August Newsletter 2013
Tennis Myths from Tennis Director Mariano Parris
Tennis Myths are things we have been told repeatedly which make playing more awkward and difficult for us.
One of the biggest myths: TAKE YOUR RACKET BACK EARLY
Actually the best, most economical, effortless, and easy way is to wait as long as possible to keep your racket from going back on its own. Having a continuous motion during your swing is more important. If you take the racket back too early, you will have to stop your swing and will lose racket head speed which will cause you to hit the ball late.
Instead, try turning your shoulders as you wait and hold the racket with your non-dominant hand for as long as possible. In this photo, Federer is letting the racket go away from his left hand and the ball has already bounced on his side of the court.
Another “strange” thing that a lot of tennis pros say is: WATCH THE BALL
If you hear your pro say “watch the ball” on every shot you hit then you should seriously consider trying a new pro! If you miss hit or hit shots off of the frame of the racket or if you don`t have a clean crisp hitting point, then chances are you are not hitting through the line of the ball. Try to not drive through the ball or come across the line of the ball too soon.
Some tennis coaches want you to: TOSS THE BALL HIGH
Most people serve better when they toss the ball low rather than high.
Even a few of the top players in the world have a low toss considering how tall they are!
Having a semi-low toss will help you snap and be more explosive as you hit.
Having a toss that is higher than needed will not give you any additional benefits; it only complicates the process and gives you less time and energy.
How high should you toss the ball? Add 2 inches to your maximum reach you will be making contact when your arm and racket are fully extended. Some of the toss depends also on the grip you have. If you have a forehand grip as your serving grip then your toss should be lower because your reach is lower due to your grip.
When you are at the net, on your ready position: KEEP THE RACKET HEAD HIGH
Some players look through the racket because they keep the racket in the line of vision while waiting for the ball to be put into play at the net. Remember to relax, as that will help you react quicker once the ball is in play. You need to be attentive and alert, but not uptight and obstructed. A good example is the Bryan brothers. They have their rackets an inch off the ground when they are at the net in their ready position.
One of the biggest offenders: STEP ACROSS WITH YOUR LEFT FOOT
This is one of the hardest habits to break for a student who was taught “old school tennis” by the books. Rod Laver in the 60`s was already not stepping across on his forehand. For the last 50 years people have been not stepping across, but we still have coaches teaching and making people do it.
If you are a beginner and play tennis for the first time the last thing you would do is step across, because it doesn`t make sense to. It is very uncomfortable and will make you get too close to the ball. Also, if you cross over it will make you hit the ball behind you and will be impossible on high bouncing shots.
Try stepping towards the ball or towards your target. Top players only step into the ball on the Forehand 20% of the time. They never step across except for 5% of their shots. The rest of their forehands they hit them with OPEN STANCE (see image).
Tennis Tips from Gary Amadio
Why Play Tennis?
One of my most admired and favorite person in tennis is Dr. Jack Groppel, PhD. I’ve had the opportunity to listen to, and speak with, Jack at the USPTA National Conventions. What follows is condensed excerpt of Jack’s research on why we should all play tennis.
“Tennis has historically been called the sport for a lifetime. Is it true? According to scientists from a variety of disciplines, tennis is still one of the best sports anyone can choose to play. The facts: People who participate in tennis three hours per week (at moderately vigorous intensity) cut their risk of death in half from any cause, according to physician Ralph Paffenbarger of Harvard University School of Public Health. (Studied over 10,000 people over a period of 20 years in his landmark 'College Alumni Health Study'.)”
Tennis players scored higher in vigor, optimism and self-esteem while scoring lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension than other athletes or non-athletes, according to Dr. Joan Finn in a study done at Southern Connecticut State University. Since tennis requires alertness and tactical thinking, it may generate new connections between nerves in the brain and thus promote a lifetime of continuing development of the brain, reported scientists at the University of Illinois.
Tennis outperforms golf, inline skating and most other sports in developing positive personality characteristics, according to Dr. Jim Gavin -- author of The Exercise Habit.
Competitive tennis burns more calories than aerobics, inline skating, or cycling, according to studies on caloric expenditures.
“Is it any wonder that scientists and physicians world-wide view tennis as the most healthful activity to participate in? Other sports may provide excellent health benefits, as well as stimulate mental and emotional growth. But no other sport received such acclaim for its great benefits physically, mentally and emotionally.”
We have many new members here at PRSC, many who are not tennis players. If that’s you and you’re reading this article, do yourself, your spouse and especially your children, a huge favor and seek out and introduce your family to our excellent tennis pros, Mariano and Tony. Drop in on their clinics or take a few lessons. They’re here every day and let their decades of experience open your eyes to the fun and benefits to the “game for a lifetime”.
See Ya’ On the Courts,
Gary
Tennis at the Club
Adult Clinics
Beginner Doubles Clinic
Tuesday 6:00pm - 7:30pm
$15.00 members/ $20.00 non-members
Advanced Doubles Clinic
Thursday 6:00pm - 7:30pm
$15.00 members/ $20.00 non-members
All-Levels Doubles Clinic
Friday 9:00am - 10:30am
$15.00 members/ $20.00 non-members
Morning Mimosa Clinic
Saturday 9:00am - 10:30am
Complimentary members/ $20 non-members
Junior Clinics
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays
3:30pm - 5:00pm Top Guns (Intermediate)
5:00pm - 6:30pm Academy (Advanced)
Day: $20.00 members/ $25.00 non-members
Weekly: $50.00 Members/ $65 non-members
*Best Rate*
Monthly (4 weeks): $150 members/ $195 non-members
Only $8/hr!
Saturdays
4 - 5 years old ~ 9:00am
6 - 8 years old ~ 9:30am
9 – 13 years old ~ 10:30am
Tennis Camp
Monday through Friday
8:30am - 10:00am Superstars (Ages 6-11)
11:00am - 12:30pm Rising Stars (Ages 12+)
Day: $20.00 members/ $25 non-members
*10% off if purchasing the week in advance*
*15% discount for siblings*
Private Lessons
One Hour: $50.00 members/ $60.00 non-members
½ Hour: $30.00/ $40.00 non-members
Semi-private rates available upon request
Please schedule your complimentary lesson with Mariano Parris today for all members!
Tennis Staff
Mariano Parris, Tennis Director
805-239-7397 x105
[email protected]
Tony Mendoza, Tennis Pro
805-239-7397
[email protected]
Tim Foley, Tennis Pro
805-239-7397
Gary Amadio, Tennis Pro
805-239-7397
[email protected]
Fitness Corner with Dr. Andre Acebo
Hi Fitness Friends. This month we will look at a broader view of wellness. Here’s another overview of five keys to health.
1. Positive Mental Attitude
- Decrease stress
- Choose happiness
- Take time to relax
2. Sleep & Injury Rest
- Sleep 7-8 hours per night
- The body heals, repairs, and grows with rest
3. Nutrition
- The body is designed for raw foods: nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables, and a protein source
- Water: drink 40% of your body weight in ounces per day
- 70-90% of your body is water
4. Exercise
- Cardiovascular training: 3-5 times per week, (minimum 20 continuous minutes)
- Weight training: 2-3 times per week
- Stretching: daily
5. Healthy Spine and Nervous System
Why do you need a Healthy Spine and Nervous System?
- The spine is the center of all functional movement
- The spine is a primary source of pain and disability
- The spine is prone to degenerative changes
- The nervous system controls all other body functions
The US Goju Budo-Kai Karate
Chief Instructor Renshi Lloyd Nelson is now accepting new students! Classes will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 7:45pm.
This class uses a complete Traditional Martial Arts System for designed for adults, teens, and children ages 8 and up. Renshi Nelson’s classes will offer:
- Self Defense
- Physical Fitness and Conditioning
- Women’s Self Defense
- Mentoring Program
- Coordination
Members:
$60 per month
$50 per month/person (family 2+)
$10 Drop-In
Non-Members:
$70 per month
$60 per month/person (family 2+)
$15 Drop-In
Cafe News
Stop by the Club this month and try our new healthy and delicious menu options!
Fit Menu
(gf): Gluten Free
Zucchini Apple Spice Muffin (paleo) $2.50
Summer Squash Pancakes (paleo) $6
Zucchini, yellow squash, carrot, yellow onion, almond flour, eggs, garlic cloves, basil, parsley, avocado, green onions
Wrap it $8
Choose your greens, protein and 3 ingredients and we’ll wrap it in our grain free wrap!
Beefed up $6
Burger patty over spinach with sautéed onions and peppers topped with salsa and avocado
You’re Nuts $7 (Substitute almond milk $1.00)
Peanut or almond butter, chocolate pea/cranberry protein powder (gf), water and ice
Jamaican Me Crazy $7 (Substitute almond milk $1.00)
Mango, pineapple, papaya and strawberries blended with vanilla pea/cranberry protein (gf), water and ice
Summer Camp
School is just around the corner and there are only three more weeks left of camp!
Our last day of camp will be Friday; August 23rd.
Our camp is very flexible and can work around your end of summer plans. It includes a 45 minute tennis clinic, swimming, healthy snacks, outdoor activities, and fun!
Stop by our Front Desk to pick up your registration packet today, or download it online! Space is limited, so sign up early!
For any questions or for more information please contact our Camp Director, Victoria, at [email protected]
