The implication here is that preparation and practice are very important to success, and this is an idea that we tend to agree with here at ATA. If young tennis players apply themselves and physically and mentally prepare prior to the match, their destiny is placed in their own hands, with one stormy exception.

Weather.

No matter how much we work on improving our tennis skills, we have no control over playing conditions on the court.

Like all outdoor sports, tennis often finds itself at the mercy of the weather, but savvy Hong Kong tennis players can get the best of mother nature by preparing for poor weather.

Weather Impacts Court Performance

Extreme weather, be it hot or cold, can have a significant impact on player performance. On top of the obvious effect on player comfort, different temperatures also impact the way the ball spins and bounces.

When temperatures rise, the air pressure inside the tennis ball increases, resulting in stronger bounces. Humidity makes the ball heavier and slower, while wind can obviously impact trajectory and shot placement.

Another overlooked weather concern is sunlight, as a player staring directly at the son is going to be in for a tough challenge. Fortunately, baseball caps, visors, and sunglasses can help rectify this.

Good News for Hong Kong Tennis Players

Our summers are hot and humid and we are certainly not immune to a torrential downpour but during the winter, Hong Kong weather is perfect for tennis. We have plenty of sunlight and little rainfall and, although the brisk weather can seem cold, it is usually quite refreshing when taking part in a physical activity like tennis.

The Australian Open

Professional tennis players aren’t quite so lucky.

Much has been made about the heat expected at the upcoming 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, but tennis players have been dealing with hot weather for years. The Australian Open occurs in Melbourne during the middle of Australia’s summer, and the weather regularly tops 40 degrees.

The tournament has rules in place to deal with extreme weather, and a number of the stadiums now feature retractable roofs, but even on a good day, the court can get oppressively hot.

These hot, dry conditions lead to fast play, which benefits attacking players like Roger Federer while putting defensive players such as Rafael Nadal at a disadvantage.

Further complicating matters is the fact that Melbourne weather can change quickly and with little warning. Nadal reportedly strings a number of different racquets prior to his match in order to prepare for these changes.

For young Hong Kong tennis players, the best way to deal with the weather is to follow Nadal’s lead and expect the unexpected.

We might not be able to plan the weather in advance, but we can plan for our upcoming Adult Tennis Programme. To learn more, click here.

The post HOW WEATHER CONDITIONS IMPACT TENNIS PLAYERS first appeared on Australasia Tennis Aces.

Golf is often too boring for children and teenagers, who prefer to play sports that don’t involve pencils, notepads, and slacks. Rugby is often too violent for older adults, who prefer not to show up to work covered in bruises.

Tennis is one of the few competitive sports that is enjoyed by people of all ages, genders, and abilities. There are many people out there that have played tennis over an entire lifetime, and as competitive sports become more accessible to girls, this number is only going to grow in Hong Kong.

The first step to a lifetime in tennis? Starting young.

Serena Williams wouldn’t be Serena Williams the superstar if she was never Serena Williams the 9-year-old tennis player in Los Angeles.

On top of all of the fun tennis brings, there are also a number of great health benefits.

Tennis Improves Bone Health

Tennis training doesn’t just build muscles, it boosts bone health too. When kids start playing tennis regularly, they can lay the groundwork for an active future.

Our bone mass peaks at around 30 years of age, so having a hobby that helps with bone health only gets more valuable over time.

Tennis Boosts Physical and Mental Health

Tennis is great for coordination, reflexes, and flexibility, both physically and mentally. The sport encourages quick motions and reflexes, but it also encourages quick thinking, logic and even memory.

Tennis Lowers the Risk of Obesity

As kids lead increasingly sedentary lifestyles, the childhood obesity rate in Hong Kong continues to be alarmingly high. Maintaining a proper nutritional diet is important, but regular physical activity is essential too. By joining a tennis club or program, children will get a minimum amount of exercise in each week. In adults, a game of tennis can burn between 400-600 calories an hour and the results for children are similarly strong.

Plus, once a child is enrolled in a tennis program and starts to have fun, he or she is more likely to want to do other physical activities.

Tennis Makes Fitness Fun

Speaking of fun…that’s really what tennis is all about.

Diets are not fun. Gym workouts are not fun. Cardio activities like jogging and swimming can sometimes be fun, but they are nowhere near as fun as tennis!

Even though tennis provides all the same benefits as a workout, when children play, they will view it as a game, not a chore.

Ready to get your child involved with tennis in Hong Kong? Our Junior Tennis Program Term 2 is starting soon and has options for boys and girls of all ages and abilities. Learn more here.

The post HOW TENNIS HELPS RAISE HEALTHY KIDS first appeared on Australasia Tennis Aces.

True as that may be, there is another area where infants and the elderly can find common ground, and that’s the tennis court.

TENNIS IS FOR EVERYBODY

Young or old, male or female, native or ex-pat – once we lace up our tennis shoes and hit the court, everybody in Hong Kong can find a way to enjoy tennis. There are fun gameplay-oriented options to help young children learn the games basics and developmental training options for older kids to elevate their skills. Some adults take part in tennis as a friendly, recreational way to keep fit with their friends, others prefer to challenge opponents to competitive matches.

THE SOCIAL GAME

Tennis is a great workout for our bodies, but some of the biggest advantages of tennis are social. In fact, when a 2016 Oxford University study suggested that playing tennis can actually prolong our lives when compared to other sports, researchers hypothesized that one of the primary causes of this was tennis’ social advantages.

Because tennis is primarily focused around an inclusive club, rather than a small team, players tend to stick together as friends for longer periods of time. Hong Kong tennis clubs like ATA focus on training, skill development and fun, but we also offer tons of group activities and social events outside the game, like the Daria Gavrilova gala event earlier this month.

While adult players of team sports may move on to the spectator stands when they get too busy with work or family, tennis offers a lot of flexibility, allowing players to stay involved with the club even if they can’t commit to a set training schedule.

AGE APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES

Tennis is known as “the sport for a lifetime” for a reason.

As we touched on earlier, there are a number of different ways to enjoy tennis, making it a great game to grow old with.

Small children learn the basics (through fun and games)

Older children start to practice proper tennis skills (while still having fun)

Pre-teens and teens start to focus on skill development and competition (without forgetting to have fun)

Young adults can play competitive matches to hone their skills…or social friendlies to stay fit with friends

Older adults can play social friendlies to stay fit with friends…or competitive matches to hone their skills

Even those that are too old or young to physically play can make friends in the lobby and take part in club events.

As you can see, Tennis has something for everyone.

Do you know a child or teen between the ages of 3-18 looking to start their Hong Kong tennis adventure over the holidays? Check out the ATA Mid-Term Tennis Camp today!

The post TENNIS IN HONG KONG: WHY IT’S GREAT FOR ALL AGES first appeared on Australasia Tennis Aces.

Year-Round Outdoor Tennis

Snow is something that looks great from afar and can be really fun in small doses, but it loses its appeal quickly and is certainly not worth playing tennis indoors.
Here in Hong Kong, our winters can get cold, sure, but have no snow and typically very little rain. Because of this, we can play tennis outdoors throughout the winter. They can’t do that in the North Pole!

Cold Weather Tennis Tips

Many Hong Kong players actually prefer the winter, as it is drier and less humid than the summer months. Still, that doesn’t help us with the cold.
We might not reach arctic temperatures, but the air can be brisk and chilly. It is important for young tennis players to dress the part –tracksuits and sweatshirts can be a great way to keep warm without sacrificing comfort or mobility. Remember to wear a t-shirt or tank top underneath though – as you begin to play you might warm up. It’s also a good idea to stretch regularly in order to warm up (both figuratively and literally).
Colder weather impacts the way the ball bounces, making certain shots, such as drop shots and slices, more effective in winter.

Extreme Weather Tips

Just because we don’t have snow, that doesn’t mean things can’t get extreme. Heat, humidity, black rain, typhoons, thunderstorms, and landslides can all be very disruptive. Most of these things make tennis difficult, if not impossible.
When playing in extreme heat or humidity, it is important to remain properly hydrated. Additionally, much like with the cold weather, stretching and paying attention to apparel is important. Make sure that what you are wearing on the court is seasonally appropriate. Fortunately (or unfortunately, for you beach going types), hot weather problems will not often occur during winter. If the city is hit by a typhoon, landslide or another type of catastrophic weather event…it’s best to stay away from the court until things are safe.
Whether you are testing your skills while on vacation or enjoying some holiday tennis right here in Hong Kong, these cold weather tips are sure to help with your winter game.
See you on the court!
Want to get into the spirit of the season without suffering through freezing weather? ATA’s 2018 Christmas Camp starts soon. Starting December 17th, we will be running three weeks of camps throughout the school holidays. Space is limited so register soon!

The post WINTER TENNIS, HONG KONG STYLE first appeared on Australasia Tennis Aces.

TENNIS RACQUETS & EQUIPMENT

This is an obvious one, but for good reason – you can’t play tennis without a racquet and some tennis balls. Whether you are looking for an elite racquet or something more affordable, winter is a great time to get a great deal on tennis gear.

NEW TENNIS CLOTHES & SHOES

Your favourite little Hong Kong tennis star might not be able to serve like Serena, but she can dress like her. There are always tons of great tennis clothes for kids available in the local malls.
Of course, some of this stuff can be pricey. Kids play tennis to learn fundamental skills, not to dress up like their idols. If you are going to pay up for something, we recommend going with expensive shoes – this can help improve court performance much more than a shirt, skirt or visor!

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

All dressed up with nowhere to go? Even kids with the latest tennis gear need a place to play, and in a city like Hong Kong, where space is at a premium, this often involves joining a tennis club. On top of court time, Hong Kong tennis clubs also provide coaching and a sense of community and buying or extending a membership can be a great gift for youngsters

TENNIS VIDEO GAMES

We would rather see kids out on the court, but video games are actually a productive rainy-day activity for tennis players. Gaming can help kids improve their hand-eye coordination and reflexes.
Tennis focused games are great, but really anything that relies on reflexes works. Just be sure to limit the amount of time your child plays video games and make sure they get physical exercise.

TABLE TENNIS

Similar to video games, table tennis can provide a great way to brush up on reflexes and other tennis skills while indoors. Even if you can afford the price tag, buying a table is often impractical due to space. Most people in Hong Kong live in apartments, and few can accommodate table tennis (though some may have it in a communal room). As with real tennis and other racquet sports, table tennis is often best played by joining a club.

HOLIDAY TENNIS CAMPS

What if you could keep your child occupied throughout the school holidays while also helping them learn about tennis from qualified pros?
You can, with ATA’s Christmas Camps. Starting December 17th, we are running a number of tennis camps for children of all ages and abilities. To register the tennis player on your Christmas list for one of these camps, click here.

The post TENNIS RELATED CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS IN HONG KONG first appeared on Australasia Tennis Aces.

Despite the polution, if Hong Kong were a country it would rank first when it comes to average lifespan. Not first in Asia…first in the world.

With an average death age of 84.28 (and 87.3 for the ladies!), Hong Kong currently paces the entire globe, outliving not just Japan and Singapore, but Germany, Australia and the Nordic countries. Our dense population is actually a blessing. One of the primary reasons for longevity in Hong Kong is our close proximity to everything at all times.

Another reason we live long? We take good care of ourselves, by monitoring our diet and keeping active. When it comes to optimal physical exercise, racquet sports like tennis are at the top of the list for preserving our lives.

A few years ago, Oxford University did a study that compared the effectiveness of various sports when it comes to warding off the grim reaper. 80,000 subjects were tracked for an average of nine years and racquet sport players were 47% less likely to die than those who withheld from exercise. To put this in perspective, swimmers cut their chance of death by 28%, cyclists by 15% and runners by…0%.

The scientists responsible for the study believe that tennis may have seen strong results because of the social aspects of our sport.

While team-oriented sports like rugby and football often change season by season, racquet sports like tennis often encourage lifetime participation via the club. Joining a tennis club is not just about playing tennis, it also includes various gatherings and events for all ages. Because of this, tennis players are less likely to abandon the sport as they grow old.

Tennis can be played at all ages, but the same doesn’t hold true for other sports. People who play physical sports like rugby or football are often forced to stop playing as they grow old, either due to injury concerns or family commitments. Studies have shown that when they stop playing their sport of choice, these athletes become spectators and fans, rather than switching sports. In contrast, tennis players typically stick with tennis, ensuring that they continue to receive the health benefits associated with sport.

On top of the benefit to longevity, tennis has also been found to promote heart health and provide countless other great benefits.

Back to the Hong Kong’s lifespan stats, one of the reasons people are giving for our prolonged life is our great year-round weather…

…weather that is absolutely perfect for tennis.

To learn more about our Adult Tennis Programme, please click here.

The post WANT TO LIVE LONGER IN HONG KONG? PICK UP A TENNIS RACQUET first appeared on Australasia Tennis Aces.

“Practice makes perfect.”

We’ve all heard the expression, except perhaps former Sixers basketball star Allen Iverson. For developing basketball players who don’t have the skill to cross up Michael Jordan or drop 41 points on Kobe Bryant, practice is an important part training and a great way to develop and improve new abilities. The same holds true for tennis.
Regardless of the sport, practice is hardly the only thing that influences on-court performance. Attitude is also key, and this is an area where parents can help.
Here are five great ways parents can help young Hong Kong tennis players develop into better players.

KEEP CALM

Tennis is an intense game.
It can be nerve-wracking enough watching other people’s kids play a competitive game of tennis – this is magnified greatly when our own children take the court. The urge to yell and scream in support (or opposition) to a particular event can be palpable, but these types of outbursts should be tempered, as they can be distracting to your child.
Instead of screaming from the stands, consider celebrating with your child after the match when things are calmer.

TEMPER EXPECTATIONS AND STAY REALISTIC

It is natural to have confidence in our children and to want to tell them we believe in them, but it is also important to temper expectations and avoid setting the bar too high.
Instead of telling your child that they will win, consider reminding them of all the skills they have developed in their tennis program. That way, they can build up confidence without the fear of disappointing should they fail.

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Coaching can be a delicate balancing act, and parenting is the same, only much, much more important.
On one hand, we want to instill a strong work ethic and sense of confidence in young Hong Kong tennis players, but at the same time, we don’t want to break their spirit. One great way to accomplish this is through positive reinforcement. Instead of berating a child following a defeat, consider discussing positive steps that can be taken to rectify the situation next matches, such as working on their backhand or reflex times.

SET A GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP EXAMPLE

This one is self-explanatory, but important. Kids are taught by example. When they see trusted adults berating coaches and players from the stands, swearing, cheating or doing other inadvisable activities, young tennis players soak up their poor attitude like a sponge.
As a parenting, watching your child fall victim to a cheating opponent or poor officiating can be frustrating. We have parental urges that make us want to protect our young, but causing a scene is sure to make things worse. Instead of inserting ourselves into the action, a better course of action is to politely talk to coaches, officials or other parents when there is a break in play.

MAKE SURE TO KEEP THINGS FUN

At the end of the day, fun is the primary objective of youth tennis in Hong Kong, and across the globe.
Unless your child is Roger Federer or Caroline Wozniacki, the primary objective of tennis for children should always be enjoyment.
As parents, instilling discipline and dedication in children is great, but if we cross the line and become overbearing or unreasonably strict, this can sap the enjoyment out of tennis for your child and his or her on-court results will likely suffer.
Keep tennis fun and they will continue to get better.

To learn more about our Junior Tennis Programme, please click here

The post 5 WAYS HONG KONG PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR CHILDREN DEVELOP INTO BETTER TENNIS PLAYERS first appeared on Australasia Tennis Aces.

WHAT IS STRENGTH TRAINING?

Strength training is resistance training designed to strengthen the muscles, joints, tendons, bones etc by applying force/pressure.

IS IT BODYBUILDING?

This is asked often, and easy to answer: no (or at least, no as far as tennis is concerned). Powerlifting/bodybuilding is a form of strength training used for bulking up and consists of lifting heavy weights to build big muscles.
Strength training for tennis does not even require weights – push-ups, pull-ups and other exercises that use body weight for resistance are great.

DOES STRENGTH TRAINING WORK?

Strength training is not going to turn your six-year-old into Lebron James or Serena Williams, but it can help with a number of things, including bone density, strength, coordination and, if done safely, injury prevention.

IS STRENGTH TRAINING SAFE FOR KIDS?

It can be, but it can also be dangerous. It’s important to use caution when helping young tennis players with their strength training. The National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have both deemed strength training safe, provided it is done with a qualified coach or trainer.
It is commonly thought that strength training damages kid’s growth plates, but the truth is that improper strength training damages kid’s growth plates.

HOW CAN WE MINIMIZE RISK?

Stay safe. Children should not be lifting heavy weights or lifting weights over their head.
If you are using equipment, make sure it is appropriately sized for kids. If the machine cannot be adjusted to suit the child, it’s a safe bet that he or she is not quite ready.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS READY?

This is a tough one because all children mature differently, so it is difficult to pinpoint a specific age. On top of that, it is also important to ensure that a child is ready mentally, as well as physically.
Pay attention to your child and listen. If they are not mature enough to handle complex exercises or strength training they will let you know through their behaviour.

MY CHILD IS READY. WHAT KIND OF EXERCISES SHOULD WE FOCUS ON?

Body weight exercises are a perfect starting point. Push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, squats – all of these use body weight as resistance. They are safe, simple and don’t cost a thing.
These exercises help develop the core and are great for young tennis players. When done correctly, simple bodyweight exercises and stretches can help kids take the next step in their tennis development and reduce the risk of injury.
MORE STRENGTH TRAINING QUESTIONS?
Stop by one of our Hong Kong tennis facilities and ask an ATA coach in person!

Want to put those tennis muscles to work? For kids between the ages of 3 and 18, our Mid-Term Camps provide a great way to stay active over the school holidays. Learn more and register here.

The post TENNIS STRENGTH TRAINING FOR HONG KONG KIDS: COMMON QUESTIONS first appeared on Australasia Tennis Aces.

WHO IS DARIA?

Daria Gavrilova was born in Moscow, Russia on March 5th, 1994 and was introduced to tennis by her parents Alexey and Natalia by the age of six. Daria, or “Dasha” as she is known to friends and family, quickly emerged as a top talent, and by the age of 12 she already had her sights set on a professional tennis career. This confidence was not misplaced, as she quickly became an ITF world No.1 junior.
In 2010, Daria graduated from high school, and in many ways was like other teenage girls her age. She read the Twilight books, enjoyed going out for sushi and idolized the Williams sisters, Kim Clijsters, and Martina Hingis.
One thing that set her apart from her graduating class? None of the other students won the 2010 US Open juniors that year.
In 2015, Daria immigrated from Russia to Australia is currently dating Australian tennis pro, Luke Saville.

A RISING TALENT

As a pro, Daria is currently ranked 32nd and has beaten a number of top-10 opponents in the past, including Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic. She defeated reigning number 1 Angelique Kerber and has bested Czech star Petra Kvitova twice.
Daria has climbed as high as 20th in the rankings and is constantly improving her game. She made the final 16 at the Australian Open in 2016 and 2017 and is getting closer to her professional goal of winning a Grand Slam event. There are tough opponents in her path, but Daria has already beat 2 of the current top five and there are always new winners at Grand Slam events, as we saw with Naomi Osaka last month.

TENNIS SPECS:

Favourite surface: Hard Court
Favourite shot: Forehand
Favourite Tournament: Australian Open
Toughest Opponent Faced: Serena Williams
Dream Match: Defeating Maria Sharapova at Rod Laver Arena
Career Highlights: Won US Open Juniors in 2010; Represented Australia in the Fed Cup
Professional Goal: Winning a Grand Slam
Want to learn more about Daria? Why not ask her in person. Hong Kong tennis fans can sign up for the HKFC player clinic and gala here, but hurry – spaces are limited and tickets are going fast!

The post MEET DARIA GAVRILOVA first appeared on Australasia Tennis Aces.

NAOMI’S HISTORIC WIN

First up, some good news, as Japanese-American youngster Naomi Osaka showed her mettle on and off the court. With her victory over Serena Williams, the 20-year-old became the first Japanese citizen to win a grand slam tournament and appears set to build on that moving forward. We may be looking at tennis’ next female superstar.
Osaka impressed on the court and in the media, but also carried herself well in less than ideal situations, as it is not often a young champion winning her first title is met with boos in a country she has lived in since childhood (Osaka resides in Florida).
Of course, it’s also not often Serena is beat in straight sets at the US Open. And that brings us to…

SERENA’S MELTDOWN

In a tournament with lots of newsworthy events, this is the big one.
Serena Williams was docked a point, then penalized an entire game, and she wasn’t shy about voicing her displeasure with the umpire.
After losing in straight sets, she was gracious towards Osaka. The offending official, Carlos Ramos, was not so lucky. A tearful Serena argued with him on the court and has proceeded to accuse him of holding a sexist double standard and stealing points from her.
Serena brought up some great points, but the ordeal got her fans excited, and was why Osaka was booed during her victory. To her credit, Serena intervened and told the rowdy crowd to stop.
Hong Kong tennis fans that missed this wild match can check out the highlights here.

DJOKOVIC WINS…AGAIN

The summer of Novak continues.
After missing significant time with injury, Novak Djokovic is back with a vengeance. The 2018 Wimbledon champ took home his 3rd US Open title with a victory over Juan Martin del Potro. Del Potro put up a fight in a hard fought 95-minute second set, but the 2009 US Open champ from Argentina was ultimately no match for Djokovic, falling 6-3, 7-6 (4),6-3.
With the win, Djokovic now has 14 Grand Slam titles to his name. This puts him in a tie for 3rd place with American legend Pete Sampras, trailing only Nadal (17) and Federer (20).
According to Del Potro, a pretty good player with the misfortune of playing in a very tough era, the aging Federer and injured Nadal better watch out.
“Of course he can,” he said, when asked in Djokovic can catch the other two. “He has 14 already. He won two Grand Slams in one year.”

NADAL INJURED, FEDERER UPSET

With Djokovic, Nadal and Federer all active, it’s truly a great time for the ATP. That said, the US Open didn’t go all that well for the other two men’s superstars.
Federer was upset in the 4th round, losing to 37th ranked Australian John Millman in 4 sets. Millman’s first victory against a top-10 opponent was short-lived, as Djokovic beat him in straight sets in the quarterfinals.
Performance wise, Nadal didn’t disappoint, making it to the semis, but his knee began to flare up and he had to retire from his match with Del Potro.
With all the intrigue of this year’s US Open, what moment was your favourite? Let us know in the comments!

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The post US OPEN WRAP-UP first appeared on Australasia Tennis Aces.