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
With Chuck Kinyon in team shirts
Saturday night, after three hours of singles on a windy, random bouncing court, my wrist was so painful I could hardly cut my food at the Friendship Cup banquet dinner. In the morning, I took a double dose of Aleve, soaked it in ice cold water, and taped up the wrist before Chuck and I took to the court for our #1 75s doubles match. Continue reading
With Jay Bochner and the mountains
This annual event between players aged 45-80 from Quebec vs. New England took place this weekend at the Waterville Valley Resort in northern New Hampshire. Having missed last year’s episode due to having just had hip replacement surgery, I was anxious to return to singles competition for the first time in a year and a half. Continue reading
While “instant replay” has frustrated some fans and traditionalists, it has helped to “get it right” in many sports. So, why are the clay court tournaments still having the umpire climb down from the chair and search for the correct mark to make a (sometimes) correct line call? Continue reading
All four of the tennis Majors have different ways of ending their men’s five-set matches. Which one is the best for the players? For the fans? 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
Here is a “planning for the future” question about knee problems/solutions from a Michigan reader… 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
Were you surprised as I was when Roger Federer didn’t convert two match points at the Madrid Open … and then went on to lose his against Dominic Thiem? Continue reading
The annual competition from age 35 to 80 between Florida’s east and west coast teams were held May 4-5 at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens; and some National Grass Court Championships later this year were canceled. Continue reading
We have all heard the advice of “drink more water”; but how much is enough? Tom Brady has some thoughts to consider … Continue reading
You can fake poach at the net to distract your opponent; but how much more can you do without it being called a Hindrance? That question comes from reader Jim Lavoie … 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
How would you like the “honor” of retrieving and catching Nadal’s sweaty towels? Tennis writer Stephen Tignor thinks it is time to release ball kids from their servitude. Continue reading