Archive for Blog
Super Bowl Contest ~ Springbak wants to know who will win Super Bowl XLVI
Posted by: | Comments
SUPER BOWL XLVI – GIANTS vs. PATRIOTS
CHANCE TO WIN 1 Pair of Springbak Springsoles and a Springbak T-Shirt!
QUESTION:
WHO WILL WIN SUPER BOWL XLVI & BY HOW MANY POINTS?
Submit your guess by commenting below!
The person who submits the closest guess on this blog post for the question above will be the winner and he or she be notified by email. All guesses will initially be private/hidden and publicized after the game has completed.
Deadline for submissions:
Kick-Off! February 5, 2012 at 6:30PM EST
(Direct link to blog post:
http://www.springbak.net/super-bowl-contest-springbak-wants-to-know-who-will-win-super-bowl-xlvi)
Thanks for playing along and GOOD LUCK!
The Team @Springbak
http://www.springbak.net
_____________________________________
Rule the net with Springbak!
Facebook.com/Springbak
Twitter.com/Springbak
MySpace.com/Springbak
Springbak Sponsors No.1 Ranked BYU Rugby for 2011-12 Seasons
Posted by: | CommentsSpringbak announces official sponsorship of BYU Rugby with performance footwear.
Roundy leads the nation in scoring, but he can pretty much walk around campus in anonymity.
But that’s not the only difference between Roundy, who has recorded the most “trys” (analogous to touchdowns in football) in the country, and Cougar athletes like Jake Heaps or Jimmer Fredette.
At BYU, rugby is an extramural sport, which means Roundy does not receive an athletic scholarship or preferential treatment, unlike most of those who play NCAA-sanctioned sports such as football and basketball. He holds down a part-time job at Banana Republic at the local mall, and he pays team dues and chips in to cover travel costs. The team travels by bus to its destinations, and on the road, players stay at the homes of members of the LDS Church.
BYU Rugby uses the Springbak Springsoles in their program for many reasons. The Springsoles increase their stride length and quicken stride frequency, this makes for a much faster athlete. The Springbak Springsoles enables athletes to be quicker to the ball, have quicker reaction times, kick with more power and control, and more endurance are all contributing factors in BYU Rugby’s No. 1 National ranking. Go Cougars!
The Cougars are ranked No. 1 in the nation. When Roundy isn’t attending classes, studying or working, he’s devoting about 30 hours a week to rugby. A portion of that time is spent in the trainers’ room to be treated for a variety of injuries. Rugby players routinely hurt their ankles, shoulders and knees. Roundy sustained 13 stitches to his forehead after a 123-3 (no, not a misprint) victory over Wyoming on April 1.
“Our focus is school, then rugby,” Roundy said. “It’s a great balancing act, but it keeps things interesting.”
Why do Roundy and his teammates play this dangerous, unglamorous, and relatively obscure sport?
“We’re out here because we love the game. It’s something fun to do while we go to school,” he said. “Rugby is a fast game. Everybody gets to run the ball, even the big guys. Everyone likes to get a little aggression out.”
Mikey Su’a, who plays the prop position, which he describes as a hybrid of a fullback and lineman in football, grew up watching and playing rugby. His father played for the Cougars in the 1970s.
“I just love fitting in with the tradition of BYU rugby,” Su’a said. “To be able to follow my dad’s footsteps, and wear ‘BYU’ on our chests, is incentive enough.”
But there’s another big reason why they play. The Cougars, who have established themselves as a perennial power in rugby, are vying once again for the national championship, which they last achieved in 2009.
“That’s the ultimate goal,” said Su’a.
This year, for the first time, the collegiate rugby national championship will be played in the state of Utah at Rio Tinto Stadium on May 21. The Cougars, who conclude their regular-season schedule Saturday (12:30 p.m.) at South Field in Provo against Arizona State, must first survive the quarterfinals and semifinals.
“We’re hoping to get to the title,” said vice-captain, and flyhalf, Dylan Lubbe. “I’m not predicting anything yet. We have a long road ahead of us.”
We’re proud to sponsor BYU Rugby for the 2011-12 seasons – Bill Crow CEO/Chairman Springbak Inc.
Visit the Official Springbak® Website at www.springbak.net - Peak Performance Springsoles / Insoles – Run Faster, Jump Higher, Lessen Fatigue
LIKE us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/springbak
Tweet with us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/springbak
Friend us on MySpace: www.myspace.com/springbak
Tune in on YouTube: www.youtube.com/springbakinc
Do you Squidoo?: www.squidoo.com/springbak
Effective Volleyball Shot Blocking Tips from Springbak
Posted by: | Comments
Among all the frustrating volleyball scenarios, perhaps none is worse than having a hitter get the ball by you again
and again
and again. It can get so bad that you feel that what you’re doing isn’t blocking but simply getting extra jumping practice.
If that sounds familiar, believe it or not, there is hope. While it’s true that blocking is somewhat helped by height, arm length and vertical leap, technique and smarts also play a big role.
Here are a few tips on how to block almost any hitter in almost any situation:
One key to successful blocking is to build a solid barrier that extends over the net – even if it just means getting your hands across the net. As you reach over, there should be as little space as possible between your arms and the top of the net. If you can create a tight ‘seal’ with the net without touching it, you’ll make it impossible (or almost) for the hitter to bang a ball off your hands and force it to dribble down your body on your side of the net. To create a seal, remember to achieve full extension of your arms (elbows locked, shoulders shrugged, head down with eyes up) and reach over the net as fast as you can. Even if you only get your wrists and hands over the net, its better to create a seal than to make your hands a flat up-and-down wall.
Think ‘shield’, not ‘weapon’. While technically a block is a defensive weapon, it helps to think of the blocking action as a shield or a force field against a hitter, not an offensive maneuver. Many people try to attack the ball when they block, slapping at their opponent’s hit as it crosses the net. This can produce an undesirable result: it unseals the top of the net; it’s a low-percentage opportunity because you have to time your slap exactly right to reject your opponent’s hit; you can’t guide the ball where you want it upon contact; and it’s very difficult for your teammates to line up for defense behind you. So, instead, think of yourself as an impenetrable wall or force field. You’re an immovable object set in place to repel the force of the ball. Extend far over the net, hold that block as long as possible, and try to line yourself up so the ball rebounds off your ‘wall’.
Different players have different preferences about how wide they’ll spread their arms during a block. This also varies from a single block to a double block. In a double, the width is generally less than with a single block. Assuming you’re solo blocking, keep your hands about a ball-width apart, with your fingers spread and rigid to create the most surface area. Your thumbs should not touch. If they do, your hands are TOO close together. A comfortable distance might be four to six inches between your thumbs if you have small hands, and a little wider if you have big hands. If your hands are too close together, you’re not taking away enough space from your opponent. If your hands are too far apart, you’re inviting your opponent to score a field goal by blasting the ball through the opening. Ouch! This is a matter of adjustment, and it’s often helpful to ask your coach or teammates for feedback on your positioning. Always get feedback from your coach, he/she wants you to ask!
Many blockers make the mistake of watching only the hitter, but the set can tell you much more about what kind of attack is coming. Is the ball far off the net? That means the hitter probably can’t hit straight down and will have a slightly slower/delayed approach, since he’ll most likely have to adjust his footwork. This means you need to begin your block jump a bit later and reach high. Is the set close to the net? By all means, make sure you get maximum penetration. A low set? Get ready to jump sooner. Naturally, the hitter can also give you information. Watch the angle of his approach. This can tell you where to line up as he begins his hitting motions.
Watch his shoulder and upper body. Is there a lot of rotation? He may be preparing to hit across his body.
Does his shoulder or elbow drop? A shot might be coming. Learning to read these clues can make your blocking decision a whole lot easier.
Final thoughts. Sometimes, no matter what you do, there will be a hitter who seems unblockable. If you’re facing a 6-9 hitter and you’re 5-8, it’s possible that despite your best intentions, form, and attention to detail, he’ll still hit over you. But the tips above should help you match up better for most game situations.
Dave Richard, Head Coach Utah Valley University Men’s Volleyball – “This 2009 season, I personally tested the vertical leap of my six starters. They averaged 32 inches and 38 inches in their vertical leap. They averaged 3 inches higher after inserting Springbak® Springsoles in their shoes, increasing their average vertical leaps to between 35 inches and 41 inches.”
Enjoy the volleyball tips and best of luck this season to all our sponsored Universities and Club Teams.
Mark Vona – GM Springbak, Inc.
Visit the Official Springbak® Website at www.springbak.net - Peak Performance Springsoles / Insoles – Run Faster, Jump Higher, Lessen Fatigue
LIKE us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/springbak
Tweet with us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/springbak
Friend us on MySpace: www.myspace.com/springbak
Tune in on YouTube: www.youtube.com/springbakinc
Do you Squidoo?: www.squidoo.com/springbak
Springbak Sponsors Nebraska Huskers Women’s Volleyball
Posted by: | CommentsSpringbak announces the official sponsorship of Nebraska Huskers volleyball with their performance volleyball insoles.
The philosophy of coach John Cook at Nebraska can be summarized in two simple words.
Dream Big.
When Cook took over the reins of the Nebraska volleyball program, the challenge facing him was daunting. Cook replaced one of the sport’s legendary coaches in Terry Pettit, who won 694 matches and guided the Huskers to 18 consecutive NCAA appearances and six national semifinals.
Cook, who left an emerging power in Wisconsin to guide the tradition-rich Husker program, had his own vision for Nebraska volleyball. He saw a program that had even more potential to grow. His goals included consistently selling out home matches at the NU Coliseum, expanding the media exposure for his program and most importantly, continuing the tradition of athletic and academic excellence started by Pettit nearly a quarter of a century earlier.
Cook saw the long-range potential of building the audience across the state. He also believed Nebraska could shine by hosting the sport’s championship in the largest setting college volleyball had ever seen.
When others saw risks, Cook saw opportunities.
The Huskers entered the 2006 campaign with many questions, as they were forced to replace three All-Americans, including AVCA National Player-of-the-Year Christina Houghtelling. With four first-year starters on the court, including freshmen at setter and middle blocker, and sky-high expectations with the NCAA Championships in Omaha for the first time, 2006 shaped up to be Cook’s toughest coaching job to date.
Nebraska took on all challenges head-on, going 33-1 and becoming only the third team in NCAA history to be ranked No. 1 the entire season. The Huskers went on the road and overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Minnesota to reach the national semifinals, marking the first time that Nebraska had won a regional outside the state. That victory set the stage for a watershed moment in college volleyball. Behind sellout crowds of over 17,000, the Huskers captured the school’s third national title with victories over No. 4 UCLA and No. 2 Stanford. Four players earned AVCA All-America honors, including Sarah Pavan, who became NU’s first Honda-Broderick Cup winner.
Two years later, the NCAA Championships returned to Omaha with another Husker team taking center stage.
An all-time NCAA attendance record of 17,430 traveled through a winter storm to witness one of the greatest matches in Nebraska’s illustrious history. After dropping the first two sets to No. 1 Penn State, Nebraska fought back, winning the next two sets to hand the Nittany Lions their only set losses of the 2008 season. Although the Huskers were unable to complete the comeback, the performance symbolized a never-say-quit attitude that fueled the team’s success. Despite losing a pair of performers to season-ending injuries, the Huskers went 31-3 and won their fifth consecutive conference title. At the Seattle Regional, the Huskers overcame a 2-0 deficit to send the match to a fifth set and trailed 9-3 in the fifth set before regrouping and earning the school’s 11th trip to the NCAA semifinals. Jordan Larson, Tara Mueller and Sydney Anderson all earned All-America honors, while Larson was named Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in conference history to sweep both honors.
Consistent excellence has been a hallmark of Cook’s Nebraska squads. Over the last decade, Cook has guided the Huskers to a pair of national titles, five NCAA semifinal appearances and nine Big 12 titles. His teams have compiled a national-best 336-29 record, including a 207-13 Big 12 mark. Overall, Cook is 106-24 against ranked teams at NU, including a 20-11 mark against top-five teams.
In 2010 the Huskers won their 31st overall conference title and their 12th as a member of the Big 12 Conference with an overall record of 29-3. The team also made its 29th straight trip to the NCAA Tournament and improved its all-time record in tournament record to 82-26. The Huskers’ all-time AVCA All-America total reached 70 with Brooke Delano being named a first-team honoree, while Lindsey Licht and Hannah Werth were second-team picks. Werth was also tabbed as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Cook was named Co-Big 12 Coach of the Year.
Cook’s vision is for the Huskers to remain at the forefront of college volleyball to enhance the sport at both the local and national levels. Nebraska will enter 2011 with an NCAA-record 149 consecutive sellouts at the NU Coliseum – the longest sellout streak in NCAA women’s athletics.
“It is a reflection of Nebraska volleyball and the program, and not about one person or one player,” Cook said when accepting the AVCA Coach-of-the-Year Award in 2005. “We’re trying to be a leader in the sport. We’re trying to take risks and dream big, and fortunately I’m surrounded by a lot of people who have that vision. I’m really proud of what we’re doing to try and enhance the sport.”
We are proud to sponsor such a great program at Nebraska with our performance volleyball insoles.
William Crow ~ CEO Springbak, Inc.
Visit the Official Springbak® Website at www.springbak.net - Peak Performance Springsoles / Insoles – Run Faster, Jump Higher, Lessen Fatigue
LIKE us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/springbak
Tweet with us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/springbak
Friend us on MySpace: www.myspace.com/springbak
Tune in on YouTube: www.youtube.com/springbakinc
Do you Squidoo?: www.squidoo.com/springbak
Springbak Running Tips For Sprinters
Posted by: | CommentsHow do genetics affect my running ability?
The past two blog posts we have discussed what type of shoes to purchase to prevent injury and for your foot type, now let’s discuss speed!
There is a time honored formula for improving running speed: shorten foot-plant time (increase stride frequency) and increase stride length. Let’s discuss a few methods to accomplish both.
Speed is perhaps the most coveted component of athletic performance. Whether you are a football player looking to better your 40 yard dash times or a marathoner who wants to improve your distance time, the importance of foot speed in running is unquestionable.
Division I Track and Field programs use our Springbak Springsoles for this very reason. For example, BYU Head Coach, Mark Robison, knows the Springbak Springsoles will accomplish both an increase in stride frequency / stride cadence and an increased stride length for his athletes. All coaches and athletes are seeking a competitive advantage from the equipment they use, to their training programs.
Traditional thinking dictates that to be fast, choose your parents carefully. In other words, speed is a genetic trait. However, while this is true to the extent that it is not possible to be a world class sprinter without genetic endowment, sport science and proper coaching have done much to refute this.
Sprinting speed is an essential element to most sports and a key evaluator of athletic performance. Being geneticly gifted is an important factor that contributes to world-class speed and it cannot be altered period! We need to understand that there are certain individuals that are born with muscular qualities that make them faster simply because of the structural and biochemical properties of their skeletal muscle. However, anyone can increase their speed, just not necessarily to world class athlete status.
The two external factors associated with speed which are trainable are mechanical efficiency (technique) and force production. Mechanical efficiency in sprinting is a skill that must be coached, like swinging a bat, shooting a basketball or throwing a football. When mechanics are perfected, the only way to increase speed is to develop the ability to generate force at greater magnitudes and rates. Sprinting is essentially a game of physics. The athlete who can strike the ground harder and faster, will propel themselves farther down the track, field or court with each step and thus will be faster every time. Talking with world class athletes, Springbak hears the same thing all the time. One of the biggest misconceptions in speed training is that fast sprinters “run light.” In reality, world class sprinters “run violently.” Pound for pound, world-class sprinters are some of the strongest, most powerful athletes in the world and it is that power that separates them from the field.
When watching world class sprinters work out, they shared a lot of training tips, and we are sharing them with you as well. These sprinters use exercises where the foot is in contact with the ground on stable surfaces to develop speed. Because sprinting involves reaction time forces against stable surfaces, sprinting speed is best developed using exercises in which the foot is in contact with the ground and reacts against an immovable surface. Back squats, front squats and deadlifts are exercises that fit into this category. Additionally, the movements in these exercises (extension of the hip, knee, and ankle) are movement specific to the skill of sprinting.
In sprinting, force is generated against the ground on a single leg. Therefore, an ample number of single leg exercises where the foot is in contact with the ground should be incorporated into your program. World class athletes use these methods for a reason – you should too. Lunges, single leg squats and step-ups are all great exercises that can involve triple extension on a single leg and can be used to develop specific sprinting power. Lastly, using plyometrics, or jumping exercises are also great ways to improve sprinting speed. Why? Because plyometrics utilize rapid eccentric and concentric muscle contractions and the forces generated during these exercises are quite similar to sprinting.
Be sure to check the Springbak blog for previous tips and articles!
Article by Mark Vona and Dr. Michael Yessis Phd. – Springbak advisory board.
Visit the Official Springbak® Website at www.springbak.net - Peak Performance Springsoles / Insoles – Run Faster, Jump Higher, Lessen Fatigue
LIKE us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/springbak
Tweet with us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/springbak
Friend us on MySpace: www.myspace.com/springbak
Tune in on YouTube: www.youtube.com/springbakinc
Do you Squidoo?: www.squidoo.com/springbak
