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What do I mean by “daddy ball”? I refer to a situation in a youth sports such as baseball, football, soccer, hockey, basketball or any other competitive youth sport where a parent coaches the team and plays his son above where he falls athletically. In short, daddy ball refers to the coach’s child playing either preferred positions or increased playing time, in exclusion to other more athletically gifted competitors.

Having raised two sons I can say that there is not much as painful as watching a coach play the game to advance the talents of his own child. When a game is played and it clearly revolves around the coach’s son, unless he’s the best athlete on the team, it’s daddy ball.

In baseball, you may see the daddy ball coach’s son batting ahead of players with higher batting averages, playing shortstop or pitching frequently and not getting the job done. In football, it usually involves increased playtime and the position of quarterback or running back or you may see in most short and goal situations mainly one boy getting the chances to be the hero and score the touchdown — of course, the coach’s son.

Regardless of the sport, the concept is the same – when a child gets playtime or position that he does not earn through his own hard work and athletic ability or if others who can get the job done are not given the opportunity-so the coaches son can play more- it is daddy ball.

I regard coaches who play their son above where he falls athletically as cheating his son, the other boys, the team and himself. What do I mean by that bold statement?

A coach who does not make his son earn his position has in effect trained the boy to expect something for nothing. Continued over time the boy expects things to be handed to him and has little incentive to put in the hard work necessary to beat out other young athletes and truly earn what he gets.

Would that be the type of employee you would like to hire out of college? So I say, the coach who did not make his son truly earn his position on the team has cheated his own boy.

It is easy to say that the other teammates who may have higher batting averages, or otherwise were better able to play a spot were cheated because the coach’s son got to play it.

Young boys hold few; in as high regard as their coach, if they put in the work, have a good attitude and can beat out another kid- they deserve to play the spot.

A coach, who will not play the best boy for the job to work another agenda, improving his own child’s ability, should not be coaching the team.

Daddy ball also serves to cheat the team, as a team, because when boys are not played where the fall athletically, the team will be less competitive and the boys will be less motivated. Resulting in a team that is not all it could have been.

Well how does the coach who plays daddy ball cheat himself?

A coach who plays his son above his athletic ability to the detriment of more qualified boys has failed in its primary mission as a father, that is to adequately prepare his son to leave the nest and stand on his own 2 feet. When children do not experience earning by their own efforts and truly competing, they suffer.

How do you avoid daddy ball?

The main way to avoid daddy ball is to coach the team your self. But if you do, take careful objective measure of each child’s athletic ability and play it accordingly, lest you fall into the daddy ball role as a coach.

A way to lessen the impact of daddy ball is to get your son on a team coached by a father whose son clearly is the best athlete on the team. In that situation, it will be hard for the coach to play the son over more athletically inclined children.

Or if you can afford it, the best way to avoid daddy ball is to play your children with a coach who does not have children on the team. This will either be a paid professional coach or someone who truly loves the game. If you choose the paid coach route, ask hard questions of the paid coach before joining the team as some paid coaches seem to feel obligated to the dad who helps coach or put the team together and you may well find your son back in the same situation you were trying so hard to avoid.

It has been my observation that coaches that play daddy ball are usually in denial about the situation. Typically, they have eyes for one boy on the team, their own.

Some coaches feel that by coaching the team they have earned the right to play their son where ever and however they want and for the reasons set forth above, I say, find another team.

Speaking with the daddy ball coach has little chance of success because it involves his own son. If you do speak to the coach, be very careful to keep the conversation about facts and not opinions.

In baseball, that may mean keeping batting statistics your self or other objective measure depending on the sport and situation. You can hand the coach the batting averages for all players on the team and he will get the message with out a word spoken.

With the daddy ball coach, the best option for your child may be to finish out the season and more carefully select another team next year.

There are only two main sites that users can choose from to play daily fantasy, DraftKings and FanDuel. Both sites share similarities but at the same time are drastically different. Both are similar in popularity and have been around since the beginning of daily fantasy sports. Both sites offer hundreds of contests and pay out millions of dollars every day. The sites pay out at an identical rate and the contests offer the same rewards on both sites. So how do you choose which one to use?

The answer is pretty simple; try both of them out and choose which one you like more. Both sites will pay out the same. So, profitability and your chances of winning are basically undistinguishable between the two. The difference between the sites is how you build your lineup for your daily contests. For example, in daily NBA contests, on DraftKings you choose eight players and on FanDuel you choose nine players. DraftKings gives you a salary cap of $50,000, allowing you to choose eight players with combined salaries of $50,000 or less. On FanDuel, you have a $60,000 salary cap to choose nine players to fit into your lineup. Salaries of each player are different on each site. A popular opinion is that you can have more superstars or more higher salaried players on FanDuel because of the higher salary cap. This may be true, but everyone else you are competing against also gets more superstars or better players so it does not really make a difference.

FanDuel’s lineups are constructed of two point guards, two shooting guards, two small forwards, two power forwards, but only one center. DraftKings’ lineups are constructed of one of each of the five positions (PG, SG, SF, PF, C) and then one guard, so you must choose a point or shooting guard, one forward, either a small or power forward, and then finally a “Utility” player (this mean you can choose any player at any position) So the main difference between the sites is the strategy you use to construct your lineups. I suggest going and playing around on both sites and seeing which one you like better.

I would suggest choosing one site and playing that one only, not both. The strategies are different for both sites so once you choose you will want to stick with one and perfect your own strategy of building daily lineups. Bouncing back and fourth between sites will just be more challenging and require more time and research. Once you figure out which site you want to use, use it everyday and perfect your own strategy. The more times you play and the more experience you gain in creating lineups, the better you will become. There is a skill in building these lineups daily and with all skills you have to practice them to get better.

The Noble M10 – A close look at this sports car including performance, technical data, features, comparing rivals, history, used prices

from Classic to Modern

BACKGROUND

Sports car builder Noble was established in 1999 in Leeds by Lee Noble, and specialised in fast, mid-engined, rear wheel drive cars.

Prior to launching Noble, he was involved in the design of other sports cars, with brand names such as Ultima and Ascari.

The body and chassis of every car was produced by Hi-Tech Automotive in South Africa on the same assembly lines as Superformance rolling chassis for such distinctive cars as replica Cobras.

Upon completion of the body shell, it was then shipped to the new Noble factory near Leicester, at which point the engine and gearbox were added, and the finished car was tested.

It was designated the M10 since it was the tenth design by Lee Noble.

As the designer of his own cars, the basic philosophy was to begin with a lightweight space frame, to which was added a powerful engine and a sporty aerodynamic body.

His design encompassed a mid-engine format which would provide good handling characteristics.

In terms of marketing, he pitched the price of each car such that it would be positioned in the affordable sector of the sports car market, and so reach a wide audience.

He resigned from Noble in 2008, and went on to create a new venture.

THE CAR

The Noble M10 was the first car to be designed and produced by the company.

It was launched in 1999 with a price tag of around $30,000 and, interestingly, he built the first two units in a garage situated near his home.

Since the car was superseded a year later by the more impressive M12, few of the M10’s were actually sold since potential customers changed their allegiance to the forthcoming model.

The M10 was a two seater, only available as a convertible, with a composite fibreglass body and chassis, and a corresponding curb weight of only 960 kg.

It was powered by a Ford Duratec 2.5 litre, 24 valve, V6 engine that developed 168 bhp, and 162 ft/lbs of torque.

Linked to a five speed manual gearbox, it produced a top speed of 135 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 secs.

It was fitted with 10 inch vented disc brakes all round.

Following the launch of the M10, Toyota introduced their MR2 convertible that same year which, outwardly, looked very similar to the M10. Technical data:

COMPETITION

Some of the typical competitors of the Noble M10 included the following: Lotus Elise, Porsche Boxter, BMW Z4, and Mercedes SLK 350. Noble performance:

This concludes my Noble M10 Sports Car Review.

The life of professional athletes isn’t easy. They have to participate in intensive exercises and training activities constantly to deliver maximum performance in front of an audience.

While these activities are crucial for athletes to stay in shape, they can also damage their body.

Sports medicine is a growing healthcare field dedicated for treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise like fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains, tendonitis, overtraining syndrome and degenerative diseases.

Besides injury treatment, it also focuses on helping the athletes improve their performance prevent future injuries.

Despite being a relatively new medical specialty, it has become essential for athletes thanks to its ability to address their specific needs and concerns.

Who is a Sports Medicine Doctor?

A sports medicine doctor is a licensed and trained individual who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries related to athletic activities.

These specialists treat their patients using physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, massage therapy, exercises, and other techniques so that they can return to their desired activity level quickly, safely and successfully.

They also teach the athletes on nutrition to help them maintain an optimal level of health and fitness and achieve their sports performance goals.

The sports medicine team includes sports physiotherapists, sports massage therapists, sports orthopaedic surgeons, sports podiatrists, athletic trainers, sports dieticians, exercise physiologists and sports biomechanists.

Common Sports Injuries:

Some common sports injuries athletes suffer on the filed include ankle sprain, groin pull, hamstring strain, knee injury, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, concussion, shoulder injury, hip bursitis, quadriceps strain and shin splints.

They can also experience the exacerbation of pre-existing health problems like diabetes, asthma, allergies and arthritis.

Reasons to Visit a Sports Medicine Doctor:

There are many reasons for an athlete to see a sports physician.

Let’s take a look at some of them.

(1) Customized Care:

Sports medicine doctors are specially trained healthcare professionals who have an in-depth understanding of what could be the impacts of an exercise on their patient’s body. They collaborate with physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons to develop a customized treatment for their patient.

(2) Injury Prevention:

Sports physicians can provide the athletes with expert advice on the how to prevent injuries during the practice or play and how to reduce the likelihood of resurfacing a previous injury. They also conduct pre-participation physical exams of their patients to determine whether they are fit enough to resume sports activities.

(3) Pain Management:

Sports injuries may lead to several orthopedic issues that often cause chronic pain, making it difficult for the athletes to return to the game and carry out their activities.

While the primary aim of sports physicians is always to diagnose, treat and resolve the injury, they also use pain management therapies like electrical stimulation, spinal decompression, prescription medications and injected medications, to help their patients prevent or defer the need for surgery and continue their daily activities without any hindrance.

(4) Rehabilitation:

For an athlete, a return from an injury can be a complicated and lengthy process. If you find yourself sidelined by an injury, a sports physician can help you restore your movement and function and return to same or higher level of fitness quickly.

(5) Improving Athletic Performance:

Sports physicians diagnose and treat uncomfortable conditions to help you deliver your maximum performance, both on and off the field.

They also suggest you exercises and techniques to improve your strength and balance that contribute to your success as an athlete.

(6) Improving overall Fitness:

Sports physicians help athletes prevent muscle sprains, strains and tears to keep their bodies in shape.

They also conduct full body and musculoskeletal examinations to help them maintain their overall fitness.

(7) Non-Surgical Treatment:

Sports physicians try to avoid surgery in less severe cases and instead focus on treating injuries with non-surgical methods like physical therapy and acupuncture.

These treatments are often non-invasive and require shorter recovery time.

(8) State-of-the-Art Surgical Treatment:

In the cases where surgery is indispensable, sports physicians use advanced surgical procedures, like arthroscopic ACL repair, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, hip arthroscopy, stem cell therapy and rotator cuff repair to restore the function of injured areas.

(9) Education & Nutrition:

Sports medicine doctors teach you how to fuel your body properly to deliver greater performance consistency.They also focus on each athlete’s dietary needs depending on his/her general health and athletic goals.

(10) Rehabilitated Mobility:

Sports injuries can impair your mobility and flexibility, thus preventing you from conducting your athletic activities. Sports physicians help you restore function, increase strength and flexibility, improve range of motion, and prevent injuries from occurring.

(11) Improving Confidence:

An athlete fights with different type of injuries on the field that could make him/her self-conscious. Sports physicians address their specific needs, thus helping them regain their confidence and enjoy their game.

There are many good reasons to buy cheap prescription sports glasses. These glasses are designed to withstand impact that would otherwise break the lenses. These days, there are a number of sports in which there is high risk of eye injury which is why it pays to wear protective eyewear. In fact, these kinds of prescription sports glasses have become quite ubiquitous and so it makes sense to find out how you can save money on the cost of your eyewear.

Save Money

The number one reason to buy cheap prescription sports glasses is of course that you can save a lot of money. The only thing you need to be careful about is ensuring you pick a pair that has the right kind of lenses. Mostly, you should opt for polycarbonate lenses as they are the most impact resistant and they also do not scratch easily. Be sure to avoid glass lenses as they are the least impact resistant and can easily break on impact.

Go for Lightweight Frames

When buying your eyewear, you also need to ensure that it is light in weight and it should be properly constructed and of course, it must also be shatter proof. If you look for a quality pair, then you will probably be put off by the high prices. Thus, it is important that you spend as little as possible, even if it means foregoing a branded product.

Available in Many Sizes and Shapes

Cheap prescription sports glasses are available in numerous shapes and sizes. They are also especially designed for different sports. Some can also be fixed on a helmet. Such eyewear is normally used in sports like football and hockey and baseball. Each sport requires its own type of sports glasses. So, if you plan on participating in a sport where there is a lot of impact (like soccer or hockey) then you should choose cheap prescription sports glasses that are fitted with elastic to secure the band around your head. You also want to ensure that the glasses offer a comfortable fit because there is nothing as bad as wearing a pair that is not comfortable to wear.

Readily Available Online

Another reason to shop for cheap prescription sports glasses is that they are readily available at online stores. Though you can also buy them from a regular store, the prices at online stores are generally far lower than at regular stores. Thus, it makes more sense to focus your efforts on buying from an online store.

You also need to avoid falling for the trap of using your regular prescription glasses because these are only meant to improve your vision. They do not provide you with any real protection and hence will prove to be an unnecessary hazard. Modern prescription sports glasses are designed to help you improve your performance while also knowing that your eyes are fully protected. Even if you have good vision, you must ensure you wear sports glasses as they improve your visual acuity while also providing you with better contrast. All these features help you tremendously when performing your sport.

You love the outdoors and would rather be out in the wide open spaces getting some exercise than sitting at a desk in an office. Whether you’ve always been active in sports or you’ve discovered a sport you love at an older age, an active lifestyle is good for your body’s health and for relaxing the mind. Exercise helps one sleep, improves one’s appearance and reduces the risk of risk health issues in the future. By participating in a sport, however, one does increase one’s chances of getting injured.

Sprained ankles, broken and fractured bones, knocked-out teeth, concussions, and pain old bruises and scrapes are injuries you’ve most likely heard of before and have come to accept. There is another common and painful injury that is common among athletes who participate in sports that involve much jumping and running. It is called plantar fasciitis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis

In short plantar fasciitis is the straining overuse of the plantar fascia tendon. This tendon is located on the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the front part of the foot. When this thick band of connective tissue gets irritated, extreme pain, similar to that of heel spurs can occur. Common symptoms include severe heel pain first thing in the morning, heel pain when getting up from sitting, standing for a long time, after exercising or stretching the foot and pain when the sides of the heel or arch of the foot are pressed.

Sports That Can Cause Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can occur after participating in a variety of sports. Activities that involve continuous running, sudden movements and jumping can cause the plantar fascia tendon to get overused. Common sports that increase one’s risk of injury include:

• Running
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Lacrosse
• Track and field
• Dancing
• Football
• Baseball
• Tennis

Plantar fasciitis can also occur in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding as well as be the result of everyday habits and activities like standing or being on one’s feet all day at work.

This foot condition affects both male and female athletes as well as teen athletes and older, seasoned athletes.

Preventing Plantar Fasciitis

Wearing properly fitting footwear and running on flat, level surfaces are the best ways to prevent the occurrence of this foot injury. Additionally, foot insoles that provide arch support are a good option for those who are on their feet a lot for work. If you’re an athlete, proper, adequate warming up and stretching before one’s activity will also help minimize one’s risk of injury.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by overuse and this can occur when an athlete, particularly long distance runners, try to run too much, too far or too fast without proper, gradual warmup or preparation. If you’re new to a sport like running, it is best to start off slow and gradually build up distance.

Strong calf muscles and the strengthening of other muscles in the foot and ankle can also lower one’s risk of injury.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot issue that affects athletes participating in a variety of sports. Those who aren’t athletes can also get this painful foot condition by being on their feet all day and doing much standing. Long distance running, soccer and football have been sports notorious for causing plantar fasciitis among athletes. Many other sports can increase one’s risk of as a result of excessive running and jumping. Running on flat, even surfaces, wearing properly fitting shoes, wearing arch supporting insoles, stretching and starting off slowly and gradually building up speed and distance can help prevent plantar fasciitis from occurring.

If you have severe heel pain that impacts your daily routine and life, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist today and get relieve.

This article is going to be a little different from many of the ones I like to read on sports photography. Most provide very useful tips on which camera settings work best for different types of shots. I have read others that give great insight on how to take better sports action photos. These are all very informative. But how do you know if you’ve got a great action shot? I think it would be very interesting to find out what different photographers look for in a great sports action photo. So that is what this article will address. What is the difference between a good action shot and a great one? Here are three things I look for when making that distinction. If any one of these three elements are captured, it has the makings of an awesome shot. Get two out of the three, and there is an excellent chance that you have taken a photo that will always be remembered.

Element #1: Intense Focus & Concentration. Being able to capture the look on athletes’ faces when they are totally in the zone can really set a photograph apart. It’s one of those qualities in a shot that you can’t necessarily plan for, but you know it when you see it. Here is what I mean. One tennis player I really enjoy watching is Roger Federer. If you ever want to see what total concentration looks like when a tennis player at the top of his game is executing his most lethal stroke, just Google “Roger Federer Backhand”. His eyes are trained on the ball like a couple of lasers as he prepares to hit the ball. I am convinced that if someone blasted an air horn right next to Federer’s ear, he wouldn’t even hear it as he nailed another backhand winner. There are plenty of examples in other sports as well. So without a doubt, if an athlete’s focus and concentration can be caught in a photo, it can make for a very special shot.

Element #2: Raw Emotion. If focus and concentration can give a photograph a certain edge, raw emotion brings it to life. I have seen many iconic sports moments on television. And years, even decades later, nothing can put me back in that moment better than a photo that has captured the emotion at that instant in time. One of best examples I can think of is the shot of Brandi Chastain after she scored the winning penalty kick to beat China in the 1999 Women’s World Cup in soccer. Again, you can Google it to see what I mean. Caught up in the moment, Chastain, ripped off her jersey revealing her sports bra and dropped to her knees in celebration. The look on her face says it all, but that is only half of the story. One of the wider shots shows her teammates sprinting down the field to join her in that celebration. That was pure, unadulterated joy, and I can’t imagine there is anything that gives a sports photographer more satisfaction than capturing that for an eternity.

Element #3: The Human Body Operating At Its Peak. Let’s face it, the human body is an incredible machine. And when it can be caught in a photograph working at peak performance, it really is amazing. It doesn’t really matter what sport the athlete plays, but my favorites to watch in this arena are the individual Olympic Sports. One athlete I truly enjoyed watching in the Rio Olympics was Simone Biles. She dominated the competition on her way to winning the all-around gold medal. There were times when I thought she was going to jump out of the gym. There are dozens of outstanding photos (yup, that’s right. Google “Simone Biles”) showing her twisting and twirling in a way that the human body was not meant to do. And the ease in which Biles appears to do it is equally impressive.

So those are three elements that I think are keys to a great sports action photo: intense concentration, raw emotion, and the human body operating at its peak. Capturing one of those elements will separate your shot from the pack. Nailing two of them would be a clear game changer. What are some of your favorite sports action photos? I would enjoy hearing from you and getting your perspective. In the meantime, good luck in your efforts.

When you think of sports what do you think of? Maybe you think of football, soccer, basketball or baseball. Well, in the world of sports there is much more than just the classic sports you always hear about.

I have made a list of 3 extreme sports that will be sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Extreme sports, un-like other sports, are always exciting and are usually somewhat dangerous. The danger is the reason they are so exciting and why they are so extreme.

Let’s take a look at these sports and who knows, maybe you’ll find one your interested in and take on a whole new lifestyle.

1. The first sport on our list is motocross. I am sure you know what this is but incase you don’t, it’s when a lot of people race dirt bikes around a man-made track with jumps, whoops, berms and many more features. This is extremely fast paced and exciting to watch.

What is even more exciting is actually participating in the sport. It is a little expensive to start but it is an investment that keeps on giving. Just be sure that you get the proper protective gear because it is a dangerous sport. If you have a chance be sure to go watch a professional race as the professionals ride faster than you could believe.

2. Now let’s check out freestyle motocross. This is where riding dirt bikes truly gets insane. This is where people will do tricks on their dirt bikes.

Freestyle motocross is probably most known because of the freestyle competitions held at the X-Games every year. Riders will take their bikes off of 70 foot jumps doing backflips, grabs, different body movements and pretty much every trick you can possibly imagine. It truly is spectacular.

Keep in mind that performing tricks on a dirt bike is extremely difficult and you should always try tricks into a foam pit before taking them to the dirt.

3. The last sport on our list is cliff jumping. This is something everyone can do but is still exhilarating and very extreme.

Cliff jumping is where you find a cliff or ledge that towers above a body of water and jump from it into the water. This is something that everyone should try at least once.

If you ask around I am sure someone you know will tell you of a place that you can do this safely.

A few things to keep in mind are to not jump off of anything too tall (15-35 feet is ideal), always check to make sure the water is deep enough so you don’t hit the ground and make sure you jump out far enough to land in the deep water.

If you are getting ready for your next run, you may want to follow the tips given in this article to buy your favorite pair of sports shoes. Whether you are getting ready to get into shape or be part of a big race, make sure you know the things you need to look for in your running shoes. As soon as you have found the right pair, you will be able to perform much better.

Arch Type

First of all, you need to find out your arch type. Given below are 3 steps to help you find your arch type:

• Wet the bottom of both of your feet
• Place your feet on a piece of paper
• Examine your footprint

By following these three steps, you can find your arch type. It can be flat, medium or high, for instance. Let’s discuss them.

Flat

If you have fleet feet, you will have non-visible or low arches. These type of arches leave full imprints. Typically, this type of arch offers more flexibility and may overpronate.

Medium

If you have normal feet, you will have a moderate arch type. This arch type will show the forefoot and heel joined by a wide band. Most runners with normal feet have an arch that is semi-flexible.

High

If a very narrow band connects only your heel and foot, you have a high arch. Typically, high-arched feet may not absorb impact effectively. So, you may need to opt for sports shoes that offer additional cushioning.

Gait Types

Your gait represents the way your feet leave or touch the ground while you are walking or running. If you find your gait type, you can find out the part of feet that hits the ground. Let’s discuss three types of gaits.

Normal

While running, the outside of your foot heel hits the ground. At the same time, your feet roll inward in order to absorb the shock.

Pronation

In this gait type, the outside of your foot heel hits the ground and suffers excessive rotation inwards. As a result, it hinders the ability of your foot and ankle to keep your body stable and absorb the impact.

Supination

The external side of your heel hits the ground first; however, it won’t roll inward. As a result, your heel maintains outward rotation. So, the impact affects a small area of your foot exterior.

Shoe Types

Once you have figured out your gait and arch type, your next move is to find out the type of shoes you might want to opt for. Based on the running styles, each type has its own qualities.

Neutral Running Shoes

You can opt for neutral sports shoes if you have arches and your feet roll outward excessively. This type of shoes provides cushioning in the midsole for shock absorption.

Motion-Control Shoes

If you have a flat or low arch, motion-control shoes can work great for you. Also, these shoes feature flatter outsoles and built-in support. This combo can stabilize your feet by controlling the excessive pronation.

Stability Shoes

If you have a medium arch, stability shoes are ideal for you since they have enough midsole cushioning and medial support.

So, these are a few tips that can help you buy the right pair of sports shoes.

No matter what sports season we’re in, you probably have a favorite sport you relish following. Maybe March madness college basketball, the NFL, baseball, hockey, golf, or soccer. Perhaps you would like to make a little bet, but many sports fans in the United States are leery of the legitimacy and legality of internet gambling. If you live in the United States, your legal sports betting options at brick and mortar casinos are limited to Nevada, and to some degree at Delaware racetracks.

The Supreme Court has heard arguments on a New Jersey challenge which would permit sports gambling at its casinos and racetracks. If the court rules in favor of New Jersey, Gaming experts predict that most states will jump on the bandwagon to legalization, in order to fill state coffers with tax revenue.

If you’re unfamiliar with the particulars of how to bet on sports, the following describes how it all works:

Sports Betting Jargon

Before we get into the specifics, here’s a little jargon explanation to help you understand the process:

• Action – A term for all the betting activity that happens during an event.
• Handle – The total amount of money wagered on events.
• Spread – Giving one of the two teams points to even out the betting action.
• Sports Books – Establishments that take bets on sporting events.
• Juice – A percentage of the win taken from a bettor that won an even money bet. Sometimes called the vig, which is short for vigorish.

Types of Bets

There are many different types of bets. By far, football draws the most action with the biggest handle. The Super Bowl alone draws over $100 million in legal betting activity, and over three billion (that’s billion with a B!) illegal wagers. Now you see why states want a piece of the action.

• Even Money Bets – Players betting on only one team to beat another. The sports book takes the juice/vig from the winning payout amount. A common vig is $11 for $10. (Bettor wages $11, wins $10.) House keeps $1. Most bets will have a point spread (line). If the player is picking the underdog, S/he will take points. If the bettor is picking the favorite, S/he is laying (giving) points.
• Parlay Bets – Betting on multiple (two or more) teams to win. Here’s a scenario on a point spread ticket. Let’s assume that on event #1, Tampa Bay is playing at Green Bay with GB favored to win by at least 3 points. In event #2, Buffalo is playing at Miami and BUF is expected to win by at least 7 points. Your game ticket would look something like this:

Event Visitor Vs Home

1. TB GB. -3

2 BUF. -7 MIA

This means that if you bet on GB they must win by more than 3 points. A bet on BUF would require them to win by more than 7 points. By choosing the favorites you are laying (giving) points. If you were to put your money on GB and MIA, you would be taking (receiving) the points.

One way to eliminate confusion is to jot down a spread score before the games start. for example on this ticket:

The score before the game starts is:

1. TB 3 GB 0
2. MIA 7 BUF 0

When the games are over just give the points to the underdogs. In most jurisdictions, ties lose for the player. In other jurisdictions the prize payout for one tie is reduced to the next lowest payout factor. A common play in casinos is a four team pick for 10X the bet.Bet $10, win $100, but you can wager from two to twelve games. The more games you play, the higher the winning payouts.

• Over/Under – One scenario is betting that the final score ill be over or under a certain number a preset number.
• Prop Bets – A proposition bet is where you predict the outcome of a preset number of props on a single ticket. Example: Total field goals over/under 4. Total interceptions over/under 3. Total sacks over/under 2. Total receiving yards, total yards, and the list goes on and on.

If you visit Vegas or other jurisdictions that permit sports gambling, Good Luck!