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The Coin Collecting Social Network - http://www.hobeze.com - Join Today for FREE

Coin Collecting is affectionately known as the ‘Hobby of Kings’ in reference to the fact that in ancient times only Kings could afford to collect coins as lay people spent every penny they had to survive.

Coin collecting or numismatics is an extremely popular hobby which is now affordable to everybody. You can delve into the wonderful world of coin collecting as you read these words by simply reaching in your pocket and finding loose change.

So what are the key steps necessary to begin a coin collection?

Step 1: Decide What You Want To Collect

You need to decide what type of collection you want to build. There are many different types of coin collection themes.

These include;

Country Collections

– Some collectors obtain a sample from every country while others focus on 1 country

Year Collections

– Many collectors collect by year e.g. one Lincoln cent for every year from 1909 to present

Mintmark Collections

- Different mint marks can provide adequate differentiation to collect multiple samples for each year

Type Collections

- A collection may include major design variants for a period of time in a particular country

Subject Collections

- Many collectors collect coins that depicts an area of personal interest e.g. planes, ships etc.

Other collection categories include; period collections, composition collections, signature collection, series collections, printed value collections, volume collections and more.

Step 2: Educate Yourself on Your Selection

It is very important to educate yourself sufficiently. Join your local numismatic club, contact your local coin dealer and ask them for good sources from which you can learn about the hobby. This information is important in order to understand what you need to consider when buying a coin, and how to value a coin.

An excellent resource is the ‘American Numismatic Association’. This association will provide information on dealers and entities that promote coin collecting.

Visit your local library or Amazon.com and get books pertaining to Numismatics.

Step 3: Complete a Set

Complete a set. Collect one of each year and mint mark of your coin of choice. (A mint mark tells you where the coin was made.)

Step 4: Subscribe to Coin Publication

Subscribe to coin publications such as “Coin World” or “Coinage Magazine.” These publications will keep you up to date on developments and ensure you make more informed decisions.

Step 5: Get a Collectors Display Album

Pick up a collector’s display album or folder to proudly show off your newfound hobby. Other useful coin collecting materials include; coin capsules, coin magnifiers, coin envelopes, coin scales, coin carrying cases and coin trays.

For more top coin collecting tips join the Coin Collecting Social Network at http://www.hobeze.com - receive expert  instructional videos, upload your hobby photos and video, and network with fellow coin collectors worldwide.

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The Squash Social Network - http://www.hobeze.com - Join Today for FREE

Hitting a good serve in squash is important as it gives the server the advantage of taking the point. There are several useful tips that you can use to make it more difficult for your opponent to return the serve. These include;

Serve to Your Opponents High Backhand Volley

The most difficult serve for an opponent to return is one in which the ball travels high and forces an opponent to return a high backhand volley. Even if they manage to return the ball, they will not be able to put a lot of power into the shot which makes them vulnerable and off balance for your return strike.

Before executing the serve observe what side your opponents backhand is on. Commence your service from the opposite side to ensure your serve will travel between your opponents backhand and the wall. If the shot is well executed it will travel very close to the wall increasing the difficulty for a return.

In order to avoid the risk of a foot fault, ensure one of your feet is within the service box.

Pick a spot on the front wall to hit the serve

Do not hit the ball aimlessly at the wall. Pick a spot on the wall which you have pre-determined will ensure the ball will rebound for the opponent’s high backhand volley. Strike the ball with force directly at this spot.

This eliminates indecision and ensures a well struck serve that will force the opponent to make a weak return. As soon as they make their return they will be off balance and a smash to the opposite side of the court will most likely win you the point.

Practice

An excellent tip is to practice hitting the serve at different spots on the front wall and keep practicing until you can play a variety of serves which force high backhand volley returns or serves which float into the back corners of the courts.

With practice you will consistently strike serves which put your opponents under pressure and score points at will.

For more top tips and instructional videos join the Squash Social Network Hobeze.com.

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The Stamp Collecting Social Network - http://www.hobeze.com

Stamps are a necessary facet for the delivery of physical items in our modern postal service. However it was not always so. Prior to the introduction of the ‘Penny Black’ in 1840s Britain, recipients had to pay for the delivery of any post. The cost was determined according to the number of pages sent and the distance transversed.

Pre-paid adhesive Stamps were in fact the brainchild of Rowland Hill in his 1837 proposal to reform the British Postal System. Little did he realize then that his invention would become one of the most popular hobbies in the modem world.

The attraction of stamp collection is multi faceted. From a hobby perspective it illuminates people’s understanding of diverse cultures, events and dialects. There is the pleasure obtained from collecting beautiful miniature pieces of art and the thrill of collecting rare and valuable pieces.

5 Key steps in beginning your stamp collection include;

Step One: New or Used Stamps

The fist decision a stamp collector must make is whether to focus on used stamps, unused / mint stamps or a collection of both. Initially it is advisable to commence collecting used stamps. These are readily available, inexpensive and will give you a feel for the hobby.

Commence by removing stamps from your received mail. Please note it is often more valuable to collect the entire envelope due to a unique postmark date. Ask your friends, family and any over seas relatives to send you their stamps. This will provide the impetus for a diverse collection at low cost.

Step Two: Select a Theme

It would not be feasible to intend on accumulating a complete worldwide collection of stamps. Such a collection would be very expensive to acquire and require storage for thousands of volumes. For this purpose collectors focus on small definitive niches encapsulating time periods, particular countries, topicals or types of stamps.

These niches vary from pictorials and commemorative stamps to topicals such as; Olympics, space, famous people, animals, birds, sports and a whole lot more besides.

Your choice will most often be dictated by your interests. Concentrate your collection on that which you would be excited to own.

Step Three: Purchase Stamp Collecting Equipment & a Stamp Collection Catalog

When starting out it is essential to buy a good catalog / album. Stamp catalogs and reference guides are full of useful data on stamp collection history and on individual stamps themselves. These guides provide useful data including essential stamp particulars and book value. It is advisable to get a catalog with the Scott numbering system. It is not necessary to buy the latest most expensive catalog or albums, those which are 4/5 years old will suffice for the purpose intended.

Other necessary stamp collecting equipment includes; stamp thongs, magnifying glass, archival stock book, and if you are very serious stamp collecting software.

These items enable a serious stamp collector to better examine their collection and preserve the stamps for years to come.

Step Four: Find a Reputable Dealer and Buy Stamps online

When you have become comfortable with the fundamentals of stamp collection and feel ready to purchase, visit your local stamp dealer (see newspaper classifieds) and purchase a stack of assorted used stamps. This will cover a diverse range of topics and provide hours of enjoyment in sorting and categorizing your collection.

Join online stamp auction sites such as ebay.com and bid at stamp auctions or philatelic exhibitions. Take your time, get educated, ask lots of questions and make informed buying decisions.

When purchasing stamps online you need to specify whether they are by ‘approval’ or ‘want list’. Approval refers to a situation whereby a dealer sends the collector assorted stamps and they then decide which to retain. A ‘Want List’ refers to a situation whereby the dealer checks if requested stamps are in stock and quotes prices for specified stamps the collector wants to collect.

Step 5: Join a Stamp Collecting Club and Get involved in online forums

The very best way to learn about the great hobby of stamp collection is by taking part in interactive online forums and by joining local stamp collecting clubs. You will then benefit from the accumulated knowledge of seasoned stamp collectors. They will be able to answer your questions and ensure your hobby is enjoyable rather than frustrating due to any learning curve.

Feel free to join the Stamp Collecting Social Network on hobeze.com, its 100% FREE, fantastic fun and a great way to meet like minded people

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The Tennis Social Network - http://www.hobeze.com

The tennis serve is a complex stroke which requires a sequence of motions executed in the correct order. Basic fundamentals are critical if you want to be an excellent server.

These fundamentals include; tennis grip, position of feet, ball throwing method, and position of body prior to impact with the tennis racquet.

An accomplished Tennis player would be able to vary their technique to produce a different type of serve when required. The different types of service include;

1. Flat Serve – produces flat trajectory with minimum spin
2. Topspin Serve – high arc and bounce
3. Slice Serve – generates sidespin and topspin

Service Stance

The service being executed should determine the stance. Feet should be positioned shoulder width apart, approximately 2 feet distance from the center mark, front foot several inches from baseline and knees slightly bent.

Tennis Grip

The best grip to create a powerful serve is the Continental Grip. This grip creates a powerful release of the wrist which imparts maximum spin on the ball.

If you currently use forehand grip and are serious about becoming a good server of the ball, you need to make the change to the continental grip. When you make the initial switch to the continental grip, it will feel clumsy and unnatural. Commence hitting shots at quarter your usual speed. Eventually through practice build the speed up to full power and the new grip will start to feel comfortable.

You can avoid the fear of a double fault by alternating between grips initially i.e. play you first serve with the continental grip and your second serve with you old grip. You won’t double fault because you trust your old grip.

Ball Hold

Hold the ball like you would an orange, between your thumb and all 4 fingers.

Position of Feet

Foot alignment is determined by service type but toes should generally point toward target area.

Ball Throw

The ball must be thrown high enough that it is several inches over the height of the racquet fully extended over head. This gives the player adequate time to swing the racquet to meet the falling ball. It should be thrown front right of the shoulder nearest the net i.e. the opposite shoulder to the hand on the grip. The ball should be release when the throwing arm is fully extended.

Flat Serve Tips

Straighten bent legs and shift weight forward and upwards in support of the racquet arm. Strike the racquet head towards the descending ball when it has fallen 5 to 7 inches

Strike the ball with racquet arm fully extended and weight transferred to front foot.

Let the natural momentum of the strike continue to a full follow through with the back foot overtaking the front foot and completing with a balanced finish

Topspin Serve Tips

Throw the ball a little higher than for the flat serve shot and focus on moving the hitting shoulder away as the ball is released.

Straighten bent knees, and racquet arm simultaneously firing the racquet head up such that the springs grab the ball with a brushing up and across action.

Release the wrist towards the direction of the target so that the ball receives an ascending strike from below.

The back foot will naturally cross the baseline as you commit to a full follow through which ensures the ball arcs up and right.

Slice Serve Tips

The slice serve creates side spin which veer off to the forehand side in the right service court.

Using a continental grip the aim is to produce side spin by cutting across the outside of the ball.

Having thrown the ball high right of front shoulder release the wrist with the racquet swung head on and cutting across the ball just below its center right side.

General Service Tips

In order to generate power in the swing the racquet must be taken back as far away from the ball as possible. This creates greater leverage and more time to build up speed.

A good mental image is to view the racquet as an extension of your hitting arm and make the swing as if you were throwing the ball with the hitting hand.

The rhythm of your swing is important from a timing and power perspective. Don’t intend to trash the ball as hard as you can as this will contract opposing muscles which will result in great effort with little useful power or direction. A good tip is to hit 5 serves each time focusing on generating an effortless swing but at the same time generating more and more power for each serve.

The last thought in you mind is what is going to happen to the ball. If the last mental image in your mind is the ball hitting the net, that will happen. Focus on positive expectancy and visualize a flawless serve this will produce a more confident strike.

These tips are provided courtesy of Hobeze.com – the only social networking site dedicated to680 sports and hobbies including Tennis. The site is 100% FREE to join and use and connects tennis fans worldwide who wish to discuss tips, equipment, tournaments, players and view professional instructional videos or meet like minded people.

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The Football Social Network: http://www.hobeze.com

Penalty kicks are a decidedly cruel format for deciding championships. Quite often the team who performed best over the 90 minutes go home empty handed because the opposing team had the better penalty takers. These ‘placed balls’ are often the source of much debate over whether or not they should have been given as their provision can change the course of an entire game. The key element here is that once a referee decides it’s a penalty there is no changing his decision. Therefore the team awarded the penalty must capitalise on the opportunity. There are several excellent tips that a penalty taker should use when taking a penalty.

1. Adopt a style

There are two types of penalty takers “blasters” and “placers”. Blasters aim to beat the keepers with a forceful strike that speeds past the keeper giving him virtually no time to react. This type of shot is played with the instep. The disadvantage here is that direction is more difficult to control and can often result in scooping the ball over the cross bar or pulling / pushing it wide of the target.

Placers use a different technique executed with the side of the boot to place the ball usually right in the corner. This technique provides less power but greater accuracy. It’s very difficult for a keeper to reach a well placed kick to the corner.

Which ever technique you select is a matter of personal preference. The most important tip here is to select one and only one style and practice it religiously. It’s critical that you stick to this one style particularly under pressure. You will strike the ball more comfortably and proficiently if you stick to one technique.

2. Make up Your Mind

It’s very important that the penalty taker decides exactly what they intend to do with the ball before they commence they step towards the ball to take the shot. Many skilled players wait to see what direction the keeper moves and decide to strike the ball the other direction at split second before impact. This is a dangerous strategy for most players because if you do not have a definite target in mind, you will not strike the ball confidently and thus you are more likely to miss it. So decide exactly what you want to do with the ball before you commence the strike, and don’t change your mind during the strike.

3. Visualise the ball rattling the back of the net

Confidence is the key to scoring the goal. A useful tip is to visualise the ball rattling the back of the net in your minds eye. Quickly recall a wonderful penalty you scored in the past and focus on recreating it successfully. This will fill you with confidence and help keep a positive mindset.

4. Deceive the Goalie

The goalie will try and guess the direction a player will strike the ball based on their body language and eye movement. Therefore the penalty taker must sufficiently deceive the keeper with their pre shot set up. The player should angle themselves off the side of the ball before deciding exactly what they will do with the ball.

It’s important to keep hips flared open and ensure eye movement wanders around the goals to confuse the keeper. Some penalty takers ensure the keeper sees them eyeing a particular corner and then hits the ball to the opposite corner. This technique works well if the penalty taker varies it. Some penalty takers make the mistake of sticking to one deception technique and opposing teams get accustomed to these and guess the deception. Its often more successful to use both top and bottom corners as deception point e.g. fixate on bottom right corner and strike it top left corner. This ensure even if the keeper calls the bluff with regards the direction of the shot they will have dived too high or too low for the shot taken.

Never make eye contact with the keeper, focus on the ball. The keeper will jump around to try and put the player off their shot, so ignoring them will eliminate the distraction.

Some players like to introduce hesitation into their penalty taking technique. They run to the ball and instead of striking it immediately they pause and wait to see if the keeper will dive one direction so that they hit the ball in the opposite direction. This can work well for the confident player but it is risky as the ‘power factor’ is significantly reduced.

5. Relax

It’s important to decide exactly on where you want the ball to finish and then focus 100% on the shot. This will eliminate the crowd factor and the goalie trying hard to distract you. Do not let fear creep into your mind. A last minute thought of a missed penalty will make you more nervous and thus more likely to miss the penalty.  Smile before you take the penalty this sends a message to your sub conscious mind that you are super confident, totally relaxed and it also sends a subtle message to the keeper that you know you are going to score. Take a deep breath and commence the strike.

About the Author

Martin O’ Flynn is a Director of Hobeze.com – the only social networking site dedicated to 680 sports and hobbies including  Football. The site is 100% FREE to join and use and connects Football players worldwide who wish to discuss tips, technique, players and view professional instructional videos or meet like minded people.

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