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

During a game of tennis, what do you think is the most important point?  There are a variety of opinions; but here is one from tennis’ “statistics guru” based on his study of the pros (in support of his client, Novak Djokovic).

Most side-by-side tennis courts have benches, covering and water in between them, where players go during change overs.  But (putting aside the current restrictions on “social distancing”), (when this is all over and we go back to “normal”) is it OK for one of the players/teams to have “guests” sitting there during a match?

What is the Rule?

We have had some great points made on both sides of the “to play or not to play” issue.  So, I would like to present what I did today for your opinions: is this safe or not safe?

The question has come up regularly: can tennis balls carry the Corona virus?  According to most experts, the virus can survive on most surfaces (longer on some and shorter on others).  So, what should we do while continuing to play our game?

Whether or not you believe there is an extreme health crisis going on, everyone’s life has changed in the last three weeks; and the senior tennis community (emphasis on “senior”) is no exception.  But what are YOU doing about it?

All Group Activities Are Canceled

From teeny towels to tournament timing, players responded, rated, and opined on the season of Florida senior tennis tournaments.  The results and every opinion have been shared with the tournament directors.

Here are the ratings for both the general tournament topics and for each of the nine events from December’s Longboat Key to the third CAT II at St. Pete …

After my total hip replacement surgery, I was amazed to find myself being able to use the ball machine in just four weeks.  And now, I feel just about “totally whole.”  But what do the experts say about playing tennis after total hip or knee replacements?  You may be surprised …

National Institute of Health says …

You are returning a soft second serve or set up to pound a groundstroke past your opponent(s) … should you use a short or long backswing on your power forehand?  I spoke with three different teaching pros … and got three different answers!

Hard vs. Soft Courts

As we age, both memory and hearing tend to be impacted.  That combination can sometimes play havoc with tennis score keeping.  Here is a situation and a rule question as a result …

What Was the Correct Score?

Some senior tennis players just go out and play tennis.  Others (like me) try to do some off-court activities to improve their physical condition and, hopefully, help prevent future injury.  So if you do strengthening exercises, is it better to use free weights, machines, or bands?

A Lifetime of Weights

This week sees the last (!) of the Florida Super Senior Grand Prix tournaments, with this one being the big (284 entries) CAT II played at the classic St. Petersburg Country Club.  I was reunited with my January partner, Noble Hendrix vs. a very challenging field of some of the top senior doubles players in the country.

Unseeded For Good Reason

Most players have a harder, more effective first serve than second serve.  And sometimes, they have a VERY soft second serve that they hit all the time or just as an occasional error.  If you are at the net when your partner is serving a puff ball, what should you be doing?

Don’t Get Hurt!