How to Play Badminton Like a Pro: 5 Badminton Tips to Improve Your Game

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gerard_Goh]Gerard Goh

Many people who don't get coaching miss out on the opportunity to learn the correct techniques.

The badminton tips below will help you play like a pro. Here's how to make it seem like you received professional coaching. Are you ready to step up your game and impress others?

1. Correct Forehand Strokes

The badminton forehand stroke is used most often during a badminton game. In order to play like a professional, perform the correct forehand stroke technique.

After you master this stroke, you can perform many types of shots, such as the badminton clear, drop shot, and smash.

After those shots, you can learn more complex shots, such as the badminton jump smash, attacking clear, and badminton drives.

2. Maximizing Wrist Action

You might have heard people mention that badminton is ALL ABOUT THE WRIST. Well this is true, but it's only HALF true.

The power comes from your wrist action AND your swing (badminton stroke).

The KEY to maximise your badminton wrist action is to not grip your racket too tightly. When you are holding your racket too tightly, you are basically tensing your hand muscles, which restrict the movements of your wrist. Therefore you won't be able to perform a quick flicking wrist action if you hold your racket too tightly.

3. Body Balance

When you don't have good balance, it makes it harder to produce more power in your badminton strokes.

When you perform a powerful swing, you will most likely lose balance. Therefore, subconsciously you won't perform a strong swing since you know you'll lose balance after your strong swing.

Experienced or good badminton players will always know how to make use of their NON-RACKET ARM (arm that is not holding the racket) to maintain balance at all times.

Stretch out your non-racket arm to counter the weight of your badminton racket and the force of your swing.

4. Do Not Tense Your Muscles

Badminton is a game of speed rather than power. Powerful badminton shots such as the badminton jump smash comes from the speed of the player's swing and wrist action.

Therefore focus on fast motions (fast swings).

In order to do this, be flexible.

In order to be flexible, don't tense your body muscles! The key is to RELAX your body muscles to play better.

5. Master the Basics

How far can you go with your badminton skills? That depends on how well you know the basics.

First, grip your badminton racket correctly. If you're not gripping your racket correctly, it's hard to generate maximum power for your shots.

Second, know the difference stances to adopt for different situations.

Finally, good movement on the court is important. Badminton footwork helps you improve your defending as well as allowing you to strike quickly.

Badminton is fun if you learn how to play it correctly. Learn more on how to apply these badminton tips in your games, visit [http://www.how-to-play-badminton.com]www.how-to-play-badminton.com to see step by step tutorial on how to perform various [http://www.how-to-play-badminton.com/badminton-techniques.html]badminton techniques.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Play-Badminton-Like-a-Pro:-5-Badminton-Tips-to-Improve-Your-Game&id=6538054] How to Play Badminton Like a Pro: 5 Badminton Tips to Improve Your Game

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Swimming Is a Great Sport for Kids

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Chaser]Sandra Chaser

Swimming not only is a sport, but it is also an exercise for kids to help them be fit and healthy. A parent can teach his or her child to swim to ensure that in the future the child can get into the habit of doing sports rather than just sitting down and watching TV all day. Swimming is another social activity that your kids can enjoy. He or she can play with other children in the pool or on the beach. A parent who enjoys swimming could actually teach his or her children how to swim but if a parent doesn't know how to swim and wants his or her kid to experience swimming the right way, the parents could enroll the kid to a swimming program. The program teaches the kids how to swim properly. You should never worry since these kinds of programs will make sure that no harm will come to your child.

Teaching your kid how to swim will prevent any phobias in the future. When your child knows how to swim, the kid can handle himself or herself in the water. It would be so much better that your child knows how to swim since that could greatly affect him emotionally if he or she can't swim. That is what most kids don't want to experience - being made fun because they can't swim. You should consider giving him or her swimming lessons.

Another important thing that you should know is that when your kid starts swimming. If you were a swimmer when you were young and your kid manages to beat your record then that would mean that your child is really good in this sport. This would entirely mean that he or she would be able to join competitions and he or she would have a higher chance of winning. To a family, when their kid wins something or loses but tried his or her best, the family can be proud and lucky to have such an athletic child.

Another good thing when your child is good in swimming is that when summer comes, the kids could use their swimming skills. Kids can socialize with others and show others their swimming prowess. When they know how to swim, they would be able to play freely with other kids. Parents who know that their kids know how to swim can watch freely. They just have to make sure that their kids are safe. The parent could even join the kids in their fun time in the water.

These are some of the things why swimming is best for kids. Kids have to learn the ways of the sport. Sports can be used for fitness, competitive, and recreational activity for a child. So, show your love to your kid and introduce swimming as a best sport that you can think of.

Sandra Chaser has helped a lot of people over the years with everything from [http://www.kidshelmet.co.uk/]bike helmets for kids, to [http://www.kidshelmet.co.uk/childs_bike_helmet.html]Childs Bike Helmet, and other baby, kids and teens topics.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Swimming-Is-a-Great-Sport-for-Kids&id=4806301] Swimming Is a Great Sport for Kids

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Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Laura_Saunders]Laura Saunders

Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we've all plopped the kids in front of the television and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, we can get started on dinner, maybe check email or sort that massive pile of laundry.




But when your five-year old yells at you "Mom, Kids Rule!" or your ten-year old horrifies you with language that would make a sailor blush, you realize there must be something amiss with what these "family programs" really teach our kids. And sadly, its happening all over the media today, from sports to cartoons, and our children are learning things that we, as parents, vowed we would never teach them. Old fashioned values like respect and self-discipline, seems to have been forgotten, replaced by the dreaded "bling bling" pop culture of today.

Just the thought of your angelic three-year old morphing into a designer-clad, smart-mouthed, money-worshipping, me-obsessed, lay-about is enough to make any parent consider that threatening military school brochure, but there is a solution out there to consider.

Martial Arts training.

From Ninja Turtles to The Karate Kid

You and your kids have all seen the flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops of their favorite TV characters, as they beat the bad guys to submission - but, you may ask, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child anything worthwhile?

First, know that what you see on television (save perhaps the Karate Kid) is a far cry from what real martial arts are all about. The fact is, martial arts training is based on non-violence.

Originating in Asia (mainly Japan, China and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam have their own practices as well), martial arts range from a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on well-rounded, moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not just the physical aspect of the "sport", but mental and emotional lessons as well.

Comparing that to other kid's activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and "winning at all costs" seems to be the order of the day, it's not surprising that many children grapple with issues of self-esteem and misplaced aggression.

Now imagine your child actually learning valuable life lessons, skills that he will take throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled adult life. If only karate for kids was popular in the 70's, when I was growing up!

The Advantages



o Karate, and other martial arts for kids, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.

o Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.

o Martial Arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to flourish this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.

o Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training are safer than most school sports.

o Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts for kids because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.


Kung-Fu Master or Ninja Warrior?

Before you sign up Junior for the first martial arts class you see, take some time to check out the different methods available, and match it with what you know would suit your child best. This is a good way to avoid any problems that may sprout from a conflict of your child's personality and the training techniques.

Is your little Zach a sensitive soul? Then maybe a class that doesn't center on sparring (full-on kicks and punches training) but rather, slower, defensive maneuvers would fare better for him. Kids with an aggressive streak, however, may prefer the more forceful moves and thrive in competitive sparring.

Here's a quick primer on the kid-friendly martial arts training you're likely to find:


Martial Arts From Japan


Karate

o Uses defensive and aggressive moves

o Centers on building strength and endurance

o Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring

o May use weapons


Jujitsu

o Uses defensive and aggressive moves

o Involves lots of sparring

o Teaches a fair amount of weapons training


Aikido

o Uses a more "spiritual" and harmonious style in redirecting the aggression of the attacker as the form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls etc.

o Taught on the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through your individual inner energy

o Does not involve sparring or competitions


Judo

o Uses gentle, "wrestling-like" movements

o Considered one of the safest methods of martial arts

o Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development

o Engages in competitions


Martial Arts From China


Kung-Fu

o The generic term referring to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles

o Involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques

o Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and blows among others.

o Engages in sparring competitions


Martial Arts From Korea





Taekwondo

o Competitive in nature, involves techniques using elaborate footwork and unique high kicks.

o Emphasizes strength, force and attack methods.

o Engages in lots of sparring and competitions.


Choosing The Right Instruction

If you have an idea of the type of martial arts class you'd like your child to participate in, the next step would be to find the right school. Finding the right class that not only matches your child's and your needs, in terms of teachers you feel comfortable with, the price, facilities and so on, are all important factors.

Say you've found a local place that specializes in Karate for Kids. What are the things you should look for?


1. Good Instructors

Check out their qualifications, teaching methods and watch carefully how they interact with the other children. It should be a fun learning experience!

2. Space and Safety

Obviously you would want to entrust your child in as establishment that is safe, well-maintained, and clean with ample space as well as decent facilities and equipment.

3. School Values


Different martial arts schools inevitably go by different values, for instance, one kid's karate class may handle aggression in one way, while a judo class would have a different approach. Take some time to observe which school's ideals match your family's principles.

4. Prices and Schedules

Prices for martial arts training can vary according to school and location, so make sure you the instruction you choose represents fair value. Finding the most effective way to fit martial arts training into your family's lifestyle is also essential, knowing what works best with your schedule and other activities.


Baby Blackbelts

Starting your child young in karate training is ideal (children as young as the age of four are usually accepted, as it is also a good way to hone fine motor skills), and lots of parents have found that in as little as a year, their children who were involved in martial arts had noticeably gained positive traits such as increased self-esteem, respect and overall physical fitness.

Many parents also opt to join a martial arts training program themselves, making it a great bonding experience for the entire family.

Laura Saunders is a successful freelance writer, mother of two, and a martial arts practitioner who has written articles for [http://www.best-karate-equipment.com]http://www.best-karate-equipment.com, your online guide to [http://www.best-karate-equipment.com/karate-uniforms.htm]karate uniforms and [http://www.best-karate-equipment.com/karate-training-equipment.htm]karate training equipment.

Copyright 2005 Best-Karate-Equipment.com


Permission is granted to publish this article on your site if the author's byline is included and all 3 links are hyperlinked

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-of-Martial-Arts-Training-For-Kids&id=52697] Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

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Tennis Clothes for Kids

Many businesses, both online and in person offer a wide variety of attractive options in tennis clothes for kids. Tennis   apparel has become popular to wear both on and off the court resulting in a number of fashion designers to pick up the trend. Sports apparel companies offer attractive outfits for both males and females ranging in all youth sizes. Not only shirts and shorts, but also shoes, wrist bands, sweatbands, socks and even dresses for the ladies can be found.  When looking at tennis clothes a number of brands are out there trying to catch the attention of the customer. Not only are they reaching out to the customer, but they are also trying to tap into their children as well. Brands such as K-Swiss, Fila, Tail and Lacoste have geared up to target their merchandise to the youth player of the game. Other companies such as Wilson have also developed youth racquets and bags to provide the children with fashionable equipment as well as tennis attire.  When looking for tennis clothes there are a few things in which the consumer must consider. First and foremost is the functionality of the tennis clothing. The last thing any player wants to do is to spend money on new tennis clothes only to find out that these clothes negatively affect their game. When ordering tennis clothes for kids make sure that the correct size is ordered in order to prevent affecting the play.  In addition to functionality, the tennis clothes need to be fashionable. Many of the brands have been successful at making this type of apparel trendy so the ability exists for kids to wear the clothes on and off the court. Brands are offering tennis clothes for both boys and girls which are age appropriate and fashionable. Khaki shorts and polo shirts can be found for boys of all ages while at the same time the girls have a wide range of choices among the skirts, shorts and tank tops. Among all of the tennis clothes there are also items such as hats, socks and shoes. This variety of tennis apparel makes shopping easy when looking for tennis clothes for kids. For parents who are shopping for tennis clothes for kids there are a number of factors that come into play when making your choice. Of course, the obvious factors are size, color and style. However, one of the largest and oftentimes most overlooked factor is that of material. In most cases, tennis is played outside which offers a number of challenges to your tennis attire. The tennis clothes need to be made of material which breathes well to help keep your child cool. Also, the tennis attire is subject to sun fading. So when making your choice for tennis clothes for kids, make sure you look at the type of material the tennis clothes are made of. The sport of tennis has historically been a popular activity among many children. Thanks to the advances in fashion as well as technology it has become very easy to shop for tennis clothes for kids. You can sit down at your computer and look through a number of popular brands for tennis clothes. Almost every brand out there has options for kids’ tennis clothing. With all of these options any shopper in the market will have no problem finding tennis clothes for kids. More info about tennis accessories on MY TENNIS ACCESSORIES

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Tennis Betting - Tips For Exchange Betting on Tennis Matches

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=S_Avery]S Avery

 By choosing tennis as your preferred sport for betting, you have already given yourself an "edge" against those who bet on or offer odds on other sports. To use this "edge" to make money consistently, however, you'll need to understand two fundamental principles first. Then apply the power of mathematics.

Principle #1

 It is sheer folly to place a tennis bet (or a bet on anything) with a "traditional" bookmaker. The expression "You can't beat the bookie" is axiomatic; you just cannot beat the bookie over time. It's because the odds are always mathematically calculated in favour of the bookmaker. Everyone knows (or should know) that the bookie's mathematical "edge" against the punter is necessary for him to make a profit so that he can stay in business.

 Computer technology has given rise to a new form of betting, known as "exchange betting" or "matched betting". With "betting exchanges" there is no bookie to beat; in other words, there is no middle-man. Every punter bets against another punter or punters somewhere out there in the Internet ether. Any punter (or "trader") can place a "back" bet that a player or team will win, and/or place a "lay" bet that a player or team will lose. Thus, any punter can choose to act as an ordinary bettor and/or as a bookmaker.

 With exchange betting the odds are not set by a third-party or middle-man; they are set by the punters themselves, who place requests for odds at which they are prepared to place bets (if they wish to act as an ordinary bettor), or place offers of odds at which they are prepared to lay bets (if they wish to act as a bookmaker).

 As the "back" bettors gradually lower their requested odds and the "lay" bettors gradually raise their offered odds, the software on the exchange betting web site matches all the back bets with all the lay bets at the instant they coincide. The accounts of the "backers" or "layers" are then credited with their winnings automatically a few seconds after the end of the event according to its result.

 Obviously, the technology for providing such a "fair" betting service must be paid for somehow. This payment is taken in the form of a commission on the punter's net winnings on an event (or "market"). That is, commission is charged only on any positive difference between winnings and losses on the same event.

 This betting system is as close to a perfectly fair betting environment as it is possible to achieve.

 There are very few betting exchanges in existence, however, perhaps because the exchange betting software is so complex and therefore costly. The giant among exchange betting web sites is Betfair, with about 90% of the market at the time of writing. Others are the Global Betting Exchange (BetDAQ), ibetX, Betsson, Matchbook and the World Bet Exchange (WBX). Betfair is by far the most popular because it was the first to offer this "perfectly fair" betting environment, and is trusted to perform accurately and instantly.

Principle #2

 So, why does tennis betting give you that "edge" over betting on other sports? The answer, though simple, is often overlooked even by those who bet tennis regularly. And if you're someone who's never bet on tennis, you'd almost certainly not have realized the significance of the tennis scoring system on the betting.

 Consider this fundamental difference between the tennis scoring system and that of probably any other sport you can think of.

 In other sports and games the trailing player or team must make up the points gap by winning a point for every point they have already lost in order to catch up to the leader. Only then can they start to move ahead. This fact seems obvious.

 In tennis, however, the trailing player or team can lose the first set 6-0 (possibly with a deficit of 24 points). That team can then win the second set by the most narrow of margins, 7-6 in a tie-break, winning the set by very few points (or even by winning fewer points than the opponents, a rare but possible occurrence!).

 As soon as the trailing player or team wins the second set, the two sides suddenly have even scores, even though one player or team might have actually won many more points than the opponents.

 This anomaly often has a profound psychological effect on one or both sides, which affects the way they play for the next few minutes, and therefore also the betting odds requested and offered by punters on the match. This, however, is another aspect of tennis betting which may be the subject of another article. This article deals with the mathematical aspect of tennis betting and how to win money with this knowledge.
 

How to win at tennis betting

Now that you're aware of these two fundamental principles, how can you use them to your advantage when making tennis bets?

 The key is not to be just a "backer" or a "layer", simply betting on the final outcome of an event. If you do that, you will lose out over time, because there's always a small difference between the "back" odds and the "lay" odds -- there must be, otherwise there'd be no incentive for anyone to offer odds and there'd be no betting at all. Combine that with the commission you pay on your net winnings, and the "edge" is against you mathematically (although it is not as great as with conventional bookmakers).

 The secret to winning at tennis betting is to be BOTH a "backer" AND a "layer", but at different points during the event. This is another aspect of betting that distinguishes the exchange betting web site from the traditional bookie. At the betting exchange you can place a back or lay bet at any time during the event, right up until the very last second or the final point. This is known as "in-play" betting.

 Because in-play betting is allowed, the odds for each opposing side change as the event progresses, according to the likelihood (as perceived by the punters) of either one side or the other being the eventual winner. The trick is to place a back bet on one side at certain odds and later place a lay bet on that side (or a back bet on the other side) at better odds as fortunes change and the odds swing in your favour. If you can achieve this, you will win your bet overall, regardless of the outcome of the event -- a true "win-win" scenario.

Why bet on tennis and not on other sports?

 Apart from Principle #2, explained earlier, tennis is ideal for such "swing" betting, because the odds fluctuate after every point is played. There are therefore very many small swings to one side and then to the other. This doesn't happen in soccer, for example, because goals are so rare and a goal shifts the advantage suddenly and hugely to the scoring side.

 Furthermore, a tennis match can have one of only two results; there can be no draw or tie; and one of only two players or teams can win. In horse racing, for example, the winner can come from a large number of runners.

 The more possible outcomes there are to factor into the equation, the more difficult it is to win. (Despite this obvious logic, soccer and horse racing remain the two most popular sports for betting, probably for historical reasons. Tennis is already third in popularity, however, as more and more punters discover the fact that it is easier to make money betting on tennis than on any other sport.)

"In-play" betting or "pre-event" betting?

 Now that you have -- it is hoped -- understood and absorbed the generalities of exchange betting and the peculiarities of tennis scoring, it is time to explain the details of how you can win at tennis betting.

 Earlier it was stated that the secret to winning at tennis betting is to be both a "backer" and a "layer", but at different points during the event, placing bets at different times during the event as fortunes change and the odds swing in your favour. This can be done with both "in-play" betting and "pre-event" betting.

 One method used with in-play betting is called "scalping". As its name suggests, scalping involves skimming a tiny profit by backing or laying at exactly the right moment as the odds move slightly in your favour, perhaps when one player scores two or three consecutive points, and repeating the process again and again. The biggest drawback of scalping is that it is very time-consuming and fraught with mental and physical tension. Not only must you pay full attention to what's happening during the match by live video broadcast, but you must also catch exactly the right moments at which to bet, which is, in fact, made impossible by the 5-second delay imposed by the exchange betting software between the time you place the bet and the time it is accepted.

 We're not elaborating on this here because, as stated previously, this article is about winning by mathematics, not by the sweat of your brow. The maths aspect involves betting, not during the event, but before the event starts. That is, pre-event betting.

Mathematics do not lie!

 There are a few tennis betting "systems", some purely manual, others using software programs, some of which are enormously complicated. From the investigations of the writer (a mathematician), they all require the input, at some point, of a "probability factor" by the bettor. This probability factor is usually the odds at which you want your "balancing" bet (the "lay" bet on the "backed" side or the "back" bet on the opposing side) to be triggered, giving you the "win-win" scenario mentioned earlier.

 So, how do you determine the value of this probability factor? That, dear reader, is the crucial point of the whole matter, the linch-pin that holds any exchange betting "system" together and determines whether it succeeds or fails, whether you win or lose.

 Up to now, it seems, this probability factor has had to be determined by the sheer experience of a few seasoned professional gamblers, or by trial-and-error guesswork by lesser mortals. Little wonder that so many punters lose or do not win as much as they could because they do not know the EXACT value needed to optimize their bets!

 Accuracy is of paramount importance when determining the probability factor, in order to maximize the chances of winning consistently. A search on the Web for a tool to calculate it proved negative. The writer therefore created one that encompasses not only all aspects of exchange betting but also the peculiarities of the tennis scoring system, and called it the Abacus Exchange Betting Calculator, for want of a better name. The probability factor is calculated to two decimal places, merely by entering the pre-event odds of both opposing sides, and has enabled the writer to make consistently more than 10% profit from tennis betting since Wimbledon 2009.

 As a parallel test, the writer also placed bets according to "gut feeling", in sufficient numbers to establish a trend. It resulted in a loss of 10% of the working capital (or "bank").

 Other tests were done, using the Abacus Exchange Betting Calculator, by betting on other sports where small odds swings occur, such as American Football, snooker and darts (very long matches only, otherwise the swings are too large). The results here just about covered the commissions paid on winnings; so, it is not worthwhile.

 It seems, then, that the particular mathematical formula or algorithm (which is very complex) discussed here works well only in conjunction with the unique scoring system of tennis.

Conclusion

 As a scientist, the writer feels that it is highly probable to win at sports betting consistently over time only when the following factors are present:

1. An exchange betting web site is used, not a conventional betting web site. (Beware of many sites that pretend to offer exchange betting by appearing in search engine results for "exchange betting"! Ensure that their software system enables you both to back and to lay bets at any odds you want against other punters, not against the house. If in doubt, check that their web site looks like the one at Betfair.)

AND

2. The sport is tennis, because of its unique scoring system.

AND

3(a) You learn about and become experienced in in-play betting and are prepared to devote almost all your time glued to a computer screen while following each match, sometimes more than one simultaneously.

OR

3(b) You use software that tells you exactly the odds to request and offer and the stakes to place in pre-event betting in only a few minutes, thus allowing you to get on with your normal life.

Author: Steve Avery.

Find out more about the Abacus [http://www.ExchangeBettingCalculator.com]Exchange Betting Calculator and [http://www.MatchedBettingCalculator.com]Matched Betting Calculator.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tennis-Betting---Tips-For-Exchange-Betting-on-Tennis-Matches&id=3513845] Tennis Betting - Tips For Exchange Betting on Tennis Matches

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Three Secrets You Want to Know to Playing Your Best Tennis

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr._Ossil_V_MacAvinta]Dr. Ossil V MacAvinta

There are so many millions of people who play tennis everyday throughout the world. They play in public parks, country clubs, private tennis courts, and anything in between (i.e. against a wall).

Tennis is the only sport I know that begins with love and is a sport for a lifetime. I remember the great Sugar Daddy, Bobby Riggs who said in one of the many tennis clinics he taught, "Tennis is a sport you can play from cradle to grave."

 Why do people enjoy playing tennis? I believe because it is a classy sport. It is a sport you can play for as short as 15 minutes or as long as 3 to 5 hours, it all depends on your ability level and motivation. I was fortunate enough to play professional tennis. I had a world ranking in the ATP Tennis of 662 in singles and 457 in doubles. I had wins over players ranked in the top 200 in singles in the world and wins over players ranked in the top 50 in doubles.

 In this article, I want to provide you with the three secrets to playing your best tennis. Of course, there are more than three secrets, but three secrets are enough to help you play better tennis.

 First, there is no substitute to practicing, practicing, over and over and over again. Practice is the seed to building confidence! When you practice in addition to playing tennis regularly, you will feel a sense of accomplishment, you will feel that you deserve to win because you know for yourself that you have been investing the time to improve your game. So, practice at least two to three hours extra a week if you are a club tennis player. If you are a tournament player you should practice at least 15 hours a week, which equals to 3 hours a day, 5 days a week.

 Second, visualize yourself hitting the tennis ball perfectly. Imagine yourself in the movie screen of your mind that you are moving side to side, running forward and backward, hitting each ball with perfect accuracy. Visualize your forehand, backhand ground strokes being hit over the net with 3 to 5 feet clearance. Picture every stroke you hit with perfect ball control. See each of your tennis strokes, feel each tennis stroke, and experience each and every tennis stroke you hit with confidence. Repeat this each time pre and post tennis game or match. By so doing, you are training your mind or inner game to manifest itself in your outer game or physical game. Tennis is a mind game once you have learned all the fundamentals of each tennis stroke.

 Third, watch the big players or your favorite tennis pro on the ATP or WTA tour and copy their tennis style. Watch YouTube videos or television footage of your favorite player over and over again until you emulate their movements. One of my favorite players to watch when I was playing competitive tennis was John McEnroe (USA) and Guillermo Villas (Argentina). I use to watch McEnroe's serve and literally copy his serve. I would watch Villas hit his ground strokes over and over again until I was mirroring Guillermo Villas' ground strokes. It was usually after watching these great tennis players in a grand slam event that I mirrored their mannerisms. After all, why event the wheel, copy what the big players do and do the same. Of course, as your tennis game matures, you will begin to develop your own style and preferences.

 So, there you are the three secrets you want to know to playing your best tennis! Remember, there is no substitute to practicing each and every day in addition to playing regularly tennis matches. Begin today if you do not already do so; visualize yourself hitting the tennis ball with each and every tennis stroke perfectly until you are confident in your mind and in your heart that you can execute it with ease and confidence. And, finally, do not reinvent the wheel, copy the tennis players on the tennis tour by watching their tennis until can have someone say on the side line, "Hey, that person hits the ball like Roger Federer or Maria Sharapova." Before you know it you will be winning your club tournaments and filling your shelves with trophies.

 To learn more about me: [http://Macavinta.com]Dr. Macavinta.

Want to learn how to play tennis better? Go visit my FREE Online Tennis Lessons and become a member of my Online Tennis Club. Tell others if you like what you find. Go to: Join DMACTennis.com it's FREE [http://DMACTennis.com].

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Three-Secrets-You-Want-to-Know-to-Playing-Your-Best-Tennis&id=3786291] Three Secrets You Want to Know to Playing Your Best Tennis

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Is Djokovic unstoppable?

 The tennis story has been a familiar one for the past few years, with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal taking up most of the space on the back pages. Their brilliance has been undeniable and has provided men's tennis with the excitement and consistency that the women's game currently lacks. However, this season has seen Novak Djorkovic play some quite incredible tennis to go unbeaten for twenty-seven matches in a row, the best start of a campaign since Ivan Lendl's run in 1986.

 Last night the Serb continued his impressive start to 2011 by beating Nadal in three sets in the Sony Ericsson Open final. The quality of tennis by both players was outstanding, as both showed their wide array of arsenal. The Serb initially seemed unable to cope with the combination of Rafa's shot selection and windy conditions as the world number one came raced to a 5-1 lead. Despite the unusual amounts of unforced errors committed in the first half hour, the Serb adapted his game dramatically to scrap back to four games.
However, the second set was where Djokovic came alive taking it 6-3 against his typically resilient opponent. The third was a real tussle as both players showed impressive amounts of determination. The match was eventually decided by a tie-breaker, which the Novak managed to take 7-4. The Miami trophy adds to the Hopham Cup, Indian Wells, Dubai Tennis Championships and the Australian Open that he has managed to pick up this year. So who can beat him?

  Roger Federer? The best player to ever play the sport seems unable to compete with the dominant two of world's tennis at the moment. Perhaps the extra parental stress has taken its toll on the Swiss. Although, reigning French Open champion, the absence of Nadal at Rolland Garros last year somewhat taints that accomplishment. No doubt, Federer will be considered as a top contender, but it seems likely that he will be able to produce the goods against both Nadal and Djokovic on clay.
A player who should be in contention to make an impact in Paris is Andy Murray. However, the Scot has played poorly following the defeat in Australian Open final. Since the loss, Murray has seemingly dropped out of the frame with only an April fool's joke to be heard of. The pressure to win a Grand Slam must surely be frustrating for the Scot, who is more than capable enough to win one. His offensive work definitely needs improving, but his defensive play is top class. Maybe his new coach should be one of an aggressive mentality? John McEnroe anyone?

Let's be honest, it's impossible to remain undefeated the entire season. Someone's has to stop the run and it seems the best chance lies with Nadal at the moment. With the clay season beginning shortly, if the Serb manages to succeed in trumping Nadal on the Spaniard's preferred court, than the tennis world will truly have witnessed something remarkable. For Djokovic to win the French Open is still questionable, but there is no doubt as to who is the man to beat. He's hitting the ball so sweetly with his Head Youtek Speed racket right now.

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