Spring Football Training

                                                             Spring Football Training

American Football is one of the most played sports in the country, especially by young adults.  Spring football is a serious training time for many athletes as it conditions them for their fall season. Since being taken to the ground by a well sized person is inevitable, it is easy to see why football is also one of the most dangerous sports played. However, there are simple ways to prevent simple injuries, from head to toe.

The most important precautionary measure an athlete can take is finding the best football helmet I cannot stress enough the possibility of concussion- so here’s what to do.

- Purchase a helmet that fits well.  Players need a good fit about 2 fingers width from eyebrow to forehead pad, and make sure it doesn’t move freely.

- Check out the safety rating, anything with a low rating is not going to be worth the money.

- If an athlete must use a league provided helmet, make sure it has been certified as safe.

- Do not necessarily seek out the cheapest option. The helmet protects the head which holds the brain; think about it. Don’t risk safety for a lower price tag.

 

Regardless of how long someone has played football, being tackled is a reality. So naturally you have to provide your body some form of protection, that’s where football pads come in.

-  For shoulder pads, make sure to get a good tight fit that will cover the shoulder blades and scapula in the back as well as our sternum in the front.

- For pants pads, athletes need 7 pieces; some come separately or in a girdle set. Though more expensive, a girdle set can save a lot of time getting ready.

- Check for antimicrobial treatment.  Hygiene is important, even in a game where you spend a lot of time in the dirt.

-  If using league issued pads make sure they have been reconditioned and cleaned.

-  Lighter padding can be better. It not only can help a player run faster, but can keep them cooler.

Football is all about running the ball right? So you have to make sure you have the proper cleat, sprained ankles and sore feet won’t help win the game.

-   Make sure the shoes are a good fit. Don’t feel compelled to buy a specific brand, shop around to be sure the shoe fits snugly but not tightly. Stay away from looser shoes for older kids, this can help avoid blisters.

-  Stay off of concrete. Cleats are meant to be in grass for a reason. They are unstable on concrete and can cause heel pain as well as a possible ankle injury.

-  Again, cheaper is not always the better way to go, especially when taking into account durability and fit. Find a comfortable shoe that can last a season or two.

 

So, there are some simple ways to stay safe this or any spring football season.  Almega Sports carries several brands of helmets and pads such as All-Star that is affordable and well-reviewed. We’re excited for the start of spring football and as always, Almega Sports has got you covered!

What is Catcher Equipment?

In the worlds of baseball and fastpitch softball, the catcher has one of the most important and dangerous positions.  It is critical to protect the catcher, with the proper equipment, and to ensure the equipment fits properly. Purchasing the most expensive equipment is not necessary.  Fit and integrity is more important.  We are often approached by parents and players with a wide range of questions about catcher's equipment.  The Almega Sports Team has put together a few tips to get you started.

There are 3 critical elements to catcher's equipment:

• Helmet -  Must fit snugly but sill allow the catcher to remove it quickly to field the ball.
• Chest Protector - The fit should be snug but also allow free movement of the catcher.
• Leg Guards - The fit should allow the catcher free mobility while still remaining in place.

Optional equipment:

• Throat Guard - Protects the catchers windpipe from random balls.
• Knee Savers - Takes the strain off the knee ligaments.
• Custom Gear Bag - Catcher's gear will not typically fit into traditional bat bags.

The professional team at Almega Sports is here to help your athlete suite up for the season.  We are your locally owned and operated baseball and softball sports store in Panama City, FL.  At Almega Sports, we carry the brands you love at the prices you deserve.

.Almega Sports has you covered

What is BBCOR?

There are so many questions regarding the 2012 BBCOR season.  Almega Sports is here to help unravel the most frequently asked questions regarding BBCOR. 

 

Q.  What is BESR?

A.  BESR stands for Ball Exit Speed Ratio.  Simply put, BESR is test developed to measure the exit speed of a ball after being hit by a bat.

 

Q.  What is BBCOR?

A.  BBCOR stands for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution.  The BBCOR test is a more complete test of the bat, as it takes into account how the bat will perform after it has been broken in (ABI).  The BBCOR standard ensures that all aluminum and composite bats will perform equivalent to wood bats.  

 

Q.  What is ABI?

A.  ABI stands for Accelerated Break-In Test.  This test simulates heavily used bats and tests the performance of the bat once it is considered "hot".  ABI is a part of the BBCOR standard.

 

Q.  Why did the NFHS change the way bats are tested?

A.  The increase in severe injury, particularly to pitchers and third baseman, sparked the need to take a closer look at bats.  There was also an unrealistic performance in composite bats, which lead to a home run explosion on the fields.  Basically, the bat would out-perform the player.

 

 

Q.  Are BBCOR certified bats the same as last year's bats?

A.  No.  BBCCOR certified bats are designed to perform as close to wood bats as possible.  The sweet spots are smaller and the trampoline effect is much less that the bats of 2011.

 

Q.  What does the BBCOR stamp look like?

A.  Every 2012 senior league recreational, high school, and college bat must bear the BBCOR stamp on the barrel, which looks like this:

 

Q.  Is my 2011 bat legal to use in regulation play in 2012?

A.  No.  Non-stamped bats are considered illegal in 2012 regulation play.  Those bats have just become your practice bats.

 

Almega Sports carries a full line of BBCOR bats.  Our expert team will guide you through the rules of BBCOR and have you ready for the field with confidence. 

Almega Sports has you covered!

How To Pick and Choose Baseball Cleats

It's that time again.  Baseball season!  Time to pull the chairs out of the garage and get some clay on the cleats.  This should be a fun and exciting time for all levels of ball players.  Don't be alarmed if this is the first time for your athlete on the diamond.  Almega Sports has created several small "How To" videos to help you get your rising start ready to hit the field.  This blog will feature a great starting point when purchasing sports equipment.  "How To Pick and Choose Baseball Cleats."

  

Key factors when purchasing cleats:

• Fit:  Do not buy cleats that are too big.  Serious injury to the foot and ankle can occur if the cleat is not a proper fit.  It's just not worth the risk to buy cleats bigger to accommodate for growth spurts.
• Comfort: The player must feel completely comfortable in the cleat in order to run, turn, and slide correctly.  A cleat that is not comfortable to the player could result in the player adjusting his natural way of running to compensate for the shoe.
• Durability: We all have a budgets to keep.  Spending a little more on a well made shoe will ultimately save you money down the baseline. 
• Easy to "break in:": The cleat needs to be made of a material that will be easy to get "game ready."
• Rubber vs. Spike:  Know your association and the cleat requirements.  Metal spike cleats are not allowed in all associations.

Almega Sports is here to help!  Let our experienced and dedicated staff fit your ball player with the proper equipment to hit the field with safety and confidence.  We carry everything you will need at prices that will keep your budget in bounds. 

Almega Sports has you covered!

How to Choose a Baseball Glove

There are literally thousands of options when it comes to choosing a baseball glove.  So many styles, colors, and manufacturers.  It can be an overwhelming experience to both parent and player.  Almega Sports is here to help.  We are going to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about "How to Choose a Baseball Glove."

• What are the differences between baseball gloves? 
• Are there different gloves for different baseball positions?
• How much should I spend on a new glove?
• Is there a way to prolong the life of a glove?

 

Starting the baseball season should be an exciting and fun experience.  Don't allow purchasing baseball equipment to overwhelm you.  Almega Sports is here to help.  We will help you and your player every step of the way to enter the field with confidence. Gloves, bats, cleats, and all the accessories, we have it all.  We carry Northwest Florida's largest selection of baseball and softball gloves in all of the top brands such as:  Akadema, Mizuno, Easton, Worth, Rawlings, Louisville Slugger, and Wilson. 

 Almega Sports has you covered!

How to Install Football Pant Pads

Are you ready for some football?  More importantly, are you ready to gear up your football player?  We know that getting a young football player ready for practice can be a frustrating experience, especially if you are new to the game.  No worries.  We have created a short video to demonstrate how to properly install football pant pads. Just one more way Almega Sports has football season COVERED!

TIP:  Use a fine tip marker to mark the pant pads and the corresponding position in the pants.  For example, on the right knee pad simply mark the pad "R Knee" or use and arrow to indicate which way the pad should be installed.  This may alleviate some frustration when getting ready to hit the field.

Almega Sports has everything you need to get your players ready for the football field.  We are the only full line football store in Panama City, Florida with a wide selection of helmets, shoulder pads, cleats, and practice attire.  We also special order custom equipment such as helmet, shoulder pads, and the full line of McDavid Sports Medicine athletic braces. 

Almega Sports has you covered! 



Football Safety Part Two: What is Football Personal Protection Equipment

Part two of our football blog series will dive into personal protection equipment.  We have compiled a list of protective equipment for football players as well as the part of the body it protects, injuries it may prevent, common brands to look for, and the proper fit for the equipment.  Remember, the key to proper fit for you player is to actually take the player with you and try on the equipment.

1. Helmet
• Protection:  Head, brain, neck, and spine
• Prevention:  Concussions, neck, and spinal cord injury  
• Brands:  Xenith, Schutt, All Star, Adams, Rawlings, Riddell      
• Fit:  Football helmet fit is crucial and must fit properly to avoid serious or fatal injury.
          *see our how to video on properly fitting youth football helmets.
2. Neck Rolls
• Protection:  Neck and spine 
• Prevention:  Spinal cord injury 
• Brands:  McDavid (Cowboy Collar), Schutt, and Adams     
• Fit:  Allow one of our football specialist to assist you with fitting neck rolls on your player 
3. Mouth Guards
• Protection:  Teeth, tongue, and jaw
• Prevention:  Tooth, tongue injury and jaw concussion                
• Brands:  Sock Doctor, Adams, Tap Out, and Under Armour
• Fit:  Mouth guards will vary in price and composition.  Fit will vary.
4. Rib and Back Protection
• Protection:  Ribs and Spine
• Prevention:  Rib fractures and spinal cord injury
• Brands:  Nike Pro Combat, McDavid Hexalite, and All Star
• Fit:  Rib protection equipment should fit snugly against the ribs and stay in position.   Back protection can be independent of the shoulder pads or connected to the should pads.  Both types attempt to provide protection from direct impact to the spine. 
5. Shoulder Pads
• Protection:  Direct impact to the shoulders, chest, and upper back
• Prevention:  Fractures, separated shoulders, and spinal cord injury
• Brands:  Schutt, Adams, and All Star
• Fit:  Shoulder pads should fit snugly about the chest and shoulders while still offering the player mobility.
6. Arm and Elbow Pads
• Protection:  Hands, forearms, and elbows
• Prevention:  Contusions and fractures to the hands, forearms, and elbows
• Brands:  Nike, McDavid, and Adams
7. Pant Pads
• Protection:  Spine, pelvis, legs, and  knees
• Prevention:  The seven pads that make up the "pant pads" have similar duties. 
  

  The tail or spine pad is designed to prevent injury to the tailbone.  The hip pads protect damage to the pelvis.  The thigh pads offer protection to the muscles and bones in the upper leg or femur.  Last but certainly not least are the knee pads that protect the most frequently injured part of the body.
• Brands:  Schutt, Adams, and All Star
8. Cleats
• Protection:  Ankles and feet
• Prevention:  Protects the ankle against rolling preventing ankle sprain and fracture.
• Brands:  Nike, Rawlings, and Under Armour
• Fit:  Mid cleats are designed for athletes that have a history of ankle injury.  Low cleats offer more mobility.  The cleat should fit the player properly and not be too big or too tight.

Don't allow the multitude of accessories, brands, and variations overwhelm you on your quest to outfit your player.  Almega Sports has you covered and has trained staff members to help you properly fit your player for the field.  We have the brands, equipment, and accessories you want at prices that will keep your budget in bounds. 

                                                                         
                     

Do You Know the Signs of a Concussion?

There has been much media attention about concussions in the NFL.  The same is true in youth football programs.  Estimates are that 85% of concussions in youth programs go undiagnosed and untreated.  Much of the reason for the high statistic is due to the lack of funding for athletic trainers on the fields to identify the issue. 

So what is a concussion?  A concussion is any injury that forces the brain to shake violently against the inside of the skull causing injury.  The injury is dangerous and there is much research on the long term effects on chronic brain injury.  The bottom line with any head injury is that if a player is knocked unconscious the damage can be serious.  Even a minor hit may take a long time to recover. 

The signs of a concussion:  loss of consciousness or drowsiness, dizzy feeling, confusion, headache, ringing in ears, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, slurred speech, and loss of memory of events regarding the injury.

*The player does not have to demonstrate all of these symptoms to have a concussion.

The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even longer.

Do you need further information on prevention of serious injury on the field?  Almega Sports has you covered and will continue with our blog series on football protection equipment.

Almega Sports takes player protection up a notch and provides everything you will need to get your football player ready for the season.  We are your local sporting goods store specializing in all the major brands such as Schutt, McDavid, Adams, Rawlings, All Star and more at prices that will keep you on the field.   

Football Safety: How to fit a football helmet

 

Football is a serious game of skill, intensity, reading your opponent, and of shear brute force.  All of the proceeding should be taken very seriously.  The physical force of the game could literally mean the difference between life or death.  Personal protection gear should be given the utmost attention and taken to the highest degree of seriousness because your child's very life depends on it.  This two part series will dive into football personal protection gear and the important roll they play in the game.

The key to optimal helmet safety is proper fit.  Premier helmets such as the Xenith X1, Schutt Ion 4D, Schutt DNA Recruit, and the All Star Catalyst offer inflatable air pads that conform to the players head for optimal protection and comfort.  Air pads offer superior performance against constant collisions versus traditional foam padding.   However, traditional foam pad football helmets have evolved greatly to provide optimal head protection and are the most likely issued helmet in recreational football.  Elite dual density foam helmets such as the Adams Y4, Schutt Recruit, and the Schutt Air Standard will provide your player critical head protection.

The key to safety equipment performing optimally is the proper fit.  The following are the essentials to properly fitting a football helmet.

 

 

1. First, you must take your player to try on the helmet.  Improper helmet size can lead to injury. The helmet should fit snug to the players head and move with the player.  The helmet should not be loose, wobble, or slide up on the head.  This would indicate improper fit.
2. Chin straps should be in the center of the players chin and the strap needs to be adjusted to fit snug to the player.
3. Face mask should be properly installed and not obscure the players vision in any way.  Have the player put the helmet on and move around to ensure that he can see in all directions.
4. The players eyebrows should not be more than 1 inch below the edge of the front of the helmet. 
5. The players ear openings and the helmets side holes should be centered.
6. The helmet must properly protect the base of the players skull with out interfering with the back of the neck.
7. Jaw pads need to follow the players cheeks.

The bottom line is that your players safety should be your top priority.  Prevention is the key to long term brain and physical safety.  The key to purchasing a football helmet is to get the helmet on the player and move around as if on the football field.  The helmet is the most important piece of equipment in this sport and the proper helmet is crucial to preventing potential life threatening or permanent injury. 

  

Almega Sports takes player protection up a notch and provides you everything you need to get your football player ready for the season.  We specialize in all the major brands such as Schutt, McDavid, Adams, Rawlings, All Star and more at prices that will keep you on the field. 

Sports Camp Advice



It happens every year.  There is one week left in school and you have no idea how to keep the kids entertained during the summer.  There are always summer camps available but how do you know if summer sports camps are worth the time and expense?

Here are a few key questions you should ask yourself before choosing a camp.

1. What am I looking for my player to get out of a sports summer program?

• Are you looking at  polishing ball skills, improving technique and physical conditioning? Or... Are you looking for entertainment and team building?
• When looking for an improvement camp, check to see that the skill training sessions are split up into sections to avoid player burn out or boredom.

    2.  How much am I willing to spend?

• Advanced camps will be more intense, technical and organized than "entertaining" camps.  Therefore, they will cost more.  In many occasions, these camps will include a collegiate or even professional player that will make a guest appearance or give live demonstrations.  This is a huge bonus to give your player motivation and drive to achieve the same status.
• If you are looking for an "entertaining" camp then go with the cheapest camp and perhaps go for more than one camp in the summer.

   3.  Look for camps that are taught by "real life" coaches.

• You want what you pay for.  Read the small print.  Make sure if you are paying for a camp to advance your players skills, they are being taught by an actual coach. 
• Often less expensive camps will be monitored by a coach but the players are being instructed by more advanced players or students.  This is not necessarily a bad thing but if you are paying top dollar then you want coaching experience to lead the way.

   4.  Lastly, does this camp have a good reputation?

• Ask around and ask questions!
•  Has the camp had good success rate?  Does the coach have a good reputation?  Are the facilities clean, safe and well maintained?  Is there a safety protocol in place?  What is included in the camp?  How many return "camper" are there?

Of course, there are many other questions that could be asked but in our opinion these are the most important.  As with any sport or physical, make sure your athlete has had a proper medical evaluation before attending any training.  Better safe than sorry is ALWAYS the best motto!

 

Don't forget...Almega Sports has the largest selection of new and used sports and fitness equipment in the region.  We have you covered from the beginner to the experience.  One stop does it all!

 

 

How To Series: Cleats

Cleats:  The Right Fit for MVP

Lets face it.  Kids grow fast!  They begin the season in one size cleat and end the season a size and a half larger.  How does that happen?  We are ending our "How To" series with how to properly size a cleat. Although we cannot help you predict growth spurts we can give you some guidance on how cleats should fit to protect your MVP.

First and most importantly the cleat must fit properly to prevent injury. 
- The ankle, arch and the sides of the foot are crucial areas to pay attention to when choosing a cleat.  The cleat should give plenty of support but no restrict the players movement.

- Choose cleats that are snug but not uncomfortable.  Some cleats are made of leather and leather will stretch out after multiple wears.  Choose a cleat that is snug to you in the beginning and wear them a few times before a game.  The key is to choose cleats that are not tight around the ankle or across the top of the foot.

Does the material matter when choosing cleats?
- Yes.  Synthetic material cleats are fine for beginners because they are easy to clean but for more seasoned players, chose cleats that are made of full grain leather.  Leather cleats breath well, offer superior strength, and durability.

What are cleat studs?
- Cleat studs are the pointed objects on the bottom of the shoe.  Usually you will not be faced with what length stud you need for your season.  However, choose shorter studs for hard surfaces, such as the infield and longer studs for soft surfaces, such as the outfield. 

Don't let choosing cleats break the bank.  It is easy to get caught up in the most popular brands and colors.  The most important fact to remember when choosing cleats is that the fit must be right.  Avoid a season ending injury or worse by choosing cleats that fit and protect.

Almega Sports has you covered when it comes to cleats and sports equipment.  We carries the name brands you want at the prices you deserve.  We even carry gently used sports equipment.  If you can not find what you are searching for in our retail store we will order it for you and have it within days.  Stop by and let the Almega Sports team help you prepare your player for the field.

How To Series: Glove Sizing

How To Fit a Glove

As parents of a baseball player, we know that it can be overwhelming when you walk into a sports store and have to choose and invest in the gear your player will need for the season.  Almega Sports has you covered when it comes to the most frequently asked questions we are asked in our retail store with "how to choose the correct size glove."

Walking into a sports store and looking at a glove wall can be very intimidating.  You may have a young or new player and you need the basics to get them started.  You have to start somewhere.  We have a few tips that will help you take the frustration out of gearing up your player for the field.

First of all there is much information on the Internet about what size to choose for each position.  In our research this is widely misleading.  Here are some of our tips:

1. Take your player to the store and try gloves on. 
2. Know what position the player will play.
3. Have a price range in mind. 
4. What hand?  Determine what hand you need the glove on.  If your player throws with their right hand then the glove goes on the left hand and vise-versa.
5. Fit.  Start trying gloves on. 
• The hand should be fully inserted into the glove with the palm of the hand slightly showing.
• The glove should NOT cover the players wrist. ***See example below
• Have your player move around in the glove.  Toss a ball.  The glove should fit comfortably without slipping or restricting the natural movement of the wrist.
• The player should be able to slightly squeeze a brand new glove (break in process may be necessary).  Note:  game ready glove are available.
6. Tip:  Outfield players require a longer glove to catch balls that are hit deep into the field.  Infielders require shorter gloves for quick motion and quick plays.

(Properly fit baseball glove.  Palm is slightly showing.)

The bottom line is that it will take some time to find the proper glove.  Taking your player with you and having fun trying gloves on and tossing baseball will take out the frustration and intimidation of choosing on your own.  Have fun with it and involve your player and then hit the field.

Almega Sports has you covered when it comes to baseball gloves and sports equipment.  We have the regions largest selection of baseball gloves, catchers gear, bags and bats.  We even carry gently used sports equipment.  If you can not find what you are searching for in our retail store we will order it for you and have it within days.

How To Series: Gloves

How To Break in a New Glove



Almega Sports is answering the most frequently asked questions in our retail store.  We are continuing our "How To" blog series with glove care.

Just like a good bat, a good glove is an investment.  As with any investment you need to properly care for your glove. Short cuts should never be an option.  Here are a few Do's and Dont's for glove care.

     Do:                    

• Oil your glove with proper glove oil such as saddle soap or a manufacturer produced glove oil
• Repeat the oil process a few time per year
• Clean your glove with a damp cloth when needed (playing in mud)
• Properly store your glove
• Maintain your glove with necessary repairs
• Break in your glove by forming a pocket *see video

     Don't

• Steam, microwave or put your glove in the dryer
• Use shaving cream, vaseline, or any other cream or non recommended oil on your glove
• Soak your glove in water
• Run your glove over with the car

Below is a great video on how to properly break in your glove.  These are the methods Almega Sports recommends to get your investment in its best playing condition.

By taking some time and using proper techniques and methods your glove can last you for more than just a few seasons.  It could last you 10-15 years.  Perhaps even be handed down to the next generation. 

Almega Sports has you covered when it comes to sporting goods and equipment.  We have the regions largest selection of baseball gloves, catchers gear, bags and bats.  We even carry gently used sports equipment.  If you can not find what you are searching for in our retail store we will order it for you and have it within days.

How To Series: Bat Care

How To Properly Extend the Life of Your Bat

Almega Sports is continuing with our "How To" series.  The next few blogs will address the most commonly asked questions we get in our retail store.

The maintenance and care of any bat is just as important as choosing the correct bat for your player.  Protect your investment by taking a moment to learn a few key tips to preserve the life of your bat.

• NEVER allow your bat to be a "team" bat.  Limit your bat to individual use.
• NEVER store your bat in extreme heat or cold such as in the truck of your vehicle.
• NEVER hit waterlogged balls.
• NEVER clean metal cleats with your bat.
• Do not use bats in temperatures below 60°F.
• Do not clean your bat with car wax.  Use a wet cloth.
• ALWAYS hit leather covered balls.
• ALWAYS rotate your bat 1/4 turn with each hit.
• ALWAYS keep your receipt for your warranty.

Remind your player that good bats are an investment and deserve to be properly cared for.  In doing this your players bat will easily last several seasons and possibly a few season for your next player.

Almega Sports has you covered when it comes to sporting goods and equipment.  We have the regions largest selection of baseball gloves, catchers gear, bags and bats.  If you cannot find what you are searching for in our retail store we will order it for you and have it within days.



How To Series: Bats

  How to Choose the Correct Bat

Almega Sports has you covered to address the "how to" questions.  The next few blog sessions will cover some of the most frequently asked "how to" questions we get in our retail store.

The most common question we get is "how do I pick the correct bat length and weight?" 
Answer: Have your player stand straight with the bat at their side.  The bat should not measure more than 2 inches above the wrist.

Next, you need to determine the proper bat weight for your player.
Answer: With the bat in the players dominate hand, have them hold the bat straight out in front of them with the wrist down.  The player should be able to do this exercise for 7 - 10 seconds without difficulty.  If the player finds that this is too difficult the bat is most likely too heavy.

The team at Almega Sports will be happy to assist you and your player with any questions you may have regarding bat sizing.  Remember, at Almega Sports we are a full line sporting goods store with a wide variety of brands and models of bats in stock.  We also have used bats available. 

Safety First: Batting Helmets

Question:  Can getting hit by a 5 ounce baseball cause a concussion?
Answer:  Yes it will.

It is the time of year when we break out the cleats and gloves and take the fields.  However, safety must start before those cleats ever touch the clay.  It is tempting to use last season's batting helmet.  However, it is essential that batting helmets fit properly to provide optimal protection.  Second hand equipment is fine if properly inspected and it fits the player appropriately.  Use this batting helmet sizing guide for assistance.

Still have questions?  Stop by Almega Sports and our team will help you properly fit your athlete for a helmet that will protect your most valuable player.

Almega Sports has you covered!