Joel Ross Tennis Blog & other things...

Do you lead your organization like Jeremy Lin leads the Knicks?

2012-02-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

Do you take control at key moments?
Do you make everyone on your team better?
Do you know the strengths of your team members & give them opportunities to produce results using them?
Do you make good decisions under duress?
Do you take some calculated risks, fail occasionally, get up & keep going? (with a smile)
Do you surprise yourself & your team once in a while?
Are you humble & give credit to your team members?

If the answer is YES to all of the above, you just made the all star team!

Camp Directors...'Must Haves' for tennis program:

2012-02-08T09:00:00.002-05:00

For Children

10 & Under:

* Well organized training period for staff by tennis director
& director must understand 'progressions'
* There are a lot of 'progressions' to understand
* Proper equipment ie. sponge balls, orange or green balls (low compression)
* A progressive approach: children working on their own skills simultaneously with their own racquet & ball
* Good, fun, lightly competitive group games

10 & Over:

* A well organized training period for staff conducted by the tennis director to understand the drills & the purpose for each
* 'Synchronized Teaching' program where the director decides all the drills including sequence & timing of each.
* Instructors must know the 'purpose' of each drill & stress it while running the drill
* Organized match play/ladder with well communicated rules.
* A 'ladder boss' (a mature/responsible/organized staff pro) who posts 'who plays whom'.
* The campers/students do not have a say in whom they play.
* Be careful about posting the ladder for viewing. the ones near the bottom can get discouraged or embarassed, especially the 'last' one.

Are the inmates running the asylum?

2012-02-06T10:00:00.003-05:00

Several years ago at my sleepaway tennis camp in Kent, CT. there was an 'incident' which illustrated to me the importance & urgency of switching to 'synchronized teaching' at camp. 'Synchronized teaching' is a teaching system where every instructor on every court is teaching the same drills simultaneously. It enabled me to maintain control of our teaching program.

The title character of the story was one of our best playing counselors, 21 years old, very enthusiastic & whom I thought was one of our very best instructors at camp that summer.

During pre-camp training with our tennis staff I went over all the drills that I wanted them to use. Most are very fast paced, either technique or strategy oriented. They have been proven over time to be excellent training drills & games.

When the 'incident' happened, the tennis director & I were both present. We had 10 courts going at the time, each court had 4 students & 1 pro. The pro in question had our best campers. He knew the drills that we trained him in during pre camp training. We made it clear that those were the drills to use.

At his own whim he decided to use his own 'overhead' drill. His drill came down to an overhead for one player around the service line with his opponent at or inside the opposite service line. The one hitting the overhead was given instructions to hit the overhead right through his opponent. His opponent was given instructions to return the overhead & defend his side of the net.

My director & I noticed the drill right away. It didn't look like anything we had taught the instructors in pre-camp training. We both went right over to see what he was doing. As soon as we got there, the one hitting the overhead nailed an overhead right at his opponent, who was standing inside the service line. It hit him in the upper thigh. The kid went down. He was 15 years old, one of our best players & he was in pain. I held my breath while imagining that this was going to be serious. He eventually recovered after about 1/2 hour & was able to return to the court.

It was scary. He (we) got off lucky. He could have been seriously injured.

It was a wreckless drill. When we asked the instructor about it, he said that his coach uses it with the players on the team. We asked him why he didn't ask us first if he could use it & he just shrugged. He just wanted to do it with his group.

This is an example of an 'unsafe' drill. There are other times when instructors will implement their own drills which are pointless, boring or ineffective.

We now use 'synchronized teaching' at camp. I or the tennis director give the list of drills to be used that day to each instructor (the list changes every day). We give the instructors a '1 minute warning' before switching drills every 10 minutes. In an 1 1/2 hour class we get in about 6 or 8 drill sequences. It is amazing. Very energetic, purposeful & safe drilling on each court.

When parents send their kids to camp they expect that the instructors will be doing the right thing with their children. Most tennis staff at camp are great players & at the same time need to be taught how to handle a group of children on their court.

'Synchronized teaching' enables us to maintain control of our program, monitor the drills & maximize the overall experience for our campers.

Do you have a child under 6? Put the racquet down...

2012-02-03T09:55:00.009-05:00

I just filled in as 'guest instructor' at one of our quickstart after school programs in Pelham for kindergartners, about 5 years old.

There were 12 children in the class. Each child had a racquet & sponge ball.

The first exercise was hitting the ball up with the racquet, letting the ball hit the ground, & then hitting it up with the racquet again. NOBODY COULD DO IT (actually one kid could, but 11 couldn't)!

I had the kids put their racquets away. We started a progression with sponge balls only.

The first exercise was to bounce the ball on the ground & catch it in their hands. Once they could do it 10x in a row, the next was throw it up & catch it. Then throw it up, clap once, & catch it. Then clap twice, three times, etc. Another exercise was walking across the gym & bouncing the ball. After that, throwing against the wall & catching.

It's very important to start at the 'beginning', not in the 'middle' of a progression. In this case the beginning was without racquets.

At the end of the class we played a game with racquets. Some of the kids were able to meet the ball & it was a successful game.

For young children, under 6, start with hand eye exercises, throwing a ball & catching it, even rolling it & trapping it. Once an exercise is mastered, move to the next progression. Don't skip any, it can be discouraging to the child & counter productive.

Take your time & your child will love it!

Don't think...just see the seams of the ball.

2012-02-02T20:00:00.000-05:00

That's right. Don't think, at all, when playing. Just see the seams of the ball & things will fall in place. That's the Inner Game theory. It works. Your best tennis is ahead of you!

Grip dictates the stroke...

2012-01-26T10:20:00.002-05:00

Trying to imitate your favorite player's strokes is a great way to learn & improve.

However, if your grip is different, the stroke is going to be different.

An eastern or continental forehand grip is going to be flatter than a semi-western or western forehand. There is no way around it.

A full continental backhand grip with the hand all the way on top is capable of having a lot more topspin than a backhand with a normal continental grip.

It's ok to imitate your favorite players. Just remember that the grip still dictates the shot. In the end you will have to be your own player doing the best with the grips that you have.

There are advantages & disadvantages of every grip. Unless you want to go to a psychiatrist with a major meltdown, stick with your current grip, relax & keep practicing.

Longer racquet...

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

I picked up a Head TiS7 racquet which was in my garage for the longest time. It is amazing. It is 27 1/2" long. It has helped my serve & I am getting to balls that I never had a chance on before.

I haven't lost any feel since the racquet is relatively narrow. I think the length is the most important.

I recommend trying a longer racquet than the standard 27".

There's a fine line between intensity & relaxing.

2011-12-14T12:36:00.000-05:00

Yes, there must be intensity when you play.

However, don't let over intensity get in the way of relaxing while you hit. That's just as important.

Over intensity can make you try to muscle the ball. That's bad.

Try to find the right mix of intensity & relaxing while you hit.

Pointing the elbow back...

2011-12-12T12:34:00.002-05:00

towards the fence is the way to start the forehand, overhead & serve.

Once the stroke starts out right, things usually fall right into place.

Re-routing like GPS after each ball.

2011-11-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

Every ball is so different. It requires re-routing the body for each & every shot. Work hard for best position on each ball.

Keep the feet moving. Hit & move! Re-route quickly after each shot!

"If you are in position, you can hit any shot." Vitas Gerulaitis, Sr.

Depth is the name of the game...

2011-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

at the very advanced level.

Short balls are killers against a skilled opponent. He is either going to hit an outright winner, pin you in a corner or drop shot for a winner.

It is easy to say this, in fact we all know this. Just hit deeper, right? Wanting to do it doesn't make it happen. Practice, practice, practice is the only way.

Innate confidence will lead to deeper shots. There is no easy path. Keep practicing.

The drop shot is a great shot.

2011-11-21T20:00:00.000-05:00

However, you have to practice it just like any other shot, or it will backfire on you.

It's a great shot. It can be a game changer. Practice it like anything!

Midsize or oversize frame?

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I choose oversize, 110-118. What a difference in simply connecting with the ball & intrinsic power. As long as the frame is stable, go with the oversize. You will play better with it.

Overhitting is a problem.

2011-11-08T16:00:00.001-05:00

Relax before your hit. Using your strength is not a good idea. Get your feet set & time the shot. Make sure your body is moving with the hit.

The non dominant arm has a purpose.

2011-11-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

On the backhand volley & one handed backhand, thrust the non dominant arm back at time of impact, similar to a karate chop.

That gets the chest involved & gives the shot strength.

Dancing With the Stars has the 'quick step'...

2011-10-29T09:37:00.001-04:00

Tennis has the 'split step'.

Do it before every shot or you'll be sent home packing.

Try to blast your opponent off the court...

2011-10-27T08:50:00.002-04:00

& you'll be out of there very quickly. & it won't be pretty. You will get killed, or rather you will kill yourself.

Be patient. Play for a long point. Wait for the right opportunity to attack.

Play under control & you will have a chance to win.

'Blast' & you may as well start packing.

Don't play a match when you are timed.

2011-04-15T11:31:00.001-04:00

If you have to be somewhere, it's tough to play a match & concentrate the way you need to. Clear your schedule or don't bother playing. You won't like the result if you are timed.

Real nice video of Samantha Stosur 2nd serve & more...

2011-03-23T08:35:00.002-04:00

copy & paste the following link into your browser:

http://www.active.com/tennis/Articles/Samantha-Stosur-Kick-Serve-Video.htm?cmp=303&memberid=113582205&lyrisid=21600994

for more tips go to: www.joelrosstennis.com

Tennis Elbow Video

2011-03-18T08:41:00.002-04:00

Quick video, makes sense to me, try it...

http://beachtenniselbow.com/tennis-elbow-exercises-part-ii/

for more tips go to: www.joelrosstennis.com

Watch the lines very closely...

2011-03-12T20:29:00.001-05:00

If your opponent questions your call you must be able to show the exact mark. Anything else won't do & you will have to surrender the point. It's only fair.

Don't bother calling the ball out unless you have the exact spot where it landed.

We will be exhibiting at Long Island Tennis Expo...

2011-02-28T15:58:00.001-05:00

on Sunday, March 6. This is a free event! More than 1000 tennis enthusiasts expected. Follow link below for details:

http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103225666713-23/liexpo_joelross.pdf

When I am winning I am playing aggressively.

2011-02-11T16:57:00.020-05:00

When I am playing aggressively I am hitting more forehands. That's what happened today!

"It doesn't matter if you win or lose...

2011-02-11T12:27:00.002-05:00

Until you lose!"

I thought this was pretty good & true. by Miguel Vazquez, teaching pro with Metro Tennis at New York Tennis Club by the Throgs Neck Bridge. He can be reached at: Tennis5@aol.com

I've already said it 100 times, but it's worth...

2011-01-28T17:39:00.002-05:00

saying again. NO THINKING during matches. Never, ever, it will only screw things up. & no experimenting in matches either (that's another post).

Want to think? do it in practice. NEVER in matches. & that's final!

Put some air under your shot???????

2011-01-26T16:07:00.002-05:00

The announcers during the Australian Open are saying that all the time. What does it mean?

It means to hit the ball higher over the net, let it travel a little further, before landing deep in the court. It is great advice that we all need to follow.

Jack LaLanne dead at 96.

2011-01-24T09:02:00.003-05:00

Jack LaLanne, the fitness guru, inspired millions. He set the bar high, & we followed.

"Exercise is like breathing, something you do every day".

Find something you like to do & do it every day! & sometimes it has to hurt a little too. Then you know you are getting stronger, not simply maintaining.

Thanks for everything Jack!

Spin & the modern game...a necessity:

2011-01-19T19:19:00.001-05:00

http://www.tennisresources.com/index.cfm?area=video_detail&vidid=3365&media_type_id=3&Media_FileURL=&media_name=&media_desc=&media_status=1&media_preview=1&show=10&extra=0&reviewed=1&errors=&presenter=&AssetCategory=119&basicsearch=0&ATT=119&LineNbr=1&StartRow=1

for more tips go to: www.joelrosstennis.com

Knee strengthening video...

2011-01-07T11:28:00.002-05:00

good knee strengthening exercise video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dir6JAuPj_0

Troy shares the top knee strengthening and stability exercises that help prevent injury in and around the knee and joint. A practical demonstration of how to perform a proper squat and lunge with proper alignment is also covered.

Tennis breeds independent thinking...

2011-01-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

in our youth. Worth a look at Jim Loehr's video:

http://www.tennisresources.com/index.cfm?area=video_detail&vidid=2509&media_type_id=3&Media_FileURL=&media_name=&media_desc=&media_status=1&media_preview=1&show=10&extra=0&reviewed=1&errors=&presenter=&AssetCategory=132&basicsearch=0&ATT=132&LineNbr=1&StartRow=1

Click for USTA's High Performance Newsletter...

2010-12-20T17:01:00.000-05:00

http://www.usta.com/presentations/highperformance/newsletter-vol-11-2/index.html

Changing defense into offense by Dave Emery:

2010-12-20T09:33:00.001-05:00

I recommend it:

http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Tennis-Tip-with-Dave-Emery-articolo109.html

Do you ever find yourself watching your ball...

2010-12-17T16:03:00.003-05:00

praying that it stays in? Well don't! Expect it to come back, just get moving & ready for the next shot. It's coming & you better be there!

more tips at: www.joelrosstennis.com

When you practice it's ok to 'think'. By all means...

2010-12-16T08:52:00.002-05:00

think about what shots you want to hit, where to hit them. Think about different sequences. Do them over & over again to ingrain them in your brain. That's the way to practice.

However, once the bell sounds & the match begins...NO THINKING. Just do what comes, relax & hit the ball. Hopefully the practice will pay off.

Power defensive returns...

2010-11-22T16:34:00.002-05:00

The power defensive return is one of the most exciting shots in tennis. It takes a lot of strength & 'power' to make the shot. It will either be a 'lunge' in the open stance or 'crossover' in the closed stance, but anyway you do it, it takes a lot of strength, speed & power.

There is beautiful video of this at tennisplayer.net, but you need a password to access it.

If you have a daughter this is a good read...

2010-11-16T14:52:00.003-05:00

I attended an ACA conference last week on gender & the media. It was particularly insightful for girls/women & how they are influenced by the 'media'. Jean Kilbourne gave a terrific presentation. It was very interesting.

I recommend checking out her website: www.sosexysosoon.com

for tennis tips go to: www.joelrosstennis.com

Thinking...not good for the Jets & not good for us.

2010-11-13T11:44:00.002-05:00

I was listening to sports radio this morning. The commentary was pretty interesting. The announcer remarked that Mark Sanchez, the Jet quarterback, does so well in the 2 minute drill at the end of games. There is no changing plays, no audibles, just the set 2 minute play that everyone knows, i.e. the wide receiver goes out for a pass, if he isn't open, Sanchez dumps off to the halfback. It works & Sanchez is good at it.

The problem, the announcer says, is when Sanchez takes a look at the defense & starts 'thinking' & changes the play at the line of scrimmage. That's when things start going south. He says it's the 'thinking' that gets Sanchez in trouble.

Same thing in tennis. Maybe we should go through our 2 minute drill more on the tennis court. Keep it simple, no big changes, just go with what we do best & try our hardest. & most important, NO THINKING!

Don't pick up the 'rope'...read on

2010-11-12T10:39:00.003-05:00

At camp the staff are taught to leave the 'rope' where it lies. The 'rope' we are talking about are ways that campers try to drag staff into conversation or behavior that is inappropriate. When a staff member 'picks up the rope' invariably he gets into trouble. He is treading where he shouldn't be. He's a counselor & he has to know where to draw the line.

In tennis or any other sport for that matter, an example of picking up the 'rope' could be when your opponent makes a comment like 'that was the luckiest shot I have ever seen'. Leave it be, no need to respond. Only bad can come from it.

Or an opponent might complain about a call that you made, or give you a look. A simple, 'the ball was out, the mark is clear' will suffice. Don't engage in additional comments like 'you have made some close calls yourself'. It will only end in trouble. You will lose your concentration & the momentum could turn.

From my experiences in tennis & basketball, picking up the 'rope' has usually resulted from a player reacting to an unflattering comment from an opponent. Don't do it, keep your mouth shut & your resolve & concentration intact.

The double whammy for concentrating between points...

2010-11-09T09:37:00.001-05:00

concentrate on your breathing & fix your strings at the same time.

Good Nadal practice video, scroll down...

2010-11-08T10:20:00.000-05:00

http://sportstennissoccerbaseball766539.blogspot.com/

for more: www.joelrosstennis.com

Unless you are totally oblivious to reality...

2010-11-06T11:05:00.002-04:00

it should be quite obvious what areas of your game need improvement. Narrow it down to the specific thing that needs the practice & work at improving it. Easy to say, hard to do.

more tips at: www.joelrosstennis.com

You lose your concentration...

2010-11-05T15:46:00.002-04:00

in the middle of a match. Something is obviously bothering you, something other than the match. Maybe it's personal, maybe business related. The problem will still be there when the match is over.

Best to get your concentration back, do your best, win the match & deal with the problem later.

The other solution, is to lose the match & deal with the problem after.

Now you have two problems to deal with.

Come in behind the short ball/drop shot.

2010-11-04T21:47:00.002-04:00

If you can catch your opponent off guard, come in behind the short ball. Cut off his angle & volley his return (hopefully for a winner...like Federer).

more tips at: www.joelrosstennis.com

For USTA Junior Tourneys...

2010-11-04T11:53:00.000-04:00

go to: www.eastern.usta.com, then For Players, then Junior Tournaments. Call me if you need advice. no prob. 914-723-2165

Come into a match running.

2010-11-03T22:22:00.003-04:00

Get a good warmup prior to the match. Don't tire yourself out, but definitely play some points & work up a sweat. Better to start the match like it is in the middle of the set, than to be cold.

For more tips go to: www.joelrosstennis.com

Don't overdo it in the warmup...

2010-11-02T23:34:00.001-04:00

the results can be disastrous. A warmup is just that. Don't try to stretch too much, too fast. It can put you out of action for a long time. Take it easy. Go slow.

Forrest Gump...that's a movie!

2010-10-31T22:55:00.001-04:00

Make the best of what you have. Always do your best. Good things will happen.

Pre/post match routine....

2010-10-31T14:30:00.001-04:00

My pre game/match warmup: walking on the treadmill for 12 minutes at 4.0. Then 10 pushups, some inverted/arched stretching on my back. Some calf/hamstring stretches, squats Then 10 minutes of sport specific warming up i.e. 10 minute ground stroke hitting & a bunch of serves. Or for basketball, 5-10 minutes of shooting around. Then you are ready. After the match/game: squats, calf & hamstring stretches, pushups, lunges, situps. If you do this, it is amazing.

for more tips check out: www.joelrosstennis.com

Thinking? forget about it.

2010-10-29T18:42:00.003-04:00

Thinking is the kiss of death in any sport. Forget about it. Get your feet moving, get going & let it happen. Thinking will kill you.

for more tips: www.joelrosstennis.com

When you are winning...

2010-10-29T11:37:00.001-04:00

never let up. Things can go south real fast. I know...

for more tips check out Joel's Tips Page: http://www.joelrosstennis.com/tips.shtml

Pinch me, this is too much fun.

2010-10-27T23:11:00.001-04:00

Am I living this dream. Three nights of basketball in a row. Tennis on Friday. Two more days of basketball this weekend. Theater extra show Friday night. Knicks win the opener. Is this happening?

High balls require practice, just like everything else.

2010-10-27T09:35:00.004-04:00

Returning high looping balls (provided you let them bounce) can be troublesome. They require practice, like everything else. When practicing, don't do too many in a row. They use different muscles than normal height balls. You don't want to get an injury.

For more tips go to Joel's Tips page: http://www.joelrosstennis.com/tips.shtml

These new phones, gotta love them?

2010-10-25T22:09:00.002-04:00

There's a problem. Sometimes they make calls by mistake. & you don't know it is happening. People on the other end can hear your conversations clearly. It can be embarassing. & sometimes your errant call goes to someone's voicemail & they can hear everything you are talking about. Think about it. This can be a real problem.

Come on Steve Jobs, do something.

No pain, no gain...

2010-10-24T13:18:00.002-04:00

it's true. There has to be a little discomfort to actually make some progress. Not so much that you don't want to go back there. Just enough to make a little improvement. A little challenge is good. Feels good. Making progress. One step at a time.

It's not your back, it's the stress...

2010-10-23T11:16:00.002-04:00

deal with the stress & your back will feel better.

The 'lowly' squat...it's official...number one!

2010-10-22T09:35:00.004-04:00

The squat is named by 17,000 ACE-certified fitness professionals as the one exercise they couldn't live without.

Others in order were: running, abdominal exercises, lunges, walking, push-ups, yoga

CC Sabathia...come on, you're not an NFL lineman...

2010-10-21T10:23:00.003-04:00

CC, get in shape. I know you are a great pitcher, but your belly. No excuse, you are a professional athlete. You play baseball, not football.

I'm surprised the coach lets him get away with it.

When in doubt go down the middle.

2010-10-20T22:23:00.002-04:00

It cuts down the angle that your opponent can hurt you with. Wait for the right shot & go for the corner or right down the line yourself. Don't give your opponent the angle he is waiting for unless you can catch him offguard or out of position.

Bullying, superiority, leadership

2010-10-18T08:25:00.003-04:00

A few days ago I was at a movie theater. In the lobby was a group of six 12 year old boys. Looked like a movie/birthday party because I saw the mother buying tickets for them.

While the boys waited in the lobby, they were all making a circle with their fingers & if one of the boys looked at it they would punch him several times in the shoulder. They were each doing this simultaneously. They were laughing when they were doing this & seemingly having fun. Some of the boys were giving pretty good punches. & the boys were all different sizes. The bigger boys were getting the best of it.

Thankfully, the mother came with the tickets & whisked them into the theater. I know that if this went on much longer, something bad was going to happen.

I do remember doing that with my friends too. I never liked it. Inevitably someone would punch too hard & it would hurt. I never punched hard, I was afraid I would hurt someone.

In every group there is competition for superiority & leadership. The true leaders are born thru example, intelligence & compassion. Physical capability is important but not to be used in an intimidating or threatening manner. That's bullying, not to be confused with leadership.

Motivation can come from different sources:

2010-10-12T13:58:00.005-04:00

When your own & other people's expectations are high...'fear' of not meeting the expectations can be the driving force.

When other people's expectationas are low and yours are high...'making them eat their words' can be the driving force.

Both are great motivators. Does one or both of them move you?

99.5% need structure to physically train for anything.

2010-10-08T18:13:00.004-04:00

That means that there are only about .5% of the people who can actually create their own training methods, schedules & venue without a set structure in place. These are the amazingly motivated individuals among us.

The other 99.5% need a structure in place. Set plans. Set venues. Set schedules. That means you! Map it out & create the schedule that will make you a fitter & better person.

Don't go crazy. Be realistic. But schedule it in to the daily cycle. It's the way!

Did you sweat today?

2010-10-08T11:14:00.002-04:00

It's more important than you think. Work out, get the heart pumping, get a sweat. See it, feel it. Better yet, does it drip off your forehead. There you go. Now you are making progress. Your life is improving.

Play a baseline game...only rule is

2010-09-29T09:58:00.002-04:00

that every ball has to go past the service line. Gets you hitting higher & deeper. Will carry over into regular play too.

Bollettieri right on target!

2010-06-02T18:00:00.002-04:00

Check out the June issue of TENNIS. Bollettieri is right on target on things NOT to do during a match:

1. Don't get cocky.
2. Keep your brain clear. Thinking to a minimum.
3. Don't think about technique.
4. Don't look for help.
5. Don't ignore the score. Announce it before every point.

Some great advice from the master gin player & tennis coach.

Attention Parents...

2010-05-31T15:08:00.001-04:00

When teaching your son or daughter try to eliminate the following words from the lesson: no, don't, don't do that, that's wrong, etc....in other words any negative sounding words.

Only use these words or words like them: great! yes! do it this way. These are positive sounding words.

It's hard to do at first, but it works. Try it & see some amazing results!

If you can't conceptualize 'jump step'

2010-05-24T12:33:00.002-04:00

how about 'bounce'. That's what one of my pros tells his students. Seems good to me. Everyone knows how to 'bounce' up & down & that's what it essentially is...a vehicle to give us inertia.

Just asked my camp parents what they wanted ...

2010-05-20T13:51:00.002-04:00

...their child to improve on this summer. Three quarters responded with the Serve. Guess what we will be working on this summer?
i.e. particularly the kick second serve

Stay the course.

2010-05-13T23:28:00.002-04:00

Practice & play hard. As hard as you can.

Work out steady. Keep your strength up. Keep your legs fit.

You will improve. It may not be noticeable. But it will be steady. There is no stopping it.

As long as you stay the course: practice hard, play hard, workout hard...there is no stopping it. Improvement is happening. A new you is being created. The fun is just beginning...

Two blogs worth checking out...

2010-05-06T23:25:00.002-04:00

Steve Kaplan, owner of Bethpage Indoor Tennis on Long Island, writes in Long Island Tennis Magazine that it is impossible to tell who is going to 'make it' & 'how far someone will go' in tennis at a very early age, i.e. 10 years old. There are too many factors to consider: how many hours of practice the person is willing to put in, desire, athletic ability, courage, love of the game, match toughness, attitude, etc. The formula encompasses all of the above, & talent alone won't cut the mustard.

Ed Wolfarth, tennis director of Tam O'Shanter Club in Brookville, writes that pros should facilitate the student learning a stroke that suits him. Only by trial & error can a player eventually land the stroke that is going to work for him. Most of the time the stroke will look like most of the great players of our day. If it works for the top pros it is probably the most efficient swing. That's the way we learn. We see something & we try to copy (emulate) it. The student needs a little time to work it out for himself.

Long Island Tennis Magazine always has a wealth of tennis insight & interesting articles.

Small steps, steady progress.

2010-05-03T22:58:00.002-04:00

Maintain the foundation & anything is possible. Sometimes you have to look hard to see the improvement. It is not always obvious. Not the big win you were hoping for, but maybe an extra shot or two that ordinarily wouldn't have happened. Stay with it. Maintain your foundation, keep the routine. Put the time in, work hard & good things will happen. The next level is miniscule ahead of the last one. but it is in the right direction. Like a slow moving freight train on a slight downhill, improvement is inevitable & unstoppable.

Why did I lose?

2010-05-02T21:10:00.003-04:00

If you are typical of 99% of us, you lost because you gave it away. Unforced errors, trying to make the shot too good, getting too excited.

Sometimes it is better to just prolong the rally. Keep it in, stay out of trouble. Get a feel for the point. Make your opponent hit another shot. Let him end the point if he is up to it.

Just as an example, your approach shot does not have to be a winner or hit the line. Just keep it deep, move your opponent into a corner & do your best to cover the net. The pressure is on the opponent to come up with a winning shot. It is not that easy to do every time.

If you are going to lose, make the opponent take it from you. Don't just give it to him!

When someone says they need work on their footwork...

2010-04-29T08:33:00.002-04:00

what it really means is they don't do a split step before each shot. The split step can be taught but the desire & strength to do it before each shot must come from the individual.

Don't get beat by a dropshot after you drop shot.

2010-04-27T10:58:00.002-04:00

Like Federer, start coming in a little behind your drop shot. Cut off the return & either put it away or lob-volley it over your opponent.

But definitely don't get beat by a drop shot!

In order to be in the zone, you have to be...

2010-04-26T22:51:00.002-04:00

'out of your mind'. You are so focused on the 'here & now' that nothing else enters the mind, absolutely no distractions. This is the 'zone'. It's where any athlete wants to be.

Wall Sit

2010-04-24T15:38:00.002-04:00

I started doing a wall sit about 2 months ago after hearing someone on the news talk about its value. At first, I was doing 90 seconds. I increased about 10 seconds a week. I do it 3-4 times a week. I am up to 3 minutes now. Gives me a nice but not overwhelming burn in my thighs. I don't love it, but I don't hate it either. That's good. I keep doing it as part of my routine, i.e. 30 pushups & 50 situps every other day.

When I don't play basketball or tennis, I run about 3 miles on the treadmill. Start at 6 mph & work my way up to 7 or 8mph.

That's it for the routine. Works for me!

p.s. I weigh myself every day just to see what's happening

Stand inside the baseline on a hard server.

2010-04-23T21:30:00.002-04:00

If a player is serving out of your reach & beating you, trying moving inside the baseline. It cuts down his angle to beat you. Not to worry about the speed. Just be very ready, alert & see the seams of the ball. Your return should improve & your new positioning might just throw your opponent off too.

When it comes to exercise, set the bar low.

2010-04-22T22:23:00.003-04:00

If it's set too high, it probably is not going to get done. Maybe once or twice but not like clockwork. & that's what an exercise routine has to be...clockwork.

You have to enjoy it, look forward to it. If it is torturous or too uncomfortable it just ain't going to happen. Push yourself if you want, but in general a good sweat is an admirable goal.

So hit the courts, the treadmill, the pool or the pavement. But keep it fun & it will definitely happen!

Choker?

2010-04-21T23:41:00.002-04:00

Watch the ball, better yet, watch the seams of the ball. Especially on the big points. Thinking makes you choke. If you are thinking about the seams of the ball there is no time to think about anything else. The body can do what it's supposed to do & hopefully things will turn out all right.

Don't be judgmental...

2010-04-20T10:18:00.002-04:00

No need to judge each shot, point or match. Just play the game:

Concentrate on your breathing between points, games & changeovers.
See the seams of the ball.
Don't judge each & every point. Just get back to the basics.
These are some Inner Game principles.

When your eyes light up...

2010-04-19T14:35:00.003-04:00

because you know that the winning shot is on your racquet...that's the time to relax & slow your adrenalin down a little. DON'T try to kill it! Just RELAX & hit a good solid shot. If the point has been set up properly, a regular shot to the right location will win the point.

I say this because invariably I put a forehand into the middle of the net when I think I have the winning shot on my racquet. I know that I have to catch myself, relax & just take a nice, smooth swing.

Play in the here & now...

2010-04-16T11:58:00.003-04:00

Does your mind wander while you are playing? Do you think about the past or potential future problems. Your game is going to suffer. Keep your mind on the 'here & now' by concentrating on your breathing between points & on changeovers. An Inner Game principle.

Recovery

2010-04-14T22:50:00.002-04:00

Next time you know you are going to play a tough match, plan ahead & bring some orange slices. Eat them after an hour or so, just when you feel that some of your strength might be ebbing. It is going to give you a jolt, just what you need to pick you up. It's the pure sugar in the orange that does it. Try it. My son swears by it.

Number one is to take the muscle out of the shot.

2010-04-13T22:43:00.003-04:00

Number two is to relax & let the racquet & the body do the work.
Number three is run like heck & get in the best possible position for every ball.
Number four is concentrate on your breathing between points.
Number five is see the seams of the ball.
Number six is get every ball back & give yourself a chance by staying in the point.
Number seven is to keep the muscle out of the shot.

Where have you gone Timothy Gallwey?

2010-04-08T23:28:00.003-04:00

The Inner Game of Tennis. Works so well in tennis & in many other situations too. Baseball, golf, foul shooting...but can it be applied to basketball or soccer? games that are played at a frenetic pace & there might not be seams of the ball to look at. Let's think about this for a while. It must work somehow.

Roddick!

2010-04-05T12:10:00.001-04:00

If I had to guess why Roddick is playing so well, definitely at a higher level, it would be that his conditioning is that much better. He is getting to balls so quickly & able to set himself before hitting. Once you set yourself, you can hit any shot!

Volkswagen...what's with the bullying commercial?

2010-04-02T15:33:00.002-04:00

One thing a camp director, or any of us for that matter, is a commercial on tv making fun of hitting people if they see a certain car. Kids take this to another level & think it is ok to hit people...since it is on tv.

We need to say something to Volkswagen about that!

Basketball & tennis are different.

2010-04-01T22:52:00.002-04:00

In basketball your man can beat you & there's a teammate helping. In tennis there's no help. It's all you!

You have to take it to the champ...

2010-01-27T23:52:00.002-05:00

Late in the tourney once the champion has settled in the only way to beat her is to take it to her. Waiting it out for errors won't do it. She won't give it away. Li Na put up a great fight against Serena, but ultimately it was Serena who took it to Li Na, not the reverse. Serena's the champ, she instinctively knows how & when to throw the knockout punch.

Come ready to play.

2010-01-17T15:44:00.002-05:00

If you are not mentally & physically ready, don't bother. Prepare physically first & get into the right frame of mind to 'fight a war'. Cause that's what it is...a war each & every time you step on the court.

Want to eat...

2009-12-16T23:05:00.001-05:00

stay home. Want to stop eating. Get out of the kitchen & onto the courts, gym, treadmill, Broadway show, etc. Just get out of the kitchen. The holidays are killing me!

2 Basic slides on clay...

2009-11-13T15:39:00.002-05:00

1. Wide on the backhand with closed stance.
2. Wide on the forehand with the open stance.

The above slides are the basics. A clay court player does both.

Are you a clay courter? or a hard court player playing on clay? You decide.

Appreciate your practice partner...

2009-11-11T18:21:00.002-05:00

go out of your way to accommodate him. Stay calm when you play him. Even if some of his actions (antics) bother you. It's worth it. As long as you & he are competitive (have a close match or at least close points). Without him, you aren't getting better. You need him more than you think. Appreciate him. Keep it going. Always give it your best. Never let him down. He will do the right thing by you too. You are both going in the right direction.

You miss a setup...

2009-11-11T18:15:00.002-05:00

keep your mouth shut, walk back to the line & get ready for the next point. Put it behind you. We all miss setups once in a while. It's what you do after that defines you.

The Inner Game of Football...

2009-11-09T14:19:00.002-05:00

receivers need to see only the seams of the football as it is hurtling towards them. Everything else is blocked out...the hit that is going to happen after they catch the ball, the touchdown that they think they can score after they catch the ball, everyting. By seeing the seams, the receiver will be able to relax in spite of everything else, seek the ball & catch it.

Think it's hard to see the seams of the ball on groundstrokes?

2009-11-09T14:16:00.001-05:00

Try it on volleys. It's amazing.

Get into a fight over something stupid...

2009-11-08T08:05:00.002-05:00

next time you see the person walk over, look them in the eye & put out your hand. Shake hands & it's all over. No words need even be exchanged. It works.

The one handed backhand lives...

2009-11-05T23:18:00.002-05:00

with the advent of QuickStart equipment i.e. shorter, lighter racquets & foam or low compression balls...it is easier than it used to be to hit the one handed backhand. The two handed backhand became popular because it was a lot easier to handle the long, heavy racquets with two hands. Things are changing. Prediction...the one handed backhand will dominate again within 10 years.

Want power...

2009-11-05T08:17:00.002-05:00

swing faster & relax while you are doing it. NO muscle. Watch the ball, see the seams, it relaxes the body...swing away.

Baseball lacks class.

2009-11-05T08:07:00.002-05:00

In most major sports players meet at the end of games & definitely at the end of playoff series & shake hands before moving on to the next series or television interviews. Examples include boxing, golf, tennis, football, hockey, basketball, (not sure about soccer, rugby), etc.

It would have been fantastic for the players to line up last night & congratulate each other (just like the hockey players do).

The players have to initiate this. It's surprising that they haven't done it yet. Last night was the perfect opportunity for Philadelphia players to come out of the dugout & line up. I'm sure the Yanks would have recognized what was happening & it would have been cool. Maybe next year.

A little technique on the backhand volley...

2009-10-28T14:48:00.003-04:00

The strength for the backhand volley comes from the chest. As the right arm (& racquet) comes forward to meet the ball, the left arm is thrust backward in an equal but opposite direction. Both arms are shaped in the same manner...bent at the elbow. Kind of like a karate chop. The chest stabilizes the thrusting arm movements & steadies the stroke upon impact.