Paddle Tennis - A Winter Sport

By: Greg Pierce 

Paddle tennis, also known as platform tennis started in the 1920s. Two friends were looking for a way to practice their knacks in tennis during the winter season. They came upon a concept to construct an unusual court designed for winter. The dimension of the court was 30 ft by 60 ft, about a quarter of a tennis court, fenced by screens 12 ft in height. Aside from keeping the balls from straying off the court, the purpose of the screen was to let the players bounce off the balls from them as in racquetball or squash. 

Little did the creators know that the sport would become popular enough to be played by men and women of different expertise & age levels. Or that it would be enjoyed all over the United States & Canada, not to mention different countries worldwide.

Paddle tennis is very easy to play. Anybody can just pick up a paddle and learn while having fun. Its not the same as tennis where you need speed and raw power to win. In paddle tennis, you need to have the patience & strategy of a chess player. It is because of this that it can be an addicting game. 

The capability to play off the screens makes the game more interesting. Part of its appeal is to be able to turn the tables on a male-against-female match. A woman cannot be bested by a man's raw power alone if she can play her cards right. Because of the screens, it is difficult to predict an opponent's move. But this is part of the strategy.

Presently, the courts are constructed of aluminum with heating underneath so that the falling snow cannot accumulate because it melts upon landing on the surface. There are also warming huts nearby complete with fireplaces & contemporary amenities. The court is also equipped with lights for playing at night. From September to April, the season for this sport is longer than summer games. 

This sport compliments your skills in tennis such as overheads & volleying. Thus, you don't have to stop playing tennis altogether. The good thing about this sport is that women can play against men in tournaments. Unlike in tennis wherein the sexes have to be segregated because a man's raw power is usually no match against a woman's.

Another bright idea about this sport is that parks that are never used during winter can be equipped with courts to make them useful.

Are you enthusiastic about learning how to play paddle tennis? Learn all about it in our site. We have links for everything you need including paddle tennis rackets.

Article Source: Paddle Tennis - A Winter Sport

How Yoga Can Improve Your Tennis Play

By Zach Shalev

Have you ever watched a cat when it is getting ready to attack something? It is able to move swiftly close to the ground while not extending their muscles all the way out as it grabs the prey. When playing tennis this is the same type of movement that is required in order to return the ball back to the opponent. If you are not properly stretching out the muscles then eventually they are going to lose the elasticity in them. Yoga is able to keep the elasticity in the muscles stretched properly while still letting you dash from one end of the court to the other.

When playing tennis you are causing the muscles to be tense while waiting for the next move. Yoga will teach your muscles how to let the tension go so you can play an even better game.

Think about when you are on the field and your knees are slightly bent you are like the cat and ready to pounce. Only difference is every muscle is tense and one wrong move and there is an injury. Take the time and train your muscles so they always start in a position that is relaxed.

Yoga has breathing exercises that concentrate on your stamina and endurance. It is a habit for people to hold their breath for a few seconds in hopes that it will give them more strength. In the long run it is just wearing you out quicker then if your body knew how to breathe properly for creating the strength that is needed to make it through the complete match.

Yoga is all about the proper way of breathing while holding the various poses. When you are getting ready to assume a pose this is when you want to exhale. When doing properly you will actually feel the full length of the muscle stretching out. When doing the exercises it is not about holding your breath, it is mandatory that you breathe just like normal. You can hold a pose for as little as 30 seconds before gradually assuming the starting position. Over time you will actually find yourself breathing just like you do when exercising.

If you need more flexibility in your hips, back, and shoulders then try a spine twist. Remember to practice the proper breathing.

For the spine twist you are going to need to sit on the floor flat on your bottom. Now while relaxing your legs, stretch them directly in front of your body. Take your time and while keeping your spine straight bend your left leg and slowly move it across your right knee and on the other side. Balance your body by putting the left hand flat on the floor behind you. Now try and take your right hand and slowly place it on your left hip.

There is another part to the pose so while holding all the positions you have so far start exhaling and slowly turn your head and upper body to your left. The objective is to look over your left shoulder. Try and hold the pose for about 30 seconds then slowly come back to the start position. If you have problems doing the pose do not get discouraged just keep practicing and you will get it with practice.

Visit Yome - The Yoga Portal for learning to live a wonderful personal and professional life. Improve your body stamina and learn how you can perform better and more efficiently. Expand your knowledge of yoga with great tools like FREE ebooks, interactive forums and informative blog posts from yoga teachers and experts. Visit yogameditationhome.com NOW!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zach_Shalev
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Yoga-Can-Improve-Your-Tennis-Play&id=6883263

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Tennis Technique of the Forehand and Backhand Tennis Strokes

Author: optimum tennis

Tennis technique is one of the most important elements in tennis if you want to improve your tennis. All professional players have great tennis technique.

Optimum Tennis http://www.optimumtennis.net shares secret tennis technique lessons exclusively for tennis players looking for online tennis instruction

Why improve tennis technique?

Tennis technique or tennis strokes can make the difference between being an average tennis player and a great tennis player. There is not much difference between a 4.0 player than a 4.5 tennis player, other than the 4.5 player usually has better tennis technique. Tennis technique can be described as the way a person swings or uses their body to hit the tennis ball.

Pros like roger federer have flawless tennis technique. And when you watch federer's forehand technique on TV, it's astounding how he is able to create winner after winner with his forehand - and this is due to non other than having perfect tennis technique.

So what do average players have to do to improve tennis technique?

First, learn the tennis technique of the pros, like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova. Watch some slow motion videos of them playing tennis. Watch how Nadal's forehand shapes into the powerful bomb at contact. Watch Maria Sharapova's forehand and backhand and see how explosive and smooth it is.

Tennis Technique is one of the most important areas for any tennis player wanting to improve. Note that all great tennis players have world class tennis technique and its no longer a mystery why they can produce the excellent shots they hit - all due to tennis technique.

So If you want to play better tennis, focus on learning more on how to play tennis through Optimum Tennis online tennis instruction, where Coach Ed teaches the basic fundamentals of forehand tennis technique, and learn a thing or two with online tennis lessons on backhand tennis technique. Finally, understand how improving serve tennis technique can lead to mastery of your entire to-be arsenal of mass destruction.

World class tennis technique is a commonality shared by all high level tennis players. With quality practice and hard work, a tennis player can be on the path to improving their tennis technique.

Learn more about Optimum Tennis at http://www.optimumtennis.net

Optimum Tennis has released a new tennis ebook on tennis technique and tennis stroke production. So you can be on the path to improving your tennis technique and having the tennis forehand, backhand and serve you always wanted. This is the premier online tennis website that focuses on tennis technique of top professional players and teaches tennis players all around the world how to model their forehand like Roger Federer's Tennis Technique.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tennis-articles/tennis-technique-of-the-forehand-and-backhand-tennis-strokes-3690953.html

About the Author

Coach Ed - A former nationally ranked tennis player teaching tennis technique online on Optimum Tennis. Online tennis instruction and tennis lessons taught in a exclusive tennis technique book.

Optimum Tennis

http://www.optimumtennis.net

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5 Smart And Fun Facts About Table Tennis

You need to unwind and exercise once a while to keep your body and mind fit. And what's a way to doing this? Playing table tennis! Ping-pong was dated to start during the Victorian period. To date it has become one of the most popular sport played by people. So, there must be something about table tennis that keeps enthusiasts playing. If you haven't tried table tennis yet, then here are gazillion reasons why you should by now.

Fact #1: Table tennis is healthy for your mind and body. Like many other sports, playing table tennis allows your body to sweat, and therefore releasing body waste and other unnecessary products inside the body. It also allows you to develop your strategic skills as you plan for game styles and techniques.

Fact #2: You can gain a lot of friends playing table tennis. A sport can be played either alone or with others. But, table tennis is made to be a form of socialization. By playing table tennis, you get to meet new people who can be your potential friend or even partner! You also get to experience healthy competition and indulge in the spirit of sportsmanship.

Fact #3: Unlike golf or tennis, table tennis will make you save bucks because it does not require expensive sporting gears on. Just having a ping-pong ball anywhere and a good paddle that is inexpensive, you'll definitely won't lose fortune in playing this sport.

Fact #4: Whether you are a male or a female, young or young-at-heart, this game is definitely for you. Table tennis does not allow age or gender to hinder you from playing! The thrill and fun are the more important things in playing this game. It is not strenuous enough for old people and at the same time, you will perspire a lot playing this sport.

Fact #5: Playing table tennis is a game for you to enjoy! Whether playing with your friends, family, colleagues, or a newly met person, table tennis will definitely bring you a new face of enjoyment and excitement in the game. Table tennis is easy to learn and easy to play. You can be hooked by the challenge and will always look forward to improving your style!

Isn't table tennis a lot of fun? You should try playing it and start feeling that this is the best game for you. Get started with the sport. The first key to everything is learning. While you can call your friends out to play with you, you can actually be a trained player first before hitting the game. You don't need to take training sessions with a pro. You can actually learn and be like a pro through table tennis instructional videos you can conveniently get over the internet. Master table tennis in no time and see what table tennis really is.

Without much expense and without requiring you to go to a table tennis gym, table tennis DVD's can actually teach you like you are in an actual setting. Plus, you get to save on that trainer's fee! So, what are you waiting for? Grab those table-tennis paddles and hit like a pro!

Are you eager to know how to perform slow loops, loop drives and loop kills like a professional? Here is a new website http://www.tabletennismaster.com which provides useful information on table-tennis, table-tennis-dvds, table tennis instructional videos and much more.

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MANSOUR BAHRAMI - Tennis' Greatest Entertainer

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How to Choose a great Tennis Instructor - Top 10 Important Considerations

By Jeff Spin

1. A Difficult Process

Finding good tennis instructors and tennis coaches is difficult. The vast majority are former college or high school players who look reasonably good hitting a ball, but have little actual teaching experience.

Indeed, they've seldom studied basic principles of education, read books about proper technique, taken courses in the basic principles of teaching progressions and tennis coaching, or attained certification by either the PTR (Pro Tennis Registry) or USPTA (US Pro Tennis Association).

Always ask your potential Tennis Instructors their NTRP rating, if they are nationally certified (which association and level: low, medium, or high), whether they have ever been ranked highly in the USTA, the number of years they have been teaching professionally, the ages and levels of the students they have taught, the types of locations at which they have taught (year-round indoor centers vs. part-time outdoor summer camps), and which notable authors they have read.

And, while you're talking to your potential Tennis Coaches, try to gain an understanding of their level of professionalism, dedication, level of maturity, type of personality (personable; gregarious), and their ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

2. Expect RAPID Results

You're paying good money to take tennis lessons, and you've got a right to expect good results soon. If you have difficulty understanding your Tennis Teachers during your tennis lessons and have been progressing slowly, stop crossing your fingers hoping you'll one day have a magical epiphany and suddenly improve.

Instead, demand results NOW while you're on-court, and not at some later time. If your Tennis Teachers are truly worth their grain of salt, you'll start improving with your very first tennis lesson, and will continue to improve with each successive tennis lesson.

A good Tennis Teacher is absolutely worth the price. A poor Tennis Teacher simply waists your time and money.

3. National Certification

While certification does not guarantee a GREAT Tennis Coach, it certainly guarantees a reasonable minimum level of expertise. It's unfortunate, but the vast majority of Tennis Coaches are unable to measure up to this requirement.

Always ask your potential Tennis Instructors and Tennis Coaches if they are nationally certified, and to which level.

The PTR and the USPTA are the only two well-respected, USTA-sanctioned, certifying bodies in the USA, and both have been certifying Tennis Coaches for almost 35 years. They certify Tennis Instructors to essentially three ascending tennis coaching levels (low; medium; high).

Good Tennis Coaches always work and study hard to periodically retest and elevate their certification to the highest level.

4. NTRP Level

It's simply impossible for a Tennis Teacher to teach you to do something he/she can not already do him/herself, regardless of what he/she might think or claim.

So, if a Tennis Teacher only has an NTRP of 4.0, he/she can not teach you to play at NTRP 4.5 or higher. If you happen to improve beyond your Tennis Teachers NTRP level, it is solely due to your own abilities, not your Tennis Teacher's.

Always ask your potential Tennis Teachers their NTRP level. It is ill-advised to settle for a lower NTRP level for the sake of a lower price. You will only get what you paid for, with little or no lasting improvement. Instead, demand a high NTRP level to better assure yourself of more rapid improvement.

5. Ranking in the USTA

While a higher USTA (United States Tennis Association) player ranking is no guarantee of getting good tennis lessons, it certainly does help. Tennis Instructors who have never been ranked, or have never even competed for a USTA ranking, should be avoided.

Always ask your potential Tennis Instructors about their current and/or past rankings: The higher, the better.

6. Years and Kind of Experience

There's no substitute for experience. But, tennis teaching experience can be gained in a variety of settings. These include year-round indoor and outdoor facilities, as well as outdoor summer-only institutions such as adult and junior camps, recreation department programs, and country clubs. The tennis teaching experience a Tennis Instructor gains at a summer kids' camp is greatly inferior to that gained at a year-round club. This impacts directly on the quality of your tennis lessons.

Always ask your potential Tennis Instructors exactly where they have gained their experience.

7. Experience Teaching Different

Ages, Levels, and Groups: Different ages and levels require different approaches and techniques when it comes to tennis instruction.

If your potential Tennis Instructor has spent the bulk of his/her time teaching children, he/she will be hard-pressed to provide proper tennis instruction to you as an adult. The skills required to teach privately to a single person are very different and more demanding than teaching a group.

Always ask your potential Tennis Instructors how much time they have spent teaching people of your own age and level, as well as whether they have taught group and private lessons.

8. Expert Knowledge of Proper Technique

Knowledge is critical, and a great Tennis Instructor gains it only from the great effort he/she has made to educate himself/herself. He/she needs to have read a large quantity and variety of tennis instruction books, viewed a sufficient number of instructional videos, and attended many salient courses and workshops on proper stroke technique. There are no short-cuts.

Always ask your potential Tennis Instructor how he/she has gained his/her knowledge.

9. Communication Ability

Regardless of the depth of your Tennis Coach's knowledge of proper technique, this information is useless if he/she is unable to communicate it to you clearly and concisely.

When you speak with your potential Tennis Instructor, always listen to the manner in which he/she expresses him/herself. If you are unable to clearly understand him/her during your initial discovery process, chances are you will be just as bewildered while on court.

10. Personality

Although Personality is presented here last, it is by no means less important than the other considerations. Indeed, a personable, gregarious, punctual, reliable, mature professional who is also upbeat, encouraging, enthusiastic, and animated makes for a fun time on the court.

When you have your initial conversation to discuss tennis lessons, always remember to look for these inviting traits.

For more information, visit the Tennis Lessons Boston website at http://tennislessonsboston.tripod.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Spin

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Cost of Table Tennis Table: Get Top Value for Your Money With the Right Model and Brand!

Official competition table tennis tables come in regulation sizes of 9ft long by 5 feet wide. Other tables are smaller in sizes like some leisure tables and the mini tables. These are constructed from various types of materials such as solid wood, particle fiberboard, reinforced fiberglass, aluminum, galvanized steel, etc. Many features such as quality of the materials used, the way the table is folded and stored, its weight, the thickness, design of the table , the kind of coating and finish of the surface top, the mechanism of the undercarriage, the wheels and brake mechanism and brand name determine the cost of table tennis tables. Many popular brands have been in the market for many years and have created world champions. This kind of brand will definitely be more expensive than the other brands.

Millions of people all over the world are buying ping pong tables and its accessories to enjoy playing this phenomenally popular sport. There are many types and designs of ping pong tables which are ideal for youth clubs, schools, institutions and homes. Many manufacturers have classified their products into leisure, outdoor, indoor, competition, ping pong conversion tops and mini types and have different price ranges. Some manufacturers and retailers have used table tennis equipments being sold at 50-60% discount off the brand new price.

On the average, you can safely buy a reasonably priced ping pong table and conversion table top from a low of $ 100 up to more than $ 2,000, depending on the brand name, features and the unique characteristics of the table. If you want the get a top branded table, you can search the retail stores and websites of Stiga, Butterfly, Joopla, Prince, Sportscraft, Kettler, and other popular brands to view their products and prices.

Take a look at the Optimum 30 model from Stiga which sells for $1399. How come it is priced at this amount? Evaluate the features: It has a 30mm thick top instead of just 25 mm. The steadiness and regularity of the ball bounce is unmatched. Its surface top undergoes a multi-layer treatment and has a unique finish coating to provide appropriate shine. Its weight is 146 kg under Class A packaging in double cartons. It has other stable features when it comes to folding, undercarriage, wheel casters, safety lock, leveling, playback capability, etc. This model is very durable and designed to last for many years.

Another popular model is the Stiga Thunder Outdoor table which is an all weather table with a permanently attached net. This model has many outstanding features like playback mode, excellent surface ball bounce, versatility and superb weatherability. You can also use it for indoor play. Its cost is around $ 850.

Another brand which is claimed to be the best in pro bounce ball is the Butterfly Centerfold 25 Sky Rollway model which sells for $1,925 online. It's got a name and record to protect, being the official table of the 2004 US Open ITTF Pro Tour Championships. It has a new look with its legs painted red and placed at 400 mm inward to accommodate handicapped players. It has its surface top colored blue and other features which provide safety, sturdiness, quality performance and consistent top rating.

Whatever type of ping pong table you like, be it for family hobby, leisure and recreation, for indoor or outdoor use, for tournament competition or for schools, youth clubs and institutional use, you should choose a model and brand which fits your needs and you budget. You get a much higher value for your cost of table tennis table based on the brand name you select if it is a breeder of champions, its possession is a status symbol and its life span is longer than the others. You get top value for your money if you develop closer and more loving relationships with your family and friends as you share the fun and enjoyment with all kinds of experiences and memories to treasure in playing this wonderful sport.

My name is Jan Soriano and I thoroughly research and write about table tennis games online. Please visit my site at http://www.outdoor-table-tennis-table.org to learn about outdoor table tennis tables that will give you the best value for your money.

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