Tennis Attire

By Gail Jones

If you already play tennis, then I imagine that you already appreciate what tennis players dress in, so this article is aimed at those individuals who would like to procure tennis kit for a dear one for a special occasion. After all, it is not as easy as it appears to buy sports outfits for the player of a sport you know nothing about.

There is a certain image we tend to relate with a tennis player: white Polo shirt with shorts or skirt and matching shoes. They are trendy and stylish, comfortable and classic at the same time. Items of tennis kit often mean a great deal to people who are not just sports fans. If the person you shop for is a tennis lover, tennis attire becomes a great present that can also prove quite affordable despite the rumors that it costs a fortune.

In case tennis kit is something unknown to you, Google it over the Internet and you will be surprised to see how much information there is available. Very many forums will obliquely inform you about prices and discounts going on at an assortment of retail shops and online merchants.

They will also provide you with information as to which marques are considered the best, which are considered the least hard-wearing and reliable, which are affordable and which more than usually dear .

What many tennis outfit wearers recommend is that you procure the type of top or shirt that will make you feel most comfortable and that would permit the very wide angled movements that are specific to the practice of this sport. For instance, the shorter the sleeves of your tennis apparel, the freer the movement during the game. Some procure tennis kit also according to the season in which they intend to play. Still others go for the materials that can be worn in both warm and cold seasons.

They firmly believe that the tennis clothing must keep them both warm and cool at the same time. As far as the t-shirts for men are concerned, you should know that most players speak of Polo shirts in very high terms, as the collar offers you some neck protection from the sun's rays.

Advice about tennis attire like that above are to be had on very many web sites. If you are not quite sure what to go for when purchasing your friend a gift, then you can always inveigle him or her to have a discussion about his or her favourite sport. Using a little guile, you will surely be able to direct the discussion to a related topic that interests you, that is tennis clothes. Making it all look like casual chit-chat would not make him or her guess what you have in mind for the special occasion. - 31983

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Determining The Ping-Pong Table For You

By Andy Zain

If you are in the market for a ping-pong table, then you have many to choose from. Of course, it depends on your skill level, budget, and seriousness about the sport.

For starters, the reasons for buying a ping-pong table for a family of young kids will be different than buying for if you're a serious player.

There is more to take into consideration, as well. Things such as tabletop thickness, the support the legs give, and the levelness of the tabletop are important. Also, are you going to pack it up after each use or leave it as is?

Whatever your considerations, you're not going to have to spend a lot of money if you don't want to. Especially true if you're buying a table for a family that has kids. As the kids learn how to play, a cheaper table is best because there is less concern about how roughly the table is treated.

However, if you or someone else develops a more serious approach to the game, then perhaps a more expensive model that will be treated and maintained properly is the way to go.

Storability would come into play next. In a place where space is a concern, an easy-folding table should be considered. One person is all that's needed to pack up this table and store in the corner of the room.

If you have more room, then buying a table that can just be left down all the time is a viable alternative, too. However, any table with rollers is not a bad idea, for the sake of convenience.

The next consideration is the thickness of the tabletop. Serious players argue that a thickness of 1 inch is the only way to go. For the less serious ping-pong player, a tabletop with a thickness of three-fourths of an inch is quite satisfactory.

The thicker table is more expensive, of course. Usually, much more so, yet the difference in play is not too noticeable unless you're a serious player. Therefore, unless you are serious, the difference play due to thickness is not worth the overwhelming difference in price.

Whether or not you buy the thicker or less expensive table, what should always be important is the table's sturdiness. Strong legs should definitely be a consideration. It will be more durable, especially when kids are the main players. This sturdiness will withstand most anything kids will do to it.

Overall, though, what matters most is your happiness with the purchase. To ensure this, make sure you buy a table that has a smooth finish, with no rough spots or edges. Be sure that the ball bounces consistently, too, when dropped from about 12 inches up. It should be 10 inches or so regardless of where on the table it bounces. - 31983

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Get out and Exercise as a Family

By Stephen Daniels

Today's parents are busier than ever! Between careers, kids and taking care of the home, you may think that there is no time for extra activities. Exercise is valuable to your well being as well as the health of your children. Doing activities together, as a group, is a great way to work in exercise, fresh air (if outdoors), and family fun time together.

There are so many great choices for family exercise programs that can get your family off the couch. Why not try taking advantage of the competitive nature of the majority of people? It's a good idea though, to ensure that the rivalry remains light and sociable. The idea is that play time is a great time to get healthy, not create conflict. Some great traditional options for competitive family exercise include bowling, tennis, and racquetball. Bowling can be enjoyed by all ages and is a fun way to get moving. It's also enjoyable to do as a family. Tennis and Racquetball provide a good workouts for people of all ages. Playing as teams can keep the games very different, and can make game time even more interesting. Play boys against girls or parents against kids and see who comes out on top. Of course, regardless of who plays better, everyone wins at the end of the day.

Many people who are taking charge of their fitness are turning to personal trainers, and for good reason. A private trainer is highly suggested for family exercise programs. You won't even need to see your trainer often in order to make a difference. Having a family session just once a week, or even once a month, can really help. Your trainer will be able to tailor a program for each member of your family. They also provide accountability. If you know that they will be checking up, you're more motivated to stay on target between visits.

There is a growing emphasis on spending more time together as a family. People are also more concerned about leading a healthy lifestyle. The good news is that these two goals can work well together. You can take family outings that promote a improved lifestyle. Some excellent examples include bike riding and hiking. Walking is also a great way to get moving that almost anyone can do.

All of these activities get you outside, enjoying the scenery, and also provide opportunities to get your family active. When taking a family bike ride, pick different routes and destinations to keep it interesting. Keep in mind the skill level of each participant in order to circumvent a route that is too hard for younger children. Provide plenty of water and bring a trailer or pack in case a little one requires a bit of a reprieve. Not only will they get a break, but mom or dad will get a better workout as well. Whether you're hiking or biking, it can be a lot of fun to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the end of your trip. This gives kids a concrete goal to work toward and makes for a fun outing. - 31983

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Tennis Instructions For Beginners, Hit The Ball Back

By Donald Anthony

The best tennis instructions for beginners is simple... Let your opponent mess up before you do. You might watch the professionals on TV and marvel at the speed they hit the ball over the net.

And so you go out there and try to hit the ball with as much speed. Next thing you know you have lost a tennis ball over the fence and into someone's yard.

Anyone with a tennis racket can slam a tennis ball with power and speed. But pros hit the ball with speed and power into their opponent's court because they have trained and practiced the right way. And all of them started off learning control before speed and power. It is like learning to drive a car. You learned to control the car first before taking it on to the freeway.

Not many boys or girls learn to drive on the freeway going eighty miles per hour. No, you most likely started on a large empty lot and worked your way up to the street and then the freeway. The same holds with tennis. You will not have a catastrophe making a mistake on the court like on the freeway but you should learn to control your shots just the same.

Do you know that even at the professional level that the player who controls his or her shots more often wins the match? Even at that level the player with the fewer mistakes wins. The difference at the pro game is that they can force their opponent to make mistakes. But You do not have to try to do that. All you need to do is hit the ball back over the net and into your opponent's court. Let him make the mistake.

Of course you want to try to hit the ball where your opponent is not. But do not focus so much on this that you hit the ball out of bounds. Right now go for control.

This will not only help you establish a disciplined game but your opponent will get so frustrated because you hit the ball back no matter what that he will try to win the point and will over hit the ball and his ball will go into the net or out of bounds. This is the best tennis instructions for beginners and really anyone who wants to win more matches. - 31983

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The 5 Most Important'80s Tennis Players

By Ross Phelps

The'80s were a great decade for tennis. A long decade that saw the face of the sport change.

Let's take a look back at the classic decade for the sport by remembering some of the most entertaining tennis players from the decade. These are all based on my personal favorites, and not based on who I thought was best. Anyway, here goes.

Bjorn Borg. The Swedish maestro who may be referred to as the best to ever play the game had his career lasted just a little bit longer.

Next on my list is Stefan Edberg, whose career began in the'80s and lasted into the'90s. The Swedish net player was one of the best volleyers in the history of the sport, and one of the last pure volleyers as well.

How about Boris Becker? When he took the tennis world by storm after winning Wimbledon at the young age of 16, tennis fans knew that a legend was born. Becker followed through with some great tennis for another decade, and cemented himself as one of the sport's all-time greats.

Ivan Lendl. One of the most under-appreciated players in tennis history, in my mind. Lendl anchored the number one spot in the world for years, a streak that often goes overlooked. He was simply a machine, and one of the best.

John McEnroe is one of those players who comes along once in a lifetime. Forget about his arguments with the chair umpires, as great as those were. He was one of the best in the sport for well over a decade and he can surprisingly still play really well today.

There are many more classic'80s tennis players than the ones mentioned here. Guys like Mats Wilander, Andre Agassi (though he was more'90s), Jimmy Connors, and many others rounded out a classic decade of tennis and brought just as much enjoyment to the sport. - 31983

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Learning To Play Tennis - The Basics

By Richard J. Larkins

Grip, Footwork, and Strokes and Tennis Lessons Online Made Easy.

Good footwork is in fact about weight control, and that is shown in tennis for beginners coaching. It is getting the best body stance for each stroke, and from there most all strokes can progress. In explaining the distinctive types of strokes and footwork I am writing as a right-hand player. The left-hander must basically reverse their feet.

Racquet grip is an imperative aspect of your stroke, because a mediocre hold will mess up the finest serve. A natural grip for a top forehand shot is essentially unsound for the backhand.

To acquire the forehand grip, hold the tennis racquet with the side of the frame toward the court and the face perpendicular, the handle toward the body, and "shake hands" the racquet, just as if you were greeting your friend. the grip settled easily and naturally into the hand, the general line of the hand, racquet and arm are one. The swing brings the racquet in a general line with the arm, and the full tennis racquet is basically an extension of the arm.

The backhand grip is a quarter circle roll of hand on the grip, bringing the hand above the grip and the knuckles straight up. the stroke moves through the wrist.

This is the very best arrangement for a grip. I won't advocate replicating this hand grip absolutely, but learn your natural style hold as closely as possible on these rules while not giving up your own ease or distinctiveness.

Having once mastered the tennis racquet in the hand, the next challenge is the stance of the body and plan of mastering strokes

All tennis shots, would be made with your body at right angles to the net, with the shoulders lined up to the natural line of path of the tennis ball. the weight must always move forward. it need move from the back foot all the way to the other foot the exact moment of driving the ball. On no account permit the weight to be going away from the shot. It is weight that influences the "pace/tempo" of a stroke swing that, influences your "speed/tempo."

Allow me spell out the gist of "speed/pace" and also the "pace/rapidity." "Speed" is the actual rate with which a ball moves through the atmosphere. "Pace" is the velocity with which it springs up from the court. Pace is weight. It is the "sting" the tennis ball has when it comes from the ground, letting the inexperienced along with unsuspecting competitor a blast of power which the shot or swing never revealed.

A great many athletes carry both "speed" as well as the "pace." Different hits could hold both.

The order of learning your strokes should be:

1. The Drive. Fore and backhand. This is the starting place of all tennis, since you simply will not develop a net charge until you bear the ground hit to open the move. Nor can you combat a net attack with any real effect excepting you can drive, for that is your only effective passing stroke.

2. Serving.

3. The Volley and also the Overhead Smash.

4. The Chop/Half Volley and various secondary and ornamental strokes. - 31983

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Brunswick Forest Has Much to Offer in a Private Community

By Hubert Miles

Situated along the North Carolina coastline, Brunswick Forest offers 11 beautiful neighborhoods built among 4,500 acres. This private community in scenic Wilmington, North Carolina, offers it's residents many luxury amenities.

Southern charm abounds within the communities neighborhoods. Budget conscious home owners will enjoy the low maintenance single family homes and town houses. The planners have done an excellent job with keeping the neighborhoods secluded while keeping the feeling of a close knit community.

Tennis players and golfers will enjoy the tennis complex and the Cape Fear National 27 hole golf course. The Fitness and Wellness Center offers state of the art fitness equipment or venture outside and enjoy the walking and biking paths and trails that meander through the communities wetlands and woodlands. The River Center allows residents access to the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway through a series of inlets and coves which are great for kayaking and canoing. Enjoy a picnic or walk through the community Garden Center.

Designed by Tim Cate, the Cape Fear National golf course is set among the natural woodlands along the Wilmington coast. There are plans for the course to converted into a private membership golf club. Residents will enjoy membership to all the centers within the community.

The community features over 100 miles of paths and trails that meander through the woodlands and wetlands of Brunswick Forest. The paths and trails are great for active adults who enjoy walking and biking.

The River Club at Town Creek offers a great location for fishing, kayaking, and canoing. The center features a screened pavilion which is great for holding cookouts and a grand outdoor fireplace. The observance deck that looks out on Town Creek and there's a boardwalk and bridge extending to a floating dock in the creek. The center also offers boat storage and canoes, kayaks, and fishing tackle available for rental or purchase.

The Fitness and Wellness Center has a lot to offer the residents of the community. The centerpiece of the community is it's indoor and outdoor resort style swimming pools complete with poolside grill and six hard-surface tennis courts. The center also features a steam room, massage rooms, sauna, whirlpool, and mens and womens dressing rooms. The aerobics and exercise rooms help you stay fit.

The Villages at Brunswick Forest is a commercial area inside the community that has shops, restaurants, entertainment, medical and professional services connected to the communities neighborhoods by the bike paths and trails. - 31983

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Finding Used Golf Clubs At Bargain Prices

By Matt Kasey

Like any sport, golf comes with its own specialized equipment, the most important of which are the golf clubs. A serious player of the game is going to want to own their own set of clubs. However, if you're a new player, just beginning to learn the game, you won't want to spend a large amount of money for a full set of clubs just yet. It is definitely important that you purchase your own clubs, both for practice and to improve your technique. Before you invest in a full set of golf clubs, which can be quite an investment indeed, you may want to avoid buying expensive clubs since at this point you only need to use them for learning and practice.

The fact is, technology is always improving and many manufacturers bring out new lines of single golf clubs annually. While the improvement in quality from one set to the next may be miniscule, even a tiny improvement can be enough to encourage golfers to upgrade their stock. Veteran golfers who frequently purchase new clubs no longer need their old equipment. Although it is still of high quality and is perfectly good for novice golfers to use for practicing. In fact, so much quality used equipment is available each year that businesses have sprung up to take advantage of this opportunity, and numerous manufacturers place used clubs up for sale. A quick Internet search will turn up plenty of companies that offer deep discounts on used golf clubs.

Not surprisingly, the optimum place to go looking for a bargain on pre-owned clubs is online. Using your computer, you can search for any type of club you desire. Price comparison, which is very important since costs can vary wildly from site to site, is simple to do over the Internet. It's also easy to find reviews, examine photos, and locate all of the other information necessary to help you decide which clubs best suit your needs. And don't forget to check out auction sites, including eBay, which may offer the best deal you'll be able to find.

After you search through the internet, you may also want to look through your local newspaper or publication for any classified ads on pre-owned single golf clubs. Upon doing this, you can contact the person that is selling the clubs and ask if you can check out the condition of the club and do a few practice swings on it to see how it works. This will help you get a feel for the clubs before you buy them. Often times, people may try to offer you something that is really not worth the money, regardless of how cheap it is. This is a reason why it is important to try your golf clubs before you buy them.

Neighborhood golf stores and sporting goods stores are another excellent place to shop for a "Pre-Owned" set of golf clubs. Many of these stores are now accepting trade-ins, to offset the purchasing price of a new set of golf clubs, and re-sale the used single golf clubs at a decent price. Some of these shops even have an inside tee & net so that you can practice your golf swing with the clubs before you purchase them. You should also check out your nearest driving range or pro shop because many of them also carry pre-owned golf sets.

And don't forget to check with your friends, co-workers and relatives to see if they have any old clubs they'd be willing to part with. You may be able to get a great deal, or even a free club, from a close contact! - 31983

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Tips for Choosing a Good Tennis Net

By Jonathon Hardcastle

If you are an avid tennis player you may want to have your own backyard tennis court. Even if you do not want to incur the expense of a complete tennis court, it is advisable to have your own tennis net in case the one at your local court is damaged or missing.

When buying a tennis net, you get a net that you can always use no matter where you play or when you want to enjoy a match. Tennis supplies, including much needed nets, are easy to find for sale online, in discount stores, and sporting good stores. With that said, the type of nets available for sale will vary from location to location.

If you will be playing on a hard surface, a strong, long-lasting, and durable net is advised. These nets are usually made from braided cord that has reinforced coated cables and double mesh material on the top. These high-end nets are best for avid tennis players, if you don't play or practice as often you can get away with a cheaper net.

However, if you play tennis less often, play on a soft surface, or on an indoor court that is not exposed to the weather, you can cut some corners and opt for a cheaper, lower grade net. In this case, opt for twisted cords instead of braided cords and you can save a lot of money.

You can also choose lesser materials though if you do be prepared to eventually need to replace it. If you choose a higher grade netting it will last longer, be more durable and look attractive for a longer period. This is especially true if it is a permanent fixture that will be exposed to weather conditions.

You should also look at the quality of the dowels, grommets and cables that help keep the apparatus taut and attached to the posts. If you have substandard attachments you may find that the housing becomes loose and it starts to sag.

For freedom, a portable net that you can easily put up and take down is ideal. These nets are light and easy to carry, but aren't advised for extended use. However, they work great if your local tennis court has damaged or missing nets. At home, a portable net can also be used for a backup in the event your permanent net is temporarily rendered useless.

A tennis net is an important piece of equipment to play a real game of tennis. Without this net, it will be hard to tell when the ball clears the necessary height. As previously stated, tennis nets are available for sale online and in local sporting good stores, but make sure you buy a net that will last for years. - 31983

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How To Find A Good Outdoor Ping Pong Table

By Andy Zain

When buying an outdoor ping pong table, you want to make sure it is the right type before making a final decision on which one you get. If you buy a wood table you may have problems with too much humidity surrounding your table. This could ruin the table if it was meant to be used inside.

If you want to use a ping pong table outside, then you want to get an aluminum table. With an aluminum table, you will be able to have your table in a place of high humidity without having any problems from water damage. You can get wood ping pong tables that are suitable for playing outside, but you need to make sure that they have a waterproof coating. This coating will help it stand up to the many elements outside, such as the hot sun or heavy rains. There are also some tables that can have synthetic coating to replace any wood or metal options. The better the materials of the table, the more you will likely have to pay to get one though.

One of the most difficult parts about getting a table specifically designed for outdoor use is finding one that has a bounce that is as good as the bounce you would find on a standard indoor table. This will probably only be important if you take your ping pong seriously, but there can be a noticeable difference in the bounce between the different types of tables available.

For any type of table that you buy, you will want to keep the table covered well when it is outside. A tarp or some other cover that can keep the sun from beating down on it, and a cover that can stop rain from pooling on its surface, will help you keep your table in good condition for a long time. A tarp will prevent warping or any other kind of fading from happening to your new table.

If you choose a metal table, then you will have to expect the table to have a slower bounce than a standard indoor table. Also, the spin will generally be less on metal tables.

When purchasing your table, make sure that the whole table is waterproofed. If the legs and surface are waterproofed, you can keep your table outdoors even during extreme weather. This can be very convenient.

Another great option if you are only planning on using your table outside occasionally, is to buy a ping pong table that is designed for indoor use and then only take it outside when the weather is nice. Then you will have all of the same features that standard indoor tables have, while also keeping your table safe from the weather. - 31983

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