Nadal wants more clay
No kidding. Clay is his best surface so of course he prefers that most of those stay as clay.
Fed and Woz advance in Miami
Junior to Pro to become more efficient - streamlined
Friday, March 31, 2017
High Doses of Vitamin C Fights Cancer
Vitamin C study versus Cancer
Who knows. So many of these studies contradict earlier ones. One thing that appears to make sense is to get more C into your diet through fruit. The type of vitamin C you get into your system is important as well so choose the form carefully if you plan to take supplements. Powdered C is recommended by many nutritional experts if you are going to take it.
Who knows. So many of these studies contradict earlier ones. One thing that appears to make sense is to get more C into your diet through fruit. The type of vitamin C you get into your system is important as well so choose the form carefully if you plan to take supplements. Powdered C is recommended by many nutritional experts if you are going to take it.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Federer the Fake Artist
Federer Fake Shot Compilation
Shot deception is a big part of becoming an effective player. The ability to disguise your shot and having the repertoire to change from one pretended shot to another is what makes Fed so great in taking points with minimal effort.
If you notice, one of his most used and effective shots is a feigned forehand drop shot from anywhere in the front half of the court to the opposite side deep with backspin. It is a fast moving slice that travels low and stays down after the bounce. He wrong foots his opponent a majority of the time with this shot which tells you that his deception is superb.
He uses body language in the form of dynamic balance that has him appear to be poised for one shot. Then he deftly changes the direction of the racket path from the same starting position as the fake shot to send the ball in the opposite court with maximum distance between the anticipated fake shot versus where the actual shot lands. He faked them out.
As soon as the opposite player thinks they have it figured out he will reverse the whole process and go from a hard and deep approach fake to a drop shot.
Bonus: Federer Hot Dog Shots
If you notice, one of his most used and effective shots is a feigned forehand drop shot from anywhere in the front half of the court to the opposite side deep with backspin. It is a fast moving slice that travels low and stays down after the bounce. He wrong foots his opponent a majority of the time with this shot which tells you that his deception is superb.
He uses body language in the form of dynamic balance that has him appear to be poised for one shot. Then he deftly changes the direction of the racket path from the same starting position as the fake shot to send the ball in the opposite court with maximum distance between the anticipated fake shot versus where the actual shot lands. He faked them out.
As soon as the opposite player thinks they have it figured out he will reverse the whole process and go from a hard and deep approach fake to a drop shot.
Bonus: Federer Hot Dog Shots
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Retirement: Self Employed Tennis Pros need rest too - Try New things
50% of Small business owners want to work in retirement
This is probably a lower percentage than tennis professionals might want to continue work in retirement. I have no firm numbers on that but simply by the nature of the work I suspect most tennis teachers want to continue until their last day or until they physically can't continue. The reason for that is that tennis teaching is more than just a job, and often more than just an avocation, it is a calling.
Most teachers I know have a passion for the job. Sure you can get burned out if you work too much at it. I've done that myself at various times by teaching seven days a week for years and eventually needed a break. Usually the break came when I changed locations or took time off to go back to school. A few times I'd start a new business that I thought might allow me to continue teaching but would add some reliable cash flow that didn't require so much time on the court. That approach worked for me over the years to where I always felt recharged after taking a slowdown period before going back to a full time effort again.
As a back-up I have sold real estate, built homes, owned rental properties, ran a paintball business, a window tinting business, a food truck, and sold antiques. All of these conformed well to the tennis teaching lifestyle by letting me continue teaching while operating a separate business that didn't require me to show up every day. More importantly, it gave me the change of perspective that made life on the court fresh again.
Going back to school is another great way to take a slowdown. I had accumulated enough savings at one time to take off time to return to college. I had always felt that pull to widen my education beyond reading and to possibly change my direction in the future so I first completed a two year accounting degree and learned that I didn't really enjoy it, but having a training in accounting has helped me greatly in remaining successfully self employed. Following that I fulfilled my long term love of literature and writing by finishing a degree in English focused on professional writing. This has offered me the confidence to consider writing as another avenue of self employment. Admittedly, this is not an easy route but it does offer a less physically demanding option for those reclining years that are sure to come and in some ways have already arrived. We can't do what we used to be able to do.
Think for yourself what other things you might want to do in addition to teaching tennis or tennis management as a way to add more flexibility to your financial future. One of the best ways is to set aside savings for that rainy day. Also, trying new business ideas can give you many opportunities to supplement your teaching income that can serve you in retirement.
This is probably a lower percentage than tennis professionals might want to continue work in retirement. I have no firm numbers on that but simply by the nature of the work I suspect most tennis teachers want to continue until their last day or until they physically can't continue. The reason for that is that tennis teaching is more than just a job, and often more than just an avocation, it is a calling.
Most teachers I know have a passion for the job. Sure you can get burned out if you work too much at it. I've done that myself at various times by teaching seven days a week for years and eventually needed a break. Usually the break came when I changed locations or took time off to go back to school. A few times I'd start a new business that I thought might allow me to continue teaching but would add some reliable cash flow that didn't require so much time on the court. That approach worked for me over the years to where I always felt recharged after taking a slowdown period before going back to a full time effort again.
As a back-up I have sold real estate, built homes, owned rental properties, ran a paintball business, a window tinting business, a food truck, and sold antiques. All of these conformed well to the tennis teaching lifestyle by letting me continue teaching while operating a separate business that didn't require me to show up every day. More importantly, it gave me the change of perspective that made life on the court fresh again.
Going back to school is another great way to take a slowdown. I had accumulated enough savings at one time to take off time to return to college. I had always felt that pull to widen my education beyond reading and to possibly change my direction in the future so I first completed a two year accounting degree and learned that I didn't really enjoy it, but having a training in accounting has helped me greatly in remaining successfully self employed. Following that I fulfilled my long term love of literature and writing by finishing a degree in English focused on professional writing. This has offered me the confidence to consider writing as another avenue of self employment. Admittedly, this is not an easy route but it does offer a less physically demanding option for those reclining years that are sure to come and in some ways have already arrived. We can't do what we used to be able to do.
Think for yourself what other things you might want to do in addition to teaching tennis or tennis management as a way to add more flexibility to your financial future. One of the best ways is to set aside savings for that rainy day. Also, trying new business ideas can give you many opportunities to supplement your teaching income that can serve you in retirement.
Federer Loves Tennis
Federer for the love of tennis
Indian Wells proves that Federer has the magic if the Australian Open didn't confirm it. His love of tennis and his newfound freedom to not play under pressure of rankings seems to be the best thing for tennis and his game.
Indian Wells proves that Federer has the magic if the Australian Open didn't confirm it. His love of tennis and his newfound freedom to not play under pressure of rankings seems to be the best thing for tennis and his game.
2/3 of Cancers Unavoidable
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/23/two-thirds-cancers-unavoidable-even-live-healthy-life-study/
The remaining one third may have environmental and lifestyle factors that can limit risk. Exercise is one of the biggest when it comes to improving your health and reducing disease risk.
The remaining one third may have environmental and lifestyle factors that can limit risk. Exercise is one of the biggest when it comes to improving your health and reducing disease risk.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Kvitova - We can't wait to see her back on the court.
http://www.wtatennis.com/news/article/6419816/title/petra-kvitova-has-huge-motivation-to-get-back-on-tour
The sad story is that she suffered the attack, but the positive note is that she is coming back soon and has learned that many others have great hopes for her.
Get Well Soon Petra
The sad story is that she suffered the attack, but the positive note is that she is coming back soon and has learned that many others have great hopes for her.
Get Well Soon Petra
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Great Tennis Vacation: Van Der Meer Tennis Resort at Hilton Head Island, S.C.
You can stay at the adjacent Sonesta Resort or find accommodations nearby and sign up for some of their daily classes or events such as round robins or shot clinics. You can find players on the sign up list or join one of the many tennis programs available.
There is plenty of parking located near the clubhouse and courts. The place has a great atmosphere. You'll find the place welcoming and very casual with a superb professional staff.
This is also where the Professional Tennis Registry holds many of their events including the yearly symposium for Tennis Professionals.
Kyrgios Out of Indian Wells: Food and Travel Advice
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Roger_Federer/41587/atp-indian-wells-nick-kyrgios-withdraws-roger-federer-advances-to-the-semifinals/
Food poisoning is no joke. Advice to Kyrgios is not to eat seafood anywhere near the time you are in a tournament unless you buy it frozen or packaged and cook it yourself.
Another thing that any road traveler knows or should know is that many fast food places are probably safest and healthiest travel food you can find. I stick with Subway and rarely find a problem, though since they are individually owned you need to observe the operating conditions. Look at how the employees handle the food and look at how fresh things look. The advantage of Subway is that you can look at the food before preparation. Also, the volume of the store seems to really help. Whatever you do, follow the rule of safe stomachs that I have developed after watching cats about to eat. Sniff it first and if it smells at all funny take it back. Also, upon first taste if it is strange take it back.
Subway is transitioning to non antibiotic sourced chicken and turkey.
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/tag/subway-restaurants/#.WM7nMRLysW0
Food poisoning is no joke. Advice to Kyrgios is not to eat seafood anywhere near the time you are in a tournament unless you buy it frozen or packaged and cook it yourself.
Another thing that any road traveler knows or should know is that many fast food places are probably safest and healthiest travel food you can find. I stick with Subway and rarely find a problem, though since they are individually owned you need to observe the operating conditions. Look at how the employees handle the food and look at how fresh things look. The advantage of Subway is that you can look at the food before preparation. Also, the volume of the store seems to really help. Whatever you do, follow the rule of safe stomachs that I have developed after watching cats about to eat. Sniff it first and if it smells at all funny take it back. Also, upon first taste if it is strange take it back.
Subway is transitioning to non antibiotic sourced chicken and turkey.
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/tag/subway-restaurants/#.WM7nMRLysW0
Let Sharapova Back In: She is an asset to tennis
Sharapova given wild card: Expects suspicious welcome back to tennis fold
Sharapova always provided something that added to any tournament. She admitted her guilt suggesting it was only by oversight and it makes me wonder if some of the braying about her reappearance is self interested since she is such a threat on the court.
The use of performance enhancing drugs and supplements is a moving target. How many herbal supplements are players using that may have exceptional benefits for players we'll probably never know until another player is tripped up. I don't know anything about this particular drug but it does make me wonder where the line will be drawn eventually on adding supplements and drugs to the list of banned substances.
In the meantime, I'd rather see Sharapova back on the court. Her intensity is inspiring.
Sharapova always provided something that added to any tournament. She admitted her guilt suggesting it was only by oversight and it makes me wonder if some of the braying about her reappearance is self interested since she is such a threat on the court.
The use of performance enhancing drugs and supplements is a moving target. How many herbal supplements are players using that may have exceptional benefits for players we'll probably never know until another player is tripped up. I don't know anything about this particular drug but it does make me wonder where the line will be drawn eventually on adding supplements and drugs to the list of banned substances.
In the meantime, I'd rather see Sharapova back on the court. Her intensity is inspiring.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Bigger Rackets Work: Federer Credits his Racket for an Improved Backhand
Federer gets improved backhand from Racket
If Fed says it's the racket who are we to argue. It may also help that he had coaching help from a coach with a great one handed backhand, Ivan Ljubicic. I'd credit both.
If Fed says it's the racket who are we to argue. It may also help that he had coaching help from a coach with a great one handed backhand, Ivan Ljubicic. I'd credit both.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Bad Behavior but Great Game: Kyrgios
http://nypost.com/2017/03/16/tennis-bad-boy-nick-kyrgios-is-so-good-its-scary/
He has a superb game. Let's hope Federer is right that he can take his game higher by not acting out.
He has a superb game. Let's hope Federer is right that he can take his game higher by not acting out.
Overcoming Challenges - Venus Williams
She Loves the Game
Having the right attitude about the sport makes adversity less of a setback and more of a new challenge.
Having the right attitude about the sport makes adversity less of a setback and more of a new challenge.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Forehand TopSpin Method for power
ATP Pro Technique
This appears to be a good analysis of the mechanics of a functional and reliable forehand. I was never a proponent of using the wiper blade description as the best visual approach to getting a solid stroke.
If you look at the mechanics of this stroke it conforms to classic forms.
The finish is what tells the story. Your finish allows a safe way to dissipate the remaining energy in the stroke without applying that force against your joints, muscles, and limbs. A relaxed finish that comes around gives the impression that there is a lot of vertical wrist action in the motion.
Wrist movement on the stroke is a guarantee of eventual wrist injury. I learned this at 7 years of age after watching a TV match where the ill informed announcer pontificated on how Laver used his wrist to generate all that extra spin so that is what we should all do. I went out and tried it and within twenty minutes had a wrist injury. So much for wrist action on forehands. Save yourself and focus on timing a motion that generates a strong upward lift starting from a position lower than the ball and finishing high and forward rather than emulating the reverse finish method used by Nadal as an example. Later, if you want to increase velocity and have hardened your body against this type of injury you can work on adding some additional motion as shown below that appears as more of a wrist extension rather than a rotation. Wrist rotation seems to be the key to injuries.
Left and Right Hand Together Forehand - elbow slightly out
This is also good advice since it forces a good shoulder rotation and turning sideways. At least he says limit the wrist action until your skills are up beyond the basic level. Of course the wrist can generate velocity but with it comes directional change so unless your judgement and timing are superb the wrist can as he mentions it, make your stroke squirrely.
I would say that is why most players that are in the 2.5-4.5 level of play are better off keeping the wrist out of their game and focusing on directional control and depth, and especially if you're a club and league player with no pretensions or expectations of becoming a tournament player. It will be a lot easier on your body especially as you age and injury risk becomes more obvious.
Use your own judgement on this, but if you decide to go wristy I'd also suggest adding wrist support bands. I found them very useful.
This is a good example but not necessarily a recommendation. I haven't used this version.
This appears to be a good analysis of the mechanics of a functional and reliable forehand. I was never a proponent of using the wiper blade description as the best visual approach to getting a solid stroke.
If you look at the mechanics of this stroke it conforms to classic forms.
The finish is what tells the story. Your finish allows a safe way to dissipate the remaining energy in the stroke without applying that force against your joints, muscles, and limbs. A relaxed finish that comes around gives the impression that there is a lot of vertical wrist action in the motion.
Wrist movement on the stroke is a guarantee of eventual wrist injury. I learned this at 7 years of age after watching a TV match where the ill informed announcer pontificated on how Laver used his wrist to generate all that extra spin so that is what we should all do. I went out and tried it and within twenty minutes had a wrist injury. So much for wrist action on forehands. Save yourself and focus on timing a motion that generates a strong upward lift starting from a position lower than the ball and finishing high and forward rather than emulating the reverse finish method used by Nadal as an example. Later, if you want to increase velocity and have hardened your body against this type of injury you can work on adding some additional motion as shown below that appears as more of a wrist extension rather than a rotation. Wrist rotation seems to be the key to injuries.
Left and Right Hand Together Forehand - elbow slightly out
This is also good advice since it forces a good shoulder rotation and turning sideways. At least he says limit the wrist action until your skills are up beyond the basic level. Of course the wrist can generate velocity but with it comes directional change so unless your judgement and timing are superb the wrist can as he mentions it, make your stroke squirrely.
I would say that is why most players that are in the 2.5-4.5 level of play are better off keeping the wrist out of their game and focusing on directional control and depth, and especially if you're a club and league player with no pretensions or expectations of becoming a tournament player. It will be a lot easier on your body especially as you age and injury risk becomes more obvious.
Use your own judgement on this, but if you decide to go wristy I'd also suggest adding wrist support bands. I found them very useful.
This is a good example but not necessarily a recommendation. I haven't used this version.
Dealing With Injury in Tennis
Madison Keys Faces the Challenge
Coming back after an injury is difficult in sports and in tennis something as simple as a strained wrist can take you off the court. Worse yet, once you take the time off you'll find it much more physically challenging to come back.
Suggestion: Don't give up on conditioning even if you're not playing tennis. Worst case, switch hands for some backboard time if it's your arm or wrist that is the problem. This might give you some options when scrambling and need that extra reach. You've seen all the top players throw the racket to the off hand when that extra foot of extension is needed just to get the ball back.
Back injuries don't allow much of anything but rest and rehabilitation. Take up cross training and conditioning that helps strengthen your back without injuring it.
Shoulder injuries are one of the worst along with hip and knee problems. The shoulder takes away your serve while leg injuries change your mobility. In tennis there are so many ways to be reduced in level of play that once the cycle of injuries begin you almost always think of what life is like without tennis.
Suggestion: Find a way to get on the court even if it is nothing but standing at the net and volleying with your off hand. You're still practicing your game.
Coming back after an injury is difficult in sports and in tennis something as simple as a strained wrist can take you off the court. Worse yet, once you take the time off you'll find it much more physically challenging to come back.
Suggestion: Don't give up on conditioning even if you're not playing tennis. Worst case, switch hands for some backboard time if it's your arm or wrist that is the problem. This might give you some options when scrambling and need that extra reach. You've seen all the top players throw the racket to the off hand when that extra foot of extension is needed just to get the ball back.
Back injuries don't allow much of anything but rest and rehabilitation. Take up cross training and conditioning that helps strengthen your back without injuring it.
Shoulder injuries are one of the worst along with hip and knee problems. The shoulder takes away your serve while leg injuries change your mobility. In tennis there are so many ways to be reduced in level of play that once the cycle of injuries begin you almost always think of what life is like without tennis.
Suggestion: Find a way to get on the court even if it is nothing but standing at the net and volleying with your off hand. You're still practicing your game.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Tennis Parent/Coach Nightmare
Tennis Coach/Parent accused of abuse
Whatever the facts it is likely that the relationship between the coaching father and his daughters suffered badly from their experience with him as a coach. This should be an object lesson for anyone thinking of coaching their kids.
Tips
Use a passive style that is always supportive.
It is their life not yours so keep it in mind when having expectations.
Make tennis fun because the reality is that they will likely never play professionally. The statistics back this up and even playing as a pro should be thought of as a stepping stone to coaching based on the small number of players that can make a living as players.
Be a good parent first. Tennis is secondary.
Tyrant Accusation
Whatever the facts it is likely that the relationship between the coaching father and his daughters suffered badly from their experience with him as a coach. This should be an object lesson for anyone thinking of coaching their kids.
Tips
Use a passive style that is always supportive.
It is their life not yours so keep it in mind when having expectations.
Make tennis fun because the reality is that they will likely never play professionally. The statistics back this up and even playing as a pro should be thought of as a stepping stone to coaching based on the small number of players that can make a living as players.
Be a good parent first. Tennis is secondary.
Tyrant Accusation
Indian Wells - a really strong side of the draw, 45 slams
http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/03/andy-murray-novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-roger-federer-atp-indian-wells/64691/
It is an amazing side of the draw and I only wish I were there to see it play out.
It is an amazing side of the draw and I only wish I were there to see it play out.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Novak Says Tennis is Not Number 1 Priority - Smart Man
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Novak_Djokovic/41267/novak-djokovic-tennis-is-not-my-no-1-priority-anymore-/
This happens to all tennis players when they get married, have children, and find these responsibilities competing with their tennis. Something has to give and tennis is often the thing that must see less effort simply because before that it was all consuming.
Good for Novak. He is seeking balance. Fed did the same thing as many others before them.
This happens to all tennis players when they get married, have children, and find these responsibilities competing with their tennis. Something has to give and tennis is often the thing that must see less effort simply because before that it was all consuming.
Good for Novak. He is seeking balance. Fed did the same thing as many others before them.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Kyrgios Upsets Djokovic in Acapulco
http://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/18813055/tennis-nick-kyrgios-upset-novak-djokovic-come-surprise
My money is still on Djokovic in the Majors. He won't make the preparation mistake again for those.
I will say though that seeing Federer win, or Nadal, and maybe even Murray at this stage of the competition is still satisfying. I would like to see a few more Fed wins though and expect Novak to take more as well. Nadal, well he's fighting injuries that will continue to plague his aggressive physical game.
Suggestion to Nadal: Work on some new methods. Serve and volley, more drops, and find a way to flatten the ball out some of the time to save energy.
My money is still on Djokovic in the Majors. He won't make the preparation mistake again for those.
I will say though that seeing Federer win, or Nadal, and maybe even Murray at this stage of the competition is still satisfying. I would like to see a few more Fed wins though and expect Novak to take more as well. Nadal, well he's fighting injuries that will continue to plague his aggressive physical game.
Suggestion to Nadal: Work on some new methods. Serve and volley, more drops, and find a way to flatten the ball out some of the time to save energy.
Artificial Intelligence for Line Calls - It has arrived
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-02/this-200-ai-will-end-tennis-club-screaming-matches
For two hundred dollars this is a dream come true for important match play in the realm of amateurs. I've been waiting for this and I think things will only get better.
Soon, we'll have tennis rackets that help analyze strokes. Oh wait, they already do.
Things are moving fast.
For two hundred dollars this is a dream come true for important match play in the realm of amateurs. I've been waiting for this and I think things will only get better.
Soon, we'll have tennis rackets that help analyze strokes. Oh wait, they already do.
Things are moving fast.
Wild Cards - It's always about the Money
http://www.hindustantimes.com/tennis/maria-sharapova-may-not-get-french-open-tennis-wildcard/story-DIWLiScifHtmztpVLb8pdO.html
Or at least it used to be. Maybe the stigma of doping suspensions has finally reached a point where the tournament needs to look at the big picture. Let's see what happens.
Or at least it used to be. Maybe the stigma of doping suspensions has finally reached a point where the tournament needs to look at the big picture. Let's see what happens.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Tennis News: Seles in Budapest, Serena, Murray with Shingles, Bouchard Topless/Sorta
Seles Inspiring Next Generation
The former champion continues to inspire others.
Serena Challenges Players on Public Courts
That must have been fun to watch.
Murray Suffers With Shingles
This is hard luck for such a young man. He's tough though so expect him to push it aside over time.
Latin America fleeing Clay Courts
It seems that the days of Grass and Clay for the top level tournaments are dwindling.
Tomic, Kygios behavior brings calls for harsh measures
Bouchard SI Topless
Tennis Podcast: Federer Signs up for 3 more years, Did Murray Overtrain
ESPN Announcer Adler has heart attack over firing and stress from racial accusations
The former champion continues to inspire others.
Serena Challenges Players on Public Courts
That must have been fun to watch.
Murray Suffers With Shingles
This is hard luck for such a young man. He's tough though so expect him to push it aside over time.
Latin America fleeing Clay Courts
It seems that the days of Grass and Clay for the top level tournaments are dwindling.
Tomic, Kygios behavior brings calls for harsh measures
Bouchard SI Topless
Tennis Podcast: Federer Signs up for 3 more years, Did Murray Overtrain
ESPN Announcer Adler has heart attack over firing and stress from racial accusations
Health and Fitness News: 90 Year old does 24 pull ups on his birthday, Walk 7 miles per day if you have a desk job
90 Year old
I can't do that many now and I suspect most of us can't. This should tell you that consistent effort to maintain fitness can help you stay fit and move you well beyond the mean into world class athlete.
Desk Job needs to be counteracted with walking
Heart disease is everywhere and the risk increases if you are less active. Get moving. Play tennis.
I can't do that many now and I suspect most of us can't. This should tell you that consistent effort to maintain fitness can help you stay fit and move you well beyond the mean into world class athlete.
Desk Job needs to be counteracted with walking
Heart disease is everywhere and the risk increases if you are less active. Get moving. Play tennis.
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