Give It The Elbow

Have you noticed that anything ending in 'itis' always means bad news. Yes, the Greeks have got a lot to answer for.

So if you've been diagnosed with Lateral Epicondylitis it means you have the dreaded 'tennis elbow'. Actually there is no need to see the doc for diagnosis - if a thousand volts shoot down your arm when you pick up your skinny latte, you've got it!

So what should you do if you've got tennis elbow.

Well you can struggle on with all sorts of slings, supports and plasters, grimace and grumble, and take one step forward and two back.

No I reckon you should take a 3 month break from tennis - and enjoy doing something different. This I will leave entirely to your imagination - but I reckon I would 'sell a few more sheep' and head for the sunshine.

For the men out there, there are certain no no's when you have tennis elbow. Avoid ironing, hoovering, washing up and any contact with your mother-in-law. And ladies, by all means re-invent your social network at Cafe Nero, but best avoid becoming a doughnut queen.

Once you're on the road to recovery, it's wise to have a session with a qualified coach. Often simple changes in technique, or changing the grip size of your racket, will prevent a recurrence.
There are lots of stretchy things you can do as well, whilst ensconced in front of Dragons Den.

Happy days!

Wimble Done

Yes folks it's all over once again. The 'oohs and aahs' have been consigned to the locker room - unless of course you can create your own which is much more fun!!

It was great to watch our new 'protege', Laura Robson, powering her way to victory in the Junior singles. It was most 'un-British' like, similar to Andy Murray's win against Richard Gasquet. Stardom at 14 is not a precursor to future success - so here's hoping the media allow her to develop naturally and not in isloation (there is a lot of other talent out there).

Of course if we are serious about creating British tennis stars, we have got to create facilities throughout the country, including Scotland (that's the place on the top of the weather map). So lets get behind Andy's mum and build a Scottish tennis academy. She has all the credentials to produce future stars - but financial backing is essential.

My last little thought for Wimbledon. Who is the guy in the William Tell hat who always gets pride of place alongside the coaches, mums, dads and girlfriends?

Answers please on a postcard..............