Staying consistently motivated is…unrealistic. Motivation is a fairly fickle feeling, and yet, most people who know me would call me an extremely motivated person. Every now and then, motivation pays a visit. Sometimes it's a short visit, and other times it’s lengthy; it is never consistent. In my opinion, discipline is the real hero.
So, if you’d like to be (or appear to be) motivated, choose discipline! #simplenoteasy
The “how” of being disciplined is the tricky part, largely because our brains are wired so differently and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. My best advice for you, if you’re struggling to “stay motivated” - AKA struggling to have discipline in your training or school or job - is:
-Clearly define your goals
-Clearly understand why you are chasing these goals
-Be intentional with thoughts and reminders that help you focus on one task or one day at a time (small actions over time create big results!!)
-Try some of the strategies listed at the end of this blog post to discover what clicks for your specific personality
By remaining committed to a goal, being intentional with thoughts and behaviours (which both directly influence our feelings), and gaining a deeper understanding of how our individual brain is wired, we can set ourselves up for success.
My motto for life is ADAPT AND THRIVE. It helps me through tough moments and reminds me that what I do next is my choice.
What you do next is yours.
Stay hungry,
Joey
-Use a physical calendar to plan and track your progress of small tasks and milestones
-Share your goals and plans with a friend or family member and ask if they will check in on your progress once a week
-Place quotes or pictures that remind you of your “why” on your mirror, in your car, on the fridge, in your cabinets, and/or anywhere else you frequent
-Publicly post and track your progress on social media
-Create an accountability group chat of a few friends or family members where each person shares the goal they are working toward followed by the progress they make - provide encouragement for one another as you go
-Place a picture or poster of the end result you’re chasing in your room/ somewhere you’ll see it every day
-Journal for a few minutes each evening about the progress you made that day and/or each morning about the “little win” you’re planning to tackle that day
-Discover ways to add a little fun to your everyday tasks through music, humour, or other passions
-Set a daily reminder in your phone to help add consistency to a certain thought, quote, or idea
Did you know Joey, (current coach of Team Canada), offers coaching, inspiration, and other great advice?
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Sniper Skin, a leading manufacturer of sports accessories, has recently introduced their new line of cricket bat grips. These innovative grips are designed to enhance the performance of cricket players by providing them with a superior grip on their bats. The new cricket bat grips from Sniper Skin offer a range of benefits that can greatly improve a player's game. AND they are so simple to install.
Sniper Skin cricket bat grips are made from high-quality materials that offer excellent durability and comfort. The unique texture of these grips ensures a firm hold on the bat, even in wet or sweaty conditions. This allows players to maintain better control over their shots, resulting in more accurate and powerful hits.
Unlike traditional bat grips, Sniper Skin grips are designed to be easily customizable. Players can choose from a variety of colors and patterns to personalize their bat and make a style statement on the field. Additionally, these grips are easy to install and can be quickly replaced if needed.
Yes, Sniper Skin cricket bat grips are suitable for players of all skill levels. Whether you are a professional cricketer or a beginner, these grips can significantly enhance your performance. The improved grip provided by Sniper Skin grips can help players of all ages and abilities to achieve better control and accuracy in their shots.
Sniper Skin cricket bat grips are available for purchase on the official Sniper Skin website as well as through authorized retailers. It is recommended to buy directly from the official website to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product.
In conclusion, the new cricket bat grips from Sniper Skin are a game-changer for cricket players. With their superior grip, durability, and customizable options, these grips can greatly improve a player's performance on the field. Whether you are a professional cricketer or a casual player, investing in Sniper Skin cricket bat grips is a decision that can take your game to the next level. So why wait? Get your Sniper Skin cricket bat grips today and experience the difference for yourself! Note: This blog post has been written from the perspective of a product expert and aims to provide objective information about Sniper Skin cricket bat grips.
]]>Ice cream scoops bat grips
Want it now - check out the scoops collection here
OR DESIGN YOUR OWN
Go to our Design your own tool - https://sniperskinsports.com/collections/qstomizer
Select your sport
Hit Customize it
Click on the Clipart button – and select the ice cream section
Pick your flavor 😊 - (Add text if interested)
Hit order now to proceed to checkout 😊
Thanks for choosing Sniper Skin.
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For example - the ice cream grip
Want it now - check out the scoops collection here
Go to our Design your own tool - https://sniperskinsports.com/collections/qstomizer
Select your sport
Hit Customize it
Click on the Clipart button – and select the ice cream section
Pick your flavor 😊 - (Add text if interested)
Hit order now to proceed to checkout 😊
Thanks for choosing Sniper Skin.
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Learn the easiest, quickest and coolest way to install a bat grip.
Ever wondered how to avoid wrapping your bat constantly through the season? Tired of fighting with wraps that don't install all that easy? We get it, so we offer something easier, quicker & cool looking. That's personalized. Or Design Your Own. But first, let's learn how. Hint - the key is the temperature of 212F
Requires 1.6 qt (1.5L) kettle of boiling water at temp of 212F (100C) to ensure a great fit. *High altitude areas need a heat gun to reach 212F.
📹Joey Lye
Requires a 1500W heat gun, or capable of 212F temperature
I like wrapping my bat, it's a pre game ritual. Extreme Performance Grip Has You Covered! It's transferable, weather proof, yes water proof, and long lasting performance.
Time to install yours - which method are you choosing?
Ask anyone who has chased dreams, freaking gone for it, or taken risks - I bet most of them have heard “no” multiple times. Sometimes that answer leads you to work harder and go for it again and in other instances, you’re forced to look at an amazing alternative you hadn’t yet considered. Read More.....
]]>So you went for it - congrats - that’s awesome in itself! Too often, we avoid “going for it” because there’s a chance the answer will be “no”.
Ask anyone who has chased dreams, freaking gone for it, or taken risks - I bet most of them have heard “no” multiple times. Sometimes that answer leads you to work harder and go for it again and in other instances, you’re forced to look at an amazing alternative you hadn’t yet considered.
As a graduate of a top-ranked school, all-American, and Olympian, I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have heard “no” or applied for a job and not even had my application acknowledged. Sometimes it’s not meant to be, or maybe it’s just not meant to be, yet.
In 2009, I attended an open tryout for the National Team and, to my delight, received an invite to the final camp. I started really believing I could do it and gained more belief (and hope) with each day that passed. I’d dreamt of being a professional athlete since I joined my first team as a seven year old. I titled my high school autobiography “Future Olympian”. I was one of the final cuts that year. As much as that stung, I also was not going to let my story end there. As I fought back tears while receiving the news, I requested feedback. After feeling sorry for myself for a couple of days, I went to work crafting my off-season training plan with that feedback in mind. I gained access to their lifting and conditioning plans so I could get strategically stronger, faster, and fitter. While coaching at my alma mater, I got to practice early, stayed late, asked to be written into practice for any drill possible, I worked with the sprints coach from the track and field staff. I leveraged every resource I could to create a different fate for myself in 2010.
My story ends with an Olympic medal around my neck and continues while coaching with the National Team and starting my own business. None of this has been easy, none of it guaranteed, and I’m not here to guarantee you that your dreams will all come true if you stick with it. What I am here to share is that challenges are normal, setbacks are common, and resilience is essential. As Pat Riley once said, “hard work doesn’t guarantee anything, but without it you don’t stand a chance”.
Give yourself that chance.
My motto for life is ADAPT AND THRIVE. It helps me in those tough moments and reminds me that what I do next is my choice.
What you do next is yours.
Stay hungry,
Joey
Joey Lye, OLY
joey-lye.com
@joey1ye
Did you know Joey, (current coach of Team Canada), offers coaching, inspiration, and other great advice?
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We had the honour of MLF Pro Christian Greico at our booth during ICAST 2022 Fishing Show in Florida this summer to share some of his fishing expertise with us. Check out what Christian had to say about the importance of getting kids into fishing and how Sniper Skin Grips can help motivate them!
Hey guys, Christian Greico here at the Sniper Skin booth, talking about all the different grip options we have. As you can see right here it comes in all kinds of crazy designs, this is actually a kids design. I’m a big proponent of getting kids into fishing. I started off fishing at the Jr. level, working my way up, went to school thru college and end up making it to the pro circuit. I just want to encourage kids to get into fishing.
A lot of times when kids are younger, they want the colorful rods, different designs. You just need to get them into it. Using these Sniper Skin grips, all these crazy colors, we have some kid specific grips, really any kind of design, pick out their favorite color, things like that, just to get them motivated to get out on the water with you and get them away from the video games and out into nature.
We have all kinds of different colors. You can even put their name on it, their favorite little toy, anything you want to do, it is customizable. We have the standard ones that we offer right here from Sniper Skin. It’s a really cool way to get kids into fishing.
Thanks Christian for joining us at ICAST and talking all things fishing, especially how to get kids interested in this lifetime sport!
Our huge selection of Fishing Rod Grips offers something for everyone, including custom designs!
Shop Sniper Skin Fishing Grips
Please read the title again. Do you notice the words “You” and ”Your”? They stand out to me. Many parents take control of the recruiting process for their student-athlete and, in my opinion, that factor could contribute to the lack of fulfillment some student-athletes experience throughout their collegiate careers. Is it your dream to play collegiately? Coaches want to hear from you, not from your grownups. Read More.....
]]>Here are Three Tips to Help You Take More Control of Your Recruiting Experience
Please read the title again. Do you notice the words “You” and ”Your”? They stand out to me. Many parents take control of the recruiting process for their student-athlete and, in my opinion, that factor could contribute to the lack of fulfillment some student-athletes experience throughout their collegiate careers. Is it your dream to play collegiately? Coaches want to hear from you, not from your grownups. If you don’t want to get recruited badly enough to put the work in that’s needed for you to get noticed, or to build relationships with the programs you’re interested in, chances are the commitment and hard work of being a student-athlete may not be for you. And that’s okay.
So, tip number one, be honest with yourself about what you want as opposed to what others are expecting you to want. If that honesty uncovers a desire to be a collegiate student-athlete, well, let’s get to work!
Unless you are one of the top recruits in the country and coaches are traveling across the country to try to win you over, the reality is the work falls on your shoulders. Persistence is tip number two. Sending a round of emails to coaches at schools of interest and attending a showcase camp sounds like a solid start; don’t stop there! The more time and effort you dedicate to your recruiting process, the more likely it is something will pan out. There are different recruiting rules depending on the governing body (for example, NCAA vs NAIA) and often differences based on division (NCAA DI, DII, and DIII). Some coaches are able to respond to your emails or to meet with you when you visit campus and others are not. If you don’t hear back from a coach it could be because of recruiting regulations. Keep sending the emails. Keep attending the tournaments and camps. Continue to update your youtube channel with highlights and recruiting videos. Continue to put in the work and prove that your future matters to you.
There are hundreds of athletes hoping to participate in signing day and to continue playing their sport after high school, so what can you do to stand out? Tip number three is all about the full picture; put your best foot forward, not just on the field of play but off the field too. How do you respond to a mistake during competition? Do you respect your teammates/coaches/caregivers? Do you support your teammates? Do you give your best effort? Are the behaviours you display ones that a collegiate coach would be proud to have representing their program? Yes, talent is important when coaches are recruiting their athletes. Character, however, will set you apart.
Enjoy learning about yourself, your goals, different schools, and the variety of programs out there throughout the recruiting process! Be honest with yourself, be persistent, and put your best foot forward. You’ll be proud you chose to take control of your recruiting process and avoided leaving yourself with numerous “what ifs” in the end.
Good luck!
Joey
Joey Lye, OLY
joey-lye.com
@joey1ye
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Spending twelve years on the Canadian National Team gave me opportunities for numerous roles and experiences. Every experience challenged me in SOME way and has helped shape me into the person I am today.
Learn more about Joey Lye's experience and the core values for success in her National Team Career in this week's blog by Joey, from Sniper Skin.
]]>Every experience challenged me in SOME way and has helped shape me into the person I am today.
There are two things that I’m EXTREMELY PROUD of when I reflect on my National Team Career and the experiences listed above:
1- I treated my teammates with love and respect no matter which role I was in.
2- I championed the art of being ready when my name was called.
Understanding the value of team and finding value in my role on a daily basis were massive pieces of this.
At the 2021 Olympics, we had just six games. I pinch ran in 3 of them and cherished each of those moments on the field. I started one game; I cherished being on the field with my teammates that day and all three opportunities I had at the dish that day… every pitch I saw that day… and every centering breath I took in my well-oiled-machine of a routine. I cherished it all. How cool to be able to say I hit 1.000 at the Olympics ;)
How can you encourage team members to value the team AND help create an environment in which team members feel valuable to the team?
What do you value that will help you champion your role?
What routines can you create to help you be present, prepared, and able to perform when your name is called?
I hope this provides you with an interesting perspective as you navigate the endless challenges of sport!
All the best to you as you search for value, inspire others to do the same, create a routine, and/or champion your role!
Joey
Kiel Matisz, captain of the Philly Wings has a passion for educating others on the game of lacrosse and is an ideal partner of Sniper Skin. We asked Kiel to share some insights on his team, The Philadelphia Wings.
So straight from the pro, here is what he had to say:
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So straight from the pro, here is what he had to say:
1) The city built our team culture. Pulling traits of overcoming adversity and always building success from looking ahead. We have a resiliently hard working approach.
2) Appreciate and prove it. Being grateful we GET to play the sport we love. Yes, because we’ve earned it, but appreciate that privilege. Prove it - always working towards making a statement in our league and getting better every day.
3) Unity - we are unified by a selfless approach to always celebrate success of teammates and to grow our game in all walks of life.
There you have the captain's top 3 core values on getting to know his team, The Philadelphia Wings. He's definitely a team player and has a hard working approach to unify his team.
Did you know the Philly Wings are running a Trickshot Tuesday contest? Check out their Instagram for more details.
Christian Greico, a rookie with MLF Pro circuit, just won 1st place at the Harris Chain of Lakes, FL. Sniper Skin is super proud to partner with the 23 year old college graduate, who has been fishing since the age of 13, and is a USCG Licensed Captain. We had to ask him, what gear he used to win, so here are the deets from Greico on the setups that got him the big W.
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Kiel Matisz, is an ideal partner of Sniper Skin because of his passion for educating others on the game of lacrosse. We asked Kiel what keeps you motivated in the off season, during trying times like covid, or when things just aren’t going according to plan.
So straight from the pro, here is what he had to say:
1) LEGACY - leaving or finish playing the sport better than I left it. Making this a sport of choice for the next generation.
2) CHAMPIONSHIPS - the chase for success and greatness, championships are the best representation of a great career.
3) MEMORIES - sharing these memories with teammates, friends & family. Only a limited time to build these memories. This is what lasts forever. Being invested in the people you’re with and enjoying every moment together.
What keeps you motivated through the year? Would you add anything to Kiel’s top 3 reasons to keep moving forward in the game? Keep trying, moving forward, and pushing yourself toward your goals.
Stay tuned this season for more tips and tricks from the pros. In the meantime, if you want to share your feedback, tips or stories, drop us a line to info@sniperskin.ca
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Training in the off-season can be daunting - sometimes the season feels so far away and you might wonder why “today” even matters. COVID restrictions can have a similar effect, especially if it’s uncertain if your season will start on time, be canceled during, or happen at all.
Believe me, training for Tokyo was challenging as it was. When The Games were delayed a year, and the media was pushing articles of doubt they would even happen, the challenge grew immensely.
The tiny doubting voice that sat in the back of my brain weighed me down and gave me more reasons NOT to stay the course; I didn’t just stay the course, I crushed the course.
Here’s how:
1- Learn About Yourself
Understanding your limits, what gets you going, and what helps you recharge your batteries can be extremely impactful.
Do you know what puts you in a bad mood, what motivates you, or WHY you are chasing the goals you are chasing? If not, I challenge you to sit in these questions for a moment and write down, or type out, the answers you come up with.
Next, I challenge you to work on your awareness when your mood changes and keep track of what has caused it to change. Gaining a deeper understanding of the things that influence your mood will allow you to set boundaries (limit the activities/situations/etc that bring you down), feel more energized or motivated (by being intentional about surrounding yourself with people/IG feeds/reminders/notes to yourself/etc that positively impact you), and to have a “why” (aka your biggest reasons) to fall back on when times get tough.
Once I figured out how draining it was for me to not tackle my full to-do list during lockdown, I started reducing it significantly (some days my to-do list consisted only of “5 minutes of mindfulness practice”) and I began feeling more accomplished. As a result, my mood improved, I started feeling more motivated, and I ended up tackling more things.
Once you’ve increased your self-awareness, what can you add, remove, or alter in your daily routine that will benefit you?
2- Mix Things Up
Growing up, cross-training was one of the best things for me as an athlete and as a human. Not only was I challenged in new ways, both mentally and physically, but it also gave me a moment to step away from a sport.
Taking a step back from your primary sport during the off-season to do something else active (or taking at least a full day a week OFF during the season) has immense benefits. I played two sports in college and FOUR sports in high school and still managed to find my way to the Olympic podium.
Taking time to breathe, to mentally recharge, and finding ways to stay fit outside of your primary sport will leave you MORE excited to get back to training, MORE excited for the season to start, and MORE likely to make faster gains/improvements. I would be willing to bet you’ll be LESS likely to see burnout, experience overuse injuries, or lack improvement. If you’re finding it tough to push through an off-season, or a lock-down, what other opportunities could you open your eyes to?
Perhaps there is a new activity you can try, a different skill you can focus on, a chronic nagging area you can correct, or mental skills you can sharpen.
Some of the things I did during the Olympic delay were: Took time off from softball training, added specific-to-me rehab exercises to my daily routine, worked on my visualization skills, practiced mindfulness, left my career to juggle less and to focus full-time on training (a leap of faith The Games would happen in 2021!), learned more about my own anatomy, implemented technology into my skills training, learned/networked through online workshops and courses, and rested. I would never wish a pandemic on the world, I would wish for that extra year of growth/training/exploration EVERY TIME.
3- Lean on Your People
Number three may be the most straightforward of my suggestions yet I think it was the most impactful through the toughest times. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others, even one person, is important; we are not meant to navigate life, or sport, alone.
It is mind-boggling-impactful to have even one person who knows what you might need from them when you’re going through a rough patch or feeling unmotivated. Is there someone you can reach out to who is training for the same thing, experiencing a similar struggle, or has been where you want to go? I challenge you to reach out. People want to help.
Sometimes during that extra year, I needed a hug…other times I needed a kick in the butt. There were moments I needed to vent to a teammate, and just have her listen so I could breathe and move on from dwelling on something out of my control, and there were times I wanted to celebrate a small victory with someone. Who are the people that can be there for you in these moments? A family member, a friend, a therapist, a teammate, a coach, and/or a classmate are good options of people to call, email, or text if you don’t think you have someone who fits this role quite yet.
“It takes a village” is no lie. Life is not an exception and sports sure aren’t either!
I hope these three concepts help you to stay the course as you battle through this off-season and/or the current restrictions. You are not alone in this, you are stronger than you think, and a small change today can have a massive impact down the road.
All the best in your efforts, big or small, to crush today!
Joey Lye, OLY
Are you a coachable athlete? Take advice from Kiel, the Captain of the NLL's Philadelphia Wings, on how to be a better team player. Give these a top 3 recommendations a try and see what happens.
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Kiel Matisz, has a passion for educating others on the game of lacrosse and is an ideal partner of Sniper Skin. We asked Kiel to share some insights with athletes on how to play like a team. There are always times in our sport careers where we need some reminders to align our own vision and that of the team.
So straight from the pro, here is what he had to say:
1) Be yourself. Authenticity is always important. Every person should feel valued on the team and should feel comfortable doing so.
2) Be the biggest cheerleader. Give an assist. Helping others will always be your greatest accomplish and something you leave behind. Plant trees.
3) Be the change. Diversity in actions and beliefs makes the team stronger. Listening and learning new thoughts and ideas can propel teams forward to places they may never thought imaginable.
Are you a coachable athlete? Take advice from Kiel, the Captain of the NLL's Philadelphia Wings, on how to be a better team player. Give these a top 3 recommendations a try and see what happens.
Stay tuned this season for more tips and tricks from the pros. In the meantime, if you want to share your feedback, tips or stories, drop us a line to info@sniperskin.ca
Sniper Skin, a Canadian manufacturer of the most innovative, custom fit, personalized sports grips, today announced their official partnership with Major League Fishing angler, Christian Greico.
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Christian, A 23 year old college graduate, who has been fishing since the age of 13, is a USCG Licensed Captain and has now launched a career in professional bass fishing through the 2022 MLF Pro Circuit. Currently partnered with several fishing brands such as Power Pole and 13 Fishing, Christian is a natural fit with personalized, custom fit fishing grips from Sniper Skin.
The collaboration is aimed at featuring expert tactics and features for anglers to learn to fish like a pro. “I couldn’t be more excited about partnering with Sniper Skin and outfitting my tournament rods with these grips. The quality is outstanding and the installation is simple”. Said Greico
“We’re super excited to be partnering with Christian,” says April Wright, co-founder of Sniper Skin. “Fishing has become an even bigger sport in the past 2 years and continues to grow. Our vision is to provide some validation and credibility for anglers to try new products that the pros are using on the water with great success and longevity” Through You Tube videos, social media posts, and a star event this summer, Sniper Skin and Greico will be embarking on a year-long campaign to keep anglers fishing like a pro and personalizing their gear.
A unique grip, designed by you! It's so easy Step 1 pick your color. Step 2 Add an image. Step 3 Add text. You're Done Preview & Purchase :)
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A Toronto native and former NCAA softball coach, Lye is committed to to providing access to affordable player development as National Director of Fielding for Area Scouts and her one-on-one video drills training through the Entourage app. Joey is an active athlete within multiple professional organizations having played in the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited in 2020, for the Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois in 2019, and coming up on her 12th year with Team Canada.
The collaboration is aimed at training and opportunities for ball players to become more involved, inspired, and creating impact for the next generation of players. “Partnering with Sniper Skin was an easy choice for me, as a family-run company they are down to earth and care about the quality of each and every grip they send out.” Said Lye. “The satisfaction of their customers is a priority for Sniper Skin and they are always searching for ways to further improve their already high-quality products. I love the look of all of the Sniper Skin grips and am obsessed with the feel of the extreme performance grip!”
“We’re super excited to be partnering with Joey,” says April Wright, co-founder of Sniper Skin. “Women in sports is such an important message right now. Our hope is that we’re able to provide some inspiration and motivation for athletes to stay committed to their goals especially during Covid and that there are tools and options available to help them succeed.” Through training videos, activities, events and more, Sniper Skin and Lye will be embarking on a year-long campaign to keep players active in their game despite this pandemic.
]]>With so much on our plates these days, the last thing any of us needs is added stress. These simple steps can help you beat the gift giving deadline with less anxiety. Planning ahead and shopping early are just a couple of the strategies we'll outline to prepare for the holidays, 2020 style!
START PLANNING NOW
It's never too early to start devising a plan for holiday gifting. Some have been known to shop for gifts throughout the year, a wise move! Begin by creating a list. The list will contain names of everyone that you would like to shop for. Leave some spaces at the bottom for additional names that may be added throughout the process.
Next to each person's name, write down the gift idea you have for them. If you don't know what you want to purchase for that person quite yet, then jot down their interests. For example, "Joey / new bat grip" or "Joey / baseball, video games". This way you'll save time trying to remember what Joey is into, or what he'd like when it comes time to start shopping.
For the Hockey Player on your list.
For the REALTREE Camo fan on your list.
For the Baseball/Softball player you're buying for.
This is also a great time to start searching for coupon codes! Sniper Skin is offering free shipping deals for the holidays! Add more items to take advantage of shipping offers – like a t-shirt or hoodie! Collect store codes and links, and add them to a google doc, or even just in the notes section of your phone for easy access when you're ready to shop!
SHOP EARLY
Once you have your list created, get to shoppin'! There is no need to wait, shopping early will help to avoid delays and shipping mishaps. Sniper Skin offers tracked shipping – so your purchase is insured and there is an opportunity to replace it if it's lost in the shipping process. It can also provide time to return items that may be the incorrect size, or perhaps weren't what you had imagined. It's important to document each store's return policy and customer service contact information. Knowing all of this ahead of time will save so much time in the long run.
Shopping early also means prompt wrapping. Whether you keep presents under the tree, or hidden away somewhere safe, just knowing that this part of the holiday season has been completed is peace of mind! This means less time to worry, more time to spend with family and friends enjoying this special holiday time.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES
Many online businesses are small, and they have suffered hard losses due to the current economy. They are not backed by large financial resources such as a big box store would be. They depend completely on us, just as much as we depend on them! Many small businesses have actual persons picking, wrapping, and shipping items. This would help ensure that your gift is taken better care of, and that shipping issues remain at a minimum. Supporting these smaller businesses is a wonderful way to give back. What better time is there to do that than during the holiday season?
CONSIDER PERSONALIZED GIFTS
A great way to make a gift even more special is to personalize it! Sniper Skin has some great options to customize grips. Create your own design for the hard to buy for person, or just because! A name, team, or logo can add that cool factor too.
Personalize the Extreme Performance Grip too! It's weatherproof, comfort and performance all in one!
Barbara is the mom behind the blog, Modern Sports Mom. She began writing a craft and lifestyle blog in 2012. As life evolved, and her boys became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.
]]>There is no argument that we are living in strange times. The year 2020 has side swiped most of our plans, ideas, and generalizations of what the world should be. As adults it's been hard to make the best decisions for our families, often in real time. For many kids, this year has been a huge disappointment. From the abrupt transition to distance learning last school year, to the uncertainty of what is to come, it can be too much for kids to weather on their own. Parents want to ease as much of the pain as possible, and children are relying on us to help them cope. With so much changing in the world around us seemingly on a daily basis, how can parents encourage their kids during these trying times? As we approach a new school year, many schools throughout the country are starting in an online learning environment. More prepared and better trained to handle it than before, but still not in person. While others have opted to open up with heavy restrictions. Either way, it will be an atypical year for many students.
The old adage "kids are resilient" has been thoroughly tested this year! While every kid is different, how old they are has much to do with how they handle adversity. Many of the issues they are facing vary by age range, which is why we are outlining how to become an advocate for them throughout a couple different stages of their childhood and adolescence.
There are several principles to keep in mind as we help our youth get through these changes:
Children in the primary school ages are used to being led by their teachers. They are told what they can play at recess, when they may ask a question in class, and exactly how to organize their assignments. They are accustomed to the leadership and direction of a responsible adult. When they were sent home to learn virtually, it was a shock to their system. They did not know how to manage their day, how to keep up with tasks, and how to keep busy. Many younger children weren't able or even interested in keeping up with their studies. They were confused and desperate for normalcy. Parents were at a loss as how to keep their kids engaged in their lessons, and teachers were equally bewildered. Suffice to say that no one had a clue what to do, and summer could not come soon enough!
Older kids are more independent, they are used to having more responsibility. They don't require as much guidance as their younger counterparts do. What teens crave more than anything is support. Having mom and dad, or a caregiver around to lean on is paramount. They will need to be heard, a cozy meal, and even a hug from time to time. None of that is truer than during this ambivalent season, where the only certainty is change. Many high school aged students covet the comfort of stability, and that's where parents come in, it's truly the only semblance of normalcy they can offer!
Sports have been canceled in many parts of the world, but it doesn't mean that our kids can't practice. At home activities can help keep their skills fresh and their game on point. Since none of us know when practices will resume, it's important to transmit the message that they should continue to work hard and be prepared for when they do.
Establishing small goals can help encourage athletes to stay focused. Perhaps they can use this off time to work on their speed and agility, or stamina, or their bat swing. Help them set attainable objectives, and nudge them along as they work hard to achieve them.
It may be tempting for kids to take a breather from activity during this "break", but that's a big no-no! Walking, playing outside (where permitted), shooting hoops in the driveway, anything that gets the heart rate up for 30 minutes a day is recommended for optimal health. In cases where the outdoors aren't accessible, a YouTube workout is a great alternative. Staying active isn't only physically healthy, but great to relieve mental stress and keep confidence up!
Many kids are disappointed at having to start school with online learning. Some don't mind so much. Either way, kids may not know quite how to express their feelings about this current situation, or other things. As parents, teaching them to communicate well should be near the top of our to-do lists, and there is no better time than the present to tackle it. How can we teach our kids to be better communicators?
Back to school looks completely different for everyone, and awareness of that is important. Friends from other areas may start the school year in the classroom, others will stay home. Some will experience a hybrid of the two. Whatever the case may be, parents and kids alike ought to be understanding and respectful of others choices. Diversity of thought has come into play in a big way this year, and it's an excellent opportunity to share that message with kids and teens!
While kids tend to not see beyond themselves, it's never too early to learn mindfulness and compassion. Awareness of those around us, their right to make their own decisions, and the expectation to be considerate can be useful traits as they return to school and in life!
We are born with an innate desire for human contact. Oftentimes it doesn't even need to be face to face, hearing the voice of a friend can be enough to bring out a smile. At the beginning of the quarantine period the hardest part for many kids was not seeing their friends. Even as restrictions have loosened up, without a traditional school blueprint, lots of kids may go without connecting with friends. Friends bring us comfort, we need our friends!
When in person contact is impossible, technology is our saving grace. Phone calls, video chats, social media, and even video games allow kids to catch up with their buddies when they can't see one another. This may be the time to relax some of the technology restrictions and let them make the most of what is available to us.
In the cases where in person fellowship is allowed, then scheduling play time can be fun! As long as local health restrictions are followed and parents are comfortable, an afternoon with a friend can make all the difference in the world.
2020 hasn't been all it we'd hope for it to be, but we can still make it a good year for our youth. By following a few of the tactics outlined above, and adding a little patience, families can get through this new school year successfully, perhaps even exceeding expectations!
How have you helped your kids deal with the intricacies of going back to school in this era?
Barbara is the mom behind the blog, Modern Sports Mom. She began writing a craft and lifestyle blog in 2012. As life evolved, and her boys became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.
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We are parents too, and we know this is a demanding time for everyone. That's why we want to share what other athletes are doing, to give you ideas and highlight something fun for the kids.
Meet our
Featured Athlete
Presley.
She stays active by rollerblading, stick handling, off ice work outs including Yoga, and constantly shooting pucks. She also practices with her sister to stay competitive and bust the boredom of staying at home.
Stay active and safe everyone :)
In fact, there are actually several benefits to working out at home:
Working Out At Home Is Free
No need to pay for an expensive gym membership or class.
It Fits Into Your Schedule
Workout anytime of day or night, whenever the mood strikes, or your energy is highest.
At Home Workout Are Virtually Germ Free
While no one's home is totally devoid of germs and bacteria, most of us keep a clean home. This can exponentially pair down the risk of catching potential illnesses and viruses.
No Commute
When time is of the essence, saving the time in getting to and from a workout can be a great asset.
Wear Whatever You Want
Is your practice uniform dirty? There is no need to worry if you work out at home. Go ahead and mismatch your socks, there is no one around to judge!
With some standard equipment, building muscle, improving strength, and keeping sports skills fresh can be easy and fun. Most of the equipment found in athlete's garages or even closets can be enough.
For ways to stay active at home with minimal to no equipment click here!
If Hockey Is Your Game
You don't need a full ice rink to practice hockey. Practice stick handling and shooting the puck with a passer board or synthetic ice . A smooth piece of plastic that can be set on the ground in your backyard is a great alternative.
If you own a pair of roller blades, practice shooting using a ball or a street puck and a hockey net. Roller blades can be the next best thing to work on speed, strides, and crossovers.
For Those That Live For Baseball
Baseball is a spring and summer sport, but it's played all year long. How do teams stay in baseball shape when there is snow on the ground, or the air is bitter cold? They head indoors of course! The entire team doesn't need to be assembled together though. Individual ball players can use several drills to keep their game strong.
It's been said that there is nothing better to improve a batter's performance than hitting off of a tee. Players at all levels can benefit from this type of drill. Take a look at this great list of tee drills.
If you have someone else nearby have them soft toss a baseball to you as you attempt to hit it into a baseball net.
Knowing how to throw properly is essential, especially for pitchers. Search for an object like a sturdy wall and mark the "strike zone' with tape. Try hitting in the middle of the zone from as far back as the mound you typically play on. Another option is to mark an "X" with the tape and try to hit that target from different distances.
Find more ideas on how to practice baseball while social distancing, or just having to stay home here!
Are You Into Lacrosse?
Lacrosse is gaining more traction every year. It's even starting to rival other league sports such as football and soccer in popularity. If you're a Lacrosse player that is stuck at home, there are several ways to practice the sport alone.
Use your lacrosse ball and wall ball net to perform a few simple routines:
Warm up both hands; catch, cradle, throw, to warm up both the right and left hand.
Quick Stick; pass the ball off the wall, retrieve, then quickly pass it back without the cradle.
Split Dodge; split dodge, switching hands throw, catch and repeat.
If Golf Is More Your Speed
Golf isn't a team sport which makes it much easier to practice solo. The trick is to be able to do it at home without breaking any windows!
Hit golf balls into a net. This will make you focus less on where the ball lands, and more on technique.
Use a putt trainer to practice your putting stroke.
Do some chipping drills. Place a small towel a few feet away and practice landing the chips on to the towel. This drill will help manage feel and distance control.
Simple Dumbbell Workouts
All athletes can benefit from strength training. Increased strength equals better performance and easier recovery. Take this time away from traditional sports to hone in on getting stronger.
Use tools you may already have such as dumbbells and weights to create a basic training routine. A speed ladder and speed training resistance parachute are excellent gadgets for speed and agility drills.
During this time of social distancing, or when you just can't leave home, it's not impossible to get a good workout in. Regardless of the sport you play, there are ways to sharpen your skills from the comfort of your own home.
Some light equipment, and a strong desire to succeed is all that is required to stay on top of your game while being stuck at home.
How do you go about getting a workout in when you're stuck at home?
Barbara is the mom behind the blog, Modern Sports Mom. She began writing a craft and lifestyle blog in 2012. As life evolved, and her boys became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.
]]>In this day and age of social distancing and having to stay home, it can be difficult to remain active. We're generally accustomed to outdoor team practices, gym workouts, and many other activities that require us to be closer than the recommended 6 feet apart from others. What we are experiencing globally is unprecedented. It's still a new concept, but one we must embrace for the time being.
Team practices are being canceled, and players are having to find new and innovative ways to stay in shape. Coming up with new ideas on how to continue moving while at home may take some out of the box thinking, but it can be done!
Whether you're home to practice social distancing, or perhaps the weather just isn't cooperating on a given day, there are lots of ways to build up a sweat without leaving your house.
The following list of fun and creative ways to be active at home, indoors or out, with little to no equipment, will inspire you to stay motivated, and keep physically active!
With Social Distancing rules currently in place, make sure that these activities are performed either solo, or with members of your own household.
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In this day and age of social distancing and having to stay home, it can be difficult to remain active. We're generally accustomed to outdoor team practices, gym workouts, and many other activities that require us to be closer than the recommended 6 feet apart from others. What we are experiencing globally is unprecedented. It's still a new concept, but one we must embrace for the time being.
Team practices are being canceled, and players are having to find new and innovative ways to stay in shape. Coming up with new ideas on how to continue moving while at home may take some out of the box thinking, but it can be done!
Whether you're home to practice social distancing, or perhaps the weather just isn't cooperating on a given day, there are lots of ways to build up a sweat without leaving your house.
The following list of fun and creative ways to be active at home, indoors or out, with little to no equipment, will inspire you to stay motivated, and keep physically active!
With Social Distancing rules currently in place, make sure that these activities are performed either solo, or with members of your own household.
How To Stay Active While Social Distancing
Indoors
Hallway Races
Do you have a long hallway in your home? Then you just may have the perfect spot for little bodies to race, or bigger ones, depending on the width of the hallway! Use painters tape to create "lines" vertical down the center and horizontal at the "start" and "finish lines". This is an especially fun activity for kids!
Yoga or Pilates
Set up a mat and work on your "downward dog" or "hundreds" while you are stuck at home. Both are fantastic ways to stretch, and keep the body loose and limber, necessary components of any athlete's well rounded routine.
Wii Fit
Nintendo's Wii Fit is a fun way to combine fun and fitness. There are many workouts to choose from such as strength training, yoga, aerobics and balance games such as snowball fights, juggling and skateboarding!
Workout Videos on YouTube
I think it's safe to say that YouTube has made life more entertaining for so many of us. Much more than keeping busy, it's a great source for education and you guessed it--fitness! From exercise videos for kids like the one below, to videos for seniors, and everything in between. Whether you want to sharpen your lacrosse skills, your hockey game, or learn how to better swing a baseball bat, you can find endless hours of fitness driven content on YouTube.
Run the Stairs
If you live in a two story home or in an apartment building, you're in luck. Staying home doesn't have to mean sitting around the couch- jogging or even walking up and down the stairs can burn a ton of calories! There is a reason an entire machine has been designed to mimic this simple activity at the gym, because it works! This every day activity can strengthen glutes, thighs, and calves, and even your core. As a bonus you can use the bottom step for push ups and tricep dips, and lunges.
If you don't have immediate access to a stairway, an entry stoop will work too!
Outdoors
Hopscotch
Sometimes oldies can really be goodies. Hopscotch is a classic outdoor game played by neighborhood kids for decades, and for good reason, it's so much fun! Other than some chalk and a few stray rocks, there is no real equipment needed. If you aren't familiar with it learn how to play hopscotch here!
Crab Walk Challenges
Crab Walks are a fun and challenging way to get in shape. Making a race out of it can be even more exciting! Whoever gets to the other side of the yard first, wins! If you have an exercise band, place it over your thighs more even burn.
Here is how to do a crab walk:
Piggy Back Ride Races
Another standard from yesteryear, Piggy Back rides! It's high time to bring them back! Similar to the crab walk races, run across the yard with one of your family members on your back. Take turns being timed, or have the pairs go at the same time.
Dodgeball
Setting up a game of Dodgeball with family outdoors can be a great way to stay active while having to stay home. Use a large rubber ball and aim carefully as to not cause any injuries. Definitely rough and tumble, but can be enjoyable and great aerobic and strength workout!
Create An Obstacle Course
This is where parents and kids can let their creative juices flow. Use things from the garage and around the house to come up with an obstacle course. Use things like hoola hoops, inflatable pools, cones, bricks, pool noodles, balloons, and more. Check out more outdoor obstacle course ideas here.
Practice Your Sport
Use this time to keep your athletic skills fresh. Whether hitting off of a tee, kicking a ball into a net, or slapping a puck into it, this time away from the outside world could prove to be valuable in an athlete's development.
While staying at home isn't the ideal scenario, making the best of it with a positive attitude can help make mental strides. Keeping mentally healthy can be just as important as maintaining a physical well being.
Staying in touch with coaches and team leaders is a good idea as well. While they can't be there physically, their guidance and advice is invaluable. Brainstorm with them on ways to practice your sport with drills, and workouts.
Maintaining bodies in "game shape" can make or break your sports season, with the hope and anticipation of getting back to our normal lives soon. Too much downtime can create lethargy, and a slow down of skills.
Staying at home doesn't have to be a waste of time! Practice some of these activities to keep stamina up and muscles strong. Keep a smart social distance, and stay safe!
If you are looking for more ways to workout at home, watch for next week's article!
Barbara is the mom behind the blog, Modern Sports Mom. She began writing a craft and lifestyle blog in 2012. As life evolved, and her boys became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.
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When kids incur sports injuries, it can be difficult to keep their outlook positive.
A few years ago my son hurt his patella tendon in football. It was the first play, in the first game of the season. He had spent all summer looking forward to football camp. He practiced hard with his teammates, five grueling days a week for over a month. When the first game was finally upon us, he was more excited than I had seen him be in a very long time.
Just like that his season was over. A full leg cast for eight weeks and crutches was all he had to show for all that work he put into his game. Not only was this painful and uncomfortable on the exterior, but inside his little heart was shattered. As a parent watching my son experience his first ever broken heart was the toughest thing to witness.
For kids that have sat on the bench due to a sports injury, the pain can go far beyond the physical. Their emotions take a toll as well. They are coping with being unable to do something they love. Oftentimes it’s a sport they have participated in for years. Most aren't mature enough to understand that sometimes life throws a curveball, and we must know how to swing.
Some kids become moody, depressed, or act irrationally while they are taking time off from sports after an injury. Naturally, parents worry when their once motivated child suddenly becomes despondent.
How can parents motivate their kids while they are resting from a sports injury? Read More...….
]]>When kids incur sports injuries, it can be difficult to keep their outlook positive.
A few years ago my son hurt his patella tendon in football. It was the first play, in the first game of the season. He had spent all summer looking forward to football camp. He practiced hard with his teammates, five grueling days a week for over a month. When the first game was finally upon us, he was more excited than I had seen him be in a very long time.
Just like that his season was over. A full leg cast for eight weeks and crutches was all he had to show for all that work he put into his game. Not only was this painful and uncomfortable on the exterior, but inside his little heart was shattered. As a parent watching my son experience his first ever broken heart was the toughest thing to witness.
For kids that have sat on the bench due to a sports injury, the pain can go far beyond the physical. Their emotions take a toll as well. They are coping with being unable to do something they love. Oftentimes it’s a sport they have participated in for years. Most aren't mature enough to understand that sometimes life throws a curveball, and we must know how to swing.
Some kids become moody, depressed, or act irrationally while they are taking time off from sports after an injury. Naturally, parents worry when their once motivated child suddenly becomes despondent.
How can parents motivate their kids while they are resting from a sports injury?
Feed Their Passions
While this sabbatical wasn't a planned one, this could be a good time to explore other interests. What other interests does your child have?
Does he have an interest in books? Does she love the arts? Taking the opportunity to learn more about those other things may distract them enough to maintain their good spirits.
They may even be excited about focusing on something new temporarily. Who knows, maybe this will ignite a fire they can continue to pursue, even after they're back in the game.
Feed Their Tummies
Being on the "injured list" isn't an excuse to stop taking care of their bodies. While they may be tempted to lounge around and be less strict on their diets, not eating right can take a toll on their physical performance when they are ready to return to playing.
Not eating right can also have a negative affect on their minds and outlook. It's known that there is a link between the foods we eat and depression.
Make sure that your kiddo gets plenty of fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats and proteins while they are resting from a sports injury.
Communication
Some kids love to talk about anything and everything, while others are less chatty. Regardless of which category your child falls under, getting them open up about their feelings can be extremely helpful.
Reeling from the effects of a sports injury is a trying time for kids. This is a time where they can become frustrated and melancholy. Keeping their feelings quiet can manifest itself into a poor disposition, and an overall cranky kid.
It's easy to get equally as balked when having to deal with them, but we shouldn't. This is a fantastic chance for parents to be that ear to listen, when kids need to vent.
Having them connect with a teammate or friend that can empathize with them can also help them keep their heads up.
Get to Practice!
Feeling like they are still part of a team that in turn is rooting for them to come back, can help keep the blues away. For many moms and dads, having their children unable to play due to injury may seem like they're getting a break. Not so fast!
Your child should show up for practice. While they can't participate in the sport, they can be there to keep tabs on the team. They will still be responsible for learning plays, so listening to the coach's instruction can help them from falling too far behind.
In some cases, they can take part in some physical activity. It would be a good idea to do whatever they are able to, and their doctor allows.
Being there to support the team can make them feel like they are still a part of it.
They Will Come Back Stronger
My son eventually healed up and got back in the game, but not without a few tough lessons learned. One of the things he learned is that life is not all about sports (gasp!). He caught up on all of the books on his list from school, and actually discovered a love for reading he didn't know he had. My boy even picked up the guitar that was collecting dust in his room, and practiced his chords on occasion.
The biggest lesson learned was that he can't let his situation dictate his emotions and how he treats others. We talked about this quite a bit during his injury time. He grew a bit more mature throughout the process, and it was evident in his attitude as the weeks went by.
Has your athlete been asked to rest from a sport due to injury? What else can you suggest for keeping kids motivated during a stint on the injured list?
Personalized, Custom Fit Grips Are The Perfect Gift For Any Athlete!
Barbara is the mom behind the blog, Modern Sports Mom. She began writing a craft and lifestyle blog in 2012. As life evolved, and her boys became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.
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It's almost Halloween, and we were asked to add these and thought they were a great addition - which one would you pick?
Leave a comment below to vote.
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Yes, we are a Canadian, family owned, family operated company with patented grips in Canada, Europe and patent pending in USA.
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We are parents of kids that have played all kinds of sports and know the expense as well as the unrivalled benefits that Sniper Skin grips deliver.
As of Sept 2019, to facilitate growth in our global channels, we have streamlined our websites and as a result, all customer orders are now processed in USD$.
We are offering our Canadian customers the code CANADAVIP to save 20% and discounted shipping to offset the currency change.
We are a proud Canadian Company, with Canadian made products that offer cool designs and easy to install custom fit grips.
Did you know that we are available on Amazon.ca in Canadian dollars and Amazon prime eligible. Check that out here. https://amzn.to/2psi4cC
Looking for Prime shipping in the US, check out Amazon.com https://amzn.to/2oxHsNJ
Please contact us at customerservice@sniperskin.ca if you need any further information.
April
co-founder of Sniper Skin
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It’s Back To Hockey Season. Well, some never actually stopped, but August/September mark the start of a new school year and a new hockey season. The basics on everyone’s checklist include skates, gloves, helmet, and a stick. However, there are a few more things to think about to make your hockey season spectacular.
Skate Blades
You found the perfect fitting skate but remember you are counting on a 3mm blade to give you the edge you need to win and Tydan Performance Blades can EDGEucate you on the right blade profile for you.
Tydan Blades, used by over 300 teams in leagues like the NHL, CHL and OHL can profile your blades to enhance performance regardless of the blade manufacturer. You can take it one step further, by getting custom blades, with your player’s name and number.
We are fortunate to have Tydan so close to our head office because they provide great service, great product and perfect skate profiles. Lucky for you, Tydan delivers their amazing performance blades worldwide. Check them out here.
Base Layer Protection
A few years ago, our young hockey player, who was always digging deep in the corners, ended up with 10 staples in his leg because his hockey sock was shredded during battle. We wish Oneiric was available then and fully support their line of protective gear.
Oneiric recently launched their base layer top, Soteria. This new base layer top, is designed to not only protect your young athlete but also keep them cool, dry and fresh with TRI-COOL technology. Learn more about Oneiric’s base layer protection.
Hockey Apparel
Athletes love to share their passion for hockey off the ice too and we had the pleasure of working with James at Conquest Hockey. We admire not only their quality, but also their ‘be your best self’ mentality. We respect the messages and reminders on their social media channels too. Check out their line of hockey focused clothing and get in the Play to win zone before you hit the ice.
Last year, we had the privilege of collaborating with the team at Ultimate Hockey Fan Cave. Complete your athletes hockey look, with that same team who brings you Blade Shades. And, yes they have Goalie versions. Put Your Game On with these shades, styled after modern carbon fiber sticks. Now you can match up your shades to your stick all while looking like a stunner heading to the rink.
Youth Hockey sticks
If you haven’t gotten your stick yet, and your athlete is a younger player, it’s very important to choose a stick with the proper flex and height to ensure optimal shooting and stick handling performance.
Typically young players need a flex that is half their body weight (40lbs players needs a flex 20) but height also plays a factor. (check out their flex chart)
Sniper Hockey Sticks are releasing their newly designed Gen 4 sticks soon with updated blade and enhanced mid-shaft grip technology!
HOCKEY GRIPS
Of course once you have your stick, you need to make it spectacular with Sniper Skin’s personalized, custom fit grip. Our classic line provides the custom fit, clean classic comfort. Looking for a little more tack, then the ICT line provides that same custom fit in bright bold colors with a tacky feel for a little extra grip. And of course, we always have goalies covered too.
We know the list of hockey essentials is a long one, but we also know that investing in equipment that helps your athlete feel more confident and more protected will help them achieve their competitive edge.
If you are in Canada, you can find all your hockey needs at these fine retailers, including your custom fit, Sniper Skin grips.
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Luckily, there are a few practical steps we can take as parents, to ensure that our boys and girls learn how to lose gracefully. Read More...
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Luckily, there are a few practical steps we can take as parents, to ensure that our boys and girls learn how to lose gracefully.
COMPETITION
Provide your child with the opportunity to partake in a competitive situation. As parents, our instinct is to protect our kids, but keeping them from the probability of real rivalry, or worse, letting them win, will only make the inevitable loss at some point in life, that much more difficult to manage. Make sure they know that the possibility to not come out the victor is very real. The best way to do this is for them to prepare to the best of their abilities for the match, and give it their all.
EMBRACING THE PROCESS
The journey can oftentimes be more rewarding than the destination. It may not be fully understood by a young person at first, but learning to love the process can be the key to handle loss. Have your child to focus on reaching small goals in their training. Achieving those milestones can be gratifying in themselves. So the team didn't win the World Series? What about the amazing defensive play that he or she mastered in the bottom of the 8th? Or that goal blocked in the 3rd period? All very valuable contributions, and stand alone wins that are worthy of celebration. Regardless of the overall outcome, possessing confidence in their own abilities, can go a long way in losing with decorum.
SPORTSMANSHIP
This one may sting at first, but it's likely the most effective way to show grace when losing. This is where we as parents can lead by example. They are watching when we offer kudos to the other team for a job well done. Show them that in sports as in life, it's important to be happy for others, even when they claim a victory against us. Their first emotion may be jealousy, but this is a great opportunity to teach them to fight through those inklings, and handle a loss with dignity.
LOSING CAN BE A GOOD THING
Your child will be in a vulnerable state after defeat, but this is the perfect time to introduce them to the bright side. Explain to them how valuable it can be fail. Now he or she will know what to work on, what to improve, or how to approach the situation next time. Learning from our mistakes is one of the most apparent signs of growing up.
PRAISE
Make a mental list of their accomplishments in the game. They can be so focused on the end result that they may not recall any positive aspects in their performance. Praise them for the improvements they have made, and for taking positive steps in reaching their goals. Bonus points if you have videos!
Learning to lose gracefully will make your child a better teammate, a better friend, and a better human being. It will be tough, but they will come out of it stronger, wiser, and with a new determination to succeed.
What are some other ways we can teach our kids to lose gracefully?
Barbara is the mom behind the blog, Modern Sports Mom. She began writing a craft and lifestyle blog in 2012. As life evolved, and her boys became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.
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