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Care for a game of snooker? In America, many people haven’t even heard of this variation on billiards. Players in other parts of the world opt for snooker as their game of choice at pool halls and billiards rooms. Snooker is actually the most widely watched television sports program in England, but Americans are only beginning to recognize the game.

Snooker has its roots as a simple variation on pool. In the beginning, it was known as “pyramid pool”, a new vesion of “black” or “life” games already being played. But Sir Neville Chamberlain modified the game around 1875, and its popularity took off sharply. Soldiers in England loved the new game, and helped spread it around the world. Today it is even more popular in modern England.

Learning snooker can seem a bit intimidating to newcomers, but the basic rules are actually not that complex. The most difficult rule is perhaps the setup of the table:

* Snooker is played on 6 feet by 12 feet traditional billiards tables.

* Snooker balls make up a set of 22. Fifteen red balls are the minions of the game, while the white cue ball is used to strike with. And one ball of each of 6 colors: blue, brown, black, pink, green, and yellow.

* The green, brown, yellow balls are placed at one end of the table, with a 6 inch gap between them. The blue ball goes in the dead center of the table. Pink splits the distance between the blue ball and the end of the table cushion on the far side. The black ball gets its own special spot, marked about 13 inches from the far cushion.

* A triangular rack or form is used to place the 15 red balls, which go directly behind the pink ball. Don’t touch the pink ball with the point of the triangle, but come as close as possible.

Now the game can begin! One player “breaks” by striking the cue ball into the group of red balls. Whenever a player sinks a red ball, she or he is then allowed to try to sink any one of the six colored balls. There are points assigned to each colored ball: black is worth seven points; pink is worth six; blue counts five; brown is worth four; green counts for three; and the yellow ball is good for two points. After a colored ball is sunk, the points are added to the total, and the ball is retrieved and spotted back in its original spot on the table.

Snooker also comes in several different varieties, which are fun to try after one has mastered the main game. Snooker is not dreadfully hard to learn, but the rules can drag down newcomers somewhat, so it is always best to find an expert who can explain the rules and show you how to count the points and replace the balls onto the table.

For more than a century, snooker has been a beloved sport in England and many other countries. And with good reason! It is fun, easy to play, and yet demanding of skills as one progresses. If you already own a regulation sized pool table, why not get a set of snooker balls, and add a new game to your repertoire?

In a recent issue of Golf Digest (June 2007) a “new” golf swing has been described as the hottest thing on the PGA tour, and its proponents, Andy Plummer and Mike Bennet, have been hailed as the newest golf gurus. The new swing is called the “Stack and Tilt” swing.

The author of the article indulges in a bit of exaggeration when he says “Their secret…contradicts almost everything being taught in the game today.” But there are some interesting differences with the Stack and Tilt swing, and they are worth trying to understand if you want to better your golf game.

The Biggest Difference

The biggest difference with the “Stack and Tilt” swing is that it completely downplays the idea of shifting your weight to your back foot when making the backswing. In fact this “new” swing encourages the golfer to keep his or her weight on the front foot, and, if anything, move it more directly over the front foot during the takeaway.

To some golfers this sounds a lot like a “reverse pivot.” That happens when the golfer leans towards the target at the top of the swing - a move that has been completely banished from mainstream teaching during the last generation. Most of today’s teachers of what we might call the “typical modern swing” want their students to stack their weight over their back foot as the club reaches the top of the swing. But Stack and Tilt has the golfer make a leaning motion towards the target while the club is taken up.

Other Subtle Differences

For many golfers it may be hard to spot the differences at first, but there are some significant ones. For one thing with the typical modern swing the back leg remains bent with a slight flex at the knee. With the Stack and Tilt the back leg straightens out. The photos featured in the Golf Digest article (p.122) demonstrate how the back leg straightens out as it pushes back towards the target.

As a result the front side of the body is “stacked” over the front foot, and the trailing side of the body is “tilted” towards the target.

Compare this with a more typical modern swing demonstrated in the photo of V.J. Singh’s swing on page 43 of the same issue of Golf Digest. At the top of his swing Singh’s upper body is “stacked” over his back leg, and his torso is (more or less) perpendicular to the ground - not angled towards the target as with the Stack and Tilt swing.

Shades of the Past

If this looks like a major departure from what has become golf orthodoxy, it probably is. But the modern orthodox swing featuring the weight shift to the back is a relatively new invention. Before the emphasis on “athleticism” that has taken place over the last 15 years, acceptance of the simplistic “weight shift” idea was not nearly as unanimous . You only have to look at old photos of Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan or Sam Snead to see that these golfers do not make the major shift over the back leg like you see with Tiger Woods.

Or have a close look at the famous 1930s videos produced by Bobby Jones. There is no obvious shift towards the back leg. Jones remains centered over the ball throughout the swing and is more concerned with rotation around the center point than he is with the lateral weight shift characteristic of the typical modern swing.

Can This Stack and Tilt Help the Average Golfer?

Having said that, there are several interesting points made by the advocates of the Stack and Tilt swing, each of which may help the typical golfer having trouble hitting the ball squarely and powerfully.

The first is the lack of emphasis placed on the weight shift. For many golfers this idea is misleading and results in a lateral shift that basically turns the golf ball into a moving target. Shifting one’s weight to the back also results in a “shallower” swing which increases the chances of bottoming out too early. Depending on a variety of factors this can either result in fat shots or thin ones. As an alternative, pressing into the front foot as you take the club back very definitely forces a steeper approach to the ball and should result in fewer topped shots. It also results in a lower trajectory since it de-lofts the club, and this may give you greater run on certain kinds of fairways.

The second point is that Stack and Tilt promotes a flatter swing. A flatter swing is less vertical and more rotational, and is the way Stack and Tilt compensates for being more on top of the ball when the downswing is begun.

The third point is the not-much-discussed idea of the “pelvic thrust” which the Stack and Tilt guys claim is necessary in order to get the club approaching the ball correctly. With Stack and Tilt, since one’s weight and shoulder position are forward, the approach to the ball will be significantly steeper than normal. The pelvic thrust helps to “shallow out” the swing. You achieve this by whipping your hips around and thrusting your lead hip up and towards the target. In other words you have the sensation of jumping up and striking the ball while on your toes. For examples of this see photos of Natalie Golbus or Sergio Garcia, or a younger Gary Player.

The best way to see if Stack and Tilt has anything to offer your golf game is to just give the “weight forward” idea a try. Just set up with noticeably more weight on your front foot, and then as you take the club up press more weight into your front foot. It should feel quite different from what you are used to, but it should result in fewer thin hits. Unfortunately it may also result in more pushes, especially with the longer clubs. The easiest fix is to adjust the positioning of the ball by moving it slightly forward. You may also find this swing more complicated and more physically taxing - and for most of us that will be enough to keep it on the shelf.

Not everyone enjoys outdoor activities. There are some who prefer the indoors, and then there are those who are concerned that outdoor activities will be too tiring, or will cost too much.

If you are fortunate enough to live near a lake, river, or stream, you may wish to consider fishing as a gentle, yet outdoor activity. You would be in good company. Since the beginning of human existence, people have been sustaining themselves by fishing.

And fishing need not be arduous. In fact, it is generally very soothing and gentle as an activity. Many people enjoy fishing primarily for the atmosphere and relaxation rather than the catching of fish per se. The peace of mind that can be attained when spending long quiet hours fishing can be beneficial to the rest of your life’s activities.

Are you looking for a way to spend some bonding time with your friends or family? It is a good idea to invite those closest to you, or people you’d like to get close to, to enjoy your new hobby with you. What could be better? Quiet conversation, friends, nature, and fishing. It is sure to bring people closer together.

It is no wonder that people all around the world fish. The Earth is more than 75% water. Wherever you live, there is bound to be a fishing hole nearby. Choosing a fishing method is not difficult. There are a variety of methods to choose from. You may prefer to use a net, a rod and reel, or a bow or spear. You may choose your method of fishing based on whether you fish in salt water or fresh water. This will likely depend on where you live.

It may surprise you to learn that one of the greatest fishing areas in the United States is in the great state of Texas. Despite the large dry areas in Texas, there is also plenty of water available. Texas is blessed with rivers, lakes, ocean, and even marshy areas. Advanced fishers will find plenty of bass fishing organizations that can help to guide, provide fishing materials, gadgets, and advice.

There are also fishing clubs all around the state. These clubs, depending on their size, may provide workshops and advice for improving your fishing skills. They may also hold tournaments, suggest great fishing holes, and help you to meet other people keen on fishing. They are an excellent source of information.

Do you remember old movies in which children sit on the banks of a river and catch fish with a stick and a piece of string? Fishing can be that easy. A simple rod and reel may be enough for your needs. If you desire more, there are many web sites dedicated to helping people plan their fishing outings. The sport can be taken to a higher level, if desired. The sport fishing industry has many toys designed to help catch the trickiest of fish.

Bass fishing in Texas is particularly good, so it might be worth a special trip just for that. But Texas is very large, in fact it is bigger than most countries, and driving or busing across the state can take a lot of time. So make sure to plan your trip well in advance. You will enjoy finding a quiet fishing area with a low population density — in other words not too many competitors for the fish!

When Paul Wilson was learning to play golf, his father told him at least 50 times per round to keep his head still. Perhaps you’ve heard the same advice. Especially when it comes to trying to learn the perfect golf backswing.

Moving your head on the way back is one of the best golf backswing fundamentals you can learn.

It sounds counter intuitive and even feels abit unnatural. But think of a ballerina or figure skater going into a spin. They always move their head first to set up and create a proper two-point axis. A proper circular motion requires two axis points. A top and a bottom. And when you set up to execute a golf backswing your head becomes the top axis and your legs and feet become the bottom axis.

This means that on the way back your head should be moving 3 - 5 inches to the right in order to create your first axis to swing around - the foundation of a good golf backswing technique. Your head will stay there as you come down and fall even further back through impact. Then, after the ball has been hit, your head will move forward over top of the left leg to create a second axis, and this second axis will allow you to complete the circular rotation in your golf back swing allowing you to finish your swing.

Your head should float, not stay stationary. Your head should float like the top axis of a spinning top. This allows your golf backswing be a circular motion, though not a perfect circle. It’s slight egg-shaped oval. Which is why you will never hit the ball with 100% accuracy each and every time.

If you don’t move your head during the backswing you will never be able to hit the ball as long and as far as you are truly able because you are never setting up the top axis correctly.

The challenge most golfers have when learning this proper golf backswing technique is feels uncomfortable. It just doesn’t feel natural to move your head back.

To get the proper feeling, you must feel like your head is moving about 1 foot to the right. If you feel like your head is moving 1 foot to the right on the way back, it will actually only move a few inches. One good tip is to try swinging regularly towards a mirror.

As you watch your backswing, you can clearly see if your head is moving back 3-5 inches. As your head moves back, feel how your weight loads into the right leg. This is the tell tale sign that you have created your first axis in the golf backswing. If you don’t have a loaded, powerful feeling in your right leg, you will have to move your head a little more as you go back.

Another technique you can use to practice your backswing is to wear a hat. Then as you start your swing, check to see if you keep the brim or bill of the hat level to the ground. If so, this means you ARE moving your head. When you notice the brim of your hat tilting to the left, you’ll know you didn’t move your head and didn’t create the first backswing axis.

As a final check just ask a friend to watch your head to see if it moves back a few inches or use a video camera to see for yourself. If your head is too still then constantly remind yourself to move it back or have someone constantly remind you to move your head.

There is one caveat, however. When you move your head to the right this may cause you to hit behind the ball. This is a good clue you are moving your head back properly but what’s happening is you are loading your leg too much during impact. To remedy this situation just shift a little more weight off your right leg as you complete your swing and follow through. Pull it off and you’ll not only create the perfect golf backswing axis, you’ll hit the ball on the sweet spot every time and with much more power and speed off the face than ever before.

It will be golf season very soon, and you’ve got to prepare now if you want to improve on last season’s performance. No, I am not referring to cleaning your golf balls and favorite tees. These tips are designed to help you get your body ready for the new season.

If you figure that playing a round of golf is enough fitness for one week, then you are not alone. And it is true to some degree, but the far more important thing I want to discuss is how to get your body ready in advance of the new season after you’ve been out of shape all winter.

Of course the fitness benefits can be almost non-existent for those who don’t walk but rather ride the course in a cart, and then stop for burgers and beers after the round. Unless you are disabled, I encourage you to walk your golf rounds this season, and save the money and global-warming contributions from golf cart usage.

However, in order to get to that point, you’ve got to get your body ready for the physical demands ahead. The purpose is to get yourself ready for the long walks and long periods of standing around waiting while golfing. You will gently build strength in muscles that golf requires frequently.

So we are looking at stamina and aerobic exercise to prepare for the lengthy golf course, and flexibility and key muscular training for longer drives, more accurate swings, and general mid-body strength. None of this involves the heavy weight lifting that body builders do. Rather, the key is to gently strengthen the muscles worked repeatedly in the asymmetrical, repetitive game of golf.

Rotational and hip flexibility, shoulder strength, and the muscles of the lower back all make up the unique swing of each golfer. And working the legs and lower back will also reduce those spasms that can result from long days on the links. If you have spent all winter stuck in a cubicle like me, then a pre-season warm-up is essential.

Don’t feel intimidated by the time commitment, because you can perform many of these exercises during your lunch break, or at home in the evening in front of the television. You also don’t necessarily need to break a sweat doing most of them. The rotational power in your torso relies on the hips, buttocks, thighs, abdominals, and lower back muscles all working in coordination. So begin by stretching those core areas. Later you can begin strength training, but still maintain the emphasis on the core power zone areas.

The muscles, ligaments, and bones of the core area are those between your chest and knees. There are thousands of various exercises that can help you target those areas, but some of the more common ones include gentle trunk rotations, abdominal crunches, gentle torso twists, side rotations using resistance, hamstring stretches, and cat arches and hunches for the lower back.

Be sure to start slowly if you have led a sedentary existence during the winter months. The risk is that you may injure a core muscle, and your golf season would be pushed back by several weeks. Take a few minutes to warm up before each strength building session, using whatever aerobic method you prefer such as a treadmill, elliptical trainer, or stair climber.

I’ll outline some specific exercises in another article, but the key is to get started early! Don’t wait until the day before your first tee-off of the season. Get going on some of these easy, brief, daily exercises well in advance of when you will need them, and you will reap the rewards of greater torso strength, and stamina to play well from tee-off to final putt.