Sports

Feature

• The Ultimate Game-day Gear … for Tailgating

  Still grilling up hot dogs on the back of your truck? We bring your tailgating party into the 21st century with a rundown of the hottest new gadgets.

• 5 Fastest Sleds to Make You King of the Hill

  Ditch the garbage can lid and head for the hills with one of these five sleds designed for serious speed.

• Ramp up Your Summer Pickup Game Performance

  You never know when you might get drafted to play basketball, flag football or even toss a flying disc. Here's how you can be better in each.

• Olympic Hopefuls: A Roundtable Discussion (Part 2)

  Ever wonder what it takes to be an Olympic athlete? In Part 2 of our discussion, our three athletes talk about the challenges and motivations of being an Olympic hopeful.

• Stoke Your Competitive Fire!

  Lance Armstrong wasn't born a champion. He made himself into one, and so can you.

• The Ultimate Gift Guide for Dad

  Dad getting a little tired of cuff links and ties? We thought so. This year, give him something he'll actually cherish: an unforgettable day with his son.

• Dating a Jock

  When your girlfriend is a bigger sports nut than you, problems can ensue. Our relationship expert helps you navigate the tricky terrain of competitive dating.

• Plan to Ski or Snowboard? Strengthen up Now!

  Get physically prepared to hit the slopes by doing this winter-sports workout now, and be ready to rip it up when those first flakes fall.

• How to Make First Pick at the Team Tryout

  Whether you're going out for a school or amateur team, a squad for football or bowling, here's how to make the cut.

• The Best Fall Sport for Cardio

  Which fall sport gives you the best cardio workout -- and thus, the greatest heart fitness? We declare a winner.

• Winning Water-sport Workouts

  Want to be the best surfer, boogie boarder, windsurfer or water skier out there? Try these three easy strength- and endurance-building workouts.

• Triumph With Your Own Beach Olympics

  Don’t just lie there in the sun: Set up these summer contests, which will keep you fit and having fun.

• Conquer the Biggest Mud Runs

  Take an obstacle course, add earthly sludge, and you've got the hottest new fitness challenge. Here's the 411 on the biggest mud runs and how to prep for them.

• Find Your Best Softball Field Position

  You're playing league softball but aren't sure which position to go out for? This softball aptitude test will tell you which softball field position is best for you (and your team!).

• How to Throw a Ball Farther

  It's softball season! Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Mike LaLuna reveals how to add distance and velocity to your throws.

• Groom Your Way Into the Winners’ Circle

  Want to smooth your path to victory? Here, grooming habits proven to enhance your athletic performance.

• Fit Your Bike For the Perfect Ride

  Want to get more out of cycling? You’ll need to make your bike an extension of you. Here’s how.

• Super Bowl Special: Game Stats of Hairy-Faced Footballers

  Top NFL players’ numbers are growing at the same pace as their beards and mustaches. Here’s our cutting analysis of what may be the potentially hairy connection.

• Be Your Alpha Best

  Want to be your team’s alpha male? The leader out in the field? Just remember: The climb to the top all starts in your head.

• Nail the Tailgate Party

  Football season’s best action isn’t on the field -- it’s in the stadium parking lot. Here’s how to throw a bash that’ll make people forget about the game.

ExpertQA

• Does stretching really help prevent athletic injuries?

• What should I do when I get a sports injury? Apply ice? Heat? Ice and then heat? I'm totally confused.

• I'd like to start my own amateur sports team. How should I go about it?

• I excel in a lot of different sports and love to play them all. I don't know if I want to try to go pro. If so, do I have to focus on one, and at what point? I'm a junior in high school.

• I’ve been invited on a ski trip. I’ve never skied before, and I don’t want to invest in a bunch of clothing and equipment I may never use again if I don’t like it. What’s the minimum I can get away with buying?

• I'm thinking of throwing a Super Bowl party, but half my friends are really into the game while the other half just want to party. How do I please them all?

• It seems that all of my buddies have some kind of talent, whether they're great at sports or play guitar or take amazing photos. Does everybody have some kind of innate skill, and if so, how do I find out what mine is?

• I'm really getting into NASCAR these days! It's not that I want to be a driver, but I'd like to be able to experience some of the thrill of racing. Any way I can ride a NASCAR car?

• I want to run faster to improve my sports performance, but some of my friends say you're born with a maximum running speed. Is that true, and if not, what can I do to get quicker?