Spain national football team

The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Basque. The Spanish side is commonly referred to as La Furia Roja (The Red Fury) or La Roja (The Red [One]).


Spain are the current reigning World and European champions, having won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship. Spain also won the 1964 European Nations' Cup and reached the UEFA Euro 1984 Final. In July 2008 Spain rose to the top of the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in the team's history, becoming the sixth nation to top this ranking, and the first nation to top the ranking without previously having won the World Cup. Between November 2006 and June 2009 Spain went undefeated for a record-tying 35 consecutive matches before their loss to the United States, a record shared with Brazil, including a record 15-game winning streak and thus earning third place in the FIFA Confederations Cup. Recently, the team has become known for using a style of play which involves roaming movement and positional interchange amongst midfielders, moving the ball in intricate patterns, and sharp, one- or two-touch passing; this style of play has been dubbed Tiki-taka (or Tiqui-taca), which is also associated with FC Barcelona.

Uniform Kit

Spain's traditional kit is a red jersey with yellow trim accompanied by dark blue shorts and socks while their traditional away kit is a full white kit with red and yellow trim. The colour of the socks changed throughout the 1990s from black to the same colour as the blue short. Spain's kits have been made by manufacturers including Adidas (from 1982 until 1984), Le Coq Sportif (from 1984 until 1992) and again Adidas (since 1992).


Their current home kit designed by a team led by Daniel Newlan at Adidas, is a lighter red than usual along with light blue shorts and red socks, similar to the older 2006 kit. A third kit is sometimes used and is usually blue with red and yellow trim (used currently as change kit). Rather than displaying the logo of the Spanish football federation, Spain's jersey traditionally features the coat of arms of Spain over the left breast. After winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup was added the FIFA Champions Badge as current World Champions and a golden star at the top of the emblem.

Baseball bat

A baseball bat is a smooth wooden or metal club used in the game of baseball to hit the ball after the ball is thrown by the pitcher. It is no more than 2.75 inches in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches (1067 mm) in length. It typically weighs no more than 33 ounces (1 kg). The batter uses the bat two-handed to try to hit a pitched ball fair so that he may become a runner, advance bases, and ultimately score a run or help preceding runners to score.



2011 COMBAT BASEBALL BATS

Combats first steps in 2010 have been backwards. They’re trying to recover from a poor 2011 model year by bringing back what created the buzz a few years ago in a new name and package.

Combat B3

It appears Combat has abandoned the B2 and its and is essentially bringing back the B1 as the B3. The B2’s nanocomp and MAP technologies have disappeared, essentially making this bat very similiar if not identical to the B1. As of early March it only appears to be available in youth models. It has the same single wall, stiff handle balanced design.




2011 EASTON BASEBALL BATS

I have to hand it to Easton. The NCAA bans composite bats in college baseball, so what does Easton do? The re-adjust their Stealth Speed, 100 % composite bat, and get it approved! It is the first composite bat that is approved for use in the upcoming 2010 NCAA season. If I’m ever indicted for murder my first choice for someone to represent me is Easton. These guys will do anything to sell a bat. But after this news it looks like their remaining 2011 bats are a repeat of the 2010 models. You can pre-order the bats now but they do not go on sale until April 3. Oh yeah, I’m not crazy about the look of the 2011 Easton line-up. It’s a sophomoric look that makes the bats look cheap.

Easton Stealth Speed II BSS1, BSS2 and BSS3

Let’s start with the BSS1 and BSS2. These are identical to the 2010 Easton Speed bats. They are 100% composite, two-piece bat with a slightly end-loaded design (MOI of 80). The difference between the BSS1 and BSS2 is the handle flex. The BSS1 has a flex handle (75) and the BSS2 a stiff handle (95). The BSS3 is Easton’s answer to the NCAA’s composite bat ban. They most likely re-layered the composite material in a manner where it does not break in any farther. The NCAA’s concern was that the BESR rating for a new composite bat crossed the line once it broke in a month or so later. This apparently solves the problem. Like the other Speed II’s it is a 100 composite two-piece bat with a MOI of 80. It is only available in a 33” model and there is no reason to purchase the BSS3 unless you’re in college. The BSS1/2 have white grips while the BSS3 has a black grip. This was probably done to distinguish the one approved for college play. They all retail for $399 for the Adult -3 model.

Easton Surge XL

Say hello to the SV12. The Surge is the SV12 with a different label and color. It’s a two-piece bat with a composite handle, Easton’s V12 alloy barrel, and a balanced design (MOI of 70). I’ve only seen the stiff handle version, but I’m assuming there will be a flex handle version also. The Adult -3 model retails for $299, the same as the SV12 last year.





Easton Rival XL

The Rival is identical to the 2010 V12. A 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle and low swing weight (MOI) of 60. I’ve only seen the Senior model at the present time. I’d guess the Adult -3 will retail for $199, as the 2010 V12 did.

2011 Demarini Baseball Bats

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Demarini’s line-up has been popular over the last several years and they’ve decided not to mess with it for the 2011 model year. They’re sticking to their bread and butter, two-piece, flex handle bats with their “half and half” technology. The only change being the “rotation index”. These are markings on the handle to help you grip the bat in a different spot and supposedly prolong bat life. Here’s a look at their 2011 bats:

CF4

The CF4 is a two-piece, double wall, 100% composite bat with a flex handle and extremely low swing weight (MOI). It is made with Demarini’s top tier composite, pitch black and is identical to the 2010 model. They say they added more silver trace technology, but they made the same claim last year. It’s made with Demarini’s pitch black plus composite, half and half technology and “hub” end cap. The CF4 is very popular but some do not like the extremely low swing weight. The Adult -3 retails for $399.99 putting it in the high end composite category. If you like this bat you can save a few dollars by finding the gold 2010 model.

Vendetta C6

The C6 is a two-piece, single wall, 100% composite bat with a flex handle and balanced design. It is made with Demarini’s second tier composite material, C6 and, hence, is their second tier composite bat. As the others, it is identical to the 2010 model. The Adult -3 retails for $299.99 putting it in line with the other second tier composite bats.

Voodoo Black

The Voodoo Black is a two-piece, single wall hybrid baseball bat with a flex handle and balanced design. The handle is made with Demarini’s pitch black composite material and the barrel with their SC4 alloy. It is Demarini’s top tier hybrid bat, and is identical to the 2010 Voodoo (except for a new knob). The Adult -3 retails for $299.99 putting it in line with the other top tier hybrid bats. Same story here, if you like this bat find the 2010 model and save a few dollars.

Vendetta

The Vendetta is a two-piece, single wall hybrid bat with a balanced design and flex handle. It has Demarini’s C6 composite handle, with the rail technology, and a SC4 alloy barrel. The Adult -3 model retails for $249.99. You’re essentially paying an additional $50 over the Vexxum to have the rails technology in the handle.

Vexxum

The old standby Vexxum is a two-piece, hybrid bat with a balanced design and flex handle. It has Demarini’s C6 composite handle and a SC4 alloy barrel. 100% alloy bat with a flex handle and balanced design. The Adult -3 retails for $199.99. A solid low cost bat.

M2M

The M2M is a two-piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff (that’s right, I said stiff and Demarini in the same sentence) handle, end-loaded (you read it right) design. It is made with Demarini’s SC4 alloy. This is Demarini’s answer to the stiff handle Louisville stands by and Easton has integrated into their line-up. It retails on the high end, $249.99 for the Adult -3 model and is identical to the 2010 model.



2011 RAWLINGS BASEBALL BATS

If you can’t beat them, copy their design and steal their name! This seems to be Rawlings strategy for the 2011 model year. Their first 2011entry is a hybrid bat called the 5150 Exogrid. Yeah, that’s right the EXOGRID! The exact name and design of Louisville’s best selling bat for the last several 4 years. I don’t know if this will replace or compliment their 2010 5150 hybrid which, by the way, had the exact design as Louisville’s 2010 H2 hybrid bat.

When K2 (parent company Jarden) bought Rawlings in 2003, Rawlings did not have bat manufacturing facilities. K2 quickly purchased Worth and Miken which provided the manufacturing facilities. So someone was making Rawlings bats (including their somewhat popular Liquid Metal model) at the time of purchase. This begs the question was Louisville manufacturing their bats, and do they still have a manufacturing agreement? We do know Louisville had an interest in purchasing Rawlings prior to K2. I just would have assumed Rawlings bats were moved to the Miken/Worth manufacturing lines soon after Miken & Worth were acquired by K2. Here’s what we know about Rawling’s 2011 line-up:

2011 5150 Exogrid

It’s a single wall, two-piece hybrid bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. As mentioned the Exogrid name and design were taken directly from Louisville. The Adult -3 retails for $299.99, which is $70 less than the 2010 Louisville Exogrid. At least they didn’t copy Louisville’s price. The composite material is inserted into the bat handle just like Louisville’s Exogrid. It is a change from the 2010 Rawlings hybrid which had the composite handle bonded to the alloy bat (just like Louisville’s H2). Their main selling point is “Ph.D technology” which is supposed to reduce vibration. This essentially means nothing. It has the same 5150 alloy barrel as their 2010 5150 alloy and hybrid models. The real question is not about this bat, it’s will Louisville continue with their Exogrid in 2011 and what will the price be?







2011 Louisville Baseball Bats

Louisville has made some minor changes to their alloy for the 2011 model year. They’ve replaced their long standing ST+20 alloy with their new AC21 Scandium alloy. They claim it’s stronger and offers a better bond with a composite handle. Since it’s only available on their hybrid models I’d say that’s the only reason they made the change. Here are the 2011 Louisville bats:





Triton

Let’s all be thankful they’ve changed the color of the 2011 Triton. It’s the same 3-piece bat made from Louisville’s 3X composite material that is “bonded into a 1-piece bat” via their bubble transition zone. The retail price remains at $399.99 for the Adult -3 model. If you like this bat you’ll save about $100 by picking up the 2010 model on the discount rack (if you can stomach the gold and blue design). Not bad for the exact same bat.



TPX Dynasty

This is Louisville’s second tier composite bat. It’s been around for awhile in a variety of names; Catalyst, Omaha Comp. It’s still a one-piece, stiff handle bat with a balanced design made with their 7C composite. The news is that they’ve price lower this year. I saw the Adult -3 model listed at $207.99 which is a fantastic price. This is a very good choice for those who want a composite bat but don’t want to break the bank. .

H2

It’s a two-piece bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. The handle is made from their 3x composite and the barrel from their new AC21 alloy. Otherwise it’s the same as the 2010 and 2009 models. The two pieces are bonded together making it appear like a one-piece bat. The Adult -3 model retail price stays at $299.99 for 2011. You may remember this bat was introduced in 2009 with a retail price of $369! It didn’t take Louisville long to figure out it was overpriced.

Exogrid 2

Louisville’s best selling bat is back for a fifth year. There is a slight change for 2011 as they have changed the alloy to their new AC21. The really big news is Rawlings release of their own Exogrid in 2011 (see Rawlings reviews). It will be interesting to see if Louisville loses some sales because of this. Unfortunately the retail price remains $369.99 for the Adult -3 model. For only $30 more you can own a 100% composite bat, or for $70 less a different hybrid bat with similar performance.

Omaha

No it’s not the energizer bunny, its Louisville Omaha and it’s still going. It’s the same bat they’ve been making for the last ten years, with some new paint. It’s a one-piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle, a balanced design and the same ST-20 alloy. They did not make this bat with their new alloy, which makes it clear the new alloy is only intended to help the bonding on their hybrid bats. Amazingly, they have increased the price to $229 for the Adult -3 model. It was priced at $199 last year. It’s very odd that the price would go up on a very old design, not the smartest of moves.

2011 MIKEN BASEBALL BATS

Maybe being a freak is not such a good idea after all? Miken has dumped their Freak name after only a single year, clearly not a good sign. It’s looking like their new line-up is a rehash of the Freak line. They seem to have the same material, R900 carbon fiber and MPa7 resin. We’ll need to investigate and post the findings when they’re known. Miken, a leader in softball bats’ just can’t find the sweet spot in baseball. It looks like the 2011 model year will be no different.

MV3 BBMV3C

One-piece, 100% composite bat with a stiff handle (haven’t yet seen an additional flex handle version like they had last year) and intermediate swing weight. They do not state whether this is a single or multi-wall design. The Freak was multi-wall which makes me believe the MV3 is as well. Certainly not a good idea when most prefer a single wall design. The Adult -3 model retails for $399 making this bat the top of their line. If Miken wants to dent the baseball market they have got to have a competitive price. At this price I’m going with a proven commodity.

MV3 BBMV3H Hybrid

It’s a two-piece, multi-wall bat with a flex handle and intermediate swing weight. Like the Louisville H2 the composite handle and alloy barrel are fused together to make the bat appear to be one-piece. Again, this seems to be a facelift of the Freak hybrid. The Adult -3 model retails for $299 putting it in line with the other high end hybrid bats. Again, not the best way to get Miken bats in the hand of players and I recommend going elsewhere.

2011 Nike Baseball Bats

There is absolutely nothing new from Nike in 2011. Here what they have to offer:

Aero CX2

It’s the exact same bat as the 2009 and 2010 models. The CX2 is two-piece, 100% composite multi-wall bat with a flex handle and a balanced design. The design is similar to the Demarini CF4. If you like this bat you can save a bundle by purchasing the 2010 model which I’ve seen for $250. The 2011 Adult -3 model retails for $399.99.

Aero Fuse

It’s a two-piece, single wall hybrid bat with a flex handle and balanced design. It’s the same bat as the 2010 Aero Fuse model. The composite handle is made from the same material as the Aero CX2. The barrel is made with Nike’s Zr91 alloy.  The Adult -3 model retails for $299.99.

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is a Spanish professional tennis playercurrently ranked No. 1 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.His success on clay has earned him the nickname "The King of Clay", and has prompted many experts to regard him as the greatest clay court player of all time. Nadal has won nine Grand Slam singles titles, the 2008 Olympic gold medal in singles, a record 18 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments, and also was part of the Spain Davis Cup team that won the finals in 2004, 2008 and 2009. He completed the career Grand Slam by winning the 2010 US Open, being the seventh player in history, and the youngest in the open era, to achieve it. He is the second male player to complete the Career Golden Slam (winner of the four grand slams and the Olympic Gold medal) after Andre Agassi.


Nadal was ranked world No. 2, behind Roger Federer, for a record 160 consecutive weeks before earning the top spot, which he held from 18 August 2008 to 5 July 2009. He regained the world No.1 ranking on 7 June 2010, after winning his fifth French Open title.

2011:


Nadal started 2011 by participating in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He defeated Tomáš Berdych 6–4, 6–4 to reach his third final in the exhibition tournament. In the final, he won over his main rival Roger Federer 7–6(4), 7–6(3).


At his first tour event of the year in an Australian Open warm-up tournament, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open ATP 250 event in Doha, Qatar, Nadal barely struggled past his first three opponents, Karol Beck 6–3, 6–0, Lukáš Lacko 7–6(3), 0–6, 6–3, and Ernests Gulbis 7–6(3), 6–3 citing fever as the primary reason for his poor performance. He fell in straight sets to a resurgent Nikolay Davydenko in the semifinals, 6–3, 6–2. He and countryman López won the doubles title by defeating the Italian duo Daniele Bracciali and Andreas Seppi 6–3, 7–6(4).


In the first round of the Australian Open, Nadal defeated Marcos Daniel of Brazil 6–0, 5–0 ret. In the second round, he beat upcoming qualifierRyan Sweeting of the United States 6–2, 6–1, 6–1. In the third round, he was tested by emerging player Bernard Tomic of Australia, who previously ousted Nadal's countryman Feliciano López, but Nadal was victorious with a score of 6–2, 7–5, 6–3. He went on to defeat Marin Čilić of Croatia 6–2, 6–4, 6–3 in the fourth round. He suffered an apparent hamstring injury against fellow Spaniard David Ferrer early in the pair's quarterfinal match and ultimately lost in straight sets 4–6, 2–6, 3–6, thus ending his effort to win four major tournaments in a row.


On 7 February 2011, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Nadal won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for the first time.

Rivalry with Roger Federer



Nadal and Federer have been playing against each other since 2004, and this rivalry is a significant part of both men's careers:
They are the only men in the open era who have played each other in seven Grand Slam finals, with Nadal winning five of the seven finals. Three of these five wins were on Nadal's best surface (clay), and he has beaten Federer twice in non-clay major finals: Wimbledon 2008 and the Australian Open 2009.
Their 2008 Wimbledon final has been lauded as the greatest match of all time by many long-time tennis critics.
Many critics consider their rivalry to be the greatest in tennis history.
Ten of Nadal's 14 wins over Federer have come on clay courts, Nadal's best surface. Nadal leads their overall head-to-head series 14–8 (Nadal leads 10–2 on clay, Federer leads 2–1 on grass, Federer leads 4-3 on hard courts).



Equipment and endorsements



Nadal has appeared in advertising campaigns for Kia Motors as a global ambassador for the company. In May 2008, Kia released a claymation viral ad featuring Nadal in a tennis match with an alien. Nadal also has an endorsement agreement with Universal DVDs.


Nike serves as Nadal's clothing and shoe sponsor. Nadal's signature on-court attire entailed a variety of sleeveless shirts paired with 3/4 length capri pants. For the 2009 season, Nadal adopted more-traditional on-court apparel. Nike encouraged Nadal to update his look in order to reflect his new status as the sport's top player at that time and associate Nadal with a style that, while less distinctive than his "pirate" look, would be more widely emulated by consumers. At warmup tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Doha, Nadal played matches in apolo shirt specifically designed for him by Nike, paired with shorts cut above the knee. Nadal's new, more conventional style carried over to the 2009 Australian Open, where he was outfitted with Nike's Bold Crew Men's Tee and Nadal Long Check Shorts. Nadal wears Nike's Air CourtBallistec 2.3 tennis shoes, bearing various customizations throughout the season, including his nickname "Rafa" on the right shoe and a stylized bull logo on the left.


Becomes the face of Lanvin's L’Homme Sport cologne, launched April 2009.


Nadal uses an AeroPro Drive racquet with a 4 1/4-inch L2 grip. As of the 2010 season, Nadal's racquets are painted to resemble the new Babolat AeroPro Drive with Cortex GT racquet in order to market a current model which Babolat sells.Nadal uses no replacement grip, and instead wraps two overgrips around the handle. He used Duralast 15L strings until the 2010 season, when he switched to Babolat's new, black-colored, RPM Blast string. Nadal's rackets are always strung at 55 lb (25 kg), regardless of which surface or conditions he is playing on


As of January 2010, Rafa is the international ambassador for Quely, a company from his native Majorca that manufactures biscuits, bakery and chocolate coated products; he has consumed their products ever since he was a young child.


In 2010, luxury watchmaker Richard Mille announced that he had developed an ultra-light wristwatch in collaboration with Nadal called the Richard Mille RM027 Tourbillon watch.The watch is made of titanium and lithium and is valued at US$525,000; Nadal was involved in the design and testing of the watch on the tennis court.During the 2010 French Open, Men's Fitness reported that Nadal wore the Richard Mille watch on the court as part of a sponsorship deal with the Swiss watchmaker.


Nadal replaces Cristiano Ronaldo as the new face of Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans for the spring/summer 2011 collection that will launch in February. This is the first time that the label has chosen a tennis player for the job; association football has ruled lately prior to Ronaldo, David Beckham graced the ads since 2008.Armani said that he selected Nadal as his latest "

Real Madrid

About Real Madrid


Real Madrid is a Spanish football club ranked as 'The XXth Century's Best Club' by FIFA. Formed on March 6 , 1902 , it competes in the Spanish first division or Primera División , from which it has never been relegated since the formation of Spain's national league in 1928.

The club was originally named Sociedad Madrid Foot Ball Club , but was allowed to use the title Real (royal) after King Alfonso XIII of Spain gave the club an official blessing in June 1920.


The team plays in an all-white kit, which is the origin of their nickname Los merengues (the whites). The kit was derived from the English side Corinthians F.C. . Their home stadium is the Santiago Bernabéu in Chamartín, Madrid, which was founded on December 14 , 1947 . It has a capacity of 80,354 spectators and its pitch measures 106x72 meters.


In its history, Real Madrid has won 9 European Cups, 31 Spanish League titles, and 17 Spanish Cups.
History

The team has won the European Cup more times (nine) than any other club, winning the first five of them with the legendary team of Alfredo di Stefano , Gento and (later) Ferenc Puskas. Real Madrid has also dominated the Spanish League competition, winning a record number of 29 editions. The rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona is legendary.
This rivalry started during the government of Francisco Franco, when FC Barcelona supporters claimed that Real Madrid was the Government's team, although, the Real Madrid supporters have always said that the Club that won more General Franco Cups (nowadays King's Cup) was FC Barcelona and Real Madrid itself has always tried to be apolitical during its history. Real Madrid was awarded by FIFA the title of "World's best football club of the XXth century History" in 2001.


Recent history

In recent years, Real Madrid have become known for signing some of the world's most expensive and marketable footballers, giving the club a new nickname of Los galácticos(the galactics) because of all the stars it has.
Although the club had a fine tradition of producing local star footballers including Pirri (José Martínez), Francisco Gento , Raúl , Fernando Hierro , and even importing stars from all over the globe including Roberto Carlos, Davor Suker, Clarence Seedorf and Steve McManaman, this trend of signing the biggest, and arguably the most marketable stars available became club policy shortly after Euro 2000 with the world record €60m acquisition of Portuguese playmaker Luis Figo from FC Barcelona, who had risen to prominence with some influential displays in the tournament. He was joined the following year by then two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Zinédine Zidane from the Italian side Juventus, again for a world record fee-this time approximately €71m. The following season, they purchased Ronaldo, top scorer in the 2002 World Cup, for around €39m from Internazionale.

David Beckham : Captain of England

In the summer of 2003, their target was David Beckham, captain of the English national side, who signed from Manchester United for approximately €36m. Cynics argued that this particular development had as much to do with finance as football, with theBeckham brand ensuring increased revenue from merchandising (Club president Florentino Perez has admitted that Beckham "pays us his own salary, and that of Zidane" [1] ) However, Beckham made a good start with Madrid, despite their relative underachievement in the 2003 / 2004 season (winning the Spanish Super Cup and finishing fourth in La Liga ). This poor display led to the sacking of coach Carlos Queiróz , who had also made the trip to Madrid from Manchester United in 2003 after leaving his position as assistant manager at the English club. The pressure to win trophies means that managers who fail to deliver are sacked, resulting in a high turnover of managers. John Toshack was twice manager of the club. Recent seasons have also seen the arrival and departure of several other managerial appointments including: Vicente Del Bosque, José Antonio Camacho and Mariano García Remón. Real Madrid have recently turned to the services of successful Brazilian coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo in a bid to restore stability and discipline within the locker room.

Real's main target in the 2004 offseason was Patrick Vieira; the club made an offer of €35 million (£23.1 million) to FA Premier League champions Arsenal for his services. Arsenal rejected Real's overtures, and Real instead made two surprise signings, of Liverpool 's Michael Owen (€12m) and Newcastle 's Jonathan Woodgate (€20m), who did not play for the club until the 2005-2006 season due to a left thigh injury. For 2005 , Real reportedly tabled a bid of €70m for Sweden and Juventus star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, which Juve rejected; however, the "bid" proved to be a publicity stunt instigated by his agent instead of Real.

Later in the 2005 close season, Real acquired young Brazilian superstar Robinho for a fee of $30m. In August 2005, Real Madrid signed Julio Baptista , a Brazilian midfield player from Sevilla who, with the signing of Carlos Diogo (from River Plate) and Pablo Garcia (from Osasuna ) strengthens the squad for 2005/06 season. On the last summer day available for signing new players for 2005-2006 season, Real Madrid signed Sevilla's defender Sergio Ramos for about €25m, paying the penalty contract clause he had with Sevilla.

Rugby football

A game of rugby football developed from a version of football played at Rugby School and was originally one of several different versions of football played at English public schools during the 19th century.

The game of football that was played at Rugby School between 1750 and 1859 permitted handling of the ball, but no-one was allowed to run with it in their hands towards the opposition's goal. There was no fixed limit to the number of players per side and sometimes there were hundreds taking part in a kind of enormous rolling maul. This sport caused major injury at times. The innovation of running with the ball was introduced sometime between 1859 and 1865. William Webb Ellis has been credited with breaking the local rules by running forwards with the ball in a game in 1823. Shortly after this written rules were established for the sports which had earlier just involved local agreements, and boys from Rugby School produced the first written rules for their version of the sport in 1870.


In the result that the teams were still tied at the end of the match, a drop goal shootout was held. The selected kickers of the two teams would have one shot at the goal each and would take turns shooting at the goal until one of the kickers missed.


Around this time the influence of Dr. Thomas Arnold, Rugby's headmaster, was beginning to be felt around all the other public schools, and his emphasis on sport as part of a balanced education naturally encouraged the general adoption of the Rugby rules across the country, and ultimately, the world.

Roger Federer

Roger Federer (born 8 August 1981) is a Swiss professional tennis player who held the ATP number one position for a record 237 consecutive weeks. As of 9 January 2011, he is ranked World No. 2 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Federer has won a male record 16 Grand Slam singles titles, holding at least one Grand Slam title every single week from Wimbledon 2003 until the Australian Open in 2011. He is one of seven male players to capture the career Grand Slam and one of three to do so on three different surfaces (clay, grass and hard courts). Many sports analysts, tennis critics, former and current players consider Federer to be the greatest tennis player of all time.


Federer has appeared in an unprecedented 22 career Grand Slam finals, of which 10 were consecutive appearances, and appeared in 18 of 19 finals over the four and a half years from the 2005 Wimbledon Championships through the 2010 Australian Open, excluding the 2008 Australian Open. He holds the record of reaching the semi-finals or better of 23 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments over five and a half years from the 2004 Wimbledon Championships through the 2010 Australian Open. In the 2011 Australian Open he reached his 27th consecutive quarter-finals in the grand slam tournaments, equalling the record set by Jimmy Connors.


Federer has won a record five ATP World Tour Finals and 17 ATP Masters Series tournaments. He also won the Olympic gold medal in doubles with his compatriot Stanislas at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. For the past eight years (2003–2010) he has been in the top two in the year-end rankings.


As a result of Federer's successes in tennis, he was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for a record four consecutive years (2005–2008). He is often referred to as The Federer Express or abbreviated to Fed Express, the Swiss Maestro or simply Maestro.

Cricket bat

A cricket bat is a specialised piece of equipment used by batsmen in the sport of cricket to hit the ball. It is usually made of willow wood. Its use is first mentioned in 1624.


The bat is traditionally made from willow wood, specifically from a variety of White Willow called Cricket Bat Willow, treated with raw (unboiled) linseed oil. The oil has a protective function. This wood is used as it is very tough and shock-resistant, not being significantly dented nor splintering on the impact of a cricket ball at high speed, while also being light in weight. It incorporates a wooden spring design where the handle meets the blade. The current design of a cane handle spliced into a willow blade was the invention in the 1880s of Charles Richardson, a pupil of Brunel and the chief engineer of the Severn railway tunnel.The blade of a cricket bat is a wooden block that is generally flat on the stiking face and with a ridge on the reverse (back) which concentrates wood in the middle where the ball is generally hit. The blade is connected to a long cylindrical cane handle, similar to that of a tennis racquet, by means of a splice. The edges of the blade closest to the handle are known as the shoulders of the bat, and the bottom of the blade is known as the toe of the bat.




Law 6 of the Laws of Cricket, as the rules of the game are known, limit the size of the bat to not more than 38 in (965 mm) long and the blade may not be more than 4.25 in (108 mm) wide. Bats typically weigh from 2 lb 8 oz to 3 lb (1.1 to 1.4 kg) though there is no standard. The handle is usually covered with a rubber or cloth sleeve to enhance grip and the face of the bat may have a protective film. Appendix E of the Laws of Cricket set out more precise specifications. Modern bats are usually machine made, however a few specialists (6 in England and 2 in Australia) still make hand-made bats, mostly for professional players. The art of hand-making cricket bats is known as podshaving.


Bats were not always this shape. Before the 18th century bats tended to be shaped similarly to a modern hockey sticks. This may well have been a legacy of the game's reputed origins. Although the first forms of cricket are lost in the mists of time, it may be that the game was first played using shepherds' crooks.


Until the rules of cricket were formalised in the 19th century, the game usually had lower stumps, the ball was bowled underarm (which is now illegal), and batsmen did not wear protective pads. As the game changed, so it was found that a differently shaped bat was better. The bat generally recognised as the oldest bat still in existence is dated 1729 and is on display in the Sandham Room at the Oval in London.