Category: Blogs

Pickleball is a fun sport that’s taking the world by storm. This thrilling, interesting sport is welcoming to all and surprisingly easy to learn. It doesn’t require too much equipment, it can be played indoors or outdoors and it’s an amazing way to stay fit and enjoy life.

Even though it’s enjoyed by so many, this sport is actually relatively new. So, you might not know much about it, but it might become one of your favourite activities.

Are you looking for a fantastic new sport to try out? Keep reading to learn more about this one!

5 Things Everyone Should Know About Pickleball

Basically, this is a paddle sport that combines elements of other racquet sports, but it has slight changes that make it special. This sport combines various elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. It’s similar, but it’s also different. Unique equipment and rules set this sport apart from other racquet sports.

It’s a fairly new sport, as it was invented in 1965. Despite its age, it’s quickly become popular all around the world – including right here in New Zealand. People from all walks of life all over Aotearoa are discovering this wonderful sport.

Here are five cool things you should know about this thrilling sport:

1. Pickleball Is Very Easy To Learn

Like any other sport, there are rules that you have to follow. But these rules are pretty simple and very easy to learn. Players who have experience with other racquet sports, like tennis or badminton, might have an easier time learning the rules and the correct motions.

But, like with any new activity, this doesn’t mean you should dive in head-first and immediately try to be a pro. We recommend taking it slow and being easy on yourself as you learn the game. Start with laid-back matches where you’re learning the rules and ways of the game without being too hard on yourself if you don’t win or if you mistakenly break any rules.

2. This Sport Is Relatively Laid-Back, Fun And Sociable

This is a great, low-impact sport that’s perfect for anyone of any age. It’s easy to learn, so even young children or people who are completely new to sports can try it out.

This is seen as a very friendly sport, and players are often welcoming and kind. You should feel free to try it for yourself.

However, that doesn’t mean that things can’t get competitive! Experienced players can enjoy serious pickleball competitions that encourage them to let their skills shine.

So, whether you want to burn some calories and bond with your mates or you’re looking to become a serious player, this sport could be right for you.

3. It Is Played On A Badminton-Sized Court

This sport is a relatively small-scale sport, as it’s played on a badminton-sized court, which is much smaller than a tennis court. This is one reason why beginners find this sport welcoming and easy to learn. It’s in a smaller setting, so it’s not as intimidating as facing a massive footy field or even a large tennis court.

Pickleball courts are divided into two halves by a net. The net is also lower than a standard tennis net.

4. It Can Be Played As Singles Or Doubles

Much like other racquet sports, many people enjoy playing matches as singles or as doubles. In singles, each player plays against the other player. In doubles, two players on each team play against the two players on the other team.

This teamwork can be a great way to bond with your teammate and even your opposing team. Work together and have fun to enjoy this exceptional sport.

5. The Goal Is To Hit The Ball Over The Net And Into The Opposite Court

Like other sports, your goal is to serve the wiffle ball over the net and onto your opponent’s court. The ball must bounce once before the opposing player can hit it back. When the ball is back on your side, you must also let it bounce once before you hit it again.

An important difference in pickleball that you should know of is that you must serve the ball using an underhand arc, rather than an overhand arc.

Do You Want To Try This Sport Yourself? Gear Up Here!

This sport is great for anyone. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to see if this is the game for you! At HotShot Sports Equipment, we strive to provide New Zealand with fantastic equipment and gear. We’re passionate about encouraging fun, healthy lifestyles with our products.

Visit our website to learn more about our custom equipment service. That’s right, we can make sports equipment specifically for you and your needs.

Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 483 6647 if you’d like to speak to our team directly; we’d love to hear from you! You can also visit our website’s contact page for more info.

Enrich your life and stay active with products from HotShot Sports Equipment!

Tennis is a fun, energetic game that so many people in New Zealand love. It’s a great game that doesn’t require much equipment to play, and you don’t have to be a pro athlete to feel all the amazing benefits of playing it. But, naturally, it’s hard to play tennis correctly without a dependable tennis net.

Purchasing a new net can help you improve any place where sports are played, but you can’t just choose the first net you see. You’ll need to think about various factors like size, material and even colour before you find the best net for your space.

No worries, we’re here to help! Keep reading to learn what you need to look for when buying a new net.

 

Why Having A Great Net Is So Important

First, you should understand why choosing a suitable net is so important.

Just imagine trying to play tennis with a low-quality tennis net that might be broken, incorrectly set up or not fit for use. The ball might not bounce off the net as it should, or the net could sway or move too much in the wind. These issues could make it pretty hard to play a fun round of tennis.

But, a strong, properly-installed net will be reliable so you can enjoy tennis the way it’s supposed to be enjoyed. The ball will bounce off the net correctly, the net won’t break from standard use, and it’ll always stay where it’s supposed to be. A good net can help you experience all of the wonderful health benefits of playing tennis.

A Few Key Factors To Pay Attention To When You Shop For A new Net

Not all nets are the same, so not all tennis nets will fit your property or your players. Think about these things when you’re choosing a tennis net:

Size

Make sure you choose a net that’s appropriately sized for your tennis court and the kinds of tennis you play. Be aware of the exact size you need so that you can look for a good net.

Materials

Nets used in tennis are typically made from nylon or polyester. It’s a good idea to thoroughly read the description of your selected net before you purchase it so that you can fully understand what it’s made of.

Please read the description to learn about the material of the net itself, the material of the top band, the material of the dowels and more. This can give you a great mental image of what the net is like if you’re shopping online.

Durability

You’ll also want a strong, durable tennis net that’s made to last. These nets are typically used outdoors, so they need to be strong enough to withstand being outdoors in all seasons and still look good.

The nets we have at HotShot Sports Equipment are treated with both UV and mildew inhibitors to extend their life and to offer maximum resistance against the elements. They’re designed to stand strong, so they’re the perfect choice for any kind of tennis court.

Additionally, nets with polyester top bands last longer than nets with PVC top bands in sunny conditions as the polyester doesn’t break down from UV rays like PVC does. Tennis is a great game to play on a bright and sunny day, so having nets with UV-resistant qualities is a must.

Portability Or Installation

Take a moment to think about how your net will be set up. Are you planning on setting it up in a more permanent position where it’ll be in an area that’s designated for tennis? In this case, you’ll also want to think about if you have good tennis posts for your net to be attached to.

However, if you’re purchasing a net for a space that’s for multiple different kinds of sports, then chances are you’ll have to set it up and take it down regularly to prepare for tennis games or remove it for other types of sports. In this case, you may want to consider purchasing a mobile tennis system.

Mobile tennis systems are exactly what they sound like – they’re tennis nets that are attached to a portable system, and they’re much easier to move in or out of position. This makes them absolutely perfect for multi-sport areas that aren’t specifically for tennis.

These mobile systems are meant to be easier to set up, take down or move around. Unlike standard nets that use tennis posts, these have wheels that allow them to be easily moved. If you’re concerned about the net shifting in and out of position during a game because of these wheels, don’t be – the wheels are braked to ensure the tennis net is sturdy like a standard net that’s attached to posts.

How You Can Find Some Of The Best Sports Equipment In Aotearoa

At HotShot Sports Equipment, we strive to supply New Zealanders with top-notch sports equipment that’s dependable and built to last. We love encouraging fun and exercise with our products, and we’d love for you to come and see our selection of tennis nets.

Do you need help selecting the right tennis net? Please feel free to call us on 0800 483 6647; we’re here to help.

Enjoy the thrilling sport of tennis with equipment from HotShot Sports Equipment!

Soccer is one of those awesome games that can be enjoyed by nearly anyone. Just grab a ball, find suitable goals and soccer nets and grab your best friends, you’re good to go! Setting up a new soccer goal in your backyard or an area designated for active play is an excellent way to encourage others to have fun and stay active.

Of course, in order to get the right nets and goals, you have to look for the right qualities. There are different materials, sizes and designs to look for when you shop.

Making the wrong choice can be disappointing, so read on to learn about what you need to look for to find the perfect soccer goal and net online.

The Top Things To Look For As You Search For Your New Soccer Goal And Net

What kind of soccer nets and goals are you looking for? When you browse through your selection, keep the following tips in mind:

Know Your Budget. First of all, set a realistic budget for yourself. Having a set price range will help you stay in line and not spend too much. Although, it would be best if you also kept in mind that having a good, sturdy soccer goal is very beneficial because it encourages healthy play.

Therefore, it’s recommended to set a budget that’s affordable for you but allows you to get high-quality equipment that you and many others can enjoy for a long time.

Know How Many You Need. Next, how many soccer nets and goals do you need? Most spaces just require two, but are you enhancing several places or just getting one for your backyard? Remember to take quantity into account when you are creating your budget.

Metal Or Plastic? Soccer goals typically come in two material options: metal or plastic. Both materials have pros and cons, although metal is usually considered for high-intensity play because it typically lasts longer and offers you a better experience.

The main differences between the two are:

Plastic:

• More Affordable. Plastic goals tend to be cheaper than higher-quality metal goals.

• Lighter. Plastic tends to be lighter than metal, making plastic goals easier to transport, set up and put away.

• More Suitable For Casual Play. Because they’re usually not as high-quality as metal goals, plastic goals are better suited for casual play with amateur players.

Metal:

• More Durable. Naturally, metal is more sturdy and durable than plastic goals. Great metal goals with suitable soccer nets will be with you for many years and countless games.

• Designed For Permanent Or Semi-Permanent Installation. Because they’re a bit heavier and much more durable, metal goals are better for permanent or semi-permanent installation. So, they’re best for places designated for playing sports.

• Better For Schools Or Gyms Where It Will Be Used Often. If you are looking to enhance a space like a school or a gym, a metal goal is most likely your best option.

Portable Or Stationary? Goals can be designed to be portable or stationary. They can be specially made to be easily packed away and set up, or they can be designed to be anchored to the ground to stay there for extended periods of time. Which kind are you looking for?

Check If Your Goal Comes With A Net Or Not. Most goals come with soccer nets, but some do not. Please make sure your goal comes with a net if you do not already have one. If it doesn’t, you should absolutely purchase a suitable net to go with your new goal.

Consider Purchasing An Extra Net Or Two. Even if your goal comes with a net, why not buy an extra one or two? Nets are sturdy and reliable, but they’re not as durable as a metal goal. Having an extra net in case your current one breaks can give you peace of mind. Nets come in different styles, sizes and even colours.

Always make sure you know what size you need your net before purchasing them.

Key Points To Remember As You Shop

It would be best if you remembered these key points as you look for your soccer nets and goals:

• Soccer goals mainly come in two materials – metal and plastic. Metal is usually more expensive but can offer a better experience for most situations. 

• Always check if your goal comes with a net before you purchase it. If not, make sure you buy a net as well.

• Even if you already have a net, consider purchasing an extra or two. You never know when your current one will break.

Need Sports Equipment? Come See Our Selection!

HotShot Sports is your one-stop shop for all the sports equipment you need. We have a fine collection of soccer goals and nets for you to look through.

Having some trouble finding what you need? We’d love to assist. Call our team at  0800 483 6647 if you have any questions or would like some help.

Encourage healthy play and boost your soccer skills with HotShot Sports.