Archery: Roving Marks, Flight, Popinjay, & Ski

by Michael Russell on September 3, 2010
in Archery

Roving Marks

Roving Marks is perhaps the oldest form of archery competition and was practiced by Henry VIII. In this type of archery, the archers shoot to a certain mark, which is usually a post or a flag that is used as the target. From this particular mark, the archer will again shoot to another mark and again to another. Similar to Clout Archery, ropes or ribbons are used to score the arrows. The scoring system in the Finsbury Mark awards twenty points to arrows that hit the mark exactly, twelve points for arrows that hit within three feet of the mark, seven points for arrows that fall within the next six feet from the three-foot mark and then three points for arrows that fall within the next nine feet off the six-foot mark. The archer with the most points at the end of the marks is declared the winner.

Flight Archery

Flight archery is a competition wherein the winner is declared as the one with the farthest arrow because the score is determined by the sheer distance of the arrow from the shooting line. Archers shoot a number of arrows from a set shooting line. After all arrows are released, the archers go out to find their arrow that went the farthest and mark it with a distinct marker. At the end of each round, the archers sit or stand near their marked arrows while assigned judges measure the distance from the shooting line. There are many classes that an archer can participate in and they vary according to the bow technique used and its draw force.

Popinjay

Popinjay is otherwise known as ‘Papingo’ and is a type of archery that originated from shooting birds that sat on church steeples. This sport is quite known in Belgium but not outside it. In Popinjay, archers stand within twelve feet from the bottom of a mast that is as tall as ninety feet. The archers shoot ‘blunts’ which are arrows with rubber caps for tips almost vertically upwards. Their target is to remove any of the wooden birds on top of the mast. These wooden birds are different and have their own value. On top of the mast is one Cock worth five points, four hens worth three points each and a minimum of twenty-four chicks worth one point each. A point is scored when the wooden bird is knocked off its perch.

Ski Archery

Ski Archery is a modern type of archery that is quite similar to a Biathlon but the players use recurve bows instead of guns. Obviously, the archers are required to ski around a predetermined cross-country track. However, there are two specific stances in which each archer is required to shoot the targets: one is kneeling and the other is standing. In any course of the competition, the archers are prohibited from removing their skis; however they can unfasten their ski to permit shooting in a kneeling position as long as their foot is kept in contact with the ski. The target range is 18 meters and the target size is only 16 cm in diameter. In some competitions, when an archer misses a target, he is punished by having him ski a penalty loop that is 150 meters long.

Author: Michael Russell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Programmable Multi-cooker

Archery Competition: Introduction, Rules, & Scores

by Michael Russell on September 3, 2010
in Archery

In these modern times, archery is no longer considered a weapon of war and destruction but an organized sport and a true test of precision and accuracy. The most popular of all the archery competitions is Target Archery. Here, the archer is given a target which he will have to hit with arrows from certain distances.

From 1900 to 1920, Archery was included in the Olympic Games four times. It was reintroduced in 1972 as an individual event and a team event was added in 1988. In the Olympics, only the recurve bow is allowed because the level of skill it requires. At the recent Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, Korea has dominated the playing field in this event, especially in the women’s division. The Korean women won the gold, silver and bronze medals in the individual events and the gold medal in the team event.

The International Archery Association, which is an English abbreviation of FITA (Fédération Internationale de Tir à l’Arc), regulates and standardizes the rules, policies and techniques of the Archery events of the Olympic Games.

Rules and Regulations

Competitions in Archery can either be held indoors or outdoors. The distances from the shooting line to the target are 18 meters and 25 meters for indoor players. Outdoor players shoot from distances of 30 meters to 90 meters for senior archers because outside competitions consist of several distances; junior archers can shoot from closer distances. The distance used in the Olympic Games is 70 meters.

Each competition is separated into ‘ends’. In one ‘end,’ an archer is allowed to shoot three or six arrows depending on the type of round played. After each end, the players walk towards their targets to determine their scores and retrieve their arrows. In a round of indoor competition, there are twenty ends with three arrows each end. Outdoor competitions usually allow more shots per end although this may vary. All competitors shoot from a set shooting line and only release and retrieve their arrows on command.

In formal competitions, there is a standard time limit set for archers to shoot their arrows. This requires a quick and sure aim from the archers. The FITA gives two minutes to shoot three arrows in indoor competitions. However, sound generating devices like whistles are never used to signal that the time is up. Other silent signaling devices such as lights and flags are used so as not to unnerve or distract the archer that may result in a stray arrow. A lot of attention is given to ensure order and safety of the archers, officials and the spectators since archery is a sport that utilizes a weapon that could be lethal.

Scoring

In Archery, the targets are marked with ten evenly spaced concentric rings. In each concentric ring, a value from one to ten is assigned. The innermost ring is called the ‘X’ ring and becomes the tenth ring in indoor competitions. The ‘X’ ring is considered a tiebreaker in outdoor competitions and whoever scores the most number of ‘X’s wins. FITA colors the rings of the target as follows: the 1st and 2nd rings are white, the 3rd and 4th rings are black, the 5th and 6th rings are blue, the 7th and 8th rings are red and the 9th and 10th rings are gold.

The score of each archer is the sum of the values of the rings hit by his arrows. In the event where the arrow hits the boundary line of the rings, the higher score is given to the archer. All the values scored by each player are recorded on a score sheet and they must be in a descending order regardless of the real order of the scoring. Before and during the scoring, absolutely no one is allowed to touch the arrows. When conflicts arise in the scoring, a judge is called upon and he will rule on where the arrow lies. Only after the scoring and when each hole is marked will the arrows be removed. Points may be awarded to an unmarked hole which happens in events like a ‘pass through’ or a ‘bouncer.’ A ‘pass through’ is when the arrow passes through the target while a ‘bouncer’ is when the arrow hits the target but bounces off.

The size of the target faces depend largely on the type of round played and the distances from the shooting line. Common sizes however are regulated by FITA which are: 40 cm for indoors with 18 m distances, 60 cm for indoor with 25 m distances, 80 cm for outdoor with 30 and 50 m distances and 122 cm for outdoor with 70 and 90 m distances. In the Olympic Games, 122 cm target faces are used.

Author: Michael Russell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Electric Pressure Cooker

Faster Reflexes: Get the Edge in Tennis, Martial Arts, Soccer Goalies, & More

by Mark Sias on September 3, 2010
in Racquet Sports

Cat Like Reflex Training Methods

It can go with out saying that whatever your sport, improved reaction time & response time a.k.a. reflex speed will be vital. Any & even the slightest improvements in this skill can have astonishing results on your game. Think about it for a moment… even if you could shoot, move, and jump like MJ you’d still be at his mercy if you didn’t have his eyes. Meaning react unexpectedly, see defenders before they move, & beat the head fakes. Again this carries over to most every sport imaginable. Take the boxer, his whole game, the entire fight is react as fast as possible before your opponent does & don’t get faked out!

Before we get started I want to clarify a couple things. There are 3 phases of speed. 1) Reaction time: This is the perception of an attack, or rather the interval between stimulus and the beginning of response. 2) Response time: This is the time it takes to choose an appropriate response to the initiation of the actual movement. 3) And finally, movement-speed. Quite simply how quick your counter punch is or how fast your body moves getting out of the way of trouble, etc. You will notice some of these examples seem geared more towards martial artist and there methods of training but not to worry you’ll also see how the can be adapted to any sport.

Reaction & Recognition

Woods Running: I can’t think of an easier drill to start doing that requires no training partners or equipment for enhancing coordination & reflex speed. All that is needed is a little bit of nature, so go to a local park with a batch of thick untamed woods, shrubs, ditches, canals and other natural obstacles. What makes this a Grand exercise is that you have to react with your body in very unpredictable ways, uneven footing, while making cuts, ducks, jumps, bobs, & shuffling of the feet. The key to a successful session is RUN FAST! Yes the faster you run the harder adapting will be. Interestingly enough your mind will be so preoccupied with this live video game that you won’t even notice how winded your getting! You can make this drill harder in a couple simple ways. 1) Try putting on an eye patch. This creates a major deficit in depth perception. 2) Try this wearing sunglasses, giving you less distance vision in a shady wooded area. 3) Simply add ankle weights, that will throw off your innate sense of timing.

Dodge Ball: “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball”-Patches O’Houlihan. And if you can dodge a dodgeball the way I’m going to challenge you to, you’ll evade anything that’s slower than a bullet! So to start you need a partner to be a thrower. You can switch up to make it fun & interesting for both of you. Begin at about 10′ apart and use a soft rubber or foam ball. Start slow, then as you get better have the pitcher increase his velocity & get closer. Here’s a short list of some variables you should use to continually make dodgeball more challenging & fun. 1) Use multiple throwers. 2) Start with eyes closed and have the pitcher cue you before he throws. 3) Thrower can disguise his toss with “feints”. 4) Color code balls: Red ball = catch, blue = dodge, green = strike. These force you to recognize as well as react.

Solo Wall Bounce: Stand in front of a wall with any kind of ball that bounces. Throw and catch. Make this more difficult by: increasing your velocity, standing closer to the wall, progressing to smaller balls, switching catch/throw hands, and starting facing away from the wall, throwing the ball over your shoulder then turning around at the sound of it hitting the wall. Jump USA sells a “reaction” ball that looks like an odd, uneven bouncing ball that can go in any given direction. These sell for about $10. Pick one up after you’ve mastered my previous methods of bouncing!

Response Times

Once you’ve learned how to appropriately identify stimulus and speed up the recognition, or need to do something, the next phase of training deals with programming your nervous system with a proper response. This will just as easily improve your overall speed. If you see things even before they happen what good is it if your body clumsily tries to move? You need to have a storehouse of nervous “memory” responses that are quick, smooth, & graceful.

Balloon Kicks: This exercise is mostly a coordination builder but it is so fun I had to throw it in. It will improve timing, accuracy and responsiveness quickly without seeming tedious at all. Blow up a balloon and go into a room that has numerous natural obstacles like chairs, stools, counters, & coffee tables. If you’re so inclined, get some cones and small objects to clutter the floor. Now, start kicking the balloon with the purpose of not letting it touch the floor. Kick, kick, kick! If It drops you lose. Time your self to see how long you can last each session.

Side Shuffles: Here one your football & basketball coaches wish they knew. If you have access to a treadmill you will make agility leaps & bounds. You are certainly going to look ridiculous doing this but that’s ok, my theory is the more embarrassing your training is the better it works! Hey I was training with jumpsoles back when they first hit the scene, before they were the commodity everyone knows them as. Now picture this skinny 17 year old Florida boy sprinting up and down blacktops in Giant horseshoe like strap-ons. Yeah I got funny looks! So will you. Anyway what you need to do is crank that machine up to 5mph to start and gallop if you will, sideways trying to gradually increase the speed to your limit. Switch sides. Next slow it back down to 5mph and try cross-stepping front & back. See what your threshold is in terms of mph. Your objective is a slight increase each session. Final set is backpedaling. Better start slower than the 5, this ones harder. The treadmill is necessary because if forces a pace. Next time some ball hog tries to take you on a dribble he’ll have another thing coming!

Visual Speed & Acuity

Video Games: This is a perfect way to enhance response action, and visual perception all while having fun! You don’t need to go out and purchase a $200 X-box, a simple Gameboy to carry around for the next time your waiting to renew your plates or visit the dentist s fine. Stay away from the Mrs. Pac-man that you’ve mastered ages ago. Try something new & challenging, change-up every other time you play to keep it unpredictable! I recommend 2 days a week for 30 minutes a little video gaming. It’s training!

Peripheral Driver: Not much need to go into the importance of side vision awareness & expansion, its usefulness carries over to every sports activity imaginable. You need to know if a potential defender or tackle is just out of your sight coming up the sides of your vision. Here is a great way to develop your P.V. while driving. Next time you’re on the road try to be consciously aware when you catch a glimpse of a vehicle in the corner of your eye. Call out the color or make if you can. Gradually you’ll be noticing them much sooner. The real trick is jut remembering to practice it when you get in the car so my suggestion is to write it on the rear view with dry erase.

Eye Accommodation: Or rather the ability for you eyes to quickly adjust from focusing on objects close to far. Rapid adjustments in depth perception, is a skill that can be developed quickly & easily. This will play a key role in how well you can respond. If a fist is flying at your face you need to be able to zoom in before you can gauge an appropriate counter move. Try these 2 simple drills once daily. Hold a pen out at arms length, now look across the room about 20 ft away. Shift your focus from a far object, then back to the pen several times quickly. Rest and repeat, changing the proximity of the pen (closer to your face) every couple of sets. This is known as shifting. The next drill is called figure 8′s. Hold your thumb up at arms length & begin moving it in yes, figure 8′s. While you’re doing this also bring your thumb closer & further from the face a well as vary the speed at which your thumb moves every 10 seconds.

There I scratched (meowch!) the surface of what can be done to start your transformation from slow to whoa! Let me close by saying a lot has to do with what your tying your brain up with at the moment. So put all those pesky thoughts away during your next game, & just BE THERE! Absorb yourself in your tactile senses just like a feline would!There’s way more secrets i’ll reveal another time like better drills, brain sharpeners, simple tricks to play, drills you can do while watching TV, and even supplements that can improve your reflex speed immediately! In the mean time give these examples a try a couple days a week & in as little as 2 weeks you will be quite impressed with the progress!

Be sure to check out the whole thing only at http://www.bionicplyometrics.com

Author: Mark Sias
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Make PCB Assembly

Why Do People Go Rock Climbing & What Are the Benefits?

by on September 2, 2010
in Rock Climbing

Many people from many different walks of life are getting excited about Rock Climbing. Climbing Techniques have already been improved and new pieces of Rock Climbing Gear and Equipment are in constant development as the sport gains popularity. If you think about how physically demanding and dangerous this sport can be, you may ask yourself why it is becoming so popular. Well, let me try to explain:

1. Rock Climbing will never get boring. There are tons of routes to climb, and if you get tired of the crags in your country, there are many more walls and crags in every other country on the planet. There’s always something to climb.

2. It offers up the ultimate physical challenge. Each day you climb is an opportunity for you to challenge yourself an go beyond what you could previously do. You should push yourself each and every day you climb. Explore new and more difficult routes that teach you new climbing techniques. Depending on your own physical ability and level of risk acceptance, you will see that no wall is too hard to climb. Go on, surprise yourself.

3. It gives a different sense of adventure and freedom. Most climbers get going because of the great feeling they get when scaling rocks. Also, with this sport, you are able to go wherever you want, whenever you want.

4. You will have a breath-taking view of the beautiful nature and scenery. When looking for new routes, the climber will come across unexpected and beautiful scenery. Also, keep in mind that once you’ve reached the top, you have a stunning view of the surroundings that few people have seen before.

These are just a few of the great reasons that people go rock climbing (in any form). There are so many amazing health benefits to climbing, as well as mental benefits. If you like adventure, you should really give climbing a try. There are a lot of great people you can get to know by getting into this sport as well. So don’t let your fears stop you from trying this amazing sport. Once you have done it, you will know why people climb and why so many are addicted. Does this sound attractive to you?

I hope that this article has persuaded you to look into the wonderful world of rock climbing. There are a ton of different variations you can try as well such as Traditional Climbing aka Trad, Sport Climbing, Bouldering, Solo Climbing, Deep Water Soloing, Ice Climbing, Indoor Rock Climbing, and Scrambling! So head on down to your local climbing gym and start making some new friends. They can teach you a lot about the sport and the gym will probably offer professional lessons if you prefer. You’ll be climbing up those rock faces in no time! There’s no other feeling like it in the world when you’re on the top of a mountain or cliff looking at that breathtaking view. I can’t explain that feeling in this article, or with 1,000 pictures. You’ll just have to feel for yourself!

Author: Chris A Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Lowest price PCB Prototype

Archery Competition: Introduction, Rules, & Scores

by Michael Russell on September 2, 2010
in Archery

In these modern times, archery is no longer considered a weapon of war and destruction but an organized sport and a true test of precision and accuracy. The most popular of all the archery competitions is Target Archery. Here, the archer is given a target which he will have to hit with arrows from certain distances.

From 1900 to 1920, Archery was included in the Olympic Games four times. It was reintroduced in 1972 as an individual event and a team event was added in 1988. In the Olympics, only the recurve bow is allowed because the level of skill it requires. At the recent Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, Korea has dominated the playing field in this event, especially in the women’s division. The Korean women won the gold, silver and bronze medals in the individual events and the gold medal in the team event.

The International Archery Association, which is an English abbreviation of FITA (Fédération Internationale de Tir à l’Arc), regulates and standardizes the rules, policies and techniques of the Archery events of the Olympic Games.

Rules and Regulations

Competitions in Archery can either be held indoors or outdoors. The distances from the shooting line to the target are 18 meters and 25 meters for indoor players. Outdoor players shoot from distances of 30 meters to 90 meters for senior archers because outside competitions consist of several distances; junior archers can shoot from closer distances. The distance used in the Olympic Games is 70 meters.

Each competition is separated into ‘ends’. In one ‘end,’ an archer is allowed to shoot three or six arrows depending on the type of round played. After each end, the players walk towards their targets to determine their scores and retrieve their arrows. In a round of indoor competition, there are twenty ends with three arrows each end. Outdoor competitions usually allow more shots per end although this may vary. All competitors shoot from a set shooting line and only release and retrieve their arrows on command.

In formal competitions, there is a standard time limit set for archers to shoot their arrows. This requires a quick and sure aim from the archers. The FITA gives two minutes to shoot three arrows in indoor competitions. However, sound generating devices like whistles are never used to signal that the time is up. Other silent signaling devices such as lights and flags are used so as not to unnerve or distract the archer that may result in a stray arrow. A lot of attention is given to ensure order and safety of the archers, officials and the spectators since archery is a sport that utilizes a weapon that could be lethal.

Scoring

In Archery, the targets are marked with ten evenly spaced concentric rings. In each concentric ring, a value from one to ten is assigned. The innermost ring is called the ‘X’ ring and becomes the tenth ring in indoor competitions. The ‘X’ ring is considered a tiebreaker in outdoor competitions and whoever scores the most number of ‘X’s wins. FITA colors the rings of the target as follows: the 1st and 2nd rings are white, the 3rd and 4th rings are black, the 5th and 6th rings are blue, the 7th and 8th rings are red and the 9th and 10th rings are gold.

The score of each archer is the sum of the values of the rings hit by his arrows. In the event where the arrow hits the boundary line of the rings, the higher score is given to the archer. All the values scored by each player are recorded on a score sheet and they must be in a descending order regardless of the real order of the scoring. Before and during the scoring, absolutely no one is allowed to touch the arrows. When conflicts arise in the scoring, a judge is called upon and he will rule on where the arrow lies. Only after the scoring and when each hole is marked will the arrows be removed. Points may be awarded to an unmarked hole which happens in events like a ‘pass through’ or a ‘bouncer.’ A ‘pass through’ is when the arrow passes through the target while a ‘bouncer’ is when the arrow hits the target but bounces off.

The size of the target faces depend largely on the type of round played and the distances from the shooting line. Common sizes however are regulated by FITA which are: 40 cm for indoors with 18 m distances, 60 cm for indoor with 25 m distances, 80 cm for outdoor with 30 and 50 m distances and 122 cm for outdoor with 70 and 90 m distances. In the Olympic Games, 122 cm target faces are used.

Author: Michael Russell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Low-volume PCB Assembly

Archery Competition: Introduction, Rules, & Scores

by Michael Russell on September 2, 2010
in Archery

In these modern times, archery is no longer considered a weapon of war and destruction but an organized sport and a true test of precision and accuracy. The most popular of all the archery competitions is Target Archery. Here, the archer is given a target which he will have to hit with arrows from certain distances.

From 1900 to 1920, Archery was included in the Olympic Games four times. It was reintroduced in 1972 as an individual event and a team event was added in 1988. In the Olympics, only the recurve bow is allowed because the level of skill it requires. At the recent Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, Korea has dominated the playing field in this event, especially in the women’s division. The Korean women won the gold, silver and bronze medals in the individual events and the gold medal in the team event.

The International Archery Association, which is an English abbreviation of FITA (Fédération Internationale de Tir à l’Arc), regulates and standardizes the rules, policies and techniques of the Archery events of the Olympic Games.

Rules and Regulations

Competitions in Archery can either be held indoors or outdoors. The distances from the shooting line to the target are 18 meters and 25 meters for indoor players. Outdoor players shoot from distances of 30 meters to 90 meters for senior archers because outside competitions consist of several distances; junior archers can shoot from closer distances. The distance used in the Olympic Games is 70 meters.

Each competition is separated into ‘ends’. In one ‘end,’ an archer is allowed to shoot three or six arrows depending on the type of round played. After each end, the players walk towards their targets to determine their scores and retrieve their arrows. In a round of indoor competition, there are twenty ends with three arrows each end. Outdoor competitions usually allow more shots per end although this may vary. All competitors shoot from a set shooting line and only release and retrieve their arrows on command.

In formal competitions, there is a standard time limit set for archers to shoot their arrows. This requires a quick and sure aim from the archers. The FITA gives two minutes to shoot three arrows in indoor competitions. However, sound generating devices like whistles are never used to signal that the time is up. Other silent signaling devices such as lights and flags are used so as not to unnerve or distract the archer that may result in a stray arrow. A lot of attention is given to ensure order and safety of the archers, officials and the spectators since archery is a sport that utilizes a weapon that could be lethal.

Scoring

In Archery, the targets are marked with ten evenly spaced concentric rings. In each concentric ring, a value from one to ten is assigned. The innermost ring is called the ‘X’ ring and becomes the tenth ring in indoor competitions. The ‘X’ ring is considered a tiebreaker in outdoor competitions and whoever scores the most number of ‘X’s wins. FITA colors the rings of the target as follows: the 1st and 2nd rings are white, the 3rd and 4th rings are black, the 5th and 6th rings are blue, the 7th and 8th rings are red and the 9th and 10th rings are gold.

The score of each archer is the sum of the values of the rings hit by his arrows. In the event where the arrow hits the boundary line of the rings, the higher score is given to the archer. All the values scored by each player are recorded on a score sheet and they must be in a descending order regardless of the real order of the scoring. Before and during the scoring, absolutely no one is allowed to touch the arrows. When conflicts arise in the scoring, a judge is called upon and he will rule on where the arrow lies. Only after the scoring and when each hole is marked will the arrows be removed. Points may be awarded to an unmarked hole which happens in events like a ‘pass through’ or a ‘bouncer.’ A ‘pass through’ is when the arrow passes through the target while a ‘bouncer’ is when the arrow hits the target but bounces off.

The size of the target faces depend largely on the type of round played and the distances from the shooting line. Common sizes however are regulated by FITA which are: 40 cm for indoors with 18 m distances, 60 cm for indoor with 25 m distances, 80 cm for outdoor with 30 and 50 m distances and 122 cm for outdoor with 70 and 90 m distances. In the Olympic Games, 122 cm target faces are used.

Author: Michael Russell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Lowest Price Prototype PCB Assembly

Why Do People Go Rock Climbing & What Are the Benefits?

by on September 1, 2010
in Rock Climbing

Many people from many different walks of life are getting excited about Rock Climbing. Climbing Techniques have already been improved and new pieces of Rock Climbing Gear and Equipment are in constant development as the sport gains popularity. If you think about how physically demanding and dangerous this sport can be, you may ask yourself why it is becoming so popular. Well, let me try to explain:

1. Rock Climbing will never get boring. There are tons of routes to climb, and if you get tired of the crags in your country, there are many more walls and crags in every other country on the planet. There’s always something to climb.

2. It offers up the ultimate physical challenge. Each day you climb is an opportunity for you to challenge yourself an go beyond what you could previously do. You should push yourself each and every day you climb. Explore new and more difficult routes that teach you new climbing techniques. Depending on your own physical ability and level of risk acceptance, you will see that no wall is too hard to climb. Go on, surprise yourself.

3. It gives a different sense of adventure and freedom. Most climbers get going because of the great feeling they get when scaling rocks. Also, with this sport, you are able to go wherever you want, whenever you want.

4. You will have a breath-taking view of the beautiful nature and scenery. When looking for new routes, the climber will come across unexpected and beautiful scenery. Also, keep in mind that once you’ve reached the top, you have a stunning view of the surroundings that few people have seen before.

These are just a few of the great reasons that people go rock climbing (in any form). There are so many amazing health benefits to climbing, as well as mental benefits. If you like adventure, you should really give climbing a try. There are a lot of great people you can get to know by getting into this sport as well. So don’t let your fears stop you from trying this amazing sport. Once you have done it, you will know why people climb and why so many are addicted. Does this sound attractive to you?

I hope that this article has persuaded you to look into the wonderful world of rock climbing. There are a ton of different variations you can try as well such as Traditional Climbing aka Trad, Sport Climbing, Bouldering, Solo Climbing, Deep Water Soloing, Ice Climbing, Indoor Rock Climbing, and Scrambling! So head on down to your local climbing gym and start making some new friends. They can teach you a lot about the sport and the gym will probably offer professional lessons if you prefer. You’ll be climbing up those rock faces in no time! There’s no other feeling like it in the world when you’re on the top of a mountain or cliff looking at that breathtaking view. I can’t explain that feeling in this article, or with 1,000 pictures. You’ll just have to feel for yourself!

Author: Chris A Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: WordPress plugin Guest Blogger

Archery Competition: Introduction, Rules, & Scores

by Michael Russell on September 1, 2010
in Archery

In these modern times, archery is no longer considered a weapon of war and destruction but an organized sport and a true test of precision and accuracy. The most popular of all the archery competitions is Target Archery. Here, the archer is given a target which he will have to hit with arrows from certain distances.

From 1900 to 1920, Archery was included in the Olympic Games four times. It was reintroduced in 1972 as an individual event and a team event was added in 1988. In the Olympics, only the recurve bow is allowed because the level of skill it requires. At the recent Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, Korea has dominated the playing field in this event, especially in the women’s division. The Korean women won the gold, silver and bronze medals in the individual events and the gold medal in the team event.

The International Archery Association, which is an English abbreviation of FITA (Fédération Internationale de Tir à l’Arc), regulates and standardizes the rules, policies and techniques of the Archery events of the Olympic Games.

Rules and Regulations

Competitions in Archery can either be held indoors or outdoors. The distances from the shooting line to the target are 18 meters and 25 meters for indoor players. Outdoor players shoot from distances of 30 meters to 90 meters for senior archers because outside competitions consist of several distances; junior archers can shoot from closer distances. The distance used in the Olympic Games is 70 meters.

Each competition is separated into ‘ends’. In one ‘end,’ an archer is allowed to shoot three or six arrows depending on the type of round played. After each end, the players walk towards their targets to determine their scores and retrieve their arrows. In a round of indoor competition, there are twenty ends with three arrows each end. Outdoor competitions usually allow more shots per end although this may vary. All competitors shoot from a set shooting line and only release and retrieve their arrows on command.

In formal competitions, there is a standard time limit set for archers to shoot their arrows. This requires a quick and sure aim from the archers. The FITA gives two minutes to shoot three arrows in indoor competitions. However, sound generating devices like whistles are never used to signal that the time is up. Other silent signaling devices such as lights and flags are used so as not to unnerve or distract the archer that may result in a stray arrow. A lot of attention is given to ensure order and safety of the archers, officials and the spectators since archery is a sport that utilizes a weapon that could be lethal.

Scoring

In Archery, the targets are marked with ten evenly spaced concentric rings. In each concentric ring, a value from one to ten is assigned. The innermost ring is called the ‘X’ ring and becomes the tenth ring in indoor competitions. The ‘X’ ring is considered a tiebreaker in outdoor competitions and whoever scores the most number of ‘X’s wins. FITA colors the rings of the target as follows: the 1st and 2nd rings are white, the 3rd and 4th rings are black, the 5th and 6th rings are blue, the 7th and 8th rings are red and the 9th and 10th rings are gold.

The score of each archer is the sum of the values of the rings hit by his arrows. In the event where the arrow hits the boundary line of the rings, the higher score is given to the archer. All the values scored by each player are recorded on a score sheet and they must be in a descending order regardless of the real order of the scoring. Before and during the scoring, absolutely no one is allowed to touch the arrows. When conflicts arise in the scoring, a judge is called upon and he will rule on where the arrow lies. Only after the scoring and when each hole is marked will the arrows be removed. Points may be awarded to an unmarked hole which happens in events like a ‘pass through’ or a ‘bouncer.’ A ‘pass through’ is when the arrow passes through the target while a ‘bouncer’ is when the arrow hits the target but bounces off.

The size of the target faces depend largely on the type of round played and the distances from the shooting line. Common sizes however are regulated by FITA which are: 40 cm for indoors with 18 m distances, 60 cm for indoor with 25 m distances, 80 cm for outdoor with 30 and 50 m distances and 122 cm for outdoor with 70 and 90 m distances. In the Olympic Games, 122 cm target faces are used.

Author: Michael Russell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Archery Competition: Introduction, Rules, & Scores

by Michael Russell on September 1, 2010
in Archery

In these modern times, archery is no longer considered a weapon of war and destruction but an organized sport and a true test of precision and accuracy. The most popular of all the archery competitions is Target Archery. Here, the archer is given a target which he will have to hit with arrows from certain distances.

From 1900 to 1920, Archery was included in the Olympic Games four times. It was reintroduced in 1972 as an individual event and a team event was added in 1988. In the Olympics, only the recurve bow is allowed because the level of skill it requires. At the recent Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, Korea has dominated the playing field in this event, especially in the women’s division. The Korean women won the gold, silver and bronze medals in the individual events and the gold medal in the team event.

The International Archery Association, which is an English abbreviation of FITA (Fédération Internationale de Tir à l’Arc), regulates and standardizes the rules, policies and techniques of the Archery events of the Olympic Games.

Rules and Regulations

Competitions in Archery can either be held indoors or outdoors. The distances from the shooting line to the target are 18 meters and 25 meters for indoor players. Outdoor players shoot from distances of 30 meters to 90 meters for senior archers because outside competitions consist of several distances; junior archers can shoot from closer distances. The distance used in the Olympic Games is 70 meters.

Each competition is separated into ‘ends’. In one ‘end,’ an archer is allowed to shoot three or six arrows depending on the type of round played. After each end, the players walk towards their targets to determine their scores and retrieve their arrows. In a round of indoor competition, there are twenty ends with three arrows each end. Outdoor competitions usually allow more shots per end although this may vary. All competitors shoot from a set shooting line and only release and retrieve their arrows on command.

In formal competitions, there is a standard time limit set for archers to shoot their arrows. This requires a quick and sure aim from the archers. The FITA gives two minutes to shoot three arrows in indoor competitions. However, sound generating devices like whistles are never used to signal that the time is up. Other silent signaling devices such as lights and flags are used so as not to unnerve or distract the archer that may result in a stray arrow. A lot of attention is given to ensure order and safety of the archers, officials and the spectators since archery is a sport that utilizes a weapon that could be lethal.

Scoring

In Archery, the targets are marked with ten evenly spaced concentric rings. In each concentric ring, a value from one to ten is assigned. The innermost ring is called the ‘X’ ring and becomes the tenth ring in indoor competitions. The ‘X’ ring is considered a tiebreaker in outdoor competitions and whoever scores the most number of ‘X’s wins. FITA colors the rings of the target as follows: the 1st and 2nd rings are white, the 3rd and 4th rings are black, the 5th and 6th rings are blue, the 7th and 8th rings are red and the 9th and 10th rings are gold.

The score of each archer is the sum of the values of the rings hit by his arrows. In the event where the arrow hits the boundary line of the rings, the higher score is given to the archer. All the values scored by each player are recorded on a score sheet and they must be in a descending order regardless of the real order of the scoring. Before and during the scoring, absolutely no one is allowed to touch the arrows. When conflicts arise in the scoring, a judge is called upon and he will rule on where the arrow lies. Only after the scoring and when each hole is marked will the arrows be removed. Points may be awarded to an unmarked hole which happens in events like a ‘pass through’ or a ‘bouncer.’ A ‘pass through’ is when the arrow passes through the target while a ‘bouncer’ is when the arrow hits the target but bounces off.

The size of the target faces depend largely on the type of round played and the distances from the shooting line. Common sizes however are regulated by FITA which are: 40 cm for indoors with 18 m distances, 60 cm for indoor with 25 m distances, 80 cm for outdoor with 30 and 50 m distances and 122 cm for outdoor with 70 and 90 m distances. In the Olympic Games, 122 cm target faces are used.

Author: Michael Russell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Tissot virtual reality

Why Do People Go Rock Climbing & What Are the Benefits?

by on August 31, 2010
in Rock Climbing

Many people from many different walks of life are getting excited about Rock Climbing. Climbing Techniques have already been improved and new pieces of Rock Climbing Gear and Equipment are in constant development as the sport gains popularity. If you think about how physically demanding and dangerous this sport can be, you may ask yourself why it is becoming so popular. Well, let me try to explain:

1. Rock Climbing will never get boring. There are tons of routes to climb, and if you get tired of the crags in your country, there are many more walls and crags in every other country on the planet. There’s always something to climb.

2. It offers up the ultimate physical challenge. Each day you climb is an opportunity for you to challenge yourself an go beyond what you could previously do. You should push yourself each and every day you climb. Explore new and more difficult routes that teach you new climbing techniques. Depending on your own physical ability and level of risk acceptance, you will see that no wall is too hard to climb. Go on, surprise yourself.

3. It gives a different sense of adventure and freedom. Most climbers get going because of the great feeling they get when scaling rocks. Also, with this sport, you are able to go wherever you want, whenever you want.

4. You will have a breath-taking view of the beautiful nature and scenery. When looking for new routes, the climber will come across unexpected and beautiful scenery. Also, keep in mind that once you’ve reached the top, you have a stunning view of the surroundings that few people have seen before.

These are just a few of the great reasons that people go rock climbing (in any form). There are so many amazing health benefits to climbing, as well as mental benefits. If you like adventure, you should really give climbing a try. There are a lot of great people you can get to know by getting into this sport as well. So don’t let your fears stop you from trying this amazing sport. Once you have done it, you will know why people climb and why so many are addicted. Does this sound attractive to you?

I hope that this article has persuaded you to look into the wonderful world of rock climbing. There are a ton of different variations you can try as well such as Traditional Climbing aka Trad, Sport Climbing, Bouldering, Solo Climbing, Deep Water Soloing, Ice Climbing, Indoor Rock Climbing, and Scrambling! So head on down to your local climbing gym and start making some new friends. They can teach you a lot about the sport and the gym will probably offer professional lessons if you prefer. You’ll be climbing up those rock faces in no time! There’s no other feeling like it in the world when you’re on the top of a mountain or cliff looking at that breathtaking view. I can’t explain that feeling in this article, or with 1,000 pictures. You’ll just have to feel for yourself!

Author: Chris A Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
iPhone/iPad apps

Next Page »