I DIG THESE SHOES....SORT OF

I was in desperate need of a new pair of tennis shoes and recently went to my local retailer to shop around. I was looking for something that could handle the urban challenges of Manhattan streets and double as a performance tennis shoe. And what I chose was the Adidas Barricade 379.

I was very impressed with the design they are charcoal black, which will really blend in NYC streets. They will hide soil marks and have a substantial heal to displace curb water that is famous in NYC after snow and rain in the winter.

The signature three stripes are done with a grey design and perforated style that attached clear plastic strips to silver loopholes. Not only does it look cool it makes for a tight snug for support. If you want them loose the design will also allow for it. They have a subtle Halloween charm to them with orange hints on the tongue and logo on the heel and back side. Nothing too flashy, which is the just the way I like it.

The word on the street has been positive. I have gotten 2 unsolicited compliments. One fashion vista and a critical media buyer. Take it for what it is worth.

I removed the inserts for my orthodics which is a must for me when I buy shoes. The feel in the store held up fine although it did feel a bit clunky. I have been wearing them for 24 hours and they don't feel broken in yet. They kind of remind me of my Converse basketball shoes I bought in 1983 my senior year of high school. My anklebone also rubs slightly on the cut on the right foot. I am not sure why it could be because I am bow legged.

I am used to wearing Nikes so I think this is an adjustment period.

They retail for $120 so be sure you want them before you buy. As a guy who buys a lot of tennis supplies I was willing to fork it over since they serve a hybrid purpose in my life this time of year. I don't like carrying tennis shoes to the club in the winter they weigh down my bag!

In NYC, available at Mason’s Tennis
East 53rd Street btw Park and Madison, NYC
www.masonstennis.com

Also available at Tennis Warehouse.com

Photo credit: Kevin Ochel

WEGNER METHOD GREAT FOR BEGINNERS

If you are looking for some quick tennis tips on how to play tennis for beginners here is a great resource below put together by Oscar Wegner who has been teaching tennis for over 30 years and now resides in Florida. He is one of the most innovative coaches in the tennis teaching industry with influence on players such as Bjorn Borg and coaches such as Richard Williams.

Oscar’s videos simplify the game of tennis without unnecessary analysis. Click on the link below for Wegner Method video clips on how to play tennis. You will need a Quick Time media player to view the clips and high speed internet access.

Many of the teaching philosophies you will see in these videos are trained in our Group Clinics at Tennis TIP.

Wegner Method of Teaching Tennis: http://www.tennisteacher.com/tips.htm

INNER GAME OF TENNIS

If you are a book worm “Inner Game of Tennis” is the ultimate resource for all levels of tennis players. In 1974, Timothy Gallwey wrote the “Inner Game of Tennis” and it became to the bible to many tennis players and enthusiasts during the 70’s tennis boom. To this day players and coaches refer to Gallwey’s methodology of “non-judgmental” mental training to improve one on-court performance and outlook on learning new skills. His input helps players remove the fear in their own mind by breaking down into to categories: Self One, which he terms the “teller voice,” and Self Two, which he terms the “doer voice”. It is an easy and fascinating read that review his thought patterns. For example, a breakthrough moment comes from a cancelled date with a past love interest that results in finding a tennis game he never imagined he had.

Tennis TIP and my own teaching often refer many of the book’s methods in my classes and writing so if you want to know where I get some of my brainwashing on-court techniques now is your chance to get in on the secret!

Click on the link below to come over to the enlightened side of the game: http://www.theinnergame.com/html/Inner_Tennis_home.html