Hey guys, this video is something that we came up with and it's basically a mock of a commercial promoting our blog.
I, Tim, directed and edited it, Jeremy and Kenny acted in it and filmed themselves. As a team we brainstormed the ideas for it getting our inspiration from older tacky commercials, we came up with this. Hope you guys like it and take a look at it and tell us what you think in the comments section.
Thursday 29 October 2015
Thursday 15 October 2015
Becoming a better athlete: Jeremy's guide to necessary mental skills #sportvariations #soccer #gridiron #mentalskills
Mental preparation and abilities are just as paramount to athletic success as physical capabilities. Mental strength and fortitude, in conjunction with mental preparation, is now seen as a significant aspect of elite sports, with most big sporting franchises acquiring 'sports psychologists' to assist players in mentally preparing and being ready for upcoming games.
However, not only do successful and elite athletes require great mental attributes. Any outstanding athlete, whether they be at an elite level or not, are committed to being the best that they can be within the scope of their limitations – other life commitments, finances, time, and their natural ability. They set high, realistic goals for themselves and train and play hard. They are successful because they are pursuing their goals and enjoying their sport. Their sport participation enriches their lives and they believe that what they get back is worth what they put into their sport.
A list of essential mental skills include:
However, not only do successful and elite athletes require great mental attributes. Any outstanding athlete, whether they be at an elite level or not, are committed to being the best that they can be within the scope of their limitations – other life commitments, finances, time, and their natural ability. They set high, realistic goals for themselves and train and play hard. They are successful because they are pursuing their goals and enjoying their sport. Their sport participation enriches their lives and they believe that what they get back is worth what they put into their sport.
A list of essential mental skills include:
- Choose and maintain a positive attitude.
- Maintain a high level of self-motivation.
- Set high, realistic goals.
- Deal effectively with people.
- Use positive self-talk.
- Use positive mental imagery.
- Manage anxiety effectively.
- Manage their emotions effectively.
- Maintain concentration.
These skills are not only instinctive, but can be learned and acquired, and can be improved through instruction and practice.
There are 3 phases for the aforementioned 9 skills. Although each of the nine skills is important, its primary importance will occur during one of three phases: long-term development, immediate preparation for performance, and during performance itself:
Long-Term Development
The first 4 mental skills listed above: attitude; motivation; goals and commitment; and people skills, constitute a broad base for attaining long-term goals, learning, and sustaining daily practice. They are needed on a day-by-day basis for long periods of time, often months and years. These are referred to as basic skills, and require the most emphasis in initial training, as they are the foundations for long-term development.
Immediate Preparation for Performance
Mental skills number 5 and 6 from the aforementioned list: self-talk and mental imagery, are used immediately before performance to prepare for performance. They maybe used just before competition begins, or immediately before a specific performance action, such as a golf shot or a free throw in basketball.
During Performance
Mental skills 7, 8 and 9 from the list: managing anxiety; managing emotions; and concentration, are all utilised during actual physical performance. These attributes are the most difficult to master, as they require not only practice and skill, but mental fortitude.
The 3 phases of skill acquisition is deciphered in the following diagram:
- Jeremy
Becoming a better athlete: Jeremy's guide to necessary physical skills #sportvariations #soccer #gridiron #physicalskills
Athletic ability is a combination of 2 fundamental elements: physical attributes and mental attributes. Soccer, as stated in a previous blog, is referred to as the 'world game,' and is played in over 200 countries worldwide. Soccer is a multi-faceted sport, requiring a combination of various skills and talents.Gridiron, like soccer, is a sport played globally, despite its North American dominance. In order to improve your ability in both soccer and gridiron, you must train and practice to improve in numerous different aspects pertinent to both games. However, this blog, and the one following this, will seek to outline ways of improving overall athletic and mental abilities that are relevant to both sports, allowing for an increase in performance and preparation. This blog will focus primarily on overlapping physical attributes particularly important to improve as an athlete, with the next blog focusing on mental preparation and fortitude. The 3 aspects of physical attributes that I will focus on in this blog are:
Speed is a crucial element of both sports that has a variety of purposes. Speed allows attackers to move beyond the defender with relative ease, which in soccer allowing dribbling and passing to be done at a faster rate, increasing the chance to score more goals. In gridiron, speed training will allow for an individual to have an acceleration and sprinting advantage over his opponent, allowing them to sprint around or beyond their opponent to increase chances of scoring a touchdown. Conversely, it also assists in defence. This is done by being able to chase after oncoming defenders who have gotten past you or other team members, or by being able to rush up the field to stop the offensive team from making metres, which is relevant in both soccer and gridiron.
- Speed / Acceleration
- Muscular Endurance / Cardiovascular Fitness
- Strength
Speed is a crucial element of both sports that has a variety of purposes. Speed allows attackers to move beyond the defender with relative ease, which in soccer allowing dribbling and passing to be done at a faster rate, increasing the chance to score more goals. In gridiron, speed training will allow for an individual to have an acceleration and sprinting advantage over his opponent, allowing them to sprint around or beyond their opponent to increase chances of scoring a touchdown. Conversely, it also assists in defence. This is done by being able to chase after oncoming defenders who have gotten past you or other team members, or by being able to rush up the field to stop the offensive team from making metres, which is relevant in both soccer and gridiron.
Above: Speed is important in both soccer and gridiron.
Muscular Endurance / Cardiovascular Fitness
These physical attributes permit both offensive and defensive teams to play at a higher level for a sustained and prolonged period of time, in both soccer and gridiron Increasing endurance and fitness permits an offensive team to score at later stages of the game when opposition fatigue levels are high, while allowing the defence to sustain their sturdiness in blocking the opposition's attacking advances.
Strength
Strength is an element that is relevant to both gridiron and soccer players, but is most heavily relied upon for success in gridiron players. Strength refers to the quality or state of being physically strong. In soccer, strength allows attacker to brush off defenders who are attempting to win the ball of the attacker, whilst allowing defenders to win the ball off attacking teams.
Strength, however, is relevant particularly to gridiron players. Gridiron players are tested annually for their bench press abilities, which is directly associated with overall strength. The higher one's bench press maximum is, the greater chances they have of being picked in a side, and subsequently succeeding as an athlete. Strength is fundamental in gridiron as it is a game with heavy collisions and significant body contact. The greater strength players have, the more chance they have of being able to bust tackling opponents (as an attacker), or make an effective tackle (as a defender).
- Jeremy
Wednesday 14 October 2015
Improving your Oztag with Tim #6 #sportvariations #Oztag #TagRugby #advancedskills #advancedplays
So you have your normal plays such as the XY, double X, block, cut out etc. But these are only some of many plays in the great game of Oztag. The plays that have already been explained are the core to most advanced plays.
Rugby in general is a very free flowing game, even though you have a game plan and a play that you would like to run, there are a lot of variables that come into play and if the situation does not line up with your desired play there needs to be some sort of adaptation from your attacking part. By using plays there are different options that will allow you to maneuver around or through the defense. However in higher levels of the game most if not all players will understand and know these core plays, this will result in those defensive players to read the play and shut it down because they know where your players are crossing and running to. This mean that you need to have more plays! Not necessarily, if these core plays are executed properly with the right momentum, it is more than enough to score a lot of points however there are some variations to these plays that can definitely catch the defenders off guard.
By using these variations of plays, it keeps the defenders on their toes for not only 1 but 2 different plays giving the attacking team more of a change to go through or around the defense.
- Tim
Rugby in general is a very free flowing game, even though you have a game plan and a play that you would like to run, there are a lot of variables that come into play and if the situation does not line up with your desired play there needs to be some sort of adaptation from your attacking part. By using plays there are different options that will allow you to maneuver around or through the defense. However in higher levels of the game most if not all players will understand and know these core plays, this will result in those defensive players to read the play and shut it down because they know where your players are crossing and running to. This mean that you need to have more plays! Not necessarily, if these core plays are executed properly with the right momentum, it is more than enough to score a lot of points however there are some variations to these plays that can definitely catch the defenders off guard.
Put two plays together
What this means is that you can execute two plays in the one tackle count. For example, from dummy half you can pass it to the first receiver then he/she can run a block, person 2 who is sweeping around, can then run another play such as a cut out ball. So then player 2 will then become player 1 and run the second play. |
| BLOCK |
 |
| CUT OUT BALL |
Merge the plays
Another variation of plays is that you can actually merge 2 plays together. So what you can do is run a double X but then fake player 3 and then run another play such as a block or drifter. Similarly to before, player 1 who runs the double X play will then become player 1 again in the next play with the next 2 people in the drifter play. |
| Double X |
 |
| Drifter |
By using these variations of plays, it keeps the defenders on their toes for not only 1 but 2 different plays giving the attacking team more of a change to go through or around the defense.
- Tim
Tuesday 13 October 2015
How to improve in League of Legends and e-Sports in GENERAL !!! #esport #whatsport #mouse #keyboard #worlds #nerds
Gaming has gradually become a platform for players to show their competitive edge and skills as well as their personalities. Thereby, a lot of the players would do extensive research to improve their skills to take their play to the next level. League of Legends is no exception to that. With a comprehensive ranking system, players are entitled to earn their rankings through playing 'ranked games' that are more competitive to casual play styles.
Individual skills are important and provide the basis for your contribution towards the team. In the game of league of legends, the embedded play style of an online battle arena embraces real-time strategy, planning, reacting and individual outplays. Individual mechanics such as hitting skill shots, knowing the limits of the champion as well as the itemisation play important roles in game play performance. The combination of keyboard control and mouse manipulation is the physical performance which can be practiced through constant playing time and real-time reflexes exercises!
 | ||
| Faker - known for one of the most mechanically sound player in League of Legends history |
Teamwork is also vital in the video gaming and League of Legends demonstrates how important communication is to the team's success. Teamwork and group adhesion are also evident in traditional sport, where team plays will beat individual excellence. As a result, setting roles and lanes in League with a primary shot-caller in the team would improve the synergy overall and improve in capturing objectives!
 | ||||
| Team Origen - xPeke the captain facing backwards, at the crowd. |
Soccer: From the field to the console #videogames #soccer #FIFA
Soccer, as with American Football, has produced one of the most successful video gaming franchises of all time with FIFA. FIFA is a annual series of football association (soccer) video games and simulations released by Electronic Arts under the 'EA Sports' label. The series released its first iteration in 1993, titled 'FIFA International Soccer.' From 1995 onwards, there has been an annual release titled 'FIFA XX,' with the 'XX' referring to the last two numbers of the year the game was released in. For example, the current FIFA is titled 'FIFA 16,' as it is released for the 2016 calendar year of soccer.
FIFA is notable and distinct from all other competitors by being the primary and first holder to rights and licenses for real life players, stadia and equipment. This allows the use of real leagues, clubs, and player names and likenesses within the games.
The FIFA franchise has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling sports video game franchise in the world, and one of the best-selling video game franchises. Also FIFA 12 holds the record for the "fastest selling sports game ever" with over 3.2 million games sold and over $186 million generated at retail in its first week of release. The franchise's latest release is FIFA 16, released on September 22, 2015 in North America, and September 24, 2015 in Europe and Australia. The game is available on multiple platforms including Playstation 4, Xbox 1, PC and older generation consoles.
The following is a trailer of the FIFA 16, which promoted the game prior to its global release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwz98athxQ8
- Jeremy
FIFA is notable and distinct from all other competitors by being the primary and first holder to rights and licenses for real life players, stadia and equipment. This allows the use of real leagues, clubs, and player names and likenesses within the games.
Above: The current iteration of FIFA, with Lionel Messi being the 'face' of the franchise since FIFA 13.
The annual release of FIFA is accompanied by additional instalments based on major tournaments (this complementary instalment is released separately). For example, in 2014, a 'FIFA World Cup 2014' game was released in conjunction with the running of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil that year.
FIFA chooses a 'face' of the game to be presented on the front cover. This player is often one who is the most popular with the fans, whilst also containing exceptional and world class ability. Since FIFA 13, EA Sports have chosen Lionel Messi, 5 time world player of the year, to be the face of the franchise, appearing on the front cover of every edition following FIFA 13, while also being the primary focus of promotional campaigns and advertisements. Messi replaced Wayne Rooney, who adorned the cover of FIFA for 7 consecutive years prior to FIFA 13.
The following is a trailer of the FIFA 16, which promoted the game prior to its global release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwz98athxQ8
- Jeremy
Improving your Oztag with Tim #5 #sportvariations #Oztag #TagRugby #advancedskills #diving
Diving
Jumping in Oztag is not allowed if it is used to evade a tag. However diving when going for a try or going for a tag is allowed. Diving is a skill that can be developed however it does take a while to dive safely for both yourself and other people around you. The way that I like to dive for a try is to first make sure that there is space to dive. It is easier when you have space right in front of you instead of a defender. So creating that sort of space by moving your body in between players is crucial. This can be done by stepping sideways to create that space.
Once there is room to dive there is a certain technique to it to dive safely. To make the most out of the dive it is easiest when you are at a running pace, this is because if you are from a standstill, the speed of the dive will be slower, also the distance that you can cover will also be less. Coming from a running speed there really isn't that much need to crouch and get ready to spring forward, this is because you already have a lot of speed and there is no need for that. Instead it is best to jump off just your front foot by leaning forward and when your body is about 40 degrees from the ground, you fully extend your front leg to spring you forward. This takes a lot of practice and confidence because if you pull out of a dive halfway through it can be dangerous in the landing.
Now it seems easy to just propel yourself however what stops most people from diving is the landing part. There is a safe way to land and there are some easy steps for you to practice. In any sort of acrobatic stunt there are always some easy steps that you can get confident at before attempting the full stunt. So before committing to the whole dive first, you can practice these simple steps.
First, from a standstill position, you crouch.
Then you lean forward on both your toes and essentially tip over.
But before you hit the ground, you straighten your legs and you should land on the floor whilst sliding forwards a little with both your arms tucked in. You should aim to land on both your stomach and your chest not on your sternum (between the chest and stomach) also with both your forearms touching the ground whilst they are tucking in tightly otherwise there is a risk of winding yourself (landing on your sternum hard and not being able to breathe well for a couple of seconds). Tensing the abs and chest helps to prevent winding yourself.
Once you have this down begin practicing from a slow jogging pace. So you begin by jogging at a slow pace, then you lean forward, then before you hit the ground you extend your legs and jump a little to land whilst making sure that your arms are tucked in tight. Once you have the hang of this practice with a ball in one arm whilst the other is out stretched forward. Then try to dive with both hands stretched out remembering to tense the abs and chest. Practice whilst gripping a ball in either one or both hands and putting the ball down. Then slowly begin to up the pace.
Once you have this technique (diving forward) you can practice diving around players. Even though the optimal position to dive is straight and through defenders, there will be times when diving around players is necessary. This is done in a similar fashion except the landing is slightly different. To land this type of dive, a player needs to roll away as they land and make sure that they do not land of their shoulder because this can cause injury to the shoulder.
Essentially to successfully complete a dive, you need to follow the momentum of your body. If you jump straight up then your next movement will be down straight into the ground...this hurts...a lot trust me. So you need the momentum of your body to be going parallel with the ground to get the most distance but more importantly landing safely. This action is very similar to an airplane laning, the plane doesn't land like a helicopter but it attempts to hit the ground whilst going forward as much as possible.
Once there is room to dive there is a certain technique to it to dive safely. To make the most out of the dive it is easiest when you are at a running pace, this is because if you are from a standstill, the speed of the dive will be slower, also the distance that you can cover will also be less. Coming from a running speed there really isn't that much need to crouch and get ready to spring forward, this is because you already have a lot of speed and there is no need for that. Instead it is best to jump off just your front foot by leaning forward and when your body is about 40 degrees from the ground, you fully extend your front leg to spring you forward. This takes a lot of practice and confidence because if you pull out of a dive halfway through it can be dangerous in the landing.
Now it seems easy to just propel yourself however what stops most people from diving is the landing part. There is a safe way to land and there are some easy steps for you to practice. In any sort of acrobatic stunt there are always some easy steps that you can get confident at before attempting the full stunt. So before committing to the whole dive first, you can practice these simple steps.
First, from a standstill position, you crouch.
Then you lean forward on both your toes and essentially tip over.
But before you hit the ground, you straighten your legs and you should land on the floor whilst sliding forwards a little with both your arms tucked in. You should aim to land on both your stomach and your chest not on your sternum (between the chest and stomach) also with both your forearms touching the ground whilst they are tucking in tightly otherwise there is a risk of winding yourself (landing on your sternum hard and not being able to breathe well for a couple of seconds). Tensing the abs and chest helps to prevent winding yourself.
Once you have this down begin practicing from a slow jogging pace. So you begin by jogging at a slow pace, then you lean forward, then before you hit the ground you extend your legs and jump a little to land whilst making sure that your arms are tucked in tight. Once you have the hang of this practice with a ball in one arm whilst the other is out stretched forward. Then try to dive with both hands stretched out remembering to tense the abs and chest. Practice whilst gripping a ball in either one or both hands and putting the ball down. Then slowly begin to up the pace.
Once you have this technique (diving forward) you can practice diving around players. Even though the optimal position to dive is straight and through defenders, there will be times when diving around players is necessary. This is done in a similar fashion except the landing is slightly different. To land this type of dive, a player needs to roll away as they land and make sure that they do not land of their shoulder because this can cause injury to the shoulder.
Essentially to successfully complete a dive, you need to follow the momentum of your body. If you jump straight up then your next movement will be down straight into the ground...this hurts...a lot trust me. So you need the momentum of your body to be going parallel with the ground to get the most distance but more importantly landing safely. This action is very similar to an airplane laning, the plane doesn't land like a helicopter but it attempts to hit the ground whilst going forward as much as possible.
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