Zoocap » Sports

Superstitions in Tennis

admin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:40:52 +0000

Tennis players, with their speed and agility, also have the ability to work out what their opponent might be doing five moves from theirs and the other possible moves to their countermoves. Tennis players are amazing sportsmen and sportswomen. However, the clinical mindset it takes to dissect the moves of your opponent has room as well for silly superstitions. Almost every player has them. People have seen them throughout many tennis tournaments, and probably will see them again during the up and coming Autralian Open. Tennis players, even famous ones, are not inured to routines and habits that have become a part of their superstitions.

During his games, Andre Agassi must make the ball boys and ball girls be in the original place they were before he serves. If that means he asks them to go back, he will do it. In a whole tournament, one of the Williams sisters, Serena, will actually wear the same pair of socks. Not copies of the same kind, but the same stinky sweat ridden pair soaked in sweat from numerous matches. Other famous female tennis players have their share of superstitions. Hennin-Hardenne would never ever put her feet on tennis lines between points. Allegedly, this habit has toned down now from her usual ferocity in keeping up her superstition.

What is the point of such superstitions? Mostly it’s a mental one. If a player thinks they have an advantage by doing some strange and often dumb looking (or smelling if you’re Serena Williams’s socks), then that player will play like they have an advantage. It’s a kind of self-imposed psychological trick. The other reason superstitions work is it makes a brain get some focus which is critical for a match. Tennis is a detail-orientated sport: a player must be focused on the ball pin ponging around the court and following through on a swing and a million other things. If having the ball boys out of place distracts you, you will also be off your game. Therefore, it is better almost to have a superstition that eliminates such distractions, It isn’t really so much a superstition either as a means to increase the mental aspect of a player’s game.

Superstitions in Tennis is a post from: Zoocap

Out on the Waters Surrounding the Island of Mauritius

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:12:41 +0000

The island of Mauritius has so much to offer to those in search of a variety of outdoor activities, many of which are based in the waters surrounding the island. Not only are these excursions and activities a bit on the adventurous side, they offer different perspectives and scenic views of this tropical paradise, from the view of the island from the waters, to the view underneath the surface of the waters as well.

The five star hotels Mauritius offers have a lot of information regarding the locations that are best suited for the different activities, as well as the businesses which offer classes for those activities that require some level of knowledge or certification. The hotel often supply some of the facilities necessary and most of these hotels are located within close proximity to the beaches. Anyone who enjoys the ocean and the water will find what they are looking for just off the shores.

Travel agents and companies offer comprehensive tour packages and adventure safaris. All that happens on the water, has become one of the leading reasons for the booming tourism industry and has served to attract the growing number of visitors that travel to the island each year. The underwater life of the marine animals is abundant and overwhelmingly beautiful. Wind surfing and diving are fast become two the most favorite sports on the island.

The Indian Ocean is incredible when viewed from dry land, however the view and the experience of being out on the waters is stunning and breathtaking. From the deep color of blue, to the scuba adventures to be explored on the coral reefs, the water draws enthusiasts onto her waves day after day. There are many cruises that depart daily, which take visitors out onto the water for whale watching or island hopping on the surrounding smaller islands in the Indian Ocean. Many times, these cruises are taken in boats with glass bottoms, which is an interesting way to view the marine life, and an option for those not interested in the diving opportunities.

Out on the Waters Surrounding the Island of Mauritius is a post from: Zoocap

Andy Roddick and the US Open

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:04:51 +0000

After losing the epic battle of Wimbledon to Roger Federer, Andy Roddick will be back to try and make his mark on the US Open Tennis. Which he has won before, Roddick is looking to get back in the swing of things and America would be happy to see the former world number one, now ranked number five in the world, reclaim his former glory.

The man with the power tennis serve is looking to recapture how he played at Wimbledon and us that at the US Open. Roddick has been training with his coach at his home in Austin, Texas, taking just a small break after Wimbledon. The number one American player is continuing to make his game sleeker. He lost 15 pounds in the off-season to help his speed and mobility and its showing.

Roddick has become the focal point he once was, an American, tennis fans or not is definitely rooting for him. How many times can we sit by and watch him lose to Roger Federer? It really does get more painful every time. The thing is that is what makes Andy Roddick so appealing to tennis fans and the American public alike. He does not simply lose and shut down and you never hear from him again. He comes back, 15 pounds lighter, training even harder and ready to take another crack at it.

This kind of perseverance is just what America and American tennis fans like to see. He is our favorite American underdog, and we want him returned to his former glory, as world number one. Despite the fact that the competition keeps getting fiercer, with Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, and of course, venerable Roddick tennis enemy Roger Federer.

Andy Roddick and the US Open is a post from: Zoocap

Slowest Event Tickets

admin — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:05:10 +0000

Okay, as you know, I’m quite the complainer, so I won’t disappoint you this time either. I was at a ski resort standing in line to buy Event Tickets to several skiing events going on that weekend. The ski resort, apparently, hires the most incompetent or the most truly un-motivated people I’ve ever witnessed. It must be a requirement which the employees pass with colors.

So, yes, I was standing in line at the ticket window and there was one guy in front of me which seemed like he took forever to buy his tickets, it felt like a half-an-hour went by before it was my turn to get to the window. When I get up there, I told the ticket agent that I needed to purchase the bundle of six tickets, which allows me to attend every event. A simple request one would think, should only take one minute to print out, two minutes tops, but no, the ticket agent, for real, took like 30 seconds for each key press, literally. He would just stare at the screen for what seemed like an eternity and then press one key, then he would again stare at the screen for what seemed like an eternity and press another key. I mean, really, do they really not screen these employees for any sign of life? Any sign of cognition? A hint of intelligence before they hire them? It took almost 15 minutes for me to get my tickets.

Then, the guy at the snowboard check area, where I could store my snowboard, literally had this glazed look. Like he was stoned, really. He moved like a sloth, and it felt like he moved like a sloth on purpose. All the while a good size line was developing behind me, and I could feel heat darts at the back of my neck from all the people behind me thinking it was all my fault for the delay. I would turn around and shrug the best I could conveying that it’s not me, it’s him look on my face. That didn’t seem to stop the heat darts from flying straight at me. Holly cow, I’m going to have to email a complaint. Something I never do, right, but really, this was quite pathetic.

Slowest Event Tickets is a post from: Zoocap

Sports Tickets skating into X-games

admin — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:31:23 +0000

International figure skating competition is why I came to Canada and it’s why I got free Sports Tickets to attend ‘Skate Canada’ for my 30th birthday, or was it just my husband’s way of getting me out of the house for a weekend so he could play poker with his buddies? Either way, we both win. I’ve never got to attend a real live skating competition, so I was really excited.

My first night in Quebec City, I decided to take a stroll along the quaint cobblestone streets. It didn’t take me long to notice that there were no signs or advertisements about the skating competition anywhere to be seen. This really surprised me that a sports event the size and magnitude which has brought in the cream of the cream in figure skaters from all over the world. I thought I’d see posters plastered everywhere I went, but instead I only saw advertisements for yesterday’s NFL showdown between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, which was happening in the States!

has skating become blaze’? Did I miss something? Maybe I did, because I noticed that the vast majority who were in attendance were women with white hair. I went into a bar and wondered what they were playing on the huge television screens. Ah, the X-games with young skateboarders and snowboarders. I must admit the X-games were pretty action packed. Compared to my skating competition which operates at a slower pace and comparatively speaking seems a bit out dated. Another comparison is the clothes. The X-game they wear modern-day baggy shorts, graphic tee’s and cool sneakers, where as in skating they were spandex with sequins and maybe an occasional up-to-date costume. Hmmm….and this years music theme for the ice skaters is Folk Music. Need I see more? Ah, my poor skating competitors. I adore you, but now I see why my husband would rather stay home and play poker than be here with me. Ice Skating isn’t the star sport it was when I was younger.

Sports Tickets skating into X-games is a post from: Zoocap

Where are the American tennis players?

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:01:15 +0000

A quick look at the ATP world tennis rankings and I was shocked. There are only four American women in the top 100 players that are ranked. Fortunately two are in the top five. And of course it’s everyone’s favorite grand slam sibling duo, Venus and Serena Williams. Serena sits at number two in the world, second only to Russia’s Dinara Safina. Venus is ranked at number three in the world.

But after the Williams sisters you will be hard pressed to find another American female tennis player who is ranked for awhile. Bethanie Mattek is number 52. Jilly Craybas is 88.

The rest are non- American tennis players. Which of course is fine, tennis is an international sport, but there is hardly any American presence anymore when it comes to the females.

There are only eight American men ranked in the top 100 tennis players as well. The highest ranked male is Andy Roddick who sits at number six in the world. James Blake is number 16. Mardy Fish is number 25. Sam Querrey is number 46. Robert Kendrick is number 76. Kevin Kim in number 87. Bobby Reynolds is 91. And Vincent Spaeda is 98.

The thing is nowadays the American tennis players just simply do not stand out like they used to. Remember the days of John McEnroe’s tirades? Or what about Andre Agassi’s crazy hair? Or Pete Sampras and all of his wins?

America used to be well represented on the tennis court. Today the story is different. It’s all about Nadal defending his Wimbledon title or Federer trying to win more majors than Pete Sampras.

Wimbledon 2009 is fast approaching and there really isn’t an American to root for. I wish Andy Roddick would reclaim his former glory and give Americans another crack at the title.

And the Williams sisters are of course always promising.

Where are the American tennis players? is a post from: Zoocap

Absa Cape Epic Takes Off Saturday

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:50:16 +0000

The 6th Absa Cape Epic kicks off on Saturday, March 21st and runs through Saturday, March 28, 2009. the Absa Epic is billed as the “largest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world.”

While a major fire on Table Mountain earlier in the week forced the cancellation of the Thursday’s prologue course practice, organizers have stated that “registration and all ‘non-riding’ pre-event functions will continue to take palce at the same venues and at the same time as previously comunicated.” Barring additional fire flare-ups or changes in weather conditions, the course will be open on Friday for practice and the prologue will start as scheduled on Saturday.

The Epic features four categories of competition. Two-member teams will compete in Mens, Ladies, mixed, and Masters events. All teams must ride together at all times during the race. The Masters category stipulates that both team riders must be at least forty years old.

Mountain bike riders from over 46 countries are expected to gather in Cape Town for this event. Competitors from Japan, Russia, Australia, Bermuda, the Middle East, and Slovakia have registered for the event.

Cape Town is excited about the influx of riders, crews, and fans that arrive each year with the Epic. Look for five star Cape Town hotels to be full of celebrity riders and media and for fans to camp out along the race route.

This year’s favorites to watch in the all important Men’s event include the German teams of Karl Platt who finished 1st in 2007 and 2nd in 2008 and Stefan Sahm and Jocehn Kab and Hannes Genze. The South African team of Kevin Evans and David George is also expected to do well, after finishing 3rd in 2008.

Absa Cape Epic Takes Off Saturday is a post from: Zoocap

Rubgy World Cup Sevens in Dubai

admin — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:29:41 +0000

The Rugby World Cup Sevens is underway in Dubai, UAE. The championship began on March 4th and concludes on the 7th. Dubai hopes that a successful event will help restore its tarnished reputation. Last month the emirate refused a visa to an Israeli tennis player scheduled to compete in the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Organized by the International Rugby Board, the World Cup Sevens is held every four years. This is the first year it is being held in the United Arab Emirates. The winners receive the Melrose Cup. in 2005, Fiji took home the cup after defeating the New Zealand team in Hong Kong. The event will be broadcast live in 200 countries. The global audience is expected to be 400 million.

Dubai has build a reputation over the last few years of welcoming international athletes in a variety of professional sports. The emirate hosts the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup, as well as major golf and tennis tournaments. The city of Dubai is also the home of the International Cricket Council.

The booming metropolitan area is committed to expanding its presence in world sports. The city has seen an explosion in development of not only 5 star Dubai hotels and resorts, but also in sports venues. Currently under construction is Dubai Sports City, a 50 million square foot complex expected to cost $3.6 billion. It wil feature a championship golf course as well as an international cricket academy and the first soccer school by Manchester United.

A successful Rugby World Cup Sevens will go a long way towards restoring the region’s reputation in the international sports arena. Following last month’s banning of Shahar Peer from entering the country, the tennis championship lost several sponsors, including television coverage, and was threatened with lose the right to hold future events. Several top international players also boycotted the championships in protest.

Rubgy World Cup Sevens in Dubai is a post from: Zoocap

The Madrid Experience

admin — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:39:13 +0000

Visitors are drawn to Madrid for its art, culture, and energetic nightlife. Spain’s capital city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. With a population of three million, it’s much smaller than many world capitals, but the atmosphere in Madrid is irresistable. People here enjoy life to the fullest, whether savoring every bite of a traditional Spanish meal or dancing all night in one of the city’s many bars and clubs. They also appreciate art, culture and sport and invite visitors to join them in their pursuits.

With great weather all year, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Madrid. There are a variety of lodging options including some luxurious five star Madrid hotels. Some hotels feature traditional architecture and decor while others adopt a more modern style. Visitors will be able to find rooms that suit both their pocketbook and their personal preference.

Once settled in the city, take a stroll through the various boulevards and squares located throughout the city. They are great for people-watching and many have good restaurants and interesting shops. Just be careful of tourist traps in some of the more popular areas. Sometimes its enough to just soak up the energy and pace of a new city. Visitors will also find a multitude of architectural wonders throughout the city to enjoy: beautiful palaces, cathedrals, and mosques seem to be everywhere.

Art lovers will have plenty to do in Madrid. The city is home to the famous “Golden Triangle” of art. Three museums with world reknown collections ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. Consisting of the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Tyssen Bornemisza Museum of Art, the combined exhibits feature works by Picasso, Dali, el Greco, Goya, Degas, and many, many others. There are many other museums and galleries in Madrid, some large such as the 25,000 piece collection of the Museo de America and others featuring the works of only one artist, like the Francisco de Goya museum.

The city also loves its sports. Madrid boasts one of the top football (soccer in the US) clubs in the world: Real Madrid. Matches are held in Bernabeu stadium. The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is one of the largest bullrings in the world and considered by many to be the world capital for the sport. Madrid is also proud of their basketball teams and the Madrid Tennis Masters tournament.

The Madrid Experience is a post from: Zoocap

Teaching Golf Requires Legitimate Training

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:11:35 +0000

There are plenty of organizations claiming to be golf schools; however, not all are the accredited institutions they would like people to believe. This can be of great issue for those looking to take on a legitimate golf career. These days, employers simply no longer hire unqualified individuals off the street. An individual must have a degree from a reputable institution that is recognized by official agencies. The last thing a person wants is to invest in an education that is useless. When it comes to finding legitimate institutions, accredited schools have no problem displaying what state or federal agency they have been approved by.

Another clue for finding accredited institutions is locating golf schools that offer financial aid. Because they are offering a legitimate education, a student of a golf school will be privy to nearly all the services of a conventional school. If teaching golf in a high-end golf course is the goal of an individual, he or she will need the education to do so. Legitimate schools offer a curriculum based on a core knowledge that helps prepare students to take their career in golf as far as they see fit.

Teaching Golf Requires Legitimate Training is a post from: Zoocap