Guide to Table Tennis Rackets

A table tennis paddle is also called a racket, and there are different models of rackets built for recreation and higher skilled players.

Recreational tennis rackets are usually made of a combination of wood and rubber that is significantly lower in speed and spin-producing capability than higher performance paddles.

The higher skilled tennis rackets are made of specialized, high performance rubber covering the wooden blade. This paddle will allow you to play with more speed and spin than recreational paddles. Custom paddles can be purchased by selecting specific specialized wood (or wood/graphite), along with high performance rubber. Users of this type of tennis paddle hold an advantage against opponents playing with recreational paddles.


A recreational paddle comes with the rubber sheets and wood blade already glued together. This style of paddle is suitable for good to moderately skilled players, but isn't comparable to a high performance tennis paddle. Table tennis is the only racket sport that allows different surfaces on each side of the paddle, with over 300 different types of surfaces to pick from.

The most serious table tennis players order the blade separately from the rubber and change the rubber after about 50 hours of play. High performance tennis racket models allow you to do this. The rubber sheets usually range from 1.0 to 2.5-millemeters in thickness, and are designed for various styles of play (defensive, attack etc.) to allow you to put different types of spin (dead spin, topspin etc.) on the ball.

When the ball hits the rubber coating it causes the underlying sponge to compress to an optimum point. This creates extra grip on the ball and results in greater spin. When the sponge compresses it creates a rebound force which shoots the ball off the racket with optimum speed and spin.

The blades of tennis paddles are made of thin layers (plies) of wood and some of them even incorporate carbon or titanium in them, even though the rules state that 85 per cent of the blade must consist of wood. The type of wood used in the table tennis racket blade determines the overall amount of speed and spin the blade will help to manufacture, along with the rubber and sapping. It will also determine the feel of the paddle.

When choosing a table tennis paddle, you need to make sure you are comfortable with the paddle handle (a very personal choice). The types of handles are: straight, flared, concave or anatomic. Penholders usually choose from Chinese or Japanese styles. Make sure the tennis paddle handle fits comfortably and balanced in your hand.
Tennis table paddles come in various shapes and sizes and usually weigh between 75 and 150-grams.

Top of the line paddles cost approximately $75 to $200, and moderate paddles cost between $30 and $75. There are also children's tennis table paddles, some of which are made of plastic and can be bought for as little as $5.

Interest in Ping Pong History? You can read through the link.

Ping Pong Rules

1. Choose who serves first

When you are deciding who will serve first, you can do it one of two ways.  You can decide it by the winner of a volley, or you can toss a coin.  Either way is acceptable to determine the person who serves.


2. Singles and doubles matches

When you are playing one on one, your serve can hit anywhere on your opponents side of the table to count. If you are playing doubles, you must hit your serve diagonally to your opponent.


3. Paddle rules and regulations

Make certain that your ping pong paddle is the proper size, weight, and shape for ping pong. This way none of the players has an advantage over the other ones.

4. Serving the ball

When a player serves, the serve must touch the server's paddle and the server's court before touching the opponent's court.

5. How a 'net' becomes a let

If a server hits the net on their serve, but the ping pong ball lands on their opponent's side, neither the server nor the opponent score a point.  This is called a let ball and the serve is taken over again.

6. Changing serves

Once a player has served five times, the serve changes to the opponent.

7. Net balls

If the ball hits the net during regular play and falls into an opponent's territory, the shot is a good one.

Points are awarded when: 

1. A server's serve fails to does not make it to their opponent's side.

2. Both players cannot return the ball

3. When a ball is hit before it hits the playing field on your side.

4. If a ball bounces more than once on a player's playing court before they are able to return it.

5. If a player hits the ball more than once before sending it over to their opponent.

6. Touching the net by either player

7. Touching the table with a free hand by either player

8. Moving the playing surface during game play, even if it's by accident, scores a point for opposite side.

Finishing a game

Players play to either eleven or twenty one points, and the players switch sides every game.  Winner can be declared in a three out of five match, or in a four out of seven match.

History of Ping Pong

Ping pong was invented in England back in the 1800's as an amusement for after dinner for the Victorians in the upper-class, The origins of ping pong were lowly, with common everyday objects being used for it's play.  Very often books were set up across the table to act as a net, cigar box lids were used for paddles, and the ball was either a ball of string or a rounded cork from a wine bottle.

Once the popularity of the sport grew, manufacturers decided that they would capitalize on the idea. The first official ping pong bats that were made were made of stretched pieces of parchment on a frame, and that is how the game received one of it's names.  The name ping pong comes from the sound that the ball made when it hit the ping pong bats.


The next big breakthrough in ping pong came in 1901 when James Gibb, who was very fond of ping pong, found balls made of celluloid when he visited the United States.  He discovered that the balls were perfect for ping pong.  It wasn't until two years later that the ping pong bat got an update when EC Goode attached a piece of rubber to a wooden blade.


The popularity of ping pong started growing in leaps and bounds, and in 1901 ping pong tournaments started, books on ping pong were written, and the first unofficial ping pong world championship was held in 1902. In the early 20th century, Russian rulers banned ping pong due to a mistaken belief that the game damaged the eyesight of the players.


The Table Tennis Association was founded in 1922 in England, and four years later the International Table Tennis Associated followed. A year later the first official table tennis world championship was held in London. Ping pong wasn't introduced as an Olympic sport. until 1988.


Since the invention of ping pong there have been plenty more discoveries that have improved the game.  In the 1950s foam padding was added to the table tennis bats, giving the players a greater speed and spin on the balls.  Balls were increased from 38 mm to 40 mm, which slowed down the game by increasing the air resistance of the ball.


There is also a large ball variety of table tennis, which uses a 44mm ping pong ball.  This is favored by players who prefer the more leisurely game of table tennis over the fast paced speed and spin action that the sport now has.


References:

http://www.tabletennisspot.com/brief-table-tennis-history/

Pool Table Conversion Top

A fun game played with friends, family, and can also be made in a new hobby, this game is familiar named pool tables. Potentially you need to think over for playing a game of pool and check out yourself how creativity, determination and strategy could be combined as you have long been searching for your chess and next sophisticated game is not an alternative anymore.  

Mini Pool Table
The pool table top could also make you addicted as you rent it or have it. It is very suitable in case you have a room or place where the wide and large because of the size of this pool table is 7 feet to 9 feet. A pool table top can become a multidimensional, exciting dinner table because it can be easily hidden under flat hardwood table top surfaces. And by displaying some of your best cooking recipes and later enhance their evening by inviting them to a straight friendly pool competition and you could first use to solace people. The options depending on your pool table top in your billiard game selection.

Outdoor Pool Table
In a pocket type of pool that your table will not possess the six holes found as prefer the carom except from the pocket type of game. The pocket pool table top looks like a marked option as you play one-pocket, snooker fun, an 8 ball, 9 ball, or bank pool. Play pool table very unique experience that you have to try at least once in your life, so go online to order your pool table top.

Otherwise, if you would love to play ping pong but don't have extra space to put another table, it is also possible for you to play the game by getting a table tennis conversion top. You may just place the conversion top on the pool table and you will be able to play the game immediately.

Factors Determining The Best Table Tennis Table

Playing table tennis is full of fun, and it also helps in keeping the body fit. It is a great way of relaxing and having fun and enjoyment with family members at home. Due to the economic downturn, people are paying heed to the table tennis table price, and are interested in purchasing those tables which are not so expensive. This table tennis table for sale is both available for the outdoor and indoor models. Table tennis generally is a game meant to be played by people of all ages, and it is also helpful for eye and hand coordination. This game is also alternately called the ping pong, and it helps in bringing the families together without having any tension of who is becoming more successful or becoming better.

Table tennis can be played in places with limited space, and it does not need large spaces to be played. Nowadays, children are mostly engaged in playing video games, computer games or are glued to the TV; a game of table tennis may bring some fun to their life. If there is a provision for playing these games at home, children can very easily play with their friends, and remain busy in it for long hours. However, in order to keep intact the thrill and excitement of the game, it is necessary to adopt certain ways for the same. The normal game can be played, or one may also hold paddles in hands, or may even play with dual players on either side.

The game can continue in this manner for a longer time. To buy table tennis table for playing is an ideal way of cutting loose, relaxing and to have some recreation and enjoyment with whole family. This game will enable one to relax from the stress, fast paced life and burden of responsibilities. This method of relaxation will definitely help one to save money, and enjoy life and interact with people in a better way. These tables are preferred for their quality, price and variety. A table tennis table price may vary in different stores, and can also be purchased online. This game helps to infuse in people and their family, friends, relatives and neighbours wholesome entertainment, fun and enjoyment, which one had not witnesses since a long time. However, it is the budget, necessity and the space which ultimately determines the buying of tables.

Resistance Bands - An Essential Exercise Equipment For Your Health

Can’t resist these bands.

There are a ton of options when it comes to purchasing exercise equipment, but I have yet to find a better purchase than getting a nice set of the best resistance bands. There is always a lot of hype about new equipment in the market place, but bands are still, in my opinion, one of the best investments you can make. Not only can bands be used as a stepping stone for beginners, but they can also be used by fitness pros to stay in shape on the go.

Simplicity is the Key

People like simplicity when using a piece of exercise equipment, because, lets face it, most of us are easily intimidated by things that look like you need a manual to figure out. Bands are great for beginners, I mean it is a piece of stretchy rope with two hand grips – no matter your fitness level, all you need to do is a little research for types of exercises and proper technique to get good use out of them.    A good choice for resistance bands are rubberbanditz which comes from a U.S. based company located in Durham, NC.

Types of workouts is another huge plus for these bands. The main reason being, they can do just about everything dumbbells can do and more. For instance, let’s say your working on your back and shoulders and you want to switch from military style press to lat pull down (push-pull method), this would be impossible with dumbbells alone, but with workout bands and some creativity, you are able to perform both exercises. Another stellar selling point is that bands can work out every part of your body, again, you just need to read-up on how. These bands can do the work of an ab machine, dumbbells and a squat rack.

Don’t get me wrong dumbbells and machines can take workouts to the the next level and are great in a proper gym, but what if you are on the move? What if the hotel your staying at in Nowhere, Nebraska doesn’t have a place to workout?

That’s when these bands really come in handy.

Characteristic of Resistance Bands

They are light weight, very durable, and take up almost no space. They are also adjustable in resistance depending on the tension you put on the band. Best part is that you don’t have to carry around multiple pieces of equipment.

Resistance bands also come with different levels of resistance (based on length and thickness) and depending on what you want to do with them, it might be wise to get a few different bands with different tensions to add variety and make for a more challenging workout.

That being said pull up bands are for everyone. From beginners who just want to tone, to die-hard fitness fanatics away from their gym, these bands are a great low-cost and low-hassle way to tighten and tone.

Rules of Table Tennis

Do you want to know the rules in table tennis? The official table tennis rules are controlled by the worldwide organization called the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), founded in 1926.

ITTF maintains an international ranking system and also organizes table tennis events and the organization currently have 215 members.

The official table tennis rules are specifying in the ITTF laws of table tennis handbook.

The rules of table tennis which are also referred to as ping pong rules can be divided into two categories.

The first one is the basic table tennis rules for beginners and recreational players while the other one is the official rules of table tennis or the laws of table tennis.

For serious amateur players who really want to improve on their game, it is very important to know the current official table tennis rules.

For beginners or recreational players, the knowledge of some basic rules of the sport is sufficient enough to play and enjoy the sport at that level.

Basic Table Tennis Rules For Beginners

As a beginner you can relax, take your time to learn the sport, all you need is to know the basic rules like how to start a game, which player to start or receive the first service of the game.

If you are a beginner, I will teach you the basic table tennis rules to enable you have a fundamental knowledge of how to play table tennis according to the rules.

Click here for more information about the basic table tennis rules.

Official Table Tennis Rules

The official table tennis rules are specific rules and regulations which covers any possible occurrence that may arise when a game is played in a professional competition.

Advance players are always aware of any changes made in the rules of the sport so that they know what to do and what not to do when they are playing in official tournaments.

How to Exercise at Work: 6 Exercises to Keep You Fit

Humans were made to move. But still, millions of us with office jobs sit. All day. Here are some suggestions on how to burn some calories on the job:

1. Doin' the Butt

Butt clenches are something that can be done with ease while sitting at your desk. (In fact, this reporter is doing them as she's typing this very sentence.) Just tighten your buttocks, hold and then, ahhhh, relax. Repeat this 15 times.

2. Six Pack

You can also do a similar exercise to #1 to work that six-pack. (Or work that six-pack, off!) For ab squeezes, just tighten your tummy muscles instead, hold and release 15 times.

3. Another One for the Abs

Before you indulge in this one, be sure your chair will not slide around. You wouldn't want to have to report an injury to the safety officer. First, stretch your arms out above your head, palms facing in toward each other, and lift your torso up out of your hips. Then, keeping your back long, bend from the hips forward to place your hands on the floor. Reverse movement and come back up to sitting. Repeat the exercise five to seven times.

4. Push-ups, Upright

Stand facing a wall, with your feet apart and about a foot from the wall. Rest your palms on the wall at shoulder height. Bend your elbows and lean toward the wall as far as possible without touching your forearms to the wall, just as if you were doing a traditional push-up. Push yourself back to starting position. The farther from the wall you stand the greater the effort needed to push back. You can also do this resting your palms on your desk.

5. Pick Some Apples

This is a stretch relieves that can relieve tension in your arms, sides and waist. Just stretch your arms up, one at a time, as high as you can-like were picking an apple from a tree. Repeat 10 times, alternating sides.

6. The Sort-of Squat

While standing, rest your back against a wall. Then, bend your knees and slide down a few inches. Hold for a count of five. Squeeze your buttocks to stand up. Try this when you are taking phone calls on your Blue Tooth.

Other Tips:

· Take the stairs, if possible.
· Park in the furthest parking spot to get more steps in.
· Visit a coworker for a quick exchange rather than call or email.
· Get up and stretch every so often.
· Get energy flowing by taking a few deep breaths

How to Apply Grip Tape to a Skateboard

It is not difficult to apply grip tape to a skateboard. By following these seven simple steps you will learn how to attach a length of grip tape yourself and create a safe friction surface on the deck of your board within a few minutes!

1. Buy a pre-cut length of grip tape, or cut a length of grip tape from a roll or sheet. Check that the piece of grip tape is long enough to completely cover the tail and nose of your board.

2. Remove any old black grip tape on the skateboard deck. If you warm the old skate board grip tape with a hairdryer or heat gun for a minute or two it should peel off easily.

3. Prepare the deck surface of the skateboard by wiping with a cloth dampened with methylated spirit so that it is free of dust and sticky residue.

4. Remove the backing paper from the skateboard grip tape and discard it.

5. Carefully lay the grip tape for skateboards, adhesive side down, lengthwise over the skateboard so that the ends of the tape are just touching the nose and tail of the board. This makes sure that the tape is correctly positioned so that it completely covers the deck when you make the next critical step – sticking the grip tape to the board.

6. This is the most important step. Start sticking the grip tape to the skateboard from the middle of the deck. First gradually smooth it out lengthwise towards each end of the deck, then across the deck so that the edges of the board are covered.

7. When sticking the tape to the board, take care not to trap bubbles of air between the deck and the grip tape. If you find an air bubble, use a sharp instrument like a sewing needle to pierce the tape then press the air out of the bubble and smooth the tape. Carefully trim any excess grip tape using a razor blade of box cutter.

Now that your skateboard has a new friction surface, providing you with safe contact between your feet and the deck of the board, you are ready to start skating.

3 Great Exercise Training Aids

For those of you who are passionate about exercise and want some useful training aids to use at home, here are 3 of the best around:

1. Exercise Ball
Manufactured in PVC with a diameter of between 40 and 80 inches, exercise balls are great for toning muscles and helping build core muscle strength. A valve can adjust the amount of air and exercise balls are great training aids for people who want to build up an exercise routine gently. The key to an exercise ball is balance, which has to be maintained and therefore exercises the muscles used to hold you steady.

2. Kettle Bells
For a slightly more intense work out, kettle bells are a useful set of sports training aids that are particularly good for building muscle strength in the arms and upper torso. They make fantastic baseball training aids and golf training aids because of the way they build the muscles you use in your swings. A kettle bell is a cannonball shaped training aid made of cast iron with an easy to use handle. They were originally rumored to have been used by the Russian army and are versatile training aids that can also be used for push-ups and weight lifting.

3. Barbells
An old favorite of commonly used training aids, a barbell is usually a metal bar that comes with a range of weights to be added to either end. Once an even weight is created by matching weights on either end, the user then lifts them, either while lying on their back and pushing them upwards in front of them or by picking them up from the floor or a rack. Barbells are great for exercising because they are a training aid that is suitable for someone of any level of fitness. Their weights are easily adjustable and it is possible to build the weight in small amounts to gradually increase the strain on your muscles.

So there you have it: three of the most effective forms of training aids. Barbells and kettle bells are best for building muscle and working on specific areas of the body such as the arms and shoulder muscles but if you want a more gentle work out exercise balls are the training aid for you!

3 Types of Ankle Support

Ankle supports can stabilize, brace, and limit motion of the ankle. They provide joint protection for people with injured, weak, or arthritic ankles. Some people use these supports during sports for foot injury prevention. There are many different enclosures, colors, materials, and designs used for ankle supports so you should try and find one that best fits your needs and style. Choosing an ankle support will largely depend on the type of injury you have. Maximum support braces, moderate support braces, and simple bandages are the most common supports.

Protect Your Ankle Well
The ankle is composed of talus bones, fibula, and the tibia. Three ligaments are attached to those bones: the posterior and anterior, the calcaneo fibular ligament, and the talo fibular ligaments. Together these ligaments and bones make up the ankle joint. The ligaments allow your ankle to move and provide stability.

Overstretching the ligament may result in a tearing movement known as a sprain. The severity of a sprain is often categorized by the damage on the ligament.

An elastic ankle support bandage is used to compress the ankle area without restricting its movement. This device may come in the form of a pull on sock or long bandage. Often used for Grade 1 sprains or arthritis pain, this ankle support brace offers stability, comfort, and flexibility. It can also be worn by individuals with weak joints to prevent injury.

Ankle Support With Braces
Moderate support braces, like the lace up ankle support, are for ligament injuries or Grade 2 sprains. These injuries can result in swelling, stiffness, and pain when walking. The moderate support provides a rigid panel to give the ankle stability. Lacing or Velcro is used to guarantee an effective and customized fit.

A maximum support brace is only used for serious injuries such as ligament ruptures or Grade 3 sprains. The individual may not be able to rotate their ankle and may experience acute swelling and severe pain. This support works by compressing the area around the ankle to decrease the pain through ambulation. The ankle is prevented from rotating outward or inward, keeping the ligaments from stretching further. Once the muscles have begun to heal, a moderate or elastic brace can be worn to provide continual support.

Tips for Choosing Hiking Shoes

When you're looking to buy a new pair of hiking shoes, try to overlook the aesthetics and go for the ultimate deciding factor: comfort. It's no fashion parade out there, and when you're trekking over hill and dale, through water, mud and high grass, the last thing you're going to care about is who's looking at your feet. Your hiking shoes could well be the most important thing you pack for your trip, next to water that is.

Boots or shoes?
There are purists who prefer boots to hiking shoes and every person will have their own preference. But even those who wear boots in tough terrain and extreme conditions will likely choose a pair of shoes over their sturdier counterparts. The reason is that shoes allow you to cover more distance when the going is easier. They also result in less fatigue on the bones and muscles of the feet and ankles because they allow for more freedom of movement. The argument for boots is that they provide more support for the ankles but if you intend to do a lot of hiking, then invest in some ankle-strengthening exercises such as walking on soft sand at the beach or ask your physiotherapist or sports trainer for some tips.

Look for the features you need
There is such a variety of hiking shoes around that you could get quite confused when shopping for them. What you need to keep in mind is the kind of hiking you'll be doing. Obviously if you're going into wet territory then you'll need a shoe that repels water to a degree and that dries rapidly. Rocky ground requires footwear with stiff soles and deep treads for extra grip. For once, you may not be buying a shoe for its long-lasting qualities but for its suitability towards the task. The style won't have to stay current because it's not the priority. Just keep thinking 'comfort, comfort, comfort' each time you try on a pair.

Ask the sales assistant to help you fit your new hiking shoes, especially if you're an inexperienced hiker. They will be able to give you advice on the possibility of your feet swelling, how different conditions change the fit of your shoe, the right kind of shoe for where you're going and so on. It's always good to consult someone who is experienced at such outdoor activities; not only will they have some important advice but they will likely have some interesting tales to tell.

Take your thicker socks along with you when you go to try on your hiking shoes as they will be the best indicator of fit for your expedition. Avoid shoes that are too big because you'll be slipping and sliding around inside them while walking and that can throw you off balance, as well as cause you great discomfort. Too small and you'll bring on some very nasty blisters. Too short and your toes will be in trouble. What you're looking for is a shoe that fits firmly while you're wearing your thick socks, but still has a bit of room for toe movement.

It's useful to note that sizing of hiking shoes can be different from that of regular shoes. Don't be too concerned about the size of the shoes you look at, instead go by fit. Sometimes, different manufacturers even size their shoes differently for reasons best known to them, so if you wind up wearing shoes a full size larger than what you normally would, just go with it.

Most importantly, once you've bought your new hiking shoes, you must wear them in before you take them out on an expedition. Walk around in them and get used to the fit so that the shoes mold themselves to your feet. Remember, comfort is the ultimate goal.

Important Considerations When Buying Hiking Pants

Comfort is something never to be undervalued when you're on a hiking trip. Though you have the wonders of the scenery to keep you in awe, you want to make sure you're able to make it through the whole trip without feeling too hot, too cold or that your clothes don't fit properly. Hiking pants are one of those essential must-haves. They offer better functionality than a pair of jeans, more protection from the elements than a pair of shorts and they are versatile enough to see you through various temperature cycles.

Warm or cool
Since a lot of hiking takes place in regions where temperatures can vary greatly between hours of darkness and hours of daylight, it's important to wear hiking pants that can accommodate these fluctuations. Whoever invented zip-off pant legs was very clever indeed. It means not having to change clothes yet you can lengthen or shorten them on a whim and easily pack the removable sections in your backpack.

Stay dry
Wetness is a common issue when hiking. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, water is an essential element nearly everywhere you go. There's every chance you could lose your footing on a loose rock in a stream, push your way through dewy thigh high grasses or land on your behind on a mossy slope. Having to continue on your way with wet pants is neither comfortable nor practical. The sooner they dry the better, so your hiking pants should be made of a material that is water-resistant to a degree but that dries quickly. The longer you stay wet, the more prone you will be to chills, chaffing and plain old soggy skin. Good hiking pants will also help stave off perspiration.

Natural or man-made fibers?
Now while you may be inclined to believe that natural fibers would be most beneficial, the opposite is true for outdoor environments. When you're getting dirty and wet and being really tough on your clothes, hiking pants made out of nylon, for instance, will fare much better than those made of cotton.

Color choices
If camouflage is of importance, say if you are including animal hunting on your expedition, then you can actually buy hiking pants fashioned out of 'camo' fabric. Otherwise, your color choices may or may not be dependant on your environment but do keep in mind that light colors reflect harsh sunlight and thus can help you keep your cool.

Layering
Cold climates require clothes layering. It's the most practical way of dressing because you can add or remove layers as the temperature changes. Begin with thermal underwear because whatever is closest to your body will help to maintain your own body temperature. Thermal fabrics not only keep you warm but also draw moisture away very effectively. Next you can add insulating hiking pants that feature a fleece or other material that keeps the cold out and your body temperature in. Finally, water-resistant pants that 'breathe' make up the final layer.

Other features
Aside from the above, your personal preferences will dictate any other features you choose in your hiking pants. Most come with ample pockets for you to carry important items such as compasses, torches and maps. Some will be zip-fly, others button-fly and the variations go on. Always try your pants on as though you were on your trip, with the appropriate underwear as well. Once you're out in the wilderness, you don't want to have to struggle with fit when you could be enjoying the experience.

Top 5 Brands of Pitching Machines

A good pitching machine can be an effective training tool for aspiring baseball players but it can also provide fun times, exercise, and entertainment for anyone who enjoys the sport. Taking only a small amount of room in the yard, pitching machines offer single users and groups alike easy access batting practice. The top five brands on the market provide specific attribute choices best suited to a player’s needs. Offering a selection of machines with varied features and characteristics, machines from Zooka Sports, ATEC, Trend Sports, Jugs and Franklin Sports are great options for improving batting skills.

Zooka offers models that operate on rechargeable batteries, allowing for easy portability. Their machines offer options for younger and older players, including different tripod heights and simple, lightweight designs for easy set up. Zooka portable pitching machines are capable of pitching baseballs, tennis balls, or pitching machine balls.

ATEC features machines for baseball and softball or combinations of the two. Capable of pitching knuckleballs, sliders, fastballs and curve balls at adjustable speeds for either left or right-handed players, ATEC’s selection includes models used in Major League Baseball official training and MLB youth programs. ATEC’s baseball pitching machines are high-end pieces of equipment known for accuracy, consistency, and versatility.

Trend Sports markets a selection of more inexpensive machines. Most models feature automatic ball feeders, sturdy, lightweight construction, power adapters and rechargeable batteries. These are a great option for casual players with more limited budgets.

Jugs Sports offers a line of various machines for baseball and softball, as well as some specifically for each. With model features such as adjustable speeds, digital readout displays, and an assortment of pitch options, these pitching machines are great for setting the precise speed for every player. Jugs brand claims the widest use of their baseball pitching machine by youth leagues around the world.

Franklin Sports, while not offering as wide a selection as some other brands, does have a very popular inexpensive product in its Field Master pitching machine. Using only its own special training balls, it can throw ground balls and fastballs at speeds of up to 50 MPH. It also features multiple positions and a handy warning alarm prior to a pitch.

Whatever brand or style you select, pitching machines can be a great addition to the whole family’s collection of sports equipment.

What You Need to Know About Core Training

Core training is exercise that focuses on the deep inner core of support for the body. This exercise works to strengthen the muscle groups of the spine, abdomen and the hips. Core training is essential for many other athletic tasks. If a person has core strength he will find that other training is easier. Here are 5 facts everyone should know about core training.

1. Core Training Workouts Can Prevent Injury During Other Activities.
The bones that make up the spine as well as the rest of the supporting system of the body are held together with muscles and connective tissue. In the back, the connective tissue includes the disc that support and cushion the vertebrae. If you develop good core strength, you are less likely to injure the discs or other elements that make up the back. Well-developed muscles work like shock absorbers to cushion the blows to the back and spine.

2. Core Stability Training Can Increase Your Metabolism.
Pound per pound, muscle requires more calories to maintain than fat. If you work to add core strength, you are adding muscle mass. You may lose fat at the same time, but you may not be losing weight. The greater your muscle mass, the more food you can eat without gaining additional weight.

3. Most Muscle Movement Begins in the Core.
By measuring electrical impulses, scientists have determined that before muscles in the arms or legs move the muscles of the core start to move. Strengthening the core with core training exercises can prepare you for other activities.

4. Core Training Can Increase Your Stability and Balance.
This is helpful in many other activities as well. The football player with balance avoids a fall during the tackle. A basketball player develops the balance needed for long shots. Even dancers can benefit from core training to improve their balance.

5. Core Training is the Key to Developing the Body You Want.
If you are sick trying constant crunches to develop your abs, switch to core training. You will still be working those same muscles but core training is more effective at developing the muscles of the chest and stomach area.

How to Take Care of Men’s Hiking Shoes

When thinking of men’s hiking shoes certain images come to mind. One imagines rugged, swarthy men tramping over hill and over dale, unwashed, unshaven, and very happy. Those images are somewhat iconic because they are of the truth. Hiking is great fun and great for the health but those poor hiking shoes tend to get neglected.

The last thing that a hiker should neglect is their footwear. They are the foundation of the whole enterprise. If you take care of the shoes then the shoes will take care of you. After all, they will be your boon companions over the upcoming miles.

The fist step in the proper care of your boots is to begin with purchasing the right ones for your feet and for your terrain. So many types and styles can make shopping for men’s hiking boots confusing. You will do well to go to a trusted dealer to get more personal and professional help. You need them to fit correctly and be suited for the type of hiking you will be doing. This step cannot be stressed enough.

Once you have the proper footwear you must take the steps to break them in properly before taking them out on the trail. You may well save yourself some serious misery, if not injury, by doing so. Ill-fitting new shoes have been know to cause crippling blisters far from home, and this is not a desirable position to be in. Wear them around the house and in the neighborhood for a long enough time that they will not chafe from stiffness later.

When you are on the trail there are going to be two major steps to take to insure the care and life of your boots. The first step is to try and keep them as dry as possible. Even men’s waterproof hiking shoes, made out of slick water resistent materials, need to be dried out properly after getting wet. On the trail it may be difficult to do so but when you get back home it is easy. Simply stuff them loosely with newspaper, and keep them in a warm airy space for a few days.

Speaking of heated areas, you never want to get your shoes near excessive heat. This means you do not dry your footwear by the fire in the evenings, period. Heat destroys the materials that are used in the construction of the boots, and can shrink and warp them out of shape quickly. If they get distorted they will no longer fit properly and then you could find yourself in trouble. While hiking, do your best to keep them warm and dry, but use the natural sunlight and air, and keep them away from open flames.

Finally, you simply want to keep your best men’s hiking shoes clean. Remove as much mud and grime as you can while hiking. When you get home, you can clean them easily enough with a stiff scrub brush. Do not use water or cleaners; just scrub them with a stiff brush and they will be fine. By treating your boots accordingly they will last much longer and retain their value to you then if you allowed them to remain dirty, wet, and overheated. Take care of your men’s hiking shoe so it can take care of you.

Know About Your Softball Glove

When selecting your softball glove you should first be aware of the different types and sizes you can purchase. Color and brand is a personal choice. If using this to play on a team there are for various positions. The catchers’ has extra padding and an oval shaped pocket. All of these have a closed web. You have a choice of an open or closed back that is above the wrist. The closed back has a place for your index finger to go on the outside of the mitt for more support.

Pitchers slow pitch softball gloves have a solid web, large and deep pocket. Middle infielders have a smaller one with an open web so that they can catch, grab, and throw the ball quickly. Third baseman’s is a bit larger and longer so they can bend and grab ot if it comes down the foul line. Outfielder’s custom ones are larger than the pitchers or infielders and have longer finger stalls, as they have to catch it. These are usually closed web style. Some come with a wrist adjustment for a tighter fit.

Once you have yours at home you will want to take care of it so that it will last you for years of enjoyment. Pour a bit of oil on a soft cloth and rub the oil lightly and evenly into the pocket, edges, grooves, and under the stitching. Take care not to use too much oil as this may damage the leather. Set it aside for a complete day so that the oil will absorb into the leather.

When you are not using it you should always put a ball in it and wrap a rubber band or string around it. Always keep it clean and dry. At the end of the season, repeat the oiling process. Store yours in a dry location with a ball in the pocket, rubber band around the it and wrapped in a towel.

Should you ever need to repair yours you can purchase new padding, lacing, webs, fingers, heels and loops. Kits are available online and at many stores. Some shoe stores will repair them for you.

Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

If you are riding a vintage motorcycle, then a vintage motorcycle helmet will be a perfect combination. They are increasingly popular for many riders.

Price Can Be Expensive

However, many of these are expensive because of their unique design properties. It is possible to purchase a cheap vintage leather motorcycle helmet but you may have to avoid expensive name brands like Harley or Triumph. A cheap one should cost between 60 to 100 dollars depending on the manufacturer. Just make sure it is DOT certified and will properly protect you in the event of an accident.

The styling of modern head protectors has greatly improved over the years but many people prefer the design of an open face one. Yours does not necessarily have to match your bike so feel free to match it with whatever bike you have. Vintage helmets can be just as safe as modern products, especially if they have been manufactured recently. You should be careful of ‘true’ ones that are over 20 years old because they often contain design flaws that can be hazardous for your safety. Manufacturers frequently discontinue their models, so you may be able to find newly designed products at a close out sale.

Buy Online

Another place to find great discounts is online. Large websites like Eebay usually have a larger variety compared to most stores and offer better prices. Second hand gear is also popular for those who do not have a big budget. You should make sure to ask the owner first if it has ever been in an accident. If it has been in an accident or there are any stress marks and cracks, do not buy that one.

Buying an affordable vintage motorcycle helmet has many benefits. Even if you do have a bit more money to spend, a cheap one will save you extra money to invest in other riding gear. Boots, gloves, and jackets are not cheap. Certain leather materials are a perfect design if you are sports rider. Cruiser riders often wear thick leather jack that are warm and add a measure of protection for the rider.