“What can WE, schleppers and hackers, gain from watching the pro’s?  Is there anything we can take away from watching Roger serve?  From Nadal’s forehand (maybe even less likely)?” That question and comments below coming from fellow Newk Fantasy camp veteran, Marc Segan…

Out Classed?

This basic tennis maneuver to start every point seems simple; but there are a lot of moving parts to consider.  The action is dissected in great detail by former Dartmouth tennis coach, Chuck Kinyon.

Not One Size Fits All

You are working on your tennis game and trying to get better; and then a chance to team up with “one of the better players” comes up.  Do you take the opportunity or stick with your regular partner?

Two Sides to the Coin

The two major hindrances to my personal recovery process are the recurring fluid around my lungs and really bad insomnia.  According my son Chris, one of the contributing factors to my not being able to sleep could be Blue Light. But what is it and where does it come from?

According to WebMD,

We all know them… the players who always have a “reason” why they played poorly and lost.  The sun. The wind. Loose/tight strings. Bad back. The list goes on and on; but it is the smarter player who just accepts their loss and learns from it.

Look at Rafa

Like choosing what type of food to have for dinner, what beer brand to drink, or what kind of wine you like … most players have a favorite tennis ball they prefer to play with.

A Reader’s Question …

Are there some players you actually prefer to play with/against and others with whom you would rather avoid sharing court time?  Usually, it has less to do with their actual tennis skill and more how they ACT on the court.

Some Key Suggestions

Even the club player is comfortable poaching (cutting across the middle) after their partner serves and the returner hits their cross court shot.  But it is the special player who is comfortable (and effective) making that same move DURING the point.  When and how should you do it?

Surprise! Surprise!

Whatever happened to them stopping the women from screeching?  There are some matches that are just too annoying to listen to because the players are loudly vocalizing after hitting their shots.

Technically a Hindrance

While there have been some compelling 5-set comebacks at the AO, is that really the best length of a match – for both the players and the viewers?

Match Enders – first a recap of the major’s match enders:

If you have watched any of the just-started Australian Open, you may have noticed something different …. There are ZERO lines people on the court!  Every court is equipped with a HawkEye type system (maybe the actual brand) and it makes every line call.  Is that better or worse than the “traditional” system?

Covid or Inevitable?

If you are looking for a way to both get a great workout and improve your tennis skills, having a practice session that uses 2-on-1 Drills will do the trick.

Basic Principles

Yes, there is a such a thing that is frequently used as a practice session.  More on this topic, a Florida tennis event update, and a George update all follow.

Triple the Pleasure

Good to be back in my home office and typing on a full key board!  For my full gory story read on; but first check out the Florida tournament status.

Florida Tournaments

Everyone who plays doubles has heard the saying, “Down the middle solves the riddle.”  That usually is thought about while hitting groundstrokes at two players at the net; but according to one tennis pro, it starts with serve placement.

Where to Serve?