Category: Tennis

Tips on Buying the “right” Tennis Shoes

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Let’s start off by saying that not all tennis shoes are created equal. Form and function are still the best recipe for success. As with any shoes make sure the pair of tennis shoes you purchase allow you to move in very explosive start and stop movements. This is of course the complete, opposite of the concept behind a long distance running shoe.

Should you buy leather over more breathable materials? It is recommended that you purchase a hybrid of the two. One provides durability and won’t wear through as quickly while the other allows the foot to move inside the shoe a bit more giving the player more coordination.

It is also recommended to have more than one pair. The average, avid player can easily wear through a new pair shows within 4-6 months depending upon how often they play. Always look at the tread to determine how worn the shoes is.

The lateral aspects of a good shoe should provide stability and help protect against injury. If for example your shoes are too loose, you could potentially roll an ankle. This is a common injury that could bench you for an extended period-of-time.

Court Shoes are the only shoes that should be worn on the tennis court. The insole should provide some level of cushion to absorb the high impact and rapid movements of a playing surface. Clay court shoes for example are very different than concrete court shoes.

Always make sure you give yourself at least a half an inch from your toes to the end of the shoes to avoid blisters. Color, Style and brand are purely aesthetic so have fun choosing the right shoes for you!

Can a tennis racket make a difference in your game?

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Let’s start off by saying it depends! That said we should probably take-a-look at the skill level of the player first. There is a correct and right choice for each skill level. Players must also consider how serious they are before making the investment.

There are also a few misconceptions out there that size doesn’t matter. Guess what, in this case, it does. Rackets range in size based on the arm length of the players and grips can be built up to customize for comfort.

Handles can also be adjusted with standard lengths ranging from 27-29 inches. Arm length combined with the length of the handle can provide more effective ground strokes and serves especially if you prefer “singles”. Conversely if you prefer “doubles” you can always have the handled shortened if you later decide that this is more comfortable. Most pro shops and/or stringers can typically accommodate this request.

Tennis Pro’s often get asked the question, “Should have I have more than one racket?”, and the answer is “yes” especially if you are competing in tournaments. Another question we often get asked is, “Does the brand of racket matter”? While Tennis Pro’s aren’t necessarily experts at racket design we do have our personal favorite, but again this more subjective.

An important note that players should always consider is the size of the racket head because this will determine speed over control with some that are in between. Depending upon the strength of the player and if they like to hit a “heavier” ball, you should always consider the weight of the racket. The technology of graphite vs. carbonite materials have come a long way since the days of aluminum.

The first question we always get asked above any other however is, “how much should I spend on a good racket”. Typically, most intermediate and advanced rackets start above $100 and come unstrung. Always remember you usually get what you pay for, so don’t sell underestimate the performance of a good racket if you want to truly advance your skills.

If you care about style, there are many colors and designs on the market today so have fun shopping around and you will be the envy of your peers. While there are no points in tennis for style, it can’t hurt to boost a little confidence in your mental game!

Selecting the right Tennis Apparel

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Tennis is one of the few sports that has a history of fashion and elegance. Today, players literally have limitless options to choose from. It is important to carefully select materials that breathe well such as performance fabrics like dry wik or poly cotton blends. Never let them see you sweat applies.

Make no mistake, function outperforms fashion every time on the court but that doesn’t mean you can’t express yourself. The days of shopping as local Club pro shops and sporting goods stores are becoming obsolete making it harder to find proper attire. Retail everywhere is being replaced by online stores. How do you know you’re getting exactly what you paid if you can’t see it beforehand?

First off, tennis clothing should be form fitting and cling to the body without impeding a player’s performance. That does not mean however that players should wear tight clothing either. True fit is the best policy if you aren’t sure. Light colors are also recommended. Technology has caught up with these lightweight fabrics and now clothing has built in SPH ratings from the sun.

Another factor to consider is Total comfort is the major consideration is longevity on the court. The last thing a player wants is to be encumbered by their clothing. While sweatshirts, jogging pants, and long sleeves may protect you from the sun, they won’t deliver performance on the tennis court. Layers might be a better choice throughout the day.

Accessories come in a variety of choices as well. It always a good idea to protect yourself from the sun. Hats, visors, and other protective head wear is always effective.

For women, a variety tops and shirts are available both with and without sleeves. As Tennis has become more physical and competitive so too have the types of performance wearables. Today’s tennis tops may include cami-tanks, baby tees, halter tanks, v-back tanks, and tie halter tanks which are all appropriate choices for most club and recreational settings. Skirts, shorts, and one-piece dresses are always great and safe choice as well especially wherever they might be a dress code.

Men’s tennis apparel has made probably the most progress in recent years and fashion is all the rage. While men still are limited to tops and shorts, performance t-shirts and sleeveless shirts are becoming more popular with the competitive athletes.

The best way to really know what options are right for you is to ask around and get as many opinions as possible before you invest too much money.

Tennis Accessories are a “Booming” Business

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The world of tennis continues to experience massive revenue growth at over 30% annually and tennis accessories are a booming industry. Tennis clothier boutiques and specialty pro-shop retailers are popping virtually everywhere outfitting players around the globe in style.

Notable items that are on top of everyone’s holiday this year include everything from luxe sport handbags to upscale tennis bags. Whether you are an avid player or simply an enthusiast, there are literally thousands of options to choose from. Online retailers have taken the sport to a whole new level by creating a hipster cult following.

Advertisers are pushing the envelope between fashion and sport and are attracting the attention of well-known apparel designers who are showcasing the latest trends as part of their regular casual wear lines that can see on runways from New York, Paris, and Milan. It seems like everybody wants to look like they belong to country club these days even if they can’t afford the membership. Tennis accessories have so many interchangeable looks that hipsters from Venice Beach to Melrose Ave can’t get enough.

Top brands like Nike, Fila, Bole, Lacoste, and Adidas have been forced to make room in this niche industry for a new generation of cross over fitness designers such as Athleta and Lululemon, and Lucy. Sock designers have also decided to capitalize on the action with countless patterns and colors that look great on and off the court. Look around at your local strip mall or shopping center and you will most likely find one in your city.

Have you seen how tennis grips have been changing? Companies such as Smash Tape and Alien Pros offer cool alternatives to the old standards from Tourna, Head, and Wilson. These make great stocking stuffers, hint…hint…! Always think outside the box when it comes to tennis accessories and you will stand out of the crowd every time with your own unique style.

Tennis Court Equipment can make a difference!

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There are different categories of tennis court equipment for individuals, facilities, and for instruction. The most versatile on the market accommodate all categories. That said there are a few “must have” pieces of equipment all tennis players should consider if you don’t belong to some type of club that provides them.

Stop chasing balls and bending over backwards to scoop them up. Ball Hoppers are an essential and come in 3 sizes with the largest of the handhelds that holds up to 200 balls. The detachable polyurethane coated baskets are also ideal for use as a teaching aid. They are lightweight and easily convert to a standing position to feed balls from when coaching.

Another piece of equipment to consider is a Roller Squeegee. It is an expensive way to keep the court clean from debris. Try to get the steel handles that eliminate wobble and assures ultimate stability. It is not necessary to acquire a commercial grade version unless you are a facility coordinator. Look for the compact models that you can easily assemble and pack.

Water Brooms are key in regions of the country that tend to collect a lot of rain and moisture in the air. They are also a great way to maintain safety on the court and are one of the best ways to remove water deposits more quickly allowing players to help dry out the courts after a heavy rain. Make sure you shop around because there are several different variations that range in price.

Stay cool and out of the sun when taking a break with the Tennis Court Awning. Although they make awnings that come with stands, they tend not to be the portable. Try to find the awnings that attach to the bench. The detachable units also typically expand, contract, tilt, and fold into a carrying case. There are many sizes to choose from and some are heavier than others.

Last, but not least, is the gallon cooler stand. Stay hydrated with an insulated cooler that keeps water cold and can be rolled behind you, so nobody is required to do any lifting. Look for the coolers that compact to fit in the back of most vehicle trunks.

The Best Destination Tennis Vacations

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Tennis is one of the few sports where players can find a court in almost any location. However, for the true tennis connoisseur, only the best will do. Destination vacations are becoming increasingly popular in a health-conscious world. Unlike private tennis clubs, tennis players now can have the experience of an all-inclusive package that includes accommodation, airfare, fitness, spa, and most importantly plenty of Tennis. Indulge in endless private or family lessons, adult social clinics, junior’s tennis camps, and more.

Maybe you prefer an island tennis experience, perhaps a desert tennis getaway, how about tennis aboard a cruise ship, or even a seaside luxury tennis resort? Whatever your idea of the ideal destination tennis vacation is you’re sure to find a perfect blend of leisure travel with fitness. Choose from hard courts to clay and grass.

Destination Tennis vacations offer a limitless array of non-tennis activities set amongst beautiful backdrops and gorgeous sunsets. Healthy cuisine, guided tours, swimming, golf, massage, yoga, and much more are all part of the magic. Imagine coming home from a vacation refreshed and full of energy instead of fatigued. Pampered elegance at its finest best describes this kind of unique travel.

We’ve all heard that “families that play tennis together stay together”. Why not book your next Destination Tennis vacation with other like-minded families? Let the hotel concierges work with the Tennis department to line up matches and group lessons. After all this is your leisure time so have fun, relax, and enjoy the fresh air.

Dress codes are typically casual, but if you feel like shopping, almost every destination tennis resort has a wide variety of tennis apparel and equipment options at their Pro shops. Get the latest fashions from top designers. Expect to pay a little more because after all it is a hotel, but you’re on vacation so a little splurging here and there can add to the fun.

Why do some players prefer “Grass Courts” over other types of surfaces?

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For starters, Grass Courts advocate a much softer on your body and joints. Up until the 1970s, grass was used at three of the four Grand Slam tournaments most notably Wimbledon, the exception being the French Open. Another advantage of grass courts is that they are the fastest of all the surfaces due to the slippery top soil. The ball moves at a faster pace with a lower bounce thus favoring players with a good serve and net players. By taking the ball out of the air you take the uncertainty out of the bounce proving in theory, that when the tennis ball smashes into the soft ground a slight skidding or sliding motion gives the ball a little “kick.” The skidding phenomenon takes some of the spin out of the ball, but the rotational energy is transferred into speed.

Grass Courts are well known for producing an unpredictable bounce to the ball due to the softer and slightly uneven surface of grass in general. This can be a competitive advantage for some players. Until a few years ago, grass court tennis were considered well suited for offensive players. In the early 2000s Wimbledon changed the composition of the grass courts in-an effort to make them more durable, but players companied that the change resulted in balls bouncing higher and slower off the new grass courts.

Grass courts are very expensive to build and maintain and therefore nowadays grass courts are very rare to find and most people want what we can’t have. Unfortunately, this means that few tennis players will ever actually play on grass courts in their lifetime. Even on the Pro Tour, the grass court season is very short and lasts only 4 weeks. However, “the grass isn’t always greener”. Due to the low bounce, players need to stay low all the time with their knees bent even more than usual, leaving some players to experience some discomfort if they aren’t used to playing on grass.

Finally, the biggest advantage to playing on grass courts is that it is easier to win a point in grass as it allows more aces and serve and volley style of play. The server can approach the net after serving and hit a volley and convert it into a point. Therefore, we see more serve points in Wimbledon than say in the French Open on clay. This is due to-the-fact that the slower court surfaces and quicker deflation of balls promotes longer rallies which is perfect if you are a spectator. However, in general the slower the surface, the less benefit of approaching the net which means it’s more physically demanding on the player.

How to determine your Tennis Level?

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The National Tennis Rating Program is available at most tennis academies and private clubs. The program allows players to properly assess their skill levels, from beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Certification programs are available through industry associations such as the USPAT or PTR. The rating system is used to evenly align players to compete against others of the same skill level. All United States Tennis Association leagues use the rating system for ladder tournament programming and is the official ranking system for non-USTA tennis events.

Beginner Level:
As a general rural of thumb, the rating system starts at 1.0 for beginners who have never picked up a racket. A 1.5 player may be able to hit the ball over the net but has never had their skill set ranked. If you have been playing for a while and can demonstrate some short rally ball control your rating should be closer to a 2.0 as an example. A 2.5 player typically has stronger ball control but lacks timing.

Intermediate Level:
A 3.0 player can rally consistently with repetitive rhythm but typically needs more point strategy development. A 3.5 player typically struggles with shot selection and execution but has but mastered shot placement and depth. lack depth and variety, you are most likely ranked at 3.5. Advanced Intermediate players typically are ranked as 4.0 players because they are well versed in the technical and mechanical aspects of their long game but are still learning how to improve their net play game with shots such as lobs, overheads, and volleys.

Advanced Level:
The 4.5 level player is typically what you see competing in leagues and tournament play and can confidently serve and return shots making points using higher velocity ball speed and topspin to pace the ball. Once a player reaches the 5.0-5.5 level, they are typically nationally ranked and are competing regularly. Once a player starts winning national tournaments they can reach 6.0 or higher and make a run for the pro tour.

How often should tennis players get their rackets restrung?

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The restringing questions is one we get asked a lot as Tennis Pro’s. The basic idea is you should replace your strings as many times per year as you play per week. In other words, if you play once a week you then you should restring your racquet once per year. Of course, this theory of frequency has some flaws and should be considered on how hard you play verses how often you play like a set of brake pads for your car. If you are hard on your brakes you are going to need to replace them more often than other drivers who are not.

Another theory is that competitive players should change out their strings before every match to improve the length of play. While this is a personal choice, it’s not necessarily realistic for all budgets unless of course you break a lot of strings during match play.

The real answer can be found in the style of play. For example, if you prefer an eastern grip you most likely hit the ball softer than say a semi-western or western grip. These grips tend to be impacted more by the friction against the ball wearing down the strings faster.

Another tip is to at the tension weight. Players who like to hit a heavy ball are simply going to break strings more often. Tension weight can greatly improve power but be prepared to pay for it later. You may have read in some of previous we always recommend paying attention to the material used when stringing your racket as well. Synthetic such as nylon fibers tend to last longer.

If you are still in doubt there are several key indicators that alert players, it’s time to replace their strings such as loss of control of ball. Players will noticeably start seeing more errors and finding it tougher to place shots. Loss of topspin is a major signal and lack of the pop factor. Finally, several racket manufacturers have diagnostic centers at dedicated pros hops where players can test their string bed deflection for free.

The 5 Best ways to train for tennis by yourself

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Often players wonder what that they can do to continue training when they are not with their coach. There are actually several areas a player can make significant improvements in their game by themselves.

By far the best piece of training equipment is the ball machine. Players can work on consistency in their strokes at different speeds and various heights. The name of the game is repetition, and this is the fastest way to get results period! Most public facilities rent ball machines in case your budget doesn’t allow you to purchase one.

Another important piece of training equipment players must have is a ball hopper. These come in various sizes, brands, and prices but are invaluable for holding balls and picking them up so your not herding cats the entire time you are on the court.