Tennis Lessons for kids

Wintertime is getting closer. Are you looking for a way to keep your kid active even in the winter? Studies have proven that active kids are happier kids. Exercise releases endorphins. In addition, if kids are occupied for hours at a time, they will complete school work faster. Makes sense right? If students have less time to finish assignments they will do the assignments with a magnitude of concentration.In addition, if kids are more active they are healthier. Kids who are active are less likely to become obsese and maintain a healthy heart beat.

If so consider enrolling them in tennis classes. Elftennis, a company based in NYC provides tennis classes for kids at locations in Murray Hill, the Upper East Side, Long Island and more. We also are forming a competitive league tennis squad. Please see the website www.elftennis.com

US Open Final and Lessons Learned

The US Open Final just finished. Serena saved America from humiliation. There are lot of lessons that players of all levels can take from the open. From Serena, everyone can learn that you have to take risks. Serena always goes for the lines. Serena produces shots at extreme angles and hits the ball with an exceptional amount of pace. While not everyone (practically no one) can produce shots of this quality, people should still try to go for shots even if they are in tight situations. Serena continually strived for her best shots even if she was down. Serena spanked her best shots even when she was down 3 set points in the second set. Bottom line, don't let being down 0-40 stop you from killing the ball.

From Jankovic, the main lesson that we can learn is to stay focused even if we are up by three set points. In addition, we shouldn't watch our shots. We should expect the ball to come back. Also- we should look forward. Jankovic spent a considerable amoutn of time watching herself on tv. Despite Jankovic blowing 3 set points ( we've all done it), she did teach us that playing good defense in combination with lethal shots can semi-destroy our opponent. In addition, Jankovic shows us that we need to lob while on defense.

As for the awards ceremony- here's some interesting thoughts. Both players mentioned injuries. typical. All of over tennis clubs laments of injury are echoed. Serena- you won- why did you need to mention your injuries? In addition- Jankovic- where on Long Island di you go? Flushing is in Queens! I guess you won't win the geography grand slam.

Kids Beginners Watching the US Open

The US Open is in full swing this week. Across the country, parents and children are found sitting at the edge of their seats watching sensations like Roddick, Williams,Davenport, play tennis. At this very moment, I'm witnessing LIndsay Davenport stage a comeback against Marion Bartoli. The underlying question that comes to my mind is what can children who are just starting to play tennis stand to gain from watching professionals. How can a kid learn about tennis from watching the game? One of the ways kids can learn about tennis is by watching the foot movement and shoulder movement of the professionals. The camera often focuses on the feet and shoulders. Kids should look at how the players turn their shoulders while preparing for shots. Kids should also notice the players moving their feet and leaning from one side to another side. Sound shoulder and turns and footwork can bolster even a beginners game

In addition, kids should listen for the umpires announcing the scores. Kids need to learn how to compete and one of the essential aspects of competing. Kids should also look at the scoreboards that flash on the screens.

Arthur Ashe Kids Day

I attended Arthur Ashe Kids Day. I'm trying to find the fountain of youth and stay a kid. I was pleasantly surprised by the excitement that the USTA created about tennis at Arthur Ashe kids Day.There were approximately 12 courts with sizzling games. Obstacle course, challenges, such as hitting targets an lifting heavy balls, drills such as hitting back and fourth abounded.Each of the courts worked on specific skills such as speed, agility, reaction, and defense. All of the courts seemed enticing. Prizes were given and the activities on each court were unique After the drills, kids were invited to a fabulous concert with Demi Lovato and Minuto, both sensations among kids. I hope that the kids day generates enthusiasm for tennis.

Tips for parents playing tennis with their kids

As a tennis teacher I feel I should give parents a few hints for how to enjoy tennis with their kids.

Take it slow and start small. Don’t be surprised if your child can’t play for a full hour. Start by playing for 15 minutes, then the next time aim for half an hour. After that try playing tennis for an hour. Purchase foam balls and lower nets. Foam balls can be bought at Sports Authority or Target. Portable nets can be purchased on rallytennis.com.

Slow down! Toss the ball with your hand, don’t hit the ball to your child with a racquet. Stand close to your kid when you throw the ball. Kids can’t always hit the ball when you are on the other side of the net, If your kid cannot connect, help them by simultaneously swinging the racquet with them and tossing the ball in front of them. Also practice shadowing where they copy you swinging the racquet.

Make it into a game. Here are some games that include fictional elements
- Fruit salad: Each kid is a fruit. As the game administrator you call out their fruit and then they hit the ball. Graduation: in this game a kid moves up a grade each time they hit the ball. Storylines keep kids excited about the game. If they want to play a real game- show them how to score the game and engage.


Stay tuned for news from Arthur Ashe Kids Day

Mixed Doubles Folly

The game of mixed doubles presents an interesting interplay of female male interactions. Mixed doubles is the rare occasion that women and men can go toe to toe with each other. Mixed doubles is also a time where men and women are forced to repress their sexual inklings. Many men find it difficult to focus on match play if they find the female on the court attractive. Men become sexualized and find it daunting to punish someone that they find vulnerable. Instead men will make countless mistakes. They may think that they can snare a date with a women if they let her win the match. In addition, many men are afraid to partake in mixed doubles. They say it will make their wives weary.
Women are energized by mixed doubles. They feel glorified by the fact that they are able to hang with the men. They like the challenge of pace not common to the women’s game.
To women, mixed doubles is a game of proving misconceptions about women. Maybe mixed doubles is about resolving ideas about the opposite sex.

I love tables

“I love tables.”A child remarked to me. I thought about it. Why would anyone love tables? There is nothing exceptional about tables. Tables are a dumping ground for us. We are able to place whatever we can’t hold in our own hands on tables. Tables create a space for what we are unprepared to deal with at the present moment. Tables are a place we can store our problems, our unresolved issues, our bills. Tables are also a connector. A connector of people. A device that enables meetings, dinners, lunches, breakfasts, classes, and all. If we didn’t have tables minds wouldn’t connect. Jokes wouldn’t be told. Recipes wouldn’t be consumed. Forks, knifes, spoons, and plates wouldn’t be needed. Our elbows would be sore from a lack of rest. And we wouldn’t be able to use our elbows for sports, for driving or for elbowing people who are in the wrong. So come to think of it tables are essential. And beneficial. And we should give an ode to tables every now and again.

Tennis isn’t about serves, volleys, ground strokes, overheads, or drop shots. Tennis is a game of pursuit and revenge. Tennis is about fighting for your life. About playing a match for the purpose of garnering the respect of your captain. About playing a match for a coveted spot in playoffs. About berating yourself for errors. About holding back scathing comments to your partner because you know they will cringe. And because you know that if you do berate your partner you will be the talk of the town. Everyone will remember you as the one who was rude to partner. Tennis is about blasting the ball even though you know it might whop your opponent. Tennis is about moral challenges. About always being tempted to call the ball out even though it was in because it is a critical point in the match. It is a moral test to see who will make honorable calls and who will fold and cheat. Tennis is about how much you want to win. Are you willing to make an injured person run around because you know that will win you a point? Or do you feel empathy for the presence of a brace and hit the ball directly to the person? Do you feel pity for a pregnant women and hit them slow paced balls? Or do you hit your normal fast paced shots? Do you deceive others and lie about your playing ability so that you can play at a lower level and automatically win? Do you spend hours on the internet trying to get other’s disqualified? Do you offer money to people for the purpose of acquiring them for your team? Do let a guy beat you because you know they will feel demoralized if they lose to a girl? Tennis is more than just an athletic skill it’s a moral tribute. Moral judgment in tennis is more than just an athletic skill it’s a moral tribute. Moral judgment in tennis is more challenging than moral judgment in the Supreme Court.

Faux engagement ring

Faux engagement ring. I thought she was wearing an engagement ring. I groaned inwardly. Was every young-in tying the knot? Then I congratulated her. She then informed me that it was sapphire ring. A beauty ring. An aesthetic ring. She reassured me that many people mistakenly thought she was engaged. She realized that it was probably not the best move for her to wear the ring out. That would repel the men. She said maybe that is the reason why my love life is so dull. I said that maybe some guys would be more attracted to her. But then, what kind of jerks are they if they beckon an engaged women? It is strange because one time I was in a setting where everyone was engaged and I thought of buying a faux engagement ring. One that resembled hers. Just to fit in. I guess the same mistake can help or hurt you

Parting of ways

This week has been a series of jambles and ironies. I came face with the harsh reality that sometimes life can unearth you.

Tennis is my passion and my job. Tennis is my life. I joined this group to meet people not involved in tennis and I’m glad I did. If I stuck solely to tennis I think I would burst. This week I learned that amateur tennis is about betrayal, cruelty, and infidelity.

I had assisted her in many ways. I scouted, researched, and recruited. I even hacked into websites to access information and in return she decided to bench me. I burn with rage and fury. She opted to exclude me from playing despite the fact that had already clinched a playoff berth. I voyaged to practices in a blizzard because she was desperate. I take flack for being her friend. I was willing to butter up a guy I had no interest in for the sole purpose of snaring him for the team. She neglected me and humiliated me. I guess favors are not always reciprocated. She shut me out of playing the championships even though she knows that this event is something I live for. I think our “relationship” is over. It is a very hard fact for me to grasp. She meant the world to me. She made me feel worthy and valued when on one else did. My ability to gather information was invaluable to her. She was my confidante and she encouraged me to write. And just to clarify she is just my tennis captain. I’m so disheartened and saddened by her actions. I wish things were different but they aren’t. Should I pay a tribute to her or deliver a eulogy of us. I guess now I can tell her story in print and not worry about her feelings if her life is broadcasted. I guess the other reason I have been simmering with rage for her is that she belittled him. She knew I harbored tender feelings for him yet she found it appropriate to bemoan him. He wants to just vanish. I want to writer her a letter detailing my feelings. But I know she will respond by staging a relentless personal attack on me. She has done it before. And I don’t need hear it I contemplated engineering a coup against her. But I’m afraid no one would follow me and everyone would remained glued to her. They are all so brainwashed. My stomach flip flops when I read emails attesting that she is such a great captain. I sometimes ponder whether I should enlighten the person with the truth.

The truth is that this is a case of I told you so. I should have known that one day she would scathe me. I had been warned about her. She is the like the guy who is a heartbreaker. The guy who is a womanizer. That seems so tempting and so alluring Yet everyone tells you is a fuck up. But at the moment you can’t discern that fact. I don’t know whether I should destroy the make up that she gave me burn the many gifts that she bestowed on me. Somehow the gifts are symbolic of a betch I need to let go of even though I dread letting go.