The Sports Archives – How To Approach Your First Marathon

Posted on May 10, 2013 by thesportsarchives

London Marathon at Victoria EmbankmentMarathons are about so much more than completing 26.2 miles. Within this kind of momentous occasion there are stories of triumph, heartbreak, personal anguish and the most incredible fulfillment when the finish line comes into the equation.

The most common way to take on a marathon is by running but it is a very inclusive event with all the charitable causes attached to it and so many participants decide to take part by walking some or the majority of the distance.

There have been a huge amount of people who have watched the achievements of marathon runners either in person or on the television and been inspired enough to want to do it themselves. In a lot of cases, this has actually been a big part of an individual turning their whole life around. Making the preparations for a marathon can result in bringing an immense level of new focus and organisation into your life, so if you were looking for something to spark change for the better, then this could be the answer.

A committed approach to training

Signing up for a marathon is a big step to take and you are likely to have those nerves when you do. In truth, the hard work should ether begin or go up a notch after you have put your name down. Training for a marathon takes a very specific approach and bundles of commitment to make it a success. You can train alone and run purely on your own individual focus and endeavour, or you can bring other people into it. You may want to try to get a friend to sign up with you so you know you will have someone with you every step of the way. Building your training up steadily is advised and this includes mixing a fast-paced run, a longer one, and one that is considerably easier.

Be strict with your rest

All runners have to deal with the effects of injuries. Sometimes this can be a minor strain that curtails your progress for only a few days or it may be an issue that severely hampers you over time. Warming up and warming down sufficiently is a crucial part of marathon training and as much as you have to be dedicated to your training it is just as vital to be firm with yourself and set aside time to rest.

Condition your diet

If you look hard enough you can probably find information out there that will contradict every piece of dietary advice you have ever seen, so it can be very difficult knowing which sources to follow. The food you eat should have plenty of energy in it and carbohydrates are essential for your running.

Keep it consistent

In the final days before the marathon it could have a bad effect if you make any alterations to your routine. Make sure that you are comfortable with the training you have done and take this into the race. It is also not advisable to introduce any new running trainers or other clothing at this point.

Claire Hinchcliffe had always wanted to run a marathon and with the motivation of her personal trainer from notinthegym.com she made it happen.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Related Blogs:
Tips On How To Plan For A Successful Marathon!
How To Train For A Full Marathon

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The Sports Archives – Jason Dufner: History As A Golfer!

Posted on May 9, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Jason Dufner

Jason Dufner found his love for golf at the young age of 14 when he moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It soon became a major part of his life as he practiced his skills and played for St. Thomas Aquinas High School. When he reached college age, he decided to attend Auburn University. He was a walk-on for the university’s golf team, and he experienced a good amount of success. In 1997, he was an Honorable Mention All-American. He also had three wins during this time.

Post College Career

Since his college days, Dufner has gone on to further his golf career. He now plays on the PGA Tour. He was also a member of the Nationwide Tour for five years and hopes, in the near future, to become a member of the European Tour. During his time on the Nationwide Tour, Dufner won the BUY.COM Wichita Open in 2001 and the LaSalle Bank Open in 2006. As a member from 2001 to 2006, it was a good way to enter and exit his membership with the tour. He qualified to be a member of the PGA Tour after finishing in eighth place on the Nationwide Tour money list in 2006.

Success and Failure

Jason DufnerIt has not always been smooth sailing for Dufner. In his early professional career, he struggled to keep his spot on the PGA Tour. After playing in 2007, he found himself on conditional status for the year of 2008. This was due to his performance in a few championships. In the FedEx Cup, he finished at 127th. In addition, Dufner did not qualify at the PGA Tour Q-School, finishing T149.

But Dufner made a comeback, finishing T11 to then earn his PGA card for 2009 and has remained a member since that time. He was a runner-up in the 2011 PGA Tour against Keegan Bradley, which would lead to greater success in the next year. And after the 2011 Tour, Dufner has won two PGA Tours, both in 2012. These included the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he beat out Ernie Els, and the HP Byron Nelson Championship, where he beat Dicky Pride. His victory over Els came on the second hole of a sudden death playoff. Because of this win, Dufner became numbered among the world’s top 20 golfers. A mere three weeks later, he secured his second victory against Pride. This success bumped Dufner up in the rankings even further, placing him in 8th place in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Growing Fame

In 2012, Dufner also qualified for his first Ryder Cup. This is due to his 2-up win over Peter Hanson in the singles competition.

Dufner has already played a number of games in 2013. Fans can find this year’s Tournament Log at http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/players/4269/log He will be playing at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at the end of April, and with any luck, it will go as well for him as it did in 2012. A win of these sorts wouldn’t be surprising, as Dufner has shown determination and improvement during his time as a professional golfer. One thing seems pretty clear: Dufner is “here to stay” and ready to secure further wins and successes in the future.

About the Author: Phil Oscarson is an avid golfer, and golf analyst. If you’re looking for a great place to golf, deals on golf courses, etc. try AmericanGolf.com as a great source to find what you’re looking for.

Photo Credits: Jason Dufner Facebook Page

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Rory McIlroy: History As A Golfer!
Tiger Woods: History As A Golfer!

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The Sports Archives – 2013 Corvette Racing Season!

Posted on May 8, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Corvette C6.R from 2010In the last half decade, the Corvette has reclaimed much of the racing glory that the earliest C1 and C2 models claimed in the ’50’s and ’60’s. With the 2013 racing season officially upon us, what can we expect from the Corvette this year?

The First Race

The American Le Mans Series GT class season began on Saturday, March 16 at Sebring International Raceway and the winner was Tommy Milner, the driver of Corvette Racing’s customized Corvette C6.R. Despite a handful of issues, including an electrical problem and a couple of very big penalties throughout the race, Milner took the lead with just fifteen minutes left and held it until the end.

Milner’s Corvette was not the only one in the race, of course. Antonio Garcia, Jan Magnussen and Jordan Taylor drove the No. 3 GT Compuware Corvette, but it had to retire with three hours left in the race due to gearbox issues.

The Rest of the Year

Corvette Racing won the ALMS Manufacturer’s and Team Championships in 2012, landing the 78th total victory in a race and practically dominating the field with a car that has become increasingly synonymous with excellence in AMLS events. So how will they fare in the rest of 2013? It looks good right now, though it is still very early in the year.

As the last year of IMSA’s series in the United States, AMLS will merge with Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series next year, bringing in a range of new challenges for Corvette Racing. This year, however, the No. 3 Corvette will race in nine more events, including:

  • AMLS at Long Beach – April 20
  • AMLS Monterey – May 11
  • AMLS Northeast Grand Prix – July 6
  • Grand Prix of Mosport – July 21
  • Road Race Showcase – August 11
  • Grand Prix of Baltimore – August 31
  • Austin Texas – September 21
  • ALMS at VIR – October 5
  • Petit Le Mans – October 19

At the end of it all, we’ll see how well Corvette Racing performs and whether they can go out on top in the final year of this long running series – a year in which the C7 will first see the light of day.

This year is looking like it will be another banner year for Corvette Racing, a team that has burst onto the scene as a global power, winning race after race. With the C7 on its way to retail markets later this year and the inevitable revamp of that machine for racing in the near future, this is a year to watch and see what the team can do with the last versions of the C6.

Featured images:

Bradley White writes on behalf of Volunteer Vette, a Tennessee-based online retailer or Corvette parts and accessories.

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The World’s Most Inspirational Racing Drivers!
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The Sports Archives – Rory McIlroy: History As A Golfer!

Posted on May 7, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Claiming he hit his first golf ball when he was two years old, Rory McIlroy has surprised PGA fans everywhere. In 2005, he won the West Ireland Championship and the Irish Close Championships. He was the youngest competitor ever to win these championships. Now at the age of 23, McIlroy shows his ability and skill in golf, having set the record of being the youngest player to reach ten million dollars in career earnings with the PGA Tour. His success has drawn the attention of Nike, which has offered a ten-year sponsorship deal worth a staggering $250 million.

McIlroy’s success might be from his determination to be an athlete. On his official website, www.rorymcilroy.com, he states:

“I take my physical fitness and well-being very seriously. I believe that being in good physical shape helps me to be a better player. I can drive the ball further, my energy and concentration levels are improved and I feel like I have an extra edge when the pressure is on. A healthy body equals a healthy mind.”

Rory McIlroy 2012 U.S. OpenMcIlroy’s athleticism is evident with his win in 2011 at the U.S. Open. He set a record score of 16-under-par. He then went on to win the Honda Classic, PGA Championship, Deutsche Bank Championship, and BMW Championship. McIlroy has beaten well-known, historical players such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

McIlroy started his career in his teens playing in England. He is from Northern Ireland and quickly rose to the top of amateur golfers in Europe. After five amateur championship wins, McIlroy joined the European PGA in 2007. His professional career started off with a few top-ten placements and then led to professional wins in the European Tour and eventually the U.S. PGA Tour. Recently, McIlroy won the 2012 PGA Championship by beating a previous record set by Jack Nicklaus in 1980. Nicklaus set a record of seven strokes, and McIlroy set the new record of eight strokes.

Even though McIlroy has seen much success, he has had some hard times in recent years. He has struggled to stay on the fairway. During the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, he was in the rough over 50 percent of the time. This was mainly due to his starting drive. To improve his drive, he said “I will work on still the same things that I was working on…a little bit of posture, trying to get the club in the right position on the way back.” According to Edward Jnaro, a sports blogger,  McIlroy struggled with his performance on the tee, but “he was outstanding on the course with his shots and his putting technique.”

In 2013, McIlroy started the year with high goals and high spirits. But so far this year, he has struggled to make any impacts in a tournament or championship. Www.bbc.co.uk reported on McIlroy’s 25th place in the Masters 2013. About his game that Sunday, McIlroy said “I didn’t feel that I played all that differently to what I did on Saturday, yet my score was ten shots lower. It was a nice round to finish.” Even though McIlroy hit a few birdies, he also made some large mistakes on Sunday on the fourth hole with a bogey. McIlroy said “ A few mistakes around this course and you can pay a heavy penalty.”

Even with his setbacks, McIlroy has played some amazing games. Many PGA fans are hoping McIlroy will return to his previous performance levels. Hopefully a boost in confidence and a few more victories will show up for McIlroy in the future.

About the Author: Phil Oscarson is an avid golfer, and golf analyst. If you’re looking for a great place to golf, deals on golf courses, etc. try AmericanGolf.com as a great source to find what you’re looking for.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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The History Of Golf In America!

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The Sports Archives – The Super Bowl Lighting Disaster: What Went Wrong?

Posted on May 6, 2013 by thesportsarchives

2013 Super Bowl XLVII Blackout

Even if you know nothing about football, have never watched one single game and don’t know the shape of the ball they use, you most likely know at least one thing about the 2013 Super Bowl, the lights went out.

Of course, the story has been hashed and rehashed in every major news venue from coast to coast and the cause and effects have been analyzed.  So let’s take a look at what caused this roaring sports arena to turn into the epitome of a sci-fi thriller film.

Was the Problem Machine Misuse or Malfunction?

The blame game is being played across the board. However, simply placing the blame on something or someone doesn’t necessarily prove guilt.  According to Entergy officials (the electrical company used in the Super Bowl) the switchgear, which acts kind of like a series of circuit-breakers was the cause of the outage.

They say that the outage was triggered by an abnormality in the electrical load causing the switchboard system to malfunction and cut the power.

This is only one side of the story though. The manufacturers of the circuit-boards aren’t going to just sit around and take the blame.

Instead they are throwing the blame straight back at the Electrical company saying that they were operating the equipment incorrectly at the time of the blackout.

The Upgrades

The Mercedes-Benz Superdome ironically had just completed a nearly four and a half million dollar upgrade to the electrical system just prior to the Super Bowl.  This upgrade was primarily to install the switchgear which supposedly caused the loss of power.

This system was installed as a precaution to prevent an outage similar to the San Francisco 49ers power outage of 2011 from occurring again, during the biggest game of the season.

This switchboard system actually worked exactly as designed according to manufacturers.  It detected an abnormality in the electrical load system and opened a breaker, which cut power to part of the Superdome in order to properly take care of the issue.

Effects of a Massive Outage

A power outage in the middle of the biggest sporting event of the year is a pretty big deal no matter what way you cut it.  However, it may have been the biggest turning point of the game.

The outage allowed the football franchises to have an extended time out, which rejuvenated the fans, coaches, players, and even advertisers, especially as the 49ers started their big comeback.  Unfortunately the comeback wasn’t enough and the 49ers fell to the Baltimore Ravens.

The 49ers weren’t the only ones that suffered either.  The electrical company, and even the manufacturers of the switchboard will most likely have to answer for this “accident” for years to come.

By Heidi Rothert

Heidi Rothert writes for a lighting and electrician, Layton, UT company that won’t let you down.  She also writes for the beauty, HVAC, plumbing and construction industries to improve their online image.

Photo Credit:  http://news.discovery.com/tech/gear-and-gadgets/super-bowl-blackout-scores-social-media-touchdown-130204.htm

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The Sports Archives – Easy Steps To Help Choose The Right Pool Table

Posted on May 4, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Ford Mustang Pool Table

Movies like the Hustler and the Color of Money weren’t only great films, but they also did wonders for the sport of pool. As a direct result of seeing one or both of these movies, many people opted to try their hand at the game of pool. For most people this would involve a trip to their local snooker hall.  However, a growing number of people have decided that they need to have their own table at home to be able to play to their heart’s content.

If you are one of these budding pool players, with an inkling of one day going out and buying your own table,then this blog post is for you. Here we will take a closer look at some of the key considerations when choosing a pool table.

English or American

There are two types of pool, with the main difference being the size of the equipment that is used. English pool is played on tables that are either 6 or 7 feet with balls that measure 2 inches in diameter. In most cases the sets are made up of red and yellow balls, plus a black of course. If you are looking to get serious at English pool there are many leagues around the country. The English Pool Association’s (EPA) standard table size is the 7 foot variety.

Contrasting to this is the American version of the game which is played out on larger tables. These tend to be between 7 and 8 feet; however, they can be as large as 9 feet in length. The ball size is larger here with the striped sets measuring 2.25 inches in diameter.

Most of the pool that is seen on television features the American tables. It is widely thought that the English game was developed for the pubs around the country, hence the reason why the tables are a little smaller.

Available Space

Once you have decided which game style you would like to play the next consideration should really be connected to how much space you have. Not allowing sufficient space around the table for players to take their shots is one sure-fire way of taking the fun out of playing your pool table.

The best way to allow adequate space is to simply add 10 feet to the table dimensions. This will allow for shots to be played in full without the need of adopting miniature cues or hideous angles being played. Put simply, if you are thinking of a 7 foot table then you will need to allow for a length of 17 feet and a width of 13 feet 6 inches. Anything less than this will make some shots uncomfortable to play.

Table Bed

Like most things, some pool tables are more expensive than others. Often people are attracted to the very cheap tables but sadly these don’t tend to last too well. It is not uncommon for these cheaper tables to be made from MDF (medium-density fibreboard) or similar material. If you are serious about your pool and want to get a table that will last then you really should go for one of the slate pool tables.

Accepting that these slate pool tables are a little more expensive initially; however, overtime they nearly always pay for themselves. They wear much better and provide a much more realistic feel with the balls rolling truer than the cheaper MDF  tables.

One word of caution if you do go for one of the slate bed tables; by definition they are quite heavy. As a result of this you won’t want to be moving it around. This makes finding the correct location for it even more important.

Lucas Conner is a blogger who believes that no pool enthusiast’s home is complete without its very own pool table. He suggests buying slate pool tables as they play better and last much longer than their cheaper counterparts.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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The Sports Archives – The Ultimate Guide To Cycling Survival

Posted on May 2, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Cyclist

Image by TimothyJ

So you’ve finally decided to swap four wheels for two by setting out to work for the first time on your bicycle. But before you take the commuting plunge, you’ll want to check out these top tips to help you survive on those mean bus-filled streets.

Bike Choice

If you already have a bike check that it is in good working order – don’t leave it till Monday morning to find out it’s falling apart or not roadworthy. If you want to buy a new bicycle there is no right or wrong choice – it’s entirely up to you. Look around and get a feel for the jargon and the different prices for different bikes online and in the high street. Ultimately buy a bike that’s going to be comfortable for you to ride and, once you’re used to it, start to look around as your experience will give you a better idea for a smoother experience. Speak to fellow cyclists as well.

Riding And Safety

Keep calm. Do not get stressed about what other people are doing in cars or around you. Better to take extra time and be slow and steady then race like you’re going for the Yellow Jersey in the Tour de France and end up in an accident.

Don’t worry about holding up traffic or feeling self-conscious. You have as much right to the road as anyone. Set yourself up well when stopping at traffic lights and always make yourself visible, use clear hand signals on corners.

Go clip-less if you expect to be stopping and starting a lot and wear sensible shoes with good grip. Also do not bother filtering in and out of traffic – this is more hassle than it’s worth and your blood pressure will thank you later.

Accessories

Don’t try and look cool – you will be the most vulnerable person on the road. Make sure you have a high visibility, especially if you’re riding in dark a light front and back as well. Always wear a helmet and remember to stay safe. There’s a wide range of accessories available to you, so you’ll need to work out which is best for you and your bike. Get used to the basics first before splashing out the cash on a full professional cycling kit.

Routes

If you’re venturing out into uncharted territory, plan your route. You have the freedom to get where cars can’t but you will save yourself a lot of aggravation if you know where you are going. Maybe even take the time to practice your route before it gets busy in traffic. This will but down on your stress levels and help you keep an eye on the hazards at hand rather than wondering which turn you should be taking.

So be prepared , practice and enjoy plenty of safe cycling journeys (and all the money you will save!).

Have you got any other useful cycling survival advice? Share them in the comments below.

Featured images:

Michael Muttiah is a professional writer and fitness nut. When not chasing deadlines he loves circuit training and writing for All Terrain Cycles.

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The Sports Archives – The World’s Most Inspirational Racing Drivers!

Posted on May 1, 2013 by thesportsarchives

The 5 Most Inspirational Racing Drivers

Professional race car drivers inspire awe in most people as they whip around the track at speeds that would make most people lose their minds. It is not a sport for the faint hearted. There are, however, several professional drivers who have inspired fans on a special level with their accomplishments over the years in unique ways. Here are five of the most inspirational race car drivers.

Alessandro “Alex” Zanardi

Alex ZanardiAs an Italian race car driver, Zanardi had a respectable career with two CART championship titles in the late 1990s. He also participated as a Formula One driver. However in 2001 he suffered a horrific crash that resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. Less than two years after the accident, he returned to racing and competed in the FIA World Touring Car Championship. Even more famously, he switched sports and went into handbiking, which is a type of cycling for the Paralympics. In this sport he won gold and silver medals at the 2012 London Paralympics. He is a wonderful example of perseverance in spite of adversity.

Ayrton Senna da Silva

Ayrton Senna da SilvaSadly, Senna was the last driver fatality in Formula One when he was killed in an accident during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, but his legend lives on and continues to inspire many, especially in his native Brazil. Senna made his Formula One debut in 1984, and he won three Formula One world championships during his career. He is popularly considered one of the greatest Formula One drivers in the history of the sport. He also was victorious during the Monaco Grand Prix six times, which continues to be a record. The sheer number of his accomplishments is extraordinary and warrants him mention.

Michael Schumacher

Michael SchumacherThis German race car driver is also popularly regarded as one of the best drivers in Formula One history and statistically is one of the best the entire sport has ever known. He holds numerous records including the most number of championships, points scored, victories within a single season, fastest laps, race victories, and more. In 2002 he gained notoriety for finishing in the top three in every race of the season (and thus gaining the most consecutive podium finishes), the only driver in Formula One history to have done so. He is also known for his involvement with various charities and donations millions of dollars. He is another example of what can be accomplished with the incredible intersection of talent and hard work.

Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick 2009 Indy 500 Pole DayOne of the most famous names in racing, even among people who do not follow the sport, Patrick has carved a name for herself as the most successful woman in the sport. She is the only woman to have ever won a race in the IndyCar series, and placed third at the Indianapolis 500, which was the highest finish by a woman. She won a NASCAR Spring Cup Series pole as well, the first female NASCAR driver to have done so. She has also been the fastest pole qualifier to successfully qualify for the Daytona 500 since 1990. She is inspirational because of her ability to overcome stereotypes and compete on a level that previously no woman had successfully achieved.

Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton

Lewis HamiltonThis British Formula One driver was the youngest to ever sign a contract that resulted in a Formula One drive in 2007. He is also considered the first black driver in the Formula One series, and was the first black driver to win any major race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He is the holder of numerous records, and finished second in the 2007 Formula One Championship, but went on to win the World Championship the next year. He accomplishments at such a young age as well as being a trailblazer in the sport for people of different ethnic backgrounds are two great reasons to be inspired by this young Brit.

Each sport produces athletes and competitors which offer fans and the rest of the population someone to admire. They overcome adversity, achieve amazing goals, and persevere even when the cards seem stacked against them. Race car driving is no different. These five competitors have inspired many who follow the sport of racing around the world.

This article was supplied by www.design911.co.uk, specialists in Porsche parts and accessories.

Photo Credits: Wikipedia, Fotopedia

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The Sports Archives – 10 Most Lucrative Sports Shirt Sponsorship Deals Of All Time!

Posted on April 30, 2013 by thesportsarchives

These are the top ten most lucrative shirt sponsorship deals associated with sports teams:

1. Manchester United – £45 million a year (Chevrolet)

Money Soccer BallManchester United top this list with a shirt sponsorship deal that will take effect in 2014/2015. This deal was agreed with Chevrolet in the summer of 2012, and will benefit United to the tune of 45 million pounds a year. This deal dwarves their previous shirt sponsorship deal with AON.

While this deal should be a success for both parties, there is controversy attached to it. The man at Chevrolet who agreed the contract with Manchester United lost his job a week later.

2. Barcelona – £25 million a year (Qatar Foundation)

After spending years avoiding shirt sponsorship deals, Barcelona finally realized that they needed the money. A whopping 25 million pounds a year deal was agreed with the Qatar Foundation in 2011. This deal will help the Catalan club cement their place at the pinnacle of world soccer.

3. Bayern Munich – £23.6 million a year (Turk Telecom)

Bayern are one of Europe’s most successful and revered teams. In 2011, they agreed a shirt sponsorship deal that fit with that image. Their deal may only be third on this list, but it is immense compared to sponsorship deals for other German teams.

4. Manchester United – £20m-a-year (Aon)

This is the English side’s second appearance on this list. After AIG collapsed during the financial meltdown in the United States, Manchester United were left to look for a new sponsor. Their search did not take long, as another American insurance mogul stepped up to the plate. Aon agreed a mammoth deal with the Red Devils that should run until the end of the 2013/2014 season.

5. Liverpool – £20 million a year (Standard Chartered)

Liverpool might not be the force that they once were, but their commercial success has not dwindled in the past 20 years. They are one of the most popular teams in the world, particularly in Asia. Standard Chartered looked to take advantage of this popularity when a 20 million a year deal was agreed with the Merseyside giants. Ironically, Standard Chartered owned Liverpool for close to a year, before selling the club to the Fenway Sports Group in Boston.

6. Manchester City – £20m-a-year (Etihad Airways)

Manchester City have gone from relegation regulars to the cream of the crop in the past five years. Their sponsorship deal with Etihad Airways is part of a wider package, which includes the naming rights for the “City of Manchester Stadium”.

7. Sunderland – £20m-a-year (Invest in Africa)

Sunderland are a surprise entry to this list. The team is well supported in England, but they do not have a huge worldwide following. No doubt, their American owner played a part in securing this sponsorship deal.

8. Real Madrid – £16.8 million a year (Bwin)

As the biggest soccer team in the world, it is a slight surprise to find Real Madrid so far down on this list. It would not be a surprise if they agree a mammoth deal with a new company in the future.

9. Chelsea – £13.8 million a year (Samsung)

Chelsea have been associated with the iconic electronics company for a number of years.

10. AC Milan – £10 million a year (Emirates)

The financial pull of Italian clubs is not what it once was, but AC Milan still managed to pull off an impressive sponsorship deal with Emirates.

Sponsored JerseyWritten by Mark Colman who specialises in writing about the business of sport and global sponsorship deals for the likes of AON.

Photo Credit:  http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/research-projects/mediamarketsfootball-in-contemporary-europe/the-money/

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The Sports Archives – Tracing The Origins Of The Modern Rugby Boot!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by thesportsarchives

Rugby BootWhen it comes to footwear, the kaleidoscopic range of colours and myriad of shapes that are available to Rugby players today means that you’d be forgiven for thinking that a typical game is as much of a fashion show as a sporting event.

While it may be true that modern manufacturers are catering to the scrum-loving fashionistas out there, they are also spending a lot of time and money to develop ever more advanced performance footwear that is carefully designed to improve a player’s level of comfort and stability, reduce injuries and even gather and provide performance data via handy built-in electronic devices.

Whilst nobody can deny that modern rugby boots are some pretty fancy bits of kit, you can get a really good picture of how much things have advanced by tracing the development of this highly specialised variety of sports footwear.

The Early Days

Rugby football evolved from a tradition going back hundreds of years.  The game as it was back then was a much more violent affair, where laws had to be written to specifically prevent players from attaching metallic components to their footwear in order to make their ‘hacking’ inflict maximal damage.

Aside from the rules that were written to protect players from vicious shin attacks, there were no real guidelines as to what players could and couldn’t wear on their feet and as such, early competitors would wear whatever they felt most comfortable in.

The Emergence of Specialist Rugby Footwear

As the sport of Rugby evolved, so too did the equipment which players would wear to improve their game.  The first specialist boots were fitted with bars or studs to provide greater traction and increased stability in all weathers, but these features, combined with the heavy weight of the boots, made them cumbersome by today’s standards.

Over the years, one of the top priorities of sportswear manufacturers was to make their products more lightweight, without sacrificing on support;  something that was easier said than done without today’s high-tech materials.

By the latter half of the 20th Century, leather studs would soon be replaced by increasingly lighter, stronger screw-in units fashioned from steel and exotic alloys, heavy leather uppers and the traditional ‘boot’ shape were rendered obsolete by lightweight synthetics and a style which was fine-tuned to the modern game.

Today’s rugby boots are filled with technology, along with lighter weight materials and improved ergonomics, each manufacturer strives to produce the ‘ultimate’ boot for today’s discerning players.   As such, one can only wonder what rugby players of the future will be wearing on their feet!

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The author of this post frequently writes about everything sportswear-related, from the development of rugby boots to advances in compression gear.

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