Tennis Leagues Start This Week

Most tennis leagues will start this week at Sport Fit
Bowie.

Naturally, the Monday and Tuesday leagues will start next week.

Also, the Wednesday Women's 4.0 League, the Men's Thursday Singles and the Friday Mixed Doubles will start next week.

New Year's Club Hours

Monday, the 31st of December, the club will be open from 8am-1pm

Tuesday, the 1st of January, the club will be open from 8am-4pm

Remember that the pool generally closes an hour earlier, call the club
if you have any questions 301-262-4553.

Look forward to seeing you in 2008.

Bright Beginnings Toddler Drop Off Program

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS BEST EVER!
Have you checked out our drop-off toddler program?

With activities that include Fitness, Swimming, Music, Spanish,
Science, and Sign language- our 2-5 year old program is one of the best around!

We offer two daily sessions and a before and after care program that starts at 8:00 am and ends at 5:30 pm. If you are looking for a drop-off program that will build your child’s cognitive, social, and physical skills- Bright Beginnings may be a perfect fit. Consider our program for January or
replacing your normal program for September.

NEW KIDS CLASSES

Registration for our January Dance Classes will start the first week in December.

Classes last six weeks at $54/members and $90/non-mem.
Mondays: 4-4:30 pm :Ballet 6 +
4:30-5:00 pm : Tap 6 +
Thursdays: 4– 4:45 pm: Ballet Tap combo 2-5 years
4:45 - 5:30 pm- Musical Theater 6 +

The purpose of our new Children’s Gymnastics program is to create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for children while simultaneously increasing the child’s strength, coordination, flexibility, endurance, and
personal confidence. This is accomplished through a series of exercises and games that both entertain the child and enhance their physical
abilities. Our instructor, David Coggan, was a varsity gymnast at the United States Naval Academy, where he later returned to coach the men’s varsity team there. Additionally, he is certified as a gymnastics judge through the United States Gymnastics federation where he judges numerous high school and college meets.
Classes will begin the first week in January.
Monday sessions or Tuesday sessions:
12:30- 1:15 2-3 year olds
1:30– 2:15 pm for 4-5 year olds.
Classes last six weeks at a price of $60/members d $90/non-members\

Contact Katy for More Information

4.0 Men's League Needs A Player

If you are a 4.0 Men's player and you'd like to join the Sunday 10-11:30am Men's Singles League, call Kevin McClure at 301-262-4553 or email sportfittennis@aol.com

We may be able to handle 3 additional players in the league, but we're trying for an even number of players. Start NOW!

Bright Beginnings Drop Off Program- 2-5 Years Old

We are still registering for our ongoing Bright Beginnings Drop Off Program. Ages range from 2-5 years old and our structured activities are wonderful. Our engaging classes include Circle Discovery, Fitness, Swimming, Spanish, Sign Language, and more! Please let us know if you would like to sign your child up for a free class. We are sure they will love it! Contact Katy at 301-262-4553 for more details on this one of a kind program.

Why Approach Up the Line?

In most of my clinics the players can tell me that approach shots should be hit up the line. However, their answers are always muddled on this pivotal question.

The answer is what makes the pattern successful. We go up the line because of positioning.

We will be in a better position quicker by going up the line. If we choose the path that every tennis pro we've ever had has taught us, we will go up the line and cut off the angles by moving almost straight ahead into a position to cover the down the line and cut off the cross court. Shorter distance to move, movement in a forward direction and a great ability to cover the angles.

When the approach is made cross court, the player must run further to get to the center of the angles, run across the court instead of forward and is opening up the angles for his/her opponent (by pushing the other player wide). Check out the illustration on my web site.

When you (X) hit up the line, the passing shots are represented by green lines from opponent (O), cross court passing shots are represented by the light blue lines. Notice how the cross court approach opens up the angles and forces you to run further to get into correct position. I know it's a lot of lines, I hope it helps to illustrate why your pros wisdom will help you become a better attacker.

Tennis Members Go Hollywood

Two of the members at Sport Fit Bowie have gone Hollywood.

Well, almost, they're on my computer screen in a tennis reality show for mixed doubles teams. This is a competition put together as a promotion by the USTA and Lever 2000. The idea is that you audition interesting doubles teams. Put them up against each other in matches across the country. Throw in Murphy Jensen, Mary Jo Fernandez, and some great production and you've go a very cool mix.

So check out David Barnes and Tammy Peyton in their bid to play the final match in front of thousands at the National Tennis Center during the U.S. Open!

Show them your support by leaving comments at the end of this post.

Tennis Play Patterns - Where to Hit the Short Balls

We talked about why to hit the ball up the line on approach shots in Edition 2 of The Tennis Podcast. Now, let’s expand the short ball attacking scenario from my footwork section, and by the way, the location of the ball right to left on the court and the direction you are running will definitely affect your choice of footwork patterns.

I laid out the tennis court photo again on the website (the image is at http://www.thetennispodcast.com/ ). For those listening on their iPod, I break the court down into six sections lengthwise with the dividing lines going from the net to the baseline. Three sections on each half of the court.

Section 1 is the area wider than the deuce side singles sideline. Section 2 is the area between the singles sideline and half-way to the center of the court. That’s a tough one. The singles court deuce side of the court is split in half. The half closest to the singles line is section 2. Section 3 is the half that meets up with the center of the court. Sections 4, 5 and 6 are the same only travelling across the ad-side of the court.

Now that the court is sectioned off, we will make shot assignments for each section. I worked with some top juniors on these play patterns and was surprised to find that many of them had no idea where to hit the ball from defined areas of the court, or why. It didn’t take them long to figure it out!

Sections 1 and 6 are short balls, probably hit on an angle to get us out of position. The response should normally be to hit another big angle cross-court and begin to retreat to a postion on the court that can still cover an angle response, yet have a chance to get the down-the-line deep shot. So, hit an angle and prepare to cover everything. Usually, the down-the-line shot by your opponent will have to be hit UP over the net and will give you a little time.

Sections 2 and 5 are short balls that you should be able to do something with, however, as we reviewed in Edition 2, you should normally go down-the-line or risk being passed easily down-the-opposite-line.

Sections 3 and 4 are short balls closer to the center of the court and you may elect to go either way since you will be able to get into position for the follow up passing shots. Usually, I encourage the players to go cross-court aggressively over the low part of the net and in a comfortable direction for them to really hit out.

Be sure to layout play scenarios and practice hitting the responses over and over so that most of your choices are automatic.

Family Fitness Changes Forever on May 10

What if you could...

• workout with your kids
• using a total body workout for everyone
• avoid dropping your kids in babysitting
• be the first to participate in a never-before-seen fitness class

And what if this workout was designed and the workouts were led by one of the top personal trainers in the United States?

Would you sign up right away? Of course! But it sounds too good to be true.

Beginning May 10, this revolutionary new family fitness workout is coming to Sport Fit.

This unique workout was recently featured in the Capital Newspaper. This unique class is (quite literally) taught nowhere else on earth!

Plus, purchase a 6-class package and receive a 20% discount good for Birthday Parties, Bright Beginnings, Camp Sport Fit Jr., and other terrific Sport Fit Kids Fitness Programs.

When:
Mondays at 3:30 PM (beginning May 14)
Thursdays at 4:15 PM (beginning May 10)
(class length is 45 minutes)

Where: Kids Fitness Room

Single Class: $18 members ($25 non-members)

6-Class Card: $72 members ($125 non-members)

Skip babysitting...
Go directly to
Better fitness,
Big laughs,
and a complete family workout!

Space will be limited for these classes so be sure to reserve your spot right away.
Sign up at the front desk. (upstairs)
Contact Katy (301-262-4553 x-24) or Jonathan (x-13) for more details.

Tennis Play Patterns - Mastering the Basics

Again the court diagram. I hope that you have visited the web-site (www.TheTennisPodcast.com) to see the court layout, however, I will describe it for those listening on their mobile player or in their car.

Next week we'll deal with court position side to side on short balls. The basics that I’m referring have to do with your position on the court forward or backward. So, the court will be broken down in to sections again.

Imagine a line, perhaps 6-8 feet behind the baseline. Then a line on the baseline. A line half-way between the baseline and the service line. And a line along the service line. This gives us 5 zones, 1 thru 5 numbered from deepest in the court to closest to the net.

Zone 1 in this case is a defensive zone because you are pulled deep or very wide off the court. Respond to this by hitting the ball higher and deeper to keep your opponent deep and to give yourself more time. All options can be adjusted depending upon your opponents style of play (i.e. – do they rush the net every time you look at all defensive, or do they stay on the baseline).

Zone 2 is the neutral territiory and the normal response, given that both players are in good position, would be to hit cross-court.

Zone 3 is what I call “aggressive-recover” position. This means that you will be hitting from inside the baseline and should now go for a more aggressive angle to get the opponent out of position. However, you are probably too deep in the court to automatically rush the net. Therefore, you will recover to a safe groundstroke position to cover the angles.

Zone 4 is the “aggressive-attack” position. This means that the ball has landed short enough that you are hitting from just behind the service line and you should follow any approach or put-away shot to the net.

Zone 5 is kinda obvious here. You are inside the service line and should be hitting volleys.

We've lost a good friend

All our best to the family and friends of

Sissy Pastirik.

She will be sorely missed. Her dynamic personality and uplifting coaching has influenced us all. She volunteered and assisted with the tennis and fitness programs, the Tennis Open House and the ACE Tennis Academy at Sport Fit.

Sissy died this week. Details are in the papers.

Here Sissy leads the ACE Academy Summer Camp through their paces.

Female Boot Camp

Get ready for the weekend with Mac's all female boot camp! Held on Saturdays from 7-8:30am, this early morning workout will have you ready to go for the weekend. In a relaxed, fun environment, Mac focuses on exercises for ladies only! Come join the fun! Next session begins April 21st.

Krav Maga Self Defense

This hand-to-hand combat was used by Jennifer Lopez in the movie 'Enough!' Learn how to function during the stress and shock of a sudden violent encounter and defend yourself against chokes, bearhugs, guns, and knives. This is the combat system of Israeli Defense Forces and preferred system for U.S. Military and law enforcement personnel. Classes held on Thursdays from 8-9:15pm in the Group Exercise. Must be 16 years old. Members $48 & Nonmembers $60 for 4 classes.

Let's Dance!

Get ready for weddings and parties or just do it for the fun of it! Sport Fit's dance classes offer instruction at the beginner level to teach you the basics. Types of dance include ballroom, salsa, fox trot, swing, and more! Classes are held on Friday evenings at 7:30 and 8:30pm. Next session will begin in May so lookout for the start dates! Singles and couples welcome!

Bellydancing

Learn the latest dance craze! Patrice is showing members and their friends the joy of learning to bellydance. Join this growing class, held on Tuesdays at 8:30pm. $104 Members and $120 Nonmembers for a 8-week session.

TKO Boxing

Are you looking for a fun way to get in better shape, lose weight and build your self confidence? TKO Boxing delivers. During this 10 session course, Keith Kemp, instructor and personal trainer, teaches Boxing basics as well as overall conditioning. The combination of cardiovascular and strengthening exercises results in an incomparable total body workout. And if losing weight is your goal, this class is your answer. Hard work is required, but satisfaction is guaranteed! Classes are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 8:30-9:30pm. Sessions are for 5-weeks; $80 Members and $100 Nonmembers.

Weekday Warrior Boot Camp

Get a morning workout that will leave you energized for the day! Mac's Weekday Warrior Boot Camp incorporates strength, cardio, and core training into his 1-hour workouts. This Spring Boot Camp will be taking it outside for even more of a challenge! New session begins April 16th. Classes are held from 6-7am or 9-10am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Evening Boot Camp

NEW Evening Boot Camp begins on Tuesday, April 16th! Join Mac outside for a total body strength, cardio, and core workout. Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7pm.

Ladies Compass Draw Tournament

The registration for the Ladies Doubles Compass Draw Tournament is coming to a close soon. The 4 week event played on Thursday mornings at 10am and followed by pot-luck is great fun.

The teams will advance to play against other teams with the exact same win:loss record until everyone is in a final in their section of the draw. These sections are indicated by the compass as you win or lose. First round winners go East and first round losers go West for example.

Forms are available at the link below.

or contact Marjorie at the club 301-262-4553.
http://members.aol.com/sportfittennis/pdf/CompassDrawTmt07.pdf

Spring & Summer Tennis Leagues

Now is the time to express your interest in participating in the leagues. Why? Because Spring and Summer may be your opportunity to get involved with the players in the current, or winter leagues.

There are two 14 week sessions; one session runs from September thru December and the other runs from January thru part of April. The member participants in the most recent 14 week session have priority when we register for the next.

However, there are Spring and Summer Leagues that may have opennings and this is a great time to get to meet new players. Send Kevin a note if you're interested at SportFitTennis@aol.com.

Last Week for 10% off

Sport Fit Summer Tennis Camps can be had for 10% off! However, the discount is only given to those that register during the month of March.

Register for as many weeks as you like for the Junior, ACE Academy, Teen or Adult camps and pay the nonrefundable $50 deposit for each camper per week and you're set. Remember, the last day of March is the last day to get this discount.

Fitness for All - 3 Tips to Maximize Your Workout Time

With so many activities at the club - there really is something for everyone. And that's the problem.

This can often create stress for you as you get overwhelmed with all the fitness options available to you. What should you do? How should you spend your workout time?

1 - It must be something you enjoy. Dragging yourself through a type of workout you don't enjoy will get you nowhere fast. Your body is built to move, but you also have to find something that interests you.

2 - Save time. Strangely enough, whenever I talk to someone who wants to get in better shape, they often express a belief that they need to "do more" in their workouts. This often means more time. Since time is the one thing most of you are short on, why not make sure your time is spent getting a sufficient challenge to get results? Focus on a better workout, instead of more workouts!

3 - Get help. I find it interesting that many people I speak to who are asking me about hiring one of our trainers say one of two things:

• "I'll get in shape on my own for a bit, and then hire a trainer."
• "I've tried everything I can to get in shape, so now I'm hiring a trainer."

WHAT!? The next time your car breaks down, try this: Call a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter, and a landscaper. After they have all unsuccessfully repaired your car, call an auto mechanic. This would be ridiculous, right? Exactly. Got a fitness problem? Call a trainer first. Everyone can benefit from some expert instruction.

And keep in mind - personal training is just that - instruction. If you think of a trainer as someone who takes you through a grueling workout and all you get is tired and sore, but you don't learn one thing about how to workout on your own - your trainer is nothing more than a workout partner and that's not what you're paying for from a professional trainer.

Even one session with one of our trainers can enhance the quality of your workouts. Contact me to discuss your goals and we can find the best fit for you in a trainer.

- Jonathan Ross, Personal Training Director
301-262-4553 x-13

Sport Fit Club Updates

Our program directors and managers will be updating this site with the latest information at Sport Fit.

Come to this page on a regular basis to get the latest, or ask for the updates to be sent to you by email.

Thanks,

Kevin McClure
Director of Tennis