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Lacrosse is rapidly growing in popularity.  The game is aggressive in nature, and the safety of young players has become the center of a recently released study by the US Lacrosse Sports, Science and Safety Committee.

The report released in October, offers guidelines for the play of young athletes to assist in avoiding burnout, problems associated with inadequate nutrition and dehydration, and concussions.

Young athletes, according to this report, should play a variety of sports, having one to two days off each week.  There should be a couple months each year where the child should not play any sports.  When participating in sports, children should be encouraged to have fun.  These simple suggestions will help address the issues of burnout.

Children ages 9-12 who play Lacrosse actively should consume between 1600 and 3800 calories each day, depending on age and activity level.  Dehydration can easily occur for children because their sweat glands do not fully function at a young age so they don’t lose heat.  Keep children hydrated by providing time to rest and encouraging young players to drink water before, during and after play.  Children under 15 years of age do not have the ability to use their peripheral vision and should therefore be taught contact safety and visual awareness.

When training, do not increase a child’s training by more than 10% so as to reduce the risk of injuries.  Also, use well fitted equipment such as helmets, arm pads and shoulder pads.  Safety gear is only effective when it fits properly.  Visit EpicSports.com to save up to 60 percent daily on sticks, balls, helmets, gloves, goals and nets, clothing, accessories, and much more. When you become an affiliate member of Epic, the points really stack up and you save even more – check it out.

There are many different kinds of baseball gloves. When it comes to selecting a baseball glove, you may want to have a different glove for each position, or you may want one glove that covers all the bases.  Don’t buy into the media messages that one brand or one kind of glove is better than another, or will make you a better player. It really comes down to you, your position, and your personal preferences.

If you’re an amateur baseball player, most likely you won’t just be in one position on the field all season long. You’ll be assuming multiple infield and outfield posts. In this case, it may be best to get a glove that can accommodate it all.

Some general guidelines to consider when selecting a baseball glove:

• Select a glove that fits
• Choose the right glove for your position
• Choose a versatile glove
• Check for durability and quality leather
• Shop for a glove that fits your price range
• Make sure your glove has the right webbing, and other parts

For detailed information regarding how to select the best baseball glove for you, including a general sizing chart and a sizing chart based on position, click here.

Epic Sports also has information for you on how to break in your baseball glove and how to care for your baseball glove.

You have counted on EpicSports.com to bring you deep discounts on sports apparel, equipment and supplies for years and now Epic Sports is introducing to its Website off the field fashions for work and play.

Some of the manufacturers who will now be featured at EpiSports.com include:

Edwards Garment:

In business since 1867, Edwards Garment offers quality career, casual and uniform apparel for men and women. Some items that are being offered include a women’s cardigan cashmere sweater, an Edwards men’s broadcloth long sleeve shirt, Edwards men’s dress poly/wool pleated pants, housekeeping uniforms, and more!

Grace in L.A.:

EpicSports.com has several items from Grace in L.A. including trendy bling pocket bootcut fit jeans and bronze bling pocket bootcut jeans with more items to come.

Plangea/Tuga Sunwear (UV protective):

Tuga sunwear for kids and adults is made from fabrics that are made specifically to meet the 50+ UPF standards, blocking 97.5% of UV rays.  This sunwear is designed to provide greater body coverage while maintaining its functionality.  Tuga sunwear offered on EpicSports.com includes: a variety of Plangea sport sun protective girl’s surfer sets, rashguards for the entire family, Plangea sport sun protective boys wipe out shorts, a variety of hats and more!

Vocal Apparel:

Vocal Apparel specializes in formal and semi-formal attire for ladies.  Their creative designs, quality fabrics and beautiful trims have made them a popular choice for girls nationwide.  Vocal Apparel that you will find on EpicSports.com includes a Vocal scoop neck long sleeve dress, a fuchsia contrast band v-neck long sleeve top, a charcoal hand burn out wash hoodie and many more!

T-Party Apparel:

By combining fashion and comfort, T-Party Apparel has become one of the most popular and stylish fashion and work out clothing lines out there.  T-Party products available on EpicSports.com includes a leopard print hoodie jacket and pant set, black jeweled fleur yoga pants, a cardinal cross strap belt trim dress, and many more!

Esley Collection:

The Esley Collection is one of the fastest growing premier young contemporary lines in fashion today, offering sophisticated style with a classic edge.  EpicSports.com currently offers a khaki collared leather feel tunic dress from the Esley Collection.  You can also find a sleeveless black cocktail dress, a black floral tunic dress and more on the Epic Sports Website.

Day and Night Apparel and the ICU Collection:

Day and Night and the ICU Collection offer fun and flirty fashions for women.  These contemporary lines offer the most current trends and styles while maintaining a comfortable fit that compliments women of all ages.  EpicSports.com carries a Day and Night silver sequined cocktail dress and a Day and Night trench coat with belted waist in two colors.  The Day and Night purple sequined cocktail dress offered at EpicSports.com for as low as $18.99 is sure to impress!  Items you can find at EpicSports.com from the ICU Collection include an animal print off the shoulder dress, a women’s gathered knit dress, a black cocktail mini dress, and more!

Whether you are looking for career clothes, uniforms, casual clothes or a something to wear for a night on the town, EpicSports.com is a one-stop shop for all your fashion needs, and at 20%-40% off, you can’t beat these deals!

The National Basketball Development League was established to give young aspiring basketball players a place where they could continue to develop skills while preparing for a career in basketball. The D-League, a response to the age-limits imposed by the NBA collective bargaining agreement, has become a platform where players can be seen by NBA recruiters and therefore it attracts not only young players, but also NBA veterans such as the recently added Devin Brown, Mikki Moore, and Willie Warren.

What does the D-League offer?

The National Basketball Development League offers a place where players can get used to playing the demanding number of games that NBA teams play. The league also offers players the chance to work with other players who are serious about basketball as a career, motivating them to continue on and do their best to achieve the success that playing in the NBA offers. Playing in the D-League requires that players prove themselves and their commitment to basketball as a career before they are awarded multi-million dollar contracts and the fame that playing in the NBA thrusts on a person.

Does playing in the NBA D-League really offer players a shot at being recruited?

Simply put, absolutely yes. According to the official NBA Development League Website, in 2008 there were 75 NBA players who had spent some time in the D-League, which equates to about 10%. Last year, that number increased to 23%.

Ultimately the NBA D-League offers a platform on which players can prove that they are deserving of a shot in the NBA before they are given that opportunity, a final test that they must pass to be given the opportunity of a lifetime. The desired outcome being that these players learn from the experience and therefore have more successful professional basketball careers.

Sources:

http://www.nba.com/dleague/news/reno_host_showcase_2011_11_02.html

http://basketball.about.com/od/nbadraft/a/nbaagelimit.htm

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/section/nba-free-agent-workouts

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1029359-nba-basketball-the-solution-to-the-nba-age-limit-debate

http://www.nba.com/dleague/fan_faq.html

It’s official, SuperBowl XLVI will feature the New England Patriots versus the New York Giants. This upcoming game will give the Patriots a do-over against the Giants following SuperBowl XLII where Giants took the win against the Patriots 17-14.

As fans begin to make their SuperBowl Sunday plans, EpicSports.com has a few tips and ideas to consider which are sure to get everyone pumped up for the big game.

Plan ahead: Do all the shopping for food and decorations well in advance and prepare some filler games for breaks in the action. Also, invite any guests you want to join you now before they are committed to another party (everyone seems to have one).

Keep food and an ice chest with drinks near the action: Don’t let your guests (or yourself) possibly miss something.

Keep snacks to the finger food variety. Wings, sub sandwiches, veggie trays, chips and dips, cheese snack trays, etc. UNLESS you break out the grill: Yes, it’s probably going to be cold but by designating someone (who isn’t that interested in the game) to grilling, party-goers will feel like they are actually at the game.

If you are going through the trouble of decorating, do it right: Use team colors for serving platters, hang posters, set out magazines with players on the covers, use balloons, hang steamers and drape team gear throughout the party area. DON’T STOP THERE: Be sure to wear your team’s apparel and even paint your face. This will establish a fun and easy going atmosphere.

Don’t just watch the game, play a game (or two). Game idea #1: Have attendees select the outcomes of the game and award the person who guesses the closest with a prize (football posters, a fan face, pennant or other NFL Gear). Game Idea #2: Play football bingo where the items on the bingo card are things like “Touchdown,” or “Field Goal.” Each time the event occurs during the game, attendees mark their bingo boards until someone wins. Offer a football to the first person to get a bingo. Game Idea #3: SuperBowl Trivia. Do this before the game starts. Break into two teams, preferably one team who supports the Patriots and the other, supporting the Giants. The trivia can be focused on the previous SuperBowl (XLII) game that these two teams played. Members of the winning team receive a prize.

Visit Epic Sports on Facebook and give your SuperBowl party tips and ideas!

Let’s face it, not everyone can actually attend games as high profile as the playoffs, the NFC and AFC Championships, and the SuperBowl. So, while those who can attend are preparing themselves for the game with tailgating, the at-home viewers will have to just use some of these tailgating games in the comfort of their own homes.

Franklin Sports Fold-N-Go Pong 10 Cup Tailgate

Franklin Sport Fold-N-Go Ladder Golf Toss Tailgate

Fold-N-Go Magnetic Dart Toss Tailgate Games

Franklin Sports CHUX Toss Yard Games Tailgate

Franklin Sports Fold-N-Go Shooters Tailgate

Do you want to be the best football player that you can be?  That can mean different things to different people, depending on the position that you play.  There are some basic things that you can do that are beneficial for all football players.

First off, your coach is going to be your ally.  Do what the coach says even if you don’t want and even if others (including your parents) say that the coach is wrong.  Ultimately, your football coach will determine if you play.  Plus, coaches will generally know what you need to do in order to improve as a player and they will work with you to help you grow.  Exceed the coach’s expectations by going to practice early, staying late, and working hard while you are there (This is a double benefit for you as your coach will be impressed AND you will become a better player from all the extra work). Work with your coach to evaluate areas where improvement is needed in your performance and then focus most of your efforts doing drills that will help you improve in those areas.  Making efforts to improve in areas that you don’t currently excel will aid you in becoming better in those areas and thus make you a better player.

Another way you can become a better football player is to recognize the small things that you can do that will put you in a better position than your opponents.  One of these ways is to make healthy choices off of the field.  Don’t smoke or drink, eat healthy and get plenty of sleep.  Also whenever possible study your opponents before you play them.  Observe them play and you can pick up signals they use and tendencies that they have when playing.

Whether you are running back, receiver, offensive or defensive lineman, you can always benefit from increasing your speed.  There are many ways to improve speed including running uphill, practicing proper running mechanics (drive off of the ball of your feet, lean forward, powerful short strides, thrusting your elbows back hard and keeping your head still- just Google “proper running mechanics” and you can get a whole plethora of advice on that subject), and weight training to strengthen your legs.  Don’t have hills where you live?  Training equipment, such as the Resist Parachute, will help players increase speed, attain quicker acceleration, improve stamina and become more explosive.

What this all comes down to is that every football player requires training, instruction, study and practice in order to become the best possible player that (s)he can be.  Having the desire to enhance your skills and the dedication required to take steps to further advance those skills, will help you achieve your goal of becoming a better football player.

Sources:

http://www.happynews.com/living/highschoolfootballplayers/better-football-player.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/449228-tools-to-get-better-at-football/
http://www.brianmac.co.uk/football/strength.htm
http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/speed-training-for-football.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/88663-football-drills-increase-speed-/