Yesterday,
we examined a scene in which bitterness was a poison. Today, let’s
consider another useful illustration that will help us understand the
effects of resentment.
Hebrews 12:15 describes bitterness as a
root. Where do you find roots? They are underground, gathering water and
nutrients from the soil around them. Without the root, the vegetation
would collapse and die.
Can you see how this image parallels your
spiritual life? Perhaps you have a root of bitterness in the soil of
your heart. Does the fact that it’s unseen mean that it is inert and
harmless? Absolutely not! The root is doing its job—sucking the life
from you to strengthen a cynical and hateful weed.
Thankfully,
there’s a solution to the problem. “Once you were full of darkness,” the
apostle Paul tells us, “but now you have light from the Lord. So live
as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good
and right and true” (Eph. 5:8-9 NLT). To kill a weed, you need to dig
it up by the root. Pull the source of your resentment out of its hiding
place. Bring it into the light and then throw it away for good.
Lacrosse is a fast moving sport, and it is also fast growing.
If you or someone you know yearns to learn how to play lacrosse, the
following procedures briefs you on the basics of this sport. But first,
let us take a good short look about lacrosse.
Each opposing teams on a lacrosse field is composed of 10 players, so
a field has a total of 20 players. Each team is composed of 3
attackmen, 3 middies, 3 defensemen and 1 goalie.
A game is divided into 4 quarters like basketball, and like all other
games, the team scoring the most points at the end of the game emerge
as winner.
A player earns a score by shooting the ball from their stick’s pocket into the opponent team’s goal.
The lacrosse ball is a solid rubber ball about the size of a baseball.
An opponent team can dispossess you of your ball either by hitting
you with their stick or with their body. A player has to cradle to
prevent the ball from falling out.
It is important that a middie make an outside shooting. The defense
can shift their game completely if threatened by a good outside
shooting.
A player who has the ball can get past the defenseman by using different dodges such as face doge, split dodge, and bull dodge.
The procedures below outlines step by step the proper way of playing lacrosse.
CHOOSING YOUR STICK. A branded lacrosse stick is quite expensive. If
you just want to learn how to play, go to your local sports store, where
a basic stick won’t cost you as much as a branded stick. There are
three main components of a stick. The Head- this is the piece at the top
of the stick used for controlling the ball. The Mesh- this is the rope
suff inside the head, also known as the stringing. Finally, The Shaft-
it was traditionally made out of wood, but nowadays they are made of
strong metal alloys and have varying weights and strength. If your right
hand is your good hand, put your left hand on the bottom and right hand
on top. Switch for your left hand.
LEARN HOW TO CRADLE. A necessary skill that is important to lacrosse
is cradling, which is the equivalent of dribbling in basketball.
Cradling is the technique of getting past the defense man without him
taking the ball out of your stick. Use centripetal force to keep your
ball in place by a curling motion with your wrist. This is best done in
front of a mirror while starting. Place the ball in your pocket (the
area where the ball sits in your mesh) and hold your dominant hand a few
inches below the head. Begin with the head facing the mirror so you can
see the ball. Now bring the head across your face while curling the
wrist. Keep practicing until you are get used to it. If you find it hard
to get the hang of it, try watching some lacrosse dvds until you are
familiar with all the game’s moves and techniques.
LEARN TO PASS. In lacrosse, passing is one of the most critical
skills to succeed in the game. Passing is used to move the ball up
field, catch your opponent out of position while hitting your teammate
for an assist, or get yourself out of pressure. Make the head next to
your ear and ruffle your wrist of your top while pulling your bottom
hand towards you. Don't let it hook around your neck. Be sure to go
through with the motion. Eventually, you will get used to how your stick
throws and can then adjust the way you throw to be more accurate. You
can imp[rove your skills in lacrosse by is getting to a brick wall and
playing "wall ball." stand a few feet from the wall and throw the ball
against it. Practice catching as the ball bounces back towards you.
BE A GOOD CATCHER. Catching is about hand-eye coordination. Catch
the ball in your stick and make sure you don't cradle as it enters your
stick. This is called cradle catching and is done by beginners. Instead
of cradling, just release your grip on your top hand and as the ball
enters the stick give and ease the ball into the stick. Again, wall ball
practice is recommended.
GAMES ARE WON AND LOST IN GROUND BALLS, that's a fact. While
approaching the ball step to it place your foot near the ball. Sink your
hips and put your head parallel to the ground. The butt of your stick
have to get down low as well. Scoop through and bring the head to your
face. Immediately look for an outlet to a team mate.
PASS, CATCH. AND CRADLE USING BOTH HANDS. Using both hands requires
patience, and you have to practice over and over again to learn this
skill. A good way to improve your off-hand skills is to look at what
your dominant hand is doing. Mirror the way you are passing. Go through
the same motions. After doing this, spend a week of practice using
nothing but your non-dominant hand. During line drills, 6v6, fast break,
only use your off-hand. This will be very frustrating, but keep doing
it. It will go a long way in improving your skills.
Noel Guntan is a write for Mondex Professionals US. His current area of interest is in sports supplies and sporting goods
Picture
a man hunched over a chemistry set, adding a pinch of this and a dash
of that to the unpleasant green fluid before him. He is thinking of
someone who harmed him, replaying all the perceived slights and hurts,
and is concocting a poison to repay the offender.
His work
finished, he breathes a sigh of relief and takes the beaker in his
hands, marveling at what’s been created. “This will show him,” the man
says, and then drinks the bitter brew himself.
That’s a
surprising twist, to be sure. Yet there is a good chance you’ve
essentially done this very thing at one time or another.
Bitterness
is a poison that we prepare for someone else but then drink ourselves.
It is something we often carefully nurture and grow over the years. If
someone hurts us—whether intentionally or unintentionally—and we begin
to fantasize of a thousand and one ways to get payback, all we are doing
is destroying our own heart and mind. Thankfully, our faith presents a
better way to live. Rather than nurture hate, we can “turn from evil and
do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).
Are you looking to take your basketball game to the next level? To become a true force on the court, you must master the art of defense.
With the right techniques, drills, and strategies, your team can become
an elite defense capable of shutting down even the toughest opponents.
Defense
is often an overlooked aspect of the game, overshadowed by the glamour
of scoring and offensive prowess. However, a team's defensive
performance can make all the difference between average results and
achieving greatness on the court. As a basketball coach, educating your
team on multiple defenses such as zone defense, press defense, and packline defense can give you an advantage.
Developing
a strong defensive mindset and instilling effective defensive
principles in your players can lay the foundation for success. In this
article, we will explore the drills and strategies that can help elevate
your team's defensive capabilities to an elite level. From individual
defensive skills to team concepts and game planning, we will provide
valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your team's defensive
prowess.
UConn head basketball coach Dan Hurley
mentions the core principles of an elite defense, and toughness is a
crucial component. Toughness on defense stands as an essential
characteristic that separates great teams from merely good ones in the
realm of basketball. The defensive end of the court demands players to
exhibit unwavering determination, physicality, and mental resilience.
Within
the context of basketball, defensive possessions are moments of truth
that put teams' drive to the test. It is during these instances that the
true value of toughness on defense becomes apparent. Possession after
possession, players must summon their inner strength, exhibiting
quickness and agility to keep up with the relentless offensive attacks.
In
this demonstration, Coach Hurley presents a basketball drill designed
to enhance and assess toughness. Positioned at the top of the key, he
prompts a defender to challenge the ball handler's movement toward
either side. Coach Hurley emphasizes the significance of physicality in
this exercise, urging the defender to exert pressure by directing their
chest into the ball handler's shoulder, ensuring they remain in front at
any cost. This drill effectively enhances defensive recovery skills and
communication on defense. To learn more about 2023 NCAA Champion Coach
Dan Hurley’s and UConn’s defensive principles, click here!
1-2-2 Defense
Former Villanova men’s head coach Jay Wright's
1-2-2 defense is a formidable strategy designed to stifle opponents and
disrupt their offensive flow. This defensive formation is characterized
by its unique positioning of players, creating a barrier that is
difficult for the opposing team to penetrate.
One of the
notable strengths of the 1-2-2 defense is its ability to limit dribble
penetration. The defenders in the wings work in tandem to close off
driving lanes and deny easy access to the basket. Their positioning and
communication enable them to effectively switch and provide support,
discouraging opponents from attacking the middle. Simultaneously, the
defenders near the baseline act as the last line of defense, contesting
shots and securing rebounds.
The 1-2-2 defense is also
renowned for its versatility. It can be modified and adjusted to address
specific offensive threats or take advantage of a team's weaknesses
when playing the opposition. Based on scouting reports, coaches can
adjust player positioning and duties, which enables the defense to
successfully counter various offensive schemes.
Coach
Wright showcases Villanova's 1-2-2 full-court press, a dynamic defensive
strategy that aims to overpower opponents and generate turnovers. This
press defense positions defenders strategically, with one player
pressuring the inbound pass, two guarding the wings, and two near the
baseline. By employing this aggressive approach, Jay Wright's teams
create chaos, confusion, and rushed decisions among opponents, resulting
in steals, deflections, and turnovers that lead to scoring chances. To
learn more about the Hall of Fame head coach’s defense at Villanova,
click here!
Defending the Pick and Roll
Defending
the pick-and-roll effectively requires a coordinated effort from the
ball defenders, screener defender, and other defenders on the court. By
employing tactics such as pressure, physical effort, navigation of
screens, consistent ball pursuit, and smart decision-making, teams can
neutralize the pick-and-roll offense. USC Women's Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasizes these key strategies for each defender position.
The
ball defenders play a crucial role in defending the pick-and-roll. They
need to apply pressure on the ball handler, using physical effort to
disrupt their rhythm and limit their options. To navigate the screen,
ball defenders must communicate with their teammates, making early and
loud calls to initiate switches or defensive rotations. By maintaining
consistent ball pursuit, they can stay engaged with the ball handler and
minimize passing lanes. If they get temporarily beaten by the screen,
their priority is to quickly recover and get back in front of the ball
to contest shots.
On the other hand, the screener defender
is crucial in preventing the pick-and-roll. They must inform their
teammates of the impending screen and the defensive covering strategy,
so early and clear communication is essential. The screener defender can
successfully block the offensive player's rolling route if they are in
the appropriate place before the screen is set.
The
remaining defenders on the court must exhibit solid early rotations to
provide help defense and cover potential gaps. However, they must avoid
overhelping, as it can create open scoring opportunities for opponents.
Two-way stunts should be avoided, meaning they should refrain from
leaving their assigned offensive player to help defend the pick-and-roll
excessively. Click here to learn more about Coach Lindsay Gittlieb’s theories on defending the pick and roll.
Conclusion
Mastering
the art of defense is essential for taking your basketball game to the
next level. Offense frequently takes center stage, but defense can be
the deciding factor in winning championships. USC Women's Head Coach
Lindsay Gottlieb shares valuable insights on defending the
pick-and-roll, emphasizing pressure, navigation of screens, and
consistent ball pursuit. Meanwhile, Jay Wright's 1-2-2 defense, which he
used to coach the men's team at Villanova, is renowned for suffocating
opponents and forcing turnovers. By implementing these strategies and
techniques, your team can become a dominant force on defense, shutting
down even the toughest opponents.
Let’s
continue using Paul’s prayer as a model. Yesterday, we made note of the
first two requests. Now let’s consider the other four. In Colossians 1,
Paul prays that his brothers and sisters would:
• Bear fruit in every good work
(v. 10)—The Lord desires that our actions bring Him glory. We all seem
to be very busy, but the amount of work isn’t what matters. Instead, we
must be sure that the things we do are eternally valuable.
• Grow in the knowledge of God (v.
10)—The apostle’s request is not merely for believers to gain facts
regarding Christ. He speaks of a deeper understanding in the heart.
• Be strengthened according to His power (v. 11)—Having endurance and focus in the midst of life’s trials requires God’s strength. Our own simply isn’t enough.
• Walk in gratitude
(v. 12)—When we realize where all good gifts originate, we live with
thankfulness. Contentment and joy come from a grateful heart, not our
circumstances.
Life is busy, so prayer often gets squeezed out of
our schedules. We must always remember that lifting our loved ones
before God’s throne is far more important than any other task.
When you know how to move swiftly, you can dominate virtually
any sport you play. Whether you play football, run track, play soccer
or basketball, increasing your speed and agility will dramatically
improve your game. Learning the techniques for getting faster is not
just for running sports. Sure, when an individual thinks about getting
faster, he or she normally thinks of running. In the majority of popular
sports, a player will use his or her legs the most, but other sports
exist where running is not prevalent, but speed is still important.
Swimming
In this sport, you are using almost all your body parts. You also
need to constantly work against the resistance of the water, and this is
not an easy task. Swimmers who learn to get faster will discover
strength training techniques that will help them glide through the
water. These techniques will also help them improve their starting time
so they can have a serious advantage over their opponents.
Self Defense
Any athlete involved in a sport where defending yourself is the main
objective will benefit from getting faster. This includes boxing and
wrestling along with the martial arts. Being fast will allow the person
to stay on their feet and dodge attacks effectively. If the fight goes
to the ground, the person will be fast enough to remain in a dominant
position.
Gymnastics
Most gymnasts need a running start in order to do certain handsprings
and somersaults. correctly. They also need to develop strength to
perform on pommel horses, parallel bars, and trampolines. Speed training
methods can help gymnasts improve their performances so they can be
much more entertaining. This is particularly good for rhythmic gymnasts
who need to be entertaining and accurate as well.
Hitters
Any player involved in a hitting sport can benefit from becoming
faster. These sports include baseball, golf, tennis, racquetball, and
even ping pong. Players who have fast swings will usually be very tough
to defeat. In baseball and golf, a fast swing will allow the ball to
travel far distances. In tennis and similar games, fast swings and
movements allow players to dominate their opponents.
Speed is a great strength for a player to have, no matter what type
of sport they play. Learning the techniques for getting faster is not
just for runners, soccer players, and football players. If the sport
involves moving in any way, the athlete can benefit from becoming
faster. It is an asset that can turn any player into a consistent
winner.
Learn how to get faster regardless of what sport you play, visit the ultimate resource for getting faster Ways To Get Faster today!
Think
about a time when you received praise from a parent, a teacher, or an
employer. How did you feel? Did it make you glad or uncomfortable? For
many people, praise is nearly as difficult to handle as criticism.
Because God’s Word instructs us to be humble (Matthew 18:4; Philippians 2:3), we may sometimes feel confused about how to receive compliments. Here are three ways to respond:
1. Acknowledge the comment by thanking the person. Don’t explain why you are unworthy of praise or try to deflect such kindness. The Lord is using that person to bless you!
2. Identify and acknowledge the character quality that led the other person to commend you. Perhaps
he or she sees something you’ve missed (and that God wants you to be
aware of). Remember, believers are called to “encourage one another and
build one another up” in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
3. Share what the encouragement means to you personally. Scripture says that “pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). Tell the other person how much you’ve been blessed by his or her attention and care. After all, praise can go both ways.
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