I notice some users give the Gamma Ball Hopper bad marks due to the hopper handles falling out. Admittedly they are not always perfect but here is a suggestion I gave to someone asking about this.
Regarding your handle problem: Sometimes the handles need to be put under tension to stay on properly so I usually just remove the handles and pull the opens end that insert into the hopper across each other well past the normal position. Imagine a wish bone and pulling in the opposite direction you would normally take to separate it. This creates a spring-like tension to keep the handles in place once you re-insert them into the hopper mounting bracket.
Disclosure: I have used Gamma hoppers since they became Gamma, I think they were just called Ball Hopper brand before that. and they are the best option. That said, when made in USA the quality was superb. I still have two made 30 years ago that work with some TLC. I have no financial interest in Gamma products but use many of them including string and other tennis products.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Federer Hot Shot - Hitting Through an Opponent
This Federer backhand is a good example of why hitting it through your opponent is a rarely used but very successful tactic against a net player.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Novak Wins but not without a Fight
Novak wins the title but it was close and most of us knew it would be close though Novak had a slight edge due to his age. By going to the 5th set the decisive age limitation came to the fore as Roger seemed to lose his serve edge. Overall it was a great match with excellent play.
Congratulations to Novak for earning the title and to Roger for defying the limitations of age.
Congratulations to Novak for earning the title and to Roger for defying the limitations of age.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Novak Breaks Again
I know this puts tremendous pressure on Roger to break again so let us see if he does it.
Fed Breaks Back
Is this a change in momentum or simply recovery to bring him back from the cliff edge. He was running out of time and this has given him new life. Needless to say Novak is not happy.
Why is Federer Trailing in the Wimbledon Final?
Watching the match you have to give a great deal of credit to Novak for the continuous pressure he is applying to Roger on the return of serve while also playing very offensive tennis.
A thing I noticed about the Federer game as the transition to the larger frame racket changes his manner of play is how it has taken away from his forehand. He seems to be launching those forehands when he goes for it and therefore tends to temper his attack from that side. His motion appears slightly reduced when hitting the forehand that he used to wind up and attack. This is understandable when you consider the gain in power that has shown up in his backhand and serve. There are always tradeoffs.
On his backhand I notice he is having trouble keep the down the line shots in especially when he slices.
A thing I noticed about the Federer game as the transition to the larger frame racket changes his manner of play is how it has taken away from his forehand. He seems to be launching those forehands when he goes for it and therefore tends to temper his attack from that side. His motion appears slightly reduced when hitting the forehand that he used to wind up and attack. This is understandable when you consider the gain in power that has shown up in his backhand and serve. There are always tradeoffs.
On his backhand I notice he is having trouble keep the down the line shots in especially when he slices.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Bouchard to the Finals at Wimbledon
Bouchard defeats Hale to reach the final
This makes for a much more exciting final than that occupied by the old guard. It is great to see new faces in both of the draws.
This makes for a much more exciting final than that occupied by the old guard. It is great to see new faces in both of the draws.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Rafa Watch at Wimbledon
Though I hate to see him struggle through the first rounds I wonder if he can pull off the win. It will be good see him come up against Federer again in their longstanding competition and if history is predictive he will win that match. The question is whether they will both make it to that point.
One thing you can say about Rafa is that he is probably the most dynamic competitor of any sport. Nothing compares to his intensity. What does Rafa want to be known for, he wants to be a known as a good guy. He is.
One thing you can say about Rafa is that he is probably the most dynamic competitor of any sport. Nothing compares to his intensity. What does Rafa want to be known for, he wants to be a known as a good guy. He is.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Rafa Reigns Supreme at the French
SI Story on Rafa French Open Win
What is there to say except that he owns this tournament. Even when injured he finds a way to win. It had seemed the Novak could make this his year but after his struggle against Ernest Gulbis it was apparent that he was vulnerable. I was hoping for a 5 set epic once Novak won the first set but it appears that Rafa can find a way to win at the French no matter how bad his condition. Of course, someday he will run up against a better player if for no other reason than age taking a toll on him like it does against all players.
What got him the win.
His forehand came back after sleeping through the first set.
His movement never deserted him.
His serve continues to cause difficulty for opponents as he finds spin there to equal his groundstrokes.
What is there to say except that he owns this tournament. Even when injured he finds a way to win. It had seemed the Novak could make this his year but after his struggle against Ernest Gulbis it was apparent that he was vulnerable. I was hoping for a 5 set epic once Novak won the first set but it appears that Rafa can find a way to win at the French no matter how bad his condition. Of course, someday he will run up against a better player if for no other reason than age taking a toll on him like it does against all players.
What got him the win.
His forehand came back after sleeping through the first set.
His movement never deserted him.
His serve continues to cause difficulty for opponents as he finds spin there to equal his groundstrokes.
Novak Must Find Life To Stay in the Match
12:07 - He can't just squeak by at this point. He needs to take harden himself and take the set to even the match. Early signs that he is physically ill are not a good omen but he can do it. The match he had the other day against Gulbis was a preview of what he is facing out on the court. He is not up to his best.
Rafa is punishing him.
12:15 - Novak - After missing a high backhand down the line he looked up to the Gods or Clouds or whatever he was raising his hands to hoping to express his difficulties and frustration.
Rafa is punishing him.
12:15 - Novak - After missing a high backhand down the line he looked up to the Gods or Clouds or whatever he was raising his hands to hoping to express his difficulties and frustration.
Rafa is seemingly implacable after a rough first set and then two strong sets that he took in a dominating form.
Mac is right when saying that Novak needs to become aggressive on the return. Just playing closer in and going on the attack would alter the equation and force Nadal to change his game.
As this is said, Novak played it safe on a two hander and then missed a forehand down the line that in normal time he wouldn't.
Rafa Takes the Second Set 7-5
11:07 A.M. - He pulled the match even and if you just listened to the match and could not watch it you would hear Rafa on the attack. Novak is seeming off kilter at the moment. He's not quite listless but he is not looking hard as nails , something he can do. Novak is making uncharacteristic errors and Rafa is looking strong. This set will tell.
Rafa Awakens in Second Set with some spectacular forehand shots
10: 26 A.M. Sunday - Signs indicate we may be looking into an epic 5 set struggle as Rafa begins to find his targets and Novak though stoic and strong is holding at the same level as the first set. Expect to see him tighten up and with some anger at himself raise his game as well.
One area where Nadal begins to show life is his forehand use. Novak is hitting more depth and is using angles and short balls more effectively while Rafa is working the points to create openings, but many of his shots are landing short. Without his heavy topspin pulling the ball foreword and up Novak would be all over him.
One close line call has changed the equation in this game as Novak questions a baseline call and wins the decision.
One area where Nadal begins to show life is his forehand use. Novak is hitting more depth and is using angles and short balls more effectively while Rafa is working the points to create openings, but many of his shots are landing short. Without his heavy topspin pulling the ball foreword and up Novak would be all over him.
One close line call has changed the equation in this game as Novak questions a baseline call and wins the decision.
French Open - Novak Takes 1st Set
Novak wins the first set 6-3.
Rafa is starting slowly and Novak is playing clean. Neither player is seeming confident or without cares, both knowing that there is no room for sloppy play or inattention if even momentary. Both are sweating literally and figuratively since nothing is guaranteed on this surface where two of of the best players even on this surface are facing each other again in another final.
Rafa was shocked awake after that first set when the crowd began chanting praise for Novak.
Rafa is starting slowly and Novak is playing clean. Neither player is seeming confident or without cares, both knowing that there is no room for sloppy play or inattention if even momentary. Both are sweating literally and figuratively since nothing is guaranteed on this surface where two of of the best players even on this surface are facing each other again in another final.
Rafa was shocked awake after that first set when the crowd began chanting praise for Novak.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Rafa vs Nole for #1 at the French
After seeing both of them playing in the early rounds of the French Open I expect to see them face off in the final. Anything can happen on the way to that point, but let me say that it is a relatively safe bet to say that both will make it to the final rounds. Who is my choice for the win? I see the stars lining up for Nole this year based on his recent wins against Rafa and also knowing that Rafa is playing injured with a nagging back problem.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Reason for Playing Tennis - A Dog In Training
I have an essential reason for staying with tennis over the years. As a dog-in-training I'm readying for my next incarnation when I have mastered the art of chasing tennis balls.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Monday, May 5, 2014
What Golf Has in Common With Tennis
I am not a skilled golfer since I have probably only played on a course less than 10 times and truthfully I enjoyed Putt Putt Golf more. Recently I considered playing again and taking a serious approach to learning the game so I picked up a book at the library on the subject.
The title is Golf Essentials for Dummies by Gary McCord with John Huggan and it offers a great introduction to learning golf. While going through the first chapter on the drive I began to notice similarities to the tennis forehand.
Here a some examples:
The contact point for a drive is out in front of the lead foot much like a forehand. The purpose of this is the same as a forehand in that you need this contact point out in front to get behind the shot but also to allow for a full weight transfer from the rear to the front that is coordinated with a hip rotation. In the golf swing this allows the club face to reach vertical at the precise moment of impact for maximum range. In a tennis forehand the same effect of having a vertical racket face gives you superb directional control while allowing the application of spin and velocity.
Other Comparisons:
Hitting golf drives is much like serving. You do not have to run to the ball but instead are able to set your platform for striking a ball. In the case of golf the ball is fixed and in the case of tennis you can approach that similarly by tossing to an ideal contact point where the ball reaches that at the apex of flight.
In both of these instances you can remain at the place where you start the action as part of a training session that includes multiple repetitive actions
Given a choice of Golf or Tennis I'd choose tennis but note the similarities and use them to your advantage for training.
The title is Golf Essentials for Dummies by Gary McCord with John Huggan and it offers a great introduction to learning golf. While going through the first chapter on the drive I began to notice similarities to the tennis forehand.
Here a some examples:
The contact point for a drive is out in front of the lead foot much like a forehand. The purpose of this is the same as a forehand in that you need this contact point out in front to get behind the shot but also to allow for a full weight transfer from the rear to the front that is coordinated with a hip rotation. In the golf swing this allows the club face to reach vertical at the precise moment of impact for maximum range. In a tennis forehand the same effect of having a vertical racket face gives you superb directional control while allowing the application of spin and velocity.
Other Comparisons:
Hitting golf drives is much like serving. You do not have to run to the ball but instead are able to set your platform for striking a ball. In the case of golf the ball is fixed and in the case of tennis you can approach that similarly by tossing to an ideal contact point where the ball reaches that at the apex of flight.
In both of these instances you can remain at the place where you start the action as part of a training session that includes multiple repetitive actions
Given a choice of Golf or Tennis I'd choose tennis but note the similarities and use them to your advantage for training.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Drop and Hit Backhand Practice Sessions
Most good tennis players run into a problem as their skill increases that involves finding good practice partners. I have solved this problem for myself through a number of tried and true methods such as wall practice which is a staple of any strong player as they improve. Here is another approach I have taken to over the past few years as scheduling and finding partners has become even more difficult.
Backhands Down the Line Past a Net Player
Take your basket to the practice court and instead of just serving I suggest you begin tossing balls a few steps away so that you can practice set up for targeting shots. For instance, if you want to practice backhand down the line shots begin from the center mark of the court and for a right hander just toss the ball up and to the left while working for precision on targeting a down the line shot going past an imaginary net player. A passing shot doesn't need as much speed as a down the line used to punish a baseline positioned opponent so I always go for minimal net clearance and very tight tolerance to the sideline. If you are a one handed backhand player you can hold four or five balls and keep moving yourself further to the left as you hit a stream of passing shots past your imaginary opponent. Keep in mind that depth is not quite as essential as low clearance and tightness to the line for this.
Backhands Down the Line Past a Baseline Player
Usually this shot is done as a follow up to a wide crosscourt or inside out to your opponents left side of the court or their backhand assuming they are right handed. After they have been pulled far out of position your job is to find the down the line shot deep with speed to complete the point.
So what you need to do is replicate the previous passing shot drill but instead of hitting with lots of topspin to force a low and short ball you will flatten this one one a bit to gain depth and relative speed compared to the net pass. Keep track of your results as you go and work toward getting excellent parallel travel to the sideline.
Targeting methods and Techniques
For most one handed backhands the safest way to achieve a straight down the line shot is a lift backhand that simply involves an arm lift with the right shoulder pointed directly down the line. Experiment and confirm this for yourself but I can tell you that it is tried and true as a method of straight passes with minimal drift off the line unlike a rolled backhand that ends up generally pulling crosscourt. If you want to see a good lift backhand example check out Lendl. Watch as he hits his trademark lift backhand.
How can you differentiate between the lift and roll? Notice on his finish that his racket face is still somewhat going on the direction of the shot versus a roll backhand that finishes on edge like this Mac backhand, notice the third shot Mac hits in this point which is a roll backhand, sorta. Ignore the chip backhand, the second shot, for our purpose here as well as his first shot the forehand. You will see with Mac his finish actually comes across his body and the racket is in edge with the face of the racket pointing to the sidelines rather than the target. This is a powerful shot with lots of spin but is more difficult to perfect for a down the line shot.
For the Two handers my general rule is to aim your right shoulder to the line and step forward with your right foot toward the target allowing a full weight transfer from the rear foot as you strike the ball. Think of this as a left handed forehand to get the feel of it and make sure at completion that you are facing the target where before you began the stroke you were sideways to the net.
Adding Speed
To generate speed on your shots is a timing skill and to do this with a ball that sits rather than comes at you requires superb timing and judgement. The drop and hit method of practice will improve your ability to add speed to shots especially those that have minimal forward speed.
How to practice and how long
My normal recommendation is to alternate between hitting some serves and drop and hit groundstrokes. Assuming you have a 75 ball hopper with maybe 70 balls in there I would at least go through 3 baskets to justify calling it a training session. This should take about 30-45 minutes depending on your pace of activity.
Measure your results
See how many balls collect on your side as the first means of judging. Next look at where the shots land and the path of travel and be honest about your effectiveness. Over time this will pay dividends in play as you win points by using well practiced shots.
Backhands Down the Line Past a Net Player
Take your basket to the practice court and instead of just serving I suggest you begin tossing balls a few steps away so that you can practice set up for targeting shots. For instance, if you want to practice backhand down the line shots begin from the center mark of the court and for a right hander just toss the ball up and to the left while working for precision on targeting a down the line shot going past an imaginary net player. A passing shot doesn't need as much speed as a down the line used to punish a baseline positioned opponent so I always go for minimal net clearance and very tight tolerance to the sideline. If you are a one handed backhand player you can hold four or five balls and keep moving yourself further to the left as you hit a stream of passing shots past your imaginary opponent. Keep in mind that depth is not quite as essential as low clearance and tightness to the line for this.
Backhands Down the Line Past a Baseline Player
Usually this shot is done as a follow up to a wide crosscourt or inside out to your opponents left side of the court or their backhand assuming they are right handed. After they have been pulled far out of position your job is to find the down the line shot deep with speed to complete the point.
So what you need to do is replicate the previous passing shot drill but instead of hitting with lots of topspin to force a low and short ball you will flatten this one one a bit to gain depth and relative speed compared to the net pass. Keep track of your results as you go and work toward getting excellent parallel travel to the sideline.
Targeting methods and Techniques
For most one handed backhands the safest way to achieve a straight down the line shot is a lift backhand that simply involves an arm lift with the right shoulder pointed directly down the line. Experiment and confirm this for yourself but I can tell you that it is tried and true as a method of straight passes with minimal drift off the line unlike a rolled backhand that ends up generally pulling crosscourt. If you want to see a good lift backhand example check out Lendl. Watch as he hits his trademark lift backhand.
How can you differentiate between the lift and roll? Notice on his finish that his racket face is still somewhat going on the direction of the shot versus a roll backhand that finishes on edge like this Mac backhand, notice the third shot Mac hits in this point which is a roll backhand, sorta. Ignore the chip backhand, the second shot, for our purpose here as well as his first shot the forehand. You will see with Mac his finish actually comes across his body and the racket is in edge with the face of the racket pointing to the sidelines rather than the target. This is a powerful shot with lots of spin but is more difficult to perfect for a down the line shot.
For the Two handers my general rule is to aim your right shoulder to the line and step forward with your right foot toward the target allowing a full weight transfer from the rear foot as you strike the ball. Think of this as a left handed forehand to get the feel of it and make sure at completion that you are facing the target where before you began the stroke you were sideways to the net.
Adding Speed
To generate speed on your shots is a timing skill and to do this with a ball that sits rather than comes at you requires superb timing and judgement. The drop and hit method of practice will improve your ability to add speed to shots especially those that have minimal forward speed.
How to practice and how long
My normal recommendation is to alternate between hitting some serves and drop and hit groundstrokes. Assuming you have a 75 ball hopper with maybe 70 balls in there I would at least go through 3 baskets to justify calling it a training session. This should take about 30-45 minutes depending on your pace of activity.
Measure your results
See how many balls collect on your side as the first means of judging. Next look at where the shots land and the path of travel and be honest about your effectiveness. Over time this will pay dividends in play as you win points by using well practiced shots.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Retirement Rackets - Check out my new blog on Retirement - Tennis Lifer Style
I decided to start a blog on retirement relating to the tennis lifestyle though the concepts are universal in most areas. If you are a tennis teacher or are aspiring to be one this is my effort to share with you ideas on why it can be an ideal career choice and how to make it a wise one for early retirement and for later reclining years.
Please take a look and tell me what you think.
Retirement Rackets
Please take a look and tell me what you think.
Retirement Rackets
Fish Oil for Workout Recovery
Recovery and Repair
I have recently found that fish oil does help me with inflammation and in particular it helps with reducing the effects of the arthritic response usually found in the morning. If you are a long term tennis player and teacher you will eventually have to deal with the hard reality of getting up in the morning after a day on the court that might be a combination of teaching and playing.It is not joke when you hear the creaks and groans of an overused body rebelling against years of physical use and I won't say no one is immune to it, but most seem to be subject to eventual wear and tear breakdown. Anything I can do to help make it less difficult in the morning is worth doing if it doesn't have negative effects.
Here is what I have recently learned from my own experience. I have taken fish oil in minor amounts over the past few years for all of the assumed benefits that include anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular health, and even some things like circulation and mental acuity. Many of these of subjective so I won't tell you that I have benefited in each of these categories.
Krill For a Faster Response
A year ago I had purchased a GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil and truthfully didn't take it regularly since I was already taking ResQ1250. When I recently looked at my actual intake it was woefully inadequate since I was taking only 1 capsule in the morning, so I added one capsule of GNC with Krill taken with lunch and noticed an immediate pain reduction in my joints. Okay, so that went well and it made me wonder what else I haven't been doing that could help me. I usually read the recommended amounts as a marketing plan for the vitamin companies so I take the minimum or half the minimum and in this case probably shortchanged myself.
Beginning just a few days ago I decided to at least take the fish oil supplements throughout the day rather than just once in the morning and maybe at midday. Amazingly I found that taking just one ResQ1250 capsule in the evening a few hours before bedtime gave me a much faster wake-up in the morning with less pain and stiffness. It is now part of my regimen and hopefully will become a long term benefit of taking this supplement. So, I'm sharing this with you in the event you have the same problems with arthritis and stiffness especially in the morning. The prospect of having an easy wake-up is something those of us facing arthritis as happy bit of news and especially if it doesn't require prescription drugs.
I usually take my supplements with meals which may or may not be the recommended way but it is a habit I have when taking pills to at least buffer stomach issues.
Cost versus Quality
I really like the Nordic Natural Ultimate Omega but the cost is higher than the ResQ1250 and since both are advertised as pharmaceutical grade I have been going with the ResQ brand. I tried other warehouse brands in the past and didn't like the taste, fishy burps, and in some cases skin rash plus I have read that the purity of them is suspect.
The cost of the Krill with fish oil capsules is almost universally expensive so I tried the warehouse brand called Simply Right at Sam's for that and it doesn't have the fish burp and taste that no one likes. I chose that due to lower cost and haven't been taking it long enough to say it helps me or doesn't but at least it has no ill effects. I haven't tried the Mega Red brand from Schiff yet but may add that to the list of samplings. For now, the GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil with Krill is the one I can say worked for me. I couldn't find it again at the local store so I tried the Sam's version just this week and will give you an update regarding my experience with it as I have a longer baseline of use to compare.
See you on the court.
WebMD has a good explanation of some benefits of fish oil related to joint pain.
6/11/2014 Fish Oil Update: I have found that the best result so far is to take a high quality fish oil not only in the morning and during the day, but to give your body the chance to assimilate it during rest as well. Taking fish oil at night greatly reduced morning stiffness and increased my overall flexibility. After a few months of trying this I can say it is consistently helpful and has made a major change in my recovery time after play.
6/11/2014 Krill Oil Update: The brand you use seems to matter. So far the GNC brand is the best I have found. I stopped taking the Sam's version once finished since it didn't seem to help in any of the desired areas of inflammation, stiffness, recovery, and pain. I may go back and try the GNC but for now the Rescue 1250 fish oil seems to do the job quite effectively.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Federer into Quarter Finals of Monte Carlo
This is proof that he is back. If he can get Tsonga who was playing well and is an impressive player in his own right, then he can find a way to get past Nole. This should be a good match.
Fed has also begun to make good use of his new racket especially on his backhand. I noticed some very solid and fast winners coming off of deep attacks from Tsonga and I don't think he had this available to him in the past few years.
Fed has also begun to make good use of his new racket especially on his backhand. I noticed some very solid and fast winners coming off of deep attacks from Tsonga and I don't think he had this available to him in the past few years.
David Ferrer over Rafa Nadal
Congratulations David. To get past Rafa on his surface is hard enough but to do so with such a long history of struggle against him must be a special moment. Rafa must be disappointed but he remains number one so I have no doubt he will come back stronger on the next match.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Help for Migraine Sufferers
I don't get them but I know those that do and have been unable to play tennis for days.
Here is a story about a new device for preventing them.
Here is a story about a new device for preventing them.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Bryan Brothers 97th Doubles Title Win
Tennis World USA story about Bryan Brothers win.
The steamroller keeps moving as this amazing pair of doubles players continue to rack up wins. The good thing about this is that at least the USA has something to claim when it comes to the current tennis talent in the world. Yes, we have some top players but the dominant force of tennis is not from our shores and hasn't been for a decade plus. Lots of reasons are given but lack of hunger has to be at the top to explain why so many great players, both men and women, are coming out of Europe.
The biggest benefit of this dynamic duo in doubles is that it is keeping the game viable for television and tournament play. Since doubles is played by a majority of recreational players it is good for the game in many ways but the most important is to show what is possible out on the court beyond one up and one back league play.
Congratulations to the Bryan Brothers for giving us some hope for American tennis and also for keeping doubles in the spotlight.
The steamroller keeps moving as this amazing pair of doubles players continue to rack up wins. The good thing about this is that at least the USA has something to claim when it comes to the current tennis talent in the world. Yes, we have some top players but the dominant force of tennis is not from our shores and hasn't been for a decade plus. Lots of reasons are given but lack of hunger has to be at the top to explain why so many great players, both men and women, are coming out of Europe.
The biggest benefit of this dynamic duo in doubles is that it is keeping the game viable for television and tournament play. Since doubles is played by a majority of recreational players it is good for the game in many ways but the most important is to show what is possible out on the court beyond one up and one back league play.
Congratulations to the Bryan Brothers for giving us some hope for American tennis and also for keeping doubles in the spotlight.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Can Wawrinka Pull A Bartoli
Wawrinka in Finals at Melbourne
Can he beat Nadal. It is possible since he has the weapons and on any given day you can take down a King especially when not on his best surface.
If I were Stan I'd ignore the tattoo on the arm and just play like it was your last match in life. I'd also suggest some fake strokes in between points and even work on the facial grimaces that Bartoli used. Her energy level was magical and probably had some intimidation effect on opponents much like with a cornered animal raises up to make itself look bigger.
How to beat Nadal.
Serve and Volley
Serve and volley when you can and if your serve is doing well come in every time. You cannot beat Nadal from the baseline so attack and charge the net at every opportunity.
Approach Shots
Hit your approach shots down the center at Nadal. He runs down everything so why give him the down the line opportunity. Hit it hard down the center and I mean really hard when you are approaching so as not to give him time to do anything but react rather than place his shot. You have a chip so use that part of the time as well.
Serving
Crush the ball at him periodically but mostly slice it at him and slice it away from him. Do not bother giving him anything that sits up high like kick serves since he eats those for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You cannot beat him on the high ball. Jam him and stick with body serves as a staple.
Tactics
Rush him and slow him down in between points. I know, this is gamesmanship but you can't play nice when facing a tiger.
Drop shot him and charge behind it and guess where it is going when he inevitably runs it down. If you go directly at him with the volley you have a much better chance.
Lob him if he comes to the net and I mean go for the sky. Yes, you can topspin him but what I'd do is prevent him from taking it in the air and charge the net behind the lob since there is nothing to lose but your dignity and that might happen if you try to play Nadal with normal tactics.
Start Cursing in any language you know that Rafa doesn't know and look at him when you do it. He may think you have connections. What you are trying to do is occupy his mind with something other than tennis.
Good Luck Stan
Can he beat Nadal. It is possible since he has the weapons and on any given day you can take down a King especially when not on his best surface.
If I were Stan I'd ignore the tattoo on the arm and just play like it was your last match in life. I'd also suggest some fake strokes in between points and even work on the facial grimaces that Bartoli used. Her energy level was magical and probably had some intimidation effect on opponents much like with a cornered animal raises up to make itself look bigger.
How to beat Nadal.
Serve and Volley
Serve and volley when you can and if your serve is doing well come in every time. You cannot beat Nadal from the baseline so attack and charge the net at every opportunity.
Approach Shots
Hit your approach shots down the center at Nadal. He runs down everything so why give him the down the line opportunity. Hit it hard down the center and I mean really hard when you are approaching so as not to give him time to do anything but react rather than place his shot. You have a chip so use that part of the time as well.
Serving
Crush the ball at him periodically but mostly slice it at him and slice it away from him. Do not bother giving him anything that sits up high like kick serves since he eats those for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You cannot beat him on the high ball. Jam him and stick with body serves as a staple.
Tactics
Rush him and slow him down in between points. I know, this is gamesmanship but you can't play nice when facing a tiger.
Drop shot him and charge behind it and guess where it is going when he inevitably runs it down. If you go directly at him with the volley you have a much better chance.
Lob him if he comes to the net and I mean go for the sky. Yes, you can topspin him but what I'd do is prevent him from taking it in the air and charge the net behind the lob since there is nothing to lose but your dignity and that might happen if you try to play Nadal with normal tactics.
Start Cursing in any language you know that Rafa doesn't know and look at him when you do it. He may think you have connections. What you are trying to do is occupy his mind with something other than tennis.
Good Luck Stan
Friday, January 24, 2014
Federer's Loss to Nadal at Melbourne 2014
Nadal Maintains Dominance
This story line is well worn and predictable where Nadal dominates Federer with consistency and a relentless ground game. The problem always comes with that high bounding Nadal attack against the Federer backhand. Federer also uses the topspin backhand much more than necessary. If he were to develop a more aggressive slice backhand that is much less vulnerable to the height range problems of a topspin drive backhand he would also keep the ball lower than Rafa prefers. Add to this the obvious reality that Federer is a half a step slower than in the past and this makes it more difficult for Fed to unleash his devastating inside out forehand. It puts more pressure on this once dominating shot Fed had to punish a backhand attacker and it shows in his increasing error rate.
Fed as a Serve and Volley, Chip and Charge Player
The bright spot of this match for Fed was his serve and volley results and the problems that it caused for Rafa who is used to the open airspace at the net for his high margin ground game. Fed would also be better positioned for serve and volley attacks by serving into Rafa's body much more often rather than giving him angles to pass with. Fed did best when on the attack and coming to the net.
Sampras thinks serve and volley would still work today.
Fed Switches Rackets
He needed to do it for a long time but it is hard to change while competing. Fed has gone from a 90 sq. inch frame to a 98 and the difference appears to be in his serve and return. He may be launching more balls as well when he mistimes a groundstroke. I didn't see any loss of control on his volleys. I hope this gives him enough of an improvement to stay competitive.
The Balance of Major Wins is Closing
It is simply obvious that Rafa is the better player over Fed in their match-ups whether their results against others are equal or even lean for now to Fed. The scale must soon tip for Rafa to meet Fed's winning position in tennis history if he wins this tournament and the threat of total major wins will loom into view. Already Rafa is among the greats of tennis so our benefit is to be able to see the best players of any tennis era on the court right now.
Enjoy This Time As a Tennis Fan
Laver still looms as the unique one among all the others for his double grand slam record. Budge has his one grand slam which though it is never discussed puts him in that company of most complete players as well. Still, we now have Federer with his 17 major wins still on the court while Rafa is close behind now. For tennis players this is a golden era for watching some of the best tennis ever played.
This story line is well worn and predictable where Nadal dominates Federer with consistency and a relentless ground game. The problem always comes with that high bounding Nadal attack against the Federer backhand. Federer also uses the topspin backhand much more than necessary. If he were to develop a more aggressive slice backhand that is much less vulnerable to the height range problems of a topspin drive backhand he would also keep the ball lower than Rafa prefers. Add to this the obvious reality that Federer is a half a step slower than in the past and this makes it more difficult for Fed to unleash his devastating inside out forehand. It puts more pressure on this once dominating shot Fed had to punish a backhand attacker and it shows in his increasing error rate.
Fed as a Serve and Volley, Chip and Charge Player
The bright spot of this match for Fed was his serve and volley results and the problems that it caused for Rafa who is used to the open airspace at the net for his high margin ground game. Fed would also be better positioned for serve and volley attacks by serving into Rafa's body much more often rather than giving him angles to pass with. Fed did best when on the attack and coming to the net.
Sampras thinks serve and volley would still work today.
Fed Switches Rackets
He needed to do it for a long time but it is hard to change while competing. Fed has gone from a 90 sq. inch frame to a 98 and the difference appears to be in his serve and return. He may be launching more balls as well when he mistimes a groundstroke. I didn't see any loss of control on his volleys. I hope this gives him enough of an improvement to stay competitive.
The Balance of Major Wins is Closing
It is simply obvious that Rafa is the better player over Fed in their match-ups whether their results against others are equal or even lean for now to Fed. The scale must soon tip for Rafa to meet Fed's winning position in tennis history if he wins this tournament and the threat of total major wins will loom into view. Already Rafa is among the greats of tennis so our benefit is to be able to see the best players of any tennis era on the court right now.
Enjoy This Time As a Tennis Fan
Laver still looms as the unique one among all the others for his double grand slam record. Budge has his one grand slam which though it is never discussed puts him in that company of most complete players as well. Still, we now have Federer with his 17 major wins still on the court while Rafa is close behind now. For tennis players this is a golden era for watching some of the best tennis ever played.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Cibulkova Takes Sharapova Out in Australia
Cibulkova defeats Sharapova
I've been a fan of Dominika Cibulkova after watching one of her matches a few years ago. She is proof that size doesn't matter when it comes to power and court coverage.
The thing that is clear about Cibulkova is that she is very strong and handles shots well even when out of position and reaching. This gives her an edge against lithe opponents that rely on timing and reach only. I like her powering relatively flat shots which give her opponents little time for recovery. She serves rockes gets full rotation and spring and you can see her flex her knees completely for an amazing powerhouse of a serve.
Another take on her win over Sharapova
I've been a fan of Dominika Cibulkova after watching one of her matches a few years ago. She is proof that size doesn't matter when it comes to power and court coverage.
The thing that is clear about Cibulkova is that she is very strong and handles shots well even when out of position and reaching. This gives her an edge against lithe opponents that rely on timing and reach only. I like her powering relatively flat shots which give her opponents little time for recovery. She serves rockes gets full rotation and spring and you can see her flex her knees completely for an amazing powerhouse of a serve.
Another take on her win over Sharapova
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