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Candy for your eyes, heaven for your feet. Enter to win a 5 pack of new Thorlos Experia.

Thorlos has recently introduced its new Experia multi-sport line, colorful and above all super comfortable. Tennis players if you've tried Thorlos in the past and found them to be too thick for your liking, try these.

Experia are anatomically engineered to fit like a glove, no bunching or bulk. The company has taken out all of the excess padding leaving it only where you need it to protect your heels and balls of your feet against impact and shearing. Loved them in my close fitting tennis shoes!

Check out all the great colors (white available in June). They're made of CoolMax to keep your sweat-prone dogs dry during play. $13.99 USD a pair.

Enter to win one of three sets of five pairs of Thorlos Experia, a $70 value, by entering a comment under this post. Deadline is Friday May 8, 9:00 pm EST. US and Canada deliveries only. The winners will be posted on Tennisidentity's Twitter feed.

Learn more or buy at Thorlo.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball and On Your Sight.

 

OnTheBaseline.com has just published my newest Tape Talk article on the importance of wearing sunglasses on court. Check it out by clicking here. Pictured here Samantha Stosur wears Oakley.

Personal Exercise Bands to Strengthen Your Tennis Game

Fitness is a big part of tennis and if your tennis facility doesn't offer weight training equipment this means another club membership or home equipment. Pricey. We've seen circuit pros (men and women) warming up with exercise bands prior to matches. They hook them over the net post or fence and warm up shoulders, arms and legs.

What we didn't realize was that you can get a great whole body workout with a complete set of these bands. Each color offers a different level of resistance. Requiring storage space about the size of a large tissue box, you can work out anywhere you have a little room to move. The brand we checked out, Ripcords, offers a DVD called Circuit 7 which outlines a 7 minute total body workout beginner to expert. We liked the easy to hold handles on each of the bands and the workout was great. Package prices range between $39.95 and $67.90 USD.  The six-pack is also available at Tennis-Warehouse.

New Women's Line from Oakley. Great Choice for On Court Sun Protection.

Samantha Stosur is one of the few pros who wears sun-glasses while playing. Why is that? Out on the recreational courts we see them all the time. Many might feel that sunglasses impede their vision in some way; give these a try.

Sam wears Oakley's "Enduring"  style, the company's new women's sport performance line (available in mid September). Oakley frames stay put and don't fog up. Enduring offers all-important transition lenses with photo chromic technology that darken and lighten automatically when light changes, like when the sun slips behind a cloud and then shoots back out 5 minutes later. Enduring also comes with or without an iridium coating (which helps to reduce glare and tune contrast, ideal for extremely bright, sunny conditions). 100% UV protection. The frame pictured here is lipstick red (they look a bit orange in the pic). Prices range between MSRP $225 USD without the iridium lenses and $245 with it. Go to Oakley to learn more. Here are more  specifics on the Enduring.

Every Player's Bag Needs a Towel. Make it Special.

Rid your bag of the rag you've been using and get yourself one of these beauties -- same ones as the pros are using on court right now. As towels go, these are nice. 100% cotton, sized 35 1/2" x 24 1/2," a decent size for toweling off between points.

The women's version is pictured on the left and the men's right, but hey it doesn't really matter which one you choose. They retail for $38 USD and are available online at the US Open Shop and at the Open.

Video Your Strokes for an Eye Opening Look at Your Game

Wonder what you look like when you serve? It's eye opening to see yourself in action. At the Bollettieri tennis academy everyone gets a video analysis of their strokes. Do it yourself by asking a friend to film you serving and hitting. No major equipment needed. You will be able to see your strengths and weaknesses and can then visualize needed adjustments.

Olympus makes a variety of great cameras (they are sponsoring the US Open in a big way). Look for a camera that has the video option so you can easily download the footage to your PC. The super slim FE-340 pictured here in five colors is compact and easy to carry in your racquet bag. The FE-340 has a MSRP of $179.99 USD. Their newest  SP-570 Ultra Zoom Digital Compact Camera is another great option, a lot more technical for those who desire more versatility and control over their images, MSRP $499.99. Shop or learn more at Olympus.

Sigg Leads the Way in Holding Hydration On Court

Leave it to the Europeans to have the answer to the recycling and BPA worries associated with plastic or polycarbonate water bottles. Made of aluminum that is resistant to fruit acids and isotonic energy drinks, Sigg bottles are washable, refillable and recyclable (although they last a darn long time). Another benefit, they are taste-neutral so they don't lend your refreshment that plastic taste that real cheap bottles do.

There are cleaning tablets and a bottle brush available from Sigg but we found a baby bottle brush and a little liquid detergent worked just fine. The mouth is narrow so easy to drink from, but a bit challenging to get powdered drink mixes into without a funnel. We like the variety of colors and sizes and love not worrying about plastic. Check out Sigg's site for a list of retailers. US customers there is a link just for you. These run around $27 USD for the larger size.

Athletic Ionic Gear from TRION:Z

We've heard and read a lot about using magnets to increase energy and reduce joint pain. There are many styles out there, some of them disguised as beads and other jewelry, but in a nutshell, the team wears them because we think magnets work.

The problem for many of the guys was that they didn't/wouldn't wear jewelry, especially on court. We found these from TRION:Z which come in a myriad of colors and a few different styles. If you look closely you'll see a number of players wearing them. We've seen them on Andy Roddick, Ashley Harkleroad and many golfers. They are soft and pliable. Easy to slip on or in the case of the necklace, click on. They are made with "stayers" a unique textile with minus-ion producing minerals woven into the fabric. Trion:Z also uses axially magnetized magnets in a patented Alternating North-South Polarity Orientation to maximize the magnetic flow. There is background on the therapeutic use of magnets on the  TRION:Z site as well as a health warning to pregnant, pacemaker wearers and other health compromised individuals. Please ask your doctor if you are concerned. The necklace above runs $29.95 USD. The bracelets, $19.95. The broadband, a wider model, not pictured, $24.95. Tennis-Warehouse has them in stock as well. Give them a try. We thought they were great.

On Court Sunscreen Tips.

Sunblock is an essential in every player's racquet bag. Amy Trytek, Tennis Coach at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida recommends putting your choice of sunscreen on prior to coming out to play, and covering everywhere skin is exposed, except the forehead.  She suggests then wearing a hat or visor to cover the unprotected territory. This simple but very smart trick will insure that block will not drip into and burn your eyes no matter how much you sweat.

Even with a high SPF it's a good idea to reapply if you are out for a long period of time. Sweating and toweling off will remove most of what your good intentions laid earlier. Here at Tennisidentity we've tried quite a few brands. Neutrogena's New Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock (SPF 70 and 85, $9.99 3 oz.) doesn't leave your hands slippery and feels very lightweight, not like a mask. The formula contains micronized silica powder which absorbs excess oils that can make you feel and look greasy. Neutrogena also offers a great spray formulation in Neutrogena's Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock (SPF 30, 45 and 70, $10.49 5 oz.). The spray is refreshing on a hot day and works well for getting at hard to reach but easy to burn spots like your upper back and shoulders. It's actually a pleasure to apply.

SPF level is a matter of preference, but everything we read says protect yourself from the sun, so with the higher SPF's we feel better. Neutrogena products are non-comedogenic, waterproof and sweat proof (be safe and reapply anyway) and available at most food and drug merchandisers.

A Technical Tennis Sock That Makes a Difference

We didn't know that socks really mattered until we started trying specialty styles. We will not be going back for another low priced six-pack at T.J. Maxx. With the kind of comfort and snug fit offered by companies like Eurosock, you will forget your feet, even in a super long match. Pictured here are two of four styles, the Slam Cool for men (also in white) and Court Cool for women (also sold with accents of blue or pink) Both have a suggested retail price of $9.00 a pair. The padding system is set in just the right places to provide protection against hard stops and starts, and "expansion joints" in the seams make the socks stretch and move without any bulk or wrinkling. This means no blisters. Eurosocks are a bit thinner than other technically savvy styles we've tried so if you wear a very snug sneaker, these might work well for you. The moisture management provided by the Coolmax content lives up to its billing. Find retailers and learn more at www.eurosock.com. You can also find some of the styles at www.tenniswarehouse.com.

Train Like the Pros with this Tennis Ball Caddy

When you want to drill specific shots or practice that serve over and over again, what's more aggravating than having just a few balls?

Bring along a bagful (150 should do it) with a collapsible ball caddy that holds balls at waist level. This lightweight travel cart opens and folds super quick (seconds) and doesn't take up tons of room in your car like many other ball carriers.

The Gamma Ballhopper EZ Travel cart 150 retails for  $119.95 USD. That's just a few dollars more than one, one-hour private in some parts of the country. Go to www.atssports.com to learn more or to buy. You can get the matching ball bag for $23.95. Happy drilling to you.

Unique towel offers cooling relief in the heat

This court side towel, the Sammy Cool 'n Dry, lives up to its name. If you live in the south you will want one year-round. When you are hot, it cools; when you are wet, it dries. The sponge-like hydrophilic, micro porous construction holds water and keeps that water cold, allowing you to cool yourself down between games and dry yourself off between points. Equally important the towel does not drip water all over the court, or down your back. Our entire team brought these towels to regionals and they were an enormous help in the killer heat. The Cool 'n Dry is washable and comes in a container you can fill with ice water prior to play. We kept ours in a mini cooler with our drinks. Available in blue, yellow and green, the large size is 33 1/4" x 13" and costs $14.95 U.S.D. To purchase or learn more about the Cool 'n Dry technology go to www.super-cool-products.com.

Get the stink out of those sweaty tennis clothes

Tennis apparel makers have done a great job developing workout wear that effectively manages moisture and body heat. You may have noticed however, that these same fabrics tend to hang onto odors, rendering even the finest athletic clothing unpleasant smelling even after washing.

WIN High performance sport detergent's super oxygenated cleaning technology specifically targets workout odors and stains, eliminating embedded sweat molecules and smells that can overwhelm athletic fabric over time. It really works. We tossed in a load of mens' tennis shirts we thought were at the end of their road and they came back nicely refreshed. WIN retails for $6.99 U.S.D. for 21 oz., is biodegradable based on OECD standards, and is available at Dick's Sporting Goods, specialty stores in the US and at www.WINdetergent.com.

The U.S. Olympic team has adopted the brand as their detergent of choice, a good vote of confidence for sure.

A security blanket (ok, vise) for that weak ankle

This is one of the best ankle supports we've found. Wear one and you will feel solid no matter how tough your gets get. Andy Roddick wears one on each ankle. Take a close look at the Roddick image in this site's February 28 post and you will see them. If you are injured in any way, use the ASO Ankle Stabilizing Orthosis in line with your doctor's orders. If you are simply concerned because your ankle is weak and turns easily, strap one on to feel more secure.

ASOs take a little time to put on with all the lacing and wrapping of straps but the peace of mind is so worth it!  Ladies, you'll need to wear this with a taller sock. The manufacturer's website tells you how to measure for your size to insure the best fit. Visit www.medspec.com for more information or to purchase.  All sizes are $39.95 U.S.D. and they come in black and white.

Treat nagging tennis injuries with an icy hug

Elbow, wrist and knee injuries are common in tennis. Treat or keep them at bay with these new flexible heat or ice sleeves that roll right on and completely cover the injured area. No more moving the pack around to get every spot. The 360-degree coverage allows the entire circumference of the injured area to be treated at one time. How nice is that?

Use these reusable sleeves (microwave for heat, freeze for cold) according to your doctor's recommendations. You will love how easy they are to use and will find yourself actually following your prescribed icing regime. Each therapy sleeve comes with a fabric insulating layer to put on first to protect your skin from extreme temperatures from the pack.

Torex Hot/Cold Therapy Sleeves are available in five sizes for different limb circumferences. Measure with an inch to spare for the area you are looking to treat. They have sleeves for the finger, wrist, elbow, knee and thigh and range from $12.95 USD to $24.95. Order at www.torexhealth.com.

Having a hard time focusing on the ball?

We had heard about Competivision eyewear technology from Bolle but had never tried it. What took us so long? With these lenses, that fuzzy little ball is superbly optic yellow and stands out over everything else on the court around you. The lens technology essentially mutes all colors except optic yellow enabling your eyes to pick up the ball faster. You can see the difference the Competivision lens makes with the online demo at www.bolle.com.

The Competivision lens is available in 12 different frames including the Shift ($149 USD), Warrant ($189), Edge ($149) and Microedge ($149) pictured left.  Everyone who tried them loved the look of the Microedge. You can check out the other frame styles online at www.bolle.com. All styles offer total UVA/UVB protection and are best for outdoor play. The newest styles, including the Microedge, will be online shortly or at Bolle dealers worldwide. They have a dealer listing on the site.  Bolle is the official eyewear of the U.S.P.T.A. which is certainly another vote of confidence. If you are having a hard time keeping your eye on the ball, you can't help but watch it in these. Advantage you. Also available at Tennis-Warehouse.

Janko Tipsarevic rocks the court in these Oakleys

It's not often you see a pro wearing specs on-court, but these are hot, especially on Janko Tipsarevic (here at the Australian Open). With these frames in the offing, we have decided that it's time to dispense with the notion that the glasses we wear to work will suffice on the court. How many times do you adjust yours during a match?

These lightweight frames are from Oakley. We tried them out and they don't budge during play -- plus we have to admit we felt a little edge wearing them.

This is the prescription Half Jacket style available from prescription Oakley dealers. They'll run you around $330.00 U.S.D.  Go to Oakley to find a dealer. You can buy the non-prescription sunglass version of the Half Jacket online on the Oakley site. Prices for sunglass styles start at $105.00 U.S.D. They come with a great hard case that you can just toss in your racquet bag, ready for your next hit. Getty Images.

You'll dig for these socks every time

These are simply among the best tennis socks we've tried. They wick moisture away from your tired dogs and are so cushioned you'll be tempted to wear them at home as slippers (don't because you'll ruin them). Their padding offers awesome blister, impact and shear protection, especially in the heel and toes, and the change in construction at the arch means no excess fabric anywhere to bunch up.

Thorlos are available for men and women and come in three cushioning levels (with the thickest, level 3, you may need to add a half size to your sneaker). The styles shown here are crew, left and rolltop, right. There are three more styles. $11.99-$13.99 per pair. Your feet will be thrilled. Buy them at www.thorlo.com or Tennis-Warehouse