Play Smarter, Not Harder Invitationals

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Elevate your game without changing your style! Our Sunday Invitational Groups are designed to refine your tennis skills by focusing on strategy, smart decision-making, and maximizing your unique strengths on the court.

These focused sessions help you take your game to the next level while staying true to your personal style of play. Whether you’re aiming to win more matches or boost your court confidence, this group is tailored for you!

Spots are limited but occasionally become available. Interested in joining? Contact us —we’ll add you to the list!

Medvedev’s Breaking Point at the ATP Finals

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Daniil Medvedev, currently ranked No. 4 globally and one of the most articulate voices on the ATP Tour, reached a breaking point during the ATP Finals due to a mix of physical issues and situational frustrations. Medvedev’s shoulder injury has hampered him throughout the year, particularly impacting his once-dominant serve, a key component in his aggressive gameplay that places opponents under pressure.

Facing frequent matches against Jannik Sinner, his consistent but challenging opponent, Medvedev voiced concerns about the tennis balls used on the tour, which he believes favor opponents like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who can effectively accelerate through slower, heavier balls. This disadvantage has been a source of ongoing frustration for Medvedev.

In Turin, following a straight-set loss to Taylor Fritz, Medvedev expressed his discontent openly, sharing that he has been struggling with joylessness on the court. His frustration surfaced visibly during the match, as he theatrically threw his racket and feigned an inability to maintain control. He mentioned feeling “tired of fighting against something” beyond his control, referring specifically to the impact of the ball specifications on his game.

Despite facing further matches against Alex de Minaur and Sinner, Medvedev showed little enthusiasm about continuing the season, signaling a deeper dissatisfaction with his current playing circumstances and challenges.

Source: the Atlantic

The Tennis Parent’s Bible

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Most parents invest significant time, money, and energy into developing their children’s fundamental tennis strokes, primarily focusing on “how to hit the ball.”

However, in today’s competitive game, lack of success often stems not from technical shortcomings but from an insufficient understanding of “how to play.” Building a game based on a child’s unique strengths—such as their size, strength, and speed—is crucial. Moreover, many young players lack the mental and emotional development needed to handle adversity, disappointments, injuries, and losses. Championship tennis, in many ways, mirrors life on a grand scale.

Frank Giampaolo’s *The Tennis Parent’s Bible* is an invaluable resource, guiding parents and coaches through the mental and emotional complexities of nurturing a tennis athlete. Despite being published some time ago, its advice remains timeless and highly relevant.

This comprehensive guide equips parents to become world-class tennis supporters. After all, parents need to learn and grow too!

I can relate. One of my sons was a top-ranked junior player in Australia (#1 in New South Wales) before we relocated to the U.S. Competitive tennis is undoubtedly a demanding journey for kids.

Click the link below to explore this essential read and enrich your understanding!

Tennis Whisperer

TheTennisParentsBible2ndEdition

 

 

 

Why Is My Game So Inconsistent, Especially as I Get Older?

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A question we hear often is why performance can vary so much—especially as we age.

What’s the common thread amid changing conditions, fresh tennis balls, and different opponent styles? It’s your ability to watch the ball. In fact, research shows that 90% of errors result from players not tracking the ball effectively.

The good news? It’s never too late (or too early) to refine your ball-watching skills. Here are a few essential tips to help you focus better and stabilize your performance.

1. Identify Your Dominant Eye

Most players have a dominant eye that influences shot preference, often favoring the forehand side. Knowing which eye is dominant can help you understand tendencies in your game. How do you determine eye dominance? Try this: extend your arm, make a small circle with your fingers, and focus on a distant object through the circle. Close one eye at a time; the eye that keeps the object centered is your dominant eye.

2. Align for Better Tracking

To minimize the effects of eye dominance, position yourself at a right angle to the incoming ball’s direction, particularly on returns and volleys. If you watch players like the pros,  you’ll notice how they adjust their return positions depending on whether they’re on the forehand or backhand side.

3. Move Your Eyes, Not Your Head

Shifting your head to track the ball can delay shot preparation, causing rushed or off-balance strokes. Train yourself to track the ball with your eyes, keeping your head steady to save valuable milliseconds in your setup.

4. Hit the Ball in Front

Striking the ball in front of your body allows you to keep your head steady and limits the need for last-second adjustments, reducing the likelihood of late hits—especially on your non-dominant side. Lefties, for example, often struggle with weaker backhands for this very reason.

These foundational tips are your “Ball Watching 101.” Start incorporating them to play more consistently and with greater control.

Learn more –>

Game Changers: How Court Surfaces Impact Your Playing Style

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One of the Men’s Championship finalists commented that the synthetic grass courts at Manly felt tougher to play on compared to hard courts.
Ever wonder why your game feels effortless on some courts but a bit off on others? The surface underfoot can make all the difference! Here’s a quick guide to how synthetic grass, hard, and clay courts each influence your game—and some strategies to help you adapt and compete on each one.

🟢 Synthetic Grass Courts: Fast & Lower Bounce

Synthetic grass courts are fast and often have a low, skidding bounce, similar to natural grass. This surface favors aggressive play, allowing for shorter points and quick-fire exchanges.
  • Best Playing Style: Serve-and-volley players and net rushers dominate here. The low bounce lets you take control early and rush the net, keeping your opponent on the defensive.
  • Key Strategies: Focus on flat, low shots to keep rallies short. Be ready to take time away from your opponent by closing in on the net and using quick reflexes.
Strategy: Precision on serves and returns is key on synthetic grass. Try hitting low, slicing serves to force weak returns. This surface rewards a “first-strike” mindset—so go for it!

🔵 Hard Courts: Balanced & Predictable

The most common court type, hard courts offer a balanced mix of speed and bounce, making them ideal for players with all-court versatility.
  • Best Playing Style: Hard courts are friendly to all styles—from aggressive baseliners to serve-and-volley players.
  • Key Strategies: Use a combination of power, consistency, and variety. Adapt to your opponent by switching between offense and defense, exploiting the predictable bounce for solid baseline play.
Strategy: Footwork is critical. Rely on controlled, precise movements and adjust quickly to maintain your position. Hard courts reward versatile play, so be ready to switch tactics mid-point.

🟤 Clay Courts: Slow & High Bounce

The slowest surface with a high bounce, clay courts reward patience, endurance, and a tactical approach to point construction.
  • Best Playing Style: Baseline players and counter-punchers thrive here. Heavy topspin and strong defense are crucial to outlasting opponents.
  • Key Strategies: Master topspin shots to control the rally, and use drop shots and lobs to keep your opponent moving and off balance. Sliding is essential to cover the court efficiently and conserve energy.
Strategy: Build points with patience. Use high topspin to push your opponent deep, creating opportunities to attack when they’re out of position. Clay demands endurance, so be prepared for longer, more tactical rallies.
Each surface requires unique skills and adjustments to excel, shaping how you move, strike, and strategize. By adapting your game to the surface, you can boost your performance and embrace the nuances of each court. Whether you’re sliding on clay, powering through on hard, or attacking on synthetic grass, learning to adapt is the key to mastering any surface! 🎾💥
**Note**: Even within the broad categories of synthetic grass, hard courts, and clay, there can be substantial variations in how each surface plays. For instance, the amount of sand used on synthetic grass courts affects speed—more sand generally slows down the play. Hard courts also differ significantly based on the type of coating applied and even the court’s orientation. Courts laid lengthwise versus crosswise can impact speed and ball response, creating unique playing experiences.
The key question is: how can you adapt your game to different surfaces? That’s a topic for another post!

The Nadal Variation

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You often talk about the Nadal Variation. What do you mean?
The Nadal Variation is a strategy where Nadal ran around his backhand to hit a powerful forehand cross-court shot.
This strategy allowed Nadal to:
1. Dictate Play with His Forehand: Nadal’s forehand was one of his most lethal weapons, particularly with the heavy topspin he generated. Running around his backhand let him use his dominant stroke to control the rally.
2. Exploit the Opponent’s Weaker Side: By hitting a wide cross-court forehand, Nadal pulled his opponent off the court, often targeting their backhand side, which is typically weaker for most players.
3. Create Space for the Next Shot: By pushing his opponent wide with the cross-court forehand, Nadal opened up the court, allowing him to either attack down the line on the next shot or hit an inside-out forehand to maintain control.
4. Psychological Pressure: This move was a classic Nadal tactic, imposing psychological pressure. Opponents knew that even when they target his backhand side, he could turn it into an offensive play with his forehand, making it difficult to find a safe target.

“You have to be ready to deal with it”: Combating Anxiety on the Court

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It can feel like the whole world is caving in when the nerves kick in and the knot in your stomach tightens, when you feel the piercing gaze of the crowd, when you start to shake, sweat and stumble, when your knees start to buckle and your heart begins to beat faster and faster.

But this experience is not unique.

An estimated 31 percent of US adults struggle with anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, so why do athletes feel so alone? According to J.D. DeFreese, an exercise and sport science professor at UNC, this is because the experience of anxiety is individualized.

Ryan Seggerman, a graduate student on the UNC men’s tennis team, said the first step in grappling with anxiety in sports is acknowledging that it can’t be avoided.

“I think (anxiety) is just part of sport in general,” Seggerman said. “You get nervous before matches, you get nervous before big moments. It’s almost a fact. You have to be ready to deal with it.”

Anxiety is a battle that is being fought inside the minds of many athletes. Thanks to a growing dialogue about mental health in athletics, athletes are becoming more comfortable sharing their stories and building up one another.

Brian Cernoch, Seggerman’s teammate and a three-time All-American, said that the way in which he deals with anxiety on the court can make or break a match.

“If you come into a match and you just let the anxiety and fear of losing get to you, it’s going to take over,” Cernoch said. “If you can turn your mind to focusing on something else, focusing on your game point by point, eventually it will go away and you’re going to have a much clearer mind when you’re playing.”

For many, anxiety in athletics comes from within, but for others it comes from somewhere else — or perhaps, someone else. DeFreese said external factors like academics, family or other personal issues can affect athletes’ performances.

Anxiety can also stem from a coach.

“Coaches have a lot of actual power and a lot of perceived power over athletes,” DeFreese said. “They get to decide who gets to play. They decide who plays what positions. How they make those decisions, how they communicate those decisions, the degree to which they make the athlete feel meaningful and valued beyond just playing — coaches can do that in the most positive ways, and coaches can make an athlete not feel very valued outside what they do as a performer.”

Sam Paul has been the head coach of UNC’s men’s tennis team for 30 years. He said he must always be mindful of how his words and actions affect the athletes he coaches.

“You, as a coach, can certainly increase anxiety if you’re not aware of what’s happening around you,” Paul said. “But it’s all about communication.”

Communication. That is what it all boils down to. The stigma around anxiety in athletics has made it difficult for athletes at all levels to come forward and communicate the fact that they are struggling.

Since 2020, NCAA student-athlete well-being studies continue to report that mental health concerns are prevalent among collegiate athletes.

Ben McCormick
April 11, 2023
Credit

Championship Excellence Manly Lawn Club Finals 2024: A Showcase of Strategy and Tenacity

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The intensity and drama of finals tennis was on full display during the Manly Lawn Club Championships 2024! By Sunday afternoon, we had crowned some new champions: Andre in Singles, Ollie in Men’s Doubles, and Xander in Mixed Doubles. Luckily, the weather held up beautifully.

Finals Results:
– Singles: Andre defeated Rimmo, 6-4, 6-4.
– Women’s Singles: Ruby edged out Carolina in a thrilling 6-4, 2-6, 6-0.
– Men’s Doubles: Sean and Ollie triumphed over Sven and Andre, 6-3, 7-6.
– Mixed Doubles: Bryanne and Xander bested Lisa and Todd, 6-2, 6-1.

Congratulations to all players on a fantastic finals weekend!

The Women’s Singles final showcased a captivating contrast of styles: Ruby’s powerful windscreen wiper forehands against Carolina’s controlled slice backhands. For two sets, it was youth versus experience in a match of tactics and endurance. Carolina’s remarkable grit and strategic attempts to outplay Ruby’s Western grip style kept us on the edge of their seats, but ultimately, Ruby prevailed as Carolina began to feel the effects of the heat in the third set.

In the Men’s Singles, Andre faced a few hiccups in his opening serve game and in closing out the first set, but he quickly took command. Rimmo put up a valiant fight, holding off numerous break points, but Andre’s relentless pressure eventually took its toll. Andre, the “Big Dog” of the tournament, brought power and a dominant presence that kept opponents on the defensive. While Rimmo tried to turn it into a running game, aiming for a backhand-to-backhand battle, Andre’s compact, well-timed backhand, along with his incredible footwork for a big man, held firm. Andre ultimately had all the answers — on the day. His powerful serve was the deciding factor, as many struggled to play him aggressively. Here’s a helpful link on strategies to tackle a huge server, which could come in handy next time!

The Men’s Doubles final saw the experienced duo of Sean and Ollie come out on top against a scratch pair, Sven and Andre. Sean and Ollie’s classic doubles play, complete with strategic signaling, proved too solid for the scratch pair, although Andre made some impressive crossing volleys. Sean, our Badge 1/1 captain, was exceptional with his reliable returns and is a terrific role model for our younger players, consistently demonstrating great sportsmanship and on-court presence. Despite a brief stumble in the second-set tiebreaker, Ollie closed the match with style, a masterclass in serving under pressure.

And finally, in the Mixed Doubles, Bryanne and Xander overpowered Todd and Lisa. It was unfortunate that Lisa had a wrist injury and couldn’t bring her best game to the court that day. Even so, what really stood out was Bryanne’s undeniable fire in the belly. She’s still got that competitive spark! Maybe it’s the joy of being out there guiding her son, Xander. I like to call her “Momma Bear” because she’s a fierce competitor and such a fantastic role model for our younger players. And ladies, take note—she’s got some serious volley skills!

As they say, tennis was the winner!

Elevate Your Doubles Strategy: Play Smarter, Not Harder

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In doubles, success centers on controlling the Magic Diamond—the critical area where most of the play unfolds. Understanding this space adds new meaning to your positioning at the start of each point.
Doubles strategy is all about awareness of key patterns, with four players moving in harmony—like a well-choreographed dance. To elevate your doubles game, it’s essential to understand the primary patterns for each role: the server, returner, server’s partner, and returner’s partner.

Key Doubles Patterns

–  J Path: For the returner’s partner, this path involves starting laterally and curving forward toward the net in a “J” shape. This movement allows them to intercept cross-court shots and poach aggressively, putting pressure on the server’s team.
– V Path: The server’s partner follows a “V” path, moving diagonally to adjust to the return. By shifting back to cover deep shots or moving forward to intercept, they effectively cover key angles and support the server.
– Volley Targets: Mastering four key volley targets—center window, deep cross-court, down the line, and short angled volleys—improves your effectiveness at the net and maximizes pressure on opponents. (Read more –>)
– The Volleyball Approach: In this setup, one player acts as the “setter” to prepare the play, while the other is the “spiker” who finishes it, similar to volleyball.

Play Smarter, Not Harder

Certain court zones are high-traffic areas, while others—like the sidelines—are low-percentage spaces that don’t require constant coverage.
Typically, the serving team benefits from keeping the ball in the middle to support the server’s partner, while the returning team gains an edge by using wider angles to create opportunities.
By mastering these patterns, doubles becomes more intuitive. You’ll find yourself positioning strategically, maximizing efficiency, and truly unlocking the full potential of your doubles game.

Best Volley Targets in Doubles for Winning Points

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Using High-Percentage Spots to Win More Points.

In doubles, where you place your volleys can make all the difference in controlling the point and ultimately winning it.
Here are the four primary targets for volleys, each with its own high-percentage play to maximize your effectiveness at the net:

1. The Center Window (or “T” Area)

 – Why it Works: Aiming for the center window—the space between the two opposing players near the service line—is one of the highest-percentage targets in doubles. Hitting to the center reduces the angles opponents have to work with, forcing them to hit up rather than out wide.
   – When to Use: This is ideal when you’re in a stable volleying position and looking to keep the opponents on the defensive, particularly when they’re out of position.

2. Deep Cross-Court to the Baseline

   – Why it Works: A deep volley cross-court, aiming toward the baseline, forces the opponent farthest away from the net to retrieve the ball, making it harder for them to counterattack. This target also gives you and your partner more time to adjust your position and reset at the net.
   – When to Use: Use this volley target when you need to reset the rally or push the baseline player backward, taking away their time and reducing their ability to hit an aggressive shot.

3. Down the Line Near the Sideline

   – Why it Works: Going down the line can catch the net player by surprise, especially if they’re leaning towards the center to poach or cover a cross-court return. This target opens up space, as it forces one opponent to shift wide, often leaving gaps in their team’s coverage.
   – When to Use: This is effective if you notice the net player poaching or when you want to create movement and disrupt your opponents’ positioning.

4. Short, Angled Volley in the Service Box

   – Why it Works: A sharp-angled volley into the service box can exploit open spaces and make it difficult for opponents to retrieve the ball, especially if they’re positioned deep in the court. This shot takes time away from the opponent and requires them to cover a lot of ground quickly.
   – When to Use: This is best used when you’re close to the net and can control the angle effectively, or when you notice your opponents standing deep. It’s also effective as a finishing shot when you want to end the point outright.

How to Choose Your Target

Choosing the right volley target depends on several factors: your positioning, your opponent’s positioning, and the pace of the ball. By being aware of these four primary targets and selecting the right one based on the situation, you increase the likelihood of winning the point. Practicing these placements on the court will help you develop the precision and control needed to apply them in a match.

Key Lessons from the Club Championships Semifinals

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The Manly Club Championships featured two competitive singles semifinals on Court 1 last week, with excellent tennis conditions marred slightly by the challenging sun in the later match, particularly for serves from the southern end.
In the first match, Rimmo defeated Sean, while in the second, Andre prevailed over Oliver. Both victors demonstrated a clear tactical advantage by taking control of rallies early, often using a deep, well-placed bunt return on the service return to seize the initiative. This neutralizing approach in returning, coupled with solid baseline play, proved decisive.
Both matches saw ALL players relying heavily on powerful first serves to earn quick points. However, missed first serves frequently invited the receiver into a rally from the kick second serve, leading to a higher-than-usual number of service breaks.
In his match, Rimmo was content to draw Sean into extended rallies, often resetting points with a backhand slice even though it allowed Sean to move aggressively inside the baseline. Sean, an agile player, might have benefited from finishing points earlier, by adopting a more assertive approach, the “Nadal variation” to finish the point.
Conversely, Andre used his height and powerful ground strokes to consistently pressure Oliver. By drawing short balls from Oliver, Andre was able to transition forward, either finishing points with a well-placed ground stroke or setting up an easy volley. Andre’s volleys remain an area for potential improvement. Oliver did not capitalize on opportunities to apply pressure with angled passing shots or lobs, particularly given the challenging sun conditions.
Rimmo’s game was anchored by his world-class backhand and impressive retrieval skills, which consistently frustrated his opponent. However, his tendency to muscle his serves raised concerns about the risk of re-injury to his shoulder.
Both winners established an early control on most points, setting the tone for their respective matches. In contrast, Sean and Oliver spent too much time engaging in powerful baseline exchanges, with many shots landing well inside the baseline, allowing their opponents comfortable rally balls. Effective shot depth was noticeably absent, with few shots driving opponents onto their back foot to elicit errors or short balls.
Both players missed valuable opportunities to attack from inside their respective ghost lines, frequently choosing passive rally shots instead of taking control of the point. Their approach emphasized executing a solid stroke rather than strategically setting up the point through varied shot combinations and intentional court placements.
All players aimed to secure quick points through first-serve winners, but as the balls wore down, opponents gradually adjusted to the serve’s pace, making returns easier, particularly in the match’s later, critical stages. Employing variety in serve placement, speed, and spin proves far more effective in disrupting an opponent’s timing on the return. Over-reliance on raw power for first serves not only raises error rates but also forces players into hitting a greater percentage of second serves. It’s often said that a player’s game is only as strong as their second serve.
Finally, neither Sean nor Oliver seemed to recognize their opponents’ passive approach to first serve returns. Implementing serve-and-volley tactics could have transformed these rallies, and a well-placed serve and follow-up volley could have created straightforward winners.