Helpful Sports Tips: Part Two

In Part One, we learned how to out drive your friends, catch a fly ball, learn to putt better, and swim faster among other things. In Part Two, I'll give you some more helpful hints to impress yourself and others.

One of the most discussed topics in golf is how to improve your short game. A lot of people underestimate the distance and breaks of their putts. If you have a straight on putt with no break, don't aim at the hole, aim about a foot and a half past it. Your putt will be more true and straight and will have enough power to reach the hole without rimming out. If you're shooting on a large break, chances are your alignment is wrong, double the amount you first thought you would need to sink the putt, and you'll probably be right.

Basketball is another great sport for exercise and team work. The best way to get your way on to the court is to knock down shots. When you first get to the gym, start shooting the ball with your shooting hand about one foot away. After you make ten or so, take two steps back. Repeat this until you're at your maximum range for shooting. Your touch and your field goal percentage will improve dramatically if you do this in all your warm ups.

Another hint for basketball is when you're trying to steal the ball, swing your arm up and not down. Refs are looking for you to steal the ball and they have a better view of what you do when you're swinging up. When you swing down it looks aggressive and the chances are more fouls will be called on you. Plus by swinging your arm up you maintain your balance better and the defender won't be able to blow by you.

Making a tough grab in football can lift your teammates up and give your coach more confidence that he can throw the ball your way. If you want to improve your chances of catching the ball, focus on the tip of it while it's coming towards you. The focus will help you forget about the defenders in the moment and keep your focus and eye on the ball.

Another quick tip for football catches is to always catch the ball at its highest point. Don't let the defenders have a chance at it if you can jump higher. If the ball is up for grabs, go and get it.

Most importantly you want to be faster. So for all sports, exercise your hamstrings.