Category: Rugby

Pickleball, with participation increasing 171.1% between 2018 and 2022 among Americans ages 6 and older.

• Participation increase from 2018 to 2022: 171.1%
• The age group with the highest participation increase: 6 and older

What Is the Fastest-Growing Sport in America?

pickleball is widely regarded as the fastest-growing sport in America. Here’s a detailed explanation of why pickleball gained such popularity:

Pickleball: Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is typically played on a rectangular court with a net in the middle. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over the net. Here are some key reasons for its rapid growth:

1. Accessibility: Pickleball is easy to learn and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. The rules are relatively simple, and it’s less physically demanding than some other sports, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals, including seniors.
2. Social Aspect: Pickleball is a highly social sport. It is often played in doubles, promoting teamwork and camaraderie. Many players enjoy the social interactions and sense of community that the sport provides.
3. Adaptability: The sport can be played in various settings, including indoor and outdoor courts. It can be modified for different skill levels, allowing beginners and advanced players to enjoy the game together.
4. Low Equipment Costs: The equipment needed for pickleball is affordable and portable, making it an attractive option for recreational players. All you need are a paddle, balls, and access to a court.
5. Growing Infrastructure: Communities and recreational centers across the United States have been quick to embrace pickleball by constructing dedicated courts and offering lessons, further driving interest in the sport.
6. Competitive Scene: While pickleball has a strong recreational following, it also has a competitive side with organized tournaments and leagues. This has attracted athletes from other sports who want to try their hand at pickleball.
7. Media Exposure: The sport has received increased media attention, including televised events and social media coverage, contributing to its popularity.
8. Health and Fitness: As a low-impact sport, pickleball appeals to those looking for physical activity that is easier on the joints, making it an attractive choice for fitness enthusiasts and seniors alike.

How Do You Play Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun and easy-to-learn paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It can be played both indoors and outdoors on a court with a net. Here’s a detailed guide on how to play pickleball:

Objective: The primary goal of pickleball is to score points by hitting the ball over the net into the opponent’s side of the court, aiming to make it difficult for them to return the ball.

Equipment:

1. Paddle: Pickleball paddles are solid and come in various materials like wood, composite, or graphite. They are typically 15.5 to 17 inches long.
2. Ball: A perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, is used in pickleball. There are indoor and outdoor balls, each designed for their respective playing conditions.
3. Net: The pickleball net is hung at a height of 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. It divides the court into two halves.

Court Setup:

1. A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for doubles and 20 feet by 22 feet for singles.
2. A non-volley zone, often called the “kitchen,” extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. Players are not allowed to volley (hit the ball in the air) from within this zone.
3. The court is divided into two service courts on each side.

Basic Rules:

1. Serving: The game starts with an underhand serve diagonally from one side to the other. The server must keep one foot behind the back baseline and serve the ball to the opposing service court.
2. Volleying: Players are not allowed to volley (hit the ball in the air) from within the non-volley zone. They must let the ball bounce before hitting it if they are inside this zone.
3. Scoring: Points are scored when the receiving side fails to return the ball inbounds. The first side to reach 11 points (win by two) wins the game. Games are usually played to 2 out of 3, and matches consist of multiple games.
4. Rotation: In doubles play, players must rotate positions with their partner after winning a point, with one player moving to the right side of the court and the other to the left.
5. Faults: Common faults include stepping on the non-volley zone lines, serving out of turn, serving without both feet behind the baseline, and hitting the ball out of bounds.
6. Let Serve: If the serve hits the net and lands in the correct service court, it is a “let” and is replayed without penalty.

How pickleball became a phenomenon

Pickleball’s rise to prominence as a sporting phenomenon can be attributed to a combination of factors that have made it increasingly popular. Here are the details of how pickleball became a phenomenon:

1. Accessibility and Ease of Play:

• Pickleball is relatively easy to learn, and people of all ages and skill levels can quickly grasp the basics. The simple rules and low entry barrier make it accessible to a wide audience.

2. Intergenerational Appeal:

• The sport’s gentle pace and forgiving rules make it attractive to seniors, while its competitive nature and social aspects appeal to younger generations. This intergenerational appeal has contributed to its growth.

3. Social and Community Engagement:

• Pickleball fosters social interactions and community engagement. Many players enjoy the camaraderie and friendships formed through the sport, contributing to its popularity as a recreational activity.

4. Health and Fitness Benefits:

• Pickleball provides a low-impact form of exercise, which is easier on the joints compared to high-impact sports. This has made it popular among individuals seeking physical activity and fitness.

5. Adaptability to Various Settings:

• The game can be played on indoor or outdoor courts. This adaptability means that communities and recreational centers can easily incorporate pickleball into their facilities.

6. Growing Infrastructure:

• Many communities and clubs have invested in constructing dedicated pickleball courts, thereby expanding access and further encouraging participation.

7. Competitive Opportunities:

• Pickleball has a thriving competitive scene with tournaments held at various levels, from local to international. The prospect of competition has attracted athletes from other sports who want to try their skills in pickleball.

8. Media Exposure:

• Increased media coverage, including televised events and social media promotion, has raised awareness of pickleball, inspiring more people to try the sport.

9. Celebrity Endorsement:

• Some well-known athletes and celebrities have publicly endorsed pickleball, further enhancing its visibility and popularity.

Conclusion

We’ve come to the final session of this article. We hope you now know the fastest-growing sport in America. Also, we hope that the seven points about why Pickleball is considered the fastest-growing sport were helpful too. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Good day!

References:

https://recreateyou.com/blog/post/the-25-fastest-growing-sports-in-america
https://snowbrains.com/the-5-fastest-growing-sports-in-america-are-mostly-snowsports/

Rugby players tape their legs for support and injury prevention. The tape, like kinesiology tape, provides muscle and joint support, reduces muscle vibration, and decreases the risk of injury. It helps maintain peak performance during matches and training.

Why Do Rugby Players Tape Their Thighs?

Rugby players often tape their thighs for several reasons, mainly related to injury prevention and support during rigorous matches and training:

1. Muscle Support: Thigh taping provides support to the quadriceps, hamstrings, and groin muscles. It helps stabilize these muscles, reducing the risk of strains or pulls during explosive movements, tackles, and sprinting.
2. Injury Prevention: Rugby is a physically demanding sport, and thigh taping can help prevent injuries. It reinforces the thigh muscles and the surrounding tissues, minimizing the chances of muscle tears or ligament sprains.
3. Contusion Protection: Thighs are prone to contusions (bruises) due to contact in rugby. Taping can act as a protective layer, cushioning the impact and minimizing the severity of bruising.
4. Joint Stability: Taping also aids in stabilizing the hip and knee joints. It helps maintain proper alignment and reduces the risk of joint injuries, especially in high-impact situations like scrums, tackles, and jumps.
5. Enhanced Blood Flow: Some taping techniques can stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can aid in reducing muscle soreness and facilitating faster recovery.
6. Pain Relief: In cases of existing injuries or muscle soreness, taping can help alleviate pain by providing gentle compression and support to the affected area.
7. Psychological Confidence: Knowing their thighs are taped can give players a psychological boost, enhancing their confidence and overall performance on the field.

How To Tape A Rugby Player’s Thighs For The Lineout

To tape a rugby player’s thighs for the lineout, you will need:

• Athletic tape
• A lifting block (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry the player’s thighs.
2. Apply a strip of athletic tape to the front of each thigh, just above the knee. The tape should be about 6 inches wide and long enough to wrap around the thigh twice.
3. If using a lifting block, place it on top of the tape and secure it in place with more tape.
4. Wrap the tape around the thigh twice, making sure that it is snug but not too tight.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 on the other thigh.

The tape should be applied in a way that provides support and compression to the thigh muscles, but it should not be so tight that it restricts circulation. The tape should also be applied in a way that provides a good grip for the lifters.

Here are some tips for taping a rugby player’s thighs for the lineout:

• Use athletic tape that is designed for sports use. This type of tape is more durable and will stay in place better than general-purpose tape.
• Apply the tape in a smooth, even layer. Avoid creating any wrinkles or folds, as these can cause discomfort and irritation.
• Make sure that the tape is snug but not too tight. The tape should provide support and compression, but it should not restrict circulation.
• Leave a small gap between the top of the tape and the bottom of the player’s shorts. This gap will help to prevent the tape from chafing the player’s skin.

If you are new to taping rugby players’ thighs, it is a good idea to watch a few videos or tutorials online. There are many resources available that can teach you the proper technique.

Types Of Rugby Tapes

In the game of rugby, strapping and tape is used a lot. Almost all players wear some form of rugby tape on the field at the professional level during the game. But why are the pros using these tapes and what type do they use? 

Types Of Rugby Tapes	Essential Rugby Protective Gears
Zinc Oxide Tapes	Gloves
Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB)	Protective Vests
Kinesiology Tapes	Headgear

Three kinds of Rugby tapes is commonly used by players. They include: 

1. Zinc Oxide Tape

2. Elastic Adhesive Bandage, EAB

3. Kinesiology Tape 

Your personal preference and the level of support you need will determine the kind of tape you wear. So let’s take a look at each in turn

1. Zinc Oxide Tape

If you need to immobilize a part of your body, a Zinc Oxide tap is the best option for you. It helps to provide an unrivaled support since it is a non-stretch tape. If you want the one with the best tensile strength, go for the Tan/Brown model. 

This type of tape is majorly used in rugby to provide support for body joints like the shoulder, ankle, and knee. It is usually covered by a protective layer so you might not see it on rugby players. 

Functions

1. Thumb & Wrist Support

2. Ankle Strapping

3. Preventing Elbow Hyperextension

4. MCL/Knee Strapping

2. Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB)

If you’re talking about the most versatile tape in a rugby game kit, the Elastic Adhesive Bandage cannot be underscored. It is completely versatile and can be used for almost everything, from protecting wrists and thumbs to providing compression and light support. If you want the one that has a faster taping ability, go for the Tearable model.  This type of tape is lightweight, strong, and completely stretchy. These functions make it suitable for an in-game compression bandage. If you’re wondering what tape is on your favorite rugby player, no doubt, it’s the Elastic Adhesive Bandage. 

Functions

1. Ear protection

2. Provision of light support

3. Compression 

4. Securing lifting blocks 

5. Overwrapping Zinc Oxide applications

6. Wrist and thumb support

3. Kinesiology Tapes 

The main function of this type of tape is to facilitate movement. They move with the body and are completely stretchy, allowing better neutral feedback and delivering dynamic support. Team or bright colors are where you would always see these types of tape. Kinesiology Tapes are the best option for muscular injuries since they are completely useful for neutral feedback. 

Functions

1. Calf taping

2. Adductor taping 

3. Hamstring taping 

4. Lower back taping 

Essential Rugby Protective Gear

Rugby is known to have a violent nature and there is no getting around it. Most rugby veterans will say that you should find another sport if you hate risking serious injury or getting hard hits. Though the injuries sustained in rugby are not as rigorous as the serious injuries sustained in American football, kickboxing, or even boxing, but they are serious enough to need protective gear.  

In the mid-1990s, there was an advent of professionalism in the game of rugby. It was during that period that player were permitted to put on protective gears. Josh Kronfeld was the international-caliber player who led the way into it. With that advancement, rugby players can now choose from a wide range of gears available, some which are more significant than others. 

1. Mouthguard

The possibility of getting elbowed, kicked, or even punched in the mouth is high if you play rugby even at any level. There are also some rigid contacts in the game that are heavy, hitting your head suddenly, making you bite down rapidly. So you are at the risk of biting your tongue, or losing a tooth or possibly several, or even damage your TMJs, known as temporomandibular joints in the jaw if you do not wear a mouthguard. 

If you wear a mouthguard, you can easily avoid these injury problems. Though most beginner complained about the discomfort it cause when it’s in their mouths, but we are very sure it benefits outweighs the potential risks of not using one. $2.99US to $34.99US is the average price range for a mouthguard. To add to the health benefits of using a mouthguard, you’re also guarded against the risk of biting other players. Rugby players who accidentally bite their opponents or teammates would face harsh penalties, like the England’s Dylan Hartley. 

2. Headgear 

The chances of serious head injuries like memory loss and concussion still exist in rugby even if they are not as high as they are in American football or any other dangerous sports. In rugby, generally, your head might be hooked up in an opponent’s knees if you want to make a correct tackling move on the opponent. As we all know, rugby is a collision and crash sport, and the chances of having your head injured or bonked most times in the course of a typical game is really high. 

Until their first serious concussion, many rugby players are ready to cope with that risk. There’s another huge benefit of the headgear that we’ve not mentioned, and it’s the prevention of an occupational hazard such as the cauliflower ear. Players at the position of the locks and number 8s mostly spend most of their time in heated games or at practice in scrums with their ears abraded unless they wear a headgear. So, rugby shorts should be made of durable and study materials. Before the advancement of technology that leads to the production and usage of helmets in rugby, players would cover their ears using an electric tape or wrap medical tapes around their heads. 

There are several benefits that the contemporary headgear had to offer than the electric tape or battlefield medicine; some of which is its ability to allow sounds and let sweat out. The only flaw is that some of the veteran rugby players still complained about the sweat that they got out of using the headgear. They said that “even if most of the modern headgears are made out of relatively lightweight and breathable materials, we still felt little inconvenience on our heads). Well, we can actually relate to that. Putting on a headgear can actually be sweaty since you’re putting in something that doesn’t necessarily needs to be there. We can now see why many rugby players (mostly the ones at the number seven positions where the occurrence of head collision is relatively lower) who play in hot weather take the risk of putting off the headgear. 

Headgear does not have a particular fixed price like the mouthguard, but a good one should cost you around $60US to $70US. To be honest, anything cheaper than this price is not worth buying not to talk of wearing, except you want something that looks like a party hat. 

3. Protective Vest 

Serious hits on the backs, shoulders, and less common on the chest are not avoidable by a rugby player in a heated match. The only permitted gear for this type of pounding and twinge is wearing a protective best under your jersey as a rugby player. A protection vest is a compression fabric that has light shoulder pads, and in some other models, spinal cord and chest protection. 

It might seem like wearing a protective vest is an automatic decision, but it’s not. Its primary function is to protect the skin from abrasions, wick away some perspiration, and also absorb a lot of hits that a rugby player receives on his upper body. 

Its only basic disadvantage is that it adds some extra weight on you. Let’s just say it’s an extra layer. As we all know that the light protective best will weigh more than a normal jersey. 

Additionally, it is during practice that most rugby players choose to wear the protective vest when there will be a lot of relative hits and contacts. As we all know that sometimes an effective rugby practice can be more heated and aggressive than a match. And so, most rugby practices leave players bandaged up than a match. We’ve heard of most players who never wore protective vests when they were younger until they become older and injuries have taken their toll. Also, with the fact that protection vests are somehow expensive, younger and broke players would definitely skip the vests and go raw. 

4. Gloves 

If you’re talking about the Segways of the game of rugby, the gloves cannot be underemphasized. Rugby gloves have a lot of benefits in particular situations of the game but most players don’t use them. But we don’t blame them, because there’s this stigma with rugby players using gloves. 

The use of gloves in rugby matches is relatively rare even if it is not illegal to wear them with grips on them since your teammates would even appreciate if you put them on and catch every passes thrown at you than not wearing them and lose almost all the balls thrown at you. 

Rugby players whose duties in the field is to catch passes and make kicks like the wings, or the fullbacks, usually wear gloves in matches that are played in the rain. The practice that is done in cold weather requires players to wear gloves. Gloves as one of the rugby protective gear are not terribly costly. 

Final Words

The use of tapes by most rugby players plays an important role in providing support for body joints like the shoulder, ankle, and knee. If you want to be a professional rugby player someday, you need to practice with all the essential gears of the classic game.

References:

https://rugbyspace.com/why-do-rugby-players-wear-tape/
https://www.rugbyworld.com/news/why-do-rugby-players-tape-their-legs-154923

Rugby players dive to score tries. In professional rugby, a try is worth 5 points, and diving increases the chances of crossing the try line, as players can reach the goal area more quickly. It’s a strategic move in the game.

Why Do Rugby Players Dive To Score?

Rugby players dive to score tries for several reasons, rooted in the game’s rules and strategy:

1. Scoring Method: In rugby, a try is a fundamental way to score points. A try is worth 5 points, and it is the primary method of advancing the scoreline.
2. Crossing the Try Line: To score a try, a player must carry or ground the ball over the opponent’s try line. Diving can help a player reach the try line more quickly and effectively.
3. Evasion and Defense: The opposing team’s defenders often strive to prevent a player from crossing the try line. Diving can enable a player to evade tackles and defenders, increasing their chances of reaching the try line.
4. Strategic Advantage: Diving is a tactical move in rugby, utilized to outmaneuver the defense and seize opportunities to score points. Players must make quick decisions on when to dive and when to use other techniques.
5. Momentum: Diving can help maintain a player’s forward momentum while carrying the ball, making it harder for defenders to stop their progress.
6. Avoiding Touch: In some situations, players may need to dive to avoid being pushed into touch (out of bounds), ensuring they remain in play and have a chance to score.
7. Grounding the Ball: To officially score a try, a player must ground the ball with downward pressure over the try line. Diving can facilitate this action and secure the points.

Good Technique When Diving To Score

Diving to score in rugby requires precise technique to ensure a successful try. Here are the key elements of a good diving technique when trying to score in rugby:

1. Timing: Proper timing is crucial. The player should initiate the dive when they are close to the try line and confident they can cross it before being tackled. Timing ensures that the player can reach the try line before the defense can prevent them.
2. Ball Control: Maintain control of the ball throughout the dive. The player should cradle the ball securely in their arms, preventing it from being dislodged or knocked forward during the dive. Keep the ball close to the body to minimize the risk of turnovers.
3. Low Center of Gravity: Lower the body’s center of gravity to increase stability during the dive. Bend at the waist and knees while keeping the back straight. This posture helps with balance and control while diving.
4. Extended Reach: Extend the leading arm toward the try line, reaching as far as possible to ensure that the ball crosses the try line with downward pressure. The extended arm helps to maximize the chances of scoring before being tackled.
5. Eyes on the Prize: Keep your eyes fixed on the try line. This visual focus helps the player maintain a straight path and accurately gauge the distance to the try line, improving accuracy during the dive.
6. Dive Low and Forward: Dive low to the ground to minimize the chances of being tackled before reaching the try line. Dive forward, maintaining momentum, and minimizing the risk of being pushed out of bounds or losing ground.
7. Balance and Stability: Maintain balance during the dive by spreading the legs slightly. This prevents a loss of control or being knocked off course by defenders. Balance also helps in grounding the ball with downward pressure.
8. Safe Landing: After scoring, ensure a safe landing to protect oneself from injury. Roll to the side or absorb the impact with a controlled fall to prevent injury to the head or neck.
9. Practice: Repeatedly practicing diving techniques under various game situations is essential for mastering this skill. Players should develop muscle memory for proper execution.
10. Decision-Making: Diving is a strategic choice. Players must decide when to dive and when to use other methods of scoring, depending on the circumstances and the positions of defenders.

Penalty Try

The referee has the power to decide a penalty try in the game of rugby. If he sees that the defending team’s misconduct has prevented a try, he has the power to award a penalty try to the attacking team in both rugby league and rugby union. Regardless of where the offense took place on the pitch, penalty tries are usually given under the posts. The referee applies the standard that a try “probably” would have been scored in rugby union. The referee does not necessarily need sure certainty that a try would have been scored. 

However, in rugby league, if the referee notices that the unfair play of the defending team has led to a try-scoring success, he may then award a penalty try in his opinion in the rugby league. In rugby union, seven points are awarded to the attacking team from a penalty try, with no conversion being attempted. However, in rugby league, eight points are awarded to the attacking team from a penalty try if as the ball is being ground, the defending team makes an unfair play. 

After the “try” has been awarded, the next thing is a conversion attempt, just in line where the attacking team scored a try, and then lastly, from in front of the posts, a penalty kick would be taken. After a try has been scored, any foul play results in the award of another penalty awarded on the halfway mark in rugby union. An eight-point try and a penalty try are two distinct results with the 8-point try being scarcely seen in the present rugby game. 

Conversion 

In both rugby league and rugby union, the attacking team which is the scoring team gets the opportunity to attempt a conversion when a try is scored. This conversion means a free-kick at the goal to modify the try from a set of points into a bigger set of points. At any point on the field of play in line, the kick is taken parallel to the touchlines with the point that the ball was grounded for the try.  Extra points are scored if the attempt is successful. 

However, the ball must pass between the uprights and over the crossbar for the conversion to be successful. The two ways through which the conversion can be attempted is either a dropkick or a place kick (from the ground) in both codes. The place kick is the most preferred option of conversion by most rugby players. This is because generally the place kick is regarded as an easier skill than the latter. Most attacking players usually try to ground the ball very close to the in-goal area center to make the conversion easier. 

Rather than losing the ball when trying to pass it to a teammate or by being tackled, most attackers used to quickly ground the ball immediately after they were confronted by an opposing defender. Generally, a conversion is worth two good points in both rugby league and rugby union. However, a five-point try is converted to seven by a successful kick at a goal in rugby union, whereas, in rugby league, a successful kick at a goal converts four-point try to six. 

Why Do Rugby Players Slide?

Both in rugby union and rugby league, rugby players, in the attempt to score a try, slide into the in-goal area. To reduce the chances of losing the ball or being interrupted, a rugby player needs to maintain the ball’s distance to the ground if the ball is inches away from the ground when he wants to enter the in-goal area. 

Does The Ball Have To Touch The Ground In Rugby?

Yes, of course! The ball has to touch the ground in rugby especially when an attacking player is attempting a try. That’s because a try is only scored by grounding the ball in the in-goal area of the opposition which is on or behind the goal line. In-goal area and grounding the ball have slight differences in rugby union and league.

Aspect Common To Both Union And League In Terms Of Making A Try

Honestly, between the two codes of rugby, there are differences in the fine details of the laws and their interpretation. The ball itself and the player holding it must never be touch-in-goal or touch, not excluding over or on the dead-ball line. The points that are counted as being “out” in the game of rugby include touch-in-goal lines, deadball lines, and touchlines. For the ball to be ruled in touch-in-goal or touch, there must be contact between the ground and the ball with the player. 

Variations Specific To Rugby Union

There are two ways through which a rugby player can ground the ball; he can ground the ball if he holds the ball in his hands or arms, and then touches the ball to the ground or he can ground the ball if the ball with downward pressure from upper body, hands, even arms are required, is on the ground in-goal. So, for a try to be awarded, a defending player must not ground the ball before an attacking player. A five-meter scrum is awarded to the attacking team if there is uncertainty about which team had grounded the ball first. 

A player who’s in contact or even touch-in-goal, but who’s not holding the ball, might mark a try by grounding the ball in goal. The goalposts and padding at ground level are included in the goal line and thus of the in-goal, therefore a try might be scored by grounding the ball in the feet of the posts. 

A try is scored in case an attacking player is tackled light of the goal line but quickly gets out and also puts the ball on and over the goal line.  (This is an immediate contrast to rugby league, which could award a penalty for “double movement”, see below. There’s sometimes confusion among players and spectators at community amounts of the game as well and an incorrect protest of “double movement” is a typical one at English rugby union matches. Rather compared to arms only, a “double movement” in rugby union consists of action of the torso.)

Final Words 

Once again, rugby players dive because it’s the easiest and quickest way to get the ball down over the line. A “try” in the game of rugby is the method of getting points accredited by the rugby league football and rugby union. When a rugby player grounds the ball in the in-goal area of the opposition, it’s called a try in rugby. We’ve come to the end of the article, hope you were able to get resources in your quest to know why rugby players dive. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions or comments. Thanks!

References:

https://rugbydome.com/rugby-players-dive/
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-rugby-players-slide-into-the-endzone

The Barnett Heat Pro Helmet sizing is quite easy to read and understand. The size head measurement include: XL; 60 cm / 24”, L; 58 cm / 23″1/4, M; 56 cm / 22″1/2, S; 54 cm / 21″1/2, XS; 50 cm / 20″3/14. 

Barnett Heat Pro Helmet is one of the most reliable head helmets on the market today. It is designed and built with 100% nylon and spandex, airings for great breathability, and expanded and thermoformed EVA foam for ample cushioning. Sizing charts are an important factor to consider before buying any headwear, most especially helmets. 

The helmet might be good in terms of build quality, but it doesn’t fit well on your head, it’s no good at all. Before you make a buying decision on your preferred Barnett Heat Pro Helmet today, it is ideal to first study the sizing chart. But a sizing chart has to be correct and updated to avoid misinformation.

 When you’re misinformed about the sizing of a helmet, you might just end up buying the one that doesn’t fit into your head. In this blog post, we’ve prepared a sizing chart for the Barnett Heat Pro Helmet. Also, you’ll get to know how to correctly measure your head to get the right helmet size

No helmet can completely protect your head against unexpected and unforeseeable low and high-speed impacts. However, wearing a helmet is a good way to maximize your head protection. But the thing is, your helmet must fit perfectly, you must be able to fasten the retention system securely under the chin. When you don’t play rugby with a well-fitted helmet that’s securely fastened with the chinstrap, it could easily come off during the heat of the game, resulting in serve head trauma or even death.

Head Measurements 

The main reason why you’re buying a sports helmet is protection and safety to your head during a heavy collision with other players or the ground. Your preferred helmet must deliver a really good comfortable fit to get the best protection. There’s nothing like a comfortable experience when you’re wearing a bad-fitting helmet. Follow the steps below for precise measurement. 

1. To know your range on the Barnett Hear Pro Helmet sizing chart (as a starting point for a comfortable fit, place a flexible tape measure around your head above your eyebrows at a height of approximately 2.5cm. 

2. From this sizing guideline, pick the helmet size that is closer to your head measurement. Try out the smaller if you end up sizing between two helmets sizing.  

Getting The Right Fit

Your news to be aware of your head size measurement before you go for any helmet to get a sports helmet with the correct fitting. We’ve drafted the golden rule for finding a good comfortable fit for your head.

Head size + head shape = comfortable fit

Knowing that helmets are the most important piece of safety equipment. It is a smart move to have a correct measurement of your head when shopping for a new helmet. Using a tape cloth, measure the circumference across the forehead (in cm). This is done by measuring it about 1 inch over the small bump at the back of the head, above the ears and eyes, then read the sizing where the tape joins. Sizing may vary between models and brands, so take note that these measurements are only a chart.

Barnett Hear Pro Helmet sizing chart for Adult (cm)

XS: 50-51

S: 54-55

M: 56-57

L: 58-59

XL: 60-61

XXL: 62-63

Barnett Hear Pro Helmet sizing chart for Youth (cm)

Small: 46-47cm

Medium: 48-49cm

Large: 50-51cm

Different Head Shapes

We’ve prepared an insight into the three different head shapes. Let’s take a look at each of them. 

Oval – this is the most common head shape and it is fondly known as “long oval”. Most of the helmets manufactured in North American follow this head shape

Egg – this type of head shape is narrower at the bottom and wider at the top. Players with this type of head shape have their heads substantially thinner than it is long. When these players wear round or intermediate helmets, they will normally feel “hot spots” along the forehead and the space at the temple. 

Round – this type of head shape is wider in the middle, almost near the temples. Players with this head shape have their heads more spherical than their more oval counterparts. When these players wear long oval or intermediate helmets, they will normally feel “hot spots” along with the extra space at the forehead and the space at the temple. 

Barnett Hear Pro Helmet Complete Sizing Chart

Here’s the complete Barnett Hear Pro Helmet sizing chart. From this sizing chart, pick the helmet size that is closer to your head measurement.

Size	Centimeter	Inches	Hat Size
XS	50-51	20 3/4 – 21	4 5/8 – 5
S	54-55	21 1/2 – 22	6 7/8 – 7
M	56-57	22 1/4 – 22 3/4	7 1/8 – 7 1/4
L	58-59	23 – 23 1/2	7 3/8 – 7 1/2
XL	60-61	23 3/4 – 24 1/4	7 5/8 – 7 3/4
XXL	62-63	24 3/4 – 25	7 7/8-8

Note that different manufacturers of sports helmets have different sizing charts. Take, for example, two manufacturers that can have the same size L helmet, but the sizing fit may vary because of the thickness of inner padding and cheek pad and shell size. The best move is to try out the actual helmet model for perfect fitting. The model of helmet you’re interested in buying will have its size measurement correspond to the particular size. 

How To Know That A Sports Helmet Is Too Small Size For You

Normally, a good fitting should be a snug fit. However, if it is too tight to the extent that you feel over tightness on your forehead and high pressure on top of your skull, then it is too small for your head. If the chinstrap seems too tight, then try to adjust it. However, if your chinstrap isn’t adjustable, then you can just leave it as it may expand after some time. 

How To Know That A Sports Helmet Is Too Big Size For You

To know if the size of a helmet is too big for you, try to shake your head hard from right to left when you first try it on and if it has space to move around, then it isn’t the right size. However, players with oval, protruding head shapes may feel a little space at the side of the helmet but their forehead can feel over tightness resulting in red lines on foreheads. 

Why Is It Important To Know Your Head Shape?

It is a smart move to know your head shape since it can easily help you know which helmet will fit into the internal shape of the helmet. Just like we said earlier, every brand and model is unique and not all helmets will fit the same way. Before buying a sports helmet, the shape of your head is an important factor to understand. 

Lower End Sports Helmet

Most of the lower-end sports helmet brands in the market today design helmets with a generic shape to fit almost all user’s head shapes. These low-end helmets are made with little cheek pads, helmet cushion, and inner lining thickness. These components make most of the differences to your fit. 

Higher-End Sports Helmet

Only a few high-end sports helmet brands have manufactured helmet models that are specifically designed to offer a comfortable fit to different head shapes. The Barnett Heat Pro Helmet is one of those few high-end manufacturers that design helmets with good cheek pads, helmet cushion, and inner lining thickness for exceptional head fitting. 

Are All Helmet Sizes The Same?

Certainly, not all helmets will fit the same way. Each brand and model is unique in its own way. Just like we’ve said before, you have to consider your head shape before you go out to buy a sports helmet. It is a very important factor in getting a comfortable fit. Most of the lower-end sports helmet brands in the market today design helmets with a generic shape to fit almost all user’s head shapes. 

Final Verdicts 

A lot of helmet models are designed in a variety of different sizes to satisfy a mass market. So, since your head size and shape are unique to you, you need to take caution when shopping for a sports helmet. All the tips above you should help you make the right decision in your quest to pick a helmet with a comfortable fit. 

We’ve come to the end of this informative article. We hope you were able to find good and reliable resources in your quest to know the Barnett Heat Pro Helmet sizing chart. If you have any questions or comments about the article topic, don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks!