The Northern Echo: North East Sport, Football, Cricket, Rugby, Horse Racing, Athletics, Motorsport

Time to give the body a summer break?

2:01pm Saturday 26th May 2012

As the domestic and grassroots football season comes to an end, it's that time of year where you're faced with the choice of a complete break or look to take part in another sport to keep the adrenaline and endorphins flowing that you've been addicted to each weekend for the last nine months.

Going alone? Make sure you are wearing the right gear

2:00pm Saturday 26th May 2012

It's common for some who participate in sport to use the easy excuse that personal success is limited by the less than adequate performances of team-mates. In some cases this is unquestionably true.

Ignoring advice or playing on is knee good for you

9:00am Saturday 5th May 2012

Early retirement. A phrase that conjures up thoughts of sunny rounds of golf and spending more time doing the things that you really want, when you want.

Can you handle the mental pressure?

2:45pm Sunday 29th April 2012

If you're involved in a team sport it is often possible to shirk the huge pressure cooker moments that can define an entire season. But sooner or later and definitely as you climb up the levels, chances are that your ability to cope with pressure cooker moments will be tested.

Can you cope with pressure?

8:00am Saturday 28th April 2012

If you're involved in a team sport it is often possible to shirk the huge pressure cooker moments that can define an entire season. But sooner or later and definitely as you climb up the levels, chances are that your ability to cope with pressure cooker moments will be tested.

Plenty of sleep and a good room-mate is vital

8:00am Saturday 21st April 2012

The lure of success in sport is magnetic. And often those taking part will stop at nothing to achieve it. One simple way to improve success is just to 'be good'. Be good at everything that you do be it preparation, stretching, your diet or even ensuring you have the right recovery drink in your bag. Do this, and when you next go toe to toe with your opponent you've given yourself a great chance of coming out on top.

Staying off the drink will enhance your performance

8:00am Saturday 14th April 2012

Ghosts and demons exist in sport at every level - often affecting an individual or team performance in more ways than is accepted.

Stay away from the ghosts and demons of alcohol

10:00am Saturday 14th April 2012

Ghosts and demons exist in sport at every level - often affecting an individual or team performance in more ways than is accepted.

Too much alcohol hampers recovery

8:00am Saturday 31st March 2012

Involvement in sport offers different things to different people. At the grassroots level of sport some play for fitness, others for fun but mostly to win. Yet one of the really great things about sport is that you don't even have to play it to feel part of it.