October 30, 2007
October 30, 2007
The Nike Pros Need to Change Things Up a Bit
Down the Line! has been making a few very accurate, very pointed observations regarding the repetitiveness of the Nike apparel line, esp. in the men's game.
Basically, all the pros are not only wearing the same styles (esp. the sleeveless numbers), they are wearing the same colors of those styles. Which in many cases, makes for a bunch of look-alikes on the court.
While I'm sure this is by design by Nike, it seems to me (and Down the Line!) that there are plenty of other color-ways of these outfits that would serve both the player and the brand better. Everyone looking the same isn't a good thing, it could very well end up backfiring if it is, in fact, planned.
Down the Line Tennis from 10/19
Down the Line Tennis from 10/29
October 30, 2007
Think Pink - Nat'l Breast Cancer Awareness - Wilson Pink Headbands
Think Pink this October with pink tennis products!
This micro-dry headband features microfiber copolymer composite fabric for maximum absorption and the softest feel.
And a percentage of the wholesale price is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Wilson Tennis Hope Headbands - $3.99 from Center Court
October 27, 2007
EyePort Vision Training
If you end up getting one of these, I recommend closing your door and not let anyone see you, lest they call the guys in white suits to pick you up.
Accoring to Vic Braden, "The EyePort will revolutionize the way athletes train and perform."
How It Works: Position your EyePort near the edge of a table or desk. Sit so your eyes are 24 to 30 inches from the unit. Put on the provided red-blue glasses. Press the Enter button on your EyePort, and simply allow your eyes to effortlessly move from one light to the next on the programmed EyePort. Voila! You are on your way to top visual performance - tennis, golf, baseball and more.
Ummm...is this a tennis training guide or are we watching Spy Kids in 3D?
Beware any product that starts it feature description in the following way:
It may look like a space ship, but it’s far easier to operate. Here are some of the EYEPORT's features.
Here are the features:
- Automatic shut-off (I want mine to shut off when someone walks into the room.)
- Pre-programmed workouts (Workouts? Really?)
- Multiple speed settings
- Special glasses to train each eye individually (we call them eye patches)
- Carrying case included (in case you want to look silly in other places)
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 year
The device is developed by Dr.Jacob Liberman.
Dr.Jacob Liberman received a Doctorate of Optometry, a Ph.D in Vision Science and is a fellow of The American Academy of Optometry, The College of Optometrists in Vision Development, The College of Syntonic Optometry, and The International Academy of Color Sciences. He is also the recipient of the H.R. Spitler Award for his pioneering contributions to the field of phototherapy.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: At Mansion Select, we want to be sure that the item you choose is the right one for you. Within 30 days of delivery of your order, you may return any merchandise (except e-books, opened video & software products) purchased from Mansion Select in its original condition with your email order confirmation or packing slip for a full refund of purchase price. On items over $75 shipping within the US, we will even arrange free pick up or pay for returns shipping.
EyePort Vision Training System...$199.95
Self-respect...Priceless
October 26, 2007
Vintage Tennis Fridays - Wright & Ditson Tennis Ball - circa 1890
Welcome back to the 19th century.
Last week we talked about the tennis shoes sold in the Wright & Ditson tennis catalog. This week, same catalog, but this time its tennis balls we'd like to talk about.
More specifically, look at the prices. Anywhere from $.40 to $.20 each. Seems dirt cheap by today's standards. But its actually quite expensive for back then. Think about what $.25 would typically buy, like at least 5 loaves of bread I'm guessing. Very interesting, tennis gets its snooty reputation from many years of being an expensive sport to play.
October 25, 2007
Tennis Power Resist System / S&M Device
Stop the madness.
Mansion Select is selling a Tennis Power Resist System that claims to help you "Become a better tennis player faster with 'overspeed training!'" whatever that is.
The Power Resist System provides an extended workout on the tennis court, that is also safe. Increase speed, intensity, and conditioning under resistance! The Power Resist System, like our Powerband, trains players to become better athletes faster through what is known as overspeed training. But, while the Powerband is designed for close-up work with a coach or partner, this Power Resist system allows for much longer stretch and resistance - up to 27 feet.The result is an incredible workout with extended yet safe court coverage.
I will let this video speak for itself. If you believe that this will help you win more tennis matches, go for it.
Watch Video
Tennis Power Resist System - $69.95 at Mansion Select
October 24, 2007
Think Pink - Nat'l Breast Cancer Awareness - Prince Pink String
Think Pink with this Prince Tennis Lightning XX Pink String for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Prince Tennis Lightning XX String has spring-loaded Powerfoil that releases explosive energy on impact for greater power, while providing a broadband wear barrier for increased durability.
Prince Lightning XX 16G Pink Tennis String
Nike buys Umbro, leverages Daniela Hantuchova "ass"ets
Today Nike announced its all-cash purchase of Umbro, a leading UK-based global football (soccer) brand, for $582 million. Down the Line Tennis alerted us to this image that has been circulating around announcing the Nike acquisition.
Nike has been putting their logo on places where people look for decades...from college football teams to Tiger Woods' put that slowly falls into the cup. Finally, they close the loop and get some advertising on what I would argue is the most watched spot in women's tennis.
From Down the Line Tennis
October 23, 2007
Lateral Resistor - Prepare for Impact!
I'm finding myself being increasingly sarcastic and cynical when it comes to the tennis fitness items I'm finding. That's not my intent, but as a marketer I understand what these companies are doing - selling you things you don't need.
Now, today we have the Lateral Resistor, which helps you work on your quick step patterns. I 100% agree that small steps are critical to make adjustments and ultimately set yourself up for a winning shot. Just look at Jimmy Connors, he was the master at this.
But it just seems to me that tying your legs together will do more to give you bumps, scrapes and bruises than fix your footwork. Here's a better idea to work on this. Next time you're hitting, try to make 6 tiny steps before you make a shot, each and every time.
There, I just saved you $30.
$29.95 at Mansion Select
October 22, 2007
Think Pink - Nat'l Breast Cancer Awareness - Wilson Pink Bracelet
Think Pink!
Show your support for breast cancer research with this pack of three Hope bracelets.
A percentage of the wholesale price is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Wilson Tennis Hope Bracelets - $1.97 (formerly $4.99) from Center Court
October 21, 2007
Awesome Picture of a Tennis Ball
I happened across this awesome image of a tennis ball. I have no idea who is responsible, so I apologize to that person, it was on another site and not sourced. But I think its really cool. Enjoy!
October 20, 2007
King of Games - Tennis - Tshirt
From King of Games, the t-shirt maker of classic Nintendo games, comes the NT-0022-W Tennis shirt. Its part of the CASSETTE LINE series. It has a pulse line on front, license and trademark information on back.
Its a cool shirt, a look I would call "understated geekiness." You could get away with wearing this to play tennis, or you could be a hero among your gaming friends.
For the low, low price of 4725 yen at King of Games
About The King of Games
The Kyoto-based "EDIT MODE" design team began a line of T-shirts called "King of Games" in 2001 after Masaaki Enami convinced Nintendo Company Ltd. ("NCL" a.k.a. Nintendo of Japan) to grant him a license to produce a line of high-quality, original Nintendo shirts. Enami-san was unusually lucky; most licensees are large companies, mass-producers of thousands of toys. Perhaps being a Kyoto native as well as a lifetime Nintendo fan had an influence on NCL's decision.
Making K.O.G. shirts is not without it's challenges. Every shirt design must be approved by the licensing department at NCL. More importantly, each design must be approved by the creators of the game as well. It's not uncommon for a design to go through several revisions before everyone is satisfied. After a design is approved, small test run of shirts is made for final approval. Then the shirts can go into production.
Typically, a total of about 200 shirts are hand-printed at a time. Occasionally, (if demand is high enough), some shirts are reprinted. Subsequent printings occasionally have small design changes to differentiate them from the 1st run shirts.
Book Review - Tennis and the Meaning of Life
Why would tennis prove to be a great subject matter for fiction writing? Because tennis, like most sports, is a reflection of life. Striving to be your best, dealing with victory and defeat and overcoming adversity.
Tennis and the Meaning of Life: A Literary Anthology of the Game is editted by Jay Jennings. Its a book of short stories that run the gambit on using tennis as a metaphor for life. My favorite is by none other than Bill Tilden. He writes a story about an old champion delays his entry to heaven for one more match.
Short story compilations are great. You don't have to read them all at once, you can pick them up and enjoy something self-contained and entertaining in a single sitting. This book is an awesome addition to your reading list.
Tennis and the Meaning of Life: A Literary Anthology of the Game
October 19, 2007
Vintage Tennis Fridays - Wright & Ditson Tennis Shoes
My how times have changed...for the better I think (at least that's what my feet told me).
We dug up a page from the Wright & Ditson tennis catalog, circa early 1900s, that features the "Pettitt Match Shoe." Looks like a saddle shoe to me. They look like they have treads on them to help with traction on the grass, much lick the soles today.
It is named after Thomas Pettitt, the hall of famer, who
won the (world championship) title in a successful 1885 challenge to George Lambert, 7-sets-to-5, at King Henry VIII's old playpen, Hampton Court, outside of London. In an 1890 defense he turned back Charles Saunders, 7-5, at St. Stephens Green, Ireland, resigning the title later unbeaten. In the earliest pro lawn tennis tour, he and Irish pro champ George Kerr played a series of three well-attended matches in New England in 1889. Kerr, won at Boston, Springfield (MA), and Newport.
Ummm...did they say 7 sets to 5! In saddle shoes? Ouch.
Think Pink - Nat'l Breast Cancer Awareness - Vibration Dampeners
Show your support for breast cancer research with this pack of two Hope racquet vibration dampeners.
A percentage of the wholesale price is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Wilson Tennis Hope Vibration Dampeners - $2.99 from Center Court
Growth Continues throughout the Tennis Industry
According to TIA, tennis is continuing to show growth in many areas. Figures released by the USTA and TIA during the US Open, and shared with the industry during the inaugural TIA Tennis Forum in August, show that trends are consistent across several categories of tennis equipment sales, and represent more than three years of continuous growth.
• Year-end total racquet shipments in 2006 showed an overall increase in units of 1.8 percent over 2005. Since 2003, racquet shipments are up 29.7 percent.
• Youth racquet sales were up 2.8 percent in 2006 and have increased 48.9 percent since 2003.
• Racquet sales continue to increase in 2007, up 5.3 percent over 2006 for the first two quarters.
• Year-end total ball shipments in 2006 increased 8.1 percent in units over 2005 and are up 11.5 percent since 2003.
• Ball shipments in the first half of 2007 have increased .7 percent versus first half 2006.
Some of these numbers don't excite me too much to be honest, but any forward progress is to be commended. By far, the most encouraging of these stats is the 48.9% increase in youth racquet sales since 2003. Youth tennis is the future of the sport. There are a lot of competing activities for kids to participate in these days. We must make tennis a solid choice and it looks like we're on the right track.
October 18, 2007
Ion Tiriac Proposed 5th Grand Slam, Wins Moustache Award
Former tennis player and coach of Boris Becker, Ion Tiriac is pushing to make Madrid the location of a 5th Grand Slam tournament. The Romanian is the most powerful businessman in world tennis, and he already has another goal - to make a fifth Grand Slam in Madrid. For all of history, there have been four Grand Slam tournaments, and they are played in London, Paris, New York and Melbourne. Why Madrid? Tiriac say because the city incarnates this "new sport," the city that can go beyond the limits of Paris and London.
"Madrid has a very great future, and it is going to have facilities like no other tournament. There is no other which can close three courts in five minutes and keep playing despite the rain," Tiriac stresses.
He notes he has ruled out the Asian option that he contemplated a couple of years ago.
"I do not need to move Madrid. It is likely that in Shanghai I could have made money, a lot of it. But I am lucky enough not to be about to starve to death," he says.
Really, I don't want a 5th Grand Slam, nor do I believe there needs to be one. However, I would like to change the focus of this Tirac story to focus on his mustache. Over the year, this baby is really something to behold.
If you like mustaches, especially celebrity mustaches, check out the Celebrity Facial Hair section of ShavingStuff.com.
Read the article at Digital Journal
Stan Smith II - Camo
We covered Stan Smith's and the "fashion-forward" versions of the classic back in September. We've come across another version, the Stan Smith II - Camo.
An interesting tidbit of information I picked up. The Stan Smith was introduced in 1965 as the first all-leather tennis shoe, and was originally endorsed by Robert Haillet. It was only renamed the Stan Smith in 1971.
Camo, of course, is short for camouflage, which as defined by Wikipedia is something that "allows an otherwise visible organism or object to remain indiscernible from the surrounding environment." My question, then, is in what surrounding environment would these Stan Smiths be "indiscernible?" Confetti? Vomit after eating too much candy? Or does one need to be on an acid trip in order not to see these shoes?
- Painted camo print canvas side panes.
- Perforated 3-Stripes on side panels.
- Smooth leather round toe.
- Embossed trefoil on heel.
- Lightly padded tongue, collar and footbed.
- Textile lining.
- Durable rubber outsole.
- 14.00 oz.
$63.95 at Zappos.com
Tennis Baby! Yeah!
What are infants and toddlers for if not to dress up in outfits that reflect the parent's passions?
Kids Rompers, in white and green, available in 24-month size. The white's emblem says "My Tennis Racquet" and the green says "My Tennis Ball."
$29.90 at Mansion Select
“Future Stars” Baby Bib - I wish I had something interesting to say about this, but its a white, silk screened bib, pretty self-explanatory.
$6.50, 6/$37.05 from Mansion Select
Both very cute for the tennis tyke in your life.
And for more awesome baby gear, check out Super Cool Baby.
Pink Vibration Dampeners for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Own the Zone Introduces Buckets of Pink Vibration Dampeners - Part of proceeds from sales of Pink OTZ Band Dampeners to be donated to breast cancer research
Own the Zone Sporting Goods, LLC today announced that they are selling Buckets of pink OTZ band vibration dampeners for tennis racquets. For every pink Bucket-of-Bands purchased by pro shops and tennis specialty stores and for every pink OTZ bi-pack (2 bands in a packet) sold online via www.otzsports,com, Own the Zone will make a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
“We hope tennis players around the world will Join the Band,” said David Marcus, Co-President of Own the Zone Sporting Goods. “October is the month to show people you’re aware and care about breast cancer. We encourage everyone to tie a pink OTZ band on their racquet and wear the spare on their wrist.”
““When you tie the pink OTZ band to your tennis racquet, you are not only getting the world’s best vibration dampener, but you are also helping promote international awareness of this disease,’’ said Julius Stockfish, Co-President of Own the Zone Sporting Goods. “In the United States alone there are more than 25 million tennis players and globally there are more than 100 million tennis players. We can make a difference in helping to find a cure.”
The pink Bucket of Bands contains 48 pink 2-band packets and can be found at select pro shops and tennis specialty stores in the United States and around the word. The pink Bi-packs which contain 2 bands per packet and the pink buckets can also be purchased online by ordering from www.otzsports.com
About Own the Zone Sporting Goods, LLC:
The company designs and distributes innovative and fun sports products that help players reach their zone of peak performance. Based on excellent design and use of quality materials, the company's first world patents pending product, the OTZ band vibration dampener, significantly improves upon the band solution used by several of the world's Top 10 ranked tennis pros. Called the “World’s Best Vibration Dampener” by Tennis Warehouse Australia, the OTZ band dampeners are sold to tennis pro shops and specialty stores throughout the United States and overseas. The Own the Zone Sporting Goods, LLC, website is located at www.otzsports.com To place an order just or receive more information contact sales@otzsports.com
Links: www.otzsports.com
October 17, 2007
Babolat Launches '07-'08 Models
Babolat Expands Oversize Offering: Launches New ‘07-’08 Models for Club Players
Babolat, the leading French manufacturer of tennis racquets, announces the launch of three new oversize racquets designed specifically to meet the needs of club players.
The new Babolat Drive Z 110, Aero 112 and Drive Z 118 (numbers correspond to racquet head size in square inches) are the newest additions in the oversize category for Babolat. Olivier Bailliard, President and CEO of Babolat USA commented, “Babolat has always been committed to providing equipment for players of all levels. These racquets in particular are designed to help improve a club player’s game through increased maneuverability, power and - with the addition of Cortex technology - comfort.” Linda Ryan, Babolat Senior Player Manager, adds: “We’ve received very positive feedback from players who have tried these new racquets and are making the switch. They love the expanded sweet spot as well as the comfort of the Smart Grip ergonomic handle.”
KEY TECHNOLOGIES
The Cortex System is the first technology customized to filter different vibrations. This exclusive Babolat material has the ability to filter and dampen. The handle and the frame of the racquet are linked by one interface in the C.D.S. (Cortex Dampening System), which allows the filter to absorb the unnecessary vibrations for a purer feel.
The innovative Smart Grip ergonomic grip optimizes contact between the grip and the hand.
∑ More power: less effort is needed when hitting the ball.
∑ More control: reduced handle twist when striking the ball, especially on two-hand backhands and volleys.
∑ More comfort: a truly natural grip delivering significant reduction of fatigue and stress points on the hand.
NEW PRODUCTS
The Babolat Drive Z 110 and Babolat Drive Z 118 tennis racquets are designed for club players looking for power and maneuverability. These new oversize racquets are lightweight, yet powerful. The unique Elliptic Geometry guarantees the best torsion resistance: +20% stiffer compared to a traditional beam. The Babolat Aero 112 is will appeal to club players looking for a faster swing, more topspin and a greater balance of power with control. The latest in the Aero range, the Aero 112 has the same modular frame concept with varying beam profiles at three strategic locations creating maximum penetration of the racquet through the air and increase the hitting power - perfect control for directional hitting.
Babolat Drive Z 110 Product Specifications:
Head size: 110 sq in
Weight: 255g / 8.9oz
Length: 27.5 inches
Composition: Graphite/Kevlar
Stiffness: RA: 70
Recommended Strings: VS Natural Gut / Xcel premium
Technologies: Cortex System (filtering & absorbing); Smart Grip; Elliptic geometry
Suggested Retail: $199.00 (sold unstrung)
Drive Z 118 Product Specifications:
Head size: 118 sq in
Weight: 255g / 8.9oz
Length: 27.5 inches
Composition: Graphite/Kevlar
Stiffness: RA: 70
Recommended Strings: VS Natural Gut / Xcel premium
Technologies: Cortex System (filtering & absorbing); Smart Grip; Elliptic geometry
Suggested Retail: $229.00 (sold unstrung)
Aero 112 Product Specifications:
Head size: 112 sq in
Weight: 260g / 9.1oz
Length: 27.5 inches
Composition: High Modulus Graphite
Stiffness: RA: 70
Recommended Strings: Xcel premium / VS Natural Gut
Technologies: Cortex System (filtering & absorbing); Smart Grip; Aero Modular Technology
Suggested Retail: $219.00 (sold unstrung)
ABOUT BABOLAT
Founded in Lyon, France, in 1875, Babolat is the first company to have specialized in racquet sports and the world leader in the production of natural gut strings. Easily recognized by its trademark “double-line” (two stripes on the racquet frame and black on the stringing bed), Babolat is still family-owned. Today, with U.S. operations in Boulder, Colorado, the company also manufactures synthetic strings, shoes, a full range of accessories for all racquet sports as well as a best-selling line of racquets used by some of the most renowned names in tennis. To find out where Babolat products are sold, log on to www.babolat.com or call (877) 316-9435.
Tretorn Tennis Balls for Beginners...c'mon...
These balls by Tretorn are designed to be better for beginners to learn the game. The idea is that some people find a real ball to be too hard, fast and difficult to handle.
40% softer and lighter than regular tennis balls, Tretorn Academy tennis balls are designed with a special rubber compound. With a 30% lower bounce than regular tennis ball, these balls are ideal for mini-tennis and half-court learning, and for kids and beginners wanting a look-alike "real" tennis ball. They also offer more reaction time allowing for proper stroke preparation.
They come in 20-pack in 5 tubes; 60-pack in 15 tubes; 60-pack in bucket. This is a good idea if you're using them for teaching.
My opinion about not liking the feel of a "real tennis ball?" Tough. That's tennis. Blaming the equipment is a whimpy way to learn anything difficult. Plus its bad for your game. Learning with a lesser ball will only make the transition more difficult. And if you're looking to be competitive, the majority of people will learn with real balls, so you're at a disadvantage.
Is it OK to have a little kid learn with these? Sure. But older beginners, or "people wanting to play a more casual game of tennis," no way. It only does damage to your game, and truthfully its not tennis without the real gear.
A pack of 20 is $34.95 at Mansion Select
If you want 60 in buckets, add $60; 60 in tubes, add $63
October 16, 2007
The Natural Tennis Racquet a.k.a. The Dumbest Racquet I've Ever Seen
The description says that the Natural Racquet "has been called the 'Racquet of the Future,' and could very well be. Both hands can deliver more power, control and accuracy in shot making. See what it can do for your game!"
I'll tell you what it can do for your game...royally f#$% it up, that's what. Look...tennis is a hard sport. Its hard to learn and even harder to become a good player. I understand that. I understand that the club player may want a little help - maybe a larger head, a wide-body, whatever. But you know what? You need to learn with a single grip on your racquet. You need to decide whether you're going to have a 1-handed or 2-handed backhand. Or maybe 2-handed off both sides. Its one thing to choose equipment that makes life a little easier so you enjoy yourself more. But you DO NOT choose equipment out of convenience. I can't think of a worse thing to give to a new player.
Here's some more from their description. Please note that these tennis experts misspelled Wimbledon. And serving, how does that work? I've heard that it needs to be a pseudo-volleyball serve to work. I don't even know what to say to that...
You might consider buying this to use as a divining rod, though...
Advantages
* Both hands deliver more power, control, and quickness on all ground strokes & volleys
* Angle of handle delivers more body torque
* Angle of racquet face on serve imparts more spin
* Volley with either hand gives greater reach
* Short learning curve
22 Years in the making
The dual grip racquet was developed by Lionel Burt of the Los Angles area 22 years ago and has undergone several changes in design and development. Just recently in the last year the Easton Aluminum Corporation saw the potential and merit in it's concept and design and are now implementing it's manufacturing in Tiwan on a highly professional level with a major racquet maker.
Ambidexterity
Up until a few years ago it was thought if you were right handed you couldn't even think of hitting a ball left handed. All this has changed with the "Natural". More and more people (even top pros) are realizing the merits and possibilities of developing the coordination in the unused hand. With just a little work on the backboard you too can find out it's really not that hard, and the advantages are awesome!
Dominating Players
Several top players in So Cal are winning with the "Natural". One in particular is Brian Battestone. This young man has in one year won 10 open championships in the southern California area, one being the Santa Monica Open 2006. He as now achieved a challenge ranking and is starting to play in the big leagues. It has been approved by the World Tennis Federation, Wimbeldon Tennis Foundation, as good to go for all levels of play in competition. Patents are existing.
Word on the message boards is that this is not the first attempt at such an atrocity.
It costs $250 from A Winner's Way
Plyo-Hurdles for better, stronger movement on the court
The Plyo-Hurdles are lightweight and unbreakable hurdles meant to strenthen your stride and footwork. Each set comes with a packet of drills cards to create hours of fun while improving movement skills. Great for children to develop skills for all sports. Available in 7" and 12" heights. Set of 6 plus drill booklet.
“Plyometric exercises enable a muscle to reach maximum strength within a short time.” - Dr. Donald Chu, a leading authority on plyo training
Now, I am absolutely not saying these guys aren't worth it. I do believe in plyometrics and I believe that doing these types of drills will help your fitness and tennis game. But...for $70, I might think about looking up the drills online and using homemade versions of the hurdles - anything from shoe boxes to stacks of books would work.
A set of 6 is $69.95 at Mansion Select
October 15, 2007
Think Pink - October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
THINK PINK!
This month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so What's All the Racquet is going to have features throughout the month highlighting tennis-related products that promote awareness. So let's show some support and buy these items!
First off is the Wilson Hope 4-pack of tennis balls. The official ball of the US Open for more than 25 years. Made with exclusive felt from Tex Tech Industries. And, of course, they're pink in a blue can.
Wilson Hope 4 Pack Tennis Balls
