Players & Coaches

Getting Back into Sports After an Injury

There are many athletes who have experienced an injury which has caused them to not be able to participate in a sport or activity that they previously enjoyed. However daunting getting back into shape may seem after being benched with an injury, the fact is you will be able to participate in almost all the things you did pre-injury.

Getting back into sports after an injury is not just about being physically prepared. In many causes, people who were injured during the sport that they loved, are a little hesitant about jumping into the game again. After you know what it feels like to be injured you might be less likely to take the risks and challenges you did before. Listen to you body and take things slow.

Knowing when you are physically ready to renter a sport is slightly more tricky. The first thing that you need to do is get the ‘ok’ from your doctor of physical thereapist. It would also be wise to speak with a trainer about ways to prevent another injury from happening. While you may have never had to stretch before and after a work out before, you will probably have to add stretching to your workout routine. Make sure that you are communicating with your health-care provides to ensure that you are not only ready to start playing sports again but that you are playing sports in a safe way so you do not re-injure yourself.

Also remember that you will not be able to jump back onto the field and be at your best. Take your time and go slow.

Filed Under: Players & Coaches Tagged With: Health, Sport, Trauma (medicine)

When to Put Your Child in Team Sports

Image by clappstar via Flickr

Most parents know the importance of getting their children involved in team sports. Not only are team sports a great way to teach children to work together towards a greater goal, but sports also help instill important lessons in children like teamwork, responsibility, and rules. However, many parents are not sure at what age they should put their children in sports.

The most important thing for you consider when you are thinking about if your child could participate in a team sport is to consider your child’s age, skills, and maturity level. Many children not able to understand rules and comprehend the meaning of the game until the age of four or five, and even then not every child is ready. If your child has mastered most of the skills that are necessary for whatever sport you are interesting in starting them in like running, hitting a ball, or kicking ball then they are probably ready to join a team.

You will also need to consider if they are old enough and mature enough to follow rules, take criticism, and work well with others. If your child does not have the attention span to focus through a whole game or learn plays, they may not be ready to join a team.

It is also important to consider what sports interest your child. You might have been an all-star basketball player when you were younger but if your child would rather play soccer, you need to respect their decision. Remember, the more they are interested in the game, the more they will put into the sport.

Filed Under: Players & Coaches Tagged With: Basketball, Child, Team sport

Coogi Hoodies for Working out, Weightlifting and Running

Jack Taranto’s talent for designing clothes has really paid off after he founded Coogi. The brand originated in Melbourne, Australia in 1969 with its original name “Cuggi”. But to sound more like an Australian brand, it has been changed to Coogi in 1987. Like any other business the clothing brand had faced some downtime when they financially struggled. But in 2002, Coogi had been able to redeem the business after Coogi Partners LLC acquired it with the help of Jimmy Khezri, he took Coogi to a different direction towards the Urban and hip hop culture. Since then, Coogi Clothing has been known for its unique bold urban style, with bright colors, and bold patterns.

The brand first expanded in Europe and New York’s fashion capital. And today with the wide range of apparel that they offer, Coogi is now exporting to over 25 countries. Coogi sells different kinds of unique products. From their tees, that were paired by cool designs with the use of bright colors and cotton many people love it especially because of its affordable price that normally cost $20 or less. Their jeans offers over 16 unique styles, and are suitable to wear by anyone since it comes in all sizes.

Their hoodies and sweaters do have the Coogi logo printed or painted across somewhere in the hoodie matching its bright colors, with unique patterns which can obviously gather pleasant attention from everyone. Aside from the attention, rest assured that these clothes will make you comfortable especially when using it for sports, or during you work out at the gym.

Filed Under: Players & Coaches

Benefits of a Coaching Career

Everyone has their dream career and some want to coach. They may want to be a teacher and coach high school or middle school sports. They may want to coach professional or semi-professional sports. Nevertheless, there are benefits associated with a coaching career.

When a person becomes a coach or seeks to become a coach they are doing so for their own reasons. Accomplishing this goal is a benefit in itself and for many they enjoy sports so working with what they enjoy is a benefit. When working in a job someone loves the benefits role over into their lives as well. Some examples of benefits of a coaching career that might be affected in their personal life are:

*Positive relationship experiences with family, friends or socially

*Better life organization and management

*Enhanced life satisfaction

Some coaches feel they have a natural skill base for a sport. It could be because they once played the game, for example others take coaching courses to help improve their coaching skills and learn more techniques about their sport. There are times when even the most talented athlete in a sport does not have the coaching skills needed to be a success. They can take classes and learn to incorporate their talent with what they learn.

Anyone that wants to start a coaching career also needs to realize coaching can take up a lot of time. If they enjoy coaching they can make it a career especially if they have a teaching certificate. Many times teachers are asked to coach a team if there is ever an opening.

Filed Under: Players & Coaches Tagged With: Amateur sports, coach, Teacher

Athletes Making a Difference

There are times when people become a great success they want to help others. Athletes are known to strive to do this leading to many athletes making a difference.

One example is Athletes for Life (AFL). This is a non profit organization guiding and leading youth athletes by providing programs. This organization has been helping since 1989 when former NFL All-Star running back, Greg Bell, founded it. He has dealt with issues with peer pressure growing up in his neighbourhood and was able to get away from the negativity. He was a stellar athlete at the University of Notre Dame and spent 10 years in a fantastic NFL career.

AFL’s mission is to encourage youth through physical and good character skills. This organizations mentors youth and presents healthy living messages to encourage a lifestyle without alcohol and drugs. There is also physical training provided by professional athletes that provide the time to spend with these young people.

Professional athletes attend conferences and give speaking presentations to help support these young individuals. Benefits of AFL include:

*Life changing experiences

*Sponsoring children so they can attend the Michael Jordan Flight School

*Special messages presented to participants from such athletes as Jerome Bettis

*Proving opportunities to attend the Super Bowl.

Presenting a chance for youth is important to AFL. Those involved want participants to find confidence so they will become leaders and reach their life goals. Participants are becoming examples of healthy living for others as well. Youth are learning how to live positive skills with sports.

Filed Under: Players & Coaches Tagged With: National Football League, Super Bowl, University of Notre Dame

Coaching Team Sports

When someone agrees to coach team sports they have many things to consider. The same principals can be put forth for high school, little league or any other related team sport.

Coaching team sports take up a lot of time. Anyone that has a full time job that takes up a lot of time will find coaching a team sport difficult. Coaching can be a full time job as well. It is important to know how the game is played for whatever sport that is being coached. Learn all the tricks, techniques and strategies for the sport. This can be learned through books, talking with coaches and watching sports videos. It is also vital to study the league rules as well. There are special rules that vary in sports and age groups.

Here is some advice for becoming a successful coach:

*Bring in co-coaches to take away some of the pressure

*Recruit helper parents or others to help as well

*Practice coaching

*Be prepared for anything, such as knowing the best replacements for each position

*Congratulate the players and encourage them

*Reinforce good sportsmanship

Knowing the team will help the coach create a team. A coach should be friendly as well as getting the job done. This effort will also help the coach decide how each team member will do in a game. It will lead them to finding the right position for the players as well. When a coach respects the players then the players respect the coach.

Coaching a team sport means the coach also has things that should not be done such as yelling at the referees or treating them badly and yelling at players who make a mistake. Other things that coaches should do is research the competition to help prepare your coaching team.

Filed Under: Players & Coaches Tagged With: coach, Sport, Team sport

Managing a Team Sport

Community, school, professional – all have managers. While being a team sport manager is a job for a professional managing techniques for a team sport compares for any manager.

Every team manager feels the pressure of helping the team. They are expected to lead the team to victory. There are many skills that go into managing a team sport. Here are some steps to helping a successful season:

*Plan the season

Make a player list including their skills. This will help determine the place for these individuals. Indicate everyone helping from coaches to league members.

*Indicate team goals

This will include winning a certain number of games, reaching a sectional and score goal. Determine ways to accomplish goals and improve on the last season perhaps.

*Keep Track

List all due dates and events on a calendar.

*Financial plan

Determine what money is needed for the season and make a budget. If needed make fundraising plans.

*Consider resources

This is a list of anyone that could be helpful. This includes working the concession stand, donating equipment, cleaning up and maintaining equipment or anything else that might be needed. Even consider an assistant so as a manager all the responsibility is not overwhelming.

*Put the plan in action

Once the plan is finalized put it into action. Some things may need to be changed around, but having a goal can help create an organized and successful season.

*Keep track

Make a record of what works and why. Then create another list of what didn’t work and why. Don’t forget to writing down ideas when they are thought of for review later.

*Get the team involved

This can be done from the beginning and throughout the season. Ask them how they think things are going and if they have any suggestions for improvements. Also, ask them at the end of the season what they like and what they feel needs to change.

*Celebrate

Celebrate accomplishments with the team.

Filed Under: Players & Coaches Tagged With: Coach (sport), Sport, Team, Team sport

Getting Children into Playing Sports

Video games, computers, cell phones, televisions — there are so many exciting things keeping children inside and away from playing sports. Still it is important for them to at least get out for a while every day or two and get active. Getting children into playing sports is a way to accomplish this healthy goal.

Young children around age 5 through the teenage years have sports options available for them. It could be through the school, community or even a neighbour club. Parents, family, friends and community members often need some assistance getting children into playing sports. Children don’t have to play a school sport. There are sports options for every child at every skill level.

There are many mental and physical benefits to playing sports. Every child should get a chance to at least try a sport even if they don’t feel they can do it. They won’t know until they try. Not every child is going to be a star athlete, but every child playing should have fun.

So what’s the trick to getting them interested in sports?

*Don’t push

Let them know you’d like them to try some sports and they have the opportunity to choose what they want.

*Get them involved

Give them a list of available sports offered in the area. Another option is doing a search together to find a good match. They might want to try a few options. Just let them know they need to give them a chance and once they dedicate themselves they should stick with it throughout the season. Then they can consider switching to something else.

*Focus on fun

Tell them all about how fun the sport is and show them. Watch it on TV, go to a local game or talk with someone that is involved with the sport.

Some fun sports for children include swimming, basketball, baseball, softball, martial arts, ballet, equestrianism, football, soccer, hockey and tennis.

Filed Under: Players & Coaches Tagged With: Child, Mobile phone, Physical exercise, Sport, Video game

Get the Most Out of the Sport

Image via Wikipedia

Everyone is supposed to be active according to news reports and doctor’s suggestions. Sports are one way to accomplish this.

Participating in a sport regularly is a fun way of exercising as well as a social outing. Teammates talk and perhaps become friends. Still how does someone find their sport? There are many options available and even if something is not offered a group could start a league, it is just an idea! No matter what sport it is important to get the most out of it.

Remember chances are the sport activity is basically just for fun and to get active. Don’t take it too seriously or it becomes work and stressful. It is also important to note anyone that does not consider themselves athletic should not be discouraged from playing a sport. Often as people play a sport they get a hang of the rules and start to evolve at least into a decent player. Just have fun – yes, fun! The goal is to become healthier and more active. If a particular sport doesn’t work out then try something else.

Here are some ways to stay motivated, active and remain dedicated:

*Enjoy

Everyone should find a sport that is appealing to them from swimming and baseball to gymnastic and basketball.

*Train

Aside from the game take some time during the week to practice and get the body ready for game day. It will help build confidence as well as muscle.

*Exercise and Warm Up

Do some exercises, such as aerobics during the week, to keep the body warmed up and strong. This will help reduce injury risk and improves game play ability.

*Healthy Eating and Hydration

Eat a healthy diet every day including a nutritional meal before and after playing a sport. It is also important to stay hydrated and water is the best choice, especially before, during and after exercising.

*Rest

Always strive to get enough sleep.

Filed Under: Players & Coaches Tagged With: Eating, Gameplay, Recreation, Sport, Warming up

What It Takes to Become an Athlete

: Image via Wikipedia

Becoming an athlete takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and it certainly is not something that everyone can accomplish. Many people are only able to watch in envy while their favorite team players are playing on TV. Here are a few characteristics that make up a great athlete, and what they have to do to get there.

Perseverance is a must if you hope to become a good athlete. People involved in sports are unable to give up. Sure, the team may lose a game here or there or maybe even ten in a row. But if you aren’t able to persevere and work your way back up to the top then you will never succeed in your athletic endeavors. An athlete has the ability to keep their goal in sight and reach it, even if it takes a hundred tries.

Becoming an athlete is very hard work. It takes a lot of specialized training to learn the ropes of the game. You have to be able to commit to a strict exercise regimen because your body is your vessel in this profession if you don’t keep it in good shape you won’t see any success. After all, you’re competing against a lot of other people who are very much in shape.

The most important aspect in becoming an athlete is passion. If you don’t love what you do then you will find it a lot harder to continue dragging yourself through the motions every single practice and game. Not only will the lack of passion start to wear on your will power, but you performance will start to lose momentum as well. There are plenty of people out there that would willingly take your place, so if you don’t show a passion for your sport the team will find someone else who does.

Filed Under: Players & Coaches Tagged With: athletics, Sport, Sportsperson, Student athlete, Training