ATHLETIC SPORTS MANIA
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORTS
Playing sports is not just about scoring. There is a skilled mindset that one needs to play the game of sports effectively, whether you are playing a video game or a physical game. Critical thinking, reasoning, adaptability, good decision-making skills, and being a quick learner are also skills that every player should possess. In the game of basketball, players have to know which basket they have to shoot the ball into, and which line they cannot cross. They also have to know how much contact they can have with other players, as well as the amount of time left to make a decision (a play). In boxing, fighters have to know where they can throw punches to avoid being penalized, they also have to know how to block punches and throw punches that land, as well as how much time is left to make a decision.
In addition, fighters have to be able to identify their opponents’ weaknesses. In football, players have to know how and when to run with the ball, how to catch the ball, how and when to throw the ball, how to get around their opponents, when to tackle opponents, as well as what line they have to reach to score points and not go beyond boundaries. They also have to know when to throw the ball in basketball, baseball as well. There are so many other things that athletes have to know about the game of sports.
No matter how good a player is at scoring points, every player must know and understand the rules of the game. It is not just about scoring points, there is a psychology behind the game of sports, which teaches players how to play the game effectively. All athletes should be a student of the game in which they play, by studying the game and how it should be played effectively. Too often we give credit to players who are high scorers on the team, and not enough credit to the players around them. Playing sports requires a team effort. If the team doesn’t play smart, they could lose the game despite the high scorer's effort.
By Lynnette Clement
SPORTS UPDATE WITH COACH D
NBA BASKETBALL 2020
Last month, the L.A. Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in a 7 game series to win the 2020 National Basketball Championship. The Lakers won the series 4-2. The team dedicated the win to NBA GREAT KOBE BRYANT. The Lakers were the favorite to win, however, the Miami Heat didn’t go down without a fight. The Heat, led by former 76er’s player, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic played through injuries during the series. Adebayo strained his neck, missing multiple games in the Final, and Dragic tore his plantar fascia on his right foot. If both players were healthy throughout the Finals, Miami would have been better contenders.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE L. A. LAKERS!!!
The Philadelphia 76'ers welcome new head coach, Doc Rivers.
Welcome and Congratulations to Doc Rivers!!! Doc Rivers is a former NBA Player and former head coach of the L. A. Clippers for 7 years 2013-2020. Doc also coached Orlando Magic from 1999-2003, and was named Coach of the Year in 2000. Doc also coached The Boston Celtics from 2004-2013, and won an NBA Title with the team.
**THE NBA IS TARGETING DECEMBER 2020 TO BEGIN ITS 2020-2021 SEASON, WITH LESS THAN 82 GAMES. THE LEAGUE IS NOT OPTIMISTIC THAT FANS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND GAMES. AND, UNCERTAIN IF THE TEAMS WILL RETURN TO THE BUBBLE DUE TO THE RECENT RISE OF COVID-19!! OWNERS, COACHES AND PLAYERS HAVE 8 WEEKS REMAINING TO COME UP WITH A GAMEPLAN BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
THE NBA DRAFT WILL BE HELD, NOVEMBER 18, 2020.
WNBA BASKETBALL 2020
Congratulations to Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird, the leaders of Seattle Storm!!! The Seattle Storm won the Women’s National Basketball Association Championship for the fourth time. Seattle defeated The Las Vegas Aces in a 3-0 sweep in a five game series. Seattle has won its fourth title. The team won in 2004, 2010, 2018 and 2020.
THANK YOU TO THE NBA & WNBA FOR SUPPORTING SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR ALL AND DEDICATING THIS SEASON TO BREONNA TAYLOR!!!!
THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The Philadelphia Eagles entered this season with a record of 2-4-1, in first place in the NFC East. How?Dallas, Washington and the Giants all have a losing record. Despite the Eagles bad record, the team remains in first place in week 7. Why? Because Dallas lost their last game as well as Dak Prescott, their quarterback due to an ankle injury.
Unfortunately, the Eagles continue to lose more players due to injuries. DeSean Jackson will miss 6-8 weeks after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his ankle. Hassan Ridgeway will miss the rest of the season with a biceps injury. Lane Johnson remains questionable with a grade 1 MCL injury.
Craig James is out with a hamstring injury.
Quez Watkins is out due to coach’s decision.
Nate Sudfield, Malik Jackson, Miles Sanders, K’Von Wallace, Alshon Jeffries, and Jack Driscoll are all out due to injuries.
This has been a really rough sports season to watch. Mistakes, turnovers, and inconsistency are a few words to describe the Eagles this season. Wentz continues to misfire, and how effective or ineffective he plays determines the flow of the game. His supporting team must step up and play better. Ertz is also not playing well and it is rumored that he might be traded.
Not sure what message the team wants to send the fans, but we will measure the team’s progress now and in the coming months to see if Wentz was worth the wait!!!!
Scores as of October 28, 2020:
AFC EAST: BUFFALO BILLS (5-2); Miami Dolphins (3-3); New England Patriots (2-4)
N. Y. Jets (0-7)
AFC NORTH: Pittsburgh (5-0); Baltimore (5-0); Cleveland (4-2); Cincinnati; (1-5-1)
AFC SOUTH: Tennessee (5-0); Indianapolis (4-2); Houston (1-5); Jacksonville (1-5)
AFC WEST: Kansas (6-1); Las Vegas Raiders (3-3); Denver (2-4) L. A. Chargers (2-4)
NFC EAST: Philadelphia (2-4-1); Dallas (2-5); Washington (2-5); N. Y. Giants (1-6)
NFC NORTH: Chicago (5-1); Green Bay (5-1-); Detroit (3-3); Minnesota (1-5)
NFC SOUTH: Tampa Bay (4-2); New Orleans (4-2); Carolina (3-4); Atlanta (1-6)
NFC WEST: Seattle (5-1); Arizona (4-2); L. A. Rams (4-2); San Fran 49ers (3-3)
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Last month, the L. A. Dodgers won the 2020 World Series defeating the Tampa Bay Rays (3-2) in a 5 game series.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE L.A. DODGERS!!!!!
*** 2020 HAS BEEN A TUMULTUOUS YEAR FOR SURE. LET’S WRAP THIS YEAR UP AND WELCOME IN 2021 WITH NEW IDEAS, POSSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES. HOLD ON, BE STRONG AND DON’T GIVE UP!!!!!
By Danette Clement