Sports Product Review

May 24, 2012 - Measure Your Success

2012-05-25T00:55:51Z

It's more fun to hit the ball far. But that's easier said than done. Improving club speed is the holy grail among all serious golfers. They know that swing speed relates directly to distance and consistent tempo time translates to consistent ball striking.

Now, an affordable instrument is available by which golfers can obtain immediate real-time feedback on these two important swing characteristics – club head swing speed and tempo time. The Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer from Sports Sensors is two instruments in one. When used on the driving range or during practice rounds, the immediate feedback of these two inputs provided by the device, along with the ball flight characteristics, will help establish a benchmark by which a golfer can monitor swing performance and consistency, while optimizing swing mechanics.

There are metronome devices available for golfers to emulate tempo characteristics of their swing, particularly the ratio of the back swing to the forward swing. Because the entire swing time from takeaway to ball impact is only about 0.80 to 1.40 seconds, the human reaction time is a significant percentage of the golfer’s tempo, and emulating specific swing tempo parameters can be challenging. The new Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer compliments tempo training by measuring a golfers’ actual tempo time consistency, from club takeaway to ball contact, to one hundreth of a second. It also measures club head swing speed within 1 mph up to 100 mph, and 1% over 100 mph.

We've reviewed multiple “true” radar products from Sports Sensors, from their Glove Radar, to the Kick Speed Radar and many more. They're all terrific and affordable. For less money than you'd spend on a professional lesson, you can have a dedicated coach by your side at all times providing instant and reliable feedback. Winning products make winning players. That's why Sport Sensors is a “win-win” proposition.

Source: Sports Sensors

May 15, 2012 - There's an App for Softball and Football

2012-05-15T21:49:53Z

CoachDeck, (full disclosure - a company of which I have ownership), has added to its popular suite of iPhone apps with its two newest - CoachDeck Softball and CoachDeck Football. Both come in "Full" and free "Lite" versions.

CoachDeck is well known in the community youth sports marketplace for its popular decks of cards containing 52 good, fundamental drills designed for youth volunteer coaches who lack experience or time to prepare. The iPhone apps provide an electronic alternative to the traditonal decks.

CoachDeck for Softball was overseen by Hall-of-Fame and former UCLA national champion coach Sue Enquist. In both the football and softball versions, (joining CoachDeck for Basketball, Baseball and Soccer), users can easily flip through all 52 drills, and even "stack the deck" with a few favorites so that those are available instantly at the touch of the screen.

Source: CoachDeck

May 8, 2012 - The Volleyball Journey

2012-05-08T21:27:37Z

You have the drive and the passion. You love the game more than anything. Mizuno Volleyball wants to know about it, via a new online contest for young volleyball players called 'The Journey'. The grand prize is a volleyball clinic given to the winner's team in their hometown, conducted by a USA Volleyball team member.

Mizuno is asking young volleyball players to submit video diaries, photographs and essays, showcasing their own personal journeys and elaborating on how competitive volleyball has affected their lives and made them better, stronger individuals.

That's the Journey. The more you put into it, the better your chance to win. And, of course, we're not only talking about the contest.

Source: Mizuno Volleyball

April 27, 2012 - The Next Big Thing?

2012-04-27T19:37:51Z

If you haven't heard of ultimate disc, you will soon. Up until now, the only ultimate disc you may have seen being played was by students on a college campus. However, now that there's a fledgling professional league in the United States, (The American Ultimate Disc League – AUDL), you can watch the best in the game on pay-per-view or live in person in stadiums in eight US cities. It won't be long, is our bet, that you'll see it being broadcast live on ESPN.

You might think, “A pro frisbee league?” and dismiss it. But don't be too quick to judge. This sport has all of the ingredients to become a phenomenon. Why is soccer so popular worldwide? Because it doesn't require expensive equipment to play as does baseball, American football, lacrosse etc. Even in basketball, you need to find a hoop and net. With soccer, a field or street and a couple of cones or trash cans serving as goals will do. Thus, there are few economic barriers to entry, which means the 90% of the world's population that can't afford a football helmet or $200.00 mitt and bat can play – and do. If it is possible to imagine, ultimate disc is even more accessible than soccer. You only need a disc and a field. That may be one reason so many starving college students use the game as their competitive outlet.

Another reason is that the game is fun and exciting. Similar to American football, Ultimate Disc players make running, acrobatic catches, leaping grabs, and fantastic passes. The pro game takes it one notch higher. Have you ever seen the best in the world fire a disc forehand 70 yard to hit a well-guarded receiver in stride? It is a thing of beauty to rival anything the NFL can offer. You have to see it to believe it.

Not everyone has passed a football or hit a baseball. Most have never played ice hockey or for that matter even soccer or basketball at a high school level or higher. But everyone has thrown a disc. That familiarity means more fans can identify and connect with ultimate disc, and that has to mean that once the word is out about the pro league, the fan base will grow.

When I was a kid growing up, my grade school hired a European gym teacher who introduced us to soccer. We all played at recess, using the two poles holding up the basketball court as a goal. There was no youth soccer back then. I remember begging him to start a league so we had some place to really play. He kept telling us he'd look into it, but nothing ever happened. Until later. And look what youth soccer in this country has become now. I see no reason ultimate disc can't do the same thing. But while the pro game never took off as a spectator sport in this country because American fans see it as being too slow and boring, ultimate disc is full of scoring and high-intensity excitement. If this was a stock, I'd be buying. Because the Next Big Thing just might be the Ultimate.

Source: AUDL

April 21, 2012 - Hits to a Tee

2012-04-21T14:53:01Z

Ninety-five percent of all professional baseball players use a tee as part of their daily practice routine. It is great for creating muscle-memory and correcting flaws. Hitting off the tee is one of the best ways to get in a lot of repetitions in a short period of time.

A while back, we did a review of the iconic JUGS pitching machines that many of us in baseball know so well. What we didn't realize was that they do more than just pitching machines – more than just baseball. In fact, if you're involved with sports at all, there's a good chance that anything you're looking for is at JUGS Sports.

They sent us a couple of their batting tees to try out and the first one we opened is the 3-in-1 Hitting Tee. At first glance it seems like a standard tee and good value for the price. As we looked closer, we found there was more than meets the eye.

When I used to be involved in my local Little League, I would see this common mistake all the time in T-ball: Coaches would place the tee right on top of the plate. This meant when a player takes his place in the batter's box, he's hitting the ball even with his belly-button, which would never happen with a live pitch. The ball will be hit in a different spot, usually out front of the plate, depending on where the pitch is thrown. So while this might not be a big deal in T-ball, older players need to know the proper placement of the tee in relation to the actual plate, in order to get the best results from practice. The 3-in-1 Tee has instructions for where the tee should be placed for various pitches right on it.

It also comes with a small ball topper, and small ball. This unique device forces hitters to better-concentrate as they swing because the target is much smaller. This is an excellent way to hone in that eye-hand coordination that tee work improves. My kids love the way the tee breaks down with the stem secured by velcro straps on the base, and the built-in carrying handle. This allows them to easily transport it in the trunk of the car to and from the high school batting cage.

Maybe best of all, the 3-in-1 Tee comes with a DVD that is worth the price of the tee alone. It's chock full of professional hitting instruction and drills that you wouldn't get if you paid for ten private batting lessons.

If you're a player who thinks hitting off the tee is something you graduated from long ago, it might be time to re-evaluate your training plan. Sure, it's more fun to get in the cage and hit off of one of the JUGS machines, but a little tee work everyday could be the difference between being good and truly great.

Source: JUGS Sports

April 12, 2012 - You'll Go (Coco) Nuts for These

2012-04-12T17:26:22Z

We've reviewed athletic shirts made from bamboo. So, staying in a tropical theme, it only seems natural that we'd try out a pair of socks make from coconuts. We received a couple pair of New Balance NBX to try, and if and socks could be described as “perfect” these are it. They fit like a glove, er, for your feet, and keep your toes cool if it is warm, and warm when it's cold.

Part of the secret is Cocona – a natural technology derived from coconut shells that provides exceptional evaporative cooling, odor resistance and UV protection. By weaving activated carbon from coconut shells into the threads, Cocona outperforms other fabrics and yarns. Fabrics made from Cocona yarns and fibers are lightweight, comfortable, and retain all of the conventional product features such as stretch and washability. Through the process of washing and drying Conona garments, the activated carbon is rejuvenated.

Cocona or not, we loved them. Some athletic socks are too loose. They're constantly moving around on the foot, which is simply uncomfortable when sitting at home, but can also cause blisters during activity. Other fitted socks might stay locked in place, but they're too constrictive. Take them off after a full day of wear and you've go creases on the ankle from their grip. Not the NBX. These are made to provide cushioning in only key areas of the foot for essential shock absorption, but feel like you're wearing nothing at all.

Its surprising the Professor from Gilligan's Island didn't figure out this whole coconut sock thing. But we're glad New Balance did.

Source: New Balance

April 6, 2012 - This Works

2012-04-06T19:57:54Z

Baseball is back! We'd all love to watch all 162 of our favorite team's games, but there are a couple of problems. Buying the cable package to bring the entire season to our living room means we have to get a job and work. But ironically, having that job means there's not enough time to watch all of the games.

The perfect solution would be to be able to follow your team's progress pitch-by-pitch, while at work. If it was free – all the better. That's where MLB.com comes in. All you need is access to a computer. Their ever-improving Gameday Live let's you feel like you're at the ballpark, even from your cubicle. There's even a Gameday Mini you can tuck in the corner of your screen while you fly through spread sheets and power points. Get all of the trends, stats, and up-to-the-minute action live, while still making sure the boss is happy. And speaking of happy, that's what the price will make you - it's free.

We always feel fortunate to get to go to the ballpark. But these days most people feel lucky to have a job. Now, thanks to MLB.com, you can do both at the same time. Just don't get any mustard on your keyboard.

Source: MLB.com

March 28, 2012 - 16,000 Pitchers Can't Be Wrong

2012-03-28T18:11:53Z

How would you like to add more velocity to your fastball? Acclaimed author and pitching coach Paul Reddick knows how to do it, and all the secrets are available to you with his 90MPH Club program.

You can access a full curriculum which includes his Velocity Mechanics Workshop where Paul breaks down baseball's best pitchers. You’ll be amazed at how similar each pitcher throws. You'll learn the difference between the wind up vs. the stretch and see Paul break down the common mishaps of today's pitchers and how you can avoid them.

Also included is Paul's famous Queen Bee Theory, and you'll get examples and a demo showing what causes the “Queen Bee” and how to fix it. Want to put the teaching into action? There are plenty of drills including the Wall Drill, Yankee Stadium Drill, and Nets Drill that will help you refine your mechanics.

And finally to whip you into shape, you'll learn the 90 MPH Club's Dynamic Warm Up, Energy Workout, Super 7 (responsible for more MPH added to pitchers than anything else) and enjoy the 2-Minute Torture along with the 3-Minute Madness.

Paul Reddick is the master at getting pitchers to maximize their potential. Why not skip one session with your pitching coach and invest a portion of what you would have spent in the 90 MHP program? You might not be able to get your money for all those lessons back, but you may end up saving yourself a ton going forward.

Source: 90 MPH Club

March 22, 2012 - Support System

2012-03-22T17:30:08Z

All great athletes understand that there are people behind the scenes who are responsible for their success. Coaches, trainers, family all provide support and comfort so that the biggest stars can shine on the greatest stage.

adidas Sport Performance Underwear stays true to its athletic heritage, with best-in-class technical performance and durability, featuring lightweight, ultra-soft fabric for superior moisture management and optimal ventilation and breathability.

Odor resistant technology reduces odor-causing bacteria and keeps athletes clean and fresh. They'll be cool and comfortable while performing at your peak in even the hottest conditions. The fabric has specially-designed ventilation channels allowing cool air to ﬂow in and out. The result is a dry, cool performance-enhanced body.

They sent us a few pairs to try and they are not only comfortable the minute you put them on, but they stay that way through the most grueling of workouts. Just like that network of individuals behind every great player, you might not see the adidas briefs, but they're there offering support and comfort.

Source: adidas

March 17, 2012 - Are You Ready For Some Football?

2012-03-17T15:57:04Z

As I've mentioned when reviewing other CoachDeck products, I am involved with this company, so I'm a little biased. But the popularity of these decks of drill cards is growing, as evidenced by the thousands of youth sports leagues and coaches using the product.

Now, after releasing the flagship CoachDeck - Baseball in 2007, followed by CoachDecks for soccer, basketball and softball, CoachDeck - Football is here, and it may be the best one yet.

Each CoachDeck contains 52 good, fundamental practice drills broken down into four color-coded categories. The football deck offers drills in the Basics that every team needs to work on, Team drills, and Offense and Defense. The mission of the company is to provide a fun, fast and portable way for youth volunteer coaches who don't have experience or time to prepare to still run a fundamentally sound and exciting practice.

CoachDeck's motto is, "A Perfect Practice is in the Cards." Now that perfect practice can be run on the gridiron.

Source: CoachDeck