NTRP Self - Evaluation

A good way to determine where to place yourself is to use the National Tennis Rating Program regarding tennis classes.

The categories below are based on my own interpretation of how to place players. If you take classes with another Pro you should ask for placement advice.

The beginner class is designed for individuals that have no tennis background or are very limited. 1.0-1.5 NTRP

The advanced beginner class covers similar information but expects that you have obtained certain skills allowing for the ability to maintain drills with other players. 2.0-2.5 NTRP

The intermediate class is designed to take players into the next level of play by developing spin and directional control. Improvements in technique will also be covered. Specialty shots such as the drop shot, topspin lob, and overhead will be included. Strategy will be introduced. 3.0-3.5 NTRP

Here is a link to a description of the NTRP system that I found helpful. It should help you with a self assessment.

Federer Wins

Let me start out with the admission that I really like Federer. His attitude is great for the game of Tennis and doesn't wear on anyone, unlike some champions of the past. His style of play, his technique, and business-like approach to the game are all worthy of emulation. His talent is indisputable as evidenced by his record of success.

I watched the match last Sunday against Nadal. I found few things to criticize on either of the contestants. Here are some observations. Federer used his serve to carry him forward while other areas of his game seemed to flag either from the unrelenting pressure from Nadal or in a few instances, some temporary poor shot selections.

As an example, Nadal attacked Federer's backhand with extreme topspin that regularly caused his opponent to hit the ball at shoulder height. A one handed backhand rarely works well when a player tries to hit drives from that height as Mac, an announcer for the match, also made this observation. Federer was best served by using his slice (chip) backhand to avoid the excessive effort and to limit the bad hits resulting from the attempt to take the high bounder with a drive stroke either as topspin or flat.

Another area of Federer's game that flagged was his forehand low volley. He was letting his wrist drop rather than making the requisite drop of the rear knee. It is likely that he was overconfident or just saving energy. It cost him a number of points and took him to the brink of defeat.

Nadal is a champion as well by any measure. It is hard not to like him with his agressive and physically dominant approach to Tennis.

My main desire after the first set was to see it go to five, which it did. I wanted Federer to gain his position alongside Borg with his 5 consecutive wins at Wimbledon, and now soon enough it will be Nadal's turn.

Tennis Should Go Back To Wood

I have often thought that the best matches in tennis were played with wood racquets, not the super-sized, head light, and high-tech flashy named versions we have today. Why do I still periodically watch re-runs of the Borg vs McEnroe finals; because they have variety that is missing in much of the play found today. I wish Wimbledon had stopped the over-sized racquet barbarians at the gate back in the 70's. Rather than having a sport that is fighting a slow decline, we would have more epic matches than any of us could find the time to watch. I agree with the commentary by Christine Brennan of USA Today that dreary tennis is now the watchword when taped matches of old can hold more interest than whatever else is going on at Wimbledon.

I never thought I would miss Mac.

Brent