7 Steps to Mastering Technique Coaching

My experience gleaned from instructing coaches from a variety of different sports in the performance of the Olympic lifts leads me to the conclusion that the degree of technique coaching varies considerably from sport to sport. Whereas some sports are overwhelmingly technical and aesthetic, i.e. gymnastics, diving, others have a very small technique component and hence the coaches have little need to develop the skill of coaching technique. Some sports are played in a deliberately free-style manner so that the coach has little to do with the development of proper technique. Basketball, for instance, used to have a proper set of techniques that were taught to all the participants, but that number of techniques has diminished and many coaches are happy when the ball goes in the basket.

Many coaches in the strength and conditioning (S & C) profession have had little reason to become proficient at coaching technique. Many of the movements employed are from bodybuilding and hardly qualify as kinesthetically challenging. On the other hand some S & C coaches have an extensive background in coaching technique, so much of the material in this article may appear superfluous. If you want to employ snatches and/or clean & jerks into your athletes' training (I can't imagine why you wouldn't), you are going to have to develop some skills at coaching technique.

Just What You Might Have Thought

Before I proceed, let me try to clear up some misconceptions or re-state some observations that might apply generally to coaching any sport.

• The ability to perform a complex event at a highly proficient level is no guarantee that the practitioner knows what they are doing in a descriptive mode, nor that they can coach technique performance, nor do they care to.
• Some scientists may be familiar with every biomechanical nuance of a complex movement and yet have little ability to coach the movement, nor should they be expected to do so.
• There are some marvelous coaches who have never performed events at the same level of technical proficiencies as their athletes, and yet they can coach them quite skillfully. Note that Bela Karolyi was never a female gymnast.
• There are some marvelous athletes who will make a mediocre coach appear to be much better than he or she really is. Evaluate this coach by the athletes produced-one is wonderful, the rest are mediocre.

How to Improve Your Vertical Leap - 5 Tips to Increase Your Vertical Leap to 44 Inches Or More

If you are wondering how to improve your vertical leap, you're not alone. Just about every basketball player, whether street ball, high school, college or pro, is constantly on the lookout to improve their vertical to get whatever advantage they can over their opponent.

Here are 5 tips to improve your vertical leap in just 3 weeks:

1. Lose some weight - if you have a little excess weight, lose it. Being lighter will help you jump higher and you will reduce the amount of work your legs have to do.
2. Workout - more specifically, workout your legs and calves. For legs, some effective muscle building exercises are squats and lunges. For calves, simply standing on the edge of the stairs and raising yourself up will help to build muscle. Getting your quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves stronger will help you improve your vertical leap.
3. Eat right - to support muscle growth, eat plenty of high quality protein, such as from chicken, turkey and beef. Also be sure to eat plenty of complex carbohydrates, such as pasta and potatoes. The protein will help you build muscle and the complex carbs will give you sustained energy. On the flip side, stay away from empty calorie foods, such as cakes, candy, doughnuts and regular soda. These will only slow down your progress.
4. Stretch - be sure to stretch your muscles thoroughly before and after every practice. By doing so, you will 1) become more limber, which will help improve your vertical leap, but you will also 2) help avoid injury. One of the top reasons athletes get injured is because they don't properly warm-up and stretch.
5. Train and practice like an animal - this is the cream of the crop. If you truly want to improve your vertical leap, you have to train and practice with a vengeance. Keep jumping and keep practicing until you literally cannot do it anymore. You have to want to improve your vertical so bad you can taste it! Channel that desire into practicing like crazy until you reach your goal.

The History of the Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars history is relatively short considering they began as an NFL expansion team in 1995. They play in Jacksonville, Florida, and joined the Central Division of the AFC at the same time as the Carolina Panthers. In 2002, the NFL realigned divisions and the Jaguars became a part of the AFC South Division of the NFL. Jacksonville is known as a great place for football, boasting college and pro games, celebrating big games with parties and parades. A look back in Jacksonville history documents them hosting the 1967 and 1968 All Star Game of the AFL. They had attempted over the years to acquire a team, first chasing after the Baltimore Colts with no avail, and then setting their sights on the Houston Oilers. They even created a "Jacksonville Oilers" banner and designated an area of the stadium as non-alcoholic and family oriented to try to win this team over in the late 80s. However, they remained without a team of their own for quite a few more years.

Since the NFL hadn't had an expansion team since 1976, they decided in the early 1990s to add two more teams. The goal was to have them ready for the 1993 season, and the city choices were to be made from Charlotte, St. Louis, Baltimore, Memphis, and Jacksonville. As it turned out, Jacksonville and Charlotte were chosen, and the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers were born. So Jacksonville Jaguars history began in Southern Florida. Considering Florida already had two NFL teams with the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it wasn't expected that Jacksonville would get the team. Also, the markets were ranked very low, and the fan base was questionable because of the large focus on college sports in the area. Nonetheless, they were elected to own the franchise.

Missing Ingredient in Young Athletes Improving Athletic Performance

Ever watch world class sprinters run? Ever see any over-weight ones? Ever see ones that are not muscular? Notice the sprinter that comes in last, does he look over-weight and not muscular. Do you think he or she trains hard to finish last? What's the deal here? Genetics? Didn't pick their parents wisely?

In football, the saying goes "speed kills". As coaches, we can make them stronger, but how do we make them faster. We want our athletes to become successful in whatever sport they choose, (hopefully more than one sport on the high school level), how do we help them improve their training to facilitate this improvement. Professional coaches can draft their players. College coaches can recruit their athletes. High school coaches "pray for their players". So, let's "coach em up"!

Every parent wants the best for their child. My wife and I do! We will help them and coach them through life and whatever they choose to do with that life. Some young guys and gals enter into the world of athletics. Athletics sometimes consumes the parents more so than the young ones playing the game. Some parents do whatever it takes to help their children achieve success. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I'm a coach, a long-time coach. I love to win, that's why they keep score isn't it? So, how do we help those we coach improve athletic performance? Teach them to run!! Follow a well-designed sprint program. Start now, get a coach (maybe me if you live in Tampa) that actually teach their players how to run.

Projecting Sam Bradford in the NFL Draft

Sam Bradford wore his maroon jersey proud while he was an Oklahoma Sooner. Being a Heisman Trophy winner and a good guy should be able to make him very marketable for any person that drafts him in the 2010 NFL draft.

Bradford often battled with Colt McCoy of Texas for the best quarterback ratings in the Big 12 conference. If he did not get hurt I would say he would be a lock for the top five, but many are now doubting if his shoulder is healthy and whether he is going to have injuries problems his whole career.

I would play him around the top 15 right now. I am not sure which quarterbacks I would take higher, if any, but it is so important to draft quality linemen and linebackers that a QB may not go too high in this year's NFL draft. I also think that Colt McCoy or Jimmy Clausen could get drafted before him, but I would say they would be in that top 15 range too.

Dallas Cowboys 2010 NFL Draft

What makes this year's NFL Draft different from years past is that the NFL will televise the first round prime time on April 22. And why is that important? Because Jerry Jones loves the cameras and the spotlight. And why is that important for Cowboys' fans? In years past, Jerry Jones has made it a habit to trade out of the first round to either collect more middle round picks or to acquire an established veteran like Roy E. Williams. In short, expect the Cowboys to keep the 27th pick, and possibly trade up (albeit unlikely).

In the event that the Cowboys do keep their first round pick, they will be strongly tempted to go for a free safety if they do not sign FS Gerald Sensabaugh to a contract extension. However, if they can lock Gerald down, the Cowboys would stay true to their draft philosophy of not reaching and selecting the "best player available". In this scenario look for the Cowboys to select a burner at wide receiver, someone like a DeSean Jackson.

Top Ten College Games of the Decade

I thought I would give my list of the top 10 college football games of the decade. There are tons of games that could make the list, but if I had to narrow it down this is my top 10.

10. LSU 28, Florida 24 (October 6, 2007)- Tensions were high between the two SEC teams, especially after LSU students got a hold of Tebow's Cell Phone number and were prank calling him. Florida jumped out to a 10-0 lead and kept a 10 point lead (24-14) going into the fourth quarter. LSU then scored a touchdown with 10 minutes left. After forcing Florida to punt, LSU then drove down and scored the go ahead touchdown with 1 minute remaining. The drive took over 8 minutes, and was filled with a bunch of 4th down situations.

9. Cincinnati 45, Pittsburgh 44 (December 5, 2009)- Playing for the Big East title game at Heinz Field, Cincinnati completed an incredible comeback to remain undefeated for the complete regular season. Down 31- 10 in the first half, the clawed back little by little. Then down 38-24 again they came back and tied it up. With 1:36 left in the Fourth Quarter, Pitt scored to take a 6 point lead. The extra point was botched. Cincinnati then went down and scored the game winning touchdown on a great pass from QB Tony Pike. The extra point was good, and Cincinnati went on to win the Big East and stay undefeated.

Qualities of a Placekicker - How to Become a College Kicker

The qualities of a top-notch place-kicker can be broken down into both physical and mental preparation. Without these attributes, a kicker will have difficulty developing their kicking game and coping under pressure.

The qualities of a top-notch place-kicker can be broken down into both physical and mental preparation. Without these attributes, a kicker will have difficulty developing their kicking game and coping under pressure.

A good place kicker possesses the following physical characteristics: flexibility, leg speed, balance, coordination and consistency. Let's talk about why each characteristic is important.

Flexibility enables the kicker exceptional range of motion and follow through as he attempts field goals and kickoffs. With a greater range of motion, the kicker will increase their efficiency in their kicks. Flexibility is also important especially during a long football season to help prevent muscular and joint injuries.

Speed of their leg snap is another essential factor because it determines the power and distance of their kick. With proper guidance a kicker can transfer their leg strength into a quick, explosive force.

Why Nike Dunks Are So Popular

These were introduced under the 'College Colors' program by Nike where each team was assigned a shoe of the color matching with their uniforms. Hence special care was made to modify the shoe in a way such that it helps improve the basketball game performance, especially during pivoting and blocking. Though, very soon these dunks became more of a sub cultural icon. It inspired fashion, culture and art to a very large extent every time it was launched. Dunks soon became a favorite amongst skater due to the low profile sole, high stability and enhanced grounding performance. And hence Nike also came up with dunks especially for skaters called the Nike Dunk SB.

Nike Dunks were re-launched in 1998. These dunks sported a nylon tongue and arch supports, which you would not find in the recent release. And like the previous times, each time the dunks are introduced, it turns out to be a huge success in the market. Nike has henceforth increased its production to meet the growing demands.

This time when the Nike Dunks were released have a very classic vintage appeal. They featured a very retro upper sole. Each shoe uses materials of the present day but handcrafted in such a way that each of them possess a look like it has been on the court past twenty years or more. The color combination for each of the shoes is classic, appealing to people from every age group. You would find the attention seeking combination of bright yellow and black and you can also find the very subtle blue on white. You can also find finely detailed shoes with foam tongue, padded sole and very flexible line of mesh work. The best element in the looks is undoubtedly the unique colored sole which brings out a whole new dimension to the sole of the shoe. The sole was given a very low profile so as to come up with a design which is light in weight and stays closer to ground.

Football at the University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame was founded by Father Edward Sorin, CSC, who also became the school's first president. Originally intended to be an all-male institution, it had graduated its first women enrollees in 1972. To date, the school now has about 47% female population. The Catholic heritage is visible through its architecture, made obvious by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart plus a lot of chapels and religious icons around the campus.

Known for its sports program, Notre Dame has gained popularity specifically for its football team. Their teams are members of the NCAA Division I and are called the Fighting Irish since the 1920s.

Eleven national championships have been awarded to the university. The school has a line up of famous college coaches, the best ever. During its first three years, Knute Rockne was the coach where it got the national championship. Frank Leary followed for the next four national championships. Ara Parseghian followed in two years, and then it was Dan Devine and finally Lou Holtz.

Full Benefits of Developing Vertical Jump

Working to improve vertical jump includes benefits beyond just becoming a more amazing leaper. In fact, the benefits for a serious athlete are both important and very valuable.

A quality vertical development program will provide five additional benefits beyond a better vertical. The truth is, a vertical jump program, when effective, will have you doing all of the following skills at seriously improved levels.

1. The most obvious is jumping higher. But using a valid program will have you jumping a lot higher. If you cannot add at least ten inches to your vertical, you are wasting a lot of time and effort. There are plenty of jump programs out there but very few can accomplish such numbers, let alone guarantee them.
2. A good program will also improve your top running speed, in other words your sprint speed. The training required to add lots of inches to your leaping skill will also increase your sprint speed. For athletes in virtually any sport, this is a valuable additional benefit not to be ignored or diminished.
3. In that same vein, developing major hops will in turn assist in the improvement of your start speed or first step quickness. In competitive sports a first step advantage is often all that is required for beating an opponent. This benefit alone makes the work involved worth it but when considered in the context of all the accumulated benefits, it becomes super valuable. 
4. Then there is the matter of reactive quickness. Once again we are looking at a benefit that has value in the extreme. Reactive quickness in sports is an incredible asset. In particular, reactive feet can make up for a myriad of errors and breakdowns. If in the process of building an incredible jump reach you can improve reactivity as well, you have gained the best of all worlds.
5. Building better overall body strength is another benefit to be gained via training to build vertical leap. Everyone knows that the stronger athlete has the advantage in any head to head competition. Becoming stronger in order to jump higher has it's own value but there is also a carryover value that cannot be overstated.
6. Finally there is the factor of athletic endurance. Being able to jump and sprint at maximum levels for a longer period of time gives the jump trained competitor a distinct advantage. If you can run faster and jump higher than an opponent near the end of the contest, you will most certainly win more often than lose.

How to Be a Great Cornerback in Football

The cornerback position is one of the hardest defensive positions to play in football. You are responsible for either running man to man with a wide receiver or playing a zone and possibly having to cover a few players at once. This can be intimidating for a lot of people, but if you use the right techniques and train well, you can improve your skills at this position.

The first thing you need to do is train properly to improve your overall speed and agility. Performing intense workouts involving moving backward, forward and laterally while making sharp moves will all be helpful to you. While you're covering a wide receiver, you never know where he is going to go, so you want to be as well prepared as possible in terms of being able to make a cut or follow your opponent all over the field.

Next, you need to perfect your technique when covering your opponent. It's always good to set up directly across from him with your knees bent and your hands a bit out. When the play starts, you are going to be back stepping with one eye on the receiver and one eye on the quarterback. Backstepping should involve you stepping backwards while essentially dragging your feet along the grass or turf.

Finally, once the receiver makes a move, you're going to need to turn your hips towards that direction and follow your opponent. If you can, get in front of him to cut off the ball from getting to him. Either knock it down or if possible, try to intercept the pass. There are many techniques to successfully playing the cornerback position, but if you follow these, you'll make a solid impact on the field.

Paul Reames

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Reames

Football Season and Its Halftime Commercials - How Businesses Cash In

Companies spends thousands of dollars to produce a unique football commercial each year. The most notable one lately has been GoDaddy who's going full force on their TV commercials although their product is found online. Their commercials are mostly headlined by raunchy girls posing with a GoDaddy shirt on. Sometimes I don't even get what message they're trying to deliver but there's a mystique surrounding these commercials that makes you want to see more. A Super Bowl commercial if done right could possibly bring tens of thousands of dollars in profit as a result and GoDaddy has made no qualms about the success of their commercials.

On the other hand some people are annoyed by these commercials because they eat up precious time in between the actual game. These are probably the people who actually watch super bowl for the game. Speaking of annoyances companies bombard the viewers with commercials before the half time because if the game sucks people would just change their channel and watch something like UFC or America's funniest home videos instead. Should this happen they would have gotten the viewers that they needed and didn't matter to them if the game was good or bad.

NFL Playoffs - Road to Super Bowl XLIV

Jets Buzz Chargers' Tower:

The San Diego Chargers fell to an unexpected loss on home field to the New York Jets who now go to the AFC Championship match-up following a narrow 17-14 success.

First year coach Ryan and rookie quarterback Sanchez of the Jets, out-thought the Chargers to gain an advantage in a testing game - they now encounter the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday.

San Diego had to be self-confident, going into the contest on an eleven match winning streak in the regular season to end up 13-3.

High School Football Recruiting - How to Get a Foot in the College Door

As a high school athlete looking to break into a college team, you have a difficult job on your hands. High school football recruiting is difficult, with hundreds of athletes competing for a few, limited spots. No wonder so many high school athletes fail to maintain the same performance level at the college level as at the school level.

Nevertheless, there are certain keys to football recruiting, and we will look over a few of them in this article.

First of all, you must realize that at the college level, its about performance, not your personality. You might be the most likable person in the team, but unless you can deliver quality performances constantly, you will find it hard to get a permanent place in the side. College coaches don't really care about you or your background; all they care about is the result that you can deliver.

Secondly, know that your size and level of fitness are key ingredients for football recruiting. As a tough physical sport, you have to have certain body mass and size to impress the coaches at first glance. So, bulk up as much as you can at the school level itself to leave a lasting impression on the coach.

Washington Huskies Hope to Push Forward in the Future

The Washington Huskies are a team full of history and team prestige. With an all-time record of 656-398-50 the Huskies have been successful throughout their whole team's history. In their conference, the Pacific Conference, the purple and gold have won 15 titles. They have been to thirty bowl game and are 18-11-1 in those thirty games. To top off the Huskies spectacular history, they have won 4 national titles and are second in division 1 football in consecutive wins with 39 straight wins. They also hold the record for most unbeaten games with 63 straight games without losing a game. They did tie three, but their 58-0-3 record under coach Gil Dobie.

In 1991 the Huskies had arguably one of the greatest Washington teams of all times. They went 12-0 including a 34-14 throttling a Michigan in the National championship. That was the second consecutive rose bowl victory for the Huskies, who had just won it the year before, 46-34 against Iowa.

Interesting Facts About the Quarterbacks of the New York Jets

The New York Jets have had some great players play quarterback over the years. Sometimes with positive results an sometimes with a less than stellar outcome. Here is a look at some interesting and little known facts about the quarterbacks that have suited up for the New York Jets over the years.

• Frank Reich threw 18 career TD passes during his 10 seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He came close to topping that during his one and only season with the Jets when he threw 15 touchdown passes.
• The first touchdown pass in the playoffs thrown by a Jets quarterback was a 3rd quarter 20 yard pass from Joe Namath to receiver Pete Lammons in a 27-23 win over the Oakland Raiders in 1968.
• Richard Todd leads all Jets quarterbacks in the category of career rushing yards with 821.
• Vinny Testaverde's 27 yard touchdown throw to wide receiver Laveranues Coles in a 2005 game against the New England Patriots was the last touchdown pass thrown in a Monday Night Football game broadcast on the ABC network.
• The New York Jets had a completely different passing leader each year from 1995 to 1999. In 1995 it was Boomer Esiason, in 1996 it was Frank Reich, 1997 had Neil O'Donnell, 1998 saw the passing leader position being taken by Vinny Testaverde, and the 1999 leader was Ray Lucas.
• In a week 14 loss to the New York Giants in 1984, Ken O'Brien threw for 351 yards. This is the most passing yards ever accumulated in one game by a Jets rookie quarterback.
• Though he chose to play in the American Football League with the Jets who drafted him, Joe Namath was also chosen in the National Football League draft, where he was picked by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Reading up on New York Jets trivia is a great way to both be entertained and also come away with a little more knowledge about the team than you may have had before. There is a lot to know about the team in general as well as the New York Jets quarterbacks too. IQFB.com is a great place to go for this type of info. IQFB... Get Football Smart!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Peters

St. Albert Chosen As Venue For 2012 Special Olympics Winter Games

St. Albert is set to be the host of the 2012 Winter Special Olympics. The organization, which organizes a winter event every four years, is in the process of preparing for its seventh event. In a written statement, St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse commented that he is thrilled the city has been chosen for the prestigious event after having hosted the 2009 Alberta Summer Games for disabled athletes.

The event, to encompass all Canadian provinces as well as the Northwest and Yukon territories, is expected to draw at least 700 participants, coaches and staff. The 2009 Summer Games included some 850 competitors and personnel. Sports in the venue will include cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, speed-skating, snowshoeing and curling.

Sport and the Olympic Perspective on 2010 America

The 2008 Summer Olympics in China were held in August just prior to the American presidential national conventions. Back then, the worst global economic crisis since the 1930's Great Depression was still gathering and had yet to crest. The issue of race was considered a major factor in deciding the direction of the 2008 American election.

By the November election, the financial crisis had hit full force and America voted for the person most likely to address the situation. With that choice, America cracked the global glass ceiling on power in white hands. It made history by electing the western industrialized world's first non-white leader.

Also by then, as if presaging the monumental change to come, America's conservative party had unleashed its figurehead in the form of a charismatic frontierswoman. She stood and has continued to stand for a romantic American tradition as out of place in the modern global world as the covered wagon.

10 Steps to Coaching Youth Football Ethically

I think we all know of the coaches who put winning in before the players enjoyment. On the professional level, this is expected, of course. But when we are talking about coaching young kids it's just bad form.

If you've seen the movie The Mighty Ducks, you know what I'm talking about. The opposing coach (the bad guy) drives his time to win no matter what. It's not good for the kids. So, with that in mind, here are the 10 things you need to hold to in order to coach ethically.

1. You will put your desire and drive to win in the backseat to your responsibility to keep your players safe and healthy both physically and emotionally.
2. You will respect and treat each player as an individual person.
3. You will do what is in your power to provide a safe playing environment for your players.
4. You will be knowledgeable and able to practice first aid to treat the potential injuries of your players
5. You will work to provide and execute practices that are both fun and challenging for all of your players. This can be difficult due to the fact that some of your players are much more highly skilled than others.
6. You will show by your actions and words that fair play and sportsmanship are important and you will show all these qualities to all your players
7. You will refrain from using tobacco, alcohol or drugs while on any team facilities and in front of any members of the team. Furthermore, I will provide an environment for the team that is free of any of these things.
8. You will be completely versed in the rules of the game you are coaching and you will impart these rules to the players you coach.
9. You will use the most appropriate teaching techniques for all the various skill levels you coach.
10. Above all else, you will continuously remind yourself that you are coaching a youth event and that the game is for the children, and not for the adults.
    

Why the Saints are Back on Course For Super Bowl Glory

With the playoffs getting into full swing my nerves have slowly gone into over drive this week and so, to keep my brain at rest, I'm about to let you into my little secret as to why the Saints will win the Super Bowl. So without further ado here are my top 10 reasons why the New Orleans Who Dat Saints are set to take the whole cake and eat it.

1. It is merely time for the Saints to win a Super Bowl crown. Far too many decades of hurt have passed by for the Who Dat devotees so it is only fair we catch a slice of fortune this season.

2. Drew Brees is the best Signal Caller in the NFL. I don't care where the formal Most Valuable Player award went because here's a fact for you, there is no battlefield General in this league that I would sooner have under center than the New Orleans Who Dat Saints signal caller. The MVP award is merely a popularity competition in any event.

3. The Cardinals, in Kurt Warner, have a superb QB of their own, a selection of primary receivers and very little more. If the Saints can't beat them on route to the big game then we do not deserve to go all the way.

NFL Football Playoffs - AFC Divisional Round

Let us begin with the Jets. They are looking good. They took down the AFC North champion with a bit of ease. Their defense is strong. Strong enough to have kept Chad Ochocinco under control for most of the game: he only ran 28 yards for the night. Quarterback Mark Sanchez had a brilliant performance in his first ever playoffs. He completed 12 of his 15 attempts for one touchdown and 182 passing yards. And both their defense and the team's ability to run the ball have given quite good results. In the Jets last 7 games, the team's defense has not allow more then 15 points per game. But now Sanchez is going to face the Chargers at home, and it's not quite certain if he is going to play like he did last week. Even though the Jets have an impressive defense, they are facing a team that has scored more then 20 points in their last 20 games.

Now the Chargers have won 11 games in a row, and they might just keep up their momentum. Actually, they are looking so strong that they are the second most favorite team to win Super Bowl XLIV with a ML of +325 just behind the Colts. Quarterback Phillip Rivers has passed the ball along 4254-yards completing 28 touchdown passes this season. The New York Jets have a great defense, but just take a look at these numbers by the Chargers: both Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates have more then 1100 yards each, and if this is not enough LaDainian Tomlinson has rushed 730 yards for 72 points. Tomlinson had a rough game against Washington two weeks ago, but he has had time to recover, and there's a big chance he could play. As of press time, the Chargers are the favorite by 7½ points on Sportsbook industry leader Instant Actions Sports.

Preparing to Be a Youth Football Coach

As a parent if you have made the decision to become a youth football coach then congratulations are in order. This will be a remarkable journey for yourself and the youths alike. There will be many special moments for everyone. However before you step onto the pitch though, you will have to remember that this is a very important role and how you react with the kids and the impact you have on the pitch with them can have a very dramatic effect on them on how they feel about the game and even how they feel about themselves in years to come. Now apart from a clipboard and a whistle you will also need some good information as well to help you along the way.

Being a parent as we all know is difficult enough. So running a football team with your kid and others is probably going to be just as hard. First thing is most parents who get involved in coaching a football team, already have their own son or daughter playing in the team. So it is a good idea to find out from your own child how they would feel about you coaching a football team. Some kids will relish the thought of their parents coaching, but others would probably not find it so cool and may even feel embarrassed about you giving the training. So it is a good idea to ask how your child feels about you taking on such a role.

New England Patriots Embarrassed - By Their Own "Fans"

There isn't a team in the league that's given their fans more to cheer about over the last 10 years than the Patriots. Three Super Bowls wins in four appearances, seven division titles, a 16-0 regular season, a record setting offense, the list goes on.

So how do those loyal Patriots fans respond? By booing their team in Sundays wildcard loss to the Ravens. The Ravens first play from scrimmage was an 83 yard touchdown run. The Patriots first series finished in a strip sack of Brady by Suggs, which led to another score for the Ravens.

With the team down 14-0 only five minutes into the game the crowd lost all faith in their team. Forgotten are all the comebacks dialed up by Brady and games won in the final seconds. Nope, Patriots fans weren't having any of it. In their eyes the team was a disgrace.

Make Youth Football Coaching More Fun

Indeed, youth football drills will improve the skills of the football team. While coaching a youth football team, it would really be much better to make it more fun for the players and coaches involved. And also the parents would feel happy if their children are having fun in this sport as it is the truth that not every one will go on to play a high school football sport or strive to be a professional football player. Thus while coaching youth football, it is much more important to give them a memorable experience than win in the game.

Really there are some coaches like the military approach. Strongly disagree with them. It is really different between running a strict disciplined team and a military operation. Coaching sessions should not be regarded as just like the ridiculous "boot camp". Children should have a light and fun football experience. Thus just let them play football.

Will Chelsea Sign Anyone in the Transfer Window?

With the January transfer window now open, the big question on everyone's lips remains the same. Will Chelsea FC sign any players during the window? Their team is nowhere near full strength at the moment, and with an aging squad the problem may only get worse. In my opinion, they need to sign a couple of players at least. Due to their transfer embargo they won't be able to sign any players until 2011 otherwise.

Their best players are out of action right now. Drogba (their best striker), Kalou, Mikel John Obi and Essien (their best defensive midfielder) are all at the African Cup of Nations for the entire month of January, and Nicholas Anelka (their second best striker) is out with an injury he recently picked up whilst training. Many fans have been left bewildered by Chelsea Manager Carlo Ancelotti's comments that he would 'streak on the pitch' if he signed any players during this transfer window.

Goalkeeper Gloves - Finding the Perfect Pair

Picking out the right pair of goalkeeper gloves can be difficult. In many cases, picking out the gloves is just as important as picking up the ball. They should be able to keep his hands protected, and should even be able to protect his hands when catching a very fast incoming ball. This makes it very important that the goalkeeper have high-quality gloves on his hands.

Being as soccer is the most popular sport in the world, it is very very easy for you to find goalkeeper gloves. However, because of the popularity there is also a wide variety of qualities that you will find them in. You can find them from a few dollars all the way up to a couple of hundred dollars, see need to be fully aware of what you're buying before you do.

If you want to play soccer every once in a while casually, then obviously you are not going to be spending a few hundred dollars on a pair of gloves. A pair that is from $10-$30 and probably do just fine for you, especially if you only play rarely. There is no reason for you to spend too much money on equipment that you know you will not use often. Also, those that are especially expensive are made to take very high velocity kicks. Chances are, the people that you are playing soccer with if you only do it every once in a while will not kick anywhere near as hard as those on a professional level.

Win a Lionel Messi Signed Photo with Revista De La Liga

Revista De La Liga have teamed up with Icons.com - the home of signed football memorabilia - to give one lucky person the chance to win the prize of a lifetime - a photo signed by Lionel Messi!

Icons.com have provided fans of the beautiful game with exclusive official signed football memorabilia for over eight years, meeting up with the world's greatest players on a regular basis to bring you the widest range of exclusive signed football memorabilia, including:

• Ryan Giggs
• Fernando Torres
• Cesc Fabregas
• Kaka
• Eric Cantona
• Lionel Messi
• Diego Maradona
• Pele
• Fabio Cannavaro

All memorabilia is from official, closed signing sessions that Icons have held with the players, and comes in presentation packaging with a Certificate of Authenticity featuring an image of the player signing the shirt.

Keep watching Revista De La Liga on Sky Sports to be the first to hear about these great prizes.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 18th January 2010
By : Sky Sports

Clarets eye O'Driscoll

The Clarets are searching for Owen Coyle's replacement as manager following his move to local rivals Bolton Wanderers. Now, having considered their options, the Premier League club have made a move to appoint the highly-rated O'Driscoll. The Doncaster boss joined the South Yorkshire side in 2006 from Bournemouth and he led them to the Championship after winning the League One play-off final against Leeds in 2008.

Emotional matches ahead for Becks

Soccer and sentiment go hand in hand for David Beckham at the moment, and that suits him just fine. The draw for the Champions League knockout phase, which set up a return to his first love, Manchester United, for the AC Milan loanee, facilitated what will be an emotional night at Old Trafford on March 10.

If that is one date with three stars alongside it in the Beckham diary, then the other will surely be June 12, when England and the U.S. go head-to-head in the opening World Cup match for both teams. The fact that the 34-year-old midfielder will be pitted against the nation where he has chosen to make his home with the Los Angeles Galaxy is one of those soccer coincidences that always seem to pop up.

And whereas until recently there was some legitimate doubt over whether the English midfielder would claim a place on his national team, it would now appear to require something drastic to keep him away from South Africa.

Togo could still play in Cup

Togo's players have claimed they are ready to play in the African Cup of Nations despite the armed attack on their team bus on Friday.

The Hawks had initially decided to pull out of the tournament in Angola as the death toll from the horror attack rose to three. Togo's team bus came under machine gun fire on Friday just after it had crossed the border from the Democratic Republic of Congo into the Angolan enclave of Cabinda. Togo were due to face Ghana in their opening Group B match on Monday in Cabinda and it now appears the match could go ahead as planned.

Midfielder Alaixys Romao and forward Thomas Dossevi have both revealed the team's intent to stay on in memory of the dead and injured. Romao told L'Equipe: "We have all just met and we will be on the pitch to play against Ghana on Monday."

Guardiola’s Tough Act to Follow at Barça

The new year arrives in midseason for Europe’s soccer leagues, but the sense of renewal is none the less challenging.

Put yourself into the shoes of Josep Guardiola, the coach of Barcelona. You had already warned your players that there might be a period of darkness after the team won the unprecedented six out of six competitions that it entered in 2009 — and now you are standing, ill clad in your gray suit in the constant downpour, as those cups are paraded at the Camp Nou stadium before Saturday evening’s match against Villarreal.

How to repeat your success? How to regenerate the same desire, the pleasing flow of talents, the work ethic, the hunger to attempt it all again?

Liverpool Struggles at Reading

Liverpool’s season suffered another stutter as it was held to a 1-1 draw at Reading in the third round of the F.A. Cup on Saturday. Liverpool fell behind in the 24th minute when Simon Church scored from barely a yard out on a cross from Grzegorz Rasiak.

In other games, Portsmouth, the 2008 F.A. Cup winner, had to rally to salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Coventry City. And Bolton, which is under threat of relegation, endured a goalless first half before beating Lincoln, 90th out of England’s 92 league clubs, 4-0.

Beckham back in groove - but Inter still motoring

ROME (AFP) – David Beckham began his second loan spell with AC Milan on Wednesday in style as the rossoneri came from behind to beat Genoa 5-2 and leapfrog Juventus into second place in Serie A.Beckham, who scored in the same fixture last season after being loaned out from LA Galaxy, looked hungry for action as he earned a starting place with fellow midfield veteran Clarence Seedorf out through injury.

The three points took AC Milan onto 34 points from 17 games - eight behind reigning champions Inter, who returned from their winter break with a 1-0 win over Chievo to maintain their eight-point lead - though Beckham and company have a game in hand. Jose Mourinho's Inter were deprived of a number of midfield stars, handing a rare start to wantaway French midfielder Patrick Vieira, reportedly bound for Manchester City.

But they still took the points courtesy of a 12th minute goal on the counter attack from striker Mario Balotelli. It was not all good news for Inter, as their Romanian international defender Cristian Chivu fractured his skull in a clash of heads in the 46th minute while Balotelli was subjected to racist abuse. Balotelli, born in Palermo but of Ghanaian heritage, is regularly subjected to such insults but this time spoke out.

"Every time I come to Verona I realise that the supporters disgust me more and more. It's completely unacceptable," Balotelli told Sky Sports.

Sir Alex Ferguson criticises Manchester United

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised his club after they dropped out of the FA Cup because League One side Leeds beat them. Sir Alex said that their opponents had deserved to win with a 1-0 victory score because his side's performance was "shocking." However, whilst he blamed his team for not playing well, he also said that not enough injury time was allowed and thought that five minutes was insulting to all involved in the match.

Francesco Totti is coming back for the World Cup

Now that the silly Euro 08 tournament, meaningless Confederations Cup, and all those pesky World Cup qualifiers are over, Francesco Totti thinks he might be ready to end his firmly held international retirement just in time for the World Cup. He told La Repubblicca yesterday:

"I will decide in April. If Marcello Lippi calls me up, if I am fit and if the group wants me, I will go."

Sure, not deciding until April, but it sounds like he's already decided -- he's going to South Africa. Which is a big turnaround from his decision to leave the squad after Italy won the 2006 World Cup, the year he spent mulling his decision before finally making it official in July 2007, and the repeated rejections of then national team manager Roberto Donadoni's advances.

Manchester United humbled by Leeds in FA Cup

* Leeds pull off huge FA Cup upset

Man United suffer first third-round defeat since 1984

In-form Beckford grabs Leeds winner (adds Ferguson quotes)

By Mike Collett

LONDON, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Manchester United suffered their most embarrassing FA Cup defeat for 26 years when Leeds United pulled off a stunning 1-0 third-round victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A 19th-minute goal from in-form striker Jermaine Beckford gave the League One (third division) leaders victory as United lost at this stage of the competition for the first time since third division Bournemouth beat them in 1984. Beckford struck his fifth goal in three games and 20th of the season when a 50-metre ball from Johnny Howson went over the champions' defence, allowing him to control it and angle a shot wide of goalkeeper Tomas Kuszczak.

It was the first time Alex Ferguson had suffered defeat in the third round, the stage at which the top clubs enter the FA Cup, since he became United manager in 1986. "I must admit, I didn't expect that performance," Ferguson told MUTV. "If you don't start and the other team does, you're always up against it.

Indonesia confident of funding for 2022 World Cup bid

JAKARTA, Jan 4 (Reuters) - The Indonesian Soccer Federation is confident that the country's government will provide the necessary funding to support their ambitious bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

"We're waiting for the government to make their decision whether they will back the bid," Indonesian soccer federation secretary-general Nugraha Besoes told Reuters by telephone on Monday.

"It involves so many ministries and a lot of deep, internal discussions before we can get the guarantees we want, but we're very optimistic they'll get behind this."

The surprise bid pledges to build seven new stadiums with matches to be played in 11 major cities.

"The bid is still going on, we are still very serious about having the World Cup finals here," Besoes said.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, have only qualified for one World Cup in 1938 as the Dutch East Indies.

They will compete with Australia, England, Japan, Netherlands and Belgium, Russia, Spain and Portugal, United States, Qatar and South Korea to host the event, with FIFA announcing the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 editions in December.

(Reporting by Martin Petty in Bangkok, Writing by Patrick Johnston in Singapore; editing by Justin Palmer

To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)