Rick Barletta
Are you concerned about your ability to play steady and keep the ball in play until a good, offensive opportunity opens up and you can then go for the winner — but do it under control? Well, here is a new drill to work on those skills. Continue reading
Dick Valentine and Matt Davie
What is the role of the “net man” when being the partner of the player serving? Too many times, they are just a passive ornament on the court as the ball gets put into play. But they can be much more. Continue reading
There is a believed bad call against a player and they just can’t seem to let it go. They carry on in their minds, or to the referee, or to the other player, or to their “team”… and they lose focus. Continue reading
In doubles, it is usually the smartest shot to hit up the middle; but you have to sometimes change that strategy to prevent your opponents from totally clogging the middle. So, what do you do? Continue reading
If you watch films of the tennis legends, they all used the slice forehand – especially as an approach shot. But in today’s game of extreme forehand grips, that shot has almost disappeared. But should it be in your arsenal? Continue reading
You are serving in a doubles match in the deuce court and the returner hits a ball over the middle that lands just beyond the tee on your side of the court. Should your net man have taken the shot … or is it the incoming server’s ball to take? (The incoming server is lower-right in the picture). Continue reading
You ever notice how some players (both pros and club players) ask to have the same ball they just won the point with to hit next? Or, intentionally change balls after losing a point? Continue reading
You work hard during a return game to finally get that critical break point … but then you blow it on a bad choice of shots. What should you really do instead? Continue reading
After our doubles victory at The Meadow’s tournament in February, I asked my partner Hank Irvine what was “the #1 thing I should work on” to further improve my tennis game. His answer was interesting. Continue reading
With Roy Emerson
If you never miss a return of serve, is that a good thing? Never double fault, a good thing? Maybe NOT. Continue reading
Jay, Barry and us
In today’s finals’ matches at The Meadows tournament, there was some predictable wins and some challenges. And a lesson about the importance of winning. Continue reading
Most tennis fans do not get up at 3:30 in the morning to watch an event like the Australian Open. Instead, they record it to watch when they wake up in the morning; but TV (and friends) often conspire to thwart their enjoyment. Continue reading
Some players don’t care to know anything about their upcoming opponents (usually the top players); but others – like me (and Brad Gilbert) – want to know as much as possible in order to plot a strategy of “X’s and O’s.” Continue reading
I had the pleasure of teaming up for a practice doubles match with Larry Turville and, while I played “up” and we won, Mr. T and I had a strategy disagreement! Continue reading
Bob Hughes Photo
What is the role of the player who is NOT returning serve in doubles? It is a very critical one that can help or hurt the team in winning the point. Here are some thoughts … Continue reading