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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Know more about Hawaii sport fishing

Author: Don Hackman

 Hawaii sport fishing is an extremely interesting activity. You can taste adventure and thrill both in this. This is a great fun to catch the trophy fish in the deep blue water. It has always captivated the anglers from various places of the world. Here you can get the chance to catch the big fishes and the thrill you can experience here is out of the world. Every part of your journey will be full of happening things. Few years ago the anglers caught a blue marlin here that is considered as the biggest one till date. Those who are enthusiastic about Hawaii sports fishing just love to take part in the Hawaii sports fishing tournament. This is a tournament filled with excitement, fun and thrill. If you want to know more about Hawaii sport fishing then you will surely find the following article interesting.

 Oahu deep fishing is also very interesting. Many people come here for vacation and then they enjoy fishing in Hawaii. It is something that keeps calling them back to the place again and again. Fishing in Hawaii is considered as a real big game. There are some international tournaments also where the angler from various parts of the world come and join. Oahu has always been a favorite among the tourists. You can also look for the Oahu fishing charters. Many tourists seek for that. You can find plenty of Oahu charters. When you visit a place then you want to enjoy the most. It is a part of any trip to explore the place and culture. Fishing in Hawaii is an inseparable part and if you have any plan to visit this beautiful place then you must experience the main attraction of this place. The billfish tournament is world famous. If you have interest in fishing then you can take part in this. You will then get to know a lot of things about fishing in the dark blue water and facing the risks. It is aptivating and once you enjoy this you would love to come here back again and again.
Three different types of marlins are available in Oahu. Striped, black and blue are the colors and some of them are monsters in size and that is why one needs to be secured and safe. Apart from marlins you will also find dolphin fish, ahi fish, skipjack tuna and Wahoo fish. These fishes are fast and can surely challenge you in reel spinning run. These fishes are tireless and fierce and that is what attracts the anglers even more. Oahu can be considered as one of the best fishing places in the world. If you want to experience fun then there would be nothing better than Hawaii sport fishing. It is a simple task to book your slot for Hawaii sport fishing. The Hawaii fishing charters are there and you can call them and book anytime. Fishing license is very important for this. Next time you visit Hawaii you must not miss the fishing opportunity.
Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Know-more-about-Hawaii-sport-fishing/1666649

About the Author:
Don Hackman The Captain of Whipsaw invites you to spend your day by enjoying the thrilling experience of Hawaii Charter Fishing

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Crappie Fishing Techniques

Author: Mall  Alexander

 One of the most in style fish to go out and catch, or ought to I say try to catch, is that the crappie. Folks from everywhere the country fish for these little beauties, mostly because they provide such nice table fare. Of all the fish swimming is freshwater, crappie are within the running for the most effective tasting. Their lightweight flaky meat is abundant like the flesh of a walleye, only a small amount "sweeter". There are various techniques which will be used to catch crappie, however 2 of the foremost standard have to be live minnows and/or little jigs. I'll offer a brief synopsis of each in this text to offer you an overview.

 Live Minnows - The foremost fashionable way to catch Crappie is in all probability through the use of live minnows. Most anglers use a size 4 or vi hook, hook it through the minnows back, place this live minnow below a bobber and fish for Crappie. Although this method works, there are higher ways to present you reside minnow to the fish. The simplest means is thru the utilization of gang hooks. Gang hooks are simply a pair of tiny hooks tied in tandem. Thus, within the case of Crappie, the angler ought to first tie a little barrel swivel onto their line. Then tie a eight or ten set of gang hooks onto the opposite finish of the barrel swivel. Currently, take a live minnow and hook it through the lips of the prime hook (I continually leave the second hook "floating free", however hooking the second hook into the minnows' back works moreover). Now place your bobber onto you line and your sensible to go. Hooking the minnow through the lips does very little or no harm, and therefore the minnow lives for a terribly while, which is nice because live minnows will be a bit pricey. The longer you'll keep your bait "alive", the better. The gang hook technique is terribly effective for catching crappie.

Tiny Jigs - Tiny jigs are also a terribly common technique for catching Crappie. The twister tail that you place on the jig is that the necessary part. There are no onerous and quick rules as way as color is worried, so experimentation is that the key. One thing that I've got found is that Berkley's "Power" version of twister tails work quite well. In some cases these "power tails" will even out fish live minnows. Again, as way as what color to use, experimentation is that the key. Another very effective technique when it involves jigging for Crappie is to tip your jig with a live minnow. Simply hook a minnow through the lips onto the hook of your jig, and your jip is "tipped".

 The two techniques mentioned in this text are the most common and only manner to catch Crappie. Are there alternative ways that to catch these delectable fish? In fact, but these two are the most effective. I recently saw a "crappie rig" in the native tackle shop, and thought I should mention it. It was a contraption with like three large hooks returning off of it, with a sort of wire that kept the 3 hooks from getting tangled. It looks somewhat like a "tree", for lack of a higher means to explain it. I used to be flabbergasted by this issue, and quite frankly a touch scared. Please, I beg of you, never obtain or use a contraption such the sort I'm making an attempt to describe. Remember what Steven Wright said of fishermen, "There's a fine line between fishing and simply standing on the shore like an idiot." Using rigs like the "crappie rig" build us appear as if idiots!
Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Crappie-Fishing-Techniques/1678892

About the Author:
Sharon Wallace  has been writing articles on-line for nearly 2 years now. Not solely can this author target Techniques
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Melanie Adams - Smoking Hot Pole Vaulter

 Melanie a pole vaulter from Australia.  She was a finalist for Miss Teen Australia and has her sights set on the Miss Universe pageant. I think she’s got potential for whatever she sets those brown eyes on!
Melanie Adams is 20-years-old and has been pole vaulting since she was 11-years-old. She currently plans to compete in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and the 2012 London Olympics. Her role models are Cathy Freeman and Tatiana Grigorieva. She has won two national under age titles.

Melanie’s 2007 personal-best was 3.8 metres. She had a set-back in 2007 when she broke her foot but is back to working on her sport. She is also pursuing a career in modeling.

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The Best Kind of Bait for Catfishing

 The largest catfish are known to go for natural bait. Most types of catfish are omnivorous and scavengers, devouring a variety of food items. There are thousands of baits used to catch catfish. Some of the more frequently used types of catfishing bait are: live perch, shad, crawfish, worms, minnows, grasshoppers, chicken liver, stink baits, night crawlers, marshmallows, and small frogs. Live bait is absolutely the best tool at your disposal. Scent is also an important factor, as catfish have a great sense of smell.

The most commomly used bait is also one of the most efficient; the worm. Night crawlers and even the comon garden worm will do just fine. Garden worms are one of the most common baits to find, and they work just fine. In a natural habitat, catfish wait to devour live worms that make their way into the territory. Many shops carry night crawlers and worms, but they can also be dug up from the ground itself.

Catfish are also widely known to feast on shrimp or small prawn. Depending on the size of the prawn, use them whole or cut them in half. Although you can use prawns with their shells still attached, it's better to remove the shells. Frozen and fresh bait for catfishing are easily found at a local bait shop or seafood market. A powerful strategy for inceasing the appeal of your bait is to soak it in fish oil to make it's smell more pungent and appealing to the catfish.

Catfishing can also done with homemade bait. Even common household items such as peanut butter and corn flakes can be appealing. To help attract the catfish, this homemade recipe with pungent oils is a helpful tool. Plus, the peanut butter and corn flake mixture is almost impossible for smaller fish to get off the hook. Another useful tip for hooking catfish is pieces of sweet corn. The sweet corn wrapped around bread ball is a great way to lure in the catch. This method will release a sweet odor that will lure the catfish right to you! Don't wory about smaller fish being attracted to this concoction, this will single-out only the catfish that you desire. The bread helps to catch those hook-shy fish that have gotten that way from too much catch and release. There is yet another common ingredient you cna use from around the house that catfish love to eat, and that is cheese.

 This is not all you can use, your imagination is the limit when discovering excited new bait. With their weak eyesight, catfish use their strong nose to help them locate and catch their prey. Odor is your most powerful weapon, keep this in mind over any other factor when creating homemade bait. Don't worry about being to specific with bait, catfish are not picky, just be creative when deciding on a method.

William is a catfishing expert. For more information on
href="http://www.secrettipsoncatfishing.com/the-best-kind-of-bait-for-catfishing">catfishing bait ,visit http://www.secrettipsoncatfishing.com/the-best-kind-of-bait-for-catfishing.

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Inflatable Boat Fishing - What Are the Best Boats to Use?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Hupp]Christopher Hupp

Inflatable Boat Fishing

 Inflatable boat fishing?! Who's ever heard of such a thing? If you haven't, you're not alone, which is why I've put together this article to help educate you on inflatable boat fishing and some of the advantages it has over regular boat fishing.

Inflatable fishing boats

 First things first, we have to go over the idea of inflatable fishing boats. They are great for a number of reasons, including their versatility, easy storage, and light weight. Another great plus is that they are relatively inexpensive. It is important, however, to keep in mind that with boats, as with most anything, you get what you pay for. With that in mind, let me introduce a couple of good quality inflatable boats.

Neva III

 The Neva III Inflatable Fishing Boat has a four rider, max 495lb capacity. It is lightweight, carrying a total weight of only 37 lbs. It is made of sturdy pre-tested vinyl and heavy duty PVC, helping to prevent punctures or tears in the seams. The Neva III comes equipped with an all-around grab rope, comfortable inflatable seats, fishing pole holder and safety valve. There is also a sturdy valve for quick inflation and deflation. Average cost of the Neva III, $95.

SeaHawk II

The SeaHawk II is built tough. The weight capacity on this inflatable fishing boat is up to 660lbs. With its SUPER TOUGHTM construction, made with three separate layers of materials, it provides extra strength and durability. The SeaHawk II also sports all-around grab lines, two fishing pole holders, a gear pouch, grab handles,

motor mount fittings, shelf box, and oar holders. Average cost of the SeaHawk II, $220.

Advantages

Now, on to the advantages of inflatable fishing boats. (As if you needed more explanation than the product summaries themselves). These boats carry some great advantages over regular fishing boats. First of all, they are much less expensive than a regular fishing boat. They provide a more comfortable ride in many cases, due to their inflatable seats. Inflatable boats also are much easier to store. You simply dry, deflate, and store safely until next use. They also are much lighter in weight and thus easier to maneuver. They provide a softer touch on the water, making fishing that much more enjoyable. Another great perk is that, as mentioned in the beginning, they are versatile. You can use them for rafting, fishing, or just plain fun in the sun. [http://www.yourinflatables.com/inflatable-boats]Inflatable fishing boats can be lots of fun and can provide hours of great fishing. Now it's up to you to decide if it's right for you!

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Inflatable-Boat-Fishing---What-Are-the-Best-Boats-to-Use?&id=6113531] Inflatable Boat Fishing - What Are the Best Boats to Use?

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Catch and Release Fishing - A Practice of Conservation

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nick_Satushek]Nick Satushek

 Catch and release fishing is often one of the most enjoyable yet misunderstood practices of modern fishing. When most non fishing enthusiasts go fishing, they automatically assume they will bring home their catch to put on the table. Not so for many fishing enthusiasts who ply our local waters for steelhead, salmon, trout and bass.

 The basic fundamental of catch and release fishing is for enjoyment. A fishing enthusiast can catch and release fish all day long without worrying about going over their daily limit or breaking the law. The practice of catch and release fishing applies especially well to good fishing days when fish are plentiful on the line and many are caught. Below the basic level of enjoyment from catching multiple fish in a day comes a deeper level of enjoyment derived from conservation of declining fish populations. In this day and age our fisheries are declining due to rapid habitat loss, commercial fishing, and a changing seascape. When you combine these factors with recreational fishing where everyone takes home their limits, it doesn't give the fish much of a chance for future generations of fish, not to mention limiting the angling options of the future generations of our children.

 Many anglers choose to practice catch and release fishing to help sustain the fish population for themselves and for generations to come.

 A trend these days is that often times it is almost taboo or deemed unethical to keep certain kinds of fish. Take wild steelhead and salmon out of rivers or largemouth bass out of lakes for example. These species of fish should almost always be released, even when legal to keep them, to ensure the survival of the species and keep our fisheries strong.

 There is much more involved in catch and release fishing than simply letting a fish go. If not done correctly, the fish will almost assuredly die soon after being released. Fish are delicate creatures and can suffer from smashed internal organs, loss of their protective slime covering, excessive bleeding, and other injuries suffered from improper handling. The following are some guidelines to follow when handling fish that are to be released.

  First off, never remove a fish from water any longer than is absolutely necessary to remove the hook. Often times, the hook can be removed while the fish still remains under water. Fish live under water their entire lives and are accustomed to feeling the pressure of water around them. They are accustomed to being wet and derive oxygen from passing water through their mouths and gills and pulling the oxygen from it. When removed from the water the pressure changes on their bodies, and they are essentially drowning in the air. If you absolutely must remove a fish from the water to take a picture, make sure to get the camera ready before removing the fish, and then only remove the fish for as short a time as possible.

 Fish are covered in a protective slime that helps protect them from disease and keeps their scales in prime condition. If mishandled, this slime can be removed and open the fish to infection and disease. To avoid this, it is important to wet the hands before handling a fish, or even better to wear wool gloves while handling the fish. Wet wool gloves are the best since the wool is soft and doesn't remove the fish's protective slime. Besides handling the fish other things that remove slime are setting them in the dirt, or on a rock, in the bottom of the boat, or on the sand. All of these things can lead to death after the fish is released.

 Another important thing to avoid when catch and release fishing is trauma or internal injury. Trauma can be caused by dropping the fish on the ground or into the bottom of the boat. Internal injury can be caused by squeezing the fish when holding it. This should be avoided to ensure the survival of the fish.

 Unnecessary stress can be a major killer of fish after they are released so it is important to revive your fish before releasing it to make sure that it swims away strong. In cold waters especially, fish will be under major stress when caught and will use up almost all of their energy fighting against the angler. Always work to land your fish as quickly as possible to ensure that the fish doesn't play itself to death. Even when landed quickly, the fish will be extremely tired after being caught and will require resuscitation before being released. The best way to do this is to hold the fish by the tail with one hand and with the other underneath the belly. Move the fish back and forth in a rocking motion to help move water and oxygen through the fish's mouth and past its gills. This will force extra oxygen into the fish and help to revive it. When the fish is ready to go it will start to pull away from your hand. Gently release your grip on the tail and wait for it to swim away. If the fish stops or starts to turn over or float sideways, retrieve the fish, turn it upright, and start the process again until it is revived. Fish will die if they are left floating upside down in the water.

 If using a net to land your fish, use a knotless 'catch-and-release' net. You can find these at local fishing stores or online. Catch and release nets are made of a soft mesh material with no knots to reduce stress and injury on the fish.

 And finally, one of the greatest fundamentals of catch and release fishing occurs before even wetting your line. The use of treble hooks with barbs can make releasing a fish unharmed severely difficult. If you aren't planning on keeping what you catch, it's recommended that you use a single barbless hook. To de-barb your hook, simply use a pair of pliers to smash down the barb. This causes much less injury to the fish and increases the survival rate of released fish. Treble hooks should be replaced with single hooks to help reduce injury as well.

 However, if a fish is hooked in the eye or gills, it should be kept if legal to do so. A fish that is bleeding excessively or that has sustained major damage to it's gills, throat, or eye will most likely not survive.

 So if you're thinking about practicing catch and release, these are a few pointers to get you started towards catch and release fishing and the conservation of our fisheries. It's always fun to bring home your catch and put it on the table, but oftentimes it can be just as rewarding to let the big one go.

 North Fork Fishing Outfitters offers Fishing tackle and hand tied marabou and schlappen steelhead and salmon jigs at great prices. Our hand tied eco friendly brass bead head jigs are a good environmentally friendly alternative to solid lead jig heads, and are tied on high quality solid hooks for powerful hookups. http://www.northforkfishingoutfitters.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Catch-and-Release-Fishing---A-Practice-of-Conservation&id=4267901] Catch and Release Fishing - A Practice of Conservation

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Professional Wrestling Basic Terms

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Matt_C]Matt C

If you're new to the world of professional wrestling, here is a very basic guide to terms you'll want to be familiar with about wrestling, the matches, and more.  These are for newcomers but may also  be helpful for current fans, who may have heard a term but not known what it referred to:

A "face" refers to a good guy in wrestling, usually a fan favorite.  Examples from the past would be Hulk Hogan, The Rock and John Cena. A wrestler is said to "turn face" when they go from bad to good.

A "heel" refers to a wrestler who is considered a bad guy or not liked by the crowd/fans. A character is said to "turn heel" when they make a turn from good (face) to bad (heel).

"Finishing move" or "Finisher" refers to a wrestler's unique move he/she uses to "finish off" an opponent for the victory.  Examples of this were Hulk Hogan's "Leg drop", Bret the Hitman Hart's "Sharpshooter" and Stone Cold Steve Austin's "Stone Cold Stunner".

"Foreign object" refers to any object not included in the match (steel chair, brass knuckles, chain).  Usually a wrestler will try to cheat and use an object to knockout his/her opponent without the referee seeing in order to gain a victory.

"Roster" refers to the list of active wrestlers on a pro wrestling show. 

"Card" refers to the matches scheduled for an event.

In pro wrestling, the ring is also referred to as "the squared circle".  The normal ring has 4 sides, with 3 ropes on each side of the ring.  The bottom part of a wrestling ring is the mat, and the side parts of the ring are referred to as the apron(s).

"Turnbuckle" is the metal coupling device which fastens the ring's ropes together at the ring corners and keeps the proper tension for the ropes around the ring.  There are four turnbuckles in most pro wrestling rings, and 3 ropes on each of the sides of the ring.

"Dark match" is  a match you see at a live television event that is not part of the taping for the televised show.

In a normal pro wrestling match, the ways to win are:

"Pinfall" - A wrestler pins his opponent for a 3 count by the referee.  There have also  been unusual matches where the outcome was both wrestlers pinned each others' shoulders to the mat at the same time, meaning both wrestlers win.

"Submission" - A wrestler puts his opponent in a special hold which causes the opponent to tap out (hit his hand on the mat to stop the match), or the referee determines the opponent is unable to continue wrestling.

"Countout" - The referee counts 1 or both wrestlers involved in a match out of the ring for a count of 10.  A double countout results in no winner and is basically a draw.

"Disqualification" - The referee determines foul play in the match in one wrestler's advantage.  Examples are another wrestler interferes in the match, or 1 of the wrestlers in the match uses a foreign object to strike his opponent.

"Referee's Decision" - the referee can also choose to stop a match if one of the wrestlers can not continue to wrestle.  Example would be a wrestler becomes knocked out and/or ref determines he needs medical assistance. 

"Failure to answer a ref's 10 count" - Also, the referee can count either or both wrestler down on the mat for a count of 10 and award the match to 1 or as a draw accordingly.

Here are several examples of common matches you may see in pro wrestling:

"Handicap match" - refers to a match where there is more opponents on 1 side. An example is 1 wrestler vs 2 opponents or 2 wrestlers vs 3 opponents.  The lesser side is considered "handicapped" in the match.

"Cage match" - this refers to a match done in the ring with a high wall steel cage surrounding the ring.  A wrestler can win this match by either climbing out up the cage wall and then dropping out to the outside (both feet must hit floor).  A wrestler can also win by pinfall or submission inside the cage, or by exiting the cage door near one side of the ring.

"Battle Royal" - this match usually involves anywhere from 5 to 30 or so wrestlers who all start in the ring together.  In this match it is usually every man for himself.  Wrestlers eliminate their opponents by throwing them over the top rope of the ring.  The last wrestler in the ring is declared the winner.

"Lumberjack match" - This match has wrestlers in the ring and then a bunch more wrestlers surrounding the ring. The people surrounding the ring are there to toss back in wrestlers who go out of the ring, or in some cases attack them.

"Street Fight" - this match allows wrestlers to use weapons and objects around the ring, arena, backstage or wherever the fight spills out to.  A pin can be made anywhere.

"Falls Count Anywhere" - this match allows a wrestler to pin his opponent anywhere the match goes to (the ring, outside of it, outside the arena, backstage, in the crowd..etc)

"Last Man Standing Match" - in this situation, the wrestlers compete until one man is standing and his opponent is down for a 10 count by the referee.

Now you have some basic professional wrestling terms, and if you're new to pro wrestling these are a good starting guide to get you familiar as you enjoy the matches and shows!

For more commentary, news and other great stuff about pro wrestling, check out the blog at: http://wwecharacters.blogspot.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Professional-Wrestling-Basic-Terms&id=619903] Professional Wrestling Basic Terms

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Best Season for Fishing Crappies

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tony_W._Dawson]Tony W. Dawson

 If you have been fishing crappies for awhile with little to no luck, you likely have realized first hand that there is a bit of art and science to this sport. This is a very popular species to try to fish and many people do enjoy some great catches from their efforts. However, if you aren't getting the results you want from fishing crappies, you will want to read further to learn more about this type of fish.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to improve your results is to fish for this type of fish at the peak season. Some fish can be caught any time of year. For instance, catfish are bottom dwellers that are best caught at night, but they can easily be caught any time of year. Crappies, on the other head, truly do have a peak season. Generally, the spring months are the best time of year for fishing crappies simply because it is the time of year when they are most active.

During the spring months, they generally move around a lot because this is the time when they are spawning. Now you should know, however, that spawning season will vary a little bit based on your physical location in the country.

Most specifically, they will be spawning and very active when the body of water they live in reaches temperatures between about 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature, as you can imagine, will depend on the depth of the water, the weather your area has experienced during the spring months, and the general geographic area. In many areas, though, this will occur in the month of May, give or take a few weeks. Ideally, you will want to head out for your fishing trips towards the earlier portion of the spawning period, as this is the point when they truly are most active.

While fishing crappies will be most productive for you in the spring months when they are spawning, you can still enjoy a great catch during the other seasons, too, including even in the winter months. You simply have to take time to learn how these fish react and move during these months to know where to fish, what lures and bait to use, and more. While there is some technique involved in catching these fish, you will find that when you take time to learn a little more about them, you will enjoy reeling in that great catch that you have been hoping for.

Tony Dawson is a writer and researcher on products for households such as a guide to [http://fishingcrappies.info/crappie-fishing-tips]fishing crappies. Save time and money by getting a FREE in-depth review of this product including discounts and best prices at this blog: [http://fishingcrappies.info/]fishingcrappies.info

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Season-for-Fishing-Crappies&id=6124097] Best Season for Fishing Crappies

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Fishing Basics - Choosing the Right Lures

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_Cale]James Cale

 You have your fishing rod and reel. You have your fishing line. But now you have one of the most difficult decisions to make. You have to choose the right lure. Without the right lure all the best equipment in the world will not be able to help you. You could fish all day and not catch anything with the right lure.

There are several things to consider when picking what lure you want. The biggest factor though, is the species of fish that you are targeting.

The biggest factor in lure selection is the species of fish that you are going after. Bass go after a variety of lures such as spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, and plastics. Spinnerbaits have a rubber skirt and some spinner blades. The skirts come in a variety of colors for different water conditions. Buzzbaits are similar to spinnerbaits in that they have rubber skirts, but their spinner blade is designed to make noise on the top of the water. This makes a buzzbait a type of top water lure. Crankbaits are designed to simulate bait fish and come in various colors and are designed dive to various depths. Plastics are designed to simulate all manners of baits that a bass would eat. The types are just as numerous. They have plastics that imitate worms, fish, crawfish, and even lizards. There are other types but those are the most popular ones.

For trout the lures are different. The most popular types include spinners and spoons. Spinners come in a variety of colors and many different sizes. The most popular ones are generally gold and silver bladed spinners. However, there are copper bladed ones along with spinners that have been painted to simulate smaller fish. Spoons also come in all manner of colors and sizes. Popular ones are gold, silver, and red /white. Where you are fishing would help determine what you would use, however, spinners are generally the better bet in most locations.

Smaller panfish like bluegill, crappie, and perch most fisherman use little jigs of various colors. The size varies but is generally between 1/64th-1/8th oz. What colors you would use would be determined by the conditions of the water and the type of forage is in the place that you are fishing in. If the water is stained chartreuse, black, brown, orange or red jigs are generally more productive.

For a larger species like pike you want to use large lures. Some favorites are large spoons up to at least an ounce in size and in various colors. Large spinners of various colors can also be successful. Large jointed swimbaits that simulate different fish species are great to use as well. Swimbaits are similar to crankbaits, but have a joint in the middle that makes them more lifelike. Buzzbaits and other top water lures can also be used if the conditions are right. Bigger lures will attract bigger fish, but you will catch fewer.

The easiest way to figure out what you are going to need is to get a fishing report of the place you will be fishing at. This will narrow down you choices greatly. It will also save you money so that you do not get any unnecessary lures. So go find what you need and get fishing.

James Cale

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Fishing-Basics---Choosing-the-Right-Lures&id=6093009] Fishing Basics - Choosing the Right Lures

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A History of Wimbledon Tennis

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stuart_P_Mitchell]Stuart P Mitchell

 Wimbledon is known the world over as the home of the Wimbledon tennis championships, the oldest tennis championships in the world and arguably the most prestigious of the four grand slam tournaments. The only grand slam tournament to be played on grass, it has become synonymous with ideals of British sporting gentility, long summer days, strawberries and cream, and the occasional downpour. But how did it all begin...

 Wimbledon is now the spiritual home of British tennis, hosting the country's flagship tournament. The tennis club itself, which hosts the Wimbledon Championships. is situated in Aorangi Park on Church Road Wimbledon in the borough of Merton, South West London and is often referred to as The All England Club however, its full title is The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club alluding to its origins in the 19th century.

The Club was founded in 1868 on Worple Road, Wimbledon as a private member's croquet club. The All England Croquet Club, however was quick to add the burgeoning game of sphairistikè, or lawn tennis as it became known, to its activities in 1875, only one year after being invented by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield, and in 1877 officially became known as The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. In fact, in 1882 the club briefly changed its name again to The All England Lawn Tennis Club in response to the dominance of the sport in its activities but the mention of croquet was reinstated just six years later to reflect the club's origins.

As a pioneer of the new sport the club took on the codifying of the game's laws from the Marylebone Cricket Club (to this day the guardians of the laws of cricket) for it's first ever tournament in the same year, 1877. The gentleman's tournament of 22 players was won by Spencer Gore in what was also to be the first of many rain delayed finals.

During the early years of the tournament in the late 19th and early 20th century, the championships grew steadily with ladies singles and gentleman doubles being added in 1884, whilst the ladies and mixed doubles were added in 1913. This period saw home grown players dominating the winners' rostrums. Greats such as William Renshaw and the Doherty brothers (Reggie & Laurie) swept all before them and set records which still stand to this day. Indeed, no foreign competitor won the tournament until the American, May Sutton Bundy won the ladies singles in 1905. However, with the advent of professionalism in the game, particularly the beginning of the Open era in 1968, foreign stars began to dominate and, as any British tennis fan can tell you, no home grown player has won the gentleman's tournament since Fred Perry won the last of his three successive titles in 1936.

Tournaments at the club took a hiatus during each of the world wars but in 1922 the club moved to its current premises in Wimbledon and both the club and the Wimbledon Championships, continued to grow. The championships were televised for the first time in 1937 bringing the Wimbledon spectacle to a wider audience than ever. The site itself expanded significantly with new courts in 1980 and in 1997 The All England Club unveiled a new No. 1 court greatly boosting the tournament's capacity to keep up with its popularity. 2009 even saw the introduction of a retractable roof on the Centre Court to keep out the perennial Wimbledon rain.

The Open era has seen only two British successes at Wimbledon in the singles with Ann Haydon Jones overcoming Billie Jean King in 1969 and Virginia Wade overcoming the odds to win in front of the Queen in her silver jubilee year in 1977 - the last British success. Despite the recent dearth of home grown winners the tournament has thrown up some of the most memorable moments in world tennis; greats such as Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Martina Navrátilová gracing the hollowed turf and setting many records for the modern era. 2000 saw Pete Sampras winning the last of his 7 titles to break the total grand slam record of 13, whilst Roger Federer has since equalled Björn Borg's record of 5 Wimbledons in row between 2003 and 2007 to contribute to his new record of 16 grand slam titles.

The next two years will be some of the most celebrated in recent history for the All England Club and the Wimbledon Championships. 2011 will usher in the 125th anniversary of the first tennis tournament, in 1877, and 2012 will see the club have the honour of providing a unique setting for the tennis tournaments in the London Olympics.

Having an institution with such a rich and vibrant heritage on your doorstep, particularly bearing in mind the exciting developments on the horizon, the Wimbledon area of London has never been so desirable so now may be the time to start hunting down your perfect Wimbledon home.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-History-of-Wimbledon-Tennis&id=6086182] A History of Wimbledon Tennis

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Heather Mitts - Soccer Hottie

 

 Heather Mitts was born  in Cincinnati,on June 9, 1978.  She first touched a soccer ball at age 6, and never let go. At 8 she was playing in organized teams and dabbling in other sports. 

After her freshman year of high school, Heather decided to devote herself exclusively to the game and aim for a college scholarship. She knew she was on her way as she received every honor imaginable for high school athletics and lead her school, St. Ursula Academy, to four straight district titles. The University of Florida saw a future star, and gave Heather a scholarship. 

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Novak Djokovic Displaces Federer As World Number Two

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Suresh_Iyer]Suresh Iyer

 Roger Federer is no longer the 2nd ranked player in the world, as per the rankings decided by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He has been displaced by Novak Djokovic, the man who beat him at the Australian Open.
The Serbian beat the Swissman in the semi-finals at Indian Wells to move one step closer to the world's top ranked player, Nadal, whom Djokovic later beat in the final.

In the match against Federer, Djokovic took the first set 6-3, only to see Federer claw back to level the contest at one set all, by claiming the second set at 6-3. But in the end, the Serbian ace proved too good for Federer as he won the third set 6-2 to close out the match, by two sets to one. With the win, Djokovic's winning streak in 2011 reached 17 games, later extended to 18 after beating Nadal in the final.

With this win, Djokovic has had 4 wins against Federer since the US Open semi-final last year. Before the Indian wells tournament, the Serbian got the better of the former world number one at Dubai, in February. In the semi-final on Saturday, March 19, Djokovic played a brilliant baseline game and kept Federer on the run and forced errors out of the Swissman. He broke the Swissman at 2-2 in the first set and rallied from a 15-40 deficit in the next game to hang on to his advantage. The set lasted 44 minutes before a winner at the net ended Federer's misery.

But Federer is nothing if not a champion and he showed ample evidence of that as he fought back to the second set on the back of two breaks of service. The third set was a see-sawing battle for supremacy as Djokovic broke Federer's serve early, but the Swissman was back on level terms at 2-2 only to fall back into arrears at 3-2.

From there, there was no looking back for the Serbian who enjoyed a purple patch winning 11 points in a row; after converting the third of 3 break points earned in the process, Djokovic was sitting pretty with a double break. But there was some fight left in Federer who soon had a break point. But Djokovic held his nerve to stave off the threat, to reserve a place in the final, against Nadal.

This was Djokovic's third win on the trot against Federer, bringing their career head-to-head statistics to 13-9 in the Swissman's favour.

For the latest sports gossip, including the [http://sportingattitude.com/category/cricket/icc-world-cup-2011/]ICC World Cup, click [http://www.sportingattitude.com]http://www.sportingattitude.com.

Suresh Iyer is an avid sports fan and blogger.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Novak-Djokovic-Displaces-Federer-As-World-Number-Two&id=6102067] Novak Djokovic Displaces Federer As World Number Two

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Winning Phychologycally Over You Opponent

Author: William L. Booker

 Considering that two opponents in tennis are equal in terms of their experience, equipment, and stroke play, the factor that determines the final result of the match can be an matter of fortune as they say and how can the two opponents can adjust themselves psychologically to fluctuating and unexpected luck in the game (they may or may not be due to your good or bad fortune) to have their confidence up and go with their heads high while having maximum pressure on the opponent all the while.

We normally hear many players comment about the shots that they were successful in playing; however, only some will talk about important shots that they were not able to play or missed. Sometimes shots that are missed turn out to as important as the shots that are played; and under some particular situations, a shot that gets missed by an inch is more important compared to a lame return that your opponent can return easily.
The above statement; however, may require some amount of explanation to do. For instance, think that the opponent player plays an angled shot for that requires you to make a lot of ground; and after reaching it finally, you are able to return it fast and hard along the sideline taking off your opponent fully by surprise. But, unluckily the ball bounces just outside the sideline because of which you lose the point. Your opponent was lucky that the ball landed outside the sideline, if the ball had landed inside the sideline, he would have not been able to play it and you could have ended up winning a point. Your opponent understands that he has escaped the line just by a whisker and the thought sets up in his intellect. He knows that you can repeat that shot and the next time luck might not favor him. So he registers this in his mind that not to give the same opportunity to you. What does this result in? Your opponent’s confidence is broken and his shot selection is restricted; and you have achieved all this because of a missed stroke!

  If you had not ran along and taken the pain over that last stroke and returned a simple stroke without having the risk of misplacing it, your opponent would have ended getting a simple point, you could have ended up boosting your opponents confidence while decreasing you own confidence. Either way, if you look at points, you ended up losing one; however, in the first case of a brilliant missed shot you had ended getting all the psychological benefits, but if you had sent a simple return shot to your opponent, he would have straight away lashed on to it and scored points in both the departments i.e. point and mental lead.
Now, let us suppose that you anyhow managed to return the shot and get the ball landed within the sideline of the court instead of outside the court and eventually beating the opponent for the point. However, if your opponent is thinking he lost two points one which he gave away and another one that he must have got in place of giving you that point. It results in a considerable amount of mental fear to your opponent who will be thinking that he is given away something that would be hard to get back.

 It may be clear by now that how your psychological thinking can change or affect the result of the matches. Considering the two opponents started equally, when one opponent starts to lead, his confidence increases while the other opponent’s looses confidence. If the player who has got the lead continues in the same manner, then not only he wins points, but also increases his confidence level and improves his psychology and this difference will be clearly visible between the two opponents. However, if the other player starts to catch up and pulls up his confident, than unless the first opponent has a better control over his confidence, the psychological forces that get created can destroy his game and he could end up in the losing side. And on the other side, the second player will have tremendous boost to his confidence by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Winning-Phychologycally-Over-You-Opponent/1311082

About the Author:
Discover the importance of knowing your tennis psychology as well as experts tips to help you service the opening gun of tennis

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The Backhand - One Handed Vs Two Handed - What's the Big Deal?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Gabel]Brandon Gabel

 What is a backhand? It is any shot hit from your non-dominant side. There are two main ways to hit a backhand: one-handed or two-handed. Most players decide which way they are going to hit their backhand early in their training. Both ways have various strengths and weaknesses. In general, people are "naturally" either one-handed or two-handed players, and I'll discuss why this is the case below...

 People are either "naturally" one or two-handed players. When I watch a student hit a backhand for the first time I start them with a two-hander and see how they react to it. If it is comfortable for them I keep them with it, but if they have difficulty a switch to the one-hander is in order. How do I know when to make the switch? The single thing I'm looking for is how much they extend their follow through. If they like to push their dominant hand through the court more they are almost always a "natural" one-hander. On the other hand, two-handers tend to have a more compact follow through that wraps around the body. It is important to pick the style that best compliments your natural hitting tendencies; hitting the wrong type of backhand can cause years of pain and frustration. Trust me, I know! Let's now discuss each type...

The One-Hander...

 The one-hander was the "traditional" way of hitting a backhand. Watch footage of most professional players from the middle of the 20th century, and you'll notice that most of them are hitting a one-hander. The one-hander is a beautiful stroke when done correctly; simply watch the fluidity of Roger Federer... And Federer is not the only example! Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, Tim Henman, Justine Henin, James Blake, Martina Navratilova are only a few world class players that endorse the one-hander. One-handed players tend to enjoy attacking the net and moving forward into the court.

The importance of the one-hander is that it affords several advantages that the two-hander doesn't. It is much easier to learn how to hit an effective slice backhand. It is generally easier to hit balls below your knees, and balls that stretch you wide since your effective reach is greater. It is also often times easier to learn the backhand volley as well, since this stroke is also one-handed. Interestingly, many of the best volleyers in the history of the game (Stefan Edberg, Patrick Rafter, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova) all had one-handed backhands. However, on the other hand, it can be difficult to hit heavy topspin with a one-hander, especially when the ball gets high above your shoulders. For young junior players it can be frustrating to learn the one-hander because early on it puts you at a distinct strength disadvantage (this is part of the reason why many juniors nowadays learn two-handers).

If you've decided that a one-hander feels like the way to go the next question is how do you hit it? Let's start by discussing the appropriate grip. A continental grip is the way to go. The continental allows you to hit both topspin and slice without having to change the position of your hand on the grip. A more extreme continental will allow you to "brush" up the back of the ball to hit more topspin; a less extreme continental will help you flatten the ball out. You can also hit very effective slice using a continental. In essence, the continental grip is one-stop shopping for the one-handed backhand.

Once you've gotten the feel for the continental, there are a few key steps to hitting a great one-hander. The first is footwork. Like all great strokes in tennis, if the footwork isn't there then the stroke will suffer. The one-hander is no exception. Footwork on the one-hander is a little hard to get at first because it requires superb timing. The goal is to step into the ball with your front, or dominant, foot (right foot if right handed, and left foot if left handed). In other words, as the ball comes you are going to time your step with the ball strike so that they occur nearly simultaneously.

Once you feel comfortable stepping into the ball with your leading foot it is important to figure out where in relationship to your body you should strike the ball. Unlike the two-hander, which we'll talk about in a moment, the contact of a one-hander is well out in front of your leading foot. To hit an effective one-hander you need lots of room; if you catch the ball late it will cause you to tighten your shoulders and hit the ball wide.

With the superb footwork, step, and contact point out in front the final element to hitting a successful one handed backhand is the follow through. One-handed follow throughs should be long and directed towards where you are aiming. One of the biggest problems beginning one-handers face is they over rotate the dominant shoulder causing them to "whip" the follow through. An ideal one-hander finishes with the shoulder low and the follow through on a single linear path towards your target. If someone were taking a picture of you from the front immediately at the end of the stroke they should not be able to see your chest; your body should be facing the sideline. Watch Federer or old footage of Sampras and notice how they lengthen their follow throughs; very rarely do they over rotate or pull the shoulder away.

The Two-Hander...

If you're not convinced that the one-hander is the way to go then you may be a natural two-hander. The two-handed backhand has exploded in popularity in recent decades. Look at many of the top players in the world and you'll see that they are hitting two-handers. Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Andy Murray, Jimmy Connors, Serena and Venus Williams, as well as Andy Roddick are only a few world class tennis players that hit the two-hander. Two-handed backhands tend to compliment players who prefer to play most of their points from the baseline.

Why the recent explosion in popularity? For starters the two-hander is a relatively easier stroke to use compared to the one-hander. It is also highly popular with junior players because they can develop significant amounts of power; and for many people, having the second hand on the grip gives them a greater sense of stability that the one-hander doesn't. Unlike the one-hander, you don't need as much room/space to hit it effectively. However, the two-hander also has a few draw backs. First, it can be much more difficult (although not impossible) to learn how to hit an effective slice backhand since the follow throughs are much different. Likewise, it can be harder to learn backhand volleys and it can be hard to hit effectively if you are stretched out wide.

Despite the disadvantages the advantages clearly trump in many circumstances which is why the two-hander is immensely popular in today's game. So how the heck do you hit the two-hander? Like the one-hander we'll start by discussing the appropriate grip. The dominant hand should be in the continental orientation. The non-dominant hand's palm should be pressed directly against the back panel of the grip during the swing (ie: the panel of the grip that is flush with the net). Having the non-dominant hand in this orientation will help you guide the follow through towards your target.

 The footwork of the two-hander is similar to that of the one-hander. In essence, the player should step forward into the court with their dominant foot. The differences with the one-hander now become more apparent. Rather than timing the step of the foot with the ball strike, instead you want to bend the knees and rotate the back hip through the ball (see image to the right). This is much more similar to hitting an effective forehand. In addition, you want to allow the follow through to rotate around the body rather than staying on a long linear path. You still want to push the palms of your hands towards your target, but you do so in a less exaggerated way compared to the one-handed stroke.

 Brandon Gabel is a former sectionally and nationally ranked tennis player with over 10 years of coaching and teaching experience. He has coached everyone from beginning "pee-wees" to collegiate level players. He has also given seminars on mental toughness and goal setting techniques. Brandon is available for private consultation by contacting the email at his website below...

Visit his website at [http://www.addictedtotennis.com]http://www.addictedtotennis.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Backhand---One-Handed-Vs-Two-Handed---Whats-the-Big-Deal?&id=3785589] The Backhand - One Handed Vs Two Handed - What's the Big Deal?

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