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Articles by Sonya Elliott
High school track and field events
The great thing about high school Track & Field is that there is an event for everyone. There are races that are run on a 400 meter track, and several different jumping and throwing events. With this combination of running, jumping, and throwing events, an athlete is bound to find an event which they enjoy and have the ability to excel. Most high schools have a spring outdoor season and there are a few that also have a winter indoor season which has a different variety of events.
What Is a Distance Medley Relay?
The Distance Medley Relay, also known as the DMR, is a relay event in track and field where four athletes run different distances in their portions of the race. It consists of both long sprinters and middle-distance runners, where all four athletes run a different distance. In most relays, each athlete’s section of the race, or leg, is the same distance.
Do Gummy Vitamins work as well as regular vitamins?
If you’re like me, you take gummy vitamins because you’re not good at taking your vitamins. And you love sweets. But after writing this article, I will think twice before I toss a couple of sugary sweet multivitamins into my mouth in the morning. First of all, research suggests that most people don’t need to take multivitamins if they eat a healthy whole food diet and maintain a healthy weight.
How to Beat ANY Zone Press
There are a lot of different zone presses out there. You might run into a full-court 1-2-2, 2-2-1, or Diamond and 1. All of which can be run as a half-court or three-quarter court press. And there are others as well, not to mention that each team runs its press differently.
Get Ready for Cross Country
Set Goals As with any sport, it’s a good idea to set goals in your sport. Write down what you want to achieve during the season and the training that you need to do to reach your goals. Touch base with your coach before the season, especially if cross country is a new sport for you, and ask for help on how best to prepare and you will be on your way to a successful cross country season. What Is Cross Country? Cross country is a fall sport where runners race an outdoor course.
Teen Athletes and Vaping
Teen vaping is out of control in the United States. The use of e-cigarettes among high school students, grew 900% between 2011 and 2015. And according to the CDC, in just 30 days of 2021, 2.06 million U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes, many of which are young athletes. Vaping has dangerous health risks and side effects due to nicotine and other chemicals that are inhaled. And as e-devices are relatively new and unregulated, there are many unknowns.
The Magic Of Ball Fakes
A good ball fake can get a player an easy basket or an open pass. It can shift the opponent’s defense and make gaps for the offense. The ball fake is key to making things happen on the basketball court. Whether it’s a shot fake, a pass fake or drive fake, this simple skill works like magic against opponents and can make a huge difference in a player’s game and a team’s success. What is a Ball Fake?
The Best Team Building Actives For Your Players
Bringing a team together is just as important as teaching the fundamentals of the sport, and more important than winning. Don’t get me wrong, I love to win, but being a top team in your league may be difficult, depending on the players that you have. But if they learn to work together, they will play better. They don’t have to be best friends (although that doesn’t hurt), but if they can learn to care about and respect one another, your team has a better chance of a successful and enjoyable season.
The Pros and Cons of AAU Basketball
I’ve been coaching and playing basketball all of my life. I played basketball on an AAU team, as well as high school and college teams. I have watched my daughter and son play AAU and I’ve seen its evolution over the years, Both good and bad. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), which started in 1880, has developed over the years into an organization that focuses on the growth of youth sports through a national and local network of sporting events.
Make the Fast Break Second Nature
Pushing the ball up the court is second nature for me. It was drilled into my head as a high school and college player, and I did my best to instill the same fast break mindset into the players that I coached. A run-the-ball mentality doesn’t happen overnight, but by using drills that focus on the fast break, and consistent encouragement, your team can learn to move with ease into transition offense.
Are Youth Sports Too Competitive?
I believe the culture surrounding today’s youth sports is too competitive. Don’t get me wrong. As a coach and former college athlete, I am competitive, but when parents and coaches want to win more than the athletes, there is a problem. And the pressure that comes from this common imbalance is causing young athletes to quit sports. Quitting Sports In the United States alone over 45 million children play sports.
Sore Loser? How to Help Your Child Handle Disappointment
Losing is part of sports. You simply can’t win every time you play, so an athlete needs to learn how to maintain a positive attitude while dealing with loss. This is not always easy, because if you’re competitive, losing hurts. Seasoned athletes may want to scream or cry after a loss, some even do, but in the end, most learn to lose gracefully. When you win or lose with grace, you demonstrate awareness that your actions, attitude, and behavior affect everyone. This is known as good sportsmanship.
Do I Have Athlete's Foot?
Are you wondering why your toes are itchy or peeling? You may have . Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that often starts between your toes. Though you don’t have to be an athlete to get it, it commonly occurs when your feet get sweaty and are confined in tight-fitting shoes.
All The Volleyball Positions Explained
Volleyball is exciting, though sometimes confusing, sport to watch. With players subbing in and out and the ball flying everywhere, it may seem like total chaos. But at the very least, it’s organized chaos, and it’s even poetry in motion at times. In volleyball, there are twelve players on the court at one time. A net divides the court and six athletes from each teamwork to keep a ball in motion and try to score points by making the ball hit the floor on the opposing team’s side.
How To Motivate Your Team
Motivating your team starts before the season even begins. It starts by figuring out how to create a team-focused, positive environment where the players will thrive. Setting expectations and goals for practice and games is part of that process, but remember just that, it is a process. Though I will touch on some game-day ideas to help motivate your team, truly motivating your team happens throughout the year.
Teen Girls and Instagram
How many times in your life have you looked in the mirror and wished you were thinner? That your knees weren’t so knobby? That your eyes were blue? The chances are that there has been a time in your life when you felt some form of self-hate. If you are a girl or woman, the chances are even greater. I was teased about my buckteeth and chicken legs when I was a young girl. And was often called a boy. That was a long time ago though, so I didn’t have to worry about the input of social media.
How To Survive The Holidays With Teens
Holidays can be stressful. Add teens to the equation and the holidays can become a real challenge. But then again, with the right mindset and a few adjustments, you can do more than survive the holidays with your teens, you may even truly enjoy them. Realistic Expectations Your teens are growing up. They are becoming young adults and searching for independence and respect. They also have their own minds and may no longer care about going to the Nutcracker or decorating cookies and that’s okay.
11 Great Gift Ideas For Student-Athletes
Are you looking for the perfect gift for an athlete? From team jerseys to smoothie blenders, athletes want gifts that express their love of sport and keep them healthy and ready to be their best. Check out these great gift ideas for athletes. Team Gear Does your athlete have a favorite sports team? Maybe they love the Seattle Storm or the Arizona Cardinals. Are they USC fans or Yale-bound? Find a t-shirt, sweatshirt, mug, or gadget that shares their love of the team.
Tips For Coaching Flag Football
Rain poured. Ten drenched middle school boys and I slid across the grass with smiles plastered across our faces as we ran routes, threw the football, and made our way up and down the field. I was in my early 40’s at the time and loved every minute of it. This is one of my favorite memories from my time coaching flag football. We always had fun, I made sure of that, but that practice stands out for some reason. The boys learned about the game.
Nutrition Tips for Game Day
It’s game day, and you want to perform your best. What can you eat to help elevate your play? Start by eating real foods and stay away from processed foods. I know it can be difficult if you’re hustling to get to your game or match, you might feel like slamming down a bowl of sugary cereal and calling it good. But taking the time to eat a healthy breakfast and bringing along fresh snacks and a good meal can make all the difference in the world. Hydrate And let’s not forget to drink lots of water.
Ways to Avoid Family Stress During the Holidays
Holidays are great, but they can also be stressful, especially when they are together. What can you do to help make this holiday season go more smoothly? Before The Holidays Be Organized It helps to get yourself ready for the holidays. Whether you use your phone or a calendar or a list. Write down the things that you have planned and want to do during the holiday season and the gifts you want to get. This will help you to feel prepared going into the season.
Is Using Humor And Sarcasm Appropriate While Coaching?
A great way to have fun and bring a team together is by using humor. However, some coaches may think that they are using humor when they are using sarcasm. Sarcasm can be hurtful to players and destructive to the team, so it is important to be aware of the difference. Humor Humor is the quality of being amusing or comic. Using humor can keep athletes laughing and help them enjoy a sport that might be difficult and intense at times. Humor gives players a break and makes things lighter.
The Best Fall Drinks For Athletes
Well, I have to start with water. Water, water, water, water. Spring, summer, winter and fall, I would say the best drink for athletes is water. And for the times when you have long, depleting workouts, many glasses of water contain electrolytes that can replenish you. But when fall hits and you’re hankering for a hot cup of cider or a pumpkin latte, what options do you have? Which drinks are tasty but don’t fill you with too much sugar? What are your healthiest choices?
Should Young Athletes Worry About Their Salt Intake?
Yes, young athletes should be concerned about their salt intake and where the salt is coming from. It is easy for anyone, including young athletes, to unknowingly eat too much salt. And too much salt is bad for your health. A High Sodium Diet Can Lead to High Blood Pressure. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that about 1 in 6 children between the ages of 8 and 17 has raised blood pressure.
3 Ways To Encourage Teamwork From The Sidelines
Sometimes as a parent, it can be challenging to be on the sidelines. But it can also be a lot of fun, and you can help the team. The next time you are at a game, have a great time supporting the entire team and encouraging teamwork. Here are three easy things that you can do to help create a positive team atmosphere from the sidelines.
Lesson Young Athletes Learn From Sports
I played basketball because I love the game. Little did I know that the lessons that I learned on the court would one day save my life. When I was twenty-four, I was nearly killed when the car I was riding in was hit by a train. Knowing how to work through challenges as an athlete helped me make it through the most difficult time in my life. Because of sports, I knew how to set goals, commit to physical therapy, handle stress, keep a positive attitude, believe in myself, and live.
The Best Ways for Coaches and Parents to Respond to Bad Calls
The number one thing to remember as a coach, parent, or even as a player is that there will be bad calls. Officials are human, and humans are not perfect. Many youth sports have inexperienced or volunteer officials that are just trying to do the best job that they can do, but even the most experienced officials miss calls and make mistakes. Understanding this will help you respond with patience and calm when there are bad calls.
Basketball Books for Coaching Inspiration
There’s nothing better than a good book to bring you closer to the game and to learn about life. As a writer and coach, I appreciate what it takes to weave a person’s history into an inspiring story. So I’ve put together a list of must-read memoirs by basketball coaches. The memoirs are filled with heartwarming and thought provoking stories that will also help you be a better coach. If you don’t have time to sit down and read, then give an audiobook a try.
A Lesson on Sportsmanship: Inglewood Principal Apologizes for 106-0 Win
Coaches and Sportsmanship When I heard about the 106-0 victory by the Inglewood High School football team over Morningside, I was appalled. I believe it is a coach’s job to try to win the game, but crushing another team by a huge margin is unacceptable. There will be games when teams beat opponents handily due to a disparity in talent. But it is a high school coach’s responsibility to help students grow as athletes and human beings, including teaching good sportsmanship.
Playing vs. Practice. Which is Better?
My first response would have been if you’d asked me this question when I was a young player. Playing is better. I loved playing games. But had I thought about it even back then. My answer would have been the same as it is now as a coach, practice is better. Maybe it depends on your definition of better. Does better mean more fun, or what is best for you as an athlete to improve and become the best athlete you can be?
What Do You Do If You Don't Like Your Coach?
Dealing with a coach that you don’t see eye to eye with can be a real challenge. When I was a young player, I didn’t like all of my coaches to understand. And I’m sure that not every one of my players wanted me when I was a coach. But if you love to play your sport, as long as you are in a safe environment, there are ways to make it through your season, learn more about the game, and have fun while doing it.
How To Handle Extremely Competitive Sports Parents in Youth Athletics
Sometimes parents go too far in youth athletics. You’ve heard the stories. A parent runs out on the field and tackles a young player. A parent threatens a coach who doesn’t give their child enough playing time. A parent screams obscenities at the referee. Though some competitive parents are great, many cross the line and upset or at times endanger athletes, other parents, and coaches.
What College Recruiters Actually Look For
Do you have what it takes to play a sport in college? Have you put in the time to develop your skills and keep your grades up so that college recruiters are now interested? Well, you’ve done the hard work, but there is still more that you can do to hold the attention of the recruiters, and it might not be what you’re thinking. Character Counts If you are being recruited, your social media is being watched. So be yourself but also think twice, or three times, before you post.
6 Must Watch Basketball Movies
I’m a sucker for a great basketball movie. When I was a high school coach, I would always have a movie night to share an inspiring story with the team. Here are five movies, inspired by true stories, that you’ve got to watch: Glory Road In 1965, Texas Western Coach Don Haskins recruited a team based on talent rather than race, and even though the team was winning, the conservative community was upset about it.
Enhance Your Coaching With Quotes
“There is not limit to the goals you can attain, the success you can achieve – your possibilities are as endless as your dreams.” – D. Crowe This quote by D. Crowe is one of my favorites. I first read it when I was in middle school, and since then, it has kept me looking into the future and dreaming. As a coach, I have posted it on locker room walls and journals and shared it with many athletes because I believe it. And I hoped that with my support, the players would too.
How To Connect With Your Teammates
“I love you guys!” my daughter said as she hugged each teammate that walked onto the basketball court. She didn’t always feel that way. I’d know as her coach. Still, throughout the season, she’d learned to connect with her teammates truly. Was she besties with all of them? No, but they had all learned to care about and understand one another, which helped them develop into a powerful team that went undefeated in their league and place in the state tournament.
The Importance of a Practice Plan
As a head coach, I always had a practice plan with an overall course for each day’s season and individual plans. A practice plan keeps you organized, practices on schedule, and allows you to look back and see what you’ve covered so that you’re prepared for anything the season throws your way. “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail” – John Wooden Get Organized and Stay On Schedule Before the season starts, look over your master plan for the year.
Mental Health vs Mental Strength
Being in shape and having big muscles do not determine your internal health. Many times, mental health issues are not physically detectable, much like cardiovascular disease. The big beautiful toned body can often lead to a false identity. Much like a boxer who shows mental toughness, he was maybe hiding his emotional fragility behind an emotional stone wall, impacting his mental health negatively.
How to Stay Hydrated With Food During Your Summer Runs
Knowing how to stay hydrated during the summer is important. Water prevents heat-related illnesses and protects your muscles against cramping and fatigue. Still, whether because they aren’t thirsty or want to avoid stomach cramps, many athletes don’t drink enough water. Fortunately, drinking water isn’t the only way to hydrate. An easy way to take in extra water—along with a ton of useful nutrients—is by eating high-water-content foods such as the ones below.
Fun in the Sun: 5 Sand Drills That'll Make You Better This Summer
The weather is warming up, and you probably want to get out of your dark, smelly weight room and into some sunshine. Sand training is not only a fantastic tool for developing speed, stability and full-body strength, it’s also a great way to incorporate the outdoors into your training. Whether you live close to a beach or will be vacationing at an ocean-front destination this summer, sand training is a fun and challenging way to spice up your workouts.
Partner Up to Improve Ball Handling
Do you have someone to partner with to work on your ball-handling skills? If not, you should reach out and find someone because working with a partner can help. With a partner, you improve through accountability and sharing knowledge. Plus, practicing with a friend makes training fun. Accountability With a partner, you create accountability. If you make plans to meet a teammate two or three times a week, there is a better chance that you will practice. You depend on each other to show up.
Cade Klubnik Wins Mega-target Challenge at 2021 Elite 11 Finals
Day 3 of the 2021 Elite Finals coincided with the return of the Opening, gathering the country’s top high school skill players alongside the quarterbacks for a seven-on-seven tournament. Plus appearances by some of the NFL’s biggest stars and off the field a major realization among the finalists. Let’s recap. The Opening’s Back Following a hiatus in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Opening made its return to Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach in partnership with the Jordan brand.
Use A Habit Tracker This Summer To Become A Better Shooter
Set Goals And Track Your Shooting The first time that I tracked my shooting was during summer camp when I was in middle school. The camp had a 5000 Shot Club, and I could become a member and get a T-shirt if I made 5000 shots over the rest of the summer. I was determined to make the Shot Club and get my free T-shirt, so I got to work.
How To Become A Better High School Soccer Player
Every soccer athlete comes into summer camp expecting to compete for a starting position in the fall. Unfortunately, many will come up short because they failed to put themselves in a position to succeed. Earning a starting spot is a byproduct of hard work year-round. Luckily, there are many things you can do to help ensure you become a better high school soccer player before you report for camp. 1: Be On Time Coaches expect the best players to show up.
Include These Hydrating-Boosting Foods In Your Training
With the warm weather during spring and the upcoming summer months, it’s especially important for middle school, high school and college student-athletes to stay well-hydrated. Lost fluids from perspiration in humid and dry heated conditions from intense workouts and sports can easily cause dehydration – creating health-impairing issues such as low blood pressure, cramps, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches.
How Training Differs Between Children And Adults
Youth athletes are often the unlucky recipients of training programs tailored to adults, minus some ancillary details. In reality, kids deserve a much more specialized approach. A child is not just a small adult. We tailor nutrition, sleep, and education to meet the needs of our youth, so why not training too? Important Considerations Children may be stressed daily by classes, relationships, and pressure from a parent or coach that adults do not face.
Yes We Can Play - stack
“Mom, I want to play basketball,” I said as I watched the boys move up and down the court, dribbling around each other to get to the hoop. It was 1973, and I was seven. My mom peered at me through the bottom of her glasses and explained, “They don’t have basketball for girls your age, Sonya.” I narrowed my eyes and huffed. She gave me an exaggerated wink and said, “That doesn’t mean you can’t play.” Not long after, my dad installed a basketball hoop in our driveway.
What is Overtraining Syndrome?
During last week’s U.S. Olympic Trials, four-time Olympic medalist Simone Manuel shared she’d been diagnosed with Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) around March, which required a three-week break from swimming in April. Manuel spoke to the press about her struggle with OTS and with her mental health after she failed to qualify for women’s 100 freestyle at the Olympics, the same event in which Manuel won 2016 Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro.
3 Fresh Summer Activities to Boost Your Fitness Level
How’s your summer exercise routine going? If you’re bored with the same old workouts—or just need an excuse to get outside and enjoy the scenery—I’ve got some suggestions that will burn calories, improve your overall fitness, and add some variety to your routine. Rollerblading It may seem a little retro (if you consider the ’90s retro), but rollerblading is a great low-impact aerobic activity that’s also lots of fun.
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