Posts Tagged ‘Sports’

Tennis Racquet Dimensions

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

First played in the 19th century, tennis a very excitingTennis Racquet sport made popular by outstanding international players like Roger Federer of Switzerland, Li Na of China and Serena Williams of the United States. The game is usually played using a number of equipment like tennis balls and racquets. In order to understand the game better, it is good to know the other significant aspects of the sport including the different tennis racquet dimensions.

The Dimensions of a Tennis Racquet

Tennis racquets come in varying sizes, particularly in terms of head size, weight and length. For junior’s competitions, the common length of racquets used is around 21 to 26 inches. For taller and stronger adult players, it is better to use racquets that are 27 to 27.5 inches long. The usual weight of unstrung racquets ranges from 8 to 12.5 ounces. Another important factor to consider when choosing a racquet is the head size, which ranges from 88 square inches to 137 square inches.

Before, the head of tennis racquets were made from laminated wood, which measured close to 65 square inches. After that, Prince manufactured and introduced the oversize racquet, which measured close to 110 square inches. This move eventually led to the development of other non-standard head sizes like the mid-plus size of 95 square inches as well as the midsize 90 square inches.

Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details

In the closing parts of the 1960s, Wilson launched the T2000, which was a very nice racquet made out of steel. It featured a frame with wire wound for the string loops. Former World No.1 tennis player Jimmy Connors of the U.S. made its use highly popular during those times. Weed manufactured and launched the very first oversized racquet in 1975, which was made from heavy-duty aluminum. However, Prince was credited for popularizing its use worldwide.

The use of carbon fiber or graphite composites to create racquets was introduced in the early parts of the 1980s. Aside from these materials, this period also marked the use of titanium, boron, glass fiber and ceramics. Former World No.1 tennis player John McEnroe of the U.S. made use of the Dunlop Max200G in 1983, which was made from graphite.

In an effort to give tennis players extra reach, Dunlop released longer racquets. This particular product worked well for shorter players, which enabled them to perform shots like the volley and serve more easily. Today, professional players use mid-plus or midsize racquets as the general standard. Aside from the head, it is also very important to take special notice on the stringing, which contributes a lot to the efficiency of tennis racquets.

Cricket Court Dimensions

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Cricket is a high scoring game played by two teams composed of 11 players. Cricket CourtA match in cricket is played on a grass covered field with players using a ball and a bat. In the center of the field you have what is called a pitch, which is flat strip of earth. One of the fundamentals one needs to learn in this game is the dimensions of the cricket court.

Dimensions of a Cricket Court

Pitch: The pitch is a distinct feature of the cricket court and is located at the center. You should be careful about keeping to its recommended dimensions. It is 20.12 meters in length with a width of 3.05 meters. Both ends of the pitch are bounded by a set of wickets and the bowling creases. Wickets are the wooden structures that look like stakes that have been driven in the ground with cross pieces that players call bails.

The pitch should also follow the sloping pattern of the oval but should not exceed one percent when as it slopes from the center of the cricket court. It should however be as flat as it is possible to make when you inspect the center. A good amount of fall is one that does not exceed 30 millimeters across its length.

In addition, the pitch square should be above the outfield. A bit of elevation about 75 millimeters above the outfield’s level will do quite well. This allows for proper drainage of the pitch’s surface.

Bowling Crease: The bowling crease is the line that runs through the three stumps at the end. The bowling crease has a length of 2.64 meters and has the stumps positioned at the center.

Popping Crease: The popping crease is located at the very front of the bowling crease. It is also positioned parallel to the bowling crease and is 1.22 meters wide. It’s marked 1.83 meters on either side of the stumps as a minimum.

Return Crease: The dimensions of the return crease are also relative to the stumps. It is positioned behind the popping crease at 2.44 meters. It’s positioned 1.32 meters from any side of the center of the stumps.

Cricket Field: Now that we have all the dimensions of the cricket court specified above, it will be easier to determine the measurements of the cricket field. The cricket field does not have any specifically fixed dimensions. It’s an oval shaped grassy field with a diameter that varies from 137 meters to 150 meters. Most grounds have a rope that marks the cricket field’s perimeter. The size and shape of the cricket field is relative to the dimensions of the pitch.

What are the Dimensions of a Football?

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Football is a team sports played in a football field by two competing teams that aim to score by kicking thefootball1 ball into the end of the field of the other team. In order to win the game, players should prevent their opponents from getting the ball into their side of the field. Aside from knowing the basic rules and mechanics of the game, it is necessary to learn the different dimensions of a football field to have advantages over the opposing team.

High School League, College League and the National Football League (NFL)

What are the dimensions of a football? The measurements of a football field depend on the league that uses it. For instance, the overall dimensions of fields used in the high school, college and the National Football League are the same. The length measurement should be 360 feet or 120 yards while the width measurement should be 160 feet or 53 ½ yards. The end zone depth of the fields must be 10 yards. Finally, the fields used in these leagues have field numbers of 6 foot by 4 foot for every line marker of 10 yards.

Canadian Football League (CFL)

In the Canadian Football League, the length of the field should be 450 feet or 150 yards. The width of the field used in this league is 195 feet or 65 yards. The end zone depth should measure 20 yards.

Goal Posts

The measurements of goal posts for the high school league differ in the college league, NFL and CFL. In the high school league, the height of goal posts should be 10 feet while the width must be 23 feet and four inches. For the college league, National Football League and the Canadian Football League, the height of the posts is 10 feet while the width is 23 feet and four inches.

Hash Mark

Hash marks in high school leagues have a width of 53 feet and four inches while in college leagues; the marks have a width of 40 feet. The marks at the National Football League and the Canadian Football League are 18 feet and six inches wide as well as 17 yards wide, respectively.

Other Dimensions

The other dimensions of a football are similar in all the leagues mentioned above. The end line border or the dead line border measures six feet. In order to restrain non-players from entering the playing area, all fields have restraining line that measures six inches.

Size of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is also known as Estadio Santiago Bernabeu,Santiago Bernabeu Stadium which is a football stadium found within the district of Chamartin in the City of Madrid in Spain. In 2007, it was classified as a UEFA Elite stadium. The stadium was named after Santiago Bernabeu Yeste, which is probably the most influential person in the history of the professional football club called Real Madrid. Aside from these facts, it is also good to learn the other things about this prestigious football venue including the size of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The Size of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The playing field of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium measures 107 by 72 meters. It has a maximum seating capacity of 80,354, which is home to the professional football franchise Real Madrid Club de Futbol. The playing field features a Desso GrassMaster surface, which was made from all-natural grass improved by the addition of artificial fibers. Luis Alemany Soler and Manuel Munoz Monasterio served as architects for this particular project, which opened on December 14, 1947. Meanwhile, an architect named Antonio Lamela led the expansion of this stadium.

Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is found along the Paseo de la Castellana within the district of Chamartin, which is one of the most significant places in the City of Madrid in Spain. It is situated nicely right within the heart of the city’s business district, which eventually led to more income and more fans. When it opened in December 1947, the featured game was between Portugal’s Os Belenenses and Spain’s Real Madrid Club de Futbol.

In the 2000s, then-Real Madrid President Florentino Perez led a plan to enhance the comfort as well as the quality of the facilities available inside the stadium. The plan also included the maximization of revenues. Approximately 127 Euros were invested from 2001 to 2006, which covered new VIP areas, new costumes and the addition of a new façade. Furthermore, escalators, restaurants and panoramic lifts were also added for the vast improvement of the venue. After this major renovation, the capacity of the stadium increased from 75,328 to 80,354.

The terrorist group called Euskadi Ta Askatasuna, which is more popular by the acronym ETA, conducted separate attacks on this football venue, one in 2002 and another in 2004. Perez resigned as Real Madrid President, before which he proposed a wonderful plan to create a retractable roof for the stadium. In 2008, this stadium was assigned to be the official venue for the UEFA Champions League Final in 2010.

What is the Size of a Poker Chip?

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Poker is an all-time favorite card game. It is widely Size of a Poker Chippopular in every kind of gambling arena and is increasingly getting a huge following among online casino lovers. In some gatherings, family get-togethers, and friendly reunions, poker is often adapted as a form of entertainment that helps guests go along easier. Bingo is no longer the number one social game; it was easily taken aback by poker. With more and more people getting interested to have a game or two regardless if there is a bet involved or not, the equipment usually needed at the poker table are made available in gaming stores. In this article, we will focus on an important poker stuff, the poker chip.

Poker Chips

Poker chips are those coin-like stuff that are used to bet at the poker table. They are round and are available in many different variations, sizes, colors, and textures in gaming stores.

Poker chips may be made in a wide variety of materials. There are plastic poker chips and clay poker chips among others. Of the two, the clay poker chips are what you will normally see in a casino. The feel and structure of clay poker chips give them that class appeal.

There are also different colors of poker chips that you can buy in the market. As they are also meant for entertainment purposes, poker lovers are given nice alternatives that will not only give them the feel of being in a real casino playing real poker but also the joy of doing so.

Another difference in the poker chips that can be bought in gaming stores is in the size. They can come in any size, depending on the manufacturer. Would you want to know what is the size of a poker chip that is often used at a real casino? Well, it is about 39 millimeters in diameter and about 11.5 grams in weight. That is the standard. Some casinos in Las Vegas, however, use poker chips whose weight ranges from 9 grams to 13.5 grams.

It is important to note that poker chips are identical in size in every casino, unless they are of another color. Poker chips are made uniform to give players an easier time to handle and control. It also gives them a simple way of differentiating theirs from those that belong to their opponents.

What is the size of a poker chip? The answer depends on which playing field you are in and what kind of game you are playing.

Olympic Swimming Pool Dimensions

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Swimming is one of the highly anticipated and well-participated events in the Olympic Games. olympicsizeswimmingpoolThis sport is held in a swimming pool, which is unlike the ordinary pools that can be found in backyards. It is longer and wider in terms of size. It is used for the so-called long course events, which refer to games that cover a range of 50 meters lengthwise. For people who wish to learn more about this all-important sports facility, it is good to know the different Olympic swimming pool dimensions.

Dimensions of Olympic Swimming Pools

The Federation Internationale de Natation or FINA is the organization responsible for handling worldwide competition in aquatic sports. This group is highly recognized by the prestigious International Olympic Committee. The FINA specifications for Olympic swimming pools include 8 to 10 lanes, a width of 82 feet or 25 meters and a length of 164 feet or 50 meters. The official width of each lane is 8 feet and 2 inches or 2.5 meters.

In addition, there is also an official water temperature, which usually stands somewhere in between 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. In terms of depth, this type of pool must be at least 6 feet and 7 inches or 2.0 meters. In terms of water volume, this particular type of swimming facility must have at least 660,000 U.S. gallons. However, this may change depending on the depth of the pool.

Additional Information and Other Interesting Details

Primarily, there are two extra lanes outside the first and eighth lanes, thus the total number of lanes is 10. They are always empty even during game time. In terms of width, each of these two additional lanes measures 8 feet and 2 inches or 2.5 meters. Lengthwise, the measurement of each lane is 164 feet or 50 meters, which usually covers the area between the touch pads.

Aside from the long course pool, there is also a so-called short course swimming pool. This kind of pool has a length of only 25 meters, unlike the 50 meter-measurement that is set for an Olympic size swimming pool. As the major sports organization responsible for handling international aquatic sports, the motto of FINA is ‘Water Is Our World.’ It was founded some time in 1908. Today, it lists more than 200 countries as members. Its current president is Julio Cesar Maglione.

The main headquarters of this prestigious sports organization is in Lausanne, Switzerland. Member countries are divided into various groups, namely the Oceania Swimming Association, European Swimming League, Amateur Swimming Union of the Americas, African Swimming Confederation as well as Asian Amateur Swimming Federation.

Snowboard Sizing Chart

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

The following snowboard sizing chart is a general guide to enable you to pick the right board. The basic formula is your height in inches x 2.54 x 0.88 = the recommended board length.

Snowboard Sizing Guide

For a rider 4′2", the board length should be around 114 -120 cm. If you’re 4′4", the board length is 115 – 125 cm and for those 4.6", it is 118 – 135 cm. If you are 4.8", the board range is 120 – 135 cm. If you are 4′10", the board range is 125 – 140 cm.

Those who stand 5 feet will do fine with a 130 – 142 cm range; for those who stand 5′2", the board length is 135 – 145 cm. This snowboard sizing chart recommends a 140 – 148 cm range for those 5′4".

For those whose height is 5.6", the range is 145 -152 cm. Those who stand 5′8" should use a 147 -155 cm board range. For those who stand 5′10", the range is 154- 163 cm.

Individuals who stand 6′0" should go for a 157-165 cm range. The board length range for those 6′1" is 160-168 cm. If you stand 6′2"+, the board length range is 159 cm or greater.

Snowboard Width Guide

If the boot size is 8 or smaller, the board width is 24 cm or less. If the boot size is 8.5 – 10.5, the board width is 24 – 26 cm. If the boot size is 10.5 or bigger, the board width is 26 cm or bigger.

A snowboard sizing chart for board width is absolutely necessary. If the board is narrow, the heel and toe will drag out. If the board is too wide, there won’t be enough pressure on the heel and toe edge.
Gender

Along the figures cited earlier, the gender has to be assessed too. For women’s boards, the foot size, their weight and gravity center have to be accounted for.

Ability

There are beginner and advanced snowboards. The more advanced models have more technological innovations built in to help the rider maximize the ride. The beginners’ snowboard is more safety oriented. A rider should always choose a snowboard based on their current capability.

Other Factors to Consider

There are other elements to consider other than the figures in a snowboard sizing chart. There is the weight for instance. If you are heavy and pick a board that’s too short, the board will be unresponsive. A light individual that gets on a long board will have a hard time making turns.

Of course the budget is also a factor. Looking around online will help you determine which the best value is for your money. No matter where you buy though, you should not forget about the length and width recommendations suggested earlier.

Some snowboards are built for machine made and hard pack snow. Others are built for groomed and natural snow. Some snowboards can work in some or all of these conditions.

The bottom line is that along with a snowboard sizing chart, these factors have to be mulled over too.

How Big is ESPN?

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

A cable television network owned by Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company, ESPN, which stands for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, was launched on 7 September 1979. The primary reason for launching the network was to produce and broadcast sports-related television programs. It has offices in North Carolina, California, Washington and New York. To know the present size of the network, it is important to have ideas about the number of television programs produced and broadcasted by ESPN from 1979 to present.

The Size of the Television Network

How big is ESPN? ESPN television programs are categorized into four, namely news shows, talk shows, original series and game telecasts. The network has 25 news shows, which include “College GameDay,” “College Football Scoreboard,” “Midnight Madness” and “Monday Night Countdown.” It broadcasts 10 talk shows like “Outside the Lines Sunday,” “Pardon the Interruption” and “Best of Mike and Mike.”

The television network broadcasts 12 original series including “The Bronx Is Burning,” “NBA Live: Bring It Home,” “Madden Nation” and “The New American Sportsman.” It features 23 game telecasts like “Sunday Night Baseball,” “Throwdown Thursday” and “Monday Night Baseball.”

The size of ESPN can also be determined by identifying the number of formerly broadcasted television programs. From 1984 to 2006, the TV network broadcasted 10 news programs including “College Basketball’s Greatest Games,” “RPM 2Night,” “Baseball 2Day” and “SpeedWeek.” In addition, it featured 8 talk shows like “Unscripted with Chris Connelly,” “Outside the Lines Nightly” and “Cold Pizza.”

ESPN broadcasted 18 original series from 2000 to 2007, which include “Bill Walton’s Long Strange Trip,” “I’d Do Anything,” “It’s the Shoes” and “Stump the Schwab.” The network broadcasted 7 game telecasts from 1979 to 2006, which include “MLS Soccer Saturday,” “BodyShaping” and “Tuesday Night Fights.”

Aside from television programs, ESPN also launched 11 movies from 2002 to 2008. The motion pictures produced by the network include “A Season on the Brink,” “3: The Dale Earnhardt Story,” “Code Breakers,” “Through the Fire” and “Once in a Lifetime.”

Finally, to determine the size of the network, it is important to have ideas about the total number of ESPN sister channels. As of 2009, this television network has 11 channels, which include TSN and ESPN Plus.

Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details

The first television program launched by the network was “SportsCenter.” To attract viewers in 1979, ESPN broadcasted sports events that were not seen on weekends like American rules football as well as college football games. In the 1980s, it broadcasted professional sports events including the National Football League, Major League Baseball and National Hockey League. ESPN expanded in the 1990s and introduced affiliate channels such as ESPN Classic.

Dimensions of a Full Size Pool Table

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

Also called pocket billiards, pool is a fun and enjoyable game that is basically played on a pool table. Along the rails of this playing equipment, there are six pockets or receptacles. Except for the cue ball, the primary goal of the game is to shoot billiard balls right into these pockets. Some of the games that can be played here are the nine-ball, straight pool and eight-ball. In addition to these fun and challenging games, it is also possible to play the two-player game called one-pocket on this type of table. To understand it better, it is good to know the dimensions of a full size pool table.

The Full Size Pool Table Dimensions

Pool tables are available in different sizes. The first known size is the 7-foot table. Not recognized by the World Pool-Billiard Association, its dimensions are 76 inches by 38 inches. Slightly bigger than this, the 8-foot version is one of the two recognized tables of the World Pool-Billiard Association for international competitions. It has a 92-inch by 46-inch playing surface. The third size is the 9-foot table. Compared to the smaller two sizes, it has a bigger 100-inch by 50-inch playing surface.

Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details

Aside from the playing surface, the pockets are also very important. They are comprised of either plastic or leather rims, with leather bags attached to each of them. The purpose of the bags is to catch the billiard balls. Based on the rules set by the World Pool-Billiard Association for tournament games, a pool table must have a bed made out of slate. In terms of thickness, this part must be no more than an inch. Other alternatives to the use of slate as bed include synthetic materials as well as medium-density fiberboard.

Right on the rails of a pool table, there are special markings, which are often called diamonds or sights. The purpose of these things is to help players aim kick shots and bank shots. In every long rail, there are usually six diamonds available. On every short rail, expect to find three diamonds. With the aid of these sights, the playing surface can be divided equally into squares, which can help players make shots easier and more accurately.

All in all, there are six pockets in every pool table. On every corner, there is one each. Collectively, these holes are called corner pockets. Besides these four pockets, there are two more holes, which are located one on every side of the longer sides of the table. You can easily locate them at the middle point of each side. Collectively, they are often referred to as side pockets.

Dimensions of a Hockey Puck

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

Aside from the hockey stick, ice skates and protective gears, the hockey puck is also one of the primary components of hockey games. While ball games such as basketball and soccer make use of ball, this device serves the very same purpose for the different types of hockey games. Furthermore, it is also featured in less popular game variations such as underwater hockey as well as roller hockey. For a better understanding of this all-important device, it is good to know the dimensions of a hockey puck.

The Standard Size of Hockey Pucks

In terms of thickness, a standard hockey puck usually measures 25 millimeters or 1 inch. Likewise, it has a diameter of 76 millimeters or 3 inches. Its weight ranges from 160 grams to 170 grams or 5.5 ounces to 6 ounces. In some cases, pucks can be lighter or heavier than the standard weight. For the purpose of training, players can experience using pucks that are as heavy as 283 grams or 10 ounces. For younger players, a different type of puck is commonly used, which is a lighter version. This type of puck has a blue color and weighs only 113 grams or 4 ounces.

Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details

Vulcanized rubber is the basic material used to create pucks for hockey games. The standard color is black, which usually features league logos or team insignias silkscreened on both sides of every disk. Historically, ice hockey is believed to have evolved from bandy, which is a field hockey game that originated in Great Britain. This kind of game is actually played outdoors during the winter season.

When the game arrived in North America, a ball is used instead of a puck. Furthermore, its rules were called Canadian rules bandy. As the game progressed, the ball was changed into a puck by cutting the top part as well as the bottom part of it. The main reason behind this is that a wooden ball is unsuitable for a surface made out of hard ice.

Nowadays, it is a regular practice among game organizers to put the puck inside the ref for freezing, specifically a few hours before a scheduled game. By doing this, it becomes easier to control by reducing its bounciness during game time.

Besides the standard black-colored puck, other versions are available, one of which is the blue-colored variant. Because it is lighter compared to the black puck, this version is usually associated with individuals who are still undergoing training. For those who wish to strengthen wrist, game experts recommend the use of steel pucks, the weight of which is approximately 900 grams or 2 pounds.