The sport of soccer

November 12, 2019 By Dr. Muhammad Ammar Khan

1. INTRODUCTION

What makes soccer the most thrilling, alluring and appreciated game of the world. How it remains in the heart of the world throughout the year? Why does soccer have the biggest fanbase in the world? It’s not easy to answer and comprehend. But perhaps, soccer lives in the souls of people. Modern soccer giants like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo directly make their way into the hearts of the people.

Soccer, also known as the football (different than American football), when being played, not a team is playing it, everyone in the ground has its vibe. Everyone who is watching the game is actually playing it. It’s not a player, not a team, it’s the entire world playing soccer. Soccer World Cup is the biggest event worldwide that cycles every 4 years.

Soccer is the most popular sports in the world. FIFA is the most prolific body of soccer that handles the matter of worldwide matters of soccer. According to FIFA, about 265 professional players play soccer in 207 associations in the member countries around the globe, while about 5 million referees are involved in the decision-making process of the game, which makes about 4% of the world population. It has the fanbase of almost 4 billion people follow it worldwide according to stats published by www.worldatlas.com, which accounts for more than half of the world population. It’s equally played and liked by males and females.

The average salary of professional soccer players is about $60,000 per year according to the figures presented by www.jjay.cuny.edu. However, the salaries vary $25,000 to $300,000 depending upon the level of skill, experience, fame, and part of the world. Lionel Messi remained the highest salaried player of soccer during 2016 with a total salary of about $45 million, while Cristiano Ronaldo the second-highest salaried soccer player, with a total salary of about $35 million. This was apart from the income of modeling, ads and marketing campaigns.

This article covers the health benefits of soccer, its basics, major leagues around the world, greats and records of this game, training needs, and things needed for training and playing soccer.

2. HEALTH BENEFITS OF SOCCER

Why does soccer have the biggest player and fanbase in the world? It’s because of its health benefits, which make it the most played and liked the game of the world. It’s a complete exercise and fitness plan. The following health benefits are among many of this game.

Why does soccer have the biggest player and fanbase in the world? It’s because of its health benefits, which make it the most played and liked game of the world. It’s a complete exercise and fitness plan. The following health benefits are among many of this game.

a. Activeness
Like all other games, soccer players remain active. Particularly, bodyweight remains under control, because running burns a significant amount of fat. However, overeating, as well as high amounts of highly digestible carbohydrates, must be avoided to avoid weight gain.

b. Heart
Since soccer involves aerobic activity, hence soccer players enjoy good cardiovascular health, i.e. a lower incidence of problems related to the heart. However, if you are already a heart patient, you must avoid playing soccer, as it is a high-intensity activity.

c. Brain
Tacking opponent players and matching with the tempo of the games needs strong coordination of eyes, organs and decision making, which build up strong cognitive abilities. Soccer has all the ingredients required to strengthen the capabilities of the brain.

d. Stamina
The ability of the body to withstand a condition for a long time is called stamina. Soccer players develop good stamina, which makes them able to continue other activities of life without tiring soon.

e. Build muscles
Since sprinting and kicking are the main activities in soccer, hence leg muscles especially develop during playing soccer.

f. Psychological benefit
Soccer is a team game; hence great coordination develops while playing it. Synchronizing the team thoughts allows developing an understanding of teammates, hence bestows great psychological benefit to the soccer players. These players easily develop better social behavior and attitude in normal life and become more successful than others.

3. HISTORY OF SOCCER

Soccer is an ancient game. Many countries take credit for its foundation. In the US, it’s called soccer, but it is called football in many parts of the world. Records are available regarding the game of soccer being played in China about 2,000 years ago. Several other ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and Central America also present a record of soccer being played for thousands of years. The modern form of soccer transitioned in the UK. In London, the Barnes Football Club and Richmond Football Club the first match of soccer in 1863. Moreover, Scotland and England played the first-ever international match of soccer in Scotland. The matters of soccer are internationally governed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It came into being about 115 years ago in 1904 in Paris, France. The biggest international event of soccer is football, which first took place in 1930. The last world cup was held in 2018 Russia. The next will be held in 2022 in Qatar. Soccer is also an important game of the Olympics.

4. IMPORTANT SOCCER POSITIONS

Usually, in international events, a soccer team comprises 14 players, out of which only 11 are allowed to play the game at a time. If a player gets injured or captain or coach wants to change a player, the 3 players can be substituted. Once substituted, the players are not allowed to return to the match. The soccer team usually moves in a 4-4-2 formation. The first four are called “Defenders”, second four are called “Midfielders” while the last 2 are called “Forwards”. The eleventh player in the team is the goalie.

a. Defenders

The defenders, as the name suggests, defend the attack of the opponents. The best current defender is Thiago Silva of Brazil. He also plays for AC Milan. They are usually placed in own half of the soccer ground. Although all the soccer players defend, 4 defenders are particularly assigned the duty to defend the attack of the opponent team and clear the ball. Their job is not to carefully craft a move, rather they usually try to clear the ball when opponent players attack. They usually drag with the ball, slip and even hit the ball out of the ground if they cannot take the possession of the ball.

b. Midfielders

The next 4 players are midfielders. They usually are placed in the middle of the soccer ground, and continuously move back towards their defenders, as well as go towards their forwards. Their job is to take a pass from their defenders, tackle the opponent players, and pass the ball towards forwards of their own team to allow them to score a goal. Also, they prevent the opponent midfielders from passing the ball to the opponents’ forwards.

c. Forwards

The last 2 players in the soccer team formation are the forwards. The most renowned soccer forwards these days are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their role is to take the pass from their midfielders, tackle the opponents’ defenders and kick the ball into the opponents’ goal post to score goals. Usually one for the forward stays on the left side of the ground while the second remains at the right side of the ground.

d. Goalkeeper

A goalkeeper is the most important member of the team. He is also called goalie. The most famous goalie these days is Iker Casillas, who plays for Spain, as well as for Real Madrid. Goalie stays at the goal post and prevents opponent players from scoring a goal into his goalpost. He is the only player who can hold the ball with his hand within 18-yards of his goal post.

5. FAMOUS SOCCER CLUBS AROUND THE WORLD

The matters of soccer are internationally governed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The biggest competition of soccer is the World Cup, which is played by the national teams of the soccer-playing countries. FIFA World Cup played every four years. The first-ever soccer WorldCup was held in 1930. The last world cup was held in 2018 Russia. The next will be held in 2022 in Qatar. Each country has only one soccer league under FIFA rules, except a few. Moreover, there six regional confederations under the management of FIFA, which include:

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The following are famous football clubs, which have produced players of worldwide fame and fanbase.
a. Real Madrid
Real Madrid is the Spanish club, which was founded in 1902. The players who play for Real Madrid are called Madridista. Cristiano Ronald remained a Madridista from 2009 to 2018. Raphaël Xavier Varane was the famous Madridista, who won World Cup for France in 2018.

b. Barcelona
Barcelona is the Spanish club, which was established in 1899. Lionel Messi remained a Barcelona player from 2009 to 2018. Samuel Yves Um Titi, was the famous Barcelona player, who won World Cup for France in 2018.

c. Manchester United
Manchester United is the most successful English club, which was established in 1878. Cristiano Ronald remained an active player in Manchester United from 2003 to 2009. Paul Labile Pogbawas the famous Manchester United player, won World Cup for France in 2018.

d. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich is the German club, which was established in 1900. Corentin Tolisso was the famous Bayern Munich player, who won World Cup for France in 2018.

e. Liverpool
Liverpool is an English club, which was established in 1892. Fernando Torres was the famous Liverpool player, who won the World Cup for Spain in 2010.

f. Juventus
Juventus is the Italian soccer club, which was established in 1897. Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays for Juventus. Zinedine Yazid Zidane played for Juventus from 1996 to 2001. Zidane won World Cup for France in 1998.

g. Chelsea
Chelsea is the English club, which was established in 1905. Marcel Desailly and Frank Lebeouf were the famous Chelsea players, who won the World Cup for France in 1998.

h. Arsenal
Arsenal is the English club, which was established in 1886. Arsenal fans are called Gooners. German player Lukas Josef Podolski was the famous Arsenal player, who won World Cup for Germany in 2014.

6. SOCCER RULES

FIFA has decided 17 rules for playing soccer, which is generally termed as the “Laws of the Game.”

i. The Soccer Field
The length of a soccer field should be between 100 and 130 yards.
The width of a soccer field should be between 50 and 100 yards.
The optimum dimensions are 120 x 75 square yards.

ii. The Soccer Ball

The circumference of a soccer ball should be about 70 centimeters.
The weight of a soccer ball is about 14 ounces at the start of a match and about 16 ounces at the end of a match.

iii. The Number of Players
Two teams play a soccer match.
Each team comprises of 14 players.
Only 11 players including a goalkeeper are allowed to stay on the field.
Only 3 players are available as substitutes.
Once substituted, the player cannot return to the game

iv. The Players’ Equipment
The players wear a standard team uniform.
The team uniform includes a team shirt, shorts, socks, shoes, and shin guards.
The players are not allowed to wear jewelry and other clothing.

v. The Referee
A referee controls the game and ensures all the rules of the game are followed in the ground during a match.

vi. Other Match Officials
Two assistant referees and linemen help the referee to make decisions.
The assistant referees call offsides and throw-ins.
The linemen carry a flag. They signal when the ball touches a boundary line or goes out of the field.

vii. The Match Duration
A match consists of two halves of 45-minute each.
A halftime interval is about 15 minutes.
Additional time can be awarded for the match id there is any time wasted during substitutions and injuries.

viii. Kick-off
Kick-off represents which team will get the first kick.
The kick-off of the first half of the match is decided by a toss, while the other team gets the kick-off for the second half.
The players are not allowed to go to the opponents’ side before or during the kick-off.

ix. The Ball in and out of Play
The soccer ball remains is out of play when it rolls across the goal line or touches the boundary lines.
Moreover, the soccer ball remains is out of play the referee stops the play.

x. Match score
Goals represent a score. It is the act when the soccer ball crosses the goal line legally.

xi. The Offside
Offside means on the wrong side. It is foul for a player to get offside.
The referee immediately stops the game, if a player gets offside.
A player will be an offside player if he stands ahead of the ball and the second-last opponent player in the opponent teams’ half.

xii. Fouls and Misconduct
The offside, cheating, touching the ball with hands, throwing the ball out of the boundary, kicking and touching the opponent players are called fouls.
In response to a foul, the opponent team is awarded the chance to hit the ball.

xiii. The Free Kick
If a foul is committed by a player, then the referee may grant a free kick to the opponent team.
Own teammates and opponents can stay ahead of the free kick executing player.

xiv. The Penalty Kick
If a serious foul is committed by a player near the goal line, then the referee may grant a penalty kick to the opponent team. Only the opponent team’s goalkeeper can stay ahead of the penalty kick executing player.

xv. The Throw-ins
Throw-in means that a player can throw the soccer ball with hands.
When a player kicks the ball out of the touchline, the opponent team is awarded a throw-in.
Throw-in is done from outside the touchline.

xvi. The Goal Kicks
Goal kick means that the game will be given a pause, and the goalkeeper will be allowed to place the ball in front of him, and kick the soccer ball.
When a player kicks the ball out of the goal line of the opponent’s team, the opponent team is awarded a goal-kick.

xvii. Corner Kicks

Corner kick means that the game will be given a pause, and the player will be allowed to place the ball on the corner of the ground in the vicinity of opponent teams goal, and kick the soccer ball towards opposing teams’ goal.
When a player kicks or gets touched by the ball when the ball is going out of the goal line own half, then the opponent team is awarded a corner kick

7. SOCCER ACCESSORIES

The game of soccer is very simple and inexpensive, as not too many accessories are required for playing it. The gear needed to train and play soccer is described below.

a. Soccer ball
The most essential accessory for playing soccer is a soccer ball. A soccer ball, also known as football, is a round ball, which has a diameter of 22 cm. The weight of a soccer ball ranges from 410 to 450 g.

b. Apparel for soccer
Soccer players usually wear their team apparel. The apparel includes team jerseys, shorts, gloves, socks, and cleats. Additionally, few safety gears including shin guards and goalkeeper gloves are also included.

i. Soccer cleats
Soccer cleats refer to the shoes used in soccer. These are protrusions attached to the bottom of the soccer shoes, which help in speed, agility, and control during running. Soccer shoes are also called cocker cleats.

ii. Shinguard
Shin guards are an important safety accessory for soccer players, which prevents injury during getting kicked by an opponent player.

iii. Goalkeeper gloves
A pair of goalkeeper gloves are important safety gear for soccer goalkeepers, which prevents finger and hands injury during a soccer game.

c. Water bottle

Since soccer is an extremely aerobic game, staying hydrated is important to stay healthy. A water bottle is an absolute essential for soccer players to drink water and juices during training and playing games. A good water bottle should be easy to hold, maintain water temperature, easy to commute, and good looking.

d. Backpack
A backpack is the luggage bag that every soccer player needs. A backpack is used for placing and traveling the importance of soccer accessories of the players, which include the soccer ball, gloves, cap, shin guards, towel, and water bottle, etc.

e. Soccer Training Marker Cones

Plastic and rubber marker cones are usually used during the training of soccer. These are usually used to train speed and agility during the performance improvement of soccer players.

f. Goal Posts and Net
Two goalposts make one goalkeeping assembly, on which a net is installed. The target of a team is to kick the soccer ball into the goalposts of the opponent team. The football net installed on the goalposts prevents the soccer ball from sailing away from the playground and hitting the spectators.

8. CONCLUSION

Soccer is the most liked sports in the world. Soccer is among the best games to stay healthy and active. FIFA is the organizing body, which manages matters of soccer worldwide. Soccer World Cup is the biggest sports event in the world, which is held every 4th year.

Almost every soccer-playing country has a soccer league. A few of the famous soccer clubs are Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Juventus, Chelsea, and Arsenal. National teams of countries play soccer WorldCup.

Scoring a goal is the main target of soccer players. In soccer, the player formation of 4-4-2-1 is used, which represent defenders, midfielders, forwards and goalkeeper, respectively.

Generally, 17 rules govern the play of a soccer game, which are briefly described in this article.

Good quality soccer apparel is an utmost necessity to play the game. Moreover, the quality of other soccer accessories also plays an important role in the quality of the game. This article gave a brief outline of important soccer training and player accessories. If you have any comments regarding high-quality accessories, please feel free to leave comments in the comment box below.

Basics of Baseball for Beginners

October 28, 2019 By Dr. Muhammad Ammar Khan

It’s slow, incredibly slow, and dead slow, and then suddenly it becomes fast, faster, and the fastest. Do you know, which game is it? I give you a few hints…., throwing, hitting, running, sliding, nose-diving, etc. etc. It alone has 15.64 million players in the US, according to the facts presented by www.statista.com.

Let’s introduce to baseball, the most popular and the most fascinating game of the Americas, as well as the national game of the US. It’s having the biggest fan base than any other sport in the US. There are two levels of baseball, MLB and MiLB. The wage of an average MLB player is about $5.045 million per season.

Is there more luck than technical skills and persistence in baseball? For us, the rule of thumb is practice, practice, and practice more. Let’s go through all the basic information and benefits of baseball. Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask us in the comments box below.

1. How to play Baseball

Baseball is played between two teams, the batting team and the fielding team. Each team is composed of 9 players, and the team who scores the most runs wins the game.

There are a total of nine innings in a baseball match for each team to bat and field. Each inning finishes, if the batting team has three OUTs. At the end of the game, the score is tallied. The team which outscores the other wins the game. If the score is tied, then decide the match on the score after the fourth innings.

One member (the batter) of the batting team holds the baseball bat, whereas one member (the pitcher) of the fielding team pitches the ball towards the batter.

The batter hits the baseball, leaves his bat down, and starts running between the fixed bases in the baseball ground. The batter sprints towards the first base and touches the bag placed there.

The fielding team tries to catch the ball, and throw it on the bases, where the batsman or his fellows are running. If the throw reaches the base before the batsman touches the bag, then he will be called out. If batsman reaches the base before the throw, then he will be awarded one run.

2. World records in baseball

Do you want to beat some of the world records? Baseball could be an interesting game to poke with. You just need to target one record, have a passion to break it, practice, practice, and practice, and here you go.

What do you think, which records are the most breakable with a little bit of extra effort? Leave your comments below. But, please don’t break yourself while breaking the records.

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3. Health Benefits of Baseball

Similar to other sport, playing baseball also keeps you fit and healthy, improve your strength and stamina, contribute to better cardiovascular health, improve cognitive abilities and augment the immune system. Also, the following particular health benefits have been associated with playing baseball by numerous scientific studies.

Since hitting, pitching and throwing are important activities of baseball, hence baseball players usually have very strong forelimbs, which not only add to the power of your body but also contribute to the overall beauty of the body.
Moreover, short and intense bursts of running engage your hamstring and calf muscles, hence baseball players develop very strong hindlimbs.
Hitting the fast-moving ball in specific directions and taking the benefit of minor errors of opponents help the baseball players in developing quick decision-making skills, which is a component of a successful life.

4. Terminology of Baseball

1.Batter

The player who hits the ball with his baseball bat is known as the batter. The batter stands on one of the plates at the home base.

2. Pitcher

The player who throws the baseball towards the batter to allow him hitting the baseball is called the pitcher.

3. Bases

The baseball bases refer to the four spots where the players of the batting team stand. The first base, where the batter stands, is called home. The home base has two plates and one bag. The bag is surrounded by one plate each. These are three more bases in the baseball field. Two runners are now allowed on the same base.

4. Run

If a catcher reaches the base while holding the baseball before the batter or runner, then the batter or the runner is called OUT.
When a batter hits the baseball, he runs between the bases. When he reaches the next base, he is awarded a Single.
If the batter successfully runs the two bases, he is awarded a Double.
If the batter successfully runs between the three bases, he is awarded a Triple.
Three singles constitute one Run.

5. Homerun

In baseball, when a batter hits the baseball and successfully runs all the four bases, it is known as a home run (also called HR). It is also called circling the bases.

6. Out

If the pitcher pitches the ball towards the batter, either the batter hits it or misses it. If the batter mises it thrice, then he is OUT.
If the pitcher pitches the ball towards the batter, either the batter hits it or misses it. If the batter mises it thrice, then he is OUT.
Moreover, if the batter hits the ball, and a fielder catches it, the batter is OUT.
Similarly, if the batter hits the baseball through the gap between fielders, the batter runs from the home base towards the first base. The fielder meanwhile throws the baseball towards any of the base. If the baseball throw reaches the base before the batter, then the batter is OUT.
Finally, if the batter hits the baseball through the gap between fielders, the runner already standing on first, second or third basses run towards the next bases. The fielders throw the baseball towards any of the bases. If the baseball throw reaches the base before the runners, then the runners are OUT.

7. Catcher

Catchers are the members of the fielding team; whose responsibilities are to restrict the score of batting team and OUT them by short running the players of the batting team.

8. Outfielders

The fielders which are standing away from the bases in the ground are called outfielders. Usually three outfielders.

5. Baseball Accessories

It’s highly likely that you get injured while playing baseball. So, it’s extremely important to know the tact to stay injury-free and ensure the longevity of your baseball career. Good quality accessories ensure higher benefits and safety in baseball. In this article, we have covered all the relevant information. Don’t forget to comment below if you have relevant suggestions regarding baseball accessories.

a.Baseball Bats

baseball bat

The most important thing required to train or play baseball is a baseball bat. Hitting is done with the rear end of a baseball bat, which is thicker than the handle. Baseball bats made of wood, as well as metal, are available.
The first-ever baseball bat was manufactured in 1857. The diameter of the hitting end of a baseball bat is about 7 cm at the thickest part. The length of a baseball bat is about 106 cm.

b. Baseballs

baseball

A baseball ball (usually called baseball) is also equally important for training or playing baseball.
Although many variable baseballs remained in play for several years, the earliest commercial baseballs were prepared and marketed by H.P. Harwood and Sons in 1858.
The diameters of baseballs are about 7.3–7.6 cm, while weight is about 142 to 149 g. There are 108 stitches in each baseball.
Its center has a rubber or cork, which is wrapped in yarn, to allow the ball to be hit and bounce. Baseball bats made of wood as well as metal are available.

c. Baseball Apparel

Baseball apparel refers to the uniform used by baseball players. These include shirts, pants, caps, helmets, gloves, mitts, socks, shoes, cleats, chest guards, elbow guards, and shin guards.

i. Baseball Cleats

baseball shoe

A cleat refers to a wedge-shaped wooden, metal, plastic, synthetic or leather piece (spikes, studs) attached beneath the shoes to allow a strong grip of the shoes with the ground to prevent the players from slipping and help them in suddenly changing their direction.
Cleats are generally used in football and baseball shoes. However, baseball cleats are lighter than those used in football shoes. Besides safety, cleats also help in faster running.
Generally, low-top cleats are useful for faster running, while mid and high-top cleats provide safety and stability in running and changing direction during running.
Metal cleats are generally preferable because of their durability and strength, as well as because of their higher ability to withstand weathering, whereas plastic cleats are their cheaper alternatives.
Metal cleats are prohibited in youth leagues but allowed in major leagues.
Fitting cleats to your shoes require some technical knowledge. Proper consideration should be given to the cleat size, distance from toes, distance from heel, tightness or looseness of tightness.

ii. Baseball Gloves and Mitts

Baseball Gloves

One of the most import defensive gear for baseball players is a baseball glove. It protects the hands and fingers of catching players from injuries.
A mitt refers to a protective glove, which is divided into two parts. The first part protects the thumb from injury during catching the baseball, while the second part is wider that protects the remaining four fingers from injury.
Baseball gloves and mitts allow one-handed catches and offer flexibility to the hands and fingers.
Typically, these range from 9 to 12.75 inches.
Gloves sizes not only vary according to the size of hands but also vary from the fielder to fielder. Generally, the gloves of infielders are smaller than those of the outfielders.

iii. Baseball Helmets

Baseball Helmets

Besides fitness and activeness, sports are vital for the best cognitive performance of your brain. Head and face are the most sensitive organs of humans. During playing games of high physical intensities, the safety of your face and head are the most important concerns.
Good quality baseball helmets are made up of carbon fiber for higher shock absorbance to ensure the maximum safety of the players. They are essential to prevent concussion in case of head injury.

iv. Baseball Shin-Guard

baseball

Shin pad or shin-guard is a protective piece of baseball apparel, which is meant to save your shin from injury during running and colliding. Since colliding is a high possibility in baseball, hence shin guards are of utmost importance to ensure the safety of hindlimbs of baseball players.

v. Baseball Chest Guard

Catchers behind the home plate, as well as the batters, require higher safety of chest in case of the baseball hits on their chest. Moreover, during running, there are high chances that players of batting team colloid with the players of the fielding team. Hence chest protectors are also very important to ensure the safety of baseball players.

vi. Baseball Elbow Guard

Elbows of baseball batters can get injured because of hitting very hard balls. It is precautionary for all the batters to use elbow protectors to ensure greater elbow safety.

d. Baseball Bags

In order to keep the baseball accessories, you need a reliable baseball bag. Alon with keeping your baseball bat, baseball, baseball gloves and cleat, baseball shoes, baseball helmet, it will be a safe place for your sunscreen, wipes, tissues, umbrella, and first aid kit.
A good baseball bag should be beautiful looking, easy to commute, have separate pockets for similar things, such as cosmetics, and durable.

e. Baseball Training Equipment

Training for particular skills gives you confidence and perfectness during tough competitions. For training of essential baseball skills, you require to schedule a flexible training plan, as well as specific training gear.
The baseball training gear includes a baseball training net to practice for pitching and batting, an infield training glove, a set of training balls, an adjustable height batting trainer, and a pitching machine.

f. Baseball Bases and Pitching Rubbers

Baseball bases are made up of weather-resistant rubber. These usually comprise a set of three bases and a Homeplate. Furthermore, a pitcher’s plate is also included.

g. Baseball Pitching Machine and Batting Cage

A baseball pitching machine is a motor-powered baseball pitching device that can pitch several baseballs at constant and variable speed, direction and spin.

A batting cage is another useful entity, which saves extra trouble of the batter to go and collect the baseballs during practicing.

6. The Organization of Baseball

Either you want to play baseball for fitness or want to become a pro for competing in world competitions, you need to be aware of various major baseball tournaments worldwide. There are two major levels of baseball. These are Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB).

a. Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball (MLB) is the professional organization of baseball. It was founded in 1903. MLB also oversees the matters of Minor League Baseball (MiLB).
MLB has 2 leagues and a total of 30 teams. The two leagues are named as National League (NL) and American League (AL), each of them has 15 teams. Each team comprises 40 players.
The MLB leagues start in April. The total pay of $3.784 billion is divided into 750 MLB players, hence an average salary is $5.045 million per player.
According to Forbes, currently Mike Trout is the most valued player of the MLB, as he is getting the highest pay of $39 million per season. On the other hand, the minimum salary of an MLB player is $555 thousand per season in 2019 according to the figures mentioned in www.statista.com.
The wide differences in salaries depend upon the performance, experience, consistency, talent, and wages of competitors. Moreover, there are pension plans for convenience during your retirement days, as well.

b. Minor League Baseball

The Minor League Baseball (MiLB) was founded in 1901. The purpose of MiLB is player development and prepare them for MLB. It has 20 leagues and a total of 256 teams.
Players of MiLB compete at a lower level than MLB. The salaries of MiLB in contrast to MLB seem to be peanuts. The average monthly salaries start from merely $1,100. Class A players could get about $1,300 per month. Moreover, the average monthly salaries of Class A-Advanced are higher than Class A players.
The players of Double-A class get an average salary of about $6000 per month. Finally, the players playing in the Triple-A leagues have average monthly salaries of $10,000. More talented, skilled, experienced and high performing players get higher than average pay.

7. Classes of MiLB

The MiLB leagues are divided into 6 classes. The MiLB leagues in the order of based upon the level of competitiveness, experience, talent, and salary from the highest to the lowest include Triple-A (AAA), followed by Double-A (AA), High A, Low-A, and Rookie, respectively.

The MiLB leagues start in April, except that of Class A Short-season league, which starts in late June.

Triple-A class is the highest-ranked MiLB league. It has three leagues. It was started in 1969. The average salary of the players playing this league is about $10 thousand. The average age of the players is 26.
Double-A class is the second-highest ranked MiLB league. It also has three leagues. It was started in 1964. The average salary of the players playing this league is about $6 thousand. The average age of the players is 24.
Class-A Advanced (Class A+, High A) class is the third league of MiLB. It also has three leagues and 30 teams. Its games start in April and end in September.
Class-A class is the next ranked MiLB league. It also has two leagues, which play 140 games. The average salary of these players is $1300. Its games also start in April and end in September.
There are two Short-Season classes, which include Class-A Short-season and Rookie Advanced. Both have two leagues each. The former has 14 teams, while the latter has 8 teams.
The lowest league of MiLB is Rookie. It has two leagues and 8 teams, which play 60 games from Mid-June to late-August.

8. Conclusion

In short, baseball is the national sport of the US. Besides various health benefits, it is the source of high income for ammeter and professional players.

Two teams play baseball nine alternative innings each, and the team scoring more runs wins the game.

Several accessories are essential for proper training and safety during playing baseball. These include baseball bats, baseballs, shoes, cleats, gloves, mitts, helmets, shin-guard, chest-guard, elbow-guard, etc. Moreover, baseball bases, pitching rubbers, pitching machine, and batting cage are essentials for indoor training.

Finally, playing baseball is a great charm, and baseball players have a great fanbase in the Americas. Several records have been made by baseball players and non-players, which you can also try to break. Let us know after reading this article which records you want to try to break. Happy reading.

How To Get Good At Tennis Fast

September 15, 2019 By Dr. Muhammad Ammar Khan

Are you getting lazy day-by-day, and finding no time to play sports? Or you want to become a sports-start like Rafael Nadal, who recently won the US Open Tennis, and won millions of dollars as a prize-money, along with winning hearts of millions of the fans.

Let’s introduce to you, tennis, one of the most popular games in the US. It is an Olympic sport, played and liked by people of all ages. Tennis is tremendously popular in the US. Many US people play it as a game for fitness, as well as professional players.

Unlike other games, the history of tennis is very interesting, especially related to the development of racket, tennis ball, scoring, and related terminology. Good quality accessories ensure higher benefits of tennis. In this article, we have covered all the relevant information.

So, let’s go through these so you can know how to get good at tennis fast. Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask us in the comments box below.

1. Health Benefits of Tennis

Tennis is an excellent sport for staying fit throughout your life. Several research studies have reported that playing tennis maintains your health, strength, and agility.

Since tennis involves a high level of aerobic activity, it helps in burning fat and improves cardiovascular health.

Moreover, playing tennis also involves short and intense bursts of activity which involve anaerobic activity, which is an important phenomenon involved in the improvement of strength and stamina of human beings.

According to the findings of Dr. Ralph Paffenbarger after studying more than 10,000 people for 20 years, three hours per week of playing tennis reduced the risk of death from sudden cause to one half.

Dr. Joan Finn reported in a scientific study that similar to other games, the scores of vigor, optimism, and self-esteem during competitions significantly decreased the incidence of depression, anger, confusion, anxiety, and tension in the tennis players.

Moreover, it significantly increased mental alertness and tactical thinking by promoting nerves activity and cognitive abilities. Hence playing tennis is extremely beneficial for health.

Finally, actively involving in tennis augments the immune system of humans, hence help them in combatting many of the diseases.

2. Popularity of Tennis

a. In the US

Tennis is immensely popular in the US, and it ranks among the 7 most liked sports of US. It has a huge fan following in the US. Almost 17.9 million players play tennis in the US, according to the figures published by the Tennis Industry Association.

b. In the World

Tennis is even more popular in the world, as it is among the top 4 games worldwide in terms of the number of players and fan-base. Tennis remained the most popular sport in the US in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

c. Professional Players

Most of the tennis players play it as a game for the purpose of recreation and staying fit. However, a few players rely on it for their bread and butter. According to the International Tennis Federation, approximately 14,000 tennis players compete in world men and women tournaments each year, but the professional players are merely less than 2 thousand only.

3. Brief History of Tennis

Often history is the most boring thing to read, but you will notice that the history of tennis is interesting. Here we discuss the origin of tennis, racket, tennis ball, scoring, royal tennis, lawn tennis, and the arrival of tennis into the US.

a. Tennis or Lawn Tennis

Do you know the game which today we call tennis was originally called lawn tennis? It originated from Royal tennis or real tennis in the 19th century in the UK.

b. Racket Sport

Tennis is among the racket (racquet) sports, the other famous members of which include badminton, table tennis (ping pong), squash, etc. For playing tennis, the players need to hit the ball with their rackets.

c. The Mother of Tennis

“Jeu de Paume” was the name given to handball by French in the 12th century. This game was played by monks for entertainment during ceremonies.

d. The Word “Tennis”

The French players used to begin the game of “Jeu de Paume” by shouting the word “Tenez”, which meant to “Play”. This Tenez evolved into Tennis until the 16th century.

e. Tennis Ball

The ball used for”Jeu de Paume” was made of wood. Later, the ball was made bouncy by using cellulose material. Modern tennis ball evolved with time.

f. The First Racket

The hand was replaced with a racket for effective hitting. This was the birth of the first racket. Modern racket also took several centuries to evolve.

g. Scoring with Clocks

In the 15th century, clockfaces were initially used to indicate scores of each player in tennis courts. Initially, the scoring was a multiple of 15. Hence the first point was awarded by moving the clock hands at 15 minutes. Similarly, the second point was awarded by moving the clock hands at 30 minutes, the third point at 45 minutes, and the fourth point at the hour mark. The player won the game at the hour mark. Hence initially the scores were Love, 15, 30, 45 and game point.

h. Modern Scoring

The modern scoring is slightly modified. Since after deuce, the player needed to two points to win, total shorts required to win became five. hence the clock arm was set to 40 minutes, 50 minutes and hour mark, i.e. tin case of a tied at 40, the complete scoring of the winning player will be Love, 15, 30, deuce, Ad-In and Game Point. If the score is not tied at 40, then four shorts win a game, and the scoring will be Love, 15, 30, 40, and game point.

i. Royal Tennis

Rich people and royal families started playing indoor tennis, hence until the 16th century, tennis was called royal tennis.

j. Lawn Tennis

In 1873, Major Walter Wingfield designed boxes, which contained gear necessary to play the royal tennis in lawns in the UK. Hence the royal tennis was now termed as lawn tennis. These days, it is simply called tennis.

k. Tennis in the US

Lawn tennis arrived in the US very soon after Major Walter Wingfield designed boxes. These boxes also found their way to the US, and in 1874, the first lawn tennis tournament of the USA was held. In 1881, the National Lawn Tennis Association was founded in the US.

4. Tennis Accessories

a. Tennis Racket

A tennis racket is an oval frame which has a long handle. The maximum length and width of a racket should be 73.7 and 31.7 cm, respectively. The long handle is used to hold the racket. The oval frame is strung with a cord (strong thread) in a crisscross manner. The maximum length and width of the strung hitting surface of the oval frame should be 39.4 and 29.2 cm, respectively. The handle has a thick grip, so that the racket can be conveniently held during playing. The cord-strung oval frame is the main part of the racket which is used to punch the tennis ball. Whist holding the handle, the tennis players strike the tennis ball with the cord-strung frame and throw the ball into opponent player’s court.

b. Tennis Ball

A tennis ball is the specially designed rubber ball that has fluorescent yellow colored fibers throughout its surface. The ball bounces when strikes on the ground. The tennis ball is thrown into the opponent’s court with the help of racket. The official diameter of tennis ranges decided by the International Tennis Federation from 6.54 to 6.86 cm. The official weight range is between 56.0–59.4 g.

c. Net

A rectangular 3 feet high net divides the two sides of a tennis court. It is installed with the help of two posts installed in the tennis court. A tennis ball cannot pass through it, but players and ball are visible through it.

d. Tennis shoes

Specially designed tennis shoes are a prerequisite for playing tennis, because, during the game, the player has to move to and fro, back and forth, briskly, and stop quickly. Shoes must be of the highest quality to support during the game, as well as prevent any damage to joints and muscles.

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e. Dress

Men and women dress code are separate for tennis players. These are decided by the tournament rules and regulations. However, for training and regular playing, you can choose any good quality tennis dress. Particularly, it should be able to withstand quick moments and allow absorption of sweat.

f. Bag

A good quality bag is an asset for any player. Bags should be easy to hold, transport and place. It should be able to keep the sports good safe.

g. Towel

Tennis is a high energy game, hence players sweat a lot. Hence an absorbent towel should be present during a tennis game or training.

h. Water bottle

Due to being highly aerobic physical activity, the tennis players need to drink plenty of water. Hence, a good-quality food-grade water bottle is a necessity.

i. Head Gear

Sunlight can burn your skin, and radiation can be dangerous for you. Hence during playing tennis, you should use P-cap to prevent direct exposure of sunlight to your head.

j. Ball machine

During practice, a player needs to focus on shot selection and perfection. If every time the player plays a shot and has to go to collect the ball, that will be very time-consuming. Hence practicing with a ball machine is much reliable option to increase your learning intensity

5. Major Tennis Events

a. Classification of Tennis Tournaments

Either you want to play tennis for fitness or want to become a pro for competing in world competitions, you need to be aware of various major tennis tournaments worldwide.

b. Majors

The four most important international tennis events operated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) are called majors, which are listed below in Table 1.

c. Year-End Championship

Year-End Championship is the most prestigious championship of tennis after the four majors (Table 2).

d. Achievements

The prominent achievements that every tennis player wants to get in his / her career are listed below (Table 3).

6. Tennis Player Rankings

Winning majors is the most prestigious achievement; hence many top-ranked players try to win these. However, overall ranking includes the points gained from other events as well. Following are the 5 highest ranked tennis players of ATP and WTA singles categories(Table 4).

Following are the 5 highest ranked tennis players of ATP and WTA doubles individual categories(Table 5).

7.Famous Tennis Players

Popularity and fame of a tennis player not necessarily depend upon the number of wins, yet it is also the most important factor. Off the field activity, behavior and attitude are also other important factors. Following are two lists of the men and women famous tennis players of all time.

a. Famous Male Tennis Players of All Time

The list of the most famous male tennis players is provided here(Table 6).

b. Famous Female Tennis Players of All Time

The list of the most famous female tennis players is provided here(Table 7).

8. Tennis Rules and Regulations

Do you find love in the rules and regulations section of any sport? Tennis has love in it. Let’s go through the rules and regulations of the tennis court, serving, and scoring.

a. Tennis Court

A tennis court is a rectangular place of dimensions 78 x 36 square feet, equally divided into two halves by a 3 feet high net. Doubles game is played in the full court. While for playing singles, the width of the court is reduced to 27 feet. Moreover, the court is also divided into two halves by a line demarcation longitudinally.

b. Tennis Rules for Serving

i. Server

The person who starts the game by punching the ball with his racket into the opponents’ court is called server.

ii. Receiver

The person who receives the ball from the server and punches back the ball with his racket into the server’s court is called a receiver.

iii. Service Rules

a) The service must land within the 21 feet of the net in the opponents’ court of the tennis court.

b) Moreover, the service must land in the diagonally opposite half of the court to that of the server.

c) The server needs to stay out of the court before punching the ball.

d) After each point, within the same court, the server swaps the side of the court.

e) The first service is always from the right part of the court.

f) After each game, the service will rotate. This means that if player 1 served in the first game, player 2 will serve the next game. Service will keep rotating after each game.

g) During a tiebreaker (tiebreak) game, the player who was serving the 6 all game will serve for the first point. After the first point, the service rotates towards the opponent for the next two points. The service will keep rotating then after every two points.

h) During a tiebreak, each time, the service for the first point will be from the right side of the court, while the next service will be from the left side.

c. Scoring Rules of Tennis

i. Point

A point is awarded to the player, who hits the tennis ball with his racket into the opponent’s court, but the opponent does not return it into the first player’s court. Only one bounce of the ball per shot is allowed in each court.

ii. Love

“Love” in tennis means “zero” score. It evolved from the French word “l’oeuf”, which means ‘egg’. They said it l’oeuf, because the symbol of zero “0” resembled an egg.

iii. All

In tennis, if both the players have equal points, then the scores are spoken with the term all. For example, Love all, 15 all, 30 all, etc.

iv. Winning a Game

Normally, the players first gaining four points wins the game. Without any point means “Love”, the first point gives a score of 15, the second point takes the score to 30, the third point takes the total score to 40, and the fourth point makes it a game (Table 8).

v. Deuce

If the score of both players ties at 40, i.e. 40-40 (40 all), the situation is called deuce. Deuce is originated from the French phrase “à deux” which means “at two”(Table 9).

vi. Advantage In

After the deuce, the winner of the next point gets an advantage. Serving player is not changed in case any player takes the game into deuce or advantage(Table 10).

vii. The Point after Advantage In

The game is won if the player has the advantage again wins the next point, as well (Table 11).

viii. Advantage Out

If the player who got the advantage loses the next point, the advantage is lost, and the score is again deuce(Table 12).

ix. Winning a Game after Deuce and Advantage

After the deuce, any player getting the advantage can win after another consecutive point(Table 13).

x. Winning a Set

Normally, a player must win a minimum of 6 games in tennis to win a set. However, a set is tied if the score is 5 all(Table 14).

xi. Winning after 5 All

If the score is 5 all, then the set is tied. Now, the winning player must 7 games(Table 15).

In the above example, currently, the 3rd set is in progress. Player 2 has won 6 games. But the set is still not finished. The current score of Player 2 is 40-15. If the Player 2 further wins a point, then the game will be won. The Player 2 will win the 3rd set with a score of 7-5. Now the summary of the total sets will be 2-1 (Table 16).

xii. 12-Point Tiebreaker

a) If the score is 6 all, then a tiebreaker (also called tiebreak) game will be played.

b) Points and service rules change for a tie-breaker. The rule is explained in the service rules section above.

c) In a tiebreak, the points of the game are not counted as Love, 15, 30, 40 and game. Rather, points for a tiebreak game are counted as ordinary numbers, i.e. 1,2,3,4, etc.

d) The minimum number of points needed to win the tiebreaker is 7 (Table 17). The minimum margin of win is 2 points. This tiebreak system is called “12-point” tiebreaker.

In the above scorecard, the Player 1 won the set. The game score was 7-5 points. The set score became 7-6 games, which was the score of the 4th set. The match score is now 2 all sets. You can see the revised scorecard below in Table 18.

xiii. Win Margin in a Tie-breaker

In the “12-point” tiebreaker, if the game score reaches 6 all, then the set will continue until one player wins by a margin 2 points. It means that if both the players don’t allow the opponent to win by a margin of 2 points, then the game will continue in this system (Table 19).

For example, in the above scorecard, the Player 1 has won the game by 21-19 points; and has won the 5th set by 7-6. The Player 1 also won the match by 3-2 sets. The final scores are 4-6, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6, and 7-6. The summary is shown in the table below in Table 20.

xiv. Winning a Match for Men Tennis

Men tennis matches are usually the best of 5, i.e. the men players winning the minimum of 3 sets out of 5 wins a tennis match. In the above scorecard, Player 1 won the match. The Player 1 lost the 1st and 3rd sets, but won overall 3 sets, hence won the match (Table 21).

xv. Winning a Match for Women Tennis

Women tennis matches are usually the best of 3, i.e. the women players winning the minimum of 2 sets out of 3 win a tennis match. In the scorecard below, the Player 2 won the match. The scores were 6-4, 3-6, and 7-5. Despite losing the 2ndset, the Player 2 won a total of two sets, hence won the game (Table 22).

9. Conclusion

Tennis is an excellent recreational sport that keeps you passionate and fit. Above information is regarding the basics of tennis that every player needs to be aware of, but the learning can be done by putting the effort into practicing it well.

Good quality tennis accessories have equal importance for performing well in the game. If you need to learn more about products related to tennis, please follow the link for further details

Cycling Challenges For Beginners

September 10, 2019 By Dr. Muhammad Ammar Khan

Introduction To Cycling

Cycling is an exciting hobby and competitive physical activity. It saves your time during commutation for short distances. It is not only a mode of transportation but also exercise and universal sport.

Many people use bicycles as the cheapest mode of transportation to commute to their workplaces daily. Several people use cycling during weekends to go to sightseeing and adventure.

Several people use cycling in gyms to stay fit. Particularly, it is an excellent source of excitement for kids of all ages.

Worldwide Production of Cycles

Currently, the number of cycles produced worldwide is about 100 million. China is the largest producer of the cycles in the world, but in China, E-bikes are now increasing.

Safest Mode of Commutation

Light cycling speed is safe for all riders. There is a high chance that the number of collisions worldwide will be cut by half if the number of people riding bicycles could increase by three times.

Moreover, the collisions of cycle riders are also not fatal, hence the number of accidental fatalities worldwide would be cut by 2/3rd. Hence, it is the safest mode of transportation for short distances.

Environmentally Sustainable

Cycling is an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation for short distances, since it does not need fossil fuel to run.

Moreover, about 15 bicycles can fit in a space required for a single car. Furthermore, its maintenance is about 20 times cheaper than that of a car.

Disadvantages of Cycling

Excess of everything is bad. Cycling is only useful if it is used for traveling short distances because traveling long distances requires a lot of time, and burn a lot of calories. Overdoing cycling will damage muscles and cause tightness and soreness in your back and knees. However, traveling for short distances and mild speed does not damage or strain your muscles.

1) Cycling as an Exercise

Cycling is an excellent exercise. It is a low-impact exercise, which suitable for kids, adults and old. As compared to running and sprinting, cycling is way easier and less damaging. Riding a bike for short distances is a good workout method.

a) Cycling for Health Management

Cycling is one of the best disease prevention or management sport.
It can increase cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and flexibility.
Additionally, it improves joint mobility, posture, and coordination.
Moreover, it strengthens the bones.
Furthermore, it can decrease stress levels and body fats.
Being a light exercise, it can prevent the onset of various chronic diseases, such as obesity, depression, and arthritis, hence prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

b) Cycling as a Weight-Loss Strategy

According to a recently published research, a 30 minutes ride on a bicycle with light speed burns approximately 446 calories that causes significant weight loss.

If you intend to use cycling as the main weight-loss method, then initially 15 to 20 minutes light cycling should be enough.

Later, it should be increased to almost 300 minutes per week by slowly increasing the cycling time to increase weight loss.

Nevertheless, it should not be done in a single or few bursts; but should be equally divided into consistent bursts of equal time.

c) Cycling for Belly and Hip Fat Reduction

Cycling is an effective exercise for reducing weight, body shaping, and burning calories. It is worth noting that cycling reduces overall body fats, but it is not a good spot reduction method.

Belly and hip fats will burn off with the rest of the body fats. Regular cycling can help in toning the muscles changes the appearance.

d) Cycling for Endurance

Endurance is the property of the body to withstand consistent stress. Training for endurance is very important for long-distance cyclists.

Cycling with mild speed is useful in building muscle endurance. However, cycling can slightly build leg muscles, as well.

Since cycling targets, the lower body muscles, hence lower muscles get strengthened. But upper muscles such as arms, and vital organs such as lungs and cardiovascular systems also get strengthened.

2) Safety Measures for Riding a Bicycle

Although cycling is the safest mode of commutation, yet some safety measures need to be adopted for riding a bicycle.

a) Cycling Speedometer

Besides being an efficient mode of transportation, cycling is also a world-renowned sport. Hence, young riders often simulate ordinary cycling with racing. But, for safe riding, awareness of speed is very important. A speedometer should, therefore, be an important accessory of a cycle.

b) Cycling Lights

Road visibility is significantly lower in the morning, and evening, as compared to day time. Moreover, it is also affected when the sky is over-casted.

Particularly, at night, visibility is extremely low. Hence, light is among the most important accessories of a cycle. Often lights of bicycles are powered by tire-driven dynamos, hence need no battery from storage, and are useful at night time.

c) Bell

There is no legal requirement to have a bell on your cycle, but it is an absolute requirement for your and others’ safety while you are riding. However, unnecessary belling for joy isn’t good for your and others’ hearing. A good cycle bell can add beauty to your bike.

d) Lock

A lock is the most important things to prevent your bike from being theft. A variety of locks are available in the market, and you can choose a beautiful matching lock for your bike.

The lock should be strong enough to avoid any lock breakage. Moreover, it should be long enough to allow locking the bicycle with a fixed pole, tree or an immovable bar, as someone can’t pick it without breaking its lock.

e) Recommended Cycling Speed

Since cycling is used for short distances, it should not be run very fast. Generally, there are no state regulations for the speed of human-powered bikes.

A mild cycling speed means a speed of about 15 to 20 mph. Riding a cycle at a mild speed is safe for the riders, as well as for the other passengers on the road.

In Copenhagen, the cycling speed allowed for general riders is 9.6 mph (15.5 km/h). However, the speed for racing bicycles can be reasonably high, i.e. in the range of 25 mph (40 km/h).

f) Recommended Cycling Duration

Recommended cycling time is about 30 to 60 minute per day for a healthy lifestyle, while a moderate cycling time is about 200 to 300 minutes per week.

g) Other Safety Tips

Ride on the side of the path which is allocated for riding bikes.
If there is no allocation, then keep to the extreme left side.
When you cross the road, give arm and hand signals.
Avoid busy roads and don’t use a bicycle for long distances.
Obey all the traffic rules and respect the pedestrians and motor traffic.
Don’t ride your bike in harsh weather.

3) Necessary Gear for Cycling

While riding and maintaining your bicycle doesn’t need any expensive tools and apparatus yet keeping a few things with you saves your time and prevents you from hassle during your track and adventure.

Following things are necessary for every cyclist for a normal ride or for going on an adventurous trip.

a) Pump

When you ride your cycle through off-roads, jerks and jumps can release some of the gas from your cycle tubes. Riding on a cycle with low gas pressure in the tires can damage its tube.

Hence, you need two pumps in your cycling kit. One hand-working floor pump, which you will keep at home, while the other a mini hand pump, which you will keep in your adventure kit. It will go with you anywhere your cycle will go.

b) Puncture Repair Kit

Cycle tubes can get punctured while riding during an adventure trip. If the cyclist doesn’t know how to fix a puncture, the adventure trip can become troublesome.

Any piece of broken glass, metal nails, or stones can rupture the tire (tyre) and tube. As long as you realize that air is releasing from the tire of your bicycle, quickly stop it, and fix its puncture, otherwise, its tube will undergo unrepairable damage.

The puncture repair kit should contain two metal levers, pump, sandpaper, glue, and few puncture patches.

c) Spare Cycle Tire (Tyre)

A spare tire is an utmost necessity if you are traveling for an adventure trip, because if the tire of your tire undergoes unrepairable damage, then you will need the one.

d) A Cycling Repair Tool Kit

A cycling repair tool kit is required to maintain your cycle at home. It needs not to have all the things. Just keep it minimal, i.e. an adjustable wrench, few levers, a variable screwdriver, a brush, lubrication oil, and a few metal nails. Don’t try the major repairs, fixing which is time-consuming and need professional services and higher skills.

e) Water Bottle and Bottle Cage

Water is an absolute essential while you a riding, because you need to keep yourself hydrated. Your water bottle will be fixed into a bottle cage. You can buy a good quality bottle to keep your hot drinks hot and cold beverages cold for a long time.

f) Identification Documents

Riders should keep their identification documents, profile pictures, necessary contact numbers of family members, and charged mobile phone in their pockets during riding a bicycle.

4) What to Wear during Cycling?

a) Use of Cycling Helmet

Usually, kids who ride bicycles are not well trained, hence the can colloid with each other, and fall. Falling and collisions can result in head injury. Hence, the most important accessory to prevent head injury during riding a bicycle is a helmet.

b) A Cycling Jersey and an Undershirt

Wear a fitting jersey with a long tail, as continuous sunlight from the back can burn your back.
Moreover, it should have a high collar to present your neck from sunburn.
Furthermore, your front zipper should allow ventilation, so that you don’t oversweet.
Wear an undershirt that doesn’t sweat you too much or dehydrate you. You should choose undershirts according to season.

c) Cycling Gloves

Gloves prevent your hands from slipping during jerks and absorb sweat. Moreover, these give cushion to your hands to prevent any injuries during riding. Gloves should be according to the weather. These should appropriately fit the size of your hands.

d) Cycling Shorts and Underwear

Wearing tailor-made padded cycling shorts prevents unnecessary pressure on your pressure points and keeps you comfortable during riding a bicycle.

Moreover, drying underwear should be worn to prevent unnecessary wetting during the ride. However, the material of the underwear should be selected according to the season to prevent dehydration.

5) Facts about Cycling

a) Tandem Bicycles

The bicycles designed for riding two or more riders by providing additional seating arrangements are called tandem bicycles. The size of the longest tandem bicycle was almost 20 meters, which had a seating arrangement for 35 riders.

b) The Most Famous Cyclists

Many cyclists have gained great reputations worldwide. The most famous of them include Eddy Merckx, Stephen Roche, FaustoCoppi, Jacques Anquetil, BinardHinault, Giovanni Battaglin, Miguel Induráin, Marco Pantani, Alberto Contador, Chris Froome, Alfredo Binda, FeliceGimondi, Vincenzo Nibali, and Lance Armstrong.

c) The Fastest Cyclist of the World

The fastest human-powered (unpaced) cyclist is Todd Reichert. His maximum ever speed is 89.58 mph on a flat road using a specially designed bicycle.

The other type of speed record is motor-paced, in which air resistance is prevented by a train, trailer or other vehicle running in front of the human-powered vehicle.

According to the Guinness book of world records, the fastest ever motor-paced cyclist was an American female rider Denise Mueller-Korenek, who set the world record of 183.932 mph in 2018. Previously, it was 167 mph by Fred Rompelberg held since 1995.

d) The Biggest Doping Scandal of Cycling

Lance Edward Armstrong was a famous cyclist of the world, who remained national champion and winner of Tour de France for many years. However, he became a victim of the doping scandal, hence all his titles were stripped in 2012.

6)Training

Training is pivotal to succeed in any sports.

a) Legs and lungs

Since the strength of legs and lungs is an absolute essential for a cyclist, hence squats and pushups are useful in building and strengthening these muscles and organs.

b) Mild training

However, too much intensity of exercise at the beginning is not good for health. Similarly, training for preparing for a race should also be mild.

c) Keep track

The most important thing in this regard is that you keep track of your training, and never overdo.

d) Rebuild

Ample rest is also important to rebuild your muscles. Naturally, exercise tears your muscles, and during rest your broken muscle fibers regrow and recover your muscles. Hence, training for two / three days should be followed by one resting day. Five days of exercise per week is a good schedule for beginners.

7) Fixing a Cycle Puncture

There is no rocket science in fixing a puncture. You just need to see it once in any YouTube video and you can do it.

Simply flip the bike at 180 angles and stand it on its seat.
Press the tire on the edge of the rim and use a lever to keep it there.
Use another lever to peel the tire away from the tube.
When the tire is completely on the rim, pull the tube outside, and fill air into it with your pump.
Check out the hole, mark it, and remove the air. If you cannot detect the hole, try submerging into a water tub to see the bubbles.
Slightly rub the puncture place with sandpaper, apply glue, let it dry for 1 minute, and apply the puncture patch on it. Wait until it gets dried and fill a little air in it to know if it is holding tight, and no more air is leaking.
Now remove the culprit (nail, piece of glass, etc.) from the tire by checking from inside and outside of the tire carefully to avoid another puncture.
If everything is OK, then again fit the tube into tire, fill air into it, and get ready for the drive again. That’s it.

8) Cycling Races

a) Cycling as a Game

The history of cycling being officially ranked as a sport dates to 1868 when a cycle race was officially organized in Paris.
The first-ever cycle race between two cities was organized in 1869 from Paris to Rouen.
The most famous cycling event worldwide is Tour de France, which was started in 1903.

b) Usual Length of Cycling Races

Most of the cycling races are between 40 and 100 miles in length. This distance can be achieved in a single, or multiple laps, on mixed terrain of flat road, climb forest, and downfalls.

c) The Most Famous Cycling Events

The most reputed and prominent cycling events worldwide include the Giro d’Italia (also called the Giro), the Tour de France (also called the Tour), the Road World Cycling Championship (also called the World title), the Vuelta a España; and Grand Tour.

d) Triple Crown of Cycling

The Triple Crown of Cycling is the greatest achievement of a cyclist in his career. It is a term defined by cycling fans worldwide that refers to winning three major titles of cycling in the same year.

A hat-trick without winning the Tour de France and the World title will not be considered the Triple Crown.

The triple crown has only been won twice, firstly by Eddy Merckx of Belgium in 1974, and later by Stephen Roche of Ireland in 1984.

9) Cycling for kids

a) Types of Kids’ Cycles

1)Tricycle

The option for the toddlers is a tricycle. Parents should pay special attention towards their children while children ride a tricycle because children simply don’t know about anything.

2)Balance Bike

A balance bike is without pedals. It has two wheels. Once the child learns how to move the pedals, then the net option is a balance bike.

Usually, at the age of 2, a child can handle a balance bike. Children move this bike with using feet power against the ground. Since feet power is being used, hence speed is never too fast, and riding is usually safe.

3)A Bicycle with Support Wheels

At the age of 3, children usually easily ride bicycles with support wheels. Your child’s feet slightly above the ground when your child rides such a bicycle. Now your child will learn the coordination between pedal movement and cycle speed.

4)A Bicycle without Support Wheels

Usually, at the age of 4, your child learns to balance the bicycle with pedaling. Now, it’s safe to use a bicycle without support wheels.

b) Size

Size of a bicycle is critical for the safety of the kids. The size of tricycles isn’t too important, because their size is usually constant according to the size of kids, usually aging 1 to 2 years old.
However, for the transition from tricycle to a balance bicycle, the feet should be completely touching the ground.
As the child grows and starts riding a bicycle with or without support wheels, the size of the bicycle should be managed, keeping in mind that your child’s feet slightly touch the ground.

c) Brakes

Once the child’s feet are above the ground during riding a bicycle, it’s important to ensure safety. Since your child now will balances it with pedaling momentum, hence the speed of the cycle will increase.

It will be difficult for your child to stop it dragging feet with the ground. Hence, using quality brakes is very important.

10) Recommendations

Choose a cycle according to your weight, height, age, and purpose of cycling.
The size of the bike should be in accordance with the height of the rider, i.e. feet should slightly touch the ground.
Keep personal identification and emergency contact information with you while riding a bicycle.
Follow all the traffic rules while riding a bicycle.
Brakes should be installed on the kids bikes, once the child learns how to move the cycle with pedals.
Riding a bicycle for almost 150 to 300 minutes per week is good for losing excess weight, but it cannot be taken alone as the sole method to reduce belly and hip weight. Hence, along with cycling, some other weight-loss methods should also be coined to achieve better results, such as walking, running, etc.

11) Takeaway

Cycling is a fun hobby and great exercise for remaining physically active for people of all ages. It is a cheap and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation for short distances and adventure.

It is a mild exercise, which is useful for the endurance of lower body muscles, and helps in weight loss. Cyclists should follow the safety tips and keep their tool kits along with them for riding during a local visit or during an adventurous trip.

Finally, cycling is a world-renowned game, and is a part of the Olympics.