Sports Product Review

March 10, 2010 - How the Ball Bounces

2010-03-10T23:30:23Z

So here’s the deal: You’re a baseball/softball dad and you want your son/daughter to get more swings in. But you, not being independently wealthy and retired, don’t have the time to throw batting practice, nor can you afford to send them to the local batting cage every day at $50/hour. You’ve set up a tee in the garage but, judging by the dust it’s accumulated, the last time they hit off the tee was when they were actually playing Tee-ball. What’s the answer?

The Backyard Batter, (www.backyardbatter.com) is a unique, cool and, most of all, fun training tool that will ensure they’re hitting even if you’re at the office. The main reason kids often don’t practice on their own is that practice is usually boring. No one likes to hit a stationary ball off a tee, pick it up, and hit it again. But put a little movement on the ball, make it more of a challenge, and they’ll be out there until you call them in for dinner.

The Backyard Batter is a simple mechanism that drops balls, one after another, onto a small trampoline. Players learn to time the bounce and hit the ball on its way up, similar to a coach throwing soft-toss. The big advantages to this method are that there is enough time for small kids to watch and swing, and they know when the ball is coming. You can adjust the height and arch of the pitch as well as the time interval. The Backyard Batter will work with softballs, baseballs and tennis balls, and operates on AC or a 6 VDC rechargeable battery.

The Backyard Batter is lightweight, tough, and durable. It fits in an optional 4-1/2 foot bag so you can take it to the field for the whole team to use. Imagine having a hitting station like this one, without having to waste a coach just sitting on a bucket tossing. It assembles using only two wing nuts and two pins. When you’re done, you need only take in the trampoline and the ball rack to break it down.

Whether they play T-Ball, Little League, High School, Slow or Fast Pitch, the Backyard Batter will teach your child to hit, to train muscle memory through repetition and to improve their swing. It takes time to be a better hitter. That time needs to be fun, safe and provide a sense of accomplishment. The Backyard Batter is the tool for the job.

Source: Backyard Batter

March 2, 2010 - May the Force Be With You

2010-03-02T21:44:07Z

It’s the biggest mystery to the parent of the high school athlete. Your child wants to play in college, but the top DI schools aren’t exactly beating down your door with full-ride offer sheets. What do they do to get noticed if they’re not one of the top 100 recruits in the nation?

SportsForce (www.sportsforceonline.com) wants to help clear up that mystery and pave the way for a great college sports experience for anyone who has a little talent and a lot of desire. SportsForce allows high school athletes in all sports to create an online profile containing all of the germane information coaches need, along with beautifully-crafted video that showcases players’ talents.

I have two sons who aspire to play college baseball. The oldest one is a high school senior and this summer, we followed him around to countless games with the camcorder in tow. My wife or I would have to try to find the perfect spot to set it up, then turn it on and off for each at-bat – and try to catch some fielding plays if we were lucky. Then there were hours on the computer, editing and putting together the best parts. Next, I created a website, which, because I’m no web developer, took the better part of a weekend. Finally, we had to then begin the process of contacting coaches and sending out emails with a link to the site, hoping for some positive response.

For about the cost of one of those weekend tournaments, SportsForce will do it all for you, saving you tons of time, aggravation and money. Plus, the finished product is professional and attractive, which is more than I could say for my homemade website. So while the oldest son has college offers he’s considering, son #2 is going the SportsForce way with more attractive packaging. They’ll help identify schools that are the best fit and offer counseling on best practices for getting the coaches’ attention. They’re with you every step of the process.

Of course it’s all going to depend on whether or not he can play. But they say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. And the people at SportsForce are going to do everything they can to make sure that initial look is All-American caliber.

Source: SportsForce

February 25, 2010 - More Than the Wood

2010-02-26T04:52:56Z

What do you get when you combine good, old-fashioned craftsmanship with American raw materials, pride and know-how, and roll it up into the great American pastime? You get BWP Bats, (www.bwpbats.com), handmade professional bats.

Visit their website and see if it doesn’t make you want to order one. They do custom bats so you could surprise a youngster with a great keepsake. Or if you want to turn someone into a much better hitter, encourage him to hit with wood instead of aluminum and see how much he improves.

One of my boys has been swinging a Rock Maple version and another the Red Oak. The maple bat is precision vacuum dried for maximum power. Only the finest pieces of maple with the best grain are made into BWP bats. No other bat gives you the power and durability. The Red Oak couples the feel of a true wood bat with all the longevity you could ever want. All I know is that when we go to the cage, they’re swinging the BWP wood, have been since December and, (knock on Pennsylvania forest wood), these bats are still producing head-ducking rockets.

Do yourself or your youngster a favor and enjoy a classic from BWP. There may be nothing more American except hot dogs and apple pie.

Source: BWP

February 14, 2010 - Keep Shooting, Buddy

2010-02-14T17:34:20Z

There are many simple training devices on the market that don’t cost an arm and a leg, but that are effective and simple to use. A perfect example is The Shooting Buddy, (www.shootingbuddy.com). The tension caused by the elastic strap reminds players to keep their elbow in and their arm straight, which generates the straightest shot. Practicing with the device again and again develops muscle memory of the correct technique.

One of the biggest factors contributing to errant shots is allowing the elbow to fly out. Coaches will constantly remind players by pushing their players’ elbows back in so the forearm moves in a vertical line with the body. The Shooting Buddy is like having that coach to remind you, even when you’re practicing along.

When we tried the device, it felt awkward and wrong at first, until we realized that it was our natural shooting technique that was awkward and wrong. After a few dozen repetitions, the shots started dropping with more regularity. Now, if they could develop a “Jumping Buddy,” and a “Growing Buddy,” we might stand a chance on the court.

Source: The Shooting Buddy

February 6, 2010 - In the Zone

2010-02-06T23:44:59Z

The National Hockey League had a problem.

Defense dominated the 1928-29 season so much that teams combined for only 2.9 goals a game. A radical solution was adopted for the 1929-30 season: Allow players to make forward passes in the offensive zone. The effect was immediate. Goal scoring doubled by December 1929.

With scoring now at a 42-year low, some of the NHL's leaders think its time for another radical move. Team executives and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman have begun discussing ways to increase scoring. But the developers of the Shooter Tutor at Score100Goals.com don’t believe it is a rules issue. The feel players need to learn a new way to score.

Goalies are being taught to aggressively cut down on the shooter’s angles, players are being taught to aim at the same spots goalies are being coached to cover. It’s not working. So how do you score more goals? They analyzed over 1,000 NHL goals and found trends based on a player's position in the offensive zone and goals scored from that position. The Shooter Tutor divides the offensive end into 5 distinct zones based on angles and depth. These Zones are separated and color-coded based on how a goalie positions himself to the shooter.

Each zone has a different area on the net to shoot for the highest probability of scoring. Players trained in this system know exactly where to shoot from any place in the offensive zone. This means players can almost shoot without looking and the puck will be off the blade and in the net before the goalie has a chance to react. A quick release will become habitual, and accuracy for the best scoring probability from that particular zone will also be there.

Will we see scoring increase in hockey soon? It’s hard to say. But there is a pretty good chance it will increase for every young hockey player who trains with the Shooter Tutor.

Source: Score100Goals

January 22, 2010 - Your Shoes' Dry Cleaner

2010-01-22T14:22:16Z

I’m on my second pair of Nike Free’s, which is a shoe that is designed to be worn without socks. I loved my first pair because I could slip them on over bare feet when I was in a hurry, they were so comfortable, and yet gave great support, just like a tennis shoe. The only problem? Foot perspiration caused them to deteriorate and smell, and soon they were a nasty old pair of sneakers. My wife bought me a new pair and I pledged to keep them nice, by only wearing them with socks. But doing that takes away most of the benefits of the shoe. It is less convenient to have to pull on a pair of socks each time, and with socks, they don’t look or feel as good.

But now I can wear them “free” again. That’s because I learned about Stuffitts, (www.stuffitts.com), a tremendous shoe saver created to absorb moisture and eliminate odor, extending the life of your favorite pair.

Stuffitts, which come in multiple sizes and colors, contain aromatic eastern red cedar inserts designed to wick moisture away from shoes quickly, while arresting undesirable orders left behind from sweat or mildew. They also come with a handy connecting strap, which allows you to keep your Stuffitts together and also serves as a convenient hanging or carrying strap for every pair you “Stuff.” Stuffits are being marketed primarily to runners, but these would be great for basketball shoes, cleats and awesome to put in ski boots too.

We are in the midst of one of the biggest rain storms in Southern California history and when I went out yesterday, my running shoes got soaked. I left the Stuffitts in the shoes overnight and this morning they were completely dry and, instead of being musty and dank, smelled refreshed and new.

So I’m looking forward to this spring and summer. I’ll be able to wear those Nike Free’s whenever and wherever I want, and not worry how hot and sweaty my feet get in the process. Because I’ll know that when I get home, there will be a couple of good soldiers waiting to burrow inside, dry, clean and refurbish them without a single complaint. It’s a dirty job, but Stuffitts enjoy doing it.

Source: Stuffitts

January 15, 2010 - World's First Pitching Cage

2010-01-15T19:02:18Z

We’ve all seen the “test your fastball speed” booth at the fair, carnival or ballpark. It’s fun to throw the ball into a vinyl tarp and see if you got it over 70. I should say it’s fun the first time. After that – yawn.

Maybe that’s why at more and more venues you’ll be seeing the Mojo Pitching Cage (www.mojosportsusa.com). You can’t walk past the Mojo Pitching Cage with it’s like-like pitcher and catcher mannequins and not want to pick up a ball and see if you can hit the mitt.

The catcher is motorized so the mitt can move to various locations. And while the batter doesn’t swing, he looks real enough to provide a true “live” sensation. There are some things that look fun, but they’re really not. We tried this at the American Baseball Association Coaches Convention and it really is fun.

Not only does this make a perfect “fun zone” addition to stadiums and fairs, but if you don’t mind spending a few (thousand) dollars and have a son who would do anything for a permanent bullpen catcher who never gets tired, the Mojo Pitching Cage awaits. And because the set-up includes a batter crowding the plate, the practice is much more realistic and effective.

If you see a Mojo (they also have a version for soccer, football, and basketball) when you’re out and about – give it a try. The catcher may not be able to move and block your pitch in the dirt, but this mannequin is no dummy.

Source: Mojo Sports

January 7, 2010 - Your Team's Number One Fan

2010-01-08T01:24:26Z

The perfect gift for the big fan? A tiny one! If you’re into English Football, its time for you to show everyone that you’re a No 1 Fan (www.no1fan.co.uk/). The No.1 Fan is a 23cm tall football fanatic who sits on your desk waiting to entertain you. Think bobblehead doll, but funnier and more active.

He loves his team and proudly wears a mini replica shirt as well as waving a club scarf above his head. When a button on the base is pressed, the No.1 Fan comes to life. He belts out five of your team’s most popular terrace chants, swings his hips and waves his scarf.

Visit the website and watch the two-minute video to see him in action. You’ll be sold before he finishes his first chant. He comes in versions for Manchester Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham with more, including a 2010 World Cup model, on the way. The No 1 Fan is a winner with kids and parents alike.

He’s great to have at home, but you might also want to take him in to work. When he does his thing on his little stand, everyone will know just where you stand.

Source: No 1 Fan

December 28, 2009 - A Year in Reviews

2009-12-28T23:17:00Z

As we look back on 2009, as a thank you to our many loyal readers and subscribers we've gained over the past four years, we’d like to offer a quick review (pardon the pun) of some of our favorite products of 2009.

In no particular order:

More Than ERA (www.morethanera.com): The most thorough, useful and productive pitching statistic software you can find. Used by top college and high school coaches to turn pitching data into meaningful information, More Than ERA’s youth version will soon revolutionize the way coaches and parents help guide youngsters on their way up as well.

Pitcher’s Nightmare Swing Trainer (www.pitchersnightmare.com). The swing trainer is an ingenious device that straps onto knee and elbow, and uses resistance technology to mold perfect swings for baseball hitters.

Sports Dashboards (www.sportsdashboards.com) and Team Pages (www.teampages.com). Online league management websites which allow organizations to better communicate with players, parents and coaches.

No Errors (www.no-errors.com). Quite simply, the best baseball bags we’ve seen. Oversized “Fatboy” wheels, lightweight but roomy construction, durability and value all team up to make a bag your baseball-playing son or softball-playing daughter will roll with pride for years.

And we love bats – especially wood bats. We’ve tried bats from D-Bat, (www.dbatinc.com), (they also make awesome gloves), Viper Bats (www.viperbats.com), Metal Wood (www.metalwoodbats.com) and BWP Bats (www.bwpbats.com). All are unique in their own way, and it would be difficult to choose a favorite among them. But suffice to say that in the haystack of wooden bat companies out there, these four “needles” will make you extremely happy.

Last but not least, we salute GCI Outdoor (www.gcioutdoor.com). These folks understand camping, hiking, and watching kid’s sports. Set up one of their chairs at your son or daughter’s soccer games and enjoy the envious stares from luxurious comfort.

Here’s hoping you’ve enjoyed our reviews in 2009 and that 2010 brings us all peace, prosperity and new sports products to review. Best wishes for a safe and happy New Year.

Source: Sports Product Review

December 15, 2009 - A Simple Remedy

2009-12-16T17:28:10Z

What is the most alarming trend in youth sports today? Too many “win-at-all-costs” coaches have taken the fun out of it, giving rise to an epidemic of kids quitting earlier than they should. Both recreational and competitive sports have fallen victim to the parents and coaches who place winning above all else. In too many cases, sports are no longer about having fun and getting healthy. Article after article have been written on the subject and, when surveyed, the number one reason kids give for quitting sports is that it wasn’t fun any more due to too much emphasis on winning.

Kids don’t want to live in fear of being yelled at or criticized for making a mistake. Most don’t want to play something if the pressure to perform is too intense. But now, there is a fantastic new company called Skillzys, (www.skillzys.com) that has set out to change the culture for the better.

What are Skillzys? Think of them as merit badges for kids playing soccer. A Skillzy is a colorfully printed plastic card that depicts a sports-specific technique or tactical idea. The idea is that young athletes try to earn Skillzys by properly executing learned techniques under the pressures of actual league or tournament games. All Skillzys are punched with a hole in the upper left corner and are designed to be carried and displayed on an athlete's sports bag or backpack. Skillzys for other sports will be available soon. I showed multiple versions of the tags to my kids and they thought they were super-cool.

Kids can’t control whether or not they score a goal, whether or not they get a hit or, for that matter, whether or not they win the game. Yet, accomplishment is typically only measured in these terms. Now a coach can reward a player for something that is totally within his or her control, by doling out these brightly-colored, graphically-pleasing cards as a reward for in individual’s hard work. Skillzys also makes tags for tournaments that add a special touch of class to the event.

Can one company cure all the ills plaguing youth sports overnight? Probably not. But given the fact we all agree that the longer kids stay in sports the better, here’s hoping we see a lot more Skillzys on display everywhere.

Source: Skillzys