How to Be a Soccer Goalie

If you want to be a goalie, you need a wide variety of skills. Your job is not only to be a good, motivational teammate as well as the last line of defense in a game, but also to properly organize plays, and hinder plays that could become shots on goal. You also need to have mental and physical strength to play a 90-plus minute match. The difference between winning and losing a soccer match often lies with the goalie.

EditSteps

EditLearning the Rules

1. Learn the general rules of soccer. Before you can develop yourself into a goalie, you should know the rules of soccer. These rules and regulations are discussed by and decided upon by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which is a committee within the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).^[1] FIFA governs every aspect of the game of internationally.^[2]
   
   • FIFA publishes the official book of rules and regulations for soccer. It is updated regularly and the current version has 140 pages.^[3] You can find a copy of the rules and regulations of soccer at http://ift.tt/1Cv7soh .
   • The IAFB has established and recognized 17 standard and universal laws of soccer. This is because the FIFA rules and regulations often differ between countries and organizations. In addition, the FIFA rule book might be too complex for beginning players to understand.^[4]
   • The 17 laws cover the following topics: the field of play, the soccer, the number of players, the players’ equipment, the referee, the assistant referees, the duration of the match, the start and restart of play, the ball in and out of play, the method of scoring, offside, fouls and misconduct, free kicks, penalty kicks, the throw in, goal kicks, and corner kicks.^[5] You can access the specifics of each of the seventeen standard laws at http://ift.tt/1pK3VS4.
   • You can read more about how to play soccer at How to Play Soccer.
2. Learn the rules of being a goalie. Each player on a soccer field, from forwards to midfielders to the goalie, has a specific set of rules and regulations related to their position. Knowing these laws will help you be a better goalie and teammate.
   
3. Learn about goalkeeper equipment. Beyond the standard equipment any soccer player needs including cleats, shin guards, and a jersey, a goalkeeper must also follow the regulations on gear specific to his position on the field. From gloves to a special jersey, the equipment helps other players identify the goalie on the field.
   
   • Goalies must wear a uniform, long socks, shin guards, and soccer cleats.^[6]
   • FIFA regulations also require that a goalie’s equipment be distinctive from other players and the officials to identify his position on the field.^[7] For example, most goalies will wear a team jersey that is a different color from the rest of the players.
   • Goalies also wear special gloves to help them grip the ball and protect their hands from shots on goal. You can find out more about goalie gloves at http://ift.tt/26Rf4Ck .
4. Get the proper equipment to be a goalie. Before you start playing and training as a goalie, purchase the proper equipment. From gloves to cleats and shin guards, each piece of equipment will ensure that you are prepared to play your best and safest.
   
   • You need the following equipment to play: goalie gloves, cleats, shin guards, socks, and a jersey.^[8]
   • Goalie gloves, which are made of thick leather, cushion your hands when you catch or stop shots on goal. They also help you grip the ball better.
   • Cleats are special sneakers for soccer. They have hard stud on the bottom of the shoe that allows you to grip the turf on the field more effectively.
   • Shin guards protect your lower leg bones from being kicked by the hard cleats, which can be not only painful, but also injure you. You must wear socks that cover your shin guards completely, which also helps keep them in place.^[9]
   • A goalie jersey may have padding in the shoulder and hip areas to protect you from the force of direct shots on goal. If you play for a team, it will often provide you with a proper goalie jersey for your team.
   • You can purchase all of the necessary soccer equipment at specialty sports stores or even at online retailer such as Soccerpro.com.^[10]
5. Know where and how a goalie may play the soccer ball. It’s important for a goalkeeper to know where on the field he may play, from kicking the ball to throwing it with his hands. Knowing these rules will keep him from violating any of the rules of the game.
   
   • A goalkeeper may leave the goal box to join outfield players for defensive purposes, which often happens when a team needs to attack its opponents using full force.
   • The goalie may grip the soccer ball when he within his own penalty area. In certain situations, such a when a teammate deliberately kicks him the ball, he cannot handle.^[11]
   • If the goalie commits such violations, the referees will grant the opposing team with an indirect free kick, which may be close to the goal.^[12]
   • A goalkeeper may not control the soccer ball for more than six seconds. If he violates the rule, the opposing team are granted an indirect free kick.^[13]
   • The rules consider possession whenever the goalie is holding the ball with his hands, or if the ball somewhere between his body and the ground.^[14]
   • Goalies may take penalty kicks and participate in penalty shootouts.^[15]
   • Coaches may substitute a goalkeeper so long as play follows the regulations for player substitution.^[16]
   • If an opposing player is making a penalty kick, the goalie must remain not only on his goal line but also in between the goalposts. He may make any movement as long as he does not move forward before the ball is kicked.^[17]
   • A goalie may be given a red card for violating the rules of the game. In this case, any outfield player or a substitute goalie can take over for the ejected goalkeeper.^[18]
6. Learn rules specific to your country or organization. Because there are rules that govern soccer matches specific to certain countries and organizations, learn any differences there may be in your country or the organization for which you play. This will keep you from making mistakes that could cost your team the match.
   
   • For example, some organizations may require you to wear goalkeeper gloves whereas FIFA allows individual goalies to choose if they want to wear gloves.

EditPlaying with a Team

1. Pay close attention to the game. As a goalie, you are in the unique position among your teammates that you can see the entire field of play. By paying close to the game at all times, you not only help your team gain advantages, but also ensure that you’re prepared to defend the goal if the opposing team charges it.
   
   • Always keep your eye on the ball, even if it’s at the other end of the field. You wouldn’t want to be surprised if it is kicked to your end of the field.
2. Communicate with your teammates. Since a goalie can see the entire field of play in soccer, it is important for him to effectively communicate what he sees to his teammates. This will help them know which opponents to watch or any patterns of play. The goalie can also provide motivation for tired or lagging teammates.^[19]
   
   • Tell your teammates about certain opponents or patterns of play either during a time out or while they’re on the field. It’s important that they know these things because it not only helps them on the field, but also will help them do their job defending you and the goal area.
   • You can also develop and use hand gesture to cue your teammates about opponents or your own planned course of action.
   • Don't shout at your teammates too often. Be specific, concise, and decisive in your suggestions, but deliver the message in a polite manner. Remember, that you’re not the coach.
3. Be aggressive and anticipate players coming down the field. If an opposing player is charging down the field to take a shot on goal, your job as goalie is to anticipate what move he’s going to make and then aggressively defend the goal. How you react in these situations can the difference between a save and the other team scoring.
   
   • Charge oncoming players to cut down the angle of their kicks and to make yourself bigger. Charging is also a useful tool to intimidate opposing players.
   • Moving your legs and standing on the tips of your toes will help you react more quickly to incoming plays. Those few split seconds often make a big difference in the outcome of a situation.
   • Make yourself larger inside the goal to intimidate charging players. You can do this by raising your hands above your head or holding them out to your side. This is also a psychological trick used to make a kicker unsure of where he is kicking the ball.
   • Reading the body language of players coming down the field. For example, if you notice a player planting his foot to kick, you can easily anticipate that the ball will follow the trajectory of the shot. Watching a player’s eyes can also give you cues about where he plans to kick the ball.
4. Attack every ball that comes at you. Any ball traveling in the direction of the goalie can end up between the goal posts. It’s important to actively anticipate and attack any ball that comes towards you so that you don’t give the other team easy goals. Meaning, even if it is kicked higher than your height, jump!
   
5. Save shots on goal using your hands and feet. There are different ways to defend the goal area from catching the ball to kicking it or punching it out over the net. Choosing which defense strategy you use will depend on how the ball is approaching the goal area.
   
   • Catch the ball when you can. This will give you the option to punt it towards your teammates, giving them a chance at a goal.
   • When you catch a ball to save it from going in the goal, you have two options of how to play it: you can either throw it back to your teammates with your hands or directly kick it to one of your teammates further down the field.
   • There are times when it is not practical to catch the ball, for example if it is kicked too high or too fast. In these cases, you can deflect the ball with the palm of your hand or the tips of your fingers, or you can punch it over the net.
   • Kick the ball without first catching it only in an emergency situation, such as an immediate threat to the goal area.
   • If a ball is low to the ground or approaching you at a flat angle, dive for it and then get up quickly.
   • Get up quickly if you dive, catch or kick a ball. You never know when you'll need to make a second save.

EditTraining Your Body and Your Mind

1. Train your cardiovascular system. Soccer is a fast moving sport that requires a lot of running over the course of a 90-plus minute game. Even though you’re guarding the goal and may not be running as much as a forward, you still must be physically fit and prepare to run quickly in and out of the goal box and even on the field.
   
   • Running is one of the most important activities for a soccer player and a goalie. Aim to run at a decent pace for at least 90 minutes to ensure that your body is able to handle the rigors of the game.
   • You’ll also need to sprint in and out of the goal area to protect it from shots and potential shots on goal. It’s a good idea to train for this by running sprinting drills. For example, you could do 10 sprints of 100 meters so your body is prepared to accelerate quickly in and out of the goal.
2. Do strength training. As a goalie, you need to be able to clear the ball from the goal area by both kicking and throwing it. In order to do this most effectively, you need to have strong legs and arms, which you can train with weight exercises.
   
   • Doing cardio work like running will strengthen your legs, but doing leg-specific weight exercises will increase your strength. Consider exercises such as squats, lunges, and leg presses, all of which will train your entire leg.
   • Since being a goalie also requires you to use your arms and hands, doing exercises to increase your upper body strength is also important. Consider exercises such as shoulder presses, bicep curls, chest presses, and wrist curls. Using an implement such as the Gripmaster will strengthen your fingers and wrists.^[20]
   • You can also consider strength and flexibility training exercises such as yoga. Top international teams such as Bayern München practice yoga not only to augment their strength training exercises, but also to increase flexibility and refine fine motor skills. In addition, yoga can train you to focus and relax more effectively.^[21]
3. Work on your fine and gross motor skills. Being a successful soccer player and goalie requires more than being able to kick or throw a ball. Remember, a goalie is no different that a field player except that he is allowed to use his hands inside the goal box. You’ll need to train your fine and gross motor skills to most effectively handle the ball with your hands and feet.
   
   • To train fine and gross motor skills on your feet and legs, do drills that focus on activities such as dribbling a soccer ball going in different directions and punting it at different distances from your goal posts.^[22] For punts to clear a ball from the goal, practice having your planted foot and body face in the direction you want the ball to travel.
   • You should also train for the two basic steps a goalie uses: the shuffle and the crossover. Galloping sideways will train you for shuffling, while turning your legs in opposite directions from your hips will train you for doing a crossover.^[23]
   • As a goalie, you’ll also need to train your hands for greater dexterity with the balls. Throwing and catching drills with your coaches or teammates will help you develop handwork skills.^[24]
4. Speed up your reaction times. A goalie must be able to anticipate the opposing players’ move and react accordingly. Drills can help you speed up your reaction times, which may be the difference between effectively defending a shot on goal or failing to stop it before it enters the goal.^[25]
   
   • One good exercise to train your reaction times is to kick a soccer ball at a wall with different parts of your foot and then trying to stop it from getting past your body.
5. Learn how to anticipate opposing players’ moves. One of the primary jobs of a goalie is to understand the mindset of opposing players and anticipate their moves. By learning how to read opposing players’ moves, you will be able to more effectively anticipate what move they are about to make, which will help you block shots on goal and determine the course of the game.^[26]
   
   • Playing soccer often will give you the practical experience to read the moves of other players. Often, there are patterns of play that you can detect from this.
   • Watching videos of other goalies and players can highlight additional tactics to help you more effectively anticipate the moves of both offensive and defensive players and then determine the proper course of play.^[27]
   • One good drill to help you anticipate a player’s move is to practice mock shootouts and penalty kicks with a friend or your teammates. Even working with a couple of cones as a goal will help you practice this skill.
   • Practice your dive to save a ball on a bed or soft mattress.
6. Understand how geometric principles can enhance your technique. Part of being a goalie is anticipating shots on goal, which can come at different speeds and angles. Having a basic understanding that geometric and mathematical principles dictate where a ball will land can help you to more effectively anticipate plays.^[28]
   
   • Always try to close angles so that an opposing player does not have many options from where they can shoot. For example, if the player is charging from the right, don't stand in the middle of the goal. Instead, face the ball with your body and stand close to the right post.^[29]
   • A good rule of thumb for positioning yourself properly to angles is to pretend that there is a string extending from the ball to the very center of the goal. You want to position yourself on that string.
   • If a ball is kicked flat to the ground directly towards you, don't just reach your hands downward. Rather, hold your entire body low to the ground, which will allow you to dive forward if necessary.
   • If an opposing player is making a penalty shot, you also need to block the angle. Looking for cues in a player’s eyes or at his feet could help you figure out which angle to block.
7. Strengthen your mental stamina. Playing on a soccer team, including as a goalie, requires that you have mental strength to get through the ups and downs of games. By working on your mental stamina, you can successfully navigate any obstacles that might be present not only at a game, but also within your team.^[30]
   
   • It’s important to know that everything will never go perfectly in a game, or even in a practice. You need to be emotionally flexible and resilient in order to quickly rebound from setbacks so that they do not become a hindrance for your team.^[31]
   • Having confidence in your skills will also help boost your mental stamina. This can come from knowing that you’ve trained hard or that you have a very strong and supportive team.
   • Cognitive exercises like pep talks and seeing the positive in any situation also strengthen your mind and prepare you for games. Visualization, which is where you envision a play without actually going through it, is another effective exercise.^[32]
   • Talking to a sports therapist or psychologist can help you identify and in turn strengthen your game. For example, you may always feel guilty when your team loses. But soccer is a team sport and realizing that perhaps the fault isn’t always yours, and maybe with the defensive players, will help you be a stronger player.

EditTips

• Remember that no player starts out perfectly. If you want to be a great goalie, it will require a lot of practice, patience and confidence. Keep trying and don't give up!
• Don't let others blame you for defeats. Remember, even if you have made mistakes, the ball has got past 10 other players before you.
• Listen to your team and communicate with them. Soccer is a collaborative sport, so you need to interact with your team to plan how to stop the offense.
• Don't be afraid to throw yourself, I would recommend you buy knee pads.
• Diving is key. Learn how to predict the opponents move and just keep your eyes on the ball and follow its movement.

EditWarnings

• Even the most successful goalies make serious mistakes. When this happens, learn from your mistake and move on, but don't let it get you too down.
• When you’re playing, take care of your head. Many goalkeepers are injured in one-on-one collisions or by heading balls.

EditThings You'll Need

• Gloves
• Shin guards
• Socks that cover your shin guards
• Jersey
• Cleats
• Male keepers should wear an athletic cup.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Choose a Pair of Goalie/Keeper Gloves
• Read a Soccer Penalty Shot if You're a Goalie
• Dive in Soccer
• Do a Throw in Soccer
• Play Defense in Soccer
• Bend a Soccer Ball
• Understand Soccer Strategy
• Feel Confident and Not Afraid of Passing a Defender in Soccer
• Break in Goalie Gloves

EditSources and Citations

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/21uNh6X

How to Check Your Pulse

Checking your pulse allows you to determine your heart rate without any special equipment. This can be useful if you're trying to lose weight or you have a brain condition. Read on to find out how to easily and painlessly check your pulse.

EditSteps

EditFinding and Recording Your Pulse

1. Use your index finger and third finger when finding a pulse. Don't use your thumb when finding it, as it has its own pulse.
   
   • Find the radial pulse. This is the pulse on the inside of the wrist. Use the pads of your index finger and third finger. Place these just below the wrist creases on the thumb side. Press lightly until you feel a pulse (blood pulsing under your fingers). If necessary, move fingers around until you feel the pulse.
   • Find the carotid pulse. To feel a pulse on the side of the neck just below the jaw line, place your index finger and your third finger in the hollow between the windpipe and the large muscle in the neck. Press lightly until you feel a pulse.
2. Check and record your heart rate. Use a watch or clock with a second hand. Count the number of times you feel a throb for 1 minute ( 60 seconds) this is the most accurate method.
   
   • If you don't have a watch or a clock around, the Cleveland Clinic Health System recommends counting the beats you feel for 15 seconds and multiplying this by four to get your heart rate per minute:
   • Your pulse is: (beats in 15 seconds) x 4 = y (your heart rate) You can count beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. This is less accurate but an option. Only do this if you do not have a clock.
3. Determine your normal heart rate. For adults, normal resting heart rate is 50-70 beats per minute. For children under age 18, normal heart rate is 70-100 beats per minute. This is your heart rate when you are at rest. Determine your beats per minute by following the steps listed above.
   
   • Remember, you can determine your heart rate by counting your pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying that number by 4.
4. Check the strength of the pulse to see if it is strong or weak. Your pulse's strength cannot be calculated. While feeling your pulse, you should decide whether your pulse is "weak", "faint", "strong", or "bounding".^[1]
   
5. Check the rhythm of your pulse. This is a measurement of your heart's pulsations and the pauses between them. If your pulse is steady, it should be marked as regular. If you detect a skip or other oddity about your pulse, it may be irregular.^[2]
   

EditWhat To Do If You Can't Find Your Pulse

1. Try using your fingertips instead of laying your fingers across your wrist. Place them in different places and stop in each location for five seconds.
   
2. Try varying the pressure of your fingertips on your wrist. Sometimes lightening your touch or pressing harder will help you find your pulse.
   
3. Try pointing your arm pointing towards the floor. Do this if you have been holding it up to your face. The change in blood flow may help you find your pulse.
   
4. If you have a stethoscope, you can use it here. Make sure you lift up or remove your shirt, hold the stethoscope against your bare chest, and listen. Count each beat as you hear it, and listen for any skipped beats.
   

EditFinding Your Maximum And Target Heart Rates

1. Find your potential maximum heart rate. This is the highest your pulse rate can get. You will use your potential maximum heart rate to determine your target heart rate. To find yours, follow this formula: 220-(your age)=(predicted maximum heart rate)
   
   • Try exercising intensely for 30 minutes and then checking your heart rate immediately after (or even during) your exercise. Compare your real maximum heart rate to your potential maximum heart rate. The numbers should be relatively similar.
   • If you're taking your pulse during exercise, keep your feet moving as you do so or blood might accumulate in your extremities.
2. Find your target heart rate. This is 60 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. The reason there is a range rather than a solid number is because everyone has a different fitness level. While you exercise, check your pulse for 15 seconds. The number should be 60 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate.
   

EditTips

• To measure your relaxed heart rate, try lying down on the floor for one minute before taking your pulse.
• Smartphone apps are now available that will take your pulse for you. Install a pulse app, then measure your pulse following its instructions (usually by holding a finger steady over the camera lens).
• You can also take your pulse at your temple or chest, but these methods are far less common.

EditWarnings

• If you notice skipped beats while doing this procedure, seek medical attention.
• If you can obviously tell that your heartbeat is irregular as well as very fast, follow up with medical attention.
• Do not palpate both carotid arteries on your neck simultaneously as it will decrease the blood circulation to the brain.
• Do not press too hard on your neck, as it can stimulate a reflex mechanism that can slow down the heart.
• If there are any irregularities in your pulse, seek medical advice as soon as possible.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Lower Resting Heart Rate
• Be More Aware of Your Health **Do CPR on an Adult
• Check Your Blood Pressure with a Sphygmomanometer
• Lower High Blood Pressure Without Using Medication
• Lower High Blood Pressure Using Slow Breathing with Music

EditSources and Citations

• VideoJug A video of taking a pulse. Original source of article. Shared with permission and appreciation.

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1Z8569X

How to Make a Clay Pot

The venerable clay pot has its roots deep in ancient history. Our ancestors needed vessels to carry water and store food, and found the water-resistant naturally occurring clays in the soil were ideal. Even though today we can buy our vessels at the store and usually carry our water through pipes, clay pots remain beautiful, and are functional works of art and craft.

EditSteps

EditPreparations

1. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting grubby and dirty. You are essentially working with refined dirt, so it's going to be a messy business.
   
   
2. Knead the clay. Start with about 1/2 pound (.25 kilos) of clay. Slowly warm it and work out the air bubbles by kneading it with your hands. This will even out the clay’s consistency, eliminating lumps of soft spots, and make it more pliable and easier to work with. Take care to avoid folding, poking, or other actions that could add air pockets and bubbles to your clay—these could cause your pottery to explode in the oven.
   
   
3. Slice your clay in half with a stiff wire, and check for bubbles or gaps.
   
   
4. Once your clay is kneaded, try one of the methods below to make your own pot.
   
   
   • See the wikiHow article How to Knead Clay

EditCoiled Clay Pots

1. Once the clay is warm and pliable, take a fist-sized clump and roll it into a long rope called a coil. The diameter of the coil will determine the thickness of your pot's walls. For your first pots, roll your coils out till they’re a little thicker than a pencil, and about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) long, and of uniform thickness.
   
   
   • You may get thin or weak spots as you roll your coil out. Try avoiding that section as you work, but if it becomes a problem just break the coil at the weak spot, set one part aside, and finish the other.
2. Create the bottom. Starting from one end, wrap the coil in a spiral until the bottom is the size you have in mind. For example, for a pot using coils about 1/4 inch (.6 cm), your base might be 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter.
   
   
   • You can also create the bottom by rolling out some clay to about the same thickness as your coils, and then trim the excess with a knife, using cup or plate as your guide.
3. Prep the clay and start working. Score the outer 1/4 (.6 cm) inch of the bottom, and dampen with water or slurry (a thin mix of clay and water). Do the same with the bottom of the coils as you work. This will improve the clay bond and make your pot stronger. Lay the first coil on top of the base, and wrap it around, building up the wall.
   
   
4. Strengthen your pot. To make your work durable, strengthen the clay bond by smoothing down the inside of the pot, forcing down the clay from the upper coil into the joint below it.
   
   
   • To maintain the shape of your pot, support the outside of the pot as you smooth the inside.
   • You can smooth both inside and outside if you wish.
5. Shape your pot as you make it. Create your contours by adjusting the placement of the coils, and shaping the clay during the smoothing and strengthening process.
   
   
6. Finish your pot. Add any decoration or glazing as desired, and depending on what kind of clay you are using you may air-dry your pot, bake it, or fire it in a kiln. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the correct method.
   
   

EditMake a Pinch Pot

1. Make a ball. Roll the clay into a ball, and make sure it's moist.
   
   
2. Make a hole. Punch your thumb into the middle of the clay ball, to about 1/4 inch (.6cm) from the bottom.
   
   
3. Work the sides. With your thumb and forefinger, pinch the clay and press upwards. Work all around the inside, and with each pass, pinch from the bottom and move up, repeating until your vessel has the shape you want.
   
   
4. Flatten the bottom. Press from the inside, against the table you're working on, so that the bottom is smooth and flat.
   
   
5. Smooth out the inside and outside of the pot, as desired. Decorate, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing and finishing your pot.
   
   
6. For more detailed information, see [to Make a Pinch Pot].
   
   

EditUsing a Wheel

1. Smack your clay. Throw it firmly from hand to hand, smacking it into a ball shape.
   
   
2. Dry your wheel. This will help the ball of clay adhere to the wheel once it starts spinning. The last thing you want is a ball of wet clay flying across the room.
   
   
3. Have some water. Place a bucket of water where you can easily reach it to wet your hands while you work.
   
   
4. Throw the clay. Throw down the ball of clay as close to the center of the wheel as you can, then press it down into a conical shape.
   
   
5. Start spinning. As you build up speed, wet the clay, and with one hand on the side of the clay lump, and the other side on top of it, ease the clump towards the middle. Use the upper hand to keep the clay from flying out of control.
   
   
   • You can tell the clay is centered when it no longer looks like it's wobbling, but sitting stationary in the center of the spinning wheel. Don't stop spinning.
6. Wet your hands. Then work the clay into a cone, then press it down into a thick disk. Repeat this step a couple times. This is known as "wheel wedging" and helps to condition the clay. Make sure you keep the clay centered as you work.
   
   
7. Push a thumb into the middle of the spinning mass, until it's about 1/2 inch (1.5cm) from the bottom.
   
   
8. Push 4 fingers into the hole, and work them around until the hole is as big as you would like. Continue working the hole, using a hand on the outside of the clay to shape your pot.
   
   
9. Work slowly. Gradually pull the clay up with even pressure, until it's the desired height.
   
   
10. Spread the top. If you want it a bit wider at the neck, just pull back with your inside fingers. Don't do it too hard.
    
    
11. Remove the finished pot from the wheel. Wet the wheel (not the pot) and using a stiff wire or fishing line, and holding it with both hands, pull it from the back of the pot towards you until the pot is separate from the wheel.
    
    
12. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for finishing and firing your clay pot.
    
    

EditVideo

EditTips

• If your pot collapses during the coiling process, just knead out the air bubbles and start a new pot.
• Don’t use your fingertips when kneading the clay
• A great trick to eliminate air pockets is to keep the clay in a round shape, never flattening the clay more than halfway. and keep throwing the clay back and forth between your hands. You can also throw the clay on a hard surface (like a table) multiple times.
• You can also make a coil pot by using a mold. Just lay the base in a plant pot and the feed the coils into the pot and join together before tipping the pot out by loosening the top by pushing away from the sides with your finger. You can then join the outside and shape with a paddle or by rolling the pot on a table. If you want a closed pot then do this process twice and stick the two halves of the pot together with slip.
• If you have purchased an oven-fired clay, you'll want to bake it on a glass surface. This is to ensure that the clay will release. An upside-down dish works well.

EditWarnings

• Carefully follow the instructions on how to bake your clay if it is not an air drying kind. This is because if dry clay gets into the air or flicked about, it forms a dust called silica dust which causes long term health problems.
• Follow the directions for materials to work on. Some clays will stain wood.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Learn All About Polymer Clay
• Make a Clay Magnet
• Create a Figurine for Clay Animation
• Make Anasazi Pottery
• Make Clay Dice
• Make a Papier Mâché Vase
• Sculpt Using Sand and Portland Cement
• Make an Air Dry Clay Fortune Cookie
• Make Flowers With Clay
• Eliminate Salt Build Up on Clay Pots
• Make a Pot with Air Drying Clay

EditSources and Citations

• Videos provided by The Clay Teacher
• Sculpey
• http://ift.tt/24lw8Sl
• http://ift.tt/1rgHx41
• http://ift.tt/24lw8So

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/Icf2be

How to Study for an English Exam

Studying for exams can be stressful, especially if you have no idea how to study for a specific subject. English exams can vary widely depending on the focus of your class, whether it is a composition course, a literature class, or a more comprehensive humanities class. However, there are some universal strategies that can help you be successful on exams in English courses.

EditSteps

EditMemorizing Vocabulary Words

1. Make flashcards. Flashcards are one of the best ways to memorize vocabulary words. Write down the word on one side of an index card and the definition on the other side.^[1] You can quiz yourself or have someone else quiz you.
   
   • You can use electronic flashcards too. There are computer programs and smart phone apps that are specifically made for studying information on flashcards: you enter the “front” and “back” of the cards and scroll through them.
2. Identify roots, prefixes, and suffixes. One way to study vocabulary more quickly and effectively is to know common root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Being able to identify these can help you make educated guesses about vocabulary words instead of just having to memorize a long list of words that have little meaning for you.^[2]
   
   • The prefixes un, in, il, and ir often indicate “not.”
   • The suffixes –ive, -ative, and –itive indicate that a word is an adjective- one that describes a noun.
   • The prefix man usually has to do with using your hands.
   • The suffix phobia indicates a fear of something.
   • The prefix re means back or again.
   • The prefixes sur, sub, suc, sup, and sus often mean under, below, or secretly.
   • The prefix psyche indicates a relationship to the mind.
   • The prefixes mono (one) and poly (many) indicate a number or amount.
   • The suffixes log, logo, and ology suggest the study of something.
3. Write down the words and definitions. Even if you do not have flashcards, the act of writing down the words and definitions will help you remember them.
   
   • If you have time, try writing the words and definitions more than one time.
   • If you have a visual memory, try using different colors. You may be able to remember the color of the word and visualize the definition during the exam.

EditReviewing Literature

1. Re-read short selections of text. Any poems or short stories that you studied in class should be re-read. For longer texts like full-length novels, be sure to re-read any sections that seem really important or that your teacher spent a lot of time talking about in class.
   
   • If you took notes while discussing the texts, review the notes first, then re-read the text.
   • Be sure to consult your syllabus to remind yourself about all of the texts that you read.
   • Reviewing the chapter titles and the first and last sentences of each chapter of novels can help refresh your memory about the specifics of the novel.
2. Read introductory material and side notes in your textbook. If you used a traditional textbook for your class, read the introductory material and any footnotes that accompany the poems or stories you read.
   
   • These items, often overlooked when initially reading the texts, often provide context and overviews that can be very helpful for essay questions.
3. Review course notes. If you took notes in class, re-read them. If you don’t normally take notes, you should try to make an effort to do so in the future. This is the best way to remind yourself about what you talked about in class. Teachers rarely ask exam questions that were not directly discussed in class, so being able to review information from class time is the best study guide you can have. It is also good to review class work. 
   
4. Identify “big picture” themes. Many essay questions about literature will have to do with theme, or the “big picture” messages of a text. If you have trouble identifying themes on your own, try searching online for the name of the text plus the word “theme.” You will likely find some useful overviews and study guides. Knowing common themes in literature may help you identify them in specific texts:^[3]
   
   • (Wo)Man versus nature
   • (Wo)Man versus a hostile society or God/the gods
   • The fleeting nature of time
   • The inevitability of death
   • The state of Alienation
   • The danger of ambition
5. Review online study guides and summaries. There are many websites devoted to providing students with summaries and study guides for canonical (popular and famous) texts. These can be great tools for studying, but they should never be used as a substitute for reading the text in the first place.
   
   • If you choose to use an online guide, use a reputable one written by experts. Avoid using personal blogs and websites that don't say they're written by experts.
6. Memorize details such as characters’ names. Though you may not be asked specifically to identify characters’ names and relationships to each other on the exam, these are details that will come in handy while taking the exam.
   
   • Getting characters’ names wrong or mixing up characters can undermine even otherwise great responses to test questions.
   • Use flashcards (either paper or electronic cards) to memorize characters’ names and details about them.^[4]

EditDetermining Exam Content

1. Refer to your study guide. The best way to prepare for an exam is to consult and fill out your entire study guide. Most teachers who give out a study guide are basically handing the class a key to the test. Becoming familiar with everything on the study guide can ensure success on the test.
   
   • If your teacher does not provide a study guide, this option may not be available to you. You could try visiting your teacher before or after class or during her office hours and asking for a guide or for tips about where best to focus your studying.
2. Review your course syllabus. If your instructor hands out a course syllabus or calendar, read over it. Often, the instructor’s philosophy about exams is part of a detailed syllabus.^[5] This can also serve as a reminder about specific texts you read or items that you focused on.
   
   • Anything that your teacher spent more than one day of class on is sure to be important.
   • Most syllabi include a section about exams. At the very least, you should be able to determine what percentage of your overall grade each exam makes up, which can help you determine how long you should spend studying for it.
3. Review your class notes. For some exams, you may need to be able to provide definitions of key concepts or literary movements. For others, you may need to be able to talk about how a theme is explored in various works. Look through your notes to check for definitions, lists, and any theme or topic that comes up more than once; this is usually a good sign that these may be on the exam.
   
4. Attend class before the exam. Often, the day or days before the exam are the best times to attend class. Your teacher will likely preview the exam and indicate directions of focus that you should study. This is also when teachers usually distribute study guides.
   
   • If you must miss class, ask a friend or reliable classmate for copies of any handouts or her notes from class. If she knows that you will be gone ahead of time, she is more likely to take thorough notes instead of just listening.
   • As a last resort, contact your teacher to find out what materials you missed in class. It is best to let her know you will be gone ahead of time, and tell her that you have tried to have another student take notes for you. Don't phrase your request by saying you wanted to know if you missed anything or if anything important was covered; this may offend your teacher. Instead, ask if your teacher will share with you what she went over in class.
5. Ask your teacher what you should study. If your teacher does not volunteer a study guide or information about the exam, ask her about it towards the end of class one day. It is best to be very polite and just ask for guidance about studying rather than demanding to know what the content of the exam will be.
   
   • It’s also important to know whether the exam is cumulative, covering everything from the beginning of the semester, or if it is only covering material since your last exam.
6. Consult previous course exams. If this is not your first exam for the course, look at the last test you took. Many teachers use similar formats for each exam, so an earlier test can serve as a study guide or at least give you an idea about what to expect for the format of the exam.
   
7. Know the format of the exam. In addition to asking about the content of the exam, you should ask your instructor about the format of the exam.^[6] Knowing, for example, whether an exam will be multiple choice or entirely essay can help you decide how to study.
   
   • Knowing whether you will be taking the test on a computer or with pen and paper will also help you determine how best to study. A computer with word processing software may negate the need to spend a lot of time studying the spelling of vocabulary words, for example.
8. Determine appropriate test-taking materials. Be sure that you will be prepared for the exam by bringing the appropriate materials for the exam. If your exam will be administered on a computer, you may not need to bring anything with you at all.
   
   • Find out if you need pen or pencil, paper or a test booklet, and if you will be able to use your textbook or novels that you read while taking the test.
   • Some teachers may even allow you to use a notecard or a study guide while taking the test.

EditForming a Study Group

1. Ask classmates if they want to meet to study. You are likely not the only person who wants to study for the English exam.^[7] Asking before or after class if anyone wants to meet for a study group can be a great way to increase the effectiveness of your studying.
   
   • You are more likely to be able to put together a study group if you do not wait until the day before the exam to suggest it: plan ahead.
2. Share notes with each other. Everyone takes class notes differently, so circulating or comparing notes can be a good way to remember details about specific class discussions. This can also be a good way to review any material from days that you were absent from class.
   
   • Remember that your group members were not planning to share their notes, so be kind about their handwriting, messy notes, and/or doodling on their notes.
   • Don’t be embarrassed about the state of your class notes. You weren’t expecting to share, and even messy notes can be helpful to someone who doesn’t have any.
3. Talk about literature. A lively debate about the texts is a good way to get you interested in them and to review the content. Be sure you back up your discussion by looking at the text and finding opportunities to use “evidence” from the text to back-up your points.
   
4. Compare previous tests. If your classmates are comfortable sharing the results of previous tests in the class, you can compare to see what types of responses seem to be the most successful for your particular teacher. Knowing, for example, if your teacher tends to give higher marks to longer, more detailed responses or to responses that are direct and to-the-point can help you determine how to approach answering questions on the test.
   

EditTips

• Do not wait until the last minute to study. Cramming is rarely an effective approach for an exam.
• Practice outlining exam essay question responses. You may even be able to take one to the teacher ahead of time and ask whether you are on the right track in the way you are thinking about the exam.
• Try not to annoy your teacher with too many questions about the exam. She expects that you have been paying attention in class everyday and that you will show that you were paying attention by providing accurate exam responses.
• When studying grammar, revise all of the parts and figures of speech. That is for example, malapropism and concord errors, etc.

EditSources and Citations

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/23klwgP

How to Keep Ants Out of Pet Food

When ants invade your pet's food, the pet may refuse to eat. When ants invade food stored inside, you might end up with a pest problem inside your home. These instructions will help you ant-proof your pet's food, helping prevent such infestations. In addition to helping keep ants out of your pet's food, moreover, you may be worried that ants will end up in food you put out for wildlife around your home. These instructions also include steps to keeping ants out of these foods. The key is to create a chemical barrier that ants will not cross and which will not be harmful to pets, wild birds, or any other animals you wish to feed.

EditSteps

EditStoring and Protecting Pet Food

1. Store extra food in sealed containers.^[1] Coffee cans, Tupperware, and resealable zipper storage bags are some examples of containers that will help keep ants out. You may find that an additional container inside of another will be an even more effective barrier. Food stored in a resealable zipper storage bag and placed inside an airtight container provides a strong barrier against ants.^[2]
   
2. Create a moat barrier. Set clean food dishes in a pan of water, not too deep (such as a cake pan). The pan of water will act as a moat and keep the ants out.^[3] Another solution is to use two stainless pet food dishes, one slightly larger than the other—use industrial strength glue to attach a small piece of brick or very flat stone to the underside of the smaller dish, wait for the glue to dry, and put water in the larger dish. Place the smaller dish with attached brick or stone into the larger dish of water. The water serves as a moat, keeping ants out of the food, and the brick or stone helps keep the food dish from tipping over while raising it well above the water level.^[4]
   
   • Set the dish with moat in a different area for two days or more. The ants will eventually stop returning to the normal feeding place.
3. Purchase ant-proof pet food dishes. Several pet food dishes are available for purchase that are purported to protect against ant infiltration.^[5] Some of these dishes are meant for indoors, and some have even been developed for outdoor use. Choose the dish that will work best for your pet, whether an indoor or outdoor pet, a dog, cat, or other pet.
   
   • Some standalone moats are also available into which you can place your existing food dish, thereby protecting the food from ants.
4. Keep the area around food dishes clean. Keep pet food dishes on a removable surface—such as a placemat—and remove to clean after meals. Ants follow a pheromone trail given off as they walk to direct them back to food sources. Cleaning the surface on which the food dish sits—and the dish itself—with soap and water disrupts the pheromone trail, thus discouraging ants from returning.^[6]
   
5. Use peppermint oil. Mix a ratio of one tablespoon of 100% peppermint oil to one cup of water and mix in a spray bottle. Spray near the HVAC return vents in your home to deter pests. Their sense of smell will be disrupted, which is what deters them after the use of peppermint oil.^[7] Another effective way of using peppermint oil to deter ants from pet food is to use drops of the oil on a cotton ball to wipe onto baseboards and other surfaces near where ants may enter the home. You might also wipe the oil onto the surface around the area where pet food is stored or around the food dish.^[8]
   

EditGetting Rid of Ants in Pet Food

1. Freeze infested food. If ants are already in a food dish, cover the dish tightly and place in the freezer. Leave the food in the freezer until the it is frozen and the ants are dead.^[9] This will allow you to remove the ants from the food while salvaging it for feeding to your pet.
   
2. Take the dry food out of the freezer. By now the ants should be dead. Pour the dry food into a strainer, over a sink, and shake back and forth vigorously until no more dead ants come out. This will keep from wasting the pet food, as you can now re-serve it.^[10]
   
3. Re-store pet food. After pet food is free of ants, pour the food into an airtight container to protect against further infestation.^[11] Using techniques listed in method one, try to prevent infestation from recurring. You may have to repeat some steps to completely remove ants, so keep trying if you don't succeed the first time.
   

EditKeeping Ants Out of Your Bird Feeder

1. Use petroleum jelly.^[12] To protect a feeder that sticks to the window, cut a large circle or heart shape out of newspaper. Tape that inside your window for a pattern. Then, use your finger to draw a Vaseline barrier on the outside of the window. Place the feeder in the center. This method is best used in a cool, shady area. In warm weather the Vaseline will start to run/ drip.
   
2. Make a petroleum jelly barrier for a hanging feeder. For a hanging feeder, cut a hole in the center of a lid to a tub of margarine or other small, lightweight object and string the hanging cord of the feeder through the hole. Make a knot in the cord, if necessary, to hold the lid in place. Smear petroleum jelly on the lid or other object. The ants may get to the lid, but they will not make it to the feeder, and other ants will not make the attempt.^[13]
   
3. Use flypaper. Wrap a band of ribbon flypaper on the feeder pole, or place on window or custom mounts. Flypaper has glue on both sides, so ants will not cross the paper. Keep the fly paper away from the feeder so that birds do not make contact. If flypaper comes off in high heat, hold it up with small pieces of duct tape that have no smooth surface exposed for ants to crawl on.^[14]
   

EditTips

• Ants will return, for several days, to an area where there once was food. Move the food as far away as practical. Don't put it back in the regular place for 2 days or more.
• The petroleum jelly (Vaseline) works best when about 75 ºF (24 ºC) outside. Too cold and the ants can walk over it. Too hot and it melts on the window and makes a runny mess.
• Try to think outside the box. Whatever your ant problems are, you need to figure out a way to create a pet safe barrier that the ants will not cross. Water, oil, Vaseline, butter, or bar soap (used like drawing with chalk) are Eco-friendly solutions, but may be considered as temporary.
• Place pet food dishes in the center of a terrycloth rag or towel with at least two inches of terrycloth exposed around the outermost edge of the dish.
• Whenever hanging hummingbird feeders, take great care not to spill ANY of the sugar water. Even one drop brings the ants’ attention to that area. Hose down the deck or patio if you think food was spilled there.

EditWarnings

• Don't get ant spray into pet food.
• Whenever using insecticides, be sure to follow manufacturer's directions.
• As with all chemicals, keep out of children's reach.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Clear Ants off a Deck
• Keep Ants Away From Cat Food
• Care for an American Toad
• Choose a Pet
• Kill Ants without Pesticides

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/26L8rS0

How to Sort Your iPhone Contacts by First Name

At times it may be difficult to remember the last names of acquaintances or business contacts when searching in your iPhone contacts; For these situations it is handy to sort the iPhone's default contact list by first name.

EditSteps

1. Open the "Settings" application on your iPhone.
   
2. Locate and open the settings for "Mail, Contacts, Calendars"
   
3. Scroll until you find the "Contacts" section.
   
4. Select "Sort Order".
   
5. Change the sort order to "First, Last"
   
6. Check your "Contacts" application to ensure the new sorting has taken effect.
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• To set the sort order back to last name sorting follow the same steps and select "Last, First" as the sort order.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Add Mail, Contact, and Calendar Accounts to Your iPad 2
• Print from Your iPhone
• Access Multitasking on an iPhone
• Enable MMS Messaging for iPhone
• Hard Reset an iPhone

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1q4A5YZ