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Decrease Your Chance of Injury

Could cleat choice be the answer?

Hopkins, MN – (story told to Tanel 360)

I was recently invited to play softball in England and Scotland and being a Certified Personal Trainer (and sports fanatic), I felt compelled to do some research and send this article to your company so others can benefit from my experience.

I found myself playing on very unique fields or ‘pitches’ as the locals call them, that were all grass. Playing on a totally grass field posed cleat traction problems that I was not accustomed to. When I was batting, I wasn’t always able to pivot effectively in the cleats I was wearing due to the increased traction of the grass and my back ankle did not pivot properly. Not only did this decrease my hitting performance during the swing, but it could have led to a sprained ankle or worse. I usually don’t play on all grass fields, but I do play in the outfield which can require similar quick movements such as crossovers, hip-turns or directional steps and could potentially lead to torque related injuries, so I decided to do some research to learn if this could be avoided. What I found was really surprising.

According to the Institute for Preventative Sports Medicine, each year, more than 40 million Americans of all ages, experience, and fitness level participate in an estimated 23 million softball league games. So, with such a large participation base it is not hard to believe that softball is also is the number one cause of recreational injuries. The National Electronic Surveillance Systems of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has estimated that softball is not only the number one cause of injury, but also the number one sport leading to emergency room visits in the United States. Of these injuries the most prevalent are injuries to the ankle and knee.

These types of injuries to the lower leg are commonly caused by sports that require a foot plant and simultaneous torque motions that happen with rapid directional changes during play.
The good news is that ankle and knee injuries can be reduced by your choice in cleats. A recent study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine by Rick B. Lambson, EdD, studying the torque resistance of four different cleat designs and the injury rates of players wearing these cleats. It was found that cleats with a circular pivot disk, like the patented TANEL 360 toe and heal circular cleat pattern, resulted in a decreased rate of injury. Shoes without the circular pattern showed an increased rate of injury of 3.4 times than cleats with the circular pivot disc. Listen to what Dr. Barry A. Solomon, MD, Manager; Long Island Baymen Lightning had to say: “Over the past three years our players have enjoyed the TANEL 360® cleats without one incident of traction or torque-pivot induced injury. I have and will continue to recommend the 360® Technology Cleat System to players of all ages for its design and performance.”

Even better news, not only does the TANEL 360’s innovative design help decrease your chance of injury, but they can also contribute to better overall performance in both hitting and fielding. The 360 circular design allows for a cutting action in the playing surface providing reduced ground friction, superior traction, faster and smoother hip rotation, and increased bat speed-due to increased ability to pivot. According to Professional Softball Player Kenny Briggs, ”I have worn Reebok and Nike in the past and the TANEL® RPM LITE is by far the lightest and most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. The 360® Technology you have in the cleat pattern helps me pivot and pull the ball better. I have never worn a better shoe and I will never switch.”

I did the research and decided that I would check out a pair of TANEL® RPM LITE. They came quickly in the mail and I couldn’t wait to give them a try. So a buddy and I went outside and I took a few cuts. I noticed right away reduced torque in my lower legs as well as a more fluid swing. When doing a few drills I also noticed a difference. Obviously, a new pair of cleats will not make you an all-star and you still have to put in the work, but I definitely won’t go back to a cleat without the circular cleat pattern.

So, this winter when you are thinking about new softball equipment to purchase don’t just think about getting a new bat, or glove, but think about getting a pair of cleats with the circular pivot disk to help protect your body.

Tanel 360 shoes and other products can be purchased from the Street Kids Softball team by contacting TJ Jorgensen.

--Please contact Jason at www.softballfitness.com with any questions about this article.

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