upabreak.com - A Buyer's Guide for Tennis Gear

Welcome to Upabreak's Tennis Gift Guide!

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 06:13:46 -0700

We've searched high and low for just the right gifts to give that tennis fanatic in your life. Check out our picks below!

GiFT GUIDE: Dynaflex Powerball

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 19:38:39 -0700

This might be the absolute best gift you could get a tennis nut right now. The Dynaflex Power Ball is the single most purchased item from the Upabreak.com site. It's a gyroscopic wrist-exerciser with blue LEDs that glow the more you spin it. It gives you a high-intensity workout for your wrists and forearm. This is also great rehab tool for tennis wrist and arm injuries, and I even use it to warm up a bit if I'm pressed for time before a match.

GiFT GUIDE: Penn 1 Championship Tennis Balls Case

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 06:00:33 -0700

Here's a gift for the Twelve Days of Tennis: a case of good quality tennis balls. The Penn 1 Championship Tennis Balls are a great choice, and the convenience of just dipping into your private case of balls for the next match will be unmatched.

GIFT GUIDE: "Tennis Anyone?" Movie DVD

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 22:34:06 -0700

What a great surprise this movie is! The Fanatic lent this to me, and since tennis movies in general have a bit of a bad reputation, my expectations were low for Tennis Anyone?. But this independent, small budget film was co-written and stars tennis devotees Donal Logue and Kirk Fox (Logue directs, as well) and it shows. A kind of Sideways set in the world of celebrity tennis tournaments, this is a funny and meaningful flick, and any tennis fan would enjoy a copy as a gift.

GIFT GUIDE: Under Armour 3" Wristbands

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 22:24:10 -0700

Every tennis player can use extra wristbands. The Under Armour 3" Wristbands provide wicking action that really soaks up the perspiration. And the extra long size gives you enough surface area to wipe the sweat out of your eyes.

GIFT GUIDE: The Inner Game of Tennis

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 21:59:24 -0700

Easily the most famous tennis book ever published, for many players this is the Bible of Tennis. W. Tomothy Gallwey started a true sensation with the 1972 publication of The Inner Game of Tennis, where he ignored technical analysis and self-criticism and encouraged just "letting it happen". This is the antidote to chocking, and it's helped thousands of players let go of their fear and self-doubt. Get this book for someone just starting the game. Get this book for someone struggling to improve their tennis game. Get this book for yourself.

GIFT GUIDE: Stanley LeverLock Tennis Tape Measure

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 21:42:07 -0700

Great stocking stuffer: every Honest Abe hacker like me needs to be sure that the net height at center is a crisp 36". The Stanley LeverLock Tape Measure is a small, light tape that fits in any bag and will give years of accurate net measurement. Now, it's only 12' long, but once you start measuring court length, that's a whole other thing and you really need an intervention instead.

GIFT GUIDE: Wilson Tennis Ball Coasters

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 18:59:50 -0700

You know your tennis playing friend: if there's one thing they're more fantacially about than tennis, it's keeping their furniture free of water stains. Give them these Wilson US Open Ball Coasters so they can serve up their cocktails and sports drinks with confidence.

GIFT GUIDE: Tennis Posters

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 22:58:22 -0700

Tennis fans love beautiful action shots of the pros they admire, so framed posters and prints are always a big hit. Check out the tennis collecton at Allposters.com for an amazing selection. One of my favorites is this classic shot of Chrissie.

GIFT GUIDE: Tennis Player Ornament

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 20:17:42 -0700

You are a tennis player. People need to know this. Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean you can hide who you really are. So, hang this Tennis Player Ornament on your tree. Go ahead, it's okay. Now, have another sip of eggnog. Don't you feel better?

"The Prince of Tennis" Anime

Sat, 18 Nov 2006 21:42:51 -0700

Anime is a style of comic book-inspired animation originally from Japan. One of the most popular anime shows in all of Japan is the adventures of The Prince of Tennis. Ryoma Echizen is a tennis prodigy, and is sent to a junior-high school famed for the strength of its tennis team. There's all kinds of tension as Ryoma uses his famous "Twist Serve" to beat older players while helping the team towards their goal of winning the national team championship. The show elevates tennis to an apocalyptic battle of wills, and it's totally bizarre and great. You can catch the show on The Cartoon Network's Toonami Jetstream but unfortunately, Mac users like me are out of luck for now. We have to make due with the manga or comic book version available at Amazon.com.

adidas ClimaCool Feather II Men's Tennis Shoe

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:04:02 -0700

We went inside this week to start the indoor winter clay season. I played like an old man but it was still amazing. I love how well you can see the ball and the perfect conditions. But don't try to get by with your worn out summer shoes. It's worth it to invest in a nice pair of indoor-appropriate kicks. The Adidas ClimaCool Feather II is an extremely lightweight shoe that's perfect for the dirt. And the way they built it promotes airflow to keep your feet cool and dry. Safin, Coria and Henman switch to this shoe when they start their spring clay court season. You should, too.

The Logan Zone

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 22:04:20 -0700

It's the heart of the college football season, and what, you may ask, does that have to do with tennis? I'll tell you: Steve Logan. The former East Carolina University football coach was renowned for his high-powered offense, high-graduation rates and propensity for on-field gambles. Now, he hosts a North Carolina area talk show called "The Logan Zone" that is the hottest radio in the area. Coach Logan is a man who has an opinion and is not afraid to speak his mind (the rumor is his distaste for booster ass-kissing did him in at my alma mater). He can give real insight on offensive schemes, bass-fishing, red wine, blues music, and yes, he is a tennis fanatic who plays every day. The show is an absolute riot: the first time I listened he read an inspirational letter from Rose Kennedy to son Edward, explained the demise of the corner coffin kick, then played a choice T-Bone Walker cut while chastising the listeners that they would "run gassers until they passed out". And it's great to get insight on our individual sport from a guy who sees things from a team angle. Remember, here's a guy who won 69 games and went to five bowl games in 11 seasons. Don't be surprised if this show goes national; it's that good. In the meantime, AM station 620 The Bull provides mp3's to enjoy of each daily show. Click here to check it out.

Ellesse Paula Women's Tennis Sweater

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:50:41 -0600

Ladies, we haven't forgotten that you love to play in the fall as well. The Ellesse Paula Women's Tennis Sweater is perfect as a playing top or as a layer. There's enough cotton to stay soft but enough tech fabric to give it some stretch. The cuffs, hems and collar are ribbed, and the piping makes this one totally cute. Ahem, I mean, if you're a girl, of course.