Archive for February, 2013


Football-Soccer Footwear Uppers and Midsoles

Mixing eye-catching design with devastating performance.

 
From superior materials to innovative design, discover the details of what goes into every upper and midsole of Nike soccer boots.
 

Nike Soccer Uppers

 
The main benefits the upper provides are protection, comfort and enhanced touch. The “touch” of the soccer boot refers to the ability of a player to feel the ball with their foot in order to control it when passing, dribbling or kicking.
 

Upper Materials

 

Natural Leathers

 
Full-grain and kangaroo leathers are soft, supple and offer excellent ball feel.
 

Synthetic Leathers

 
Synthetics offer great ball feel, don’t absorb water, maintain their shape, and are lightweight and more durable than leather.
 

Teijin Microfiber

 
This synthetic material conforms to the foot’s shape, providing supreme touch and optimal support.
 

Kanga-Lite

 
By wrapping snugly around the foot, this synthetic material helps provide great ball touch and mimics the feel of kangaroo leather without the weight.
 

Upper Design Features And Benefits

 

Asymmetrical Lacing

 
Laces are moved to the lateral side of the shoe to create a cleaner surface and bigger striking zone for better touch on the ball.
 

All Conditions Control (ACC)

 
Helps provide excellent cialis buy ball control in wet or dry conditions.
 

Suede Heel Lining

 
The texture of the suede reduces heel slippage.
 

Nike Soccer Midsoles

 
Very few boots have midsoles. This is because most soccer players want to be close to the ground for

better lateral stability. Nike soccer cleat midsoles provide cushioning for a players foot, but compared to running shoes, it’s minimal.
 

Midsole Materials and Design Features

 

Phylon and EVA

 
Offering optimal comfort and cushioning, these materials are most often found in IC (indoor) and TF (turf) styles as a 3/4- or full-length midsole that enhances cushioning and comfort on hard surfaces.
 

PORON® Inserts

 
Inserts may be

placed

under high-pressure areas of the foot for an additional layer of low-to-the-ground cushioning.
 

Low-profile Sockliners

 
Help to reduce stud pressure for cushioning and comfort underfoot. Sockliners are commonly made from EVA foam that is either molded or die-cut.
 
-Soccer Mom
 
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Football-Soccer Ball Fundamentals

Learn the basics of ball size, construction and certification.

 
Nike soccer balls are fast, round, responsive and durable. Explore the inner and outer workings of each ball and learn a little about certification too.
 

Ball Sizes

 
Soccer balls come in different sizes. Kids usually kick a size 3 ball. Players 8 – 11 years old typically play with a size 4 ball. A size 5 ball is the most common. It’s the official size for high school and professional play. Players can also use size 1 miniature skills balls for practice.
 

Did You Know?

 
Soccer balls designed specifically for Futsal, or other small-sided games are available in Youth size 3 or Pro size 4.
 

Ball Construction

 

Ball Casing

 
The outer layer of a soccer ball is called the casing. Nike soccer balls are most commonly made with a polyurethane (PU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) casing.
 

PU casing

 
Absorbs less moisture for more consistent, durable performance in varying weather conditions. And it’s much softer than traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC), especially in colder temperatures.
 

TPU casing

 
Provides a soft feel to the ball and is a great value for consumers.
 
Leather typically isn’t used on

soccer balls because of its tendency to retain water. Retaining water makes for a heavy ball that doesn’t

move quickly on the field.
 

Graphic or Color

 
As part of the casing, graphics or color

is used to help players read the ball better, especially when in flight.
 

Asymmetrical Graphics

 
Some soccer balls have asymmetrical graphics, creating a break in the pattern to help you judge the ball flight, trajectory and spin.
 

Hi-vis Color Combinations

 
These combos make it easier to see the ball in low-light conditions.
 

Nike RaDaR Technology

 
With a scientifically tested combination of color, contrast and graphic design placement, Nike RaDaR technology offers a pronounced visual signal that helps players quickly identify the ball and its movement.
 

Did You Know?

 
A soccer ball may be kicked up to 2,000 times in an average match.
 

Ball Panels

 
Casings are made up of different shapes of panels. The number of panels varies between 32 for the traditional, everyday ball to 26-panel (and even 12-panel balls) that offer increased durability and enhanced touch because of fewer seams.
 
Panels can be stitched by machine or hand. To distinguish between the two types of construction, look at the stitches. In a machine-sewn ball, the stitches are more visible.
 

Machine-sewn

 
Requires thicker casing and a foam underlay, often EVA, to withstand the automated stitching process.
 

Hand-sewn

 
Provides highest quality.
 

Geo-Balanced II

 
Nike soccer balls that use the Geo Balanced II technology have an advanced panel pattern to create a soccer ball that is faster, rounder and more responsive.
 
Special configurations of hexagons and pentagons allow uniform dispersion of air inside the casing.
 
The center of each panel aligns with the center of the bladder, which makes the ball rounder. And rounder balls have a straighter flight.
 
They also have better durability since they wear more evenly instead of

getting worn down on particular spots.
 

Ball Bladder/Lining

 
Beneath the soccer ball casing, a bladder and lining hold the air in and provide shape retention. Bladders are made of either: butyl, latex or rubber.
 

Butyl Bladders

 
Reduce rebound for better performance on hard surfaces and provide optimal air retention.
 

Latex Bladders

 
Used in pinnacle soccer balls – they offer high-energy return for powerful shots.
 

Rubber Bladders

 
Often have an extra layer inside to create maximum shape retention, bringing performance to value-priced balls.
 

Nike Exclusive 6-wing Bladder

 
Improves overall roundness because there are more touch points on the casing than a typical 4-wing bladder.
 

Did You Know?

 
Some soccer balls created specifically for Futsal (or small-sided games) have a bladder filled with foam instead of air. Using foam gives the ball less bounce, making it easier to control on hard surfaces.
 

Ball Certification

 
Certification stamps on soccer balls are important because they help differentiate the performance and price.
 

FIFA Approved

 
Look for the FIFA approved mark to identify the highest guaranteed quality and consistency in the world. FIFA approved balls pass seven tests that measure:
 
1. Circumference
2. Roundness
3. Rebounding
4. Weight
5. Pressure
6. Water absorption
7. Shape and size retention
 

What is FIFA?

 
FIFA stands for the Federation Internationale de Football Association. It’s the world governing body for soccer and has over 200 member nations.
 
Another, independent certification is International Matchball Standard, or IMS.
 
And an NFHS stamp means the ball is approved for high-school play.
 
-Soccer Mom
 
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Quick Preseason Workout to Improve your Golf Swing

As warm weather approaches, it is time for you to get ready to play golf again. As all golfers know, it is easy to start feeling tired early on in the season. Your swing can also suffer, because the rotational muscles of the shoulder and torso still feel the cramp of being unused all winter. This may take

a toll on your scores, or worse still, may cause injuries.
 
A preseason workout routine is highly recommended for golfers. It involves as much stretching as possible because tension is the enemy of a well-coordinated golf swing. “Tempo” is a term often used by golf swing coaches, and it refers to the natural rhythm of a good golf swing. These exercises loosen and lengthen the muscles of your shoulder and torso, which helps you develop a consistent tempo more easily. So, the sooner these exercises make it into your daily routine, the more fun you’ll have during those first few rounds on the course.
 
It’s important to begin with 5-10 minutes of light cardio exercise, just running in place or jumping jacks will do. This allows warm blood to fill your muscles, thereby loosening them and making the following stretches more effective. Allow yourself to breathe naturally, and take full, deep breaths as you’re performing these stretches.
 
Head rolls – 30-60 seconds: Roll your ear gently to one side, toward your shoulder. Tilt your head back, then forth, and repeat on the other side. This relaxes the tension in the neck, and encourages shoulder flexibility.
 
Shoulder stretching – 2-3 minutes: Raise your right arm directly in front of you, then bring it to the left, wrapping your left elbow around your right arm and using it to gently bring your right arm closer to

your chest. You will feel the stretch in your outer right shoulder. Reverse this process for the left side. This allows for much greater range of motion and smoother rotation in your golf swing, which translates into more consistent shot making.
 
Side stretching – 1-2 minutes: Raise your right arm directly above your head with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lean your shoulders to the left and sway your right hip slightly out. You will feel a stretch along the right side of your body from your finger tips to toes. Reverse this process for the left side of your body. This stretch targets the outside of your arms, outer hips, and most importantly, your abdomen, which will further enhance your rotational stability and flexibility.
 
This routine can also be incorporated into a weight-lifting routine that focuses on developing the core muscles of your back and abdomen, as well as your shoulder muscles and hip flexors. Sit-ups, crunches, and push-ups are good exercises for when you’re unable to make it to the gym. Use this routine twice, cialis cheapest when you’re warming up and cooling down, for best results.
 
The exercises discussed above are just a few basic exercises that you can do to get fit for golf. Are there any other exercises that had a positive impact on your golf swing? Please share your experience in the comments section.
 
-Par Shooter

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Skill and Strategy

Games and activities that require a certain amount of skill and precision are very appealing, because the challenge they offer keeps kids and adults coming back for more. The compelling nature of these activities has created a lot of golf and fishing widows, but there’s a good way to avoid that: involve the whole family. And a good way to get that golf ball rolling is with gifts that outfit every member of the family. 
 
Fishin’ Hole Fun
 
Many of us have fallen for ice fishing, hook, line and sinker. We’ve come to realize that ice doesn’t have to mean cold and uncomfortable. With plenty of protective clothing and a shelter, this fast-growing winter sport can be entertaining, challenging and deeply relaxing.
 
Of course, the first thing to consider when heading out on the ice of a frozen lake is safety. Check the thickness of the ice every 100 feet or so with a drill or ice auger. How thick does the ice have to be to ensure safety? It varies with condition and location. Your best bet is to check the recommendations on the U.S. Army web page at www.crrel.usace.army.mil/ierd/ice_safety/safety.html.
 
While ice fishing isn’t strenuous, trying to recover from an ice mishap can be taxing; so only those in good physical condition should fish on the ice. Every fishing party should be equipped with an ice pick that can help a fallen fisherman or woman grip the edge of the ice sheet.
 
While it’s essential to dress warm, avoid clothing like hip boots and waders that can restrict your ability to stay afloat. A good alternative is clothing made especially for ice fishing. Vexilar Cold Snap gear is designed with the ice-fisherman in mind, and it’s available at Dunham’s.
 
Okay, warnings aside, ice fishing is a lot of fun, and it isn’t expensive. While you can spend quite a bit of money on gear, you don’t need a lot to get started. Dunham’s offers everything you need to get started at great prices.
 
You’ll need an ice auger to cut that hole and an ice fishing sled to carry the auger out onto the ice. You can get the auger at Dunham’s. Among the most popular models are those made by Eskimo. You’ll also want an ice scoop to clear ice from your fishing hole, although some enterprising folks have been known to make one by drilling holes in a soup ladle. 
 
Want to get more fish than the next guy? In that case, you may want to invest in a

sonar flasher that can help you find the big ones. Flashers can detect the presence of underwater weeds and limbs as well as moving fish. The Vexilar FL-8 SE Sonar Flasher is a proven fish finder, and it’s available at Dunham’s.
 
Some fishermen consider a shelter essential, others are happy to spend a couple of hours exposed to the elements. But for extended fishing trips, a shelter is recommended. Dunham’s stocks a number of inexpensive models. For example, Frabill’s Outpost hub-style shelter can provide shelter for two or three fishermen. It comes pre-assembled and sets up quickly. It’s sturdy and dependable, yet it weighs only 24 pounds and sells for less than $200. 
 
Drive the Green
 
Well, maybe not quite to the green. But the challenge of golf keeps us coming back for more. And what better place to be on a nice day than out on a beautiful golf course? But don’t head out alone; bring the family. It’s never too soon to begin training the next Michelle Wie.
 
Golf equipment makes a great holiday gift, particularly

if it’s equipment that improves the golfer’s game. A great choice is a Nike VR STR8-FIT Driver or Fairway Wood. The adjustable face technology that these beautifully crafted clubs offer allows the golfer to fine-tune ball flight for maximum accuracy.
 
Taylor Made Burner Steel Irons make a great gift as well. Their multi-functional sole design combines a low center of gravity with the versatility of a thin sole. The long irons focus on forgiveness and distance, the mids are accurate with good range, and the shorts are responsive and accurate. All can help improve any golfer’s game -— duffer or par shooter.
 
Of course, these are just a small sample of the extensive range of golf clubs and equipment you’ll find at Dunham’s. That equipment includes clubs tailor made for children of all sizes and adults of all skill levels. If it’s a great golf product, you’ll find it at Dunham’s. 
 
Playing Guns
 
As kids, my buddies and I ran around the neighborhood, pointing toy guns at each other and yelling, “Bang, bang, gotcha.” We called it “playing guns.”
 
Kids and grownups alike play guns today, but they do it in organized competitions with paintballs — capsules containing food coloring and gelatin — shot from a compressed air or

carbon-dioxide powered gun. The players wear masks and goggles to protect their face and eyes.
 
The rules vary by locale, but the game is usually played by two teams that attempt to eliminate players on the other team. A player is eliminated when directly hit by a paint ball. The game requires quite a bit of strategic thinking, and in open terrain, it can involve a good deal of running and walking.
 
Soft-air guns offer another challenge for the would-be marksman. Made to resemble genuine weapons, these guns

shoot plastic pellets. They are sometimes used in competitions similar to paintball.
 
Dunham’s stocks a range of paintball equipment, along with soft-air guns, and your Dunham’s sales representative can direct you to local paintball clubs and establishments.
 
-Your Friends at Dunham’s
 
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