Sports Then and Now

It would be amazing to see the reactions of some of the great athletes of the past if they could witness what’s happening in their sports today. While the games may not have changed much, there are a range of technologies at work to support better performance, more safety, and an exhilarating experience for sports fans. Here are just some of the ways technology has changed sports in recent years.

1. Better Facilities

Sports arenas have been adapted to use new technologies in ways that benefit both fans and athletes. Athletes can get fairer judgements from umpires and officials thanks to instant replay and digital technology that can narrow down events to a single photo frame or micro-second from multiple angles. Stadiums and outfitted with audio systems and giant screens so fans don’t miss any of the action. Today, athletic leagues are making security a priority with improved traffic flows, automated lighting, and CCTV camera systems scanning the crowd.

2. Equipment and Safety

The design and materials of the equipment used in nearly every sport is also evolving. Tennis racquets and golf clubs are now made of graphite instead of wood or steel. From hockey pucks to volley balls, there are now strictly enforced standards. But analytics and computerized design software are generating constant innovations intended to produce better results and more control. Safety is another key design issue, especially in high-contact sports like football or hockey where a range of new helmet designs are appearing to minimize concussions. Read the rest of this entry →

It may be summer, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be relaxing 100 percent of the time. Instead, you — or someone you care about — will be playing sports this sunny season.

Because of the warm temperatures and bright skies, it may seem the perfect time to get out onto the field or court. However, it can be dangerous to exercise outside during the summer: athletes often fall victim to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke if they’re not properly prepared to get sweaty when the mercury’s at the tip-top of the thermometer.

Want to know how to safeguard your summer sports outings? Here are six ways to keep yourself hydrated, healthy and ready to play all season long.

1. Wear the Right Clothing

It likely goes without saying, but you shouldn’t be wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants for a summer workout. Instead, choose your most breathable, airy T-shirt and shorts. It’s important, too, to choose pieces in lighter colors: black and other dark colors absorb light wavelengths, transforming them into heat. On the other hand, white and lighter colors reflect wavelengths so heat doesn’t get absorbed into the fabric. Read the rest of this entry →

Whether you’ve recently started with Taekwondo or you have some experience already, the fact is that you might have noticed that in this sport, protection gear is quite a big deal. When sparring, the chance of getting injured is rather high. That’s why beginners are instructed to get a set consisting of head and chest guards, foot protectors, shin pads, and even groin protectors.

A chest guard is vital because it can protect your most important internal organs. Both headgear and mouthguards are necessary for every sparring session. If you haven’t bought this type of protective gear, you might not know what to look for. The simplest way of going about things is to understand that a good fit can get you out of trouble every time.

That’s why chest protectors have to come with Velcro straps so that you can adjust their fit to a certain extent. Most medium-sized hogu’s are recommended for women, with large and extra-large options being intended mostly for men.

So, why do I need good protective gear even when I kick the bag at home?

It goes without saying that you don’t need all that much protection if you plan to practice on your own. One of the first things you’re going to require is a Taekwondo kicking bag. While some parts of the gear you can do without, there are some essential components that you can’t leave out. Read the rest of this entry →

It’s Stanley Cup season again! What a nice moment for avid fans and supporters of the Stanley Cup playoffs. It has been a wonderful moment of hockey season for avid fans around the globe especially during the cup last year and here we go again for another round of Stanley Cup playoffs. Major team’s Pittsburg Penguins and Nashville Predators have been starring on the game since last season and we expect an exciting bout between the two competitive hockey teams this time of the year. All are risks and efforts had been exerted by both teams especially in shifting players, planning tactics and accommodating new players so we could only hope for a tight match from these teams.

Meanwhile, it has been commonplace that sports games had been involved in legal gambling activities all around the world especially that sports had been an anticipated field of recreation for fans and audience. Sports such as horseracing, formula one, and cycling and even hockey are sites for these events where one can bet on his or her favorite player. Legalities of online sports betting in Canada had been made for a considerable time and sports such as hockey had been excellent spaces for betting and recreation. As Stanley Cup Playoffs are paving way for another great season of hockey sports, it has also played a major role in sports recreation. Here, we list down the top news for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Penguins expect Murray to bring them to success

Matt Murray at a young age of 23 had been playing as a goalie for the Penguins and had exerted hockey prowess during a previous game score of 7-0. On Monday, Penguins and huge fans are expecting him to bring success to the hockey team. Although the Nashville Predators had lost the first two games of the Stanley Cup final they are putting major efforts to support player Rinne. After which, the Game 3 resulted in a competing Pittsburgh Penguins in full defense of Murray. Penguins are still very hopeful for gaining a success in Game 4 with a pressure on star player Matt Murray who have exhibited flawless streaks on the game.

Nashville is known to have made a cult aura of supporters on their home ice games but the Penguins are never intimidated and is most accommodating to accept the challenge of a rallying crowd. Penguins have been recognized as one of the top performing hockey teams in worldwide leagues and they went to compete to other team’s home ice comfortably and bringing home the success. They are expecting to win yet another season as they have been hailed the Stanley Cup defending champion last year. Read the rest of this entry →

Being a sports fan comes with passion, dedication, heartbreak, and ecstasy. It is a lifestyle littered with the unpredictable. But no matter who you support or what sport you play, there is one thing all sports fans can agree on; live events always offer up the best experiences you’ll ever be apart of. That’s why we have compiled a list of some absolutely must-have experiences every sports nut should soak up in person, with your own eyes; your heart beating so hard you can see it through your shirt.

The Kentucky Derby

Being in the infield at the Kentucky Derby is one of those rare experiences that you are likely to never forget, and yet may not remember either. The atmosphere, the booze, the suave suits and crazy hats and the big bucks get thrown down. It is electric. Yes, there is something nice and fancy about being in a suite, but nothing beats being in the middle of drunken horse-racing fans, cheering and jeering their horse with the dreams of leaving a little richer. Read the rest of this entry →

There are plenty of ways you can become the next great broadcaster, as well as other areas and careers into the wonderful world of sports. This piece will break down how one can potentially break into these lucrative sports careers and get more involved in a career in the sport spotlight.

Sports Broadcaster

There is a specific path that one should go if they plan to become the next Joe Buck, Mike Breen or Al Michaels. Sports broadcasters work as analysts or play by play announcers for major sports networks or specific teams. Individuals that pursue sports broadcasting careers will need to get a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting or communications. Anyone looking at this job should also make sure that they take courses that will help them to familiarize themselves with the production process that surrounds a broadcast. They should consider courses in audio production, broadcast journalism, and mass media. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, aspiring broadcasters usually hone their skills via entry level opportunities at small or local radio stations before advancing to do television coverage. Read the rest of this entry →