Pressure

I can't remember who said it, but an athlete once said: "you are lucky to be in situations of pressure." Why would pressure ever be good to have? But then again, I can somewhat agree. When the pressure is put on someone, those are often the best games or matches and produce the sport heroes we remember. In terms of spectating, the games filled with the most pressure and the close games are the best to watch.

However, what about when we are actually playing the game? Would one rather have a big blowout win or a close game throughout? That is a tough scenario. The blowout win is nice because, well obviously, you win. But the close game seems to be better-for pride and the sense of real competition. But there are always times when the team feels like they just squeaked out a win which isn't any better either. The pressure can either cause a team to rise up to its potential, or it can crack a team that has never seen a challenge before. Is pressure good or bad in sports?

Sport vs. instinct

first things first, i retract my statement of wisconsin being pure domination over northwestern. if any of you went to the game, you know it was actually very close-surprisingly.

Next up, as i've been talking to my friends over the past couple of days, I can't help but think of the mental aspect of sport. How important is it? In my opinion, it is very important. But some people suggest that it is highly overrated. Can a sport be played on pure instinct without thinking it through? Does a player trash-talking have any affect in that sense? Does that make sense?

When it comes to sports like football and basketball, i feel those can be played more on instinct and passion. But when there are more mental games like golf or tennis, mental aspects of the game are very clear. You can not let yourself beat you up. That can even be argued for basketball, football, or baseball. When things go bad, it seems to keep going bad-and why is that? My guess is purely mental. If one believes he or she can't, he or she can't.
My coach once said to me that sports are 80% mental, 15% skill, and 5% luck. Now these might not be the exact percentages, but how accurate is it to say that sports really are mental?

Week in Review

First things first-Tim Tebow rules. Go Florida for shocking the world and finally getting some respect. I know there are arguments of whether they belonged there, but they way they handled OSU says something. And Tim Tebow is goign to lead them next year again!

Secondly, David Beckham has signed a deal with LA Galaxy today. He is leavign competitive Europe/Real Madrid for MLS. why would he ever do this? besides the lucrative contract, he seems to have lost interest in his sport and the reason why he did it in the first place. How many times is a player willing to sell out for money? A-rod, carlos lee, T.O., barry bonds, etc. and now david beckham? I'm tired of these players saying all they want is a championship but wont settle for a cut in the paycheck. Is sports done for love or money?

Looking ahead:
For those looking for something to look forward to, Wisconsin visits NU this weekend. If you wanna see pure dominance, go watch it. For something different, the australian open starts next monday. Depending on the time change, tennis can be quite exhilerating to watch. Roger Federer plays the game as it should be played.

Philosophy of Sport

What does that phrase mean to me? I do think it sounds a little strange. I've heard of sport psychology and mentality involved in sports, but never philosophy. In my mind, sports do have deeper meanings and connotations. I guess I just never thought of them honestly. This area interests me because I would rather write about sports than about the geology of a rock or any of those other options. I am intrigued as to how this class will make me view and value sports in other ways.