COACHING YOUNG PLAYERS

When coaching young players, it is important to understand that all players have different skills and strengths. They all learn differently and patience is very important. Some have a natural ability when it comes to playing sport and some need more time to find their feet during a game.

During training sessions it is important to go over basic skills and continue to do so every week. This enables every player at every skill level to improve their knowledge of the sport and practice important drills which can be used on game day. Basic drills such as passing or kicking should be an emphasis in every training session for every sport.

Drills that work especially well are those that require the team as a whole to work together to reach a goal. For example, in basketball training having the team rebound 30 shots without letting the ball hit the ground. Not only do drills like these bring the players together as a team but also encourage stronger players to help others on the team.

As the players get used to training and playing together, their confidence will increase. The players will get used to each other and their coach and you will see many improvements in the way they play the game.

In every team, support is needed from everyone players, coaches, parents etc. The Sportsmart Club Advantage program is designed to help local sporting clubs by offering them a tool to help fund the cost of sporting equipment. It is free to join and offers many benefits to sporting clubs including a 5% discount for club members and the ability to accrue credits and receive a rebate twice yearly in the form of gift card. Visit the Club Advantage website to sign your club up today.

HOW TO USE AN ELLIPTICAL TRAINER

When using an elliptical trainer, your feet follow a path that is stretched out similar to an oval shape. This is known as an ellipse (hence the fact elliptical). Elliptical trainers can require a bit of getting used to but other than that there is no real skill needed to use them.

Ellipticals offer you the benefit of a low impact work out and to exercise your upper and lower body. Always start your workout with a warm up. Once you step on the machine, pedal forward. Limit your backwards pedalling as it does not work your body more than pedalling forwards. In fact, it can be damaging to your knees.

Use the machines features to adjust the intensity of your workout. Try pedalling faster or raising the incline. Challenge yourself every time you use the machine. Try not to lock your knees, keep a slight bend in your knees and the motion smooth. Also remember to stand up straight and keep your head up and level.

The elliptical has a pair of foot pedals for your feet, as you get on the exercise machine pay attention to where you are placing your feet. Each foot should be on the centre of each pedal and your stride should feel natural. A stride that is too long can feel uncomfortable and a stride that is too short can create an unpleasant and jerking movement.

Most elliptical trainers have a pair of handles to connect your arm movement to feet. As your feet move, so do your arms. You can choose to use the handle bars or to move your arms in a manner similar to walking or running without holding on. If you choose to hold on, be careful as leaning with your bodyweight on the handles will decrease the intensity of your lower body workout and will therefore slow your calorie burn.

When using the elliptical gradually work up the time you work out for. Start with a few minutes and then gradually work your way up to at least a 20 minute work out. It will take time for your muscles to get used to this new exercise.

Sportsmart stocks a wide variety of elliptical trainers. Visit the Sportsmart website to view our range. Or come in store to get expert advice from our fitness staff.

HOW TO BECOME A BETTER GOAL KEEPER

The goal keeper is one of the most important players on the soccer field. They are the last line of defence and essentially the first line of attack. To be a great goal keeper many skills are needed. The goal keeper is able to see the entire field and must be able to read the game. Goal keepers must be able to make split second decisions that can win or lose the entire game.

Focus is key when goal keeping. The goal keeper must be focused during the game even if the ball is on the other side of the field. Look at your central defenders and ensure both forwards are covered. Check for any untracked runners in the midfield. Check these factors as the ball is crossing the half way mark as if it is in shooting range it will be too late to make any adjustments. Communication is very important, if you notice anything you will need to ensure that your team is aware of it.

As a goal keeper your primary goal is to prevent goals going through. Don’t stay on the line and wait for your opponent. If you find yourself in a one on one situation, run at your opponent and stretch your body to make yourself bigger. By doing this, your opponent will need to react fast which will lead to mistakes.

You must develop the ability to deal with crosses into the penalty area. Be decisive and come to get the ball or stay on the line to save the shot. Make sure your decision is communicated to your defence.

Lastly, you have to remember to have confidence in yourself. This is one of the most important things for a goal keeper and without confidence your performance on the field will suffer. Don’t let mistakes discourage you, instead analyse what you have done wrong and use this to improve yourself for the future.

If you are part of a local soccer club, sign them up to the Sportsmart Club Advantage program. It’s free to join and is designed to support local sporting clubs. Your club will receive many benefits, including a 5% discount for all club members. Visit the Club Advantage website for more information and how to sign your club up.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RUNNING SHOES

If you are a runner, it is very important to find running shoes that are suited to you. Your running shoes play a major role when running and are a way of protecting your feet as they hit the ground.

Different running shoes serve different purposes. For example, trail running shoes are designed for those who run off road. The first thing you need to decide on is the type of running you will be doing. You can then select a shoe based on your running requirements.

Wearing the wrong type of running shoes can cause major damage. The impact of running not only affects your feet but also your ankles, knees and hips. Everybody’s feet are different and a good pair of running shoes can save you from injuries and pain.

When purchasing a pair of running shoes, pronation must be considered. Pronation refers to how much your foot rotates inward while you run. Runners who have a foot which rolls inward are considered to be runners who overpronate whereas runners who have a foot which does not roll inward much are considered to be runners who underpronate. Both styles can present problems to runners therefore it is important to select a shoe that is suitable for you.

Sportsmart has a large range of running shoes available that you can check out online. Our footwear staff have expert knowledge in running shoes and can help you to select a style that suits your running needs. Visit us in store to get expert advice and try on the right running shoe for you.

SPORTSMART SMART CARD PROGRAM – JOIN TODAY!

The Sportsmart Smart Card program offers you many benefits upon joining. As a member you gain access to exclusive offers such as special pricing on products across all categories to ensure that you save every time you shop at Sportsmart. Not only will you get special prices, you will also get invitations to special events and VIP nights.

If you sign up online you will receive a set of vouchers with your Smart Card based on the interests you selected during the sign up process to welcome you to the program.

By signing up to become a Sportsmart Smart Card member you are given your very own online profile, known as your Sports Snapshot. Through this you are able to select your sporting interests and preferences and then receive information based on what you’re interested in.

Smart Card members also receive email newsletters notifying them of any special member’s only discounts and information about upcoming sales before the general public.

It’s free to become a Smart Card member and you can sign up at any Sportsmart store or on the Smart Card website (smartcard.sportsmart.com.au).

PRODUCT REVIEW: YORK MONZA ELITE TREADMILL AT SPORTSMART

The York Monza Elite Treadmill is one of York’s finest treadmills. It features unique and exclusive technology and is packed full of features to keep you motivated. It is ideal for those with a big family or the serious runner. With its strong motor, large running deck and full featured console, this treadmill definitely earns its name.

With a 3.5 horse power motor, the York Monza Elite Treadmill has the ability to reach up to 22km per hour in speed. It also features a 3.3mm orthopaedic belt which is an important feature for those who require extra cushioning.

For those who require extra motivation, the York Monza Elite treadmill also has a USB port that allows you to watch videos or pictures on its full colour display. You also have the ability to plug in your iPod or iPhone and listen to. It even has 21 motivational programs of its own that you can select from and watch while running. If you have had a great session you have the ability to save your training results and upload them to your computer for future reference.

If you have difficulty balancing on the treadmill, the York Monza Elite has a built in camera that allows you to view your feet while you run so that you can stay on track. Another useful feature is the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is also if you have pets or young children  and will alert you if they get too close to the back of the treadmill.

The York Monza Elite treadmill is packed full of features that will keep you going during your workout and definitely differentiate it compared to other models currently available.

Sportsmart currently stocks the York Monza Elite treadmill, view this product on our website http://www.sportsmart.com.au/product.php?pid=13657&refid=132&refname=Treadmills&pg=2.

Or come in store to try it out for yourself.

YOUR TENNIS QUESTIONS ANSWERED

The winner of Sportsmart and Wilson’s tennis sponsorship program, Scott Lyons, provides regular blog articles on his favourite topic – tennis …

1) How tight should you hold your racquet?

There is a common misconception that the harder you hold your racquet, the more power you will receive. However, this is not true! When you are tensing your arm you reduce flexibility in it and your swing becomes rigid as a result. When swinging you want to swing through as fast as possible, but more importantly, you want to be accelerating through the ball. This means you must follow through over your shoulder. If you try holding your racquet really tight, you will notice your arm comes to a halt very shortly after striking the ball, meaning you are decelerating your swing as you hit the ball. Instead, hold your racquet relatively loose so that you allow yourself to accelerate through the ball and continue the swing over your shoulder.

On the other hand, make sure you are still holding your racquet tight enough so that the racquet doesn’t twist in your hand as you hit the ball. Hold it tight enough so that it will come loose if another person tugged at it two or three times. Another way to think about it is to consider that you are holding a bird with two hands- you don’t hold it so tight that you hurt the bird, but you hold it tight enough so it stays firmly in your hands.

2) How do you hit with topspin?

The key aspect to focus on when hitting topspin is to hit from low to high. But so how do you swing your racquet from low to high, without the ball sailing to the moon and back? When hitting the ball you do not hit the ball with an “open face” of the racquet, instead you alter your grip so that the racquet head is tilted forward (towards the ground). This allows you to “brush” over the ball, while still hitting up.

If you are still confused, imagine someone is holding up a rollerblade sideways with the wheels facing you. How would you swing the racquet so the wheels spin forwards? Of course if you hit with a horizontal swing you will not spin the wheels at all, and probably only hurt the other person! However, if you swing more vertically, and “brush” the wheels, you will make the wheels spin forwards (or top spin in tennis). Top spin is a hard thing to master and can take years of practice. But don’t be put off. Just start with slight adjustments of your grip and swinging motion, and work your way from there!

THE POPULARITY OF TENNIS

The winner of Sportsmart and Wilson’s tennis sponsorship program, Scott Lyons, provides regular blog articles on his favourite topic – tennis …

In order from highest to lowest, which sport is most popular in Australia: AFL, rugby (league or union), cricket or tennis? Victorians may say AFL first, those up north will proclaim rugby to be the greatest sport of all, while others may believe cricket to be the best. However, as a whole, tennis would generally be seen as the least popular of those options in Australia.

Now ask yourself that same question, yet this time not in terms of popularity in Australia, but popularity on a worldwide scale. This time, tennis would be seen as the most popular sport of all four.

Getting involved in tennis is getting involved in a global sport, a sport which is recognised and followed around the world. It provides opportunities to meet new people from different cultures and provides opportunities for life. Whether you travel overseas or even move overseas in the future, what a luxury it would be to play a sport which is recognised in that country. And when you can join a tennis club in that country, it is the easiest and quickest way to a new network of people.

So play a sport which can be played anywhere and everywhere, pick up a racquet and start hitting!

ROUND 5 – DONE AND DUSTED

The winner of  the Sportsmart AFL sponsorship program, Micheal Shmerling, provides regular blog articles on his favourite topic – football …

With the dust now clearing from an entertaining round 5 of AFL football, we have learnt which teams are on the way up and which teams are on the way down. But lets hope that teams on the way down can come back up again.

According to the Foxsports experts in the likes of Jason Dunstall and Brian Taylor, teams like St.kilda and Adelaide really need to step it up! In my opinion, the Saints need more than one win to come back from what most will call the darkest era in Saints history. Over the somewhat dull summer we had, we have almost watched the destruction of the football club by one single person who only 17yrs old, is not legally allowed to vote . Has the club been able to come back from this dark time? Well after 5 rounds and 4 games for the Saints they only have 1 win, and to be honest, it came against a team tipped to finish in the bottom 4 this season. St Kilda need help, and it can’t come only from the coaches, it has to start with the leaders of the club, the fans need to get behind the boys better than what they have so far this season. Positive Positive Positive should be yelled out during training with only that positive energy pumped through the club at all times. They can come back, but in my opinion a top 4 finish and that premiership window is all but closed for season 2011.

The Adelaide Crows are in trouble, a much better performance this week against Carlton was a good sign that maybe things aren’t as bad as first seemed. But lets be honest, they are in strife! But lets just say this, its good strife, its rebuilding strife. The crows lost big name, big game players at the end of last season with the likes of Andrew Mcleod and Brett Burton to name a couple. It will take time to develop some of the new faces at the club so fans need to be patient. They will come good, just give these new kids time.

The problem is Brisbane, Nth Melbourne, Richmond and West Coast are pretty similar to the Crows. Young bodies and little game time are the factors, but with more games comes more experience. Injuries at North and the Lions are hurting them more at the moment but with the likes of Brown coming back within the next month or so, the Lions could regain some power up forward. Nth need their fans, and need them badly, Nth fans get to games, support your team and buy a membership, my North Melbourne membership jokes to my friends are getting old, start buying some memberships!

How good are the bombers? Well looking at Anzac day, they aren’t far off good teams. The bombers fought hard against a harder, tougher opponent like the Pies. The final score flattered the Pies to a point but it helped my mate win a bet so on behalf of him, thanks Collingwood for the final score. But these bombers showed something that hasn’t been showed by an Essendon team since early 2002, and that’s fight! They fight and fight for not just 2 quarters, but for 4 and it’s great to see. The passion from the fans is showing through the players and the results are coming. Its only round 5 so the “finals” lid is tightly on, but maybe I can be a wishful Bombers fan and say that a top 6 finish is not out of the question.

Finally, the Gold Coast Suns, well done on your first win. Not many predicted you’d win a game in your first season let alone the first 5 rounds. Well done but lets hope the bombers stop that as round 6 is looming.

THE KETTLEBELL 101: DEADLIFTS AS FOUNDATION

Jeremy ‘Dave’ Davies is the Store Manager at Sportsmart Kilsyth, but he has also been an infantry soldier, boxing instructor, personal trainer and Australian Kettlebell Instructor. Apart from basketball, he competes in Girevoy Sport Weightlifting – the traditional Eastern European/Russian sport of kettlebell lifting. You can visit his website www.wix.com/kgbtrainer/kgbpt  for more information and training tips. He has taken the time to provide some information and training tips on strength bags.

With Sportsmart’s catalogue special on York kettlebells this month, I thought it would be a great opportunity to introduce this strength training tools fantastic benefits, and some of its pitfalls too…

You’ve all probably seen them, maybe on The Biggest Loser, maybe in the park with a personal trainer nearby. Maybe you’ve even played around with them a little in the gym.

I’ve been using them for over five years now, firstly as a health and fitness enthusiast, then as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, and more recently, as a girevik (kettlebell sport participant)

From my experience I can honestly say that there is no better individual health and fitness tool that can do as much for you in as little time as the kettlebell. You can develop lean functional strength, tone your posterior chain (lower back, butt, thighs) and core, develop power (maximum strength in minimum time), strip fat, increase cardio fitness and better your posture, amongst many other benefits.

But you have to do it right.

So, what’s right?

Firstly: back posture. My clients would get sick of hearing me bang on about it, but this is crucial. For the same reasons that kettlebells are so good, if done with poor posture, they can be very bad.

The York kettlebell comes with a very good instructional poster detailing a whole range of fantastic exercises, but don’t go straight to a single arm snatch or swing or Turkish get up. Instead, start with a basic deadlift.

Plce the kettlebell between your heels. Before you even start lowering yourself down to pick up the kettlebell, tilt your pelvis top forward, bottom back. The more flexible your hips are the better, and this is where women often have an advantage over men starting out.

Now, push your butt back before you start bending at the knees.

Keep that pelvic tilt! And keep your eyes up at horizon level: you don’t need to look down. That kettlebell is going nowhere without you. Maintain a good neutral spine alignment as you push back, like the old ‘sit up straight’ position, then start bending at the knees. Keep those eyes up!

And pick up the kettlebell with two hands.

Stand up straight, roll your shoulders back gently at the top, and repeat, letting the kettlebell gently kiss the ground between your heels without bearing any weight.

Getting this movement right is critical to safe kettlebell lifting in the future, particularly with the most beneficial compound ballistic lifts, such as the swing, the clean, the snatch and the high pull.

Make it a part of a circuit with other more traditional activities that you are comfortable with, such as skipping or dumbbell/barbell lifts, or burpees etc, before you go further with the kettlebell.

Once it feels comfortable, add an upright row movement to the deadlift. As you stand up, row the kettlebell upward until your forearms are parallel to the ground. But don’t just hold the kettlebell up there like you would if you were doing upright rows with a barbell or dumbells, drop immediately with the weight of the kettlebell.

It shouldn’t be an isolative shoulder exercise. The weight of the kettlebell should be primarily shifted by the motion of you standing up straight from the bottom of the deadlift position.

Any further questions regarding kettlebell training, why not drop in for a chat with me at Sportsmart Kilsyth!