Sport Directory

I Love Aau Basketball

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:40:59 +0000

The landscape of high school basketball is changing. The up and coming power is AAU basketball. Why do I say this? Because it’s true. High school basketball is not the same anymore. It use to be a big deal to play on your high school team but that time is over. AAU basketball offers more to the student athlete than just being on the high school basketball team. AAU basketball programs run like small corporations. These programs have presidents, treasurers, trainers, and many coaches. They raise money for their programs and do a great job with recruiting.

All of these programs are non-profit and bring in many donations. The part of AAU basketball that I can see that’s fun for the players is the traveling. Many of the programs are going to tournaments all over the country and players are staying at hotels, eating at good restaurants all the time and are doing things kids like to do. AAU basketball is fun and there’s more parental involvement.

The AAU players have greater advantages that high school teams don’t. During your high school season you play 20 or so games with teams in your community which means you get on the school bus and travel to another school to play. There are no hotels or places to eat after the game like you would get during the AAU season and there is no travel.

During the AAU season you have a different coach and sometimes and entirely different group of coaches. Other major advantages I see are recruiting good players to the AAU program whereas in high school, you’re stuck with the players who go to that school.

Recruiting is a big deal these days. College coaches want to see as many players in one place, at one time and you can’t really do that during the high school basketball season.

At some of the AAU events there are hundreds of teams with thousands of players. It would make sense for college recruiters to attend because it’s much easier to see all of the good players in one place. College coaches can see these players play many games during the length of a tournament and it is a great advantage to the players of these AAU basketball programs.

AAU basketball players can play 40 to 50 games and there are many other perks that go along with that such as, players receiving free shoes and new uniforms. In high school, you are stuck with same old outdated jersey that’s been worn a million times by many other players.

AAU programs also have power. When it comes to recruiting they have the most talented teams and players and college recruiters want to get to know these AAU coaches. College coaches can only get to these players by going through the AAU coaches. I’ve heard that some AAU coaches will say things like, “if you make a donation of $10,000 you can have access to my players”. Now keep in mind, this is not illegal. AAU programs are non-profit and have to raise money somehow. College programs do make these types of donations and it’s all good for everyone.

Back in the day and not that long ago, some high school coaches would try to ruin a high student athlete’s chances of getting recruited for college but with the power of AAU basketball, you can’t get over on players any more. The players now have more options and there’s nothing wrong with options.

The things that I’m hearing and seeing with AAU basketball is that some major college recruits are bypassing the high school basketball season altogether. If it’s about recruiting and being seen then all you would have to do is only play AAU basketball. By only playing AAU basketball, you can still been seen by a greater number of college coaches and I think it would be a better advantage to play AAU basketball. The only downside I can really see is if you are an average basketball player and are not on a good AAU basketball program. Then, you would need the high school basketball season.

To be recruited in high school it would help if your team played in the state tournament every year. College programs would come and see the players playing–all in one place. That still goes on but the value is not so important any more. Not every team makes it to the state tournament and good players sometimes get overlooked. But if you are lucky enough to be on a good AAU team, then you will be seen by a large number of coaches.

Think about this: some smaller college programs who don’t have the big recruiting budgets have to pick which events to attend each year. These smaller college programs must spend their money wisely so, to attend a large AAU basketball tournament would be in that college’s best interest. College programs don’t need to attend the high school basketball games anymore because they’re only going to see one good player–maybe. College coaches are funny about how they recruit players and they’re not coming just to see one player anymore. AAU basketball offers more. It’s like one-stop shopping–get it all and see it all in one place.

I don’t know if the coaching is any diffident or better with AAU basketball versus high school coaching. It may be about the same because a lot of high school coaches are AAU basketball coaches. What I do see is the AAU coaches having more time to put into their own programs and players. Also, many AAU coaches don’t have to deal with the high school BS from school administrators and athletic directors. AAU coaches can bypass many restrictions that are placed on high school coaches.

Yes, being an AAU basketball coach has its many advantages. Being an AAU coach, you can build the program how you want and pick or recruit the players you want now. High school coaches are teachers and do not have the time to fully help their own players with recruiting.

There will come a time when AAU basketball is more powerful than high school basketball. In the future, you will see more AAU basketball events on T.V. Some AAU programs will even start their own television network and maybe run their own programming on the Internet.

AAU basketball is what’s happening now! I love AAU basketball!

www.woodsrecruiting.com

© 2007 Al Woods

Advantages of Indoor Rower

hanun — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:16:36 +0000

Rowing is associated with water. It is steering a boat by leverage against the water or propelling it with an oar. Indoor rower is a machine to stimulate the same action for the purpose of training and exercising. The act of rowing creates resistance to the rower’s movements and becomes a good workout. In the indoor rower machine, the rower can increase or decrease the intensity of resistance and can control the process of workout to suit the individual physical requirement. In the water rowing, each person will use one oar whereas in sculling two oars are used. In the indoor version, there are two paddles.

The indoor rower is preferred by people for a good workout to stimulate the cardiovascular system. It also helps to enhance the endurance and to strengthen the muscles. Those who are keen on reducing the body weight can also adopt a regular session of thirty minutes rowing every day. Both lower and upper parts of the body are benefited by this exercise which promotes blood circulation and stimulate the functions of kidneys, liver and pancreas.

Anyone who desires to use the indoor rower should learn the correct techniques. Improper position and actions may cause many health problems. The best option for a beginner is to visit a gym and learn the basics of this sport. The correct techniques not only enhance the benefits of the workout but also help to eliminate health problems like lower back ache.

A person who leads a busy life style can adopt this form of exercise. Going regularly to a rowing club or gym may not be possible in the midst of busy work schedules. An indoor rower is a convenient equipment to ensure regular, uninterrupted schedules in the privacy of ones own residence. A well ventilated room is adequate to accommodate the machine. Many models have monitors to provide accurate data of the workout. The time, pace, calories consumed, strokes per hour etc will be indicated in the monitor. One who is well versed with the techniques will be able to reap the benefits of the workout in the long run. Systematic breathing pattern should be adopted to achieve good results.

Various models of indoor rovers are available in the market. Online dealers offer money back guarantee for those who want the facility to try for the first time. In case the user finds the machine unsuitable, the dealer will replace the unit or refund the money. The virtual rowing clubs offer guidance and valuable tips to practice the sport. Long time warranty and free shipping are offered by the dealers. The price varies depending on the model as well as the special features incorporated in the utility. But the buyer should choose an indoor rower carefully. Cheaper models can be of substandard quality and may pose problems for the user. It is therefore better to consult the instructor in the gym or friends who have the machines in this regard. A prudent consumer should make sure that the best equipment is procured even if it is more expensive. It is not just another commodity from the market, but an investment in health and fitness.

Water Sports for Kids

hanun — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 08:01:12 +0000

For kids, water sports are adventurous and fun filled. But safety has to be given first priority. All kids should compulsorily wear life jackets, even if kids know how to swim. All boats and rafts should also carry extra life jackets, whistle and lifebuoys. Water sports need to be accompanies by an adult who must know how to swim, preferable accompanied by an attentive lifeguard. He should also know what to do during times of emergency and A B Cs of giving first aid. Water sports should always be carried out, when the climate is pleasant. If the climate is sunny, do apply sun screen cream to protect yourself from radiations.

There are different kinds of water sports for children, some are for pleasure and some are very adventurous and exciting. Let’s start with a simple water sport like boating, which is very much enjoyable. In most of the kids and youths camps you’ll find boating and canoeing. Don’t forget to carry your life jackets while you get into the boat. Always you need to follow what your instructor or guide says. Sailing is adventurous when the wind is good. Once you have enough practice, you can begin to participate in your local sailing competitions! If you want an adventurous water sport, then sailing has to be your first choice! Most nature loving kids will choose scuba diving, where kids will be able to learn more about the fascinating world of animals and it also helps them to develop empathy towards animals. If you want to swim with fishes, explore the corals and admire the color of blue, then scuba diving is the best. Scuba diving is also an excellent exercise.

Surfing is an excellent exercise and a superb family sport. Surfing is also a great outdoor sport during a sunny day or during summers. Swimming is the most favorite sport for many children and as well as for adults, it doesn’t matter if you swim in a lake, ocean, river, pool or with any competitive swimmers or friends; swimming is always enjoyable. But make sure the water is clean. If you are a beginner or a learner, then stay away from the depth. Wear goggles, ear plugs and a swim cap while swimming and you need to avoid swimming after heavy food. Apart from these water sports, you can even play water basketball and volleyball which is even more fun and exciting.