Some players stand ready to return serve with their forehand grip.  Others wait with their backhand grip.  Which is better?

Tennis Magazine Says …

The whole world is focused on the pandemic from this virus; and people are dramatically changing their behavior and daily patterns.  But when this is over (and it will be), will life just go back to normal or will there be any permanent changes?

How About …

Playing mid-level doubles, when should your net partner poach on your serve if their backhand is over the middle?  This question comes from a frustrated  lefty reader…

Put It Away or Stay Home!

With “no-tennis” order starting to lift in different parts of the country (my Pelican Bay courts just announced they are opening up today!), the USTA has put out some guidelines to consider before getting back onto the courts.

BEFORE YOU PLAY

As the Covid shutdown continues to drag on, many of us are feeling the downtime frustration; so other than physical exercise/activities, how can you spend your time so you don’t go totally nuts?

Good Reading

We have all been there … serving at 5-4 for just the set or the whole match; and we blow it!  Why?  What should we do differently in that situation to change the outcome?

Some Key Factors

In my opinion, there are several things we should and should not do …

Most of us – especially retired senior tennis players – are probably feeling a real sense of “cabin fever” as this nation-wide shutdown drags on.  Government entities, from Federal to State to County to City, are trying to deal with the balance between medical, economic, and social concerns.

We Are All Different

Most of us are shut down from actually playing tennis; so what can you do to keep your game sharp?  How about just thinking about tennis, can that work?  Here is an incredible story that might shed some light.

A Vietnam P.O.W.

 You just played a grueling and close tennis match and after you congratulate your opponent(s) they proceed to tell you how/why they beat you.  What do you feel about opponents who give you “advice” after a match?

Solicited or Unsolicited?

A tennis friend asked me, “Do you have good days and bad days on the tennis court like I do?”  Strangely, my answer was NO.  Why would that be?

Going to the Extremes

Early in a doubles match, you crush a soft second serve at the opposing net player; but it catches the top of the net and falls on your side.  Was it a bad idea? No, I think it will pay dividends later in the match.

Sending a Message

With the USTA’s proclamation, all of my available tennis courts are now shut down; so it is a “what now?” mode.  How are the avid tennis players coping with this time away from the courts?

For those of us who are “exercise addicts,” we must find something to not only fill the empty hours; but also burn off that energy inside and get an endorphin release.

When you watch pro tennis on TV, the announcers are always talking about “the number of winners vs. errors.”  When we all play, we have no real idea of OUR numbers; but what is a good ratio?

The Obvious Answer

The Governor of Florida just ordered a state-wide “Safer at Home” order, telling residents to stay home, except for “essential” trips outside.  But what is allowed and not allowed – and what people/authorities will do about it – is not clear.

The Extreme Case

What is one of the prime reasons we all don’t have consistent ground strokes and volleys?  The answer: Not hitting the ball consistently in the center of the racquet.  So, what can you do about it?  Here are answers from two veteran pros.

Recognizing the Problem