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August 29, 2005
I'm Not the Only Techno-Optimist
Posted by Nick
Here's a good argument in favor of the technological encroachment in sports such as tennis and golf.
Did you watch the final men’s match at Wimbledon this year? What amazingly well-played tennis. Powerful serves, masterful returns, electric net play, and, by golly, lots of prolonged baseline volleys.
See, once the big servers became so prevalent, kids started practicing returns – really good, offensive returns, not just defensive prayers. Suddenly, the 120-mph serve wasn’t as much of an advantage because (a) every one could hit them and (b) lots of guys learned how to return them.
Perhaps young golfers today will learn that, thanks to the equipment, the playing field has leveled in terms of length. It seems every kid these days is long, so what advantage is that? Maybe the scales will tip and in order to get the edge, kids will learn how to do amazing things with their clubs, move the ball in heretofore unseen ways, develop shots no one’s dreamed of yet...
I'm not sure I agree with all of this, but it's nice to hear an optimist about technology and sports for a change.
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Nick Schulz is the Editor of Tech Central Station and has worked in media circles and the ideas industry as a writer, editor, television producer and policy analyst. His writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Slate, The National Post of Canada, The Baltimore Sun, Investor's Business Daily, The Washington Times, National Review, Reason, Policy Review, and several other publications. He is also, it should be said, a rabid sports fan whose fandom is inversely proportional to his overall athletic ability.
1. Ryan on August 31, 2005 12:22 PM writes...
I think competition should be about the individuals talent not if he has the better club or whatever. Technology is creeping in everywhere, sports should be left alone. All of this does make for an interesting argument though. I think you should do a write up on the subject for associatedcontent.com. Check it out.
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