Why we can't have tennis without them for now
It's been a long time since Fed and Raffa have been at this peak and facing each other in the final and it is wonderful to see. I own some of their matches on DVD and like other great matches have to replay them periodically. It is something tennis lovers must do.
Can Fed Hit 18 Grand Slam Events - his path
He can do it simply because if he can win the one he just took he might be able to take another. This is coming from a Fed fan of course so it is in my interest to hope he can do it.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Serena Williams
Margaret Court
I watched Margaret play when I was young. She was superbly aggressive and graceful at the same time. Her dominant approach to play was not normal for that era in her time so she rolled over many other women players. Her record stands for the moment as the top women player in terms of major wins and total wins of majors.
Serena has a very good chance of catching her now that she is within striking range of the number 23 and then 24 which would put her on top. Such is the thing of records. Serena is so dominant among the women that I wonder what has happened to the rest of the pack. Have they no answer? Once or twice a player gets smart and plays for guile and touch rather than trying to out-slug Serena because that simply won't get the job done unless Serena has an off day.
Serena is back on top
This is no surprise since she sort of owns the spot. It is as if she had taken a vacation and rented out the spot for a while and has moved back in. Will she stay there? For now it looks clear that she has all the prowess that she ever had on the court and the newest crop of women still can't measure up except for a now and then win when her game is off.
Serving: I suspect that my only focus would be on superb serve placement work that includes lots of slice to keep the ball low and moving to one side or the other. The serve targets would be a mix of body serves and wide slices with nothing in her strike zone.
Groundstrokes: Work on the the slice/underspin backhand skills and for that matter work on chip shots from both sides since the only way to hurt her is to bring her up short and low and then wide. I would only give her high balls when sending up a moonball exchange to alter the pace and bounce height.
Slice backhand - Evonne Goolagong -
Serena Williams vs Steffi Graf - check out the commentary on the Graf Backhand giving Serena problems. Still, Serena wins this match with total power. As much as Steffi had power Serena has more. You can't outhit her, but you might be able to outwit her with tactics and an all court strategy. Take a cue from Roger Federer revitalizing his game by using chip and charge along with more and more variation in his game.
Return of Serve: Have strong serves against you hit from inside the baseline to increase speed and train closer and closer to the service line as a form of overtraining. This can emulate a very heavy serve. You need to be able to face down her serve and take it early even if it is simply to chip it back. Her serve has to be neutralized. In fact, I haven't seen anyone step in on her regularly to try to distract and intimidate her as I know some men would do against the same serve. You need to find a way to block the serve back and attack.
The Tempo: I'd give her no power except when or if I ever saw a mid court ball and could hit it deep to a corner. Nothing short of that is anything but feeding her strength. Instead, I'd mix the game up. Picture a Steffi Graff backhand slice with lots of bite on the bounce. The groundstrokes have to stay out of her strike zone either above her shoulders and down at her ankles at varying speeds.
All that said: Meditate and contemplate facing off against your ultimate challenge because that is what she is for most of the players that come up against her.
Finally. Congratulations to Serena. She earned it again and again. My only desire is to have some other players give her a challenge so that the tennis will seem more interesting. This is the one thing the men's tour with epic five set battles between Fed and Raffa continues to offer.
I watched Margaret play when I was young. She was superbly aggressive and graceful at the same time. Her dominant approach to play was not normal for that era in her time so she rolled over many other women players. Her record stands for the moment as the top women player in terms of major wins and total wins of majors.
Serena has a very good chance of catching her now that she is within striking range of the number 23 and then 24 which would put her on top. Such is the thing of records. Serena is so dominant among the women that I wonder what has happened to the rest of the pack. Have they no answer? Once or twice a player gets smart and plays for guile and touch rather than trying to out-slug Serena because that simply won't get the job done unless Serena has an off day.
Serena is back on top
This is no surprise since she sort of owns the spot. It is as if she had taken a vacation and rented out the spot for a while and has moved back in. Will she stay there? For now it looks clear that she has all the prowess that she ever had on the court and the newest crop of women still can't measure up except for a now and then win when her game is off.
How to Beat Serena
What would I do if I were a woman trying to win against Serena? Good question.Serving: I suspect that my only focus would be on superb serve placement work that includes lots of slice to keep the ball low and moving to one side or the other. The serve targets would be a mix of body serves and wide slices with nothing in her strike zone.
Groundstrokes: Work on the the slice/underspin backhand skills and for that matter work on chip shots from both sides since the only way to hurt her is to bring her up short and low and then wide. I would only give her high balls when sending up a moonball exchange to alter the pace and bounce height.
Slice backhand - Evonne Goolagong -
Serena Williams vs Steffi Graf - check out the commentary on the Graf Backhand giving Serena problems. Still, Serena wins this match with total power. As much as Steffi had power Serena has more. You can't outhit her, but you might be able to outwit her with tactics and an all court strategy. Take a cue from Roger Federer revitalizing his game by using chip and charge along with more and more variation in his game.
Return of Serve: Have strong serves against you hit from inside the baseline to increase speed and train closer and closer to the service line as a form of overtraining. This can emulate a very heavy serve. You need to be able to face down her serve and take it early even if it is simply to chip it back. Her serve has to be neutralized. In fact, I haven't seen anyone step in on her regularly to try to distract and intimidate her as I know some men would do against the same serve. You need to find a way to block the serve back and attack.
The Tempo: I'd give her no power except when or if I ever saw a mid court ball and could hit it deep to a corner. Nothing short of that is anything but feeding her strength. Instead, I'd mix the game up. Picture a Steffi Graff backhand slice with lots of bite on the bounce. The groundstrokes have to stay out of her strike zone either above her shoulders and down at her ankles at varying speeds.
All that said: Meditate and contemplate facing off against your ultimate challenge because that is what she is for most of the players that come up against her.
Finally. Congratulations to Serena. She earned it again and again. My only desire is to have some other players give her a challenge so that the tennis will seem more interesting. This is the one thing the men's tour with epic five set battles between Fed and Raffa continues to offer.
Tennis Diet: Don't Skip Breakfast
Skipping Breakfast a bad idea
If you want to have a good start on the day eating a good breakfast seems like a good idea. This research appears to back up what is common sense.
What I do every day: I didn't always eat this way though I wish I had.
I always go for the first item of the day as protein and chase it down with a high fiber and low glycemic carbohydrate. The fats that accompany the protein are the balance of energy that will slow absorption and give you a slow burn rather than a fast uptake and then blood sugar crash later. As you age blood sugar issues and insulin resistance can become a problem if you go with the standard American breakfast of cereal and milk with sugar on top.
Starting the day with a solid protein breakfast such as salmon, chicken, eggs, ham, bacon, cheese or some other type of protein with some carbohydrates in the form of beans or bread in the form of an English muffin can give you the energy for a solid workout and also prevent snacking on junk. Even having some vegetables or green items such as green beans or spinach can improve your nutrition but of course it not considered normal by most. Find something that works for you and your performance.
Moderate intake of good fats prior to a workout also seems to work well where saturated fats are as always not the ideal for heart health.
Bottom Line: Eat your breakfast rather than skip it.
Disclaimer: I'm not a dietician or medical professional so consult one of these if you want professional advice on the subject. The information above is simply my response to a new study and observations I have made with my own experience on food intake.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Tennis Pro Retirement Planning: A book you should read "The Gone Fishin' Portfolio" By Alexander Green
If you are a tennis Pro meaning tennis teacher you need to plan for the day when you can no longer put in 8 hour days on the court. I did that for years and now find it impossible. Thankfully, I put aside savings. I hope you are in the early stages of your teaching career and take some suggestions regarding this. Learn about investing. That is my advice. I'm not a financial advisor so all I want you to do start reading and learning.
Here is a good start and having read many books on the subject.
As someone who worked very hard for their money I didn't trust others with my savings so I took the approach of self investment. I have other friends who did the same successfully. The important thing is to start early and consistently set aside savings while putting off gratification for things like fancy cars and big homes. All of these things are common sense.
What follows in the book is specific information on where and how to invest the money you save.
The review below is reprinted from my personal blog which is primarily about reviewing books that I read since reading is one of my biggest pastimes other than tennis which is my lifelong passion.
This book boils down to two or three simple pages. These list the portfolios you would use to safely diversify your investments while limiting the effort involved.
Simplicity and Brevity best describe the concept. I have seen similar recommendations before but not in such a precise and complete discussion with a logical reasoning for this to work.
If you want to just set money aside and let it work then this approach makes sense.
The author also wisely suggests that only you care about your money like you do. It is true. Brokers and investment advisors are there to serve their interests and not yours no matter how much they profess otherwise.
Having read so many other investment books in the past I feel jaded on the subject of personal finance. I still found many of his points refreshing and honest as if from a man with no need to worry about what stating such things might cost him in the industry. He has all he needs according to him so this may explain it.
Regardless, I like the choices involved such as the Vanguard group index funds which have always been my favorites. His reasoning makes perfect sense based on reducing fees and expenses which over time become a major part of your return.
4.5 Stars **** 1/2 Strongly Recommend
Here is a good start and having read many books on the subject.
As someone who worked very hard for their money I didn't trust others with my savings so I took the approach of self investment. I have other friends who did the same successfully. The important thing is to start early and consistently set aside savings while putting off gratification for things like fancy cars and big homes. All of these things are common sense.
What follows in the book is specific information on where and how to invest the money you save.
The review below is reprinted from my personal blog which is primarily about reviewing books that I read since reading is one of my biggest pastimes other than tennis which is my lifelong passion.
Review: The Gone Fishin' Portfolio By Alexander Green
This book boils down to two or three simple pages. These list the portfolios you would use to safely diversify your investments while limiting the effort involved.
Simplicity and Brevity best describe the concept. I have seen similar recommendations before but not in such a precise and complete discussion with a logical reasoning for this to work.
If you want to just set money aside and let it work then this approach makes sense.
The author also wisely suggests that only you care about your money like you do. It is true. Brokers and investment advisors are there to serve their interests and not yours no matter how much they profess otherwise.
Having read so many other investment books in the past I feel jaded on the subject of personal finance. I still found many of his points refreshing and honest as if from a man with no need to worry about what stating such things might cost him in the industry. He has all he needs according to him so this may explain it.
Regardless, I like the choices involved such as the Vanguard group index funds which have always been my favorites. His reasoning makes perfect sense based on reducing fees and expenses which over time become a major part of your return.
4.5 Stars **** 1/2 Strongly Recommend
Australian Open - Federer defeats Nadal, Serena defeats Venus
Australian Open
Congratulations to both Roger and Serena.
Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal giving him some arguments against the Nadal owns him narrative. It also gives Roger some hope that he can take another Wimbledon. The one thing that is certain is that every day of Roger Federer still in Professional tennis is a great day for those of us who love his game. Rafael is another favorite just because of his style of play that invokes epic struggle in every point. Sadly, his style of play is also hard on his body and this may be why his game seems to be fading from the amazing levels he once managed to reach. Watching them play against each other is still one of the most enjoyable moments available for tennis spectators.
Serena Williams beats Venus Williams in another all sister final. The outcome was expected based on past results. Venus is a charming personality while her sister Serena is a dominant force of nature. Aside from her physical strength which gives her a serious advantage against all other women players it is also her force of will that takes it across the finish line or in this case match point.
Regarding Roger
He Wins
Hints at retirement or possible injury risk
Fed Wins Twitter goes wild
18th win For Fed
Video - Was this Australian win Federer's Greatest Ever?
It is clearly noteworthy and proof he is unequaled in his long term viability as a top player.
Congratulations to both Roger and Serena.
Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal giving him some arguments against the Nadal owns him narrative. It also gives Roger some hope that he can take another Wimbledon. The one thing that is certain is that every day of Roger Federer still in Professional tennis is a great day for those of us who love his game. Rafael is another favorite just because of his style of play that invokes epic struggle in every point. Sadly, his style of play is also hard on his body and this may be why his game seems to be fading from the amazing levels he once managed to reach. Watching them play against each other is still one of the most enjoyable moments available for tennis spectators.
Serena Williams beats Venus Williams in another all sister final. The outcome was expected based on past results. Venus is a charming personality while her sister Serena is a dominant force of nature. Aside from her physical strength which gives her a serious advantage against all other women players it is also her force of will that takes it across the finish line or in this case match point.
Regarding Roger
He Wins
Hints at retirement or possible injury risk
Fed Wins Twitter goes wild
18th win For Fed
Video - Was this Australian win Federer's Greatest Ever?
It is clearly noteworthy and proof he is unequaled in his long term viability as a top player.
Cancer Breathalyzer Test
New Test will help avoid more intense procedures and give earlier diagnoses of stomach and throat cancers.
It seems that certain cancers are prevalent based on habits. Others such as throat cancers may have a relationship to other digestive issues such as acid reflux that is common among aging people. This test is a helpful option for anyone concerned about this. It will help you avoid an endoscopy unless necessary.
Maintaining your health is a major reason to participate in sports and knowledge of how to stay on top of your health issues is an important aspect of that.
It seems that certain cancers are prevalent based on habits. Others such as throat cancers may have a relationship to other digestive issues such as acid reflux that is common among aging people. This test is a helpful option for anyone concerned about this. It will help you avoid an endoscopy unless necessary.
Maintaining your health is a major reason to participate in sports and knowledge of how to stay on top of your health issues is an important aspect of that.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Australian Open News
Old Gang all in the finals
Williams Sisters, Fed, and Raffa all in singles finals at the Australian. It's an amazing show of the elders out there.
The hottest looking at the Open
Williams Sisters, Fed, and Raffa all in singles finals at the Australian. It's an amazing show of the elders out there.
The hottest looking at the Open
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