- It's cold outside
- Great Holiday Tournaments for High School and College Players
- Early Season NBA Games which promise to be "Playoff Previews"
Speaking of the NBA, how about all the stories making headlines....Stephon Marbury, The Lakers and Celtics on a crash course for the Finals and of course there is the LeBron New York Knicks on again off again relationship. Did you see the special Red Apple sneakers? I'm not saying I would be brave enough to wear them...haven't seen them, check these out
Still not sold, check out this funny commercial:
The Secret to Great Statistics
Ask any college or pro scout about a prospect and they will more than likely mention a player's stats. Points, Rebounds, Assists are all great statistics that get people's attention. What many player's fail to realize in their quest for these gaudy numbers is that getting to those numbers is easier than most people think. Of course you need minutes to put up numbers, but the real key is to be efficient in the time that you're out there. Let's look at a few scenarios of how my theory can play itself out during a game.
Scenario #1 I want to average 20 points a game
Secret: You need to score 5 points per quarter or every 8 minutes. Here are a few ways to do it. Make 1 lay-up, get an offensive rebound and put-back or tip in, get a breakaway steal for a lay-up, cut back-door for a lay-up, get fouled in the act of shooting, get out and run on the break and score in transition. No fancy cross-overs, or streetball tricks required. Not convinced watch this prolific scorer and see how many tricks he uses to get 51 at age 38
Scenario #2 You want to average 10 Rebounds a Game
Secret: You need to get 3 rebounds a quarter or every 8 minutes to average 12 rebounds a game. Do that and you can make a nice living in the league for a few years. Look at Dennis Rodman(On the court, not off), Ben Wallace. I don't believe there's too much you can teach when it comes to rebounding. You have to simply want the ball more than the next person. Dwight Howard might slightly disagree with me so since he averages quite a few more rebounds per game than I do...listen to his advice:
Scenario #3 You want to average 10 Assists a Game
Secret: can you dominate the game without taking a shot? There are very few players in the history of basketball that have the rare ability to dominate the game by getting the other players on their team involved. Basketball is all about teamwork and if you have a floor general that can effectively distribute the ball to scorers as well as put non-scorers in position for easy baskets. You've heard of Magic, Oscar, Stockton, Mark Jackson. But have you ever heard of Ramon Sessions???
Now you have
Food For Thought
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a heart-healthy whole grain that contains valuable soluble fiber to help soak up unwanted fat and cholesterol in the bloodstream. But perhaps even more important, it's packed full of good carbohydrates – the most critical energy source for athletes. Oatmeal maintains your energy for a longer period of time during your workout and curbs appetite by slowing the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream. Oats are also a good source of B vitamins, important for athletes as a source of energy.
Flax Seed
Flax seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are a key force against inflammation in our bodies. Mounting evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers. This inflammation is enhanced by having too little Omega-3 intake (such as in fish, flax, and walnuts), especially in relation to Omega-6 fatty acid intake (in such oils as soy and corn oil). In the quest to equalize the ratio of these two kinds of oils, flax seed can be a real help.
Most of the oil in flax seeds is alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an Omega-3 which is a precursor to the fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty cold-water fish (called EPA and DHA). Because not everyone is able to easily convert ALA into EPA and (especially) DHA, it is best not to rely solely on flax for your Omega-3 intake, but ALA also has good effects of its own, and definitely helps in the Omega 3/6 balance.
Flax Seed is High in Fiber: You’d be hard-pressed to find a food higher in fiber -- both soluble and insoluble -- than flax. This fiber is probably mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax. Fiber in the diet also helps stabilize blood sugar, and, of course, promotes proper functioning of the intestines.
Blueberries
This miniature super fruit is chock-a-block full of nutrients and is the star of the show when it comes to antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can help to reduce oxidative damage to cells resulting from free radicals produced during periods of strenuous activity. Nutrients in blueberries may also promote healthy blood pressure. These super foods contain Vitamin C to support your immune system, and are a source of energy-enhancing carbohydrates and fiber to help sustain your energy and keep you in the game.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes may not be your typical vegetable of choice for dinner, but you might want to start making these nutrient-dense super foods a staple after you hear what they have to offer. Sweet potatoes contain more of the antioxidant beta carotene than any other fruit or vegetable. They are also a source of Vitamin C and one of the only fat-free sources of Vitamin E. Of course, Vitamins C and E both have antioxidant properties and aid in muscle recovery among athletes. Last, but not least, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of iron, which is important in oxygen production for athletes during a workout.
Salmon
Salmon is a source of high-quality protein, iron, and Vitamin B12 – which is important for optimal athletic performance. It also contains omega 3 fatty acids. The nutritional fats found in salmon have been shown in epidemiological and clinical trials to reduce the incidence of heart disease. Recent studies have also indicated that omega 3 fatty acids may be beneficial to intestinal health. In addition, omega 3 fatty acids may have anti-inflammatory effects, protecting against conditions such as arthritis. It's no wonder salmon and other fatty fish have been touted as super foods!
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