What Are Sports Betting Odds and How Do They Work?

It seems that betting online has become more and more popular over the last few years, one of the main reasons for this is simply because its so convenient. All you have to do is get on your computer, in your pajamas if you choose to do so. It's quick to get an account, it's easy to set it up, and it's available to you any time, any day, day or night. What more could you possibly ask for?!? Many people bet on sports because it's a fun thing to do and people like betting for their teams and against others favorite teams. In every move with every game that has a chance to win or lose, there is always "chance." If you make the wrong move you could very well lose.

On the other hand if you make the right move you could very well win. Sports betting is no different, in fact it's even more crucial that you do make the right move. The first step you need to take in betting on a sports game is checking out the sports betting odds. These odds are the most common form of betting in the world. Sport betting odds basically involve predicting whether an outcome will happen or not. You need to place your bet at certain odds which are related directly to the percentage probability that the predicted outcome will happen. Many experts have said that the lower the sports betting odds, the more likely it is that the outcome will happen. It's no wonder then that the outcome with the lowest odds is considered the favorite.

Who makes the sports betting odds? How are the sports betting odds are made?

You may or may not have heard about odd makers. Basically they are the ones who take into account every possible thing which may affect the ultimate outcome of a particular game or event. The odds are then identified by the odds makers by figuring out several different factors include quality of the teams, injuries, desire to win, weather conditions, place of the event, match up history and a lot more! When all of these factors are considered, the maker of the odds form a number which will be acceptable to both sides of the bet. So, if for instance, the majority of the bets fall on one particular side of the bet, the original number chosen by the sports betting odds number was probably not a good one. This is where actually the sport books come in to adjust the line up or down so to encourage people to try and bet on the other side.

The betting odds are also predetermined by the odd makers by looking at day to day information about the game. This information is then further used to adjust spreads as the season progress. The basic digits are calculated and analyzed before the game starts, along with this it is the task of the odd makers to look at the seasons number of previous games. All of these factors are combined together through a series of formulas in order to form what people often refer to as "power rankings." The ranking of every sport is usually changed or adjusted based on over all performance, and thus resulting in a number used to determine the spread. One important note about the makers of the odds is that they will not actually tell you that their job is to predict an outcome of the game. Before you consider betting on a game or an event, do a little research about the sport books you bet at and make sure you check the odds!

Ping Pong Game -- Simple and Fun to Play

Ping pong, otherwise known as table tennis, is a popular indoor sport enjoyed by many around the world in facilities ranging from recreation clubs to school common rooms etc. Ping pong is very similar to tennis in that players on opposite sides of the ping pong table hit the ball back and forth over a net. But similarities end there as ping pong is played on a table surface rather than a hard court, thus the name "table tennis." To enjoy a game of ping pong, you need a ping pong ball, a net, ping pong table, and paddles.

Rules of Ping Pong

In a ping pong game the first player to reach 21 points is declared the winner. However, upon one player reaching 21 points with the opponent trailing less than 2 points, the game must continue until one player takes a definite 2 point lead over the opponent, at which point that player is declared the winner.

To start a point the server serves the ball with the paddle to the opponent's side of the ping pong table. If the server fails to serve the ball into play, either by serving the ball into the net or serving it out, the point goes to the opponent. Once the ball is in play either player can score points. The players must hit the ball back to the opponents' side of the table. If one player fails to return the ball to the opponent's side either by netting the ball or hitting it out, the point then goes to the opponent.

To start a point with a serve, the server throws the ping pong ball up at least 6 inches and as it comes down the server hits the ball with the paddle. Before crossing over the net the served ball must hit the server's part of the table first before bouncing a second time on the opponent's side. After the serve the ball remains in play as long as it clears the net and bounces once on the opponent's side of the table with each stroke. The point ends either when a player hits the ball into the net, or when the ball goes out without bouncing at all on the opponent's side of the table, at which time the opponent earns a point.

Ping pong games can be played as a single as well as a doubles game. In a doubles game, an additional rule is that the ball must be served diagonally across to the opposite court. If the server fails to serve to the diagonal area on the opposite side then the opponent gets the point.

As you can see the rules of the ping pong game is nice and simple enough so that anyone new to ping-pong can easily enjoy a game of ping-pong without much trouble and confusion.

Ave Caesar

Product Details

Panem et circenses!

• 1 Double Sided Game Board, 6 Plastic Chariots, 6 Plastic Denari (tribute coins), 6 decks of cards, 1 Rule book
• Duration: 30-60 minutes
• Number of players: 3-6
• Ages: 12 and up

How to Watch Sky Sports Live Football Streaming On Your Computer?

Are you interested to learn how you can watch Sky Sports live football streaming from the internet? If you are a huge football fan like me, you will not want to miss watching any live match of your favorite teams. With internet technology becoming so advanced, football matches can now be streamed live to any part of the world. This article will list the main ways you can use to start watching live games.

What Are The Main Ways To Watch Live Football?

1. DirectTV Service

You can get live football game streams on your PC of every Sunday Ticket game when you sign up for DirectTV service with NFL Sunday Ticket added to it.

There are some downsides to this method. Firstly, not everyone can have access to high quality DirectTV signals, and spending more money to improve the signals is just not worth it. Also, this option can be very expensive. The advantages are that you can get access to team stats, highlights and scores from every live game.

2. Buy NFL Game Pass

You can choose to buy the entire season of the NFL game pass for around $100. There are different payment options depending on the package that you choose, and they will allow you to watch good quality streaming live games on your PC.

3. Download Satellite TV Software to Stream Sky Sports Live Games

This is the option that I currently use because I think it is the best value for money. The software that I downloaded allows me to watch every live football game not only on Sky Sports, but also other popular sports channels like Eurosports, ESPN and Starsports to name a few. Another advantage is that this method is extremely easy to setup. All that is required is a PC with high speed internet access. If you can fulfill this requirement and you wish to download the software that I use, check out the website link below to find out more.

Are You Waiting For Xbox 360's New Games?

Are you waiting for Xbox 360's new games? They are now in the market and also available online. Let us discuss about the Xbox that are released in the past 30 days. Free trial versions are available online, so that one can play these trials and decide whether to buy or not. These are belong to different categories such as action, sports, adventure, puzzle, role-play, music etc. Games are categorized based on the story line of the game and also taking into consideration the interests of different people.

Before discussing about all these, let us first have some brief description about 'GAMES' in general. Games are the major source of entertainment. They are played by people of different age groups right from the age of 7 years to 57 years. They entertain different age groups of people and they belong to different categories. Liking or disliking is depends on each and every individual's interest. The development of this includes the hard work of many people. Starting from the developer, publisher and producer to the tester, the hard work of many is the result in the market. Some of the major developers are EA sports, Game loft, Gameshatra etc.

Now, let us have a look and a quick description of Xbox 360 new games. The Xbox that were released very recently and those that belong to the action category are Serious Sam: the first encounter HD, Army of Two, Border lands, 0 day attack on earth, Bayonetta, Matt Hazard: Blood bath and Beyond. These are the action games released recently. Action games are generally liked by the boys when compared to girls. The sports games are Vancouver 2010: The official video game of winter 2010 and Madden Ultimate Team. Darksiders is and adventurous game while polar panic is a puzzle game. For those who love music, there is a musical game namely Guitar Hero. These are the latest releases of Xbox 360.

After going through the detailed description of the latest releases, if you are interested to buy Xbox 360, buy online, it is very simple and easy. The cost of Xbox 360 is very affordable and you can checkout the official website for several offers available. If you want to know more about Xbox 360 parts and also about the new games, there are many reviews that display the opinions of different people from all over the globe. In these reviews, all the details are clearly given regarding Xbox 360 new games. Each and every game is described; the ease to play it, its positive and negative sides is clearly explained which makes one to understand the game with clarity.

Finally, after going through this interesting discussion, it is time to start reading the review and to make a decision about buying the Xbox 360 new games. Hope you will definitely like these games. There are many new and interesting things in these games and each and every game is unique in its way.

Watch Live Baseball Games Online - Over 100 Sports Channels

Are you a baseball fan and do the changes in your office work schedule make you to work on the shifts while the games are played? Now you can watch baseball live online right from your computer. There is no need for you either to miss any games or to ask your friend to tape them for you as he might tell you who won the match before you watch it. Now you have the luxury of turning your PC into another TV in your home or office.

There are many programs with thousands of channels and stations including sports, movies, news, music, radio, clips etc., in the internet for your PC which you can check before deciding to download the program. There is no need for you to buy anything to access the stations nor any monthly subscriptions or recurring payments. All you need to do is to have an internet connection and purchase and install software by following instructions to being broadcast. You can easily access the full service of the company immediately after you place the order and receive the software for any PC in any part of the world. By merely downloading the software you can enjoy the international and regional satellite broadcasts. The package covers stations from all parts of the world including international and regional broadcasts.

Now you have the choice of watching more and more live sports from any where and at any time. You have a wide choice of selecting channels on demand without missing the game of any sport. With the on demand TV, you have live access of international and national events without any hassles of signing up any contract or boring bills. You job is over with the payment of a single subscription to access the internet TV service at your comfort. With quick download you can start surfing the channels without wasting time or using any remote control. The software is also very easy to install and use. Without using any extra hardware or software you can start watching the match and enjoy every moment of it. You can watch any program or matches of the world in the language of your choice while you travel or rest at home with unlimited access to channels.

There is no need to miss any game even if you are at work. It is possible to watch your favorite player online by using your PC. The software allows you to watch the games online on your PC by tuning into thousands of TV channels. The software is attractively priced and is very affordable to include more and more sports fans and TV viewers like you all over the world. You can download the software online with an easy installation procedure with the click of the mouse. You will be totally amazed to realize your dream of watching any sport on the channel that you think which your advanced cable cannot provide. Once you install the program you will be always busy in watching the TV on your PC and you can cancel your future cable bills which you don't need anymore.

Top Trumps Card Game - Arsenal Football Club

Product Details

Arsenal continue to produce some of the slickest football in Europe thanks to their brilliantly balanced blend of youth and experience. Now you can see how the old heads in the team face up to their younger counterparts: will Gilberto grab more goals from midfield than Fabregas? And how do Wengers players match up to Arsenal legends of the past?

Commonwealth Games 2010 Preparation - An Overview

Delhi the capital city of India is in full swing on every front to be a perfect host for the 19th edition of Commonwealth Games 2010. The Organizing Committee of Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi is supervised by the President of Indian Olympic Association Mr. Suresh Kalmadi in consultation with the Group of Ministers. The commonwealth committee is working on various developmental projects to provide all the necessary facilities to visitors of the commonwealth games. It is expected that during this mega sports event 1.8 Million foreign visitors and 3.5 Million National Visitors will arrive Delhi between 3 October and 14 October 2010.

The organizing committee laid out extensive development plan for capacity building so that Delhi can bear the expense of this costliest mega sports event. This XIXCommonwealth Games 2010 Delhi will feature 17 sports which are to be participated by 71 nations. In order to meet the high demand of this global event the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has allocated a sum of Rs 11.89 billion to enhance, expand and upgrade city infrastructure along with transportation, accommodation, security, entertainment and sight seeing.

Delhi is among the best destination which is visited by scores of tourists every year. World class hotels and restaurants of this place provide great hospitality to visitors. But the current capacity is inadequate to handle the huge inflow of visitors for XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. In order to cope up with this high demand Delhi will have five new stadiums and a Games Village. This Games Village under construction on the banks of river Yamuna and is spread over an area of 63.5 hectare. The estimated cost of this sophisticated village is USD 40 million which can accommodate 8500 officials and sportsmen.

In addition to this 25,000 rooms are being built through private and public partnership to meet the accommodation requirements of the participants and visitors. The Bed and Breakfast Scheme launched by the Delhi government will also be a vital supplement for this initiative. Apart from this the public transport facilities are enhanced to global level by the introduction of metro rails, low lying buses, BRT (Bus rapid transit corridor), expansion of existing driving lanes, flyovers and new highways so that traffic movement can be smooth and safe during the Commonwealth Games event.

The joint venture between private tourism company and the state owned India tourism Development Corporation Limited (ITDC) introduced several tour packages which will provide the best deals of tour option to visitors who will visit India during this grand event. These packages are designed in such a manner that it will provide comprehensive exposure toNorth India Tours, Rajasthan Tour, Golden Triangle tour or any other tourist places of India.

Globalization and Sport

During the 20th century, sports took on an increasingly international flavor; aside from the world championships for individual sports, like soccer's World Cup, large-scale international meets, such as the Pan-American games and the Commonwealth games, were inaugurated. Sports have correspondingly become increasingly politicized, as shown in the boycott of the 1980 Moscow games by Western nations and the retaliatory boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles games by Soviet-bloc nations, an exchange brought on by Soviet actions in Afghanistan.

Politics directly related with economic issues, influence the course of action one country might choose against another and affect sports as they are a vital part of a nation's role in the global scene. Individual countries during the recent past have boycotted sport events or used them for propaganda reasons and thus, imposed their political views affecting the global scene. Due to the worlds' interest in sport, the power to influence the public becomes a huge issue and has been the reason for many 'country-battles' in the recent past. At the same time, the commercialism that accompanied spectator sports gradually engulfed both amateur and professional sports. By the late 20th century, the televising of athletic events had made sports big business. On the other hand, expanding public concern with personal physical health led to mass participation, not necessarily competitive, in sports like running, hiking, cycling, martial arts, and gymnastics. Athletic activity by women expanded, especially after political action in the 1960s and 1970s opened doors to many forms of competition and an increased share of public funding for sports.

Economic integration and free trade have and surely will, continue to affect the sports and fitness industry in the future. Countries use sports either to impose their economic power over others, or to elevate their current role. Due to sport's great costs, counties' governments engage themselves in promoting and supporting these economic needs by authorising special public monetary programs or by seeking private financing. Corporate sponsorships are today a reality, as companies spend about $6 billion annually sponsoring activities ranging from the Olympic Games to the World Cup. The popularity of sponsored events is due to several reasons. They enhance the reputation and image of the sponsor, they provide a focal point for marketing efforts and sales campaigns, and they generate publicity and media coverage. More cost-effective than advertising, sponsorships include prestige and at times target a worldwide audience. Broadcasting rights, ticket sales, merchandising, and sponsorships, are the main reasons of sport's unique role in a country's strategy.

Living today in the information age, with amazing revolutions in technology and communication, sport experts believe that sport is greatly influenced by the actions of individual nations, as well as by the international trends that influence the world economy. Moreover, being a spectacle, sport athletes have become professionals that through them their country's culture is promoted and their achievements contribute to the country's fame. Thus, the sport and fitness industries, as part of our Global Society, have become lately an issue of great concern. Studies worldwide provide valuable information about the political, geographical, economic, cultural, social, aesthetic and historical aspects of sports and it is firmly believed that they will continue 'shaping' one another in the years to come.

How To Get The Right Sport Fishing Equipment For Big Game

Unlike an angler who does his fishing as a past time or hobby, and an activity to relax with, the sports fisherman has a goal in his mind which is to get the biggest trophy catch that he can bait. The sports fisherman goes out to sea to get the big game catch. The sport fishing is also called big game fishing. These anglers usually want to catch the big game to show off and not for putting on the table. Those who are out to catch big game as a sport and for a competition are given a certain amount of time in which to catch their trophy fish and also the spot of water where they can make their catch. They are rated according to the weight of the fish that they catch. The one who scores the most points is the winner. This sport can be exhilarating and bring you great acclaim especially if you have the right kind of equipment.

Choose the correct equipment
To participate in big game fishing anglers still use the bare bones tactics, which is the use of hook, reel and rod. You should get to know what equipment is required for the different variety of big game fishing. For this you should first get to know the basics of fishing and then get the appropriate fishing tackle for the kind of fish you plan to bait. What is best is equipment that is strong and durable and that does not give way when you finally do get a big catch on the hook.

Most fishing rods are made of tough material like fiberglass and the sturdiness and length of the pole is established with the species of fish you are planning to catch. You would need a large and thick rod for the bigger fish like marlin, and smaller rods for the fish that are small. The correct kind of rod will make all the difference to your fishing expedition, so if you want a good catch get the correct gear too.

The same kind of reel is needed for salt water fishing and sports fishing too. The reels are normally open faced, and have smooth flowing reel in. These reels are made of metal alloys that are resilient and do not rust even over a long period of time. To keep your fishing gear in good condition you should clean it regularly and make sure that it is in the best condition always.

You have to get the right lures to catch the kind of fish you have in mind. There is enough choice in the market for you to decide from. The angler who is doing it for a sport will prefer to use the spoon variety to bait his fish. Some use scented beads and spinning blades made of metal which are quite effectual in luring big game fish. So basically you should get to know what bait or lure to use for a particular kind of fish and you will definitely get the fish you have set your mind on. Angling is a very satisfying hobby and sport and the better and more appropriate your equipment the better your catch.

Sports Enhancement Through Hypnosis - Get Your Head In The Game!

"Get your head in the game!" is a now trendy slogan made popular by Disney's highly successful "High School Musical" movie. When it comes to playing sports, for fun or professionally, pure talent no longer is a guarantee of sports stardom and success. Focus is the key, and those that have the skills for the game and the focus to keep their head in it, will come out stars.

One such believer may be heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. As a young, up and coming fighter, Mr. Tyson used sports hypnosis to become the heavyweight champion of the world. He certainly had the skills to be a fighter, but many believe it was his drive and focus that made him a champion. If you studied any of his early bouts, you would see the determination and concentration he had.

Many sports stars use hypnosis, especially when they need to get out of a slump. But waiting until you are in a slump may not be the best choice. More than a few medalists in both Olympic Games have successfully used sports hypnosis to keep their focus and attention on the prize, they do not get second chances! Sports hypnosis has become so popular, that hypnotists have been hired by entire Olympic teams to make sure they bring home the gold.

Hypnosis works for enhancing your game, no matter what the sport. Is it a miracle worker? Will it take a person who can't throw a baseball more than 20 miles per hour and 15 feet into a baseball star? No, absolutely not. Obviously, you need the skills before hypnosis can work its wonders. However, it can take a mediocre player and make him or her good or possibly great with practice.

How does hypnosis work and what happens during a session? The answer for that question really depends on the hypnotist or psychologist that works with you. There are many techniques and theories and can vary dramatically. Some techniques are as simple as visualization.

Imagine you are a basketball player and you need to practice free throws. When you practice, you make the shots sometimes, but also miss many times. So you are practicing to miss, not practicing to make it. Of course one needs to practice but visualizing yourself making the shot every time builds confidence and esteem. It also sets the mind in motion to know what it needs to do.

It has been proven that this type of visualization technique increases shot percentage. Try it yourself if you can. Stand on the foul line and take some shots counting your baskets and misses. Then close your eyes and go through the motions of making the shot (but do not actually shoot, don't even hold the ball). Feel the motion of your arms, go through the shot and visualize, actually see the ball go in the basket. Do this numerous times until you feel you have the motion down. Then open your eyes, take the ball, relax, take a deep breath and shoot.

Take the same number of shots as before relaxing prior each shot. Remember to keep track of your hits and misses. You should see a vast improvement. This can work with most any sport, for example, gymnasts should visualize their complete routine, over and over in their minds, never missing, always landing each move perfectly.

Again, there are many techniques and the example above was a simple one using pure visualization and did not include hypnosis. This alone as part of a sports psychology session can be helpful and learning to do these techniques on your own is invaluable. But to get the full potential, hypnosis can intensify the effects of the visualization.

Do not be afraid of hypnosis. Be assured that you will not act like a chicken (unless of course you don't mind, your sport is dancing, and your routine is the chicken dance) and you will not do anything you are not willing to do. Yes, one should always check the references of whoever you choose to work with and make sure you feel comfortable with the person.

So, whatever your sport, goal, or hobby; use hypnosis to increase your potential and get your head in the game.

Ping Pong Set

Product Details

Includes 2 table tennis paddles and 3 table tennis ballsAges 3 and up.

• 2 table tennis paddles
• 3 table tennis balls

Drueke 871.01 Shoot The Moon (Walnut)

Product Details

This game from the 1940's has been exciting and frustrating players for over 60 years. Entertain your friends and family for hours with Shoot the Moon in Maple. Move the metal bars back and forth in order to roll the metal ball uphill towards you. Sound simple? This fun and challenging game will test your patience and coordination. This beautifully hand carved classic is made from the finest Maple. Nearly impossible to master, this game will have you coming back for more even after you've beat it once.

• Tabletop game
• For ages 13 to adult
• 90 day warranty

Scene It? Sports Powered By ESPN DVD Game Tin

Product Details

Premier sports trivia game with real sports clips..Contents:1 DVD1 Flextime Game Board4 Collectible Metal Tokens160 Trivia Cards30 Buzz Cards1 Six-sided Category Die1 Instruction Sheet

• Optreve Technology randomizes sports clips for a different game every time you play!
• Flextime Game Board can be folded for shorter games!
• Thousands of sports clips, visuals, star athletes and trivia questions!

Free Sports Picks

Many handicapping sites offer free sports picks or newsletter service options to their visitors who show interest in their services but don't want to commit to the handicapper on the first meet. Professional handicapping services are plainly overflowing with useful betting knowledge which could be given away to people for free.

This is a very positive aspect of handicapping services as free knowledge shows that the handicapper has adequate knowledge regarding the business and also, their business's USP lies much more beneath the knowledge. This in-depth knowledge and statistics could not be availed from anywhere except professional handicappers. Also, there are many self proclaimed 'gurus' and 'masters' in the betting business who are really scammers. This is why a visitor should always check a handicapper's track record and market reputation before selecting them.

Another thing which a bettor can do is to check whether the handicapper's sports picks have been listed by professional sports monitoring services. This is a great indication of how various handicappers feel regarding their own sports picks. If a visitor has any difficulty in checking them, then the handicapper might not be worth the risk. The customer is paying for valuable betting information and he/she should make sure that their money is well spent.

Also, a customer should also avoid any website or handicappers who are offering ridiculous claims for getting successful and even display incorrect examples and records. It can be easily judged by the percentage they are advertising. Handicappers with success rate around 55 to 60 percent are reasonable, particularly when they are advertising for NFL and other football games.

If a website or handicapper says that they get amid seventy to eighty percent of correct sports picks, then they should be susceptible as even the best analysts who have earlier played the game and have links with the best coaches and players could not promise such large a percentage. What has been outlined in the above mentioned lines is just a glimpse as to what can (and goes) behind the scenes in the sports betting and handicapping services. The elements of trust aren't held by all the handicappers, so a customer has to always be aware regarding what the services are offering and what could he/she get.

Many professional handicapping websites offer free sports picks daily. A visitor should always check whether these sports picks are premium play or second rate predictions. Premium play requires hours of hard work analyzing statistics and market trend whereas second rate predictions could be made by any bettor. Also, the time on which the website offers its picks is very valuable as anyone can offer picks at the end of the game, but getting picks at the start of the game or with few minutes down is reasonable.

5 Minute Guide to Paintball for Beginners

Paintball is a high energy sport that attracts over ten million players per year. The use of paintballs first started in the 1950's when the forest service used them to mark trees. They were also used as a temporary alternative to branding cows. It wasn't until the mid 70's that two friends, who were trying to recreate the rush of hunting buffalo, came up with the idea of using paintballs to simulate a game of survival. They invented the rules and in 1980, a writer for Sports Illustrated played their game and wrote about the sport in the magazine. It was the start of a phenomenon that has increased in popularity year after year.

Getting started in paintball is simple. To play, you must first have the proper equipment. The fundamental concern of any paintball player should be safety. All players are required to wear a helmet called a mask. This protects the eyes and ears which could be injured during the game. In addition to a mask, each player must also have a paintball marker and paintballs. Paintball markers are simply guns which are designed to shoot paintballs. Many paintball facilities have paintball guns for sale. You can also purchase them through an online paintball store. Beginning players will typically rent their equipment first.

Paintball is actually one of the safest sports there is, and that is largely due to the presence of very specific safety rules. All paintball markers must maintain a speed of less than 200 mph, although some facilities require an even slower velocity. If a person is in close range, typically the rules permit you to simply tap them with the barrel of your gun because paintballs can be painful when shot at close range. When players are not active in the game, their paintball markers must have a barrel blocking device which will catch any paintballs that are accidentally fired.

The rules of play vary depending on the particular game, but the general objective is to eliminate players on the other team. To eliminate a player, you must hit them with a paintball which leaves a visible mark of paint. If a player is hit by paint that hit another object first, they are not eliminated. In some games, a player is eliminated if paint hits any part of their gear or anything they are carrying as well. If there is a question of whether a player should be eliminated, they can call for a referee who does a "paint check" to see whether the player should exit the game.

Paintball can be an enjoyable one time activity, but many people enjoy participating in paintball leagues or competitions. There are even paid professional paintball players. Paintball is slowly gaining acceptance as a legitimate sport.

Backyard Sports Games For Summer Picnics

Summer is a time for picnics, barbecues, and backyard sports games.

Growing up, and still today, my two favorite backyard sports games are horseshoes and bocce. The great thing about horseshoes is that if you have the equipment (2 stakes and 4 horseshoes) all you need is a little space (grass or dirt it doesn't matter). Also, the equipment is available for both children (lighter, rubber horseshoes) and adults (competition weight metal horseshoes). This allows the kids to challenge the adults. The great thing is that it's a game that kids can grow with and continue to enjoy. Today, oh so many years later, I still throw the occasional horseshoe at the company picnic, and still toss the occasional ringer.

My other favorite backyard game is bocce. This is due to the fact that my grandparents had a bocce court in part of their yard (next to their vegetable garden). Unlike horseshoes, bocce requires a bit of strategy. Do you simply try to roll your ball closer to the pallino (the smaller target ball) or knock your opponents ball out of the way. Like horseshoes, this is another game that you can grow with. As you get a little older, kids start to plan their shots more carefully, which always makes for more spirited competition as they start to out-think the adults.

Aside from these personal favorites, other backyard sports games that can provide hours of fun and entertainment are (in order of competitiveness) Frisbee, croquet, badminton and volleyball.

Who doesn't love to throw a Frisbee. It is the quintessential backyard (and beach) game. This can be both purely recreational, or intensely competitive (if you're with a group of ultimate Frisbee or Frisbee golf players). More often than not, a simple Frisbee catch is a fun way to pass the time, and possibly impress your friends/relatives with the many different ways you can throw and catch it.

Croquet is another classic game that is quite a bit of fun. This will take a little planning since you have to have enough space (and not interfere with any other picnic activities) and set the wickets up properly. This is a fun way for you to find out who your friends really are, especially when your ball lands next to another players. Do they simply knock your ball a few feet so they can make the next wicket, or do they send your ball flying across the yard into the bushes. This is another game that is highly entertaining with little kids who can barely hold the mallet, watching them virtually drag the ball around the yard and through the wickets.

The most competitive of families will eventually end up playing either badminton or volleyball. Although I suspect volleyball to be the more popular of the two, there's something to be said for jumping in the air and smashing the birdie at one of your friends. It is also much less painful than diving to dig a well placed volleyball spike, and makes just as entertaining a story later on.

So whether you're just looking for some relaxing and casual fun, or a little more competition, there is a backyard sports game suitable for any family barbecue, picnic or friendly get together.

Fast Flowing Forest Fellers

Product Details

Daring lumberjacks meet at the river to begin their traditional contest of the fastest log riders. By skillful maneuvers they try to beat-out their competitors to get ahead in this running of the river. Sometimes you want to move ahead quickly and other times you want to block others in your race to be the first across the finish.Each player controls small group of lumberjacks and competes with the other players to bring his group across the finish first.

• 2-5 players
• ages 8 to adult
• 30 minutes

Speed Stacks Stackpack Competitor - Original Blue StackMat and Really Red Cups

Product Details

Sport Stacking with Speed Stacks is one of the fastest growing new sports in the country. Stackers up stack and down stack 12 specially designed cups in specific patterns using the patented StackMat to measure and record their best times.

Whether you choose the Pro, the Elite or the Competitor you'll have everything you need to get started Sport Stacking and you get to choose your favorite cup color and StackMat design!

Speed Stacks are the only products approved for use in WSSA sanctioned events and each cup carries the official WSSA seal of approval.

• Speed Stacks Competitor
• Really Red Cups
• Original Blue StackMat