Soccer tennis – a game similar to soccer that is played on a tennis court – has been kicking around for years; in fact, children playing it on local tennis courts are often shooed away for fear they will damage the nets.
But Wildwood will embrace an organized form of the game this weekend when it welcomes the King of the Court Soccer Tennis Tournament Saturday July 30.
Started in 2008 in Milwaukee, Wis., by two brothers, Anthony and Michael Maher, King of the Court combines aspects of soccer, tennis and volleyball in a quick-moving game.
Anthony Maher is entering his 10th season as a professional soccer player and his fourth year with the Major Indoor Soccer League's Philadelphia Kixx. Born and raised in Cape May County, he has scored more than 100 goals as a professional indoor soccer player and was a top scorer for the Kixx in 2008-2009.
His younger brother Michael played Division I soccer with the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was a co-captain and a defensive mainstay.
According to the promoters, the game is way for soccer players to improve their first touch on the ball. No player-to-player contact is allowed, so players can practice their skills with little pressure from opponents.
The brothers say the game helps develop quick reaction and anticipation and forces players to properly and intelligently use different parts of their body, including thighs,
feet, head and chest.
The tournament includes singles and doubles action, similar to tennis.
The two-on-two action challenges players to concentrate on their first touch and passing, or “setting up,” their partner to score points against an opponent, according to the Mahers. Video clips on the website show a fast-moving game with players often finishing off the point with everything from a head spike to a soft-touch drop shot.
The scoring is similar to ping-pong, with service changing every five points.
The entry fee is $95 for adult teams, $75 for youth teams and $55 for singles.
Preregistration will take place 5:30 p.m. at The Deck, 3401 Pacific Ave., Wildwood. Families that come and have dinner or appetizers there will receive a free King of the Court tournament shirt.
Registrations will be taken until the start of the tournament. Teams are guaranteed a minimum of three matches, with a match consisting of a best-of-three series to 15 points.
King of the Court tournaments are also set to take place this year in Northeast Philadelphia, King of Prussia and Stroudsburg, Pa.
Prizes include up to $1,000 cash for winning teams, trophies, medals and sponsor goodies.
The tournament will be held at the Fox Park tennis courts at Ocean and Montgomery avenues, across from the Wildwoods Convention Center.
For rules, information, video clips or to register see www.kingofthecourt.net .
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