make a card yourself, so it demonstrates to the receiver that they are indeed special. Handmade cards aren’t restricted to any particular occasion. They can be made for birthdays, anniversaries, valentines or simply to say ‘I care’.
Over time it is useful to collect various card making supplies, such as fabric and buttons, which you can incorporate into the cards. It is also useful to collect card-making ideas and store these in a special folder which you can refer to when needed. You don’t have to be an artistic person. An easy way to be creative is to use simple shapes and to trace patterns such as a cat or a fish. Another easy way to create fabric shapes is to use cookie cutters as a template. Using the patterns you can trace them on to fabric and cut out the appropriate shapes. Then you can use fabric paint to outline the shape on the card. Fabric paint is raised so it gives texture. The paints come in a wide range of colors and may include glitter for extra sparkle. The card can take on an even more 3d appearance by using wire, buttons or other materials.
If you are interested in calligraphy you can make the text look special. However, if you aren’t good at this there are many computer programs which can print out text in great looking fonts. Nevertheless, it is your personalized message that will mean the most, so take some time to express just the right words.
The final product can have your own acknowledgment by using a rubber stamp with "Handcrafted by (YOUR NAME)” on the back. Another nice feature is that no two handmade cards are ever exactly alike. Making greeting cards is not only a wonderful hobby, but is also a way to let your family and friends know just how much you care.
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