Todays Final at Roland Garros

Let's see if Nadal picks on Rogers Backhand. One of the reasons Nadal gives Federer trouble is because of that lefty forehand hitting the equivilent of forehand kick serves up high to the Fed backhand. It's my belief that Fed should slice them down because he is prone to miss hit his topspin backhand in the long exchanges that ensue. Slicing down the line would keep the ball to Nadals two-hand backhand and make him bend low, a potential set up for Roger's forehand. We'll see. The new balls and a dry court also assist Federer. That ball change this year could be enough to make a difference for Fed as they are more lively. I say it's an even match-up given age and everything else............

Kevin

Cancer Benefit Doubles Tournament

This weekend coming up, April 29 to May 1 we are have the Cancer Benefit Doubles Tournament. We will have men's, women's and high school divisions. Sign up now for a great experience. If you need a partner let me know.

Kevin

The Directionals

Paul Wardlaw logged these axioms as the Directionals. There are doubles and singles directionals. Here are the singles:

Picture the singles court split into thirds running vertical. So if you are standing at the center slash mark you are in the middle of the center third, flanked by a backhand third (lefty forehand), and a forehand third (lefty backhand).

The system says that hitting a ball on the outer thirds (outside shots) should go cross-court. Inside balls (shots you run around to hit the alternative side, i.e. a run-around forehand (avoiding the backhand to hit a forehand). These run around shots are best hit down the line Both outside and inside shots placements allow for natural rotation of the hips and control the center of the court. Hence, they are the most percentage to hit. Outside shots that you hit down the line are called anti-directional. Only go anti-directional when you think you can force your opponent to error and you are set up for it; perhaps when your inside the baseline and you are balanced to strike a hurtful ball.

This is just a short overview of the system. Enjoy.

Coach "K"

Doubles Tennis Tip

Hi,

In doubles when you hit your shots plan for your opponent to get them back. Never count yourself or your opponent out of a match. When you hit shots try to set up easier shots or positions for yourself: aim low on a passing shot to make your opponent hit up or lob them to get them off the net. Approach the net with your partner to gain control of the service boxes and plan to "hold the line as a team." Those are examples of set-ups rather than: hitting a winner down the ally, put this away so hard they can't get it, hitting a drop shot winner, etc....Sure it's fun to try those shots but the final result is determined by who makes the routine volleys, approaches and return set ups not the amazing shots. Hey, there isn't a lot of space out there for winners.

Hope this helps.

Coach K

Cancer Tournament

APRIL 29 through MAY 1    Cancer Doubles Benefit

for adults (all levels) and high school division (all levels) and junior division (during April Vacation)

Hey this is a great tournament; lots of players, player social with live music on Saturday of the tourney, "spring into tennis."

Doubles Tournament March 11-13

Hey we're having another tournament: straight doubles with a tennis social on Saturday. So, that's twice on the court minimum. We have again, some special entertainment coming you way as part of the tennis social. Try to make it. It will be good for you to get out of the house and go to the club. This time we'll try a pot luck for the players and friends. I'll call people who sign up asking what they would like to bring. I'm sure we can find a singer with an acoustic. Spring is almost here.

Remember when warming up to rally a little, volley a little (service line and up close), overhead some; your opponent does the same and then take a few serves. Catch your opponent serves and only return them if you are finished taking yours. This should take 10 to fifteen minutes maximum. Practice moving your feet while waiting for the ball and split stepping with a knee bend when your opponent hits the ball. Try to stay loose and relaxed; feel the ball. Talk to your partner regarding which side of the court you are both going to take, then go over one or two things you want to avoid with your opponents and how you intend to play them. Adjust your strategy as the match goes on because good opponents will be doing the same thing. In the end it mostly comes down to execution, so try to remember a couple of things you did well and what you need to work on. Mostly, enjoy the game!

Playing Mixed Doubles

Playing the percentages:

1) If you are the woman server it is best to serve the middle and keep your partner in front of the ball; it's more difficult to hit the ball away from the net player (you want to create opportunities for your partner to make put-aways).

2) The woman's job is to return the serves from the man to get into the point; lobs can be effective.

3) The man's job is to play solid shots but not overplay his side of the court. He should not take balls that he cannot put away as this leaves the court open for winning shots from the other team.
He still has to be be aggressive in the right measure and not let the sitting ducks go by.

4) The woman should play solid positional tennis and not make a lot of unforced errors; that is-- not go out of her way to make shots that are not clearly hers. Again, this will create openings for the other team..

5) The man has to hold serve and if the woman holds that is a bonus. Try very hard to break the woman's serve. If you break the guy you are doing very well and it's really hard to recover from that break.

6) Position yourself to play your best shots cross court, i.e. if you like your forehand then stand closer to the center on the deuce side of the court if you are righty and closer to the ally on the ad side. Always show more strength to avoid the net player in your cross courts.

7) The man should play the ad court as more points are decided there; unless the woman is the stronger player (hey it happens).

8) Play the ball first and your opponent second. Every ball should be played like it belongs to you.
That way you won't be caught with that deer in the headlights look on your face, saying--whoops.

9) Don't forget the lob; read that three more times.

10) No you don't have to crash the net together. Let the game evolve. You don't have to bull rush the net; one up one back is fine unless you are drawn in by a short ball. Serve and volley is best if you can win more points by doing it otherwise it is "pointless."

11) Always be supportive no matter what..........because it's people first, then the winning comes......not the other way around.*********Read that four more times because this will help your team more than any other tip except possibly get your first serve in ;)


  The most difficult part about playing mixed is that the man must adjust his game if it is for social tennis. What fun is it if he just blasts the ball right at the woman. If you are getting a paycheck for for your play then that is a different story. Be nice and remember it's fun first then winning. If it's a tournament then you can be more aggressive but still be respective of the levels on the court and try to have fun. It can be very frustrating for the better player on the court (woman or male). The key is to play your best without hurting anyone physically or emotionally. I always try to create shots that make it better for my partner and fun for the other team. By fun I mean challenging. It's not a good idea to blast easy shots right at people. That should not make you feel proud of yourself. Be supportive between points: winning shots or errors. Point out patterns or shots that your opponents do that can be managed but avoid telling so much that it hinders the flow of the game. Always shake hands with your partner first and then your opponents and thanks them for playing. Without opponents there can be no event. Try to share the match with them rather then isolating yourself or your team. Perhaps you might play again together if you match up well.