Summary: <p><br></p> <p><a href="http://iws.punahou.edu/user/lcouillard/Kick%20the%20Stick.m4v">Download file</a> (right-click and "save as...")</p> <p><br> Fumiya Nakano, Punahou Tennis Professional demonstrates "Kick the Stick."</p> <p>For this warm-up you will need crooked sticks, about 12 inches long. After each player kicks the stick to their line, they turn around, and kick it back the next player in line. Sticks must be kicked along the ground and not in the air. </p> <p>This warm-up exercise trains fitness, balance and agility. In addition to footwork benefits, players are compelled to constantly reorientate themselves in their approach to the stick. Better balance can provide that extra instant that will allow you to track down that ball or get into proper defensive position. As the students become more proficient add turns and obstacles.</p> <p>Good footwork and agility will allow the player to have the endurance to be able to play longer and harder than their opponent. It will allow you to react faster to any situation that might present itself. Good agility and footwork will help avoid and prevent injuries.</p>
