Sports365 - Online Sports store

SKLZ is the premier developer and marketer of athletic performance and skill development training products for serious athletes of all ages. SKLZ provides training products for a variety of sports, including baseball, golf, football, basketball, and soccer. By focusing on transforming innovative concepts into effective sports training tools, SKLZ is helping serious athletes reach their full potential. The mission of the SKLZ brand is to guide and serve athletes on their journey to be their personal best with innovative products, technologies and knowledge.

  With international headquarters in California, delivers durable, high-performance trainers that can be found internationally at major sporting goods retailers, specialty shops, and mass merchants as well as on online stores all over the world.

  The SKLZ brand delivers broad lines of training products across a variety of sports, including:

  1. Baseball

2. Basketball

3. Cricket

4. Golf

5. Football

6. Softball

7. Training

The vision for the SKLZ website, which receives more than 100,000 visitors a month, is to inspire athletes to develop their skills, introduce them to the SKLZ brand and products, and to support sales at retail stores. To help meet these objectives, the company made a commitment to add videos to their site and to drastically expand their library of training-related video content. It believed that if athletes could watch instructional videos that incorporate its products, then they would be more likely to see SKLZ as a legitimate source for training.

Furthermore, the addition of video content to the SKLZ website has been met with positive responses from retailers, who realize that consumers are more likely to purchase products if they’re aware of the product benefits and if the products are supported by instructional videos.

 “Training for athletes is a 365 day a year endeavour. It’s important that we continue to provide them with the tools they need wherever they are needed,” said Tom Quinn, president of SKLZ.

The SKLZ football range is a must for any aspiring young player, or even a professional who’s looking to improve their game long after their team mates have headed home. For those looking to get a head start over their opponents (or team-mates), SKLZ football allows you to define and nurture your skills and technique – with or without a training partner.

SKLZ golf training products are designed to help players of all ages improve their skills across all the key facets of the game, including accuracy, distance, and putting and golf fitness. For juniors, these tools can make learning a difficult game that much easier, and make it more fun.

The SKLZ training range is specifically designed to improve athletes Speed, Agility and Quickness (SAQ) and their Strength. SKLZ have made their mark in athletic performance market product market with their innovative product range.

Discovered in 2004, graphene consists of a single two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms. It’s lighter than a feather and stronger than a diamond and for some the potential applications are incredible, so much so that in the UK the Government set aside £50m for graphene research. This material has a breaking strength 200 times greater than steel, which makes it the ultimate substance for creating HEAD tennis racquet frames with exceptional properties.

Graphene technology allows for the first time an optimal redistribution of weight in HEAD racquets. Through the use of graphene in the shaft, the weight in the middle part of the tennis racquet can be reduced. Instead, weight can be shifted to more functionally relevant areas in the grip and racquet head. This unique construction provides players with an unmatched manoeuvrability and an increased swing weight. In other words, a racquet with graphene is easier to swing and enables even more powerful shots.

Early in 2013, HEAD announced the exclusive use of the wonder alloy graphene for the production of its rackets.  Models in HEAD’s Speed range (as used by Novak Djokovic) and the Instinct family (favoured by Maria Sharapova and Tomas Berdych) were the first made with graphene to hit the professional circuit and commercial marketplace. Soon after the 2013 Australian Open, commentators noticed an improvement in Djokovic‘s play and suggested the graphene racket was giving him even more advantage over the others.

Novak Djokovic at the launch of the Head Graphene range of racquets.

Graphene’s properties mean that the weight of the racket is significantly reduced overall and greater at both the head and the shaft resulting in a super-light racket with ‘effortless power’. So what does that mean in practice? Well, the optimized redistribution of weight enables players to generate more kinetic energy when they hit the ball and therefore deliver higher power with much less effort. These amazing benefits were realised at the 2013 Australian Open because of the ease with which HEAD Graphene players, World No 1 Novak Djokovic and World No 2, Maria Sharapova overpowered their early round opponents.

Mark Haylett, of HEAD UK says that, “Our unique and revolutionary graphene construction allows a tennis racket an optimal redistribution of weight to the tip and grip for the very first time.  This helps all types of players swing the racket more easily and enables even more powerful shots.” Tennis experts say that, “If you’re an intermediate to advanced player looking for a new racket it’s definitely worth giving graphene a try.”

Head has revealed very little detail as to how the graphene is used or even how much is in the racquet. Dr Belle said it was likely that the middle of the racquet’s handle is lined with graphene, instead of graphite, as it is stronger and lighter.

Current men’s world no.2 is one of the first top players to use this range of racquets. Check out as he tests his Head Graphene racquet here: http://bit.ly/1e7hQYj 

Two of the world’s top players who use this series of racquets are Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic. See them prove the superiority of the Head Graphene series here: http://bit.ly/TiDSLc

Sports365 introduces a FLAT 30% off on its range of HEAD graphene tennis racquets. Shop at: http://bit.ly/1faQtj2 to avail this amazing offer!

The second Test between India and West Indies starting on Thursday at the Wankhede marks the 200th and final Test of the great Sachin Tendulkar. On completion of this Test, we shall witness the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket- a “Tendulkar” less era. For the majority of the Indian population, to even think of the game without the little man is almost unimaginable. For youngsters in their 20s who have grown up watching Sachin, there has not been a time in their lives when there has been no Sachin in the Indian cricket team. The fact that he is not going to be seen on the cricket pitch any more is something that will take a long time to sink in for the fans. With his retirement, many may even cease to follow the game having just watched it to see the great man in action.

The joy that he has brought to our lives in these last two decades will perhaps never be matched by any other Indian personality in any field. Whether any player will ever be able to even come close to his records is doubtful. The manner in which he has carried the hopes of a nation for the last two decades and come out with flying colours more often than not speaks volumes of the man’s greatness. The way which he has handled this extreme pressure for so many years is commendable and would have seen lesser mortals crumble under it. One of the best characteristics of Sachin was the way that he showed the same enthusiasm for the game throughout his career from his first match right till the end. It was this love for the game that saw him serve the country for more than twenty years.

The highest praise which he received in his career has to be from the great Don Bradman who said he felt he was looking at a ‘mirror-image’ of himself when he watched Tendulkar play. The beauty of Tendulkar is that he never let the fame and money get to his head and remained the same humble individual who started out all those years ago in 1989. Not once has he been involved in any controversies and has maintained this clean image throughout his career.

There are those who say he should have retired after winning the 2011 World Cup and gone out on a high. But over the years, he has definitely earned the right to decide when to go and only continued playing as his love for the game was still intact. Now that he feels his time has come, we must respect his decision and just be privileged that we had the opportunity to witness this batting genius during our lives. The number of youngsters in India and across the world who have picked up the cricket bat because of him is countless.

But as Sachin has always maintained, the game is greater than the individual and must go on. The departure of the Little Master will leave a void in our hearts which will probably never be replaced. But the memories of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, the ‘Sachinnnn Sachinnnn’ chant and the picture perfect straight drive will always remain with us forever. We all hope that Sachin stays connected to the game of cricket in some capacity even after the end of his career.

Thank You Sachin!

1. Keep your brain young! Researchers at the University of Illinois found that aerobic exercise, like walking, boosts the rate and sharpness of thought and actually builds brain tissue. Just 40 minutes of brisk walking three times a week will do the trick.

2. Prevent the #1 killer. Heart disease is the number one killer. But walk for 30 minutes each day and cut your risk of heart disease by as much as 40 percent. That’s what a recent Harvard study found. As you strengthen your heart with aerobic exercise it pumps blood more efficiently and circulation improves.

3. Walk toward a better mental state. During aerobic exercise like walking, your body releases endorphins, natural opiate-like chemicals in the brain that promote an increased sense of well-being, so don’t be surprised to find that anxiety, bad mood and stress are alleviated after a after a brisk walk around your neighborhood.

4. Walk to clean out toxins. Your small blood vessels widen and bring more oxygen to your muscles as you exercise aerobically. As they carry more oxygen to your muscles, they also carry away waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid, leaving your muscles refreshed.

5. Walk to turn up the notch on your immune system. A study from Appalachian State University in North Carolina found that adults who exercised halved the odds of catchy those nasty cold viruses. Additionally, when physically fit and active adults did contract colds, the cold was much less severe than in adults who were not physically fit and active.

Ready to get moving? Let’s put some walking shoes on, clear our minds, breathe and keep those hearts healthy.

If you are planning to spend more time on keeping fit, you can buy fitness equipment from Sports365′s online store. Check out our website for more. The online sports shop helps you buy sports goods by making available a live chat which aids in buying the right sports goods. You can buy sports shoes, apparel or sports and fitness equipment online and choose from an enviable range at Sports365.

Sports365 offers wide range of sporting goods at amazing discounts. This festive sale runs from 29 October all the way to 11 November 2013. The products will be on sale at a variety of discounts going up to a maximum of 60% off! As an added attraction, shoppers get to enjoy an additional 5% off on all our products by making use of the voucher code S365DIWALI. We offer the best quality sporting and fitness items at the most economical prices. So join us in celebrating the festival of lights as we help to make this Diwali of yours a joyous and healthy one!

Diwali or the “festival of lights” is a five-day Hindu festival which starts on Dhanteras, and ends on Bhaubeej. The time of Diwali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. Diwali literally means a “Row of Lights.” It is a time filled with light and love; a time when Indians all over the world rejoice. Diwali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.

Diwali is the perfect time to get all your shopping done, for yourself as well as purchasing gifts for friends and family members. If your thinking of sporting goods, then there’s only one place you need to go to- Sports365 which has an exhaustive range of sporting and fitness products from all the world’s best brands.

To get into the spirit of Diwali, Sports365 offers its wide range of sporting goods at amazing discounts. This festive sale runs from 29 October all the way to 11 November. The products will be on sale at a variety of discounts going up to a maximum of 60% off! As an added attraction, shoppers get to enjoy an additional 5% off on all our products by making use of the voucher code S365DIWALI. We offer the best quality sporting and fitness items at the most economical prices. So join us in celebrating the festival of lights as we help to make this Diwali of yours a joyous and healthy one!

Just check out these icons to know the discount associated with the products. Find the link below for more information:

http://www.sports365.in/pages/Diwali-Sale---Great-Discount-on-Sports-Gear-Online/pgid-521049.aspx

Offer terms and conditions:

Offer not applicable on Cycles and Super Saver products

Offer cannot be clubbed with any other discount vouchers

Offer valid from 29 October 2013 to 11 Nov 2013

Sports365 team would like to wish you and your family a belated Diwali! To keep the spirit of this festival alive, we are going to continue running the exciting discounts on all products at the Sports365 store with the Diwali Dhamaka sale! Discounts are ranging from 10% and go up to a maximum of 60%!

Along with this, you can use the voucher code S365DIWALI to get an ADDITIONAL 5% off! This extravagant sale will last all the way up to the 11th of November so make sure you get the best out of it! Happy shopping!

With the summer months here many of you might be embarking on treks and the like across the country. Whether its a short trek or one that lasts for as long as two weeks, you must always be well equipped. We bring you a list of absolute must haves that you should carry when trekking.

Hiking boots

Never skimp on a pair of hiking boots. Ultimately this will define how comfortable you are going to be during your trek. If your shoes are uncomfortable or they do not have sufficient grip this is going to be a problem. Depending on the terrain of your trail choose the shoes. You do not want your feet to be getting wet or the material wearing off when you are trekking, this can make for a very unpleasant experience. You can have a look at our range of trekking shoes here. We even have discounts on some of them.

Lightweight backpack

Once again depending on the duration of your trek choose a Trekking bags. If it’s a short trek don’t buy a bulky big bag, and if it’s long trek make sure that you buy a rucksack which has ample storage space for your essentials. When you are choosing a backpack make sure that the bag in itself is not very heavy. In addition to your equipment you do not want to have the backpack add more weight. Try and get a rucksack with a rain cover, and ensure that it has enough straps such that you can secure it well so that it does not slip off. From bags for day treks to bigger rucksacks we have it all, check out our online store.

  Sleeping bag

Although lying on the ground might be fine for a night or two, if you are on a long trek always carry a sleeping bag. It is advisable to get a 40 degree down bag in light weight, comfortable in all conditions and is a perfect temperature setting for just about any time of the year on the trail. If temperatures are high chances are you will not be sleeping in your sleeping, but just lying down on it will be more comfortable than sleeping on the bare ground. Check out some sleeping bags from Wildcraft here.

Duct tape

It might seem like something very trivial, but duct tape does come in handy as it can be a quick fix to anything that is broken. It can even be used to patch up a hole in the tent. In short, do not underestimate the forms that duct tape can tape. So be sure to carry some with you.

Map and compass

The chances of you losing your way on a well marked trail are quite slim, nevertheless it is always good to carry an updated map of the area and a compass. If you decide to wander off course you will find that the compass comes in handy when you want to get back on track

Headlamp

You could carry a flashlight but these days headlamps are more common. On big advantage is that you can strap it on to your head and not have to worry about pointing it in the right direction like you would with a torch. It is a convenient, hands free piece of equipment to illuminate your trekking trail. We have some of the best headlamps which are ideal for trekkers. Take a look at them here.

In addition to this a basic First Aid kit is a must, and also a sturdy water bottle to hold at least 1 liter of water. If you are going on a trail which does not have provisions for getting purified water make sure that you carry water filter!

Cricket Bats

Cricket Bats are fundamental to the game of cricket. Good cricket bats are expensive. However, a large proportion of players, mainly amateurs and children, are playing with the wrong size and/or weight cricket bat to the detriment of their game. Read on to learn exactly what you need to know when selecting the right cricket bat.

Materials & Manufacturing

Materials

Cricket bats are carved from willow, which is a naturally fibrous wood. Each cricket bat manufacturer will seek to select the best woods for their products to ensure high standards and overall product quality. The two types of willow used for bat making are English Willow and Kashmir [Indian] Willow.

English Willow: This is a soft, fibrous timber. This type of willow is the preferred choice for the majority of bat manufacturers due to its high performance effect when striking the ball. Regardless of type however, willow will become damaged and prone to breakages over time. The English Willow Cricket Bat can become scarred, bruised and dented due to the nature of the game and the frequent high intense impacts of the ball hitting the cricket bat.

Kashmir Willow: Kashmir willow Cricket Bat comes from India. This is largely utilized by cricket bat manufacturers as a substitute for English Willow. The Kashmir willow is regarded as a harder wood and in comparison to English willow does not have the same performance effect i.e. a player will not experience the same “sweet spot” when striking the ball. Kashmir willow will only be used for lower range and priced cricket bats. It is unlikely that a regular adult player, playing at a reasonable standard would choose to use a Kashmir willow cricket bat.

Carbon Fibre – Some cricket bat manufacturers insert additional carbon fibre into the handle of the cricket bat to make the bat feel lighter in the hands. The insertion of carbon fibre also allows more power to be generated in shots and increases the shock absorption in the handle from high impact balls.

Titanium – Due to recent technological advancements and innovations, this material is can be inserted into the handle of cricket bats to add reinforcement and provide more power in the hitting zone.

Manufacturing- How are Cricket Bats made?

Time – The process of making a cricket bat takes a relatively long period of time compared to many other sporting products. Before any manufacturing can take place, trees have to be specially planted in selected areas of the UK [or India in the case of Kashmir willow]. 15-30 years after plantation, the trees are chopped down with two more planted thereafter.

Clefts – The trees are then chopped into logs and are then split into wedges called clefts. Each bat manufacturer then carefully selects the clefts they want before waxing the clefts at each end to prevent the loss of any water moisture and splitting. The clefts are then placed in drying rooms. After 6 months the clefts are removed from the drying rooms as they will have reached the required moisture levels.

Cutting – The clefts are then cut into the basic shape of a cricket bat with the correct width and length. At this point in the manufacturing process, the handle and toe ends of the bat are established, with the blade selected from the best end of the willow to ensure a quality cricket bat and better performance.

Pressing – After machining and grading, the willow is pressed. This strengthens the willow so it can withstand the impact of a cricket ball. The pressing stage of the process has to be done very carefully, to avoid the cricket bat from being compressed too much.

Fitting the handle – The next stage is to fit the handle to the cricket bat. The handle is usually constructed of cane and rubber strips, but with recent technological innovations and advancements, titanium is sometimes utilized. The handle is constructed of such materials to add reinforcements and provide more power in the hitting zone.

Shaping – When the handle has been fitted, the cricket bat is nearly complete. The bat’s craftsman then places the bat into a vice and shapes the blade using a draw knife with the majority of wood left in the middle of the cricket bat (some manufacturers will use machines to achieve the same outcome). Some cricket bats are crafted with lower or higher middles depending on the player’s batting style and the types of pitches they play on. The craftsmen will shape the blade to enhance the pick-up and weight of the cricket bat and to ensure a good overall balance to the bat. The shoulders of the bat are shaped and blended to give the correct shape and structure to the bat.

Final touches – The cricket bat is then sanded twice, with the shoulders shaped again and blended into the handle of the bat. The cricket bat is then finished using a horse’s shin bone to polish the surface of the bat. This compresses the cricket bat further, provides a nice polished finish, and increases the overall presentation of the cricket bat. Once rubber grips and the manufacturer’s logo are added the Cricket Bat is now complete and ready to be sold.

Bear in mind that at this stage the cricket bats isn’t entirely finished as you will have to do some preparation to your bat prior to using it, even where stickers state the bat is pre-prepared.

Cycling in India has suddenly become quite popular, and has been chosen by many not only as a leisure activity but also to keep fit. Apart from cycling regularly to work, mountain biking is also widely practiced. There are a number of organizations that conduct cycling tours to picturesque hill stations and other cycling friendly locations. It is widely acknowledged that cycling is one of the best ways to achieve good health. Some of the health benefits include:

1. Cycling is good for your heart

By making the heart pound in a steady manner cycling helps improve cardio-vascular fitness. Since the largest muscle groups in the legs are used when cycling it benefits heart rate, which in turn increase stamina and fitness. Simply put, cycling strengthens the heart. This article gives some insights into studies conducted abroad about the benefits of cycling with respect to a healthy heart.

2. Increased joint movement

Unlike other forms of exercise like jogging, cycling is gentler on the joints. In this way cycling reduces the risk of arthritis caused by worn out cartilage. Since cycling puts less pressure on the joints, it actually provides nourishment that builds up cartilage.

Cycling is a great way to keep fit.

3. Muscle toning

Cycling will not give you a bulky look that is achieved through strenuous exercises like lifting weights. But all of us would rather have a little muscle rather than the alternative-fat. There are a number of muscles that are used in cycling, starting from neck and shoulder muscles, to chest and arm muscles, all the way down to muscles in the feet. As cycling improves general muscle function, gradually you will be able to see an improvement in the muscle toning

4. Stress reduction

Everyone is stressed some time or the other. Cycling outdoors is a great way to beat stress as it will take your mind of other stress. Basically, when riding a bicycle (or exercising in general) endorphins, a brain chemical that improves our overall mood, are released. In addition, the endorphin release can also improve our sleep patterns. Over time, a happy disposition and a good night’s rest can lead to better stress management.

5. Cycling reduces back pain

If you maintain good posture while riding a cycle it can reduce back aches.  Cyclic movement of the legs stimulates muscles in the lower back, where slipped discs are most likely to occur. In this way the spine is strengthened and secured against external stresses. By stimulating the small muscles of the vertebrae which are difficult to affect through other exercise, cycling can help reduce the likelihood of back pains and other problems.

Founded in 1989, CamelBak invented the hands-free hydration category and is the global leader in personal hydration gear and accessories. With a mission to continuously reinvent and forever change the way people hydrate and perform, CamelBak offers a complete line of technical hydration packs and accessories and reusable BPA-free water bottles for outdoor sports, military, travel and a healthy lifestyle. CamelBak designs, tests and engineers its products to perform. In this blog article we feature hydration packs for cycling, trekking and multi sport ones.

CamelBak Classic – Cycling

CamelBak has updated its Classic Hydration pack to give cyclists a new and improved hydration pack with a host of new features. The biggest change is the Antidote reservoir which now comes with a lightweight, quick seal cap and this ensures that it can be filled without having to remove the reservoir from the pack. Secondly, it comes with an external stash pocket and a bungee that holds an extra layer, and this facilitates a 2+ hour adventure. To ensure that the reservoir is free from fungus and other things, the Camelbak Classic comes with HydroGuard anti-microbial technology. The shoulder straps are slightly padded and and it comes with a chest strap, but no waist strap. Owing to its size and lightweight the Camelbak classic is best suited for cycling. Some other cycling hydration packs are the CamelBak Aura and the Hydrobak.

CamelBak Alpine Explorer – Hiking

The CamelBak Alpine Explorer is a top-loading pack. It comes with sufficient compartments and pouches like the three primary cargo pockets, a dedicated hydration bladder compartment, side-mounted mesh cargo pockets, and mount points for trekking poles and ice-axe. Features include an organizer pocket, quick-stash stuff-it pocket, sunglasses/media pocket, tool attachment points, mesh side pockets and 4-point compression straps. The hydration pack is designed to provide sufficient ventilation, stability and a wide mouth to clean the reservoir. Another good thing about the Alpine Explorer is that it comes with a three litre Antidote reservoir. It’s always reassuring to have more water although it may make your load a little heavier. The Camelbak Alpine Explorer is ideal for day treks. In addition to the Alpine Explorer you can also check out the CamelBak M.U.L.E and H.A.W.G.

CamelBak Octane XCT Hydration Pack – multi purpose

This model has twice the cargo capacity of the previous model. Despite this improved feature, it remains light, comfortable and durable. The horizontally positioned hydration compartment loads easily, holding the reservoir flat against your back. Like the Alpine Explorer this too has a wide mouth which makes cleaning the reservoir easier. It comes with a Big Bite™ valve which is ergonomically positioned for easy drinking. It also has 2 zippered pockets on the hip belt and 2 stash pockets on the front accommodate snacks and often-used essentials. The Octane XCT is a multipurpose hydration pack, so it can be used by runners as well as for any other outdoor activity.

Choosing the right table tennis racquet is essential to improve your game. You should buy a racquet which enables improvement of strokes. This does not necessarily mean the most expensive racquet. The racquet must be able to enhance performance rather than hold you back. These are some basic yet useful guidelines that will make the task of buying a racquet easier.

Before buying a racquet the player must decide if he/she is going to be an offense or defense player. This will enable him/her to pick the right kind of racquet.

Playing style                         Offense                             Defense

Number of plies                      1 ply or 5-7 ply                       3-5 ply

Blade weight                           Heavy                                     Light

Blade size                                Small                                      Big

Sponge thickness                    Thick                                      Thin

Handle type                             Flaired handle                  Straight handle

BLADE COMPOSITION

A table tennis racquet mainly comprises of a blade (the wooden part of the racquet) and the rubbers (which cover the blade on both sides).

Number of plies

When it comes to blades, the number of plies and their hardness give different characteristics to the effect the blade has on impact with the ball. The plies vary from one to seven. The number of plies will affect speed and control. The defensive players use 3-ply and some 5-ply soft blades, which give a greater emphasis to ball control while the offensive players use 5-ply and 7-ply

Hard blades. Offensive players also use extremely fast 1-ply blades.

Playing style                     Offense                             Defense

Number of plies                  1 ply or 5-7 ply                         3-5 ply

Table Tennis Rackets

Blade material

According to Table Tennis Laws 85% of the of the blade by thickness must be natural wood, so this gives manufacturers some leeway to include layers made of such material as carbon fiber, aralyte, or glass fiber. These materials have different effects- carbon is said to give the ball greater speed, and it also ensures better weight distribution and a larger sweet spot. The downside to carbon ply is that it gives less control. Aralyte is meant to also increase the size of the sweet spot, but is supposed to dampen vibration and give a softer feel than carbon.

Weight and size of the blade

Lighter blade

With a lighter blade, the speed is more and racquet movement is easier.  These blades are perfect for players who play close to the table and hit the ball hard. On the other hand the heavier blades give a greater spin and speed to the ball and high stability for a block. A light blade, on the other hand, allows you to hit the ball quickly, but it does not allow you to use the level of force you might get with a heavier blade.

Heavier blade

A table tennis blade will allow you to hit the ball with incredible force, but it will also slow down your response time. Most players compromise on this issue and choose a blade that is somewhere in the middle.

Another important factor is the size of the body. The defense players prefer blades with a large body so they can take as much advantage as possible of the large body area. On the other hand, the offensive players favor blades with a small body because they have a smaller surface area and thus offer less resistance to the air.

Playing style                              Offense                                 Defense

Blade weight                              Heavy                                   Light

Blade size                                  Small                                      Big

SPONGE THICKNESS

Sponge thickness affects spin, speed and control of the ball. There are basically two types of thickness-

Thin sponge

A thin sponge gives better control (block and push) and less speed than a thick sponge. Thinner sponge gives more control and feels harder because the ball sinks deeper to the wood.  Many defensive players use sponge that is 1.0-2.0mm. For senior citizens, kids, and all beginners, a light racket is recommended. Having 1.0-2.0mm sponge will help keep the racket light. If a player is looking for more control, a thinner sponge from 1.7mm-2.0mm is suitable.

  Thick sponge

A thick sponge is faster and provides more spin because it gives more of a trampoline effect. The cons of a thick sponge are that it does not provide much control, and it is also heavier. Most offensive players use sponge that is at least 2.0mm. For an increased offense style a racquet with 2.1mm+ is recommended.

Playing style                      Offense                      Defense

Sponge thickness                Thick sponge              Thin sponge

HANDLE TYPE

When choosing a grip, there are a few things to take into consideration. Usually, players with a strong forehand prefer flared handles. Flared handles will give a player a better grip while executing the forehand stroke. Players who have a strong backhand prefer straight handles, since this usually gives them better flexibility on the backhand stroke. Defense players who constantly twiddle the racquet (the practice of turning the racquet around whilst playing table tennis, in order to change which side of the racquet hits the ball) also prefer straight handles

Some players prefer to use an anatomic handle; this handle is similar to the flared handle, except that it slightly bulges in the middle of the handle. It is also known as a double flared handle.

Playing style                         Offense                                 Defense

Handle type                            Flared handle                          Straight handle

CONTROL RATING

Control rating is another important thing to look for while buying a racquet. Blades with high control ratings are easier to use for steady, consistent play. Blades high in control are usually lower in speed. Conversely blades with a low control rating give more speed.

This latest model in the Rockrider series is suitable for novice as well as intermediate level mountain bikers. The 600mm handlebar on the Rockrider 5.3 is a great advantage as it helps you maintain better balance and control while moving across uneven paths. The Btwin Rockrider 5.3 Bicycles comes with a very good suspension which allows maximum comfort. Having a lightweight frame is an added plus point. The frame as such is designed such that it is light and responsive. The disc brakes are effective and powerful which make coming to a halt even in muddy surfaces effortless. The Rockrider 5.3 has a 9 speed SRAM X-5 shifters which provides a high quality feel.

  Btwin Short Road 7

Btwin is one of the most well known brands when it comes to cycles and cycling accessories. The Btwin Short Road 7 is one of the best cycling shorts available for men. The Btwin short road 7 is designed to reduce chafing while cycling and give maximum comfort while cycling on rugged terrain. The flexible, fitting material ensures that maximum efficiency while pedaling is achieved, by reducing air resistance. It also wicks perspiration very well. Made of a combination of spandex, polyamide and polyurethane, this is one of the most widely used cycling shorts.

Btwin is one of the most reputed cycling brands worldwide. It is known for designing innovative, affordable and trendy cycling products. This brand offers entire gamut of cycling products like bicycles, mountain bikes, urban bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, cycling clothing, cycle accessories, cycling helmet and many more. Sports365 is an authorized seller of Btwin products in India and offers the widest assortment of genuine Btwin cycling products online at great discounts.

Buying sports goods online and fitness equipment online was never this easy. Sports365 offers the widest range of sporting gear online at the most affordable prices. Sports365 is the first online sports shop offering the Live Chat feature to interact with sports experts before you purchase your favorite sports goods online.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, sports365 is the right place to pick essentials like trekking shoes, camping tents, trekking bags and rucksack backpacks from world’s best known brands like Quechua, Wildcraft, Geonaute and Solognac. Cycling enthusiats can buy bicycle online by choosing from 50+ online bikes from leading brands like Btwin, Trek, Bergamont, KHS and many more.

Narrowing down on the kind of basketball to buy is quite simple once you have a clear idea of what the different kinds available are. You can match this with your style of play and other requirements. There is a vast number of brands that you can choose from and also a big variety of colors and designs when it comes to basketball. You can stick to the regular, old school brown ones or pick something more fancy looking like that of the recent NBA range from  Spalding. You can buy basketballs online on Sports365.

Spalding NBA series

Kinds of basketballs

Leather basketball – The outer surface on these basketballs is 100% genuine leather in most cases. Due to this they tend to be more expensive. They can be used only on indoor surfaces as dirt, and the abrasiveness of the outdoor surface will ruin it quickly. Leather basketballs have to be “broken in” to achieve proper grip and control. This kind of basketball is recommended for recreational play.

Composite/ Synthetic leather basketball – When compared to leather basketballs, composite basketballs are more durable. They do not have to be broken in are can maintain itself better during a game. This kind is also not as expensive as leather basketballs, and another advantage is that it can be used both indoors as well as outdoors.

Rubber basketballs – These are the most durable kind, and are ideal for the wear and tear seen on outdoor basketball. They can be used on indoor courts as well. Rubber basketballs are the least expensive of the lot.

A couple of other things that you should know about basketballs:

Channeling – There are two kinds of channeling – narrow and wide. Wide channeling is much better because it gives the player more control and grip.

Bladder of the basketball – The bladder of is the part which retains air. Butyl bladders have lower levels of air leakage in comparison to the latex bladders, and therefore are best suited for outdoor/ hard surfaces. For those who might play on a grassy surface basketballs that have a latex bladder.

Buy basketballs Shoes and Basketball accessories online.

Cycling has been gaining popularity in the last couple of years, not only as a hobby but also as a means to commute to and from work. If you plan to join this bandwagon of cyclists, there are some essential cycling accessories that you just cannot do without. They not only ensure your safety but also make for a more comfortable and smooth cycling experience.

Safety accessories

Helmet – The standard accessory that every cyclist must have is a helmet. When buying a helmet, your first consideration should be how it fits rather than the style of the helmet. A good helmet should fit correctly without any gap between it and your head. Different cycling style require different kinds of helmets, such as sport or multi-use helmets which are used by those who choose cycling as a for f recreation. The second type is a road bike helmet which is designed to provide ample ventilation and is also lightweight. Lastly, the mountain bike helmet is made with an enhanced rear head coverage and secure fit to ensure that it stays on no matter the terrain.

Lights – This cycling accessory is a must have if you cycle at night. Front and rear lights must mainly to make you visible to others on the road, rather than to illuminate the way. Brands like Btwin make these kinds of lights. If you do not want to fix lights, an alternative is reflectors.

Locks – Having spent a fair amount on your bike you wouldn’t want it to get stolen. You can prevent this by buying a sturdy lock for it. You can either get a combination lock or a regular lock which can be opened with a key. Both these kinds of locks are made by Btwin.

Safety Gear, Cycling, Golf and Outdoor, Buy, Btwin, Btwin SPORT HELMET 7 RACING , 17 VENTS , 270 g in size M without a visor,  Interior: Polystyrene (EPS), Cover: Polycarbonate (PC), Foam: Polyurethane, Straps: Nylon, PVC, ABS. , Cleaning water with a sponge and mild soap , foam for comfort and hull 4 + caneaux internal breakdowns. , Do not use for motor sports. , molding in one piece for added strength.

Btwin Cycling Helmet

2. Bike maintenance accessories

Bike pumps – These days bike pumps are quite user friendly. However, before purchasing one ensure that it is compatible with the valve of your cycle tyres. Be aware of the correct tyre pressure for your cycle before filling air.

Repair kits – A repair kit a very important cycling accessory. There are small kits that will fit in the saddle bag of you cycle, and there are bigger ones with more tools which you can keep at home for more crucial repairs. Btwin has a variety of such repair kits which can be found on our online store.

Btwin 04L Saddle Bag Repair Kit

Btwin repair kit.

3. Other accessories

Mudguards – Fitting mudguards to your bike is a wise idea as it will prevent water and mud from sticking on the tyres. Most mudguards are easy to install, they can be clipped on to the tyres of the cycle.

Water bottle holder – If you are going to be cycling for a long duration, it is always good to stay hydrated. Carry sufficient water with you. By clipping on a water bottle holder to the frame of your bike, it will be easily accessible and you can also make sure that it doesn’t come off while cycling.

August 29th is celebrated as National Sports Day to commemorate Dhyan Chand , one of India’s erstwhile hockey players. This Indian hockey legend redefined the sport for the country with his outstanding talent, and brilliant achievements. The aim of National Sports Day is to spread awareness about sports to every corner of the country and also enlighten people on the various opportunities in terms of international competitions and so on.

Celebrate National Sports Day!

National Sports Day is celebrated with various events such as walkathons, friendly hockey matches and for also football tournaments will also be hosted across the country. On Tuesday FICCI made it official that Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary would be celebrated as National Sports Day. There’s a whole lot of sporting fun happening in India today, if you are a sports fanatic be a part of it! These sporting events are being hosted with the help of other sports bodies like Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Authority of India, All India Council of Physical Education, Association of Indian Universities and Asian Football Development Project.

Sports365 also has an exciting offer to commemorate this day, avail additional 15% off on all products on the online store for the next three days! Have you been waiting to buy some sports and fitness products? Well, now is the time to do it. All you have to do is use this coupon code: S365NSD. We have a huge assortment of sports and fitness equipment for every sports enthusiast. From over 100 and international and local brands, you will be spoiled for choice.

The world typically does not associate India as a nation to sports naturally. While India may be one of the super powers in Cricket and Hockey (in past), there isn’t much to talk about in other sporting disciplines. And, hence this notion!

Dhyan Chand is one the all time greatest hockey players and it was not for nothing that he was nick named ‘The Wizard’. He mesmerized the world during his playing days with his superb ball control and goal scoring ability. Not surprisingly, Indian hockey was at its pinnacle during the times when Dhyan Chand was at helm. It is unfortunate that Indian hockey is no more a super power in current times.

The recent success and popularity of non cricketing sports like Badminton, Tennis, Wrestling, Archery and a few more is an encouraging sign. Today, we see lot more kids and young players getting seriously involved in these sports as well. Sporting properties like IPL, IBL, I-League have also successfully positioned sports as not just recreation but also as lucrative career option.

Understandably, the time when India will shine in Olympics and other multi-national multi-sports events is a little far away. But, we are at least taking the steps in the right direction!

Let us join together and celebrate National Sports Day like any other significant day for the nation and truly transform India into a sporting nation.

Sports365.in offers the widest range of sporting gear online at the most affordable prices and it is the first online sports store offering branded badminton rackets, tennis rackets, Cricket bats and other sports goods at great discount prices.

At Sports365.in, we are celebrating this important day through a series of offers and contests around sports. We are running an additional 15% discount on the entire online store for people to buy their sports goods and accessories at the best prices; the offer will run on 29, 30 and 31 August. Visit sports365 website to know more about this offer.

Like a number of other sports cycling is one such activity which is equipment-centric. If you are considering serious mountain biking or participating in marathons a lot of small but significant aspects come into play to enhance your cycling ability. One such requirement is cycling apparel, the main purpose of this is comfort, such as padding in the right places, tight fitting and flexible material. Cycling apparel is designed keeping in mind factor like reducing air resistance while riding and allowing free movement to produce maximum efficiency.

When we talk about cycling apparel the two main things which come to mind are cycling shorts and cycling jerseys.

Cycling shorts – Initially you might find these cycling shorts a little uncomfortable but once you get used to them you’ll find that you cannot do without them. They are made with padding such that you do not feel sore even after sitting on your bike for long stretches. In addition to this they enable uninterrupted motion of your legs while pedaling which increases efficiency. This is possible because the material of the shorts is extremely flexible.  Btwin has many variations of cycling shorts which you can choose from, shop for these shorts here.

Btwin Short 5 Road

Cycling jerseys – Once you start using a bike jersey while cycling you’ll immediately notice how much better it is in comparison to any other regular t-shirt you might wear. The first advantage is that most biking jerseys have a front zipper, this comes in handy when you need to adjust ventilation needs with changing temperatures. Like cycling shorts the material is flexible and fitting so it does not flap with the wind, and goes along with the motion of your body. Cycling jerseys are designed to complement the hunched position that you maintain while cycling. To shop for cycling jerseys click here.

Btwin Jersey 7 Whitered

Cycling jackets – When weather conditions are harsh you will not be able to manage without a cycling jacket. They are designed to increase the cyclist’s efficiency as well as protect from the rain and keep the cyclist warm. Cycling jackets are made with very good seam placement which ensures that no water seeps in through it.  They are also made with high performance fabric to enhance performance. The cut and style of cycling jackets is impeccable, they vary from lightweight jackets to slightly more heavy ones.

Buying tennis balls can be fairly straight forward, but like all sports products there are more choices than you might think. Here is a brief article about the different kinds of tennis balls and what surface they are best suited for.

Firstly, every brand produces tennis balls for three categories or level of play: professional, championship, and recreational level. The professional level tennis balls are those used in the highest ranked tournaments, and are of the best quality. The durability and performance of these kinds of tennis balls will be the best that the brand has to offer. The championship level ones are next in line, and serve the purpose for smaller league matches. Both these kinds are available in extra duty, heavy duty and high altitude variations. In a nutshell, they can be used be used on hard court as well as indoor and clay courts.   Lastly, the recreational level tennis balls are used by academies for practice sessions and the like.

Super saver offer Buy tennis balls online at Sports365 and avail the super saver offer! You can choose from the best brands like Babolat, Wilson and Head. The discount gets better the more the quantity.

Babolat

Get up to 26% off on Babolat tennis balls. The Babolat French Open tennis balls are high grade and regular duty felt balls which can be used on all types of playing surfaces. Babolat Gold tennis balls are some of the best Babolat tennis balls available online. They are ideal for tournament as well as club level play.

Balls, Babolat, Super Saver - Babolat Gold Tennis Ball

Super Saver – Babolat Gold Tennis Ball

Wilson

Wilson has a good variety of tennis balls online like the Wilson US Open, Wilson Australian Open and Wilson Championship tennis balls. Buy Wilson tennis balls online and avail up to 20% off. The Wilson Championship is the traditional performance standard, featuring exclusive Dura weave felt. While the other two are designed specifically for the respective tournaments

Head

The Head Championship tennis balls are pressurized tennis balls known to deliver all round performance and are very durable, and are suitable for usage for all surfaces. Purchase them online and get 20% off!