Rolling Replaces Throwing for Ballpeople at 2018 US Open

The USTA today announced that beginning with the 2018 US Open, ballpersons will roll the ball from point-to-point, rather than throw between positions.  Rolling between positions has traditionally been utilized at the other Grand Slam events.

 

“By rolling between positions, we are putting less emphasis on a single skill-set, in this case throwing, and instead looking at the importance of slotting more well-rounded athletes at the positions,” said Tina Taps, Director of US Open Ballpersons.  “In making this change, we are able to focus more on speed, dexterity and agility, important attributes for a ballperson, along with overall court awareness.”

“The goal of making the change to the rolling technique, is to create a larger pool of athletes and applicants trying out for the ballperson position,” said Stacey Allaster, Chief Executive, Professional Tennis, USTA. “In the past, potential applicants may have decided not to try out because of the daunting nature of the throw.  We hope that those same individuals will now come out for the try-out this year, as well as those that may have not made the cut in the past, solely due to their throwing prowess.”

 

The public ballperson tryouts for the 2018 US Open will take place on Tuesday, June 26, at 4:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. registration) at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in Flushing, N.Y. More than 100 sought-after ballperson positions will be up for grabs.  Ages 14 and older are eligible to try out for the coolest summer job in sports.

 

 To find more information and pre-register for the tryouts, go to www.usopen.org/ballperson.

BB&T Atlanta Open Media Day

June 12 was Media Day for the 2018 BB&T Atlanta Open. Again well attended as the tournament will be here in about 38 days.

Appearance with Sam and Greg Sunday Morning Show 6/10/18 92.9 The Game

Talking Father's Day tech gift items and some tennis with Sam Crenshaw and Greg Clarkson.

Have a listen:

1.   Zoopa Phoenix HD Drone
$179

For the Dad that wants a high performance drone at a great price
– Zoopa™, a snakebyte® group brand specialising in drones and RC vehicles, announced today the shipping of the Phoenix HD, a new high-performance drone engineered in Germany and now shipping worldwide.
Featuring a truly impressive specification, the Phoenix HD has been designed to offer enthusiasts a rich feature set and the latest camera stabilisation technology, previously unheard of for a drone at this price point and setting a new standard for value.

The Phoenix HD features integrated 2-axis camera stabilization (gimbal) technology, capable of capturing silky-smooth images and HD video, delivering rich, vibrant truly professional videography even under difficult flying conditions. The Phoenix HD proves ideal for seasoned enthusiasts and those new to drone ownership, including features such as ‘auto-land’ and ‘auto take off’ which take the difficulty and stress out of complex manoeuvres while retaining all the fun of flight for the user. At a touch of a button, the Phoenix HD will hover in a fixed position (great for capturing that perfect shot) and even return to its original take off position when ordered!
In addition, the Phoenix HD allows users to link their drone directly to their iOS™ or Android™ smartphone, and view their photography in real time, sending images direct to their smartphone thanks to on board Wi-Fi video technology.
 


2.  Cobra Irons - Smart Golf Clubs
www.cobragolf.com

Golf club manufacturers are expecting a big year in 2018, and one company, Cobra Golf, introduced the first ’smart’ set of clubs – the KING F8 AND F8+ line up featuring Cobra Connect Powered by Arccos. This is golf club engineering with next-level performance tracking. Your Cobra Connect clubs come standard with an Arccos sensor embedded in the grip end. This allows users to automatically track and analyze their performance with each club and across all game aspects. This is Cobra quality with Arccos technology collecting and disbursing that data golfers need and want at www.cobragolf.com.
 

3. AnySharpUSA Sharpeners
www.anysharpusa.com

AnySharpUSA.com line of sharpeners, including Knife Sharpeners, Smart Scissors, Pocket Knife Sharpener, Mini Chopper, Graters and there is even a sharpener for Dad with a green thumb , in the Multi-Tool Sharpener.
Check out the "World's Best" Knife Sharpener for $22, as it offers Dad the choice of colors to match his unique style, including Citrus Zest, Cream, Metal, Orange Zest, Pink Cream, Pistachio Cream, Racing Green, Royal Blue and Royal Red. For those that like to spend time in the kitchen, AnySharp also offers a Pro CHEF Sharpener for $30 that is recommended by Chef Jamie Oliver as a must-have and available in sleek colors of Brass, Copper and Wolf.

The Outdoor Dad will appreciate the Outdoors Knife Sharpener with Firestick ($24.99) - professional knife sharpener for any pocket knife or tactical knife with integrated firestick and striker to help light a fire or the Multi-Tool Sharpener ($18.00) a two-in-one sharpener that allows for rejuvenating almost any knife or tool, including gardening tools!  
 

4. Lucky Tackle Box - Fishing subscription box
www.LuckyTackleBox.com

Lucky Tackle Box is the No. 1 fishing subscription box in America, where you can sign Dad up and receive a monthly package full of the hottest lures, tackle and products in the sport fishing industry. The perfect Dad gift as the Lucky Tackle Box ships once a month, with each box packed all the necessary fishing goodies an angler might need.
LTB has 10 different boxes for species ranging from Bass to Walleye, Trout to Fly Fishing and they start at $15.99 per month.
 

And we finish up with some tennis and BB&T Atlanta Open talk.

Tickets and packages going fast, but still available at www.bbtatlantaopen.com

Inn at Perry Cabin

In Maryland this weekend at the Inn at Perry Cabin.

Will be a lot of talk about from this luxury resort on the Maryland coast.

It all started with a boat ride from Annapolis "Skip the Bridge" to the resort itself.

Rick's Appearance on 92.9 The Game with Sam Crenshaw and Mother's Day Ideas

Gadgets and Tech for Mom

With Atlanta-based tech writer, Rick Limpert on with 92.9 The Game's weekend crew, Sam and Greg!

Have a listen:

1.  BCOZZY – Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow for the traveling mom or anyone

If you've never understood the fascination with travel pillows, chances are you haven't tried BCOZZY. You and your child can now travel in comfort. BCOZZY provides head, neck and chin support. BCOZZY can be used three different ways. Whether you want to fold it, so you have an extra cushion between you and the side of the plane (car) if you want to sit straight up to have chin support, or put your head off to the side--there's a way to make this pillow work. Gone are the days of squishy bead pillows. BCOZZY is soft yet supportive! It also comes in different sizes so you and your child can both arrive at your destination well rested, and neck-pain free! Adult version too! www.bcozzy.com
 


2. YogaPaws   - Yoga keeps growing in popularity
www.yogapaws.com

If Mom is into yoga, she'll love YogaPaws gloves and socks created by Jamie Getzwiller. YogaPaws are made from an ergonomic design that keeps the webbing of the hands and feet happy and comfy while you exercise. The pads encourage correct posture and technique while providing all the comfort and support that Yogi needs. You get that feeling of being barefoot with YogaPaws. For about $30.
 

3. REKS Unbreakable Sunglasses
www.reksoptics.com

Performance and style at prices $30-50
REKs designs and produces unbreakable sunglasses, constructed with innovative frames and high-performance lenses. The perfect combination of comfort, function, and style, these sunglasses are the ideal eyewear for sports and leisure. With frames made from advanced polymer material, our tough sunglasses are incredibly durable and retain their shape through any activity. Lightweight and flexible, our unbreakable sunglasses fit easily and comfortably under helmets and on hats.

REKS sunglass lenses are engineered to be the best. They are the highest quality shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses on the market. Enhanced with Anti-Reflective coating, our sunglass lenses eliminate reflections from lens surfaces giving you the sharpest vision possible–the new gold standard of visual acuity. Our unbreakable sunglasses deliver superior visibility for the clearest, most brilliant experience.
REKS sunglasses combine indestructible frames with extraordinary lenses, all at a low price, making them the ultimate affordable luxury sunglasses. Browse our selection to discover your next favorite pair of polarized sports sunglasses.

 
4. Swimwear for Mom and the Entire Family  - Snapper Rock Swimwear
Embedded sun protection
www.snapperrock.com

Snapper Rock and SR is a line of UV50+ swimwear for babies, children, and also adults. Stay safe from the sun, but still have unlimited fun. There are some exciting new 2018 styles. Snapper Rock started making fresh and functional, protective gear for kids on the water. But it then grew to teens and adults with the SR line. Snapper Rock swimwear has the functionality that parents want – UV protection (blocking 98% of all harmful rays) lightweight, breathable and quick drying without compromising on style.  Designed in New Zealand, where the ozone layer is very thin, they have the expertise in ways we can protect kids in the sun, without taking away their fun.  They take pride in using the latest fabric technology, colors and designs to ensure Snapper Rock continues to lead this market segment.

For tennis fans...

BB&T Atlanta Open Tickets. Let's talk a little tennis.
www.bbtatlantaopen.com

John Isner and the Bryan Bros. return to defend. Jack Sock was in town recently.
US Open women's final rematch - Sloan Stephens and Madison Keys.
Ticket available, Ladies Day ,etc. Mom will love her time at the BB&T Atlanta Open!