Footwork being the key to success!!

Former World No. 4 doubles player Tom Gullickson said, " It footwork was easy, they wouldn't call it footwokr."

Reading the Dec. 1st article titled "Form & Fitness: Footwork is Key" written by Matt Fitzgerald, helps bring into perspective how much emphasis must be placed not only on how well a person can hit the ball, but also how well the player can move into the proper position to execute a shot.

'Great players' by having great movement on the court are able to "Think Ahead" 4 to 5 shots down the road. By thinking ahead players are able to anticipate the next ball and get into the proper position for the next shot. Simply put cause & effect.  

Federer's Mona Lisa

" If Federer were a painter his Mona Lisa would be the match he played in the

Tennis Masters Cup Final in Shanghai 2007 against David Ferrer. It was a near

perfect match. That match might have changed the way players play the game

regarding court positioning." - ATP Tour Webpage.

After viewing this video, many people can attest to Federer's mighty greatness.

Great court awareness, positioning, transitions, anticipation, all the elements

are in tune during this match. Ferrer just couldn't keep up with Federer's game.

In another interview Federer stated, " I am a big believer in taking breaks to recover

such as going on vacations and putting the racket down to try and get inspired for the next

time you step on the court again to practice hard."

Great Players have the ability to MAINTAIN A HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE at all times.

"Tennis is life & Life is Tennis"

Obon Holiday in Japan

Did you Know???

Obon: A Japanese tradition celebrated in July and August

One of the most important traditions for Japanese people.

People believe it is a time when their ancestors' spirits come back to their homes to be

 re-united with their family. Many people return back to their home town to get together with their

 families to celebrate the event. People take the time to clean their homes, wash & clean buddhist statutes and give offerings such as food and drink.  

Boy dies playing the X-Box for 20hours +

http://blog.games.yahoo.com/blog/866-xbox-addict-dies-from-blood-clot/

A young man in his 20's recently passed away due to a blood clot a medical condition known as 'pulmonary embolism' which occurs when someones sits or stays in a position for excessive long periods of time.

I think that younger kids today are too glued to playing their video games.
Doctors have been suggesting the negative side effects of prolong period of gaming can have on the body. Well, simply another event which justifies how gaming can be bad to young peoples' health.

On another note:
I have always been against the games which simulate life-like war scenarios.
Excessive gaming which can lead to the child wanting to try the real thing, but can not distinguish the different between gaming world and consequences in the real world is horrifying.

Slightly further off the topic:
When will the world come to exist without the differences of nations, but as a unified planet of human beings'. There are certainly much larger forces at work and as well continue to fight among ourselves we slow down our steps to the next big challenge.

Origin of Tennis Scoring

Did You Know???

There are 2 theories behind the game scoring in Tennis.

1st Theory: Clock Face used on the court.  A quarter move of the hand was used to indicate the score.

15, 30, & 45. When the head moved to 60, the game was over.

In order for the game to be not won by a one-point different the idea of "deuce" was introduced.

To make the score stay within 60 ticks on the clock face, the 45 was changed to 40. 

After the first deuce point was won the player received 10 points to become 50 and one more point to make it 60.  If the second point is lost then go back to Deuce.

2nd Theory: Medieval Numerology The number 60 was considered to be a "good" or "complete" number similar to "100" which is a nice number today.  Based on the medieval version of tennis, the 4 points of 60: 15, 30, 45 (abbreviate to 40) and 60.  It is not clearly known why the 45 was set back to 40.

Abstract artist Aelita Andre

A 4 year old Australian Girl named Aelita is gaining a lot of attention in

the art world for her abstract paintings. Some which have sold for thousands of

dollars. She is recognized for her consistency and having the knowledge and understanding

of balance and texture.

What are your thoughts on her Works??

Numerology: Do Your Own Free Reading

Hello Everyone!!

This is something I have had particular interest in the past few months.
I am a firm believer about our individual purpose and role here as we live our short lives on this so called place called earth.

Astrology, Horoscope, and etc. The bigger picture seems to always be in existence.
We wrap consume ourselves around the daily routines of this so called life we have created where in actuality there are larger forces involved.

I am simply stating that I am open to the thought and seek knowledge & wisdom in the larger unexplainable universe.

Have a good night!!

thank you,

Shinichi Kidera

If you are interested in learning more about Numerology please check out this link below:
http://www.decoz.com/DoReading_numerology.htm

Kei Nishikori

A Sign of good things to come!!Shuzo Matsuoka --> Kei Nishikori!!

Please watch this nice video!!

Michael Jordan "Failure" Nike Commercial

Michael Jordan is and will continue to be an iconic world renowned

basketball superstar who has brought so much not only to the game, but

has inspired the lives of countless people all over the world to succeed.

This video illustrates such example as to why this man is so great!!

He admits that he has failed on many occasions more than he has

succeeded, but that is the reason why he overcomes obstacles and ultimately succeeds.

I hope that in my life and in your life as well, you may find the inspiration & devotion

to not give up and keep on moving forward no matter what the obstacles you may face.

In the end "What does not kill you, only makes your Stronger."

Strong is Beautiful: Behind the Scenes

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NEW WTA GLOBAL AD CAMPAIGN has been revealed!! "Strong Is Beautiful"

The campaign is to promote a deeper understanding and relationship between players and fans.

Also to engage the next upcoming generation of players.

The theme surrounding the campaign is Athleticism and grace.

The ad feature 38 current and next generation starts of the tennis!!

Check it out!!

Roger Federer vs Feliciano Lopez 2011 Madrid (Last 10 Mins)

Epic battle against Federer and Lopez at Madrid Barcelona Open!!

Amazing!! Must See!!

Coach Ochi Back at STA

I was able to hit in a lesson today with Coach Ochi who recently come back from the tour.
Training the No#.2 player in Japan was a challenging few weeks. He said he will go back on tour with Soeda Go within a few weeks.

Coach Ochi's lessons are quick and make the students really work hard. Good footwork and being able to hit the ball in are a must. he makes you hit it until you can get it in.  His boot-camp style training is challenging and makes players exhausted, but its work the burn since you are really getting something out of the lesson. Whether it be burning calories or working on specifics in your game, it is all possible in his lessons.

Thank you for the wonderful learning experience!!

Issues Around he World

In Japan, the ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reported that Japans' output has dropped to a record 15.3% from February to March due to the recent disaster.
Many business and factories have closed or have had to cut back dramatically on output which has sharply effected the Japanese economy. Things are expected to recover, but how long will it take???

In Cambodia & Thailand seven continuous days of border clashes has led to numerous deaths.
On the 27th of April (Wed) Cambodian leader Hun Sen had publicly accused Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajivi of "loving war and provoking conflict."

Things around the world are not looking to bright, but then again News tends to always be negative.
No news is Good news~~~

Have a wonderful day!! Live Each day. Day by Day!!

Lesson at STA Sanwa Tennis Academy

Hello Everybody,

My group lesson today was with three lovely intermediate to advance ladies. We worked on forehand &backhand side to side movements and back & forth as well.
The ladies had an exhausting, but fun time when the movement was back&forth.

Near the end we worked ok doubles formation and tactics.  It was important to emphasize on moving with the ball and how to determine what kind of ball is being hit by observing the ball in flight.

Overall we had a nice work-out!!

Proud Moment!!

We at APF Academies are proud of our student Mr. Leo Kaiho for winning the 12&under Thailand Junior National Championship.

A tournament which featured all the top players in Thailand.  Leo was also victorious in winning the doubles final as well!!

Leo looks to hold a bright future and many more success to come!!

Good Luck Leo!!

2011 My new Blog

Hello Everyone!! I have never blogged before.  There is always a first for everything right.

Well here we go~~

皆さんこんにちは、初めてのブログとなります。これから様々なハプニングや情報をUpしたと思っています。

宜しくお願いいます〜！