First off I know this time of year is not all that well known for hydration problems but that's what makes it a great time to think about keeping your players hydrated.  It is off season for hydration products and a great time to find some deals out there.  I know of one such deal and I will bring it to your attention here.

Here in the Northeast hydration is not one of our major concerns through out the year.  Temperatures rarely climb above the 90's in the summer and keeping players hydrated is relatively easy as the weather cooperates with outdoor activities.  Those of you in southern states or out west however should be aware of how important it is to keep players of all ages hydrated on the field.  Those 100+ degree days and that humidity take a huge toll on the human body when an athlete is giving their all.

There are many ways to keep players topped up with fluids.  There are lots of simple things that can be done to avoid hydration problems.  During football practice keep a pad rack and helmet rack on the sideline.  During drills that don't require helmets and shoulder pads have players take them off.  I know it sounds like a hassle and a time consuming idea but a little more forethought in practice and you can do half the practice with and half without pads.  A player without a helmet and shoulder pads on stays a lot cooler on those extra hot days.  Of course we're not just concerned about football players.

Most people these days are buying hydration systems for the sideline.  Whether you use a simple a frame watering station that plugs into a hose, a Water Boy Horizontal Chiller or a battery powered hydration system, delivering cold water to players through out the game is essential.  All of the previously listed systems are great and I highly recommend buying the best system you can afford as it could save lives, not to mention give your players the edge.  Only problem is the price tag on these units can give you heart palpitations.  Plus I just can't see a soccer mom hauling it from field to field.  That's where the good old water cooler comes in.

Igloo water coolers have been in service for years their industrial grade models have been serving players on the sidelines.  They are durable and they can keep up to 10 gallons of fluids cold for an entire game.  Recently Igloo came out with a new line of water coolers that can't be beat.  Their seat top beverage cooler line offers both a  5 gallon and 10 gallon model.  The unique thing about these is that the top is flat and designed to be used as an extra seat on the sideline.  In addition each cooler comes complete with a cup dispenser.  Cup dispensers are usually sold separately but you get one for free here.

A water cooler may not be the high tech solution you had in mind but they deserve a fair consideration.  A couple of 10 gallon water coolers cost under $100.00 each and they will provide a ton of fluids.  The would certainly surpass the abilities of individual water bottles and you won't have a heart attack over the price.

Water coolers feature sturdy handles on the sides for quick and easy transport and these new seat top models feature no leak spigots to ensure that your refreshing beverages stay in the cooler until needed.

This time of year is a great time to pick up a few of these beauties and with the inclusion of a cup dispenser and seat top design you can't go wrong.  Even if you upgrade later you will always find work for you trusty water cooler and it will always be there to do the job.  In fact I should mention that replacement parts, should they ever be needed down the road, are available from Igloo.  So if you cooler falls out of your truck and the handle or spigot breaks you can buy a replacement part rather than a whole new cooler.

You can find more information about the Igloo line of water coolers at www.morleyathletic.com.  There you will find detailed pictures and descriptions as well as product videos so you can get a closer look before buying.

Wrestling gear is becoming more sophisticated every day.  People are thinking of innovative ideas to help increase wrestlers performance, decrease their expenses and increase their coolness.  Below are some innovative products that help do just that.

Cliff Keen Bring-It Training T-Shirt

This is a T-shirt that can help create a champion.  Single leg head position, inside hand fighting position.  Blast double face target, snap and spin with pressure X on pressure X!  Turn the corner drive street signs tell it all and more...Bring it!  

This is a great idea that can help anyone with their wrestling skills.  Increase your performance with the Bring-It Training T-shirt.

Brute Quad III 5 Strap Wrestling Ear Guard

The Brute Quad III is back with a whole new style.  The newest member from a family of proven ear guards.  Utilizes the same proven technologies and designs of the original quad tech, but with newer stylings and enhanced features for even better comfort and performance

The Quad III has soft polymer shell holds strategically positioned EVA pads for optimized comfort and helps secure the ear guard in proper position.  Its has an energy absorption system for better impact energy dissipation including the energy absorbing EVA for maximum protection.

The Brute III  has a simple 5 Strap one size fits all design that offers maximum adjustability and security assuring minimal movement.

It is available in many team colors: black/black, hunter/hunter, maroon/maroon, purple/purple, navy/navy, red/red, royal/royal, white/red, white/royal, red/black, royal/black, black/grey, black/orange, navy/gold, royal/gold, black/gold. 

This ear guard  not only looks cool but adds valuable protection and increases performance.

The Kennedy Industries Extra Edge Traction Mat

The Kennedy Industries Extra Edge Traction Mat is a convenient way to remove dirt and dust from shoe soles prior to hitting the mat or court.

• Incredibly sticky, re-usable mat removes dust and loose dirt from the athlete's shoe soles to increase their traction and improve surface conditions, from a basketball court to a wrestling mat.
• More convenient than the sole mat - no soapy water to contend with.
• Easy to clean. Can be cleaned and ready to use in under 1 minute.
• More economical and much stickier than disposable tape systems, like those used in basketball. No refills needed!
• 2 year guarantee! When cleaned the mat is guaranteed to stay sticky for at least two years. We have mats that have been in use for over 4 years that show no sign of wearing out!
• Size 21" x 42". Available colors red or black

Included is a nylon travel bag, Courtmate ready-to-use cleaning solution, Courtmate concentrate cleaning solution and a washable microfiber cleaning mitt.

The Kennedy Industries Extra Edge Traction Mat can really decrease your expenses, and increase your traction on the mat.

The Brute EXO Wrestling Knee Pad

Brute EXO wrestling knee pads are designed to be light and breathable, but offer maximum protection from impact to the knee.  The EXO has a molded exoskeleton of anatomically placed EVA and memory foam pads to protect and maintain heat around soft tissue, while the mesh panel in back allows for greater flexibility and less moisture build-up.  The Brute EXO wrestling knee pads area available in colors Royal, Black, Red, White. 

This knee pad is definitely the epitome of innovation.  This knee pad looks cool and with its technology can increase your performance.

With all this new innovative technology I wonder what will be next.... a self cleaning mat?  I guess we'll just have to wait for that but for now the items above should be very popular.

For more information on the above go to www.morleyathletic.com.

It seems to me that there is a secret out there that is slowly spreading across the country.  Despite a lot of marketing money being spent to spread the word the most people don't seem to know the secret.  That secret is sublimated wrestling singlets.  Now maybe the majority of people are just afraid to spend their budget dollars on a new an innovative product.  Perhaps people like to stick with the tried and true silk screen singlets.  I'm not sure what the reason is but anyone in the market for custom wrestling singlets should be thinking sublimated.

Incase you are one of those who have yet to hear about this marvel of modern technology let me lay it out for you.  First let's check out the science class explanation...

Every athlete on the field loves to play the game but a group of unsung heroes sits in the shadows until the game is over.  Without the dedicated service of these men and women sports like soccer could not be played.  These skilled individuals turn grass fields into athletic fields that we all play on.  It's safe to say that many athletes takes for granted the hours of work that goes into field maintenance but there are hundreds of manufacturers who know the job is important.  New an innovative ideas come and go, some make the job easier and others are simply a waste of money.

Today we're going to talk about a product that will have you seeing double.

A tedious task it may be but without lines on the field, well, it's just a patch of grass.  While the tried and true heavy duty, gas operated line laying machines are still the most popular choice for those field maintenance folks who take care of multiple fields the smaller spray models have become very prevalent.  Here's a few reasons why they are so popular.

Spray paint liners use spray paint that is similar to that you can buy at the hardware store.  The only difference is that the paint is formulated for use on grass without causing damage to the flora or fauna.  The cans also feature special tips that are required for use in the lining machines.  so as you can imagine transporting a case of spray paint cans is much easier than carrying 5 gallons of field paint and then mixing is with water to get the right consistency.  This is the processed required when using large model liners.  Don't get me wrong if you have a lot of fields to line nothing beats the power of a gas operated liner.

Spay paint liners are small and portable and are nearly maintenance free other than a quick clean up after use.  Their operation is simple.  Shake the can of spray paint, insert into machine, pull the handle and push in a straight line.  The only skill to master is walking at the right speed to apply an even, easy to see line on the field.  That speed can be a little slow given the amount of line that needs to be laid for a standard field.

Well let me introduce a product that will put lines down faster than any other conventional spray paint line marker, the double can line marker.

It's a simple idea brought to life.  Instead of spraying one can of paint this model sprays two.  This design allows you to move along a little faster while still ensuring a solid line.  Here's the skinny...

This double can striping machine is a quality line marker for use on grass/dirt fields and is constructed of sturdy steel construction with 4 large easy rolling wheels.  Lightweight housing includes windscreen, fingertip on/off lever, storage for 8 extra cans and simple 2" to 4" line width adjustment.  Non-toxic aerosol spray goes straight downward for complete coverage.  Maintenance free, no messy clean up, won't harm grass.  Unlike other models this model sprays 2 cans of paint at one time on the line.  No more tracking back the same line.  Save time and energy.  You'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Let's have  a look...

Looks like a great idea to me.  So if you have to line fields in a hurry and need to do it with a portable machine this is most definitely the liner for you.  This liner and a huge selection of liners can be purchase at www.morleyathletic.com.

One of the most important safety factors in sports today is cleanliness.  There are many things that can make athletes sick, viruses, bacteria, ring worm, ect.  Schools have had these problems through out the years, which has made cleanliness one of the top safety issues in athletics today.  You may be familiar with MRSA because you read it in the news.  MRSA is a common bacterium that can cause a lot of problems if spread.  Many healthy people carry it around with out ever knowing it.  It can cause skin infections and can infect razor nicks and turf burns.  It is immune to regular antibiotics and if the person that is infected can't fight it off they can be in danger.  MRSA is not the only thing that can make your athletes sick there is also hepatitis b virus, ringworm, herpes simplex type 1,  and Hiv-1 (aids) virus.  Cleanliness is very important in keeping these diseases at bay.

The best way to keep MRSA and other bacterium and viruses from spreading is prevention.  This includes cleaning anything that comes in contact with the athletes.  These items can include: wrestling mats, wrestling gear, cleat soles, football equipment, soccer equipment,  gymnastics mats, and more. There are many items that need to be kept sanitary to keep these diseases from spreading.  I'm sure you can think of many items in your athletic program that could be disinfected to help with prevention.

What products can you use to help with prevention?  There is a product which can disinfect and kill many bacterium and viruses and that product is Ken Clean Plus.  Ken Clean Plus can be used to disinfect and sanitize mats, headgear, shoe soles and most other hard, non-porous athletic surfaces.  Not all disinfectants are the same so you want to make sure that yours can kill the following like Ken Clean Plus can:

• Mrsa

• Hiv-1 (aids) virus*

• Hepatitis b virus (hbv)*

• Herpes simplex type 1*

• Staph - staphlyococcus aureus, streptococcus faecalis, streptococcus salivarius

• Trichophyton mentagrophytes (causative agent responsible for ringworm)

You can also use the Ken Clean Plus in conjunction with the Bucketless Mop Set.  The Bucketless Mop Set is very convenient when it comes to cleaning athletic mats.  It features:

• Translucent 52 ounce tank, keeps solution level visible.

• Push-button flow control, applies solution only when needed.

• Anti-clogging filter for consistent solution delivery.

• Ruggedly constructed - with a six-month guarantee on solution dispensing mechanism from date of purchase (against manufacturer's) defects and for use under normal conditions).

• Uses microfiber technology mop heads that are non-abrasive and can stand up to hundreds of washings before needing replacement.

There are also the Full Spectrum Athletic Surface Cleaning Wipes which are great for disinfecting and have the following features:

• Cleans & disinfects: effective against HIV-1 (aids virus), MRSA, staph, visa, tuberculosis, E-coli.
• Economical! 180 wipes in each hard-to-lose canister.
• Perfect for cleaning athletic surfaces and exercise equipment after each use.
• Convenient 7” x 6” size

If you take prevention seriously you can possibly save a life.  Get the products above today and get the job done right!

Below is some basic information about basketballs to give you an idea of what's out there and why.

There are four basic materials used for basketballs. 

Leather, Composite leather, Synthetic leather, and Rubber.

 Leather is the best and most expensive, it is what the NBA uses for their game ball.  They tried switching to the composite leather but they just didn't like the feel so they switched back to leather.

Composite leather is the most common ball found in High School play.  It is more durable and less expensive than leather. 

Synthetic leather is similar to the composite leather and is also less expensive than regular leather.

Rubber is the cheapest and very durable.  Rubber is the best material to be used outdoors.

There are five basketball sizes:

Official/Men's size 29.5" - 30"

Women's size 28.5" -29"

Intermediate 27.75"- 28.5"

Youth/Junior size 27.25" - 27.75"

Mini size 22" - 22.5"

There are two channel types:

Narrow Channel

Wide Channel

Most basketball manufacturers have moved away from the narrow channel and are solely making the wide channel basketballs.  Wide channel balls offer a better grip but there are still some people who prefer the narrow channel.

There are also training basketballs:

The training basketballs can have sizes that range from 33 1/2- 36" or weights from 2 lbs to 4 lbs.  These help with shooting, rebounding, and muscle memory.

Basketballs can differ on price depending on what they are made out of, their size, their manufacturer, and where they are purchased.  Now that you know what kind of basketballs are out there, choosing the one for you should be pretty simple.

To purchase the ball you require or for more basketball products go to www.morleyathletic.com

Basketball season is around the corner and thousands of players coming back to the court need a refresher course.  Some simple training aids can make those skills come back to life fast.  This modest list of 5 training aids is easy on your wallet and does not require a steep learning curve to use effectively.

Weighted Basketball Trainer

The weighted basketball trainer has been around for years.  This training aid focuses on building key muscles for the game.  Practice with the training basketball by utilizing your favorite passing drills.  Not only will players be building up key "basketball" specific muscles but those passing routines will be memorized for game time.

Weighted basketballs are made by many manufacturers but the best way to go in this writers opinion is with a rubber model around 3 pounds.  The rubber can be used indoors or out and gets the job done at a fair price.

There is something to be said about composite leather models.  While they are much more expensive than rubber thy will provide a more realistic feel.  Since they feature composite leather covers much like the ball you'll be using on game night, players will get used to the feel of composite leather during those passing drills.

Oversized Basketball Trainers

Much like it's weighted cousin the oversized basketball trainer can be used for passing drills.  It's huge size, 33 to 36 inches ( a standard men's basketball is 29.5 inches), makes it difficult to run passing drills.  It's true purpose is for perfecting that "nothin' but net" shot.  The oversized basketball fits through a standard rim with plenty of room but for those who normally use a standard size basketball the need to aim true is emphasized.

It's a simple idea but it works.  Players will hone in their shooting skills quickly and this training aid can also be bought at a bargain price.  Like the weighted ball you will have the choice of rubber or composite leather.  In this case I lean even further to the rubber end as this balls size reduces it's usefulness as a passing trainer.  Getting a feel for the ball is not important in this case and I like to save money whenever possible.

Jump Ropes

Ok we've re-learned passing and shooting but you're feeling a little sluggish on the court.  To many hot dogs and ice cream cones over the summer I guess.  A quick way to slim down and lean up is using the age old jump rope.  Maybe a jump rope isn't your idea of a basketball training aid so let me explain why it makes the list.

First they are inexpensive so just about anyone can afford one.  Second they are easy to use for this purpose.  You don't need to become a world champion jumper to get your heart pumpin. Third is that a jump rope provides cardiovascular exercise in a small area.  You won't always have the court under your feet and you can jump rope almost anywhere.  The fourth reason I put jump ropes on this list is the fact that they will improve the muscle group that you use when you jump.  If you want to slam dunk or nail those layups jumping is going to be important. The fifth reason to add a jump rope to your training gear collection is their portability.  Just keep it in your gym bag.

Now there are a ton of jump ropes out there so which one would I recommend.  Well lets assume you'll be using it frequently your going to want something durable.  We don't want to break the banks and to be honest the most expensive jump ropes are really designed for people who are going for that world record we don't need precision as much as we need durability here.  Weight is an important factor because a heavy weight jump rope is easier to use. And let's not forget a durable material.  You will be using this indoors and out and pavement can be harsh on lesser quality or softer materials.

All of that in mind I would buy this...

Leather ball bearing jump ropes have a smooth operation, enough weight to build up some nice momentum and they are durable on all surfaces.  Not to mention the affordable price tag under $10.

Having said all of that weighted training ropes also have a place in this area of exercise.  A good 2 or 3 pound weighted jump rope will provide a great upper body workout in a short time period.  These are also very popular with basketball players.

The Zipedo Rebounder

Rebounding is a critical area that basketball players should work on regularly.  Getting control of that ball to try another shot or taking it away from the competition is what wins the game.  Rebound training can be made quicker by using a bubble style rebounder like the Zipedo Rebounder. 

So out of all the rebounders out there why did I pick the Zipedo for this article.  After all the Zipedo is one of the most expensive bubble style rebounders available and I like to save money right?

Well the Zipedo Rebounder comes with an extension pole and a offers a system that allows you to safely install the rebounder on the rim from the ground.  That's right, no need for a ladder, no players standing on shoulders.  The Zipedo Rebounder installs in seconds from the ground.  On top of that the rebounder promises to offer realistic rebounding situations which will train players for the real thing.

Dribble Specs

Last but not least on the list has to be dribble specs.  These are one of the most popular training aids for basketball and it's easy to see why.  Stop looking down at the ball.  You've heard coaches say that time and time again.  You can't keep and eye on your opponent if you are watching your dribbling and that's where dribble specs come in.  These half glasses keep you from seeing the floor which eventually trains you to keep your head up and watch the court.

A simple skill that can improve a player by leaps and bounds.

So how much does this little miracle trainer cost.  Under $5 per pair.  Can't beat that.

So there you have it five basketball training products that will help any team make it to the finals and maybe even put a trophy in case. 

Find all of these products and more at the www.morleyathletic.com.

Its easy to understand that portable electronic scoreboards are an integral part of many sports.  Choosing the best and the right price is a little bit more difficult.  That's why we have outlined a few portable electronic scoreboards below.  These scoreboards are the best in their price range and offer outstanding quality.

Lets start with the Befour Indoor/Outdoor Scoreboard M20793.

Keep everyone in the game with the SS-5000 multi-sport, outdoor/indoor portable scoring system. Day-bright led digits are easily readable from all over the field, even in direct sunlight! Wireless remote control is included.

To control the totally wireless system, the radio remote is easy to use and small enough to fit into a shirt pocket. With a 300 ft range, an official on the field can keep time and score as easily as a spectator on the sidelines. Each system has a dedicated radio channel that prevents interference from other scoring systems. Operation is intuitive, so formal training is not necessary.

Features:

• Multi-function: countdown timer, count-up timer, stopwatch, circuit interval timer
• Multi-sport scoring use: football, wrestling, soccer, racing, basketball and more
• Loud horn is easily heard across a field or gymnasium, volume can be adjusted or turned off
• Day-bright digits adjust brightness levels for outdoor or indoor use
• Display powered by internal rechargeable batteries
• Hang on fence or wall, set on ground or flat surface with built-in prop rods; optional tripod kit (M20794) provides elevated mounting

Specifications:

• Display size- 28" x 20" x 3"
• Display weight- 20 lbs
• Digit type- 6" day-bright leds
• Power source- internal rechargeable battery or 120v ac
• Battery life- 10 hours (approx)
• Charging time- 6 – 8 hours (approx)
• Horn- 106 db
• Controller size- 2-3/4" x 5" x 1"
• Remote range- 300 ft
• Visibility- 300 ft (outdoors/indoors)
• Timer modes- count down, up & time-of-day clock
• Practice mode- yes
• Period display- 0 – 9
• Score display- 0 – 99
• Construction- aircraft aluminum, lexan® face
• Weather resistance- splash & moisture protection
• Warranty- 2 year

For a perfect table clock there is the Befour Deluxe Sport Clock M13275.

The Befour Deluxe Sport Clock is easy to operate.  Features four period indicators, individual scoring controls, bright 4" led numerals for score and time.  Counts down from your pre-set time.  It has a loud signal horn sounds when time expires.  Also features solid state circuitry and convenient carry handle.  Useable for multiple sports. Complete with programmable training mode.  The Befour Deluxe Sport Clock is manufactured in the USA.  This clock has a two year warranty.  Measures: 33" x 8" x 2".

There is also an optional carrying case that you can get for the Befour Deluxe Sport Clock.  The soft-sided carrying case M15579 is a padded heavy duty nylon case perfect for protecting your investment.  It securely holds the scoreboard and the control console.  Features a heavy duty carry handle for easy transport. 

Next in line is the Deluxe Multi Sport Scoreboard.  There are 2 different models to choose from the M20666 for outdoor use and the M13283 for indoor use.  Both scoreboards are economically priced with excellent features.

The M20666 is the Outdoor version multi sport scoreboard has dual led brightness settings for daylight or nighttime operation. Remote included allows operator to start and stop the clock and change score remotely. All other functions are controlled by the panel on the back of the scoreboard. Portable use only. Do not store outside or use during inclement weather.  This is a Multi-functional scoreboard with horn/buzzer.  Clock counts up or down from 99:99 scores to 199. Period bonus and possession indicator. When not in use for sporting event time it can be used as a digital clock with alarm. Built-in control panel with large led readouts that are visible up to 150’.    Scoreboard measures 24”L x 16”H x 10”D.  Has standard AC power unit and also has rechargeable battery.

The M13283 is the Indoor Multi-functional scoreboard with horn/buzzer can be used for scoring basketball, wrestling and volleyball.  Clock counts up or down from 99:99 scores to 199. Period bonus and possession indicator. When not in use for sporting event time it can be used as a digital clock with alarm. Built-in control panel with large led readouts that are visible up to 150’.  New features for M13283 scoreboard: built-in control panel now accommodates the new M20667 wireless shot clocks. (sold separately).  Rugged construction designed for indoor use only. 5” clock & score digits. Scoreboard measures 24”L x 16”H x 10”D.  Standard AC power unit.

Sold separately are the M13285 handy carrying case and the M17390 heavy duty rolling stand. 

Another great model is the Ultrak multi sport scoreboard M15757.  This scoreboard has some great features.

• Programmable game time
• Displays scores for two teams up to a maximum score of 199
• Large 4 inch lcd digits for viewing as far away as 150 feet
• 20 inches wide by 30 inches high
• Rf remote control- no cords required- controllable from 150 feet- line of sight not necessary
• Count up time with range to 9 hrs. 59 min. 59 sec.
• 24 hour clock
• Powered by ac adapter or 4 d sized batteries
• Free standing on floor or table or wall mounted
• Promotional advertising panel

The choice of the above portable electronic scoreboards should fit any of your needs.  For more information and pricing check out scoreboards.

Everyone deserves a second chance to make a first impression in life. However the reality is  that often  the second chance never comes along.  Well the second chance has arrived for young aspiring football players who still have the dream play college football.

Nestled in the foothills of suburban New York City, a bold new football venture is growing, it is the COLLEGIATE DEVELOPMENT FOOTBALL LEAGUE and it will debut in the summer of 2009. Co-Founders George and Peter St.Lawrence ,second and third generation football coaches with a love for the game, have  formulated a organization with a plan. 

The CDFL will offer 18-24 year old football players the complete football experience, from a tryout/ mini camp combine , to a draft for team placement, to a formatted league of actual game play , to an academic placement plan to, to a complete evaluation and assessment program , all in a 6- 7 week package.

The CDFL executive statement sums it up as follows "We at the CDFL, are eager and extremely excited about the opportunities that await all, through the creation of the first, and only, organized football league exclusively designed for 18-24 year-old players in the United States".

The CDFL mission is simple yet bold, to provide a second chance to make a first impression on the college recruiters searching for football talent.

George St. Lawrence states," We are fully committed to providing every opportunity for players to have success in this league and beyond. We are looking for players who are serious and committed, ultimately the engine that drives players to greatness is the desire from within, but that desire can only be fed with an opportunity to play!"

The CDFL provides that chance and supports it with, experienced coaches, dedicated staff and superior facilities. The CDFL will provide an unprecedented approach to player skill assessments: from the mini- camp combine, to the CDFL draft, to wide open games, to academic and recruitment tools.

Co-founder Peter St. Lawrence, who presently serves as receivers coach for St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota states in a recent interview, "The CDFL experience will be comprehensive for the players that may have been injured, lacked NCAA clearinghouse grade requirements or were financially limited coming out of high school."  The CDFL is assessment centered, interactive, and open for all to view, with a staff that that will extend player placement networking to all levels of collegiate football.

In Closing the CDFL seems to know how to motivate because the reaction has been positive to the concept and far reaching.  This CDFL quote says a lot about the energy of the organization, "The first step in your chance begins now; your dreams will only become a reality when you match them with the will to prepare for greatness. Be great with us, be part of the dream,  be part of the CDFL explosion in 2009be part of the CDFL explosion in 2009."

Coaches worldwide will tell you that even the best player on the court or field needs a strong team to win.  The point is that while training players to build their individual skills is of course important, having a team that can work together and read each others moves in the game is important to victory. 

So how do we get our team to work together. You will find literally tons of material available to you in this area.  Thousands of sport specific books and videos.  Countless websites and never ending advise from other coaches.

Why not think outside the box. 

How about cage balls.  Cage balls consist of a large cylindrical shaped, inflatable vinyl bladder.  The bladder is placed inside of a brightly colored, nylon cover through a large slit in the side.  This hole is then closed with a lace similar to a shoe lace.  The bladder is then inflated.  And presto you have a new exciting training aid.  You can select from many sizes but the huge 72 inch size ball seems to be a favorite.

Chances are you've used a cage ball before.  Ever been to summer camp? Maybe you belonged to a youth group as a kid.  If you did you may be familiar with games like Crab Soccer, Cage Ball Volleyball or Push Ball.  These simple games are great for forcing people to work together.  The fact is a 72 inch cage ball is just too big to be controlled by one person.  You need team work.

Cage balls are not limited to the well known cooperative games as listed above.  Cage balls can be used in countless activities.  You can easily adapt them to team building activities and training drills you already run with your team.  The introduction of a huge 6 foot diameter cage ball will make monotonous drills new and exciting.

Cage balls can be an inexpensive way to get players to work together outside of the game.  They have been used to produce cooperation skills in youngsters for years and in this writers opinion could be used for just about any sport as a means to keep practices lively.

So the idea is that even a simple item like a cage ball can be used to develop a team that can work together on the field or on the court.  Give it a try at your next practice.  For great pricing on cage balls and all of your athletic and physical education needs check out Morley Athletic online.