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Non-Tennis Gifts for Tennis Players Great Christmas Gifts for Tennis Players (2024 Edition) Ultimate Stocking Stuffer List for Tennis Players (2024 Edition) Secrets of Winning Tennis The USTA Encourages Double Dipping The Speed Ladder Tennis Beyond the Headlines: November 18, 2024

Gyro Spinner for Tennis Wrist Strength?

A recent Wall Street Journal article recommended usage of a gyro hand spinner to increase wrist strength for tennis. It was in response to a question from a reader who was seeking tips to hit a one handed backhand better. The article claimed that the primary difference between a one and two handed backhand and essentially comes down to wrist strength. I think there is a lot more to it than that.

Best of Bag Check: Jill Craybas

Jill Craybas made 45 consecutive Grand Slam main draws starting at the 2000 US Open and ending with the 2011 US Open. She also represented the United States in both Fed Cup and Olympic play. According to Wikipedia, she is best known for upsetting Serena Williams at the 2005 Wimbledon Championships. I disagree. Jill Craybas should be remembered for the most epic assortment of fitness related tennis gear ever produced while filming a Tennis Channel “Bag Check” feature.

The Cordless Jump Rope

The Cordless jump rope is one of my favorite training devices. It is a ridiculous concept on the surface. I would have loved to be in the room the first time the device was pitched to a sporting goods manufacturer. Basically a cordless jump rope consists of jump rope handles with weighted foam balls attached to a short rope. Essentially it is a jump rope without a rope.

The Best of Bag Check: Tamira Paszek

Overthinking tennis is the hallmark of this site. Tennis equipment and gear is in my wheelhouse. Consequently, the “Tennis Channel’s Bag Check” promotional clips always command my rapt attention. A well-equipped racquet bag is essential in tournament tennis. Those necessities in the bag might be the difference between winning and losing a match.

Automotive Rain Guards

Every tennis player should consider installing a set of rain guards on your vehicle in anticipation of the fact that eventually it will rain. Alternatively you can wait until you are sweltering in your car during a lengthy rain delay to order them for the next tournament. Don’t be like me.

Tennis Training Hack: SKLZ Soft Toss Machine

The sports training company SKLZ sells a “Catapult Soft Toss” machine that is positioned as a baseball/softball trainer. I have one that I have repurposed for tennis training. It is a pretty good substitute for working on striking hand fed balls. Additionally it is highly portable. I have carried it in my checked baggage while on business travel for those occasions when I stay at a hotel with nearby tennis courts, but no backboard.

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The Wall

The author of “Dynamite Doubles: Play Winning Tennis Today!” details how she got her start in tennis by hitting against “The Wall” at a tennis club in Denmark. Helle Sparre-Viragh’s parents essentially used the wall to keep her occupied while they played their own tennis. In addition to illustrating her early passion for hitting a tennis ball, Viragh advocates that the wall is an effective way to train. The top ranked professional player in Denmark would occasionally drop by the wall and train alongside Viragh.

Tennis Drill: Take Away the Net Drill

Today I am sharing a tennis doubles drill which was adapted from Pat Blaskower’s “The Art of Doubles: Winning Tennis Strategies and Drills” and Helle Sparre Viragh’s “Dynamite Doubles: Play Winning Tennis Today” which are two books recently reviewed by this site. The drill explains the core principles of the staggered positions when both players are at the net. Even better, it is excellent practice for mastering that court positioning under dynamic playing conditions.

The Spinshot Player Tennis Ball Machine

I have a complicated relationship with my Spinshot Player Ball Machine. It was purchased because I needed something that could deliver a precise series of shot patterns. When the machine is fully programmed and tuned, it does that very well. In fact the word I use to describe that state is nirvana. However, anyone considering purchasing a Spinshot should be aware that it takes considerable tinkering to get to that point.

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The Lobster Ball Machine

Tennis ball machines hold a special place in my heart. I personally own two full fledged ball machines as well as a toy that has been repurposed to effectively work as a ball machine. My local tennis club has a commercial grade ball machine that I also frequently use. I love them all. I have decided to write about them in order of acquisition which means that my Lobster Elite 2 which was purchased back in 2009 is the first out of the chute.