One of the best ways to avoid a concussion is to stay clear of activities where you may hit hour head. That seems to be the opinion of a quarter of parents, who said they will not let their kids play in football due to concerns over concussions, according to a recent Truven Health Analytics and NPR Health Poll. Continue reading Concussion Avoidance
Tag: Basketball
Hoop Dreams
Wearable sports technology firm Wireless Sports has announced that the Hoop Tracker is on the court. This is the world’s first basketball watch – and it can deliver in-depth analysis of shooting percentages as data that is obtained from each shooting session can be uploaded to Hoop Tracker’s software to analyze and improve shooting performance.
This system features a lightweight watch worn on your non-shooting wrist, while the shot detector is attached to the rim using the mounting pole, and together this can identify the make or miss of every shot taken.
Data recorded includes where the shot was taken and if the basketball hit the backboard, rim, or activates the internal lever. The only shot not automatically detected is an air ball – but In this case, the player can push the air ball button located on the side of the watch, and record the attempt as a missed shot. All statistics are later uploaded to the Hoop Tracker software for further analysis. Continue reading Hoop Dreams
KD VI is A-OK
Basketball shoes continue to evolve and Nike’s KD VI takes a radical turn from traditional high-topped shoes, instead offering a lighter weight with increased agility. These were designed with insight from Kevin Durant, who proclaimed that he wanted “people in the top of the arena to be able to see my shoe,” and with the bright yellow color there will no missing these.
These feature a low-profile with responsive cushioning, along with a Max Air unit for maximum impact protection on hard landings. The shoe feature offers a two-layer upper that is ultra-thin yet features Flywire technology to provide a secure fit, along with stability and support during quick cuts.
Shoe Deisgner Leo Change noted that these “always start with him (Durant)” but now these are ready for everyone else.
Get Crazy, Get Quick
Adidas has introduced its new Crazyquick performance footwear line, which the company touts as being the latest innovation designed specifically to help make athletes quicker. This includes a line for basketball, football, running and training; and each gives athletes better controlled flexibility, better traction and optimal foot lockdown. So while it is good that Adidas is thinking of the “Quick” part, there are a whole lot of athletes that probably don’t need any help on the “crazy” part.
Weekend Reading List (03.16.2013): Climbing Tower, Back Country Dangers, Mad Snacks, Charlie Don’t Surf
Climbing Tower
From GearJunkie: Industrial Wasteland Transformed into Climbing Paradise (in Buffalo, NY)
Buffalo, New York, isn’t a climbing hot spot, but it appears that could be about to change. A project dubbed Silo City Rocks is renovating a 100-year-old grain elevator on the Buffalo River into one of the largest and most unique climbing facilities in North America. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.16.2013): Climbing Tower, Back Country Dangers, Mad Snacks, Charlie Don’t Surf
Sensor Packed Ball
Last week we reported on a soccer ball that can harness energy from play. The 94Fifty practice basketball from InfoMotion Sports Technologies can’t do that but it can provide a variety of feedback data and help coaches and players determine what part of the game might need some work.
The ball can reportedly measure various factors such as how accurately and quickly a player is shooting, the quality of the backspin, the amount of arc on a shot and even the force and speed of a dribble. All this can be used to help players improve their game. The ball is equipped with a Bluetooth transmitter and can work in conjunction with a companion app.
The ball isn’t ready for the court just yet, but the inventors have launched a Kickstarter campaign and hope to have players dribbling with it very soon. Video after the jump
Latest Air Jordans Take Flight
Michael Jordan has been off the court for a while now, but don’t expect his signature “Air Jordans” to come down anytime soon. The shoes, which were first launched in 1985 have evolved over the years, and the latest have been spotted – a bit like a UFO. The Air Jordan XX8 fittingly has an “other-worldly” look thanks to the Schoeller mesh that provides a snug fit. Designed for serious basketball, these feature a molded carbon fiber heel counter and Jordan Flight Plate that will help wearer’s react on the court. The Air Jordan XX8 will be ready to take off this winter.
Chuck Taylor Made for Maine Weather
The ionic Converse Chuck Taylors aren’t as common on the basketball courts these days, but the shoes remain popular off the court for skaters and anyone who wants a shoe that could survive for seemingly ever. One thing the canvas shoes have never been so good in is snow and mud. But the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Made in Maine Boot looks as if it could endure just about anything. The only catch is that the company is releasing just 80 pair that will be made available at select Converse and First String retailers. However, we did note that Converse has a lot of other boot options ready for the holidays.
Adidas Brings Big Color
Want to look like the NBA pros on Christmas Day? Adidas will help you out with the new Adidas Big Color NBA Jerseys, which are $90 each and are available for all 10 teams that will take to the court. These feature the same monochromatic color scheme with just a hint of accent color in the solid color logos, names and numbers. These are available now from the NBA Store
Nike Says Move Over Air Jordan
The Air Jordan apparently has been deflated, but Nike is still in the game – introducing the Nike Lebron X in honor of LeBron James’ first NBA championship, and the first signature shoe to offer Nike+ Baskeball support. This shoe actually lets you track in-game activity to an iPhone, and is reportedly the first Nike shoe to feature the full-length visible Nike Zoom unit. It offers Hyperfuse construction with a one-piece upper, and Flywire technology to provide secure fit while still feeling lightweight.
Nike Lebron X Official Website
Adidas ClimaCool Fabric Plays in the Olympics
We’ve been hearing about ClimaCool technology a lot, and probably own a few garments with the fabric. Since it plays a big role in Olympic uniforms, adidas provided some information on how its constructed, tested, and the benefits of the wicking fabric. Continue reading Adidas ClimaCool Fabric Plays in the Olympics
Weekend Reading List (7.7.2012): Olympic Tech, Basketball Missile Tracking, Sagan Dances, Running Adventure
Olympic Tech Help
From The Guardian: London 2012 Olympics: How athletes use technology to win medals
Ever since the first ancient Greek chipped away at a lump of stone to give it the smooth, aerodynamic properties of a discus, sportsmen and engineers have been looking at ways to enhance performance – while some of those denied medals have been crying foul. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (7.7.2012): Olympic Tech, Basketball Missile Tracking, Sagan Dances, Running Adventure
Nike+ Shoes Go Digital
Last week we posted about Nike’s knit shoes, and now the company has gone to the other extreme with Nike+ Basketball and Nike+ Training shoes that are digital! The shoes feature a sensor system that can sync with software to provide wearer’s with detailed information to help during training and to track performance. Video after the jump