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Old 11-16-2012, 11:42 AM   #1
tennisenthusiast
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Default How to pick up balls?

I am sure some of you may think this is a dumb question and I can expect some funny responses but nevertheless let me put it out there.

What is the best/recommended way to pick up balls in between points and/or games? Do you always bend to pick them up or use your feet to get them or use an equipment?

Which method will put less pressure on your lower back? We do this action so many times in our lifetime and was wondering what is the best way.
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Old 11-16-2012, 11:47 AM   #2
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There's a thread here on some cool different techniques, from foot only to racket tip spinning the ball onto.
Do you need to stretch during games?
Is looking cool the main consideration?
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Old 11-16-2012, 11:50 AM   #3
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Move to San Francisco.
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Old 11-16-2012, 11:53 AM   #4
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Or MiamiBeachFL....
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Old 11-16-2012, 11:54 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LeeD View Post
There's a thread here on some cool different techniques, from foot only to racket tip spinning the ball onto.
Do you need to stretch during games?
Is looking cool the main consideration?
Which method will put less stress on the body? I do not necessarily have to stretch every couple of minutes because that's how frequently I have to pick up balls being a recreational player.
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Old 11-16-2012, 11:56 AM   #6
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Best is to point the rackethead right atop the ball, roll the ball towards the rackethead, scoop up in one motion.
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Old 11-16-2012, 11:57 AM   #7
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Move to San Francisco.
To pick up LeeD?
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Old 11-16-2012, 12:10 PM   #8
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I almost always squat down all the way and just grab the ball.
This way is like doing body squats through the match but I'm just a recreational player and not trying to conserve energy.
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Old 11-16-2012, 12:11 PM   #9
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I usually get the ballgirls to do it.
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Old 11-16-2012, 12:21 PM   #10
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Which method will put less stress on the body?
I can't believe people actually consider this.

Just watch how the really old guys do it. The copy them.
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Old 11-16-2012, 02:35 PM   #11
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This thread reminds me of the time I asked a stripper what is the best way to pick up quarters.....

She uses her thumb and index finger. Fascinating.
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Old 11-16-2012, 02:54 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tennisenthusiast View Post
I am sure some of you may think this is a dumb question and I can expect some funny responses but nevertheless let me put it out there.

What is the best/recommended way to pick up balls in between points and/or games? Do you always bend to pick them up or use your feet to get them or use an equipment?

Which method will put less pressure on your lower back? We do this action so many times in our lifetime and was wondering what is the best way.
I read that the best method to pick up things is to lean from the hip on one leg, with the other one sliding back and up a bit, as if picking a golf ball out of a hole. Use this for everything from picking up tennis balls to unloading the dishwasher, etc. When I remember to do it, it actually feels pretty good and doens't stress the back.
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Old 11-16-2012, 03:01 PM   #13
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I use the outside of my right foot together with the racket to get it off the ground, then dribble it once with the racket before catching it. This way there's no bending of the back whatsoever.

At my age I think this is a great topic and not silly at all. My back's not bad but I'd still rather save it for actual playing than picking up balls.
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Old 11-16-2012, 03:25 PM   #14
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If you feel your lower back is in such precarious condition that picking up balls poses a threat, you probably should play something other than tennis.
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Old 11-16-2012, 04:50 PM   #15
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Ok, here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5IuIxVOJcM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns_Ac-wtTic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuGcXL7uh-g
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Old 11-16-2012, 06:03 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tennisenthusiast View Post
How to pick up balls?
Assuming you are physically able. . . bend the **** down.
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Old 11-16-2012, 06:42 PM   #17
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^ Let's see if you're still saying this at 60+

Here's another variation of the Nadal method:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mKthsMsAuM
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Old 11-16-2012, 09:50 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SystemicAnomaly View Post
Ok, here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5IuIxVOJcM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns_Ac-wtTic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuGcXL7uh-g
That Hopeless to Jedi master one was funny... although the Jedi master technique reminds of how badminton players pick up shuttles
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Old 11-16-2012, 10:49 PM   #19
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Quote:
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That Hopeless to Jedi master one was funny... although the Jedi master technique reminds of how badminton players pick up shuttles
True dat. Many of us badminton players are Jedi Masters.
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Old 11-22-2012, 08:17 AM   #20
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Ball Hopper,,no bend at all...
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