Have you ever wondered why almost every pro tennis player gets a long massage after every match?

The answer: Because it works.

Why Massage?

Massage releases trigger points and spasms in the muscles which restores them to full function. You can stretch a trigger point or spasm all you want – you won’t get rid of it, in fact you might even make it worse. Think of pulling on the two ends of a piece of rope with a loose knot in it. The more you pull, the tighter the knot gets. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’ve been playing tennis for a while, you’ve probably experienced it. Yes, the dreaded T-bo, also known as Tennis Elbow, or lateral epicondylitis.

Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons joining the forearm muscles to the elbow. Mostly it is the muscles that lift you hand upwards (if your palm is facing the ground). These muscles are used in the spin serve, and to my surprise, in the one-handed backhand. They’re over used and cause inflammation if you have bad technique. That’s where my T-bow came into the picture.

In this article we’ll look at the common poor tennis techniques that can cause tennis elbow. We’ll also look at why the conventional medical explanation of inflamed tendons, or lateral epicondylitis, often doesn’t lead to recovery and what might be a better solution. Read the rest of this entry »

Live ball clinic on thursday will be at 5pm instead of the usual 6pm at Amelia National. All are welcome for some exercise based around tennis. See you on the court!

The Fall Challenge Ladder was hotly contested with players from Callahan to Fernandina playing for the title of Fall Ladder Champion. Congratulations to Conner Stevenson for winning the title, and Paul Drayton, Ed Spiezo, Mark Olbina and Rod Nichols for finishing in the top 5.

Registration for the new Winter Challenge Ladder is now open to all local tennis players and runs from December 12th, 2009 through February 28th, 2010.

Match times and locations are agreed upon by the players, so you can decide where and when to play that suits you. Fall ladder players will be seeded according to their ranking on the Fall Ladder.

The Winter Challenge Ladder is for all tennis players with NTRP levels from 3.5 to 4.5.  Each match is the best of three sets.

Players can follow their points and make challenges online at GetCourtside.com.  The ladder fee is $21 per player for unlimited matches. It’s a great way to meet new players and play when it suits you.

To register for the Winter Challenge Ladder, visit www.getcourtside.com and sign up for a free players account. Add “North Nassau Tennis” as your club (you can do this when you sign up, or afterward in your profile), and click on the Winter Challenge Ladder to register.

For more details e-mail paul@zentennislessons.com or call 373-TENN (8366).

The ZenTennisLessons.com program now features year round ladders and live ball cardio clinics that have provided playing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities in the Fernandina Beach and Yulee area.

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#1 secret to life and tennis: Be here, now. Be present. Here, now. Not then and there. Be here and now. Try it. You might be surprised.

USTA Futures pro tournament at the Plantation – free entry for the first week. I’m definitely going! http://bit.ly/cnh4k

You’re playing against the ball, not your “opponent”.

Friday doubles clinic 6pm Amelia National. Learn why you serve down the middle, slam the ball at the net man and approach cross court.

Pressure is imaginary. There are no big points. There is only the ball. This ball, here, now.

Zen Fact: Do you know what percentage of points the first team to the net wins in doubles? 80%! Time to work on your net game.