Pre-Order New Wilson Blade V9
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Pre-Order the New WILSON BLADE V9
Coming Soon!
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PADEL GIVE-AWAY
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Stand a chance to WIN a SPADDA XENA 3K Valued at R4,299.00
*Sign up to our weekly newsletter and stand a chance to WIN. Winners announced 11/2023. T&C’s Apply * E&OE *
Suzanie shines in the SA Showdown…and more!
Suzanie shines in the SA Showdown…and more!
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Baseline Racquets loves to support and celebrate the tennis stars of South Africa. One such rising star is Suzanie Pretorius, a proud Baseline Warrior and Protea tennis player.
Suzanie is the definition of dynamite and boasts a myriad of tennis titles to date. She started playing tennis at the tender age of 7 – inspired by her brother to play. Born to play tennis, she claimed her first major title at the Kloppers Masters, at the age of 7. This was followed by an impressive run, where Suzanie became the under-10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 South African champion, respectively.
Suzanie has also proven herself to be an excellent team player. She was selected to represent South Africa as an under 12, 14, and 16 in the SA Junior team playing CAT tournaments in Africa. She also played as part of the under-18 AJC team representing South Africa, and they became the 2022 AJC champions.
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She achieved her best junior world ranking of 190 on the junior ITF circuit and clinched 3 ITF titles. Now, as a senior on the tour, aged just 18, Suzanie was selected for the Billy Jean King Cup as a Protea player. This set Suzanie on the path of history, as she became the first-ever NWU University Protea player.A tremendous honour and a career highlight for Suzanie!
Recently, Suzanie competed in the 2023 SA Showdown team competition – captaining her team to victory and winning the Singles Shootout title. Deservingly so – Suzanie was awarded MVP (most valuable player) of the tournament.
Suzanie has certainly proven that she can compete with the best – smashing every ceiling in South Africa and making her country proud. Her dream is to become a professional tennis player on the international circuit, and she is well on her way as she achieved her first WTA point in July, at a Future W $25 000 event.
Suzanie is coached by Riaan Venter in Potchefstroom and this year her goal is to break into the top 800 WTA rankings, and next year break into the top 300 WTA rankings. We know you can do it Suzanie – hard work always pays off!
Baseline Racquets is proud of your incredible achievements and we wish you all the best for your bright tennis future.
Pre-Order Yonex Percept
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Pre-Order the New YONEX PERCEPT
Launching on the 25th of August 2023
Women’s Day Specials
Celebrating Women In Sports!
Bringing you exclusive Women’s Day savings for the entire month of August!
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Shop Activewear
ADIDAS SKIRT CLUBHOUSE PREMIUM PLEATED WN WHT (SS23)
R999.00 Original price was: R999.00.R299.00Current price is: R299.00. Incl.
ADIDAS TIGHT TENNIS PARIS 2IN1 PRERED (SS23)
R1,599.00 Original price was: R1,599.00.R599.00Current price is: R599.00. Incl.
YONEX TANK TOP AO WN MIST PURPLE (SS23)
R799.00 Original price was: R799.00.R499.00Current price is: R499.00. Incl.
YONEX SKORT AO WN MIST PURPLE (SS23)
R799.00 Original price was: R799.00.R399.00Current price is: R399.00. Incl.
NIKE TANK DRI-FIT ONE ELASTIKA WN AQUA/WHITE (SS23)
R449.00 Original price was: R449.00.R299.00Current price is: R299.00. Incl.
ADIDAS TANK CLUB TENNIS WN NAV (SS23)
R449.00 Original price was: R449.00.R219.00Current price is: R219.00. Incl.
NIKE TANK COURT HERITAGE WN PUR (SU22)
R499.00 Original price was: R499.00.R199.00Current price is: R199.00. Incl.
YONEX SHIRT TEE LOGO 16512 WN WHT/SAX
R399.00 Original price was: R399.00.R199.00Current price is: R199.00. Incl.
ASICS SHORT COURT WN NAV (AW22) (TBD)
R649.00 Original price was: R649.00.R349.00Current price is: R349.00. Incl.
YONEX SHIRT TEE LOGO 16512 WN BLK
R399.00 Original price was: R399.00.R199.00Current price is: R199.00. Incl.
Shop Footwear
ADIDAS SHOE BARRICADE WN BLU/SCARLET (SS23)
R2,699.00 Original price was: R2,699.00.R1,599.00Current price is: R1,599.00. Incl.
ADIDAS SHOE AVACOURT WN BLK/BLU (SS23)
R2,699.00 Original price was: R2,699.00.R1,599.00Current price is: R1,599.00. Incl.
YONEX SHOE SONICAGE 2 WN NAVY/BLUE PUR
R1,999.00 Original price was: R1,999.00.R1,499.00Current price is: R1,499.00. Incl.
Play like the Legends…
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Baseline brings you the padel rackets of the pro's - Shop the master collection now!
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Ale Galán, a renowned padel player, has collaborated with Adidas to introduce the limited edition 2023 version of the Padel Metalbone Master racket. With Galán’s extensive experience and skill in the sport, this padel has been meticulously crafted to meet the demands of elite players. The Adidas Padel Metalbone Master Ltd 2023 showcases the latest advancements in padel technology, combining power, control, and maneuverability in a remarkable way. The limited edition design adds a touch of exclusivity, making it a coveted choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Galán’s partnership with Adidas continues to redefine the boundaries of innovation in padel, further solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.
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Martita Ortega’s partnership with Adidas has resulted in the creation of the Padel Adipower Master LTD, a paddle racket that perfectly reflects her playing style and demands. The Adipower Master LTD is designed to provide exceptional control, power, and maneuverability, allowing players to unleash their full potential on the padel court. With Martita’s invaluable input and expertise, the Adipower Master LTD stands as a testament to her dedication to the sport and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of padel equipment.
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As a professional padel player, Seba Nerone has showcased his skills on numerous occasions, leaving a lasting impact on the game. His partnership with Adidas has led to the development of the Padel Adipower Legend, a padel racket that epitomizes his playing style and preferences. The Adipower Legend is designed to offer players a perfect balance of power and control, enabling them to execute precise shots with ease. With Nerone’s extensive experience and expertise, the Adipower Legend is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to enhancing the padel experience for players at all levels.
A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Perfect Padel Racket
A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Perfect Padel Racket.
Padel has gained significant popularity in recent years, captivating sports enthusiasts around the world. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, selecting the right padel racket is crucial to maximizing your performance on the court. With countless options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which racket suits your playing style and skill level. In this blog, we will provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing a padel racket.
Understand Your Playing Style:
Before diving into the various racket options, it’s important to assess your playing style and needs. Are you an aggressive player who loves to hit powerful shots? Or do you prefer a more defensive approach with precise control? Understanding your style of play will significantly narrow down the racket choices and ensure a better fit for your game.
Weight and Balance:
Padel rackets come in different weights and balance points, and these factors can greatly impact your performance. Lighter rackets offer increased maneuverability and allow for quicker reaction times. On the other hand, heavier rackets provide more power and stability. The balance point of the racket determines the distribution of weight, with options ranging from head-heavy to head-light. Consider experimenting with different weights and balance points to find the right combination that suits your playing style.
Racket Shape:
Padel rackets typically come in three different shapes: diamond, teardrop, and round. Each shape offers distinct characteristics and caters to specific playing styles.
- Diamond: This shape features a wider top and a narrower bottom, providing more power and enhancing aggressive shots. It is ideal for players who prioritize power over control.
- Teardrop: A teardrop-shaped racket strikes a balance between power and control. It offers a larger sweet spot and is suitable for versatile players who enjoy a mix of power and precision.
- Round: Round-shaped rackets prioritize control and accuracy. They provide a larger sweet spot and are recommended for players who rely on ball placement and finesse.
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Material and Construction:
Padel rackets are commonly made of carbon fiber or a combination of carbon fiber and other materials. Carbon fiber rackets are lightweight, durable, and offer excellent performance. They provide enhanced power and control, making them a preferred choice for many players. However, keep in mind that carbon fiber rackets tend to be pricier. Assess your budget and choose a racket that strikes the right balance between performance and affordability.
Choosing the right padel racket is a personal decision that requires consideration of various factors such as playing style, weight, balance, shape, material, grip size, and testing options. By taking these factors into account and experimenting with different rackets, you can find the perfect racket that enhances your gameplay and enjoyment on the padel court. Remember, the right racket can make a significant difference in your performance, so invest time in research and testing to find the one that suits you best. Play on and enjoy your padel journey!
Flex Rackets – Badminton Rackets for all player levels
Flex Rackets - Badminton Rackets for all player levels
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A flexible badminton racket, commonly known as a “flex racket,” has a shaft that bends more easily than a stiff racket. The flexibility of the racket affects how the player feels the shuttlecock and how they can manipulate it. Here are some of the reasons why flex rackets are important in badminton:
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Increased Power: A flex racket can store more energy when the player swings the racket, resulting in a more powerful shot. This is because the flex allows the shaft to bend backward on the player’s swing, then snap back forward when the shuttlecock is struck, generating more power.
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Improved Control: Flex rackets provide better control over the shuttlecock because they offer more feedback to the player’s hand, allowing them to feel the shuttlecock better. This feedback allows players to make more accurate and precise shots.
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Reduced Stress: A flex racket reduces the amount of stress on the player’s arm and wrist during play. With a more flexible shaft, the racket can absorb some of the impact from hitting the shuttlecock, reducing the amount of shock transmitted to the player’s arm and wrist.
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Increased Comfort: Flex rackets can be more comfortable to use than stiff rackets because they can reduce the amount of vibration felt in the hand when hitting the shuttlecock. The reduced vibration can make playing for extended periods more comfortable.
In summary, a flex racket can improve a player’s power, control, comfort, and reduce the amount of stress on their arm and wrist. These factors make flex rackets important for badminton players of all levels.
South Africa’s Best!
The fascinating story of how South Africa’s best tennis academy – Real Athletes Tennis Academy started!
Baseline Racquets is proud to partner and work closely with the Real Athletes Tennis Academy, founded and run by head coach – Earl Grainger. Earl now boasts an incredible academy that is filled with some of South Africa’s top tennis players and of course our very own Baseline Warriors.
Find out more about RATA as Earl tells us about his journey in his own words.
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RATA’s story begins way back in 1980 when for two US dollars you got one SA rand. During that very first year away from home, I was awarded a tennis scholarship at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville Tennessee in the USA. It was the time when kids were aspiring to be the very next Jimmy Connor, Arthur Ashe, Bjorn Borg, Martina Navratilova or Chris Evert. I came from an extremely sporty family where my mother was a national swimmer and my father a world cup soccer player. That is how my competitive nature kicked in, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life on the tennis court, and the fact that it was already in my blood, it was inevitable that my dream to be a renowned coach, training and nurturing top tennis players would become a reality. This was my path from as early as I could hold a racquet in my hand at 6 years old. With the support and guidance of my parents, I was able to achieve my goals and ambitions, and begin my life training in the USA, the land of opportunity. The USA was a the place where you could grow and become just about anything you wanted to. So it was there that after four years I eventually completed my studies and began to map out my future plans, choosing my route on the court and my contemporaries and teammates chose theirs – to name a few: Paul Annacone and Mike De Palmer Junior, both of whom went on with their aspiring tennis careers (Annacone number 9 in the world and number 1 in the world in doubles, and Mike Junior ranked 32 in the world in singles. Annacone became Pete Sampras and Roger Federer’s coach and Mike Junior coached Boris Becker). I had a dream and a goal, to get as much international experience from as many highly talented and likeminded top coaches out there. That is how I took my first steps, learning from successful and respected coaches at a variety of clubs and academies throughout the USA . I knew I was now on my way to one day owning, directing, and driving my own academy.
During my time abroad I worked for and alongside many of the great American coaches, learning and perfecting hour by hour, day by day a multitude of styles, techniques, and strategies. Most importantly it was knowing and learning how and when to directly pinpoint and channel factors such as the endurance aspect, continued work ethic and physical movement paired with the mental attributes of a very specific and committed player and then bringing all those factors together to produce a truly great tennis player.
Knowing and learning from the onset that the basics of the game were all very much similar wherever you trained was obvious, but the turning point in a player’s progress and how fast they climbed that ladder to the top was all based on the guidance of the person leading from the front. If that was and is in place from the very beginning, like a baby taking its first steps, then the success and final product was an absolute no-brainer. I knew full well, that all these differentiating factors had to be implemented correctly and effectively into each and every player from the very beginning, and then finally and very carefully and strategically brought together to produce that player of excellence both on and off the court, always making sure that I imparted all my years of knowledge and personal experience into the different game styles and that unique individual player. This was the important factor, creating a player using his or her own genetic makeup paired with my professional and individualised coaching techniques.
Every single player is unique, all on a continued journey of ultimately bettering their game and taking in pertinent information at their own pace and in different ways, each with their own differentiating characteristics, from the way they walked, the way they talked to the way they moved – they are all very different to each other. Remembering always that no one player is ever the same as another, some are more energetic than others, some need special attention in certain areas of weakness, some are aggressive, and some softer. There is no one-size fits all approach, the correct way I have learned is what works personally for each individual player.
What I set out to create 18 years ago was a supportive team atmosphere in an individual sport. I wanted to have the right team of coaches besides me in my daily structures and drill plans, mentoring and guiding young players to be the best possible versions of themselves based on their unique ways and varying styles of teaching overseen by myself, always in accordance with The Real Athletes Tennis Academy way. I, together with my highly appointed team of entrusted Tennis Pros, have built and perfected through years of dealing with young athletes on and off the court.
My road to success and being able to produce top players is not just about what you learn on a court and standing beside a teacher in the early years developing your learned skills into a player or a coach; it’s about when you find yourself with a mountain in front of you, it’s not about standing still and thinking you have lost the game, it’s about quick thinking on your feet and instantly recognising the fact that you can always think ahead in a tight situation. So, it’s there and then that you don’t give up, you look at it from a different angle and you either go over that mountain staring you in the face, or you find a way to go around it , but you will not give up when the game gets tough. It’s about manoeuvring, strategy and entrusting yourself to make a decision that will get you that winning trophy that you have worked so hard for. Win or lose that game, someone who doesn’t give up is by my teachings always a winner.
We all have faced mountains in our lives, for me, many personally in my private life and as a Coach, from the very beginning after starting up again with nothing to running many successful clubs and international Academy programmes and business ventures. I picked up the pieces and with one court in a private house with one pupil, through a friend of my brothers I was entrusted to run a small club in South Africa upon my return from the States. I then grew from strength to strength and pupil by pupil I began to build my legacy, thanks to the generosity and loyalty of a great friend who saw the ability and the big picture ahead, a friend and a colleague who today is a partner in the academy.
Looking back now I am grateful for the opportunities in my life, and the people who opened doors for me along the way. So, together with my appointed Coaches besides me, and the academy’s continued yearly success at nationals and IT junior events, and the growth of the academy in all tennis-related areas. I am proud to say we not only produce the very best players through our strength in coaching knowledge both emotionally and physically but also intellectually through our very own highly successful home-schooling program, at international levels, opening doors to future stars at international universities and producing successful future players.
Ultimately it’s not only how you play the game on the court, it’s also how you play the game off the court that defines you as a player and as a person that achieves what they initially set out to do. Both in the game of tennis and in the game of life, with respect and clarity and with a defined goal in mind. It’s not just about holding up that trophy in the end, it’s every single little step that you have taken that has bought you to where you are standing now and remembering how you got there – through commitment, effort, trust, and always “keeping your eye on the yellow ball up ahead”. And certainly to believe in yourself and your coach.
As said by Marina Navratilova: “Just go out there and do what you have to do”.
And, as said by me, “Do it properly”.
In a period of 18 years, we started out with three coaches including myself and six kids. We have now evolved
where currently the academy has 10 coaches, 2 personal trainers, a movement specialist, a sports psychologist , and a tournament and travelling co-ordinator. We boast 400 plus kids, and have won every tournament South Africa has to offer including professional events. We teach at three primary schools and have 4 venues. The importance of teamwork is what is emphasised.
Without our very experienced, passionate, and loyal group of coaches who have been with the academy as a player or coach from the onset of the academy, this academy would not be where it is today.
From the bottom of my heart I thank each and every coach, parent, and player who has had a role in the development of the academy .
We hope we will continue to grow into Africa’s finest academy.
Earl Grainger
RATA