Practice makes perfect as they say. Keeping your football skills sharp is vital. You may need new gear and if you want to get a set of shinguards that suit, we have all the information that you’ll need. Here at Intersport Elverys, we have a size guide for you, which will enable you to identify the correct fit. Check out all the information below:

The size of the shinguards will correlate with your height, but they can vary by style and brand. To measure them correctly, you need to cover 2 inch below the knee to right above the ankle. Take a look at the graphic below to see what we mean.

Once you have your measurements taken, you need to refer to the size guide below to identify the shinguard which is the best fit for you.

You should now have all the information you need to get the perfect fitting shinguards. Take a look at our range of shinguards HERE.

At Intersport Elverys we understand what is truly happening in the beating heart of sport and running continues to grow as one of those sports. We thought it would be good to share Killian Byrne’s of Irish Runner’s review of some of our latest running product which featured in the latest Irish Runner Magazine. These are some great products across some new and top running brands giving you the runner some insight into how they performed when put into action.

Read about his experiences below.

Nike React Infinity

When you’re looking for a shoe, particularly if you’re embarking on an exercise program for the first time in a while, three requirements generally stand out – brand, comfort and price. You will hear friends and colleagues talking about fit, pronation, foam midsole this and % drop that. None of this is important until you satisfy what should be your No1 requirement – are these shoes comfortable?

With the Nike React shoe you get footwear that is good for both running and day to day wear, they’re light, very comfortable and will see you through any training program. The knit upper will be too light for some and it does allow room for more movement than other more supportive brands but that allows for excellent breathability and the aforementioned levels of comfort.

The foam sole does allow for a lovely ‘bounce’ when out on the road and it grips well in wet conditions but if you’re used to ‘traditional’ solid shoes with many different layers and firm uppers then the React will feel like you’re wearing a very technical sock. One drawback – they’re not cheap but they’re absolutely worth the outlay.

Brooks Womens Transcend 7

The Transcend 7 isn’t one of the more recognisable lines amongst the Brooks Running stable but having a male and female version makes it a valuable addition to today’s reviews. Womens shoes tend to be a narrower in standard fit. Outside of that, there’s little difference between male and female versions and I know many women that find small mens much more comfortable than a standard fit womens shoe.

Built with Brooks now seemingly ubiquitous guide rails technology the Transcend will suit a wide range of runners. Full of cushioning, the shoe offers a very comfortable and stable ride and will suit both the over and under pronators out there. Its not a light shoe but the thick heel absorbs a lot of impact and the tiny bit of extra weight will offer the runner a little more little swing and increase responsiveness.

You can run however long or far as you want in these trainers and they will perform admirably, but we think these will prove their worth for someone looking to go that little further than 5k. There is a super grippy sole, the ortholite sock offers a plush feel and the cushioning will happily carry you along as the miles tick away and that can only be a good thing. This may not be a shoe that you will find on the shop wall but you should ask for them and certainly give them a try.

What did you think of Killian’s product reviews? Have you tested any of these for yourself? Keep an eye out for more reviews from Killian Byrne.

See the latest in running HERE. Free delivery on standard delivery’s when you spend €60 or more.

As school comes back a lot of you will be looking to measure and research your kids footwear online.

At Intersport Elverys, we can give you a step by step guide of how to measure feet correctly at home. Even if your child’s feet haven’t grown, they might need new shoes, as shoes lose support and cushioning with wear and tear. You can also get your child’s feet measured in-store from one of our knowledgeable staff who use the perfect fit measuring device to ensure your child gets the right fit AND the right shoe.

If you’re one who likes to do there research at home though. take a look below and follow the simple steps on how to measure your kids feet at home.

Step 1: Draw a straight line down a piece of paper.

Step 2: Place the paper on a hard, flat surface alongside a wall. Have the child place their heel against the wall, with their longest toe and heel centered on the line. Mark the paper on the line at the tip of the longest toe.

Step 3: Measure both feet as there may vary in size.

Step 4: Measure the distance between the end of the paper and the toe mark in centimeters and use the General Sizing Guide (below) to find your child shoe size (allowances for foot growth in new shoes have been made in the General Size Guide).

Tips for measuring:

– Measure feet at the end of the day when you child’s feet are at their largest.

– Measure in the socks they will wear with their new shoes, if appropriate.

– Measure both feet and fit the shoes to the larger foot.

– It is best to measure your child’s foot while they are standing upright.

Check Out Our Step By Step Video

If you are looking to purchase footwear for your children, take a look at our website HERE. We have a large selection and free delivery on standard delivery’s when you spend €60 or more.

 

Everyone involved in sport needs to keep maintaining and improving their skills. Here at Intersport Elverys, we’ve a number of ideas that everyone can do at home. We’ve taken some inspiration from some of the fantastic posts we’ve seen online. Take a look below and see is there anything you’d like to try. *Disclaimer: we do not take responsibility for any damage caused in the attempting of these activities! 🙂

Football

Anyone who plays football needs to work on their basic skills. We have a few ideas below for footballers of all skill levels.

Keepie Uppies: The easiest of them all. Try to keep the ball from hitting the ground by repeatedly kicking it, kneeing it or heading it. Count how many you do and try and beat your record. (By the way, the world record is someone keep the ball up for 26 hours.)

Ball Control Course: Set up a couple of obstacles (cones, bottles etc.) a few feet apart. Dribble the ball zig-zag between the obstacles, keeping the ball under control. The better you get, the quicker you should be able to go.

Shooting practice: We recommend you definitely do this one in the garden. Put a bin, bucket or a target about 20 meters away and try to hit it. To make things harder, try to get the ball into the bin if possible.

The Maradona Seven: This is a hard one, made famous by Diego Maradona. Start by kicking the ball from one foot to the other, then to your knees (one to the other), then knee the ball up to your shoulders (one and then the other) and finally finish with a header. You should only touch the ball 7 times in the process i.e. left foot, right foot, left knee, right knee, left shoulder, right should and finish with a header. Good luck.

Gaelic Football

We’ll take some inspiration from some of the great content already out there from some of the best players in the country.

Hand passing: Stand 2 meters away from a wall, get the timer on 30 seconds and pass the ball to the wall as many times as possible in the 30 seconds. Keep trying to break your record.

Kick passing: Similar to the hand passing, stand 5 meters away from the walk. Set the times to 30 seconds and see how may kick passes you can do in that time. All these drills will improve skill sets and hand eye coordination.

Target practice: Place a bottle 20 meters away on top of a bin or wall, and try to hit it with the ball. This will improve kick passing and shooting.

Fielding: Out in an open space, kick or throw the ball in the air and catch it over your head. This will keep fielding skills sharp.

Hurling

Our hurling skills are the same as our Gaelic football ones, just readjusted.

Hand passing: Stand 2 meters away from a wall, get the timer on 30 seconds and pass the ball to the wall as many times as possible in the 30 seconds. Keep trying to break your record.

Puck passing: Similar to the hand passing, stand 5 meters away from the walk. Set the times to 30 seconds and see how may puck passes you can do in that time. All these drills will improve skill sets and hand eye coordination.

Target practice: Place a bottle 20 meters away on top of a bin or wall, and try to hit it with the ball. This will improve passing and shooting.

Fielding: Out in an open space, throw or puck the ball in the air and catch it over your head. This will keep fielding skills sharp.

Rugby

There are a lot of simple rugby drills that can be set up at home. Here are a few ideas.

Passing: This is better done with two people from your own household. Stand 5 meters away from one another. Set the clock to 30 seconds. Pass the ball over and back as many times as ye can in that time. Try it a few times and see what’s the highest score you can get.

Target practice: Place a bottle on the ground, on a wall or on a bin outside. Stand back and attempt to knock it. Once you hit it move back to a further distance and try to hit it again. Keep doing this, as it will improve passing range and accuracy.

Obstacles: Speed and footwork are vital in rugby. Set up 10 cones, sticks or bottles and zig-zag through them without knocking any. If you have hurdles of any type, use these to improve your jumping and quick feet. Have a ball in hand while doing this.

Pick ups: If you have a garden, roll the ball on front of you, sprint towards the ball and pick it up at pace. This could come in handy in future.

Basketball and American Football

There may be some American sports fans reading this. If anyone has a basketball hoop, see how many shots in a row you can get from 5 meters, then 10 meters, then 15 meters. Keep trying to beat your record. You can use the basketball hoop with an American football also. Try and get the ball into the hoop from as far away as you can. Let us know your record.

Accuracy Equipment

If you do not want to use walls and bins for your target practice, we do have goals and re-bounders, which are ideal for all of the above activities. Check them out HERE on our website.

If you do try any if these skills, why not video it, post it on social media and tag Intersport Elverys. We will give a prize for the best one. All these activities will help keep people active, while improving their skills and hand-eye coordination. Take a look at our website, to find a wide range of balls and much more HERE.

For every golf enthusiast out there, it’s great to have the courses open again. Golf is a game loved by many, but can also frustrate the life out of people too. Here at Intersport Elverys, we’re here to help you ease your frustrations and point you in the direction of a golf ball, that will help your game. Find out more below.

Picking The Correct Golf Ball

The golf ball is the only piece of equipment that golfers use for every shot, so it’s very important that you pick the ball that suits your game. Different golf balls have different qualities and meaning they will suit different player styles. We are going to give you a breakdown of 3 types of golf balls, so you can match it to your game.

2 Piece Golf Balls

2 Piece golf balls are perfect for beginners, as they are designed to fly straighter in the air and have less spin than multi-layer balls. They tend to give the golfer the maximum distance off the tee and are a great tool for your short game, helping spin control. They are called a 2 piece golf ball, as they have a solid rubber core and a firm outer layer which is durable, making it perfect for new golfers to the sport and those with high handicaps. Here at Intersport Elverys we have a number of 2 piece golf balls including Wilson Ultra, Titleist Trufeel and more. Take a look HERE.

3 Piece Golf Balls

3 piece golf balls are considered the middle ground golf balls. They have similar benefits to 2-piece options but have a much higher spin rate from the tee. They are the perfect selection of ball for the above average golfer, who has a moderate swing speed. They give the golfer distance and are easy to control, which gives a much better chance of consistency. Like the 2-piece ball, the 3-piece is so called as it is made up of 3 layers, so they will stand up to lots of high pressure hits. Take a look at the Taylormade RBZ and TP5x balls, which is a great 3 piece option HERE.

Multi-Piece Golf Balls

Multi-piece golf ball are made for the more advanced golfers. They have a thin outer layer which provides the golfer with opportunities to generate extra spin and control, from the clubface. They also give more control on well-struck iron shots. Two elite golf balls that we have at Intersport Elverys are the Titleist PRO V1 and Titleist PRO V1x. The main difference between the 2 balls is that the PRO V1 golf ball is designed to spin more on longer shots, while the PRO V1x has an added layer which is engineered to improve driver distance carry, without sacrificing spin on mid-irons or shots around the green. Take a look at the graphic below to see the differences between the two balls. Get your PRO V1 and PRO V1x HERE.

How to measure your golf glove

To get the correct golf glove size, measure around the circumference of your hand and around your knuckles. If you are right handed, measure your left hand, as you will wear a left handed glove. If you are left handed, measure your right hand, as you will wear a left handed glove.

Here at Intersport Elverys we have a fantastic range of products from a wide range of sports. Find our golf section HERE.

Hockey is a sport which is on the rise in Ireland, helped in no end by the Women’s team making it to the World Cup final in 2018. If you are looking for hockey gear or tips on how to pick the correct gear for you, Intersport Elverys have you covered. Get all the details below.

Picking the correct hockey stick

There are 4 important things to consider when buys your hockey stick – all pending the position you play.

The weight you play with: This will all depend on the position you play.

The material of the stick: Made from wood or fiberglass so pending your experience you might have a preference.

The length of stick: Reference size chart

The toe: (The bottom of the stick, part of the stick were you strike the ball) The shape of the toe varies and suits different playing type.

The Weight You Should Play With

The material of the stick

Field hockey stick are mostly made from wood, however there are also sticks available made from fibreglass.

What’s the difference?

Sticks made from wood absorb shock better, ideal for beginners as the wood is more flexible. Sticks made from fibreglass are more stiffer ideal for more advanced players as they tend to last longer.

The toe

Hockey shoes

Types pf shoe you wear depends on the type of ground you play on.

Natural grass: Boots are recommend as the studs are longer and this will gives you better grip to allow quicker cuts and faster transitions.

Astro turf: Astro turf shoes are better designed with there multi grip surface.

Hockey shin guards

Hockey gum shields

Mouth guards are compulsory in hockey, the main function is to protect against concussion when coming into contact with another player or the ball.

Here at Intersport Elverys we have a fantastic range of products from a wide range of sports. Find our Hockey section HERE.