Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Monday, June 21, 2021
Cardio Risk for Tennis Players and Coaches
Poor Arthur Ashe comes to mind. and is a perfect example. I think that he mentioned that he never contemplated a cardio risk prior to his heart attack since he was in such great shape and an athlete. He thought his diet didn't matter. That was the state of knowledge at the time so it was understandable. I've known some tough, well-conditioned, but aging players that had cardiac events. I've had a few scares myself and keep track of it. I know other pros that have never seen a doctor. Bless them. We're all one cardiac event away from retirement, disability, or a quick exit.
Team or lesson Discipline - Safety is first
Players that cause safety problems are always my first focus on both team and lesson environments and that refers back to the idea of requiring compliance or leave. An example might include someone tossing a racket or hitting wild balls intentionally. Those situations aren't acceptable.
Punishment vs Discipline
Injuries are a real risk. Some sort of reprimand or penalty makes sense to me for a team situation. If a team member is a slacker, I might tailor something to test their discipline such as boring and repetitive drills. I always stayed with tennis focused training and never want to be the cause of an injury.
Harming team members or students under your control is not acceptable. We know much more now than decades back. Heat exhaustion and cardiac risk is a major concern. Other injuries can be debilitating and ruin a sports career. All of these are counterproductive. Coaches should be aware of the risk and act accordingly.
Novak - Most Complete Tennis Player of all Time
This is an excellent analysis of the recent match at RG, the Fench Open.
Patrick states the fact that Novak is proving to be the most complete player ever.
Friday, June 18, 2021
Novak - the most dominant player of the last decade
The numbers prove it. More wins combined than Fed and Rafa.
This is the best way to measure dominance rather than a popularity contest.
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Goat Debate Continues - Laver's Opinion
You have to listen to Laver since he also has a certain claim of being among the greats of Tennis. Two calendar-year Grand Slams go a long way to put him in the elite group.
Rafa Nadal Withdraws from 2021 Wimbledon
It comes to everyone that age slows you down. In sports injuries pile up, and at the very top level of competition wear and tear reduce your level of play. I'm amazed at how long Rafa was able to compete with his physically aggressive style of play.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Anger Management on the Court
To me, anger on the court usually indicates external issues that we carry out there, and most of us have experienced it.
If playing matches against even friends is no longer fun, I'd just stop doing it. Find practice partners that will be happy to hit and play points without the competitive pressure. Unless you're playing for big money there is no reason to submit yourself to something you no longer enjoy.
Tennis can be enjoyed in many ways other than just playing games and matches.
Sunday, June 13, 2021
Novak Wins Final after two set deficit - Proves his Mettle and Settles all Questions
Congratulations to Novak Djokovic on an amazing comeback in a pressure filled final where his reputation was again on the line.
I think this article from the French Open is superb and describes the challenges he has faced very well.
Impressive: Novak wins over Rafa in the 2021 French Open Semifinal
With all the celebration for Novak fans, keep in mind that this victory has to be followed up with a win over Tsitsipas to make the victory complete.
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Elbow Problems
Often elbow injures seem to increase with age. Changing rackets and going with a flexible frame (below 60 stiffness), more mass (11-12 oz) weight can be added under the grip if needed, string with natural or synthetic gut and stay away from poly, try reduced string tension 55 lbs or less and a frame that isn't head heavy or too head-light. You can also go with an elbow guard while rebuilding your strength.
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
The Next 5 years of Men's Tennis
5 more years of Novak and Rafa as they begin losing in the slams to Med, Tsitsi, Zverev, Thiem, and Rublev.
Med owns hard courts as Tsitsi owns clay,.
Meanwhile, Zverev gets some clay wins, while Thiem and Rublev will be a threat on all surfaces.
Monday, June 7, 2021
Defaults and Retiring from Matches - It is happening too often.
I agree with Becker on this. Unless this player was suffering from a bad injury he should've stayed out there and taken his medicine. It's a bad look.
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Tennis Therapy - playing can help. Teaching is a way to make it your lifestyle.
Tennis can be therapy for those looking for an escape, a safe and pleasant one. I used it for that while growing up. Tennis can be the means for achieving the habit of discipline that will carry over into other aspects of life such as work and gaining an education. For me, it was a way to take away all of my concerns while focusing on simple elements as movement, concentration, and conditioning. Later, when I began teaching, it took on the further concept of analysis. Learning to figure out why one thing works while another does not is central to any skill, art, or discipline. Learning and teaching tennis contains the same challenges to both body and intellect.
Why teach? Simple reasons such as I prefer to work outside in the sun, I like to exercise, I like coaching, and I love teaching others how to play Tennis.
Bill Scanlon (November 13, 1956 - June 2, 2021) RIP
Bill Scanlon was a gentleman and a superb tennis player. RIP
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Reporter Reinstated at the French Open
Hopefully, Zverev's comments helped his situation. The French do like to control things from top to bottom so this is simply a reflection of society.
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
French Open 2021 - Tennys vs Novak
Tennys went for broke gambling on many shots to take points he normally wouldn't have won. He was playing very well. The article states it was effortless for Novak as if he just lolled around on his side of the net instead of the superb effort he applied to finish the job.