How to Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport

Every girl has played sport at one time or another. Whether it's PE or football, track or tennis, we've all had the same problem: looking good. People say that you can't wear make-up for sport. Why not? It's more or less a free world. So, read on for tips.


[[Category:Sports and Fitness]]

== Steps ==
#  Don't overdo preparing for only half an hour's training. You'll end up being late and will have no clue what is going on.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 1.jpg|center]]
#  Look like you care. Don't cake yourself in make-up or twist your ankles in your six inch heels, look like you care.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 2.jpg|center]]
#  Bad at the sport? Don't worry, everyone has to start somewhere. How can you improve if you don't know how to play?[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 3.jpg|center]]
=== What To Wear ===
#  Wear something comfortable. Wear your track pants and sports top. Nike or Adidas tops look the best, they are sweat absorbing and also keep you warm or cold. If you are on a team, wear the clubs team jersey or colours.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 4.jpg|center]]
#  Ditch the heels. Heels, seriously? Definite no-no for sports. Wear trainers, tennis shoes, astro-boots (They are grippy and ensure you don't slip) or football boots (don't wear if you're playing inside).[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 5.jpg|center]]
#  Tie your shoelaces. Yes, it may be they latest fashion to have your shoes coming off every five minutes but be sure to tie them for sport. Want to go to prom with your head split open and your leg in a cast?[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 6.jpg|center]]
=== Make-Up & Accessories  ===
# Apply sunscreen. The worst possible thing to happen is to get burnt while playing sport. It hurts and makes it virtually impossible to run. Even if it's not hot out, still apply sunscreen or a moisturiser that contains SPF. Rub it thoroughly into your face in circular motions.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 7.jpg|center]]
#  Early morning training session? Get a dab of concealer or if you don't have any, make your own. First, find a jar or an empty moisturiser tub to put your concealer into. Next, get a white moisturiser and put some into the tub. Put in a generous amount, don't be afraid of wasting it! This method acts as a moisturiser too! Grab some of your foundation and mix it in well with the moisturiser. Add more or less than each ingredient. If you want a fresh, dewy look, add more moisturiser than foundation and. Apply the concealer under your eyes or wherever you feel you need it.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 8.jpg|center]]
# Apply a tiny bit of mascara. Use black or brown mascara, these are the only two natural shades. Apply the mascara in a zig-zag motion to avoid it sticking your lashes together. Before applying it, check to see if its water-proof. You only make that mistake once.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 9.jpg|center]]
# Apply some lip balm to your lips, out in rain, wind or shine won't do those lips of yours any favours. Vaseline works wonders and lasts for a while but other brands work too. Apply some on you eyelashes also to give your eyes a fresh look.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 10.jpg|center]]
#  Eyeliner if you must. Only apply eyeliner if you need it, otherwise, the eyeliner will come off and get into your eyes and lashes. Very few eyeliners are suited to playing sport.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 11.jpg|center]]
#  No earrings! Never wear earrings while playing any sport, they could get caught and rip your ear.... Ouch.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 12.jpg|center]]
#  Bracelets, watches and wristbands. If you want to look professional, the only one of these you'd want to wear is an energy band or a sports watch, BREO are the best brand for sports watches. Woollen bracelets are alright but can easily break, don't wear any precious or valuable jewellery while playing sport, it could get lost or broken.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 13.jpg|center]]
#  Rings could catch on someone else's clothes, so don't wear one.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 14.jpg|center]]
=== Hair-Styles ===
#  Tie your hair back in a regular ponytail, leaving your bangs hang loose, next get a clamp and cover the bobble, this causes your ponytail to stay off your neck and looks like it has volume. Grab a bobby pin now and club back your bangs to the side, sorted![[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 15.jpg|center]]
#  Plaits are a simple but effective way to manage your hair.[[Image:Look Effortlessly Pretty While Playing Sport Step 16.jpg|center]]

How to Invent a Sport

When you’re tired of playing the same old sports, or you’ve never found one that fits you just right, invent a sport that’s all your own. Look at the things you like from existing sports, and adapt those objectives and rules to suit you better. Come up with rules, equipment, and a playing field. Get some friends to give the sport a try and help you improve on it.
[[Category:Team Sports]]
==Steps==
===Inventing a Simple Game===
#Gather up some sports equipment. If you want to invent a sport, you’ll have to see what kind of balls, rackets or sticks, and goal-type equipment you have. Look around your own house and ask your friends too. Make sure you have enough if each player needs to use their own stick or ball.<ref>http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/02/lp266-05.shtml</ref>[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#*You might find a golf ball, a baseball bat, a football helmet, and a racket. You don’t have to pick up all of the stuff, but at least make a list of what you have.
#*If you have no sports equipment, make a sport that doesn’t need any. Use just your body and your environment. Adapt running, hand-to-hand combat, or exercise into a sport.
#*Use non-sports equipment for the game. Look for buckets, brooms, rocks, sticks, chairs, boxes, blankets, or any other household items to somehow use for a sport.
#Describe how the scoring works. Come up with how players score in the game. Have them throw something the farthest, or hit a ball the most times. Make sure you choose if they must reach a certain score, or if whoever has the best score or performance wins.[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#*For example, you might have to score the most points to win. You might score by using the racket to hit the golf ball into the helmet from different distances away.
#*The scoring doesn't have to be points. It could be accomplishing a task first, performing a feat best, or doing something the most times.
#Come up with a set rules for your game. You don’t have to make totally new rules for your game, just use the rules of other games you know. Make sure the rules tell players what they have to do and what they are not allowed to do. Combine rules from different sports so they fit together.<ref>https://www.teachervision.com/sports/invent-sport</ref>[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 3 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#*For example, most sports have boundary lines that players must stay within. If you cross a boundary line, the other player or team takes control of the game.
#*Make rules about players touching each other. Football allows players to make physical contact with regulations about what's acceptable. Yet, baseball has very little contact.
#*Include rules about how to use the equipment, such as kicking the ball in soccer, throwing and catching the ball in football, or tagging the base in baseball.
#Set a number of players who can play. Decide if your game is played one-on-one or with teams, or if it works with either. If there has to be an exact number, make sure you know how many. If the game works with different numbers of players, that will give you more freedom.[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 4 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#*For example, tennis only works with two players or four players, but basketball works with two to ten or more players.
#Find an open place to play the sport in. Make sure you have enough space to play. Stay away from buildings and anything else that might get in the way. You’ll need room to run around for most sports. Ask your parents before you go away from your house.[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 5 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#*If you need any type of boundaries or starting lines, use trees or the edge of the grass. If you have cones or rope, use that to set up lines, too.
===Making Advanced Guidelines===
#Browse the rules and objectives of existing sports. Research sports that you know of. See how they are played, what the rules are, how you win, and what penalties there are. By learning about lots of sports, you are able to see what you like and dislike.<ref>http://www.rulesofsport.com/</ref>[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 6 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#*Start a list of features from various sports that you want your sport to include. You might take the layout of a baseball field, the play features of bocce ball, and the penalties of football.
#*Don’t take more than one or two features from each sport unless you want to create something that’s a variation of a sport that already exists.
#Outline the basic objective of the sport. Write out how the game is played and how a winner is determined. Be as specific as possible about what each player or team must do and what they are not allowed to do. Decide if there is a time limit or if play goes on until a certain score or goal is reached.<ref>http://www.spencerauthor.com/maker-challenge-invent-a-sport-using-only-these-items/</ref>[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 7 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#*Decide if teams rotate turns or if play shifts back and forth between them at random.
#*For example, in volleyball, each team serves at specific times, but play passes back and forth until one team misses the ball. In baseball, teams take turns being at bat and in the field.
#*Many sports, like soccer, have a time limit and the winner is whoever has the most points. Others, like tennis, are played until a specific point value is reached.
#Determine the ideal number of players. If you want the sport to require teams, decide if there must be a set number or if it can vary. On the other side, plan the sport differently if you want it to be a one-on-one game. Keep in mind that some of the most popular sports are adaptable for a range of players.<ref>https://edugeneral.org/blog/general-knowledge/number-of-players-in-various-sports-games/</ref>[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 8 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#*Sports like soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and football are designed to accommodate a range of player numbers. They typically require at least two people per team and up to ten or eleven, but the game can be played with any number in between.
#*Games like ping pong, tennis, and racquetball require at least two and no more than four, in most cases.
#*Set out what you think is the ideal number of players, but make note of how the game could be adapted for different numbers of players.
#Write out all of the rules that are necessary to make the game work. Start broad, and expand outward into specifics. Make sure there are enough rules to make the sport work but not so many that it becomes confusing for players to learn it. For starters, set out five to ten basic rules.<ref>http://www.rulesofsport.com/</ref>[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 9.jpg|center]]
#*You might brainstorm lots of rules and then rank them in terms of importance. Go through a process of elimination to get rid of ones that are not necessary.
#*Rules include what players must do, what they are allowed to do, and what they are not allowed to do. For example, players must walk, are allowed to jump, but can’t run.
#*Incorporate various rules from sports that already exist, which you researched in the first stage of the sport’s development.
===Designing a New Field and Equipment===
#Create the equipment needed to play your sport. Use balls, rackets, or gear that is used in other sports, or come up with something completely new. Streamline the equipment so it performs the actions that are necessary to play the game. Make sure you have everything you need but nothing extra.[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 10.jpg|center]]
#*If your sport is played with a ball, find an existing one from another sport that fits your sport well. If you can’t find an existing ball, try making one out of rubber, plastic, leather, or fabric.
#*Build new goals, sticks to hit or throw the ball with, or other objects that are necessary for the game to work.
#*Adapt things that are not even sports related so that they work for your sport. Use kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, toys, or other everyday items for your sport.
#Make an efficient uniform for players to wear. If your sport requires specific gear or a uniform, you may have to make it yourself. Use basic clothing like shirts and pants to create a suitable uniform. Be sure to include any safety equipment that is necessary in your overall uniform design.[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 11.jpg|center]]
#*For example, horseshoes can be played in casual clothing, while ice hockey requires at least skates, but players usually wear a helmet, pads, and extra layers for warmth.
#*Racquetball and tennis don’t require a specific uniform, but wearing tight-fitting and comfortable clothing makes them easier to play.
#*Jot down what you think would be the ideal outfit to play in, but include ways that a player could vary the uniform if they need to.
#Draw a basic design for the playing field. Browse the layouts of existing sports fields. Pick a layout that’s most useful and adapt it. Grab a large sheet of paper and a pencil to sketch out the simple design. If you have some type of computer design software, draw up a detailed version.<ref>https://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/support-and-advice/facility-management/developing-facilities/dimensions-guide</ref>[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 12.jpg|center]]
#*Design the layout of the field to suit the goal of the game. If there is a lot of running, you may want a long field of play. If the game takes place while standing still, keep the space small.
#*Include boundary lines, score zones, penalty boxes, starting lines, and any other specific aspects of the field that are vital to the play of the game.
#*Be sure to write down the dimensions of each part of the play area because your drawing probably will not be to scale.
===Getting People to Play Your Sport===
#Name your sport. The final step of the inventing process is giving a name to your new sport. Try to relate it to the game play or objective of the sport. Make it something catchy that people will be interested in. It must be easy to say and easy for people to remember, or it won’t catch on.[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 13.jpg|center]]
#*Don’t make it too complicated, like "Hooskerdoodlerama," but make sure it isn’t obvious, like "Throwball," either.
#*Think of names like “Prawdle,” “Malinny,” or “Bindleboo.”
#Tell people about the sport. Get a group of friends together, and describe the sport to them. Tell them about the objective, the rules, and the things you use to play. Ask them for feedback about it, and ask for ways it could be improved upon.[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 14.jpg|center]]
#*Let them look through the rules you’ve written up and any drawings of the field or equipment that you have. This helps them get a better idea of how the game works.
#*Ask them to give you a recap of the sport to see if it makes sense and if they remember the general idea of the game.
#Play the sport with a group of people. Ask people to join you in playing the sport. Find a public place to set up a simple version of the field. Tell people what to wear or provide uniforms. Bring the equipment you need. Tell everyone how to play the sport, and get started.[[Image:Invent a Sport Step 15.jpg|center]]
#*If you play with them, make sure you are paying attention that everyone is playing the right way and following the rules. You are the inventor, so you have to referee and coach the players, too.
#*Take notice of how the game goes, and make notes afterwards of what went well and what went poorly. Use these notes to make adjustments to the game for the next time you play.
#*Ask the players to give you feedback about the game. Ask them if it was easy to understand and play. Ask if they had fun and if the game flowed well or was too complicated.
== Related wikiHows ==
*[[Improve at a Sport]]
*[[Open a Sports Blog]]
==Sources and Citations==
{{reflist}}
__Parts__

How to Write a Sports Report

A sports report tells the reader what has happened in a game or match, including the highlights and anything controversial or groundbreaking that may have occurred. It is the role of the writer to bring the sporting event back to life for the reader without miring the reader in dull details or personal interpretations. A sports report is a good way to learn about the art of writing concisely, carefully and with tempered enthusiasm.

[[Category:Official Writing and Complaints]]

== Steps ==
=== Before you start writing ===
#Research the event that you are going to write about in detail. It's important to know what you're talking about, so that you can describe the relevant goals, fouls, moves and equipment with expertise. Extra background information such as quotes, statistics, and team news are great to know too, as they'll make your report stand out from any other recount of that particular match.[[Image:Write a Sports Report Step 1 Version 4.jpg|center]]
#*What do you know about individual players? Try to read up on their backgrounds to gain an idea of their personalities, past sporting history and hopes for the future. This human element can add a lot to your writing, helping to make these people more real to the readers.

=== Writing the report ===
#Start by describing the atmosphere, or something that may have happened before the game or event. This will 'set the scene' for the reader.[[Image:Write a Sports Report Step 2 Version 4.jpg|center]]
#*For example: "Conditions looked difficult for the two teams, despite the groundsman's best efforts to clear the pitch before the game."
#Explain how the game or event started. Include things like who had the first shot, and which team started the strongest, any missing players or the form of particular players as they went onto the field or arena.[[Image:Write a Sports Report Step 3 Version 4.jpg|center]]
#Describe the important events. This means detailing the goals, the sendings off and any altercations. If there is a groundbreaking achievement, such as "the first time" something has ever happened in that sport, be sure to detail it well, as the readers will be extremely curious. Fill in the gaps with statistics.[[Image:Write a Sports Report Step 4 Version 4.jpg|center]]
#*For example: "For the next twenty minutes, the home side dominated - with 80 percent possession."
#When recounting a goal, describe the build up. For example, if the goal came from a free kick, then mention that a foul was committed, which resulted in the set piece. After explaining that, go onto describe how the goal was scored. [[Image:Write a Sports Report Step 5 Version 4.jpg|center]]
#*For example: "The resulting free kick was beautifully curled into the top right corner."

=== Finishing off ===
#End your report with a summary of what happened. This can include a discussion of what the result means to the teams involved, such as whether they survived to another round or are out of the series. If it's an individual, explain what this sports player is likely headed for next, such as another championship round or retirement.[[Image:Write a Sports Report Step 6 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#*For example: "The victory lifted them out of the relegation zone and into the top half of the table."

== Tips ==
*Read many other sports writers' work to glean from their work what styles you like the most and what sorts of phrasing, expressions and wording you think you'd like to adopt when developing your own sports writing style.
*Be careful as to how much of your own opinion you inject into the sports report. If you're an authority on the sport, you will have more liberty to pass judgment on things that happened in the game or event but if not, hold back on making such expert judgments and instead, seek to get across the correct facts backed up by statistics and interview quotes.

== Things You'll Need ==
*Writing materials
*Statistics on the sport you're covering

__parts__

How to Be Good at Sports

If sports are something that interests you, it stands to reason you would want to be good at them. Succeeding at a sport takes skill, and skill takes patience and determination. However, there are other things you need to think about if you want to be a good sports player. Skill alone may take you far, but you'll never go all the way unless you have the right attitude and team spirit to back it up.
[[Category:Sports and Fitness]]
==Steps==
===Developing the Right Mindset===
#Set ambitious but realistic goals for yourself.<ref>https://www.sportpsych.org/nine-mental-skills-overview</ref> If you want to be great at sports, you need to set your aims high. This does ''not'' mean being unrealistic, or saying you're going to go professional within a year. Instead, you should take a look at what you are, and figure out where you think you would like to be. Give yourself a suitable amount of time to achieve that goal, and break it down into smaller parts if the goal is especially big.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 1 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#[[Show Good Sportsmanship|Be a good sport.]] Being good at sports means more than physical strength and speed. In order to be truly great, you need to apply that positive attitude to the way you treat other players, even if they're on the other team. If you lose a match, accept the loss and show respect to the other player for their victory.<ref>http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/08/04/be-a-good-sport-a-guide-to-sportmanship/</ref> If you set an example of good sportsmanship, you'll receive the same respect in turn when you win.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 2 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#[[Be Patient|Be patient.]] No matter what you do, skills are often slow to build. There is always going to be someone who can do it better than you, at least at first. Impatient athletes tend to make poor ones. If you're not patient, you will try to leap into more advanced techniques long before you're ready. Your motivation will sap away when you don't see improvement immediately. Keep the long-term goal in mind, and hang tight in the meantime while you make it a reality.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 3 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#Accept criticism. When you play sports, you will inevitably receive criticism. Whether from a coach, other players, or spectators, you need to take most of it with a grain of salt. Are they angry because you missed a pass, or do they sincerely want to help you improve? Learn to distinguish the constructive criticism from the hurtful remarks. In a lot of cases, you can use criticism as motivation to get better in whatever area they bring up.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 4 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#*Don't let yourself get defensive.<ref>http://www.professional-counselling.com/dealing_with_criticism_rejection.html</ref> Your thinking becomes more limited if you allow yourself to become emotional against criticism.
#Nurture friendships with other players. One of the biggest reasons people join sports teams in the first place is to make friends with new people.<ref>https://www.universitylanguage.com/blog/20/joining-a-sports-team/</ref> If you join a team, you're bound to run into a lot of people. Chances are you'll develop friendships with at least some of them. Making these friendships a priority is a good move if you want to become great at sports. You can practice together on your own time. The morale boost of playing with friends helps as well.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 5 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#*Team sports like soccer can have some skills practiced in solitude, but for others (like goalkeeping and passing) another person is needed. It's helpful to have this other person as a friend. It'll make the practice process more enjoyable in the long term.
#Let yourself have fun. It's possible to get so obsessed with being good at something that you lose track of why you want to be good in the first place. Not taking the time to enjoy the sport you play results in a fast burnout. Whether you're practicing or playing a competition, try to remember the other reasons why you play sports. This may include the natural satisfaction you get from exercise, or quality time spent with friends.<ref>http://ca.askmen.com/fine_living/how_to_400/449_how-to-be-a-good-sport.html</ref>[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 6.jpg|center]]
===Training Your Skills===
#[[Make a Sports Team|Join a sports team.]] If you want to become a sports superstar, joining a team is a good way to start. Even if your skills are currently low, joining an amateur league will sharpen up your skills. Sports teams are everywhere, and most of them are free to join. If you go to school, you should go for team tryouts when they're happening. Recreation centres are often host to sports teams as well.<ref>http://www.kidzworld.com/article/24566-joining-a-school-sports-team</ref>[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 7.jpg|center]]
#*If you're not in school, you can find or start a sports club online.<ref>http://sports.meetup.com/cities/ca/bc/vancouver/</ref>
#Get a great coach. Great coaches come in all shapes and sizes.<ref>http://www.momsteam.com/team-parents/coaching/general/ten-signs-of-a-good-youth-sports-coach</ref> Certain coaching personalities will suit you better than others. The best scenario is having a coach who genuinely wants to see you succeed. In the early stages, enthusiasm is often more helpful than scientific know-how.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 8.jpg|center]]
#*Across the board, communication skills are the most important trait a coach can have.<ref>http://www.momsteam.com/team-parents/coaching/general/ten-signs-of-a-good-youth-sports-coach</ref>
#*There are different levels of sports coach. Most after-school coaches are volunteers with a working knowledge of the sport and enthusiasm for the game. You can hire a sports coach with full training and education, although it will set you back a lot of money.<ref> http://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/exercise-science-careers/how-to-become-a-sports-coach</ref>
#Set your sights wide. If you want to be truly great at sports, it's not enough to focus on a couple of sports alone. It is important to set your sights wide with your exercises. Don't specialize in skills unless you're already a great athlete. Find ways to train every part of your body. Whether this means playing multiple sports or doing an all-encompassing exercise routine, training your entire body will boost your sports performance.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 9.jpg|center]]
#*There's a lot of evidence to suggest that athletes are better if they play more than one sport.<ref>http://usafootball.com/blogs/health-and-safety/post/8942/playing-multiple-sports-builds-better-athletes</ref>
#Tend to basics first. it's a common misgiving for young athletes to want to jump into the advanced stuff quickly. This isn't an effective way to spend training time. You need a solid bedrock foundation before you move on to bigger things.<ref>http://www.wgcoaching.com/teaching-skills-a-performance-focused-approach-to-teaching-skills/</ref> If you're new to a sport, take as much time as you need to get the basic movements down properly. It will make advanced skills a lot easier to grasp in the long run.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 10.jpg|center]]
#*Some argue that fundamental "movement skills" (such as jumping and kicking) should be mastered properly before moving on to applied sports skills.<ref>http://canadiansportforlife.ca/physical-literacy/more-about-fundamental-skills</ref>
#Allow room for flexibility. In an actual competition, things aren't usually going to play exactly by the books. While you're practicing, you'll usually be playing under optimal circumstances. In order to make sure you'll be up for the unforeseen challenges, you need to predict the conditions of the competition.<ref>http://www.wgcoaching.com/teaching-skills-a-performance-focused-approach-to-teaching-skills/</ref> Ask yourself if you are learning a skill, or if you're learning to actually use that skill in the competitions you'll be in.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 11.jpg|center]]
#*Remember this motto: "Train the way you want to play."<ref>http://www.wgcoaching.com/teaching-skills-a-performance-focused-approach-to-teaching-skills/</ref>
#*There's no way to perfectly replicate a competition in practice, but playing with other people can get you used to the scenarios you'll need to beware of.
#Add new levels of challenge as you build a skill. It is common for bodies to adapt to a level of strain. Progress will slow down if you don't keep upping the stakes as you go along. Bodybuilders and strength-oriented athletes do this by increasing their reps or the weights they work with. As a competition athlete, the best thing you can do to keep progress going is to practice the skills while under fatigue.<ref>http://www.wgcoaching.com/teaching-skills-a-performance-focused-approach-to-teaching-skills/</ref> Studies have shown that skill execution goes out the window when you get tired, so it's a good idea to practice under those conditions.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 12.jpg|center]]
#*Building up your speed is important too. Speed usually comes with practice, but you shouldn't try to rush into speed until you have the basics down pat.<ref>http://www.wgcoaching.com/teaching-skills-a-performance-focused-approach-to-teaching-skills/</ref>
#Practice until your skills become second nature. If you're wondering at what point a skill becomes mastered, it is when you're able to do it automatically and without thinking. This is called the autonomous phase, and it's where you want to be at if you want to play sports competitively.<ref>http://www.brianmac.co.uk/tech.htm</ref> Given enough time and repetition, a skill will eventually fall under this category. When you're in the fray of a game, you won't have time to think everything through, so practice until it's all automatic, so you'll know you're ready.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 13.jpg|center]]
#*When you're playing a sport like football in a competition, you're going to potentially need to throw a ball while getting chased by several competitors. You can't replicate this stress in private practice, so you have to make sure your tosses perfected beforehand.
#*Keep practicing. Practice is never something that should stop. even if you become great at sports, you can always become better. If you stop practicing, chances are that someone more determined will beat you.
===Honing Your Body===
#Apply for a gym membership. The best athletes know that training doesn't stop at sports skills. You want your body to be as sharp as it can be for whatever sport you're playing. On the downtime away from sports, keep your body in general shape by going to the gym. Although it may seem daunting or expensive, it is absolutely worth the investment if you want to be good at sports. There are lots of benefits to going to a gym. As you'll know from playing in sports teams, exercising with others is very motivating.<ref>http://www.dailyfinance.com/2014/12/25/reasons-gym-membership/</ref>[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 14.jpg|center]]
#*Do some research into a prospective gym before you pay for a membership. Go for a tour, and ask for details. Make sure the gym fits the circumstances of your life before you make your first payment.<ref>http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=450</ref>
#Get enough sleep.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-requirements</ref> This one should come as obvious, but you might be surprised how often proper sleep is glazed over. This is especially true during times of intense practice or training, where things get so busy it becomes hard to cram everything into a regular day. Nonetheless, your body needs its full rest. At least 6 hours is good, but 8 will ensure your body's had its full time to regenerate.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 15.jpg|center]]
#Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Everyone should make a point of eating a diet that benefits their body. This is especially true if you want to be great at sports. Eating junk food will work against whatever efforts you make n the gym. Base your diet on leafy greens and legumes.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/diet/5-foods-to-boost-your-health</ref> Cut back on "empty calories" (like soda) and replace them with things that improve your health.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 16.jpg|center]]
#*If you're lactose intolerant, try going without dairy. It may sound hard, but you'll see benefits within a month.
#Drink lots of water.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/diet/6-reasons-to-drink-water</ref> Water cannot be underestimated as part of a healthy diet. As a general rule, the more you drink it, the better you'll feel. Water regulates everything, and you should expect to lose some of your natural hydration via sweat while you exercise. The common "8 glasses a day" guideline isn't mandatory, but you should try to keep water next to you whenever you can. It's especially important to stock up on water while you're exercising.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 17.jpg|center]]
#*Keep a refillable bottle of water around with you. Refill it when it goes empty. You'll find your water consumption goes up a lot if you simply keep it near you.
#Stay clear of intoxicants. Drugs and alcohol aren't recommended if you want to be great at sports. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it drains your body of hydration.<ref>https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/healthy-lifestyle/can-alcohol-affect-sports-performance-and-fitness-levels</ref> Your body will expend resources trying to get rid of the alcohol, and it can have a negative impact on your sports performance for days after the fact.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 18.jpg|center]]
#*In the long run, the amount of calories you digest from alcohol like cider and beer can have a negative impact on your gut.<ref>https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/healthy-lifestyle/can-alcohol-affect-sports-performance-and-fitness-levels</ref>
===Succeeding in Competition===
#Get lots of rest the night before gameday.<ref>http://www.scrumqueens.com/news/expert-tips-game-day-preparation</ref> While it is recommended you try to stick to a regular sleeping schedule, it's especially important to do so the night before a big game. The competition will be stiff enough, so it's not worth it losing your edge just because you weren't willing to sleep at least 8 hours.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 19.jpg|center]]
#Load up on carbohydrates prior to a game. While it wouldn't be regularly recommended in a diet, athletes should load up on their carbohydrate intake.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/nutrition-tips-athletes</ref> Carbs essentially give your body energy, and you'll need lots of energy if you're playing a sports competition.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 20.jpg|center]]
#*Stay away from sugar for a few hours before a big competition. Sugar and starches dehydrate your body. That is something you want to avoid in the midst of competing.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/nutrition-tips-athletes</ref>
#*Keep yourself up to pace with snacks.<ref>http://www.scrumqueens.com/news/expert-tips-game-day-preparation</ref> Longer matches will be a test of endurance, and something as simple as an energy bar can mean a big difference.
#Warm up. Warm ups are important for any physically strenuous activity. They can be fairly light, but a proper warm up will help prevent early exhaustion and injury. Aim to warm up around half an hour before the start of the game.<ref>http://www.physioroom.com/prevention/warm_up2.php</ref> Stretch out your arms and legs. Run in place. Work up a bit of a sweat. This will get your body in the right mode for the competition.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 21.jpg|center]]
#*Warm ups also help fight off anxiety. Pre-game anxiety can be an issue for some players, so you should keep that in mind if it's something you suffer from.
#Know your competition. Having a good idea what to expect with the opposing side is important, regardless whether you're going one on one or playing as a team. If you want to know which techniques you should be using in the midst of certain competitors, it's a good idea to study their methods in the days and weeks before a big game. If there is any footage of those players during a game, give it a shot.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 22.jpg|center]]
#*The science of analytics turns the respective skills of your teammates and competitors into a sharp formula.<ref>http://news.mit.edu/2015/mit-sloan-sports-analytics-conference-0302</ref> Matching each player to their best strengths is integral to a team's success. Professional sports analysts make it their specific business to analyze the sporting behaviour of athletes.
#Stay focused on the game.<ref>http://www.layups.com/preparing-mentally-for-game-day/</ref> You won't get anywhere if you're worried about something else happening in your life. Life is always complicated, and there may be things in your personal life that are bothering you. However, at least for the course of the game, you can't let any of that stuff get to you. It may be easier said than done, but if winning the game means enough to you, it should be a straightforward matter to keep your eyes on the prize.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 23.jpg|center]]
#Push yourself further than others are willing to go. A lot of the best athletes may have had a natural aptitude for it, but the reason they ultimately succeed is because they want victory more than any of the competition. That's a tricky thing to develop inside yourself, but if the desire is intense enough, you will do just about anything to make your dreams a reality. This broadly applies to the mindset of training, but it's incredibly important during a competition. How much you want to win will have an effect on how far you end up pushing yourself. Sometimes, the distance between winning and losing is very small. A world of difference is made from that added bit of effort. Passion is the key to most kinds of success, and the same applies to sports.[[Image:Be Good at Sports Step 24.jpg|center]]
== Tips ==
*Be a student in of the game and out. If you're looking for an edge, watch some of your sport's greatest athletes at work in videos. If anything, it gives a great inspiration to improve your form.
*Everything comes with time. You won't become great at sports over night, but if you put a little bit of time into honing your skills each day, you'll see a huge result in time.

==Warnings==
*Don't get jealous of others' performance. You may think poorly of yourself due to the way you see other players compete, but that's not going to do anything to help you in the long run. Keep your chin up, and keep your spirits high.
==Related wikiHows==
*[[Play Baseball]]
*[[Play Soccer]]
*[[Run Faster]]
*[[Swim]]
==Sources and Citations==
{{reflist}}
__parts__

How to Be a Dedicated Athlete

# Be a responsible student athlete. School still has to come first, but if you follow this rule, you show parents that you are responsible and can give you more freedom. If you don't, you will do all that hard work for nothing! Your parents probably won't let you continue, if you have D's and F's![[Image:Consistently Run if You're Overweight Step 6.jpg|center]]
# Do your homework when not training or playing. A little here, a little there! So, during lunch you can spread your homework out and get some done, but still talk to your friends.[[Image:Get Away from the Computer Step 8.jpg|center]]
# Do strengthening exercises at home. Do push ups, sit ups, planks, etc. This will make you look better and be more confident.[[Image:Be a Dedicated Athlete Step 3.jpg|center]]
# Practice. If you are a runner, run miles everyday before or after school and make a clear, set routine. Do not let a social life interfere.[[Image:Get Rid of Side Pain and Keep Running Step 3.jpg|center]]
# Be persistent: Stick to it, if you love it![[Image:Choose Comfortable Walking Shoes Step 6.jpg|center]]
# Use progressive "overload". If you train at your maximum every time you train, you will have no energy to work next time, and it will take longer to get to your goals.[[Image:Consistently Run if You're Overweight Step 2.jpg|center]]
#*Start with 70% of your maximum speed/weight/distance and increase it slowly. Add a little more each training session, and you will break through your plateaus.
# Train frequently. You'll begin to lose the strength and conditioning that you have built up if you decide to slack off.[[Image:Do a Workout in 20 Minutes or Less Step 2Bullet4.jpg|center]]
# Plan. If you plan your schedule and training sessions, you give yourself something to work for and makes training days something to look forward to[[Image:Be a Dedicated Athlete Step 8.jpg|center]]
# Rest. Your body does not improve itself during training, it improves while resting. Your body needs time to recuperate. Try to get 8 hours of sleep every night.[[Image:Care for Dry Eyes Step 10.jpg|center]]
# Eat well. No matter what your sport you need the right nutrition. There's hundreds of websites dedicated to your sport that will have nutritional information. If you truly are a dedicated athlete do your research.[[Image:Improve Your Fitness Step 3.jpg|center]]

How to Be a Better Batsman in Cricket

#Have the perfect grip.[[Image:Be a Better Batsman in Cricket Step 1.jpg|center]]

#* For a right-handed batsman, the left hand should be on the top of the handle and the right hand should be at the bottom, and vice versa.

#*Make a 'V' with the index finger and the thumb for both the hands.

#*The 'V' of the bottom hand should point straight down the center of the back of the bat.

#*The 'V' of the top hand should point straight down the middle of the center of the bat and the edge of the bat.

#*Your top hand should control the movements of your bat. This will allow you to hit every ball down the ground, limiting your chances of getting out caught.

#Get the flawless stance. This application of batting in cricket is the most varied in the international level. In spite of this variation, there is an orthodox approach to the batting stance.[[Image:Be a Better Batsman in Cricket Step 2.jpg|center]]

#*Starting with your feet, they should be almost your shoulder-width apart.

#*Each of your feet should be on the either side of the batting crease.

#*Your feet should be in-line (in reference to each other) and parallel to the batting crease.

#* Your knees should be slightly bent. Your now have a solid base to execute your strokes.

#* Your head should always be in the center of your feet from side-on and over your toes from front-on.

#*  Your bat should preferably be just less than half up for the back lift.

#*  Your eyes should always be leveled as recent studies have found that a tilt head may result in late reaction time. So keeping your eyes level is a matter of prime importance.

#Practice on your defensive batting. Now that you have got the basics perfect, you should now work on your defensive batting technique.[[Image:Be a Better Batsman in Cricket Step 3.jpg|center]]

#*Learn the forward and the backward defense. This can prove to be very helpful in tough batting conditions or when a bowler is in his prime.

#**This can also help you spend time in the middle and assess the pitch.

#Learn to always play your shots through the ground.[[Image:Be a Better Batsman in Cricket Step 4.jpg|center]]

#*This always is very productive because the majority of dismissals are caught out.

#*This can be achieved through playing as late as possible for '''straight-batted shots'''.

#*For '''cross-batted shots''', you should always roll your wrists in the point of contact with the ball.

#Take that single. Picking singles can help you to improve your scoring rate and it will help to keep the scoreboard ticking.[[Image:Be a Better Batsman in Cricket Step 5.jpg|center]]

#*Always have the right judgement of a run. The best players in the world have a wonderful judge of a run.

#Be patient. Always remember that you cannot be as good as Sachin Tendulkar over-night. This requires a lot of determination and hard-work, as far as perfection is concerned.[[Image:Be a Better Batsman in Cricket Step 6.jpg|center]]

#Have the right diet. Staying fit will improve your endurance and will improve your over-all performance.[[Image:Be a Better Batsman in Cricket Step 7.jpg|center]]

#Always play cricket in the right spirit. You can only enjoy the game when you are loyal to it.[[Image:Captain-a-Cricket-Team-Step-10.jpg|center]]

How to Catch a Ball

Depending on the type of ball you are throwing and the distance the ball will be traveling, the mechanics of your throw can have a big effect on the outcome. The best results can be achieved with proper form and consistent technique. No matter if you're trying to throw a normal ball, a soccer ball during a game, or a football, by using the right stance and following through with your body, you'll stand the best chance of getting the ball exactly where you aim.

[[Category:Backyard Ball Games]]

== Steps ==

===Catching and Throwing a Regular Ball===

====Catching a Regular Ball====

#Align yourself with the ball.<ref>http://www.nicurriculum.org.uk/docs/foundation_stage/areas_of_learning/physical_development/FMS_Catch.pdf</ref> You'll need to move your body so that you are in catching distance of the ball, but you should also try to line up your eyes with the ball so you can clearly see it incoming. Keep your eyes focused on the ball, and:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#*Adopt a wide stance to keep your balance when catching. It can help to keep one of your feet a little in front of the other.

#Meet the ball with your hands. As the ball moves through the air toward you, you're going to need to reach out with your hands to grab it mid-flight. Do not tense your hands; this can lead to pain from the impact. Instead:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#*Keep your hands wide-spread.

#*Keep your fingers relaxed.

#*Reach toward the ball.<ref>http://www.nicurriculum.org.uk/docs/foundation_stage/areas_of_learning/physical_development/FMS_Catch.pdf</ref>

#Grasp the ball. Depending on the speed at which the ball was thrown and the amount of spin on it, you might use either or both of your hands. For lobs and light throws, simply follow the ball with your eyes while reaching with your hands, and:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 3 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#*Watch the ball move into your reaching hands.

#*Squeeze your fingers around the ball to trap it in your hand.

#*NOTE: catching with two hands may be easier while you learn how to better coordinate your catching.<ref>http://www.nicurriculum.org.uk/docs/foundation_stage/areas_of_learning/physical_development/FMS_Catch.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.boxofideas.org/ideas/practical-skills-at-home/hobbies-and-leisure/ball-skills-normal-development/ball-skills-catching-throwing/</ref>

#Cushion the impact of the ball. This is especially important for cannon-throws or balls thrown at high speeds, which can hurt your hand. As you trap the ball with your fingers, allow your hand to follow the motion of the ball and ease it to a stop, as opposed to catching and stopping it immediately where it meets your hand.<ref>http://www.everythingmaths.co.za/science/grade-12/02-momentum-and-impulse/02-momentum-and-impulse-06.cnxmlplus</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 4 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#*Keep your knees bent and your stance wide to improve balance when catching.

#*Bend your arms at the elbows to help reduce the force of the ball's impact.

====Throwing a Regular Ball====

#Stand so that you're ready to throw. How you stand when throwing a ball can dramatically affect the outcome of your throw. When trying to throw a normal sized ball, you can achieve best results by standing so that:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 5 Version 2.jpg|center]]

#*Your feet are shoulder width apart.

#*You stand sideways to your target.

#*Your throwing arm is the farthest away from the target.

#*You are turned at the waist and facing your target.<ref>http://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/how-to-throw-a-ball/</ref><ref>http://probaseballinsider.com/baseball-instruction/how-to-throw-a-baseball-part-2-mechanics-of-throwing-2/</ref>

#Position your arm to throw the ball. Holding the ball in your hand with your body in the proper stance, hold the ball upwards, so that your elbow is about the same height as your shoulder. At this point, your arm should form an L-shape.<ref>http://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/how-to-throw-a-ball/</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 6.jpg|center]]

#Practice your wrist motion. The motion of your throw should flow smoothly from start to finish. To prevent yourself from making the error of locking up your wrist, practice using it as part of your throw by holding the ball in your hand and then:<ref>http://www.qcbaseball.com/skills/throwing-a-baseball.aspx</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 7.jpg|center]]

#*Bend only your wrist backward.

#*Snap your wrist forward.

#*Allow your elbow straighten out.

#*Release the ball as you straighten your arm.<ref>http://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/how-to-throw-a-ball/</ref>

#Add a windup to your throw. A windup is simply where you reach farther back when throwing a ball while stepping through with your leading foot to add more power and distance. Get in throwing stance, and then hold the ball in your hand straight up while keeping your elbow and shoulder at about the same height. From that position:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 8.jpg|center]]

#*Reach slightly backwards while keeping the ball facing your target.

#*Raise your leading foot slightly at the backmost part of your reach.

#*Shift your weight forward to your front foot.

#*Follow through with your arm and wrist.

#*Release the ball at the frontmost part of your throw, as your wrist is snapping forward.<ref>http://www.qcbaseball.com/skills/throwing-a-baseball.aspx</ref>

===Catching and Throwing a Soccer Ball===

====Catching a Soccer Ball (goalkeepers)====

#Meet the ball with your hands as soon as possible. A goalkeeper's greatest advantage in soccer is his ability to touch, catch, and punch the ball. By making sure your hands get to the ball as soon as possible, you improve your chances of catching or punching the ball away.[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 9.jpg|center]]

#*A foot block might be necessary sometimes, but this is often a less controlled. A goalie should use his advantage (his hands) to his benefit whenever possible.<ref>http://www.jbgoalkeeping.com/catch.html</ref>

#Absorb the force of shots on net through proper form. Professional soccer players and coaches call this having "soft hands." This means that a goalie must be able to engage his arms, legs, and back muscles to cushion balls shot on net. By absorbing the force of the ball, you stand a better chance of holding onto it. You should:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 10.jpg|center]]

#*Keep elbows at least slightly bent, even when reaching for the ball.

#*Be ready to bend back at the waist for high kicks at fast speeds.

#*Always move forward toward the ball, to cut down on the shooting angles of the striker.<ref>http://www.jbgoalkeeping.com/catch.html</ref><ref>https://us-soccer.s2s.net/todays-skill/192.html</ref>

#Make use of the "W" catch. This style of catching is also called the contour catch. It gets its name from the W shape a goalkeeper's hands should take when catching, with thumbs meeting behind the center of the ball and the hands ''slightly'' off to the side.<ref>http://www.jbgoalkeeping.com/catch.html</ref><ref>https://us-soccer.s2s.net/todays-skill/192.html</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 11.jpg|center]]

#*Goalkeepers who have smaller hands should bring their wrists close together and their thumbs almost parallel to protect the ball from slipping through their hands.

#Catch the ball in the air when shots go high. You never know when a ball is going to sail through the air at the net, so anticipate the ball by bending your knees, keeping your eyes attentive, and holding your hands open and ready.<ref>http://www.seriousgoalkeeping.net/Techniques/GoalkeeperTechniquesCatchingAHighCross.aspx</ref> When you jump to catch an high shot on the net, you should:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 12.jpg|center]]

#*Jump to meet the ball at the highest point possible.

#*Raise your knee closest to pressuring attackers, being careful not to injure any oncoming players.<ref>http://www.jbgoalkeeping.com/catch.html</ref>

#Catch ground balls with proper body blockage.<ref>https://us-soccer.s2s.net/todays-skill/192.html</ref> Ground balls can give the illusion of a simple catch, which can open you up to letting a ball through your legs. Experts agree, you can prevent letting a ball past you by getting your body behind the ball. This way, if there is, for example, a lot of spin that tears the ball loose from your grasp, it will hit your body and either be stopped or ricochet away from the net.[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 13.jpg|center]]

#Guard the ball to prevent drops. When offensive members of the other team are charging in for a goal, you can be jostled around enough to lose your grip of the ball, especially if you are holding it away from your body. By cradling the ball to your body with both arms and hands, you stand a better chance of maintaining possession and keeping hold of the ball.<ref>http://www.jbgoalkeeping.com/catch.html</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 14.jpg|center]]

====Throwing a Soccer Ball====

#Know the rules for a throw-ins. While playing a game of soccer, players are expected to follow strict rules regarding body position and throwing technique when throwing in a ball kicked out of bounds. Most serious soccer leagues use FIFA throw-in rules, which state:<ref>http://www.football-bible.com/soccer-info/soccer-throw-in.html</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 15.jpg|center]]

#*The ball must be thrown from the point where it left bounds.

#*You must throw the ball using both hands.

#*The ball must be thrown from behind the head.

#*Both feet must be touching the ground at the moment of release.

#*You may not come in-bounds, but may step on the field boundary line.

#*The thrower may not touch the ball until it has touched another player.<ref>http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/refereeing/law_15_the_throw_in_en_47365.pdf</ref>

#Pick a teammate you will throw the ball to. Survey the state of the field and look for any teammates who are maneuvering into a strong position to receive the ball. Be careful not to throw the ball at a player who is offsides; this will result in a penalty.<ref>http://www.football-bible.com/soccer-info/soccer-throw-in.html</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 16.jpg|center]]

#*Players must be at least two meters (6.5 feet) away from the thrower before he throws.

#*If your team is on the attack and in position while your opponents are scrambling, a quick throw in is sometimes ideal.

#*You can also throw the ball back to your goalkeeper if you don't have many options for where to throw, though in this case a goalkeeper will have to play the ball with his feet.<ref>http://soccerhelp.com/Throw.shtml</ref><ref>http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/refereeing/law_15_the_throw_in_en_47365.pdf</ref>

#Throw the ball while stationary to prevent yourself from fouling. To prevent yourself from lifting your foot while throwing, or from forgetting to reach the ball fully behind your head, you may want to make your normal throw stationary. To perform this throw, you should:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 17.jpg|center]]

#*Position your feet shoulder width apart.

#*Hold the ball with both hands on either side of the ball.

#*Point your elbows out to the side to increase the power of your throw.

#*Reach your throw behind your head.

#*Follow through with your arms and body.

#*Raise your heel to keep your balance, if necessary, without losing ground contact with both feet.<ref>http://soccerhelp.com/Throw.shtml</ref><ref>http://www.football-bible.com/soccer-info/soccer-throw-in.html</ref><ref>http://www.soccerpilot.com/technique/articles/soccer-technique-006.html</ref>

#Take a running throw for longer distances. Many advanced players use this tactic. By running toward the throw-in point, you can build momentum and throw the ball farther than you would normally. However, this style of throw is prone to raised feet or missteps, and can result in penalties. To take a running throw in soccer, you should:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 18.jpg|center]]

#*Take several steps away from the boundary line of the field.

#*Hold the ball with both hands, as normal.

#*Reach the ball behind your head.

#*Run toward the throw-in location.

#*Plant your lead foot outside the sideline boundary to come to a stop.

#*Throw the ball the moment you stop. 

#*Drag your trailing foot to prevent fouls.<ref>http://www.football-bible.com/soccer-info/soccer-throw-in.html </ref>

#Try your hand at the difficult handspring throw. These kinds of throw-ins are rare due to their difficulty in executing. A handspring throw will require you to perform a forward flip while holding the soccer ball, throwing the ball the moment both your feet touch the ground.<ref>http://www.active.com/soccer/articles/the-art-of-the-flip-throw</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 19.jpg|center]]

#*While performing this throw, it's especially important for you to stay off the field so a penalty is not called.

#*Avoid attempting this throw in slick conditions; rain can result in you slipping and hurting yourself or receiving a penalty.<ref>http://www.active.com/soccer/articles/the-art-of-the-flip-throw?page=2</ref>

===Catching and Throwing a Football===

====Catching a Football====

#Position your hands to catch the ball. The most reliable way to catch a football is to bring your hands in front of you to form a diamond shape. You can imitate this hand position if you:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 20.jpg|center]]

#*Bring your hands in front of your body.

#*Spread your hands wide.

#*Nearly touch the tips of your pointer fingers and thumbs.<ref>http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/Chapter02.pdf</ref>

#Use the "window" in your hands as a sight.<ref>http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/Chapter02.pdf</ref> The space between your pointer fingers and thumbs should form a diamond shaped window. Look through this window to help position your hands in line with the oncoming football.[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 21.jpg|center]]

#*This technique is especially useful for training those who are new to football. Keeping eyes on the ball is a vitally important part of catching a football. 

#*Underhanded catches result in an inverted hand shape: position your fingers slightly downward and touch pinkie fingers together.<ref>http://www.ducksters.com/sports/football/catching_a_football.php</ref><ref>http://www.functionalps.com/blog/2010/03/26/fundamentals-catching-the-football/</ref>

#Relax and spread wide your hands.<ref>http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/Chapter02.pdf</ref> Tensing your hands to try to immediately stop the ball when you catch it can result in pain or even injury. Allow your hands and elbows to follow the motion of the football, easing it to a stop.[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 22.jpg|center]]

#*By keeping your fingers spread and your hands "big," you increase surface area and make the ball easier to catch.

#Employ your entire arm for aerial catches. Raising your arms stiffly to catch a ball dropping in on you will likely result in a fumble. Keep your arms bent, even when extending to catch a high pass. This will lessen the force of impact and improve your chances of catching.<ref>http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/Chapter02.pdf</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 23.jpg|center]]

#Tuck the ball to your chest to maintain possession.<ref>http://www.ducksters.com/sports/football/catching_a_football.php</ref> Defenders will try whatever legal move they can to take the ball from your possession. You'll need to protect the ball once you have caught it by tucking it to your chest, firmly holding it between your body and arm.[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 24.jpg|center]]

====Throwing a Football====

#Grip the ball in the way most comfortable for you. There is no standard grip for holding a football, so the most natural feeling one is the one you should use. Generally, when throwing a football, you should:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 25.jpg|center]]

#*Grip the back half of the football so that you can feel two or three laces.

#*Hold the ball close to your chest.

#Keep your knees bent and lower body engaged. A slight bend in your knees will engage your lower body more so you are prepared to throw at a moments notice. Some quarterbacks further recommend distributing your weight slightly more towards your back leg, allowing you to follow through with more body weight for a better throw.<ref>http://www.primermagazine.com/2012/learn/how-to-throw-a-football-with-a-perfect-powerful-spiral-a-visual-guide</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 26.jpg|center]]

#*Your feet should also be shoulder width apart to create a strong, balanced stance that is ready to throw.<ref>http://www.ducksters.com/sports/football/throwing_a_football.php</ref>

#Cock your arm back and grip with your fingers. Your throw will begin by you pulling the ball back high, so that your elbow is a little above your shoulder and the bottom of the ball about in line with your ear. Use your fingers to grip the ball and allow an air pocket to from between palm and ball.<ref>http://www.primermagazine.com/2012/learn/how-to-throw-a-football-with-a-perfect-powerful-spiral-a-visual-guide</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 27.jpg|center]]

#Initiate your throw with a step.<ref>http://gearpatrol.com/2014/01/31/guide-to-life-throw-perfect-spiral/</ref> Putting your body weight behind your throw will result in more power, and you can trigger follow through with your body with a step forward. With your leading leg, step toward the target you are throwing at.<ref>http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/11/19/how-throw-a-spiral-football/</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 28.jpg|center]]

#Coordinate your body motion for best follow through. Draw your non-throwing hand down to your hip and then out and away from your body to begin rotating your hips. Now square your shoulders so you are facing your target and pivot so your front foot points straight ahead.<ref>http://www.primermagazine.com/2012/learn/how-to-throw-a-football-with-a-perfect-powerful-spiral-a-visual-guide</ref>[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 29.jpg|center]]

#Follow through with your throwing hand and release. The motion of your left hand, rotation of your hips, and opening of your shoulders should have caused a follow through motion in your cocked and ready throwing arm. Allow that arm to:[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 30.jpg|center]]

#*Come forward, rotating your arm with the motion of the throw.

#*When the rotation or your arm causes your thumb to point downwards, release the ball.

#*Allow the ball to roll of your thumb and fingers.<ref>http://gearpatrol.com/2014/01/31/guide-to-life-throw-perfect-spiral/</ref><ref>http://www.primermagazine.com/2012/learn/how-to-throw-a-football-with-a-perfect-powerful-spiral-a-visual-guide</ref>

#Continue your throwing motion until the range is fully completed.<ref>http://www.ducksters.com/sports/football/throwing_a_football.php</ref> After you have launched the ball from your hand, you should continue the motion of your release.  Follow it until your throwing hand reaches the area of your left pocket to train yourself in a consistent, smooth release.[[Image:Catch a Ball Step 31.jpg|center]]

== Tips ==

*Practicing with your friends can be a great way for you to improve. Watch the technique of your friends that have a strong throw and try to imitate it.

*A coach can offer invaluable advice when it comes to form and technique. Consider asking a coach at school for help.

== Warnings ==

*Certain games require you to execute special kinds of throws, or have specific rules for throwing. If you are unsure of the rules or technique, you should ask a coach or teammate.

== Related wikiHows ==

*  [[Catch a Baseball]]

*  [[Catch a Softball]]

==Sources and Citations==

{{reflist}}

__METHODS__

How to Hold a Cricket Bat

The grip determines how you swing the cricket bat and make contact with the ball. Although the orthodox grip is considered ideal, it is important for each player to find the grip that works best for him or her. As Donald Bradman, who used an unorthodox grip and was perhaps the greatest batter ever, declared, “Any player should be allowed to develop his own natural style, providing he is not revealing any obvious error.”<ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/don-bradman-the-world-beater-909527.html</ref>

[[Category:Hitting and Base Running]]

==Steps==

===Using the Orthodox Grip===

#Lay the bat on the ground. A cricket bat has a flat side for striking the ball, and the back has a ridge, or spine, running down the middle. The spine should be facing up.<ref>http://www.cricketcoach.com/cricket-basics/batting-tips/grip/</ref>[[Image:Hold a Cricket Bat Step 1.jpg|center]]

#Make a ‘V’ shape defined by the thumb and forefinger of both hands. Hold your hands in front of you, palms down. Your fingers on both hands should be grouped together, but for your thumbs, which extend to the sides to form the ‘V’ shape. The ‘V’s should be upside down – i.e. open end towards the ground. Maintain this ‘V’ shape as you reach for the bat.<ref>http://www.cricketcoach.com/cricket-basics/batting-tips/grip/</ref>[[Image:Improve-Your-Batting-in-Cricket-Step-1-Version-3.jpg|center]]

#Line up your grip with the spine of the bat. As you grip the handle, keep your two ‘V’s facing downward (towards the bat handle), so that the inflection point of the ‘V’s (where the base of your thumb and forefinger meet) on both hands is in line with the spine along the backside of the bat blade.<ref>http://www.cricketcoach.com/cricket-basics/batting-tips/grip/</ref>[[Image:Hold a Cricket Bat Step 4.jpg|center]]

#*If you tilt your hands slightly so that the ‘V’s formed by your thumbs and forefingers are aligned with the part of the bat that lies between the spine and edge of the bat, this will give you more power when cutting or pulling the ball, and by changing the angle of the bat face, help to keep the ball on the ground.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUUGRBiLKBk</ref>

#*Both the cut and pull are cross-bat shots utilizing a horizontal swing to hit the ball on a trajectory perpendicular to the direction of the bowl. The cut shot uses a shorter swing to hit the ball in the direction the batter is facing (the off side).<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5xq_4C0kVk</ref> The pull uses a longer swing to hit the ball to the part of the field behind him as he faces the batter (the leg side).<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU_qXcF8s18</ref>

#Make sure your hands are in the middle of the handle. Your dominant (top) hand should be closer to the top of the handle, and your other (bottom) hand should be closer to the bat blade.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/skills/4173594.stm</ref> Putting your hands in the middle of handle gives the best combination of power and control.<ref>http://www.cricketcoach.com/cricket-basics/batting-tips/grip/</ref>[[Image:Hold a Cricket Bat Step 2.jpg|center]]

#*A high grip (hands towards the end of the handle) will generate more power. <ref>http://www.cricketcoach.com/cricket-basics/batting-tips/the-grip/</ref> This is good for playing vertical shots (when the bat is swung upward at the ball on a vertical plane) that drive the ball.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUUGRBiLKBk</ref>

#*A low grip, or “choking” the bat (hands towards the blade of the bat) will give you more control.<ref>http://www.cricketcoach.com/cricket-basics/batting-tips/the-grip/</ref> This is good for horizontal or cross-bat shots (when the bat is swung horizontally, as in baseball).<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUUGRBiLKBk</ref>

#Keep a distance of about two fingers between your hands.[[Image:Hold-a-Cricket-Bat-Step-3.jpg|center]] <ref>http://www.ultimatecricketer.com/category/batting/</ref> The closer you place your hands, the more power and less control you have. Moving them further apart will give you more control at the expense of power.<ref>http://www.cricketcoach.com/cricket-basics/batting-tips/the-grip/</ref>

#Keep your top hand firm and your bottom hand relaxed. Imagine you were holding a baby chick with your bottom hand; that is the amount of pressure to apply. You want your grip to be loose so that during your backswing, the bottom three fingers can come away from the bat, which is guided by only the thumb and forefinger of your bottom hand. This allows for a fuller swing.<ref>http://www.ultimatecricketer.com/category/batting/</ref>[[Image:Hold a Cricket Bat Step 5.jpg|center]]

#Hit a variety of shots with the orthodox grip. This grip allows you to hit cross-batted shots, while also keeping the face of the bat square to the ball when hitting vertical shots, thus minimizing the danger of edging the ball.[[Image:Be-a-Better-Batsman-in-Cricket-Step-4.jpg|center]]

#*Edging is when the ball is struck with the edge of the bat instead of the face. These glancing shots are often caught for an out by the wicket keeper or the slips – fielders who are positioned behind the batter.<ref>http://www.dangermouse.net/cricket/glossary/s.html#slips</ref>

===Trying the ‘O’ Shaped Grip===

#Start with the orthodox grip, then rotate your bottom hand so your fingers are fully under the bat when the flat side is facing downward. In the orthodox grip, only the tips of your fingers will rest under the bat handle when the flat side faces downward. With the ‘O’ shaped grip, your entire fingers will rest under the bat.<ref>http://www.ultimatecricketer.com/category/batting/</ref>[[Image:Bowl-an-Outswinger-in-Cricket-Step-10.jpg|center]]

#*This means you will rotate the ‘V’ formed by the thumb and forefinger of your bottom hand – counterclockwise if your right hand is the bottom one, clockwise if your left – so that the ‘V’ faces the edge of the bat. 

#*If you are holding the flat side of the bat downwards, this means the ‘V’ formed by your bottom hand will now be oriented horizontally to the ground, rather than facing downwards.

#Use the ‘O’ shaped grip for more power on cross-batted shots.[[Image:Hold-a-Cricket-Bat-Step-6.jpg|center]]<ref>http://www.cricketweb.net/grip-stance-back-lift/</ref> This grip feels more natural than the orthodox grip, but because it gives the bottom hand more influence, it leads to swinging across the line (laterally to the ball), which makes it harder to hit vertical shots.<ref>http://www.ultimatecricketer.com/category/batting/</ref>

#Know that batters often adopt this technique when using bats that are too heavy for them.<ref>http://www.mycricketgame.com/cricket-coaching-batting-tips-bottom-hand-grip.html</ref> If you find yourself having a hard time making solid contact on vertical swings, or often edging the ball behind to the keeper or slips, then you may need to try a lighter bat, which allows you to use a more orthodox grip.<ref>http://www.cricketcoach.com/cricket-basics/batting-tips/grip/</ref>[[Image:Hold a Cricket Bat Step 9.jpg|center]]

===Trying the Knott Grip===

#Start with the orthodox grip, then rotate your top hand around the handle. Rotate clockwise if your top hand is your left hand, or counterclockwise if it is your right. Keep rotating until the back of your top hand is almost facing the same direction as the back of your bottom hand.[[Image:Hold-a-Cricket-Bat-Step-10.jpg|center]]<ref>http://www.ultimatecricketer.com/category/batting/</ref>

#*If holding the flat side of the bat towards the ground, the ‘V’ formed by the thumb and forefinger of your top hand should now right side up – i.e. the ‘V’ should open upwards.

#Use the Knott grip to better hit fast, short bowling. This grip was developed by Alan Knott to deal with fast bowling and high rising balls. It allows for an extremely fast, short swing, perfect for cutting the ball.<ref>http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153059.html</ref>[[Image:Hold a Cricket Bat Step 11.jpg|center]]

#*Fast bowling – Fast bowlers specialize in bowling the ball fast, as opposed to generating spin. Bowling over 87mph (140kmph) is generally considered fast bowling. The fastest bowlers can throw the ball over {{convert|96|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=1}} (155kmph).<ref>http://sporteology.com/top-10-fastest-bowlers-in-the-history-of-cricket/</ref>

#*Short bowling – In cricket, the ball is usually bounced before it reaches the batter. Fast bowlers often bounce the ball well short of the batter, so that it rises to chest or head height as it reaches them. A quick bat helps the batsman to hit shots at waist to shoulder height.<ref>http://www.dangermouse.net/cricket/bowlstrategy.html</ref>

#Be aware that the Knott grip makes it difficult to generate power. Because this grip limits the extension of your arms, it also limits the ability to create power. It is best for working singles or twos (the two batsmen run to each other’s end of the pitch one or two times) as opposed to hitting boundaries (the ball is hit out of the field of play).<ref>http://www.ultimatecricketer.com/category/batting/</ref>[[Image:Hold a Cricket Bat Step 12.jpg|center]]

== Related wikiHows ==

*[[Play Cricket]]

*[[Bat in Cricket]]

*[[Choose a Cricket Bat]]

==Sources and Citations==

{{reflist}}

__METHODS__

How to Bat Against Fast Bowlers

#  Be Psychologically prepared. Cricket, like many other sports is highly reliant on mental attitudes. Being mentally ready includes: getting all your gear ready the night before, and waking up well rested, eating well, keeping yourself hydrated ,getting at least 8 hours of sleep and take sometime to prepare your mind for the game ...[[Image:Bat Against Fast Bowlers Step 1.jpg|center]]

#  Have your batting gear ready (have the right size bat, pads that fit , comfy shoes etc.)[[Image:Bat Against Fast Bowlers Step 2.jpg|center]]

#  Before the match, get a bowler to bowl to you. Tell him/her to start off at a medium pace, then work his/her way up to a faster pace, until he is bowling as fast as (s)he can.[[Image:Bat Against Fast Bowlers Step 3.jpg|center]]

# If the option is available, you may want to bat, fifth or sixth, so you'll be more likely to face spinners or medium pacers.[[Image:Bat Against Fast Bowlers Step 4.jpg|center]]

#  Once you are called up to bat, walk out with confidence and looking up towards the pitch. After saying 'well done' to the batsman who got out. Go over to your teammate and ask him how this bowler bowls.[[Image:Bat Against Fast Bowlers Step 5.jpg|center]]

#  Take your stance after checking the fielders positions and setting up your own.[[Image:Bat Against Fast Bowlers Step 6.jpg|center]]

#  When the bowler runs in, keep your head still and focus on the ball (or the hand with the ball in it).[[Image:Bat Against Fast Bowlers Step 7.jpg|center]]

#  As he bowls, don't play too aggressively (unless the situation needs you to hit out or get out).[[Image:Bat Against Fast Bowlers Step 8.jpg|center]]

#  After he bowls, keep your head up, check the pitch for the hardness and get ready to face again, until your comfortable with playing an attacking shot.[[Image:Bat Against Fast Bowlers Step 9.jpg|center]]

#  Don't afraid if the ball swings or moves too much. Play confidently.

iHow to Bowl a Leg Break

A leg-break in cricket is a difficult technique which involves turning a right-handed pitch from the leg side of a right-handed batsman. It is an incredibly successful delivery and is guaranteed to get wickets.
[[Category:Cricket]]
== Steps ==
===Gripping the Ball===
#Position your fingers. Hold the ball between your index and middle fingers. Slot the ball between these fingers, so they’re split wide but comfortably and the seam runs between them horizontally. Bend your ring and little fingers, so the inside of your ring finger touches against the side of the ball. Your little finger should rest along your ring finger.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/skills/4173750.stm</ref>[[Image:Bowl a Leg Break Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#*“Two fingers down and two fingers up” is a quick way to remember the grip. Your index and middle fingers are straight and point “up,” while your ring and little fingers are bent and point “down.”
#Keep a small gap between the ball and your palm. Make sure there is space between your palm and the ball. If it is pushed too far into your palm, then you won’t have the leverage you need to properly spin it. Your wrist and middle finger will do all of the work.<ref> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA7YC7SF71Q&feature=youtu.be&t=41</ref>[[Image:Bowl a Leg Break Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#Keep a loose grip. Holding the ball too tight also prevents you from getting the right leverage and from controlling the spin. Let it gently rest between your middle and index fingers, with your thumb held close to the index finger but off the ball. Your whole hand will give the ball motion, but only these contact points will give it rotation and curve. Keeping your grip loose allows for more freedom of motion when you spin it.<ref> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA7YC7SF71Q&feature=youtu.be&t=49</ref> [[Image:Bowl a Leg Break Step 3 Version 2.jpg|center]]
===Setting Your Approach===
#Get your wrist in position. Bend your wrist at a 90-degree angle to prepare your delivery, so that if you put your arm straight down and flat at your side, the palm of your hand (and the ball) face upwards. Holding your wrist at this angle will allow you to quickly rotate the ball from right to left when you release it. Remember that the leg break’s rotation comes from the motion of the wrist and middle finger, so set your wrist so you’ll be able to cock it correctly.<ref> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA7YC7SF71Q&feature=youtu.be&t=86</ref>[[Image:Bowl a Leg Break Step 4 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#Line your feet, hips, and shoulders up with the target. Aligning the left side of your body with your target. This will help you aim and control your approach. It will also allow you to gather momentum when you rotate your body when you throw the ball.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA7YC7SF71Q&feature=youtu.be&t=102</ref>[[Image:Bowl a Leg Break Step 5.jpg|center]]
#Set your approach and run up at a slight angle. Get your stance ready for your approach. Your run up cannot too straight nor too angled. Either extreme will prevent you from rotating the ball properly and from using your non-bowling arm for momentum.[[Image:Bowl a Leg Break Step 6.jpg|center]]
===Releasing the Ball===
#Use your non-bowling arm to steer. Right before you bowl, lift and slice your non-bowling arm down hard in front of you. Use your arm and the left side of your body to give you more momentum. Let this motion draw your bowling shoulder forward.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA7YC7SF71Q&feature=youtu.be&t=115 </ref>[[Image:Bowl a Leg Break Step 7.jpg|center]]
#Rotate your body to the front. Use the left side of your body to guide your motion. As you throw, bring your back foot around and step forward. At this point, bring your bowling arm up and over your head towards the front.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA7YC7SF71Q&feature=youtu.be&t=121e</ref>[[Image:Bowl a Leg Break Step 8.jpg|center]]
#Spin your wrist and ball from right to left as you release it. The movement is generated from your middle finger as your wrist turns, so the ball makes a counter-clockwise motion upon release. If bowled correctly, the ball will bounce quickly to the left when it hits the ground (in the direction of its spin). The back of your hand facing you the whole time, and your palm ends facing downwards.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA7YC7SF71Q&feature=youtu.be&t=128</ref>[[Image:Bowl a Leg Break Step 9.jpg|center]]
#*Your stride should be shoulder-length apart.
#*You should complete your follow-through with your bowling shoulder facing the target.
== Video ==
{{Video:Bowl a Leg Break|}}

== Tips ==
*Practice. This is a really difficult technique, so putting in the time and practice is essential to perfecting this move.
*If you're a left-hander you can bowl left arm legspin (also known as a "chinaman") by performing the mirror image of these instructions
*Don't get frustrated if you're having trouble learning these. They are difficult to bowl and can only be mastered through a lot of patience and practice.
*Use targets and a net when you practice your bowling technique.
*Master the leg break before you try to learn variations like the googly and the flipper.
*Try using a tennis ball first to help your flexibility.

== Warnings ==
*Don't try too hard to spin the ball as this will disrupt your action and lead to no-balls.
*Keep your grip loose and don't over-cock your wrist. Keeping both relaxed helps maintain flexibility and range of motion.

== Things You'll Need ==
*A cricket ball
*A crease-like area to practice on
*A target (preferably a set of stumps)
*A new to catch the ball

== Related wikiHows ==
*[[Hook a Bowling Ball]]
*[[Improve Your Bowling Scores (for Advanced Players)]]
*[[Bowl an Easy Bowling Strike in Wii Sports]]
*[[Play Cricket]]

==Sources and Citations==
{{reflist}}

__PARTS__