Archive for category: Ask the Pro

Brad Gilbert — tennis junkie, junkballer, commentator, coach of legends — had roughly seven minutes to trade his coaching hat for a microphone, to shift from helping Coco Gauff manage her third-round match Friday night to interviewing Novak Djokovic in the tunnel before his.

“Been coming to this place since 1981,” Gilbert, who travels with an espresso machine, said between sips of coffee as he headed to his office, a.k.a. the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, on Saturday morning. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

For 40 years, he has been a near-ubiquitous presence in the sport, rising through the 1980s to the No. 4 ranking in the world, despite his quirky, awkward, ugly strokes, then pivoting to coaching and television work, often at the same time, in that hybrid way that is oddly common in tennis. Andre Agassi had him at his side when he won the U.S. Open in 1994, as did Andy Roddick, in 2003.

Now, at 62 and a decade removed from top-level coaching, Gilbert is back in the trenches and quickly becoming a star of this year’s U.S. Open, albeit in a supporting role to the 19-year-old Gauff, who is among the biggest stars of this quintessentially American tennis party. One minute, Gilbert is chatting and applauding Gauff through a practice session. The next, he’s hustling through the crowds, fist-bumping fans who treat him like an old buddy on his way up to the ESPN commentary booth to mingle with a decidedly older set of stars from his era, such as Chris Evert, Patrick McEnroe and Pam Shriver.

“A very funny man,” Gauff said earlier this summer of Gilbert, whose coaching exploits she knew little about, since, as she pointed out with a giggle, they mostly happened before she was born. “I didn’t want to be with someone who’s a wall. But he’s definitely not a wall.”

Tennis fans love and hate his nerdy player nicknames. Stan Wawrinka, the Swiss tank of a player, is “Stanimal.” Carlos Alcaraz is “Escape from Alcaraz.” And on and on.

Last year took an unconventional turn. For nearly a decade, Gilbert had been working with junior players on private courts in California. Then the phone rang with an odd request.

After Gauff lost in the first round at Wimbledon in July, another disappointing Grand Slam result for a player who believes she is ready to win the biggest titles, he got a call from her team. They wanted him to speak with her parents about sharing his been-there wisdom as an adviser alongside Gauff’s new and somewhat-inexperienced coach, Pere Riba.

Gauff’s shortcomings were hardly a mystery: a shaky forehand and serve in tight moments; a struggle to maximize her prodigious strengths — her speed and ability to cover the court, her fitness, her blazing backhand, a laserlike first serve.
Used the right way, those tools have gotten her far. Maybe Gilbert’s brain could get her over the line.

“He loved discussing matchups, how to get to people’s weaknesses,” said Andy Murray, who worked with Gilbert earlier in his career. “It was very focused on the strategy and finding ways to win matches.”

Gilbert and Gauff’s team have kept quiet about the specific ways he has helped her, but anyone who watches him and hears what he says from her box during matches can figure it out: Know what’s coming, and play to your strengths.

“Make it physical, Coco,” is a constant refrain, a reminder that she can chase down balls all night long if she wants to, taking the legs and the heart out of opponents.

Gilbert has little use for the statistics that have come into fashion among many elite teams. He ignores the screen in the coaching box that gives coaches real-time data. “I trust my eyes,” he said.

He has been trying to introduce Gauff to his music, sending her links to songs by Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and the Eagles. Gauff, a fan of City Girls — a Miami hip-hop duo featuring artists Yung Miami and JT — has yet to share her thoughts.

Still, at the moment, she and her team have every reason to trust his eyes, too. Gauff has won two of her first three tournaments with him on the team, and 14 of 15 matches, including three at the U.S. Open.

Source: .nytimes.com/2023/09/02/sports/tennis/us-open-coco-gauff-brad-gilbert.html

This week’s question comes from a mid level Badge player.  What are the optimal positions on a tennis court during a match? I often find myself in the wrong position during play.

Considering the highly sought-after nature of Manly as a real estate location, we can draw parallels to explain the relative tactical value of court positions using real estate as a simple metaphor.

1. Net Position – “Manly CBD”: The net position in tennis can be compared to a prime location in the real estate market. Being close to the net provides several advantages. Players in this position have greater control over the game, can execute quick volleys, and apply pressure on their opponents with aggressive shots. It’s a desirable location that allows players to dominate the court and dictate the pace of the game.

2. Baseline Position – “Home”: The baseline position in tennis can be likened to living at home. Being at the baseline gives players a bit more space and time to strategize and react to their opponent’s shots. It provides a solid foundation and acts as a starting point for rallies. Players in this position have a good vantage point to analyze the game, set up their shots, and patiently wait for the right opportunity to attack.

3. Mid-Court Position – “Strategic Acquistion”: The mid-court position in tennis can be compared to a strategically located investment property. Being in the mid-court gives players versatility and options. It allows players to quickly transition between defense and offense, covering more ground and maintaining control over the game. Players in this position can take advantage of opportunities and adjust their game plan based on the situation.

4. Approach Shot Position – “Emerging”: The approach shot position in tennis can be likened to a growth area in the real estate market. Being in the approach shot position provides players with the opportunity to move closer to the net and take control of the point. Players in this position can showcase their attacking skills, put pressure on their opponents, and potentially finish points with powerful winners.

5. Defensive Position – “Blue Chip”: The defensive position in tennis can be compared to a safe haven property. Being in a defensive position allows players to absorb their opponent’s shots and extend rallies. It provides a fall back option when the opponent has the upper hand, enabling players to reset and regain control of the point. Players in this position focus on consistency, precision, and strategic shot placement.

In summary: The net position represents a prime location for control and aggression, the baseline position is like the comfort of home with strategy and patience, the mid-court position is a strategically located investment property with versatility, the approach shot position is an emerging growth area with attacking opportunities, and the defensive position acts as a safe haven property for regaining control.

Good luck.
Rob  Tennis Whisperer

I’ve heard you often refer to a lost point as “a good miss”?  Why, you still lost the point!?

It’s understandable that you might question the idea of a “good miss” since losing a point is never ideal. However, the concept of a “good miss” is rooted in strategic thinking and risk management in tennis.

Statistics from Tennis Analytics show that hitting the ball into the net is one of the most common errors in tennis.  If you study the table below, two lightbulb moments will jump out at you:

1.  The vast majority of points, at any level of the game, are lost (typically 90% of points are lost!), and

2.  Over 40% of those errors result from hitting the ball into the net.

By avoiding this FUNDAMENTAL error of hitting the ball into the net, players increase their chances of winning the point. Therefore, a “good miss” refers to a shot that does not result in a net error but may still end up out of  court.

By aiming to avoid the net and hitting with margin, players can reduce the risk of making unforced errors and increase their chances of winning the point.  Moreover, they give the opposition a change to miss and make an error.

Of course, a shot that lands in the ideal location is always the goal, but it’s not always achievable. In those situations, a “good miss” can be a strategic and effective approach to minimize mistakes.

In summary, a “good miss” is not about celebrating a lost point, but rather a strategy to minimize unforced errors and increase the likelihood of winning the point, and the match, in the long run.

This week’s question comes from another mid level club member.  “I play doubles at the club a couple of times a week. What can I do to improve my tennis without making major changes in  my game?“

As an avid tennis player, you know that the key to success on the court is constant improvement. While you enjoy playing doubles at the club a couple of times a week, you also recognize that there are areas in your game that could use some work. 

However, you don’t want to make any major changes that could throw off your entire game. So what can you do to improve your tennis without making any major changes?  

First, start by assessing your strengths and weaknesses. Consider which parts of your game are already strong and which could use some improvement. For example:

• Are you struggling with your footwork? This is typically a problem of your balance and inertia accelerated with age.
• Is your serve not as consistent as you’d like it to be?  Typically a poor ball toss due to lack of rhythm and balance.
• Are you having trouble with your backhand?  Typically a dominant eye issue.
• Could your volleys need some help?  Typically a ball watching issue causing you to be slow to react to the ball.

Note these suggestions are simple and DO NOT require you to make major changes in your game!

In 1933, Mercer Beasley wrote a book titled “How to Play Tennis.” Beasley was the coach of the tennis legends of his time, including Vines, Austin, and Parker. In his book, Beasley outlined the three greatest tennis tips of all time: 1) Keep your eye on the ball, 2) Get your racket back as quickly as possible, and 3) Move your feet

Although there have been advancements in racket technology, court surfaces, and shot selection, the fundamentals of the game have remained unchanged. Our Whisperer Notes provide a timeless reference to elaborate these tennis tips.  They may help you identify your area(s) of weakness, and the simple steps you can start to focus on improving them.

Finally, if you are willing to make an investment in $$$, and the time/frustration to change, you might consider taking a couple of private coaching lessons to get some expert advice on specific shot(s). A professional coach may help you identify areas for improvement and address them.

Remember, improving your tennis game is a continuous process that requires patience and dedication. By making small adjustments, at any age, you can improve your tennis without making any major changes to your overall game.

Good luck,
Rob  Tennis Whisperer

It may be the oldest question about sports… Does tennis teach character or reveal it? 

Some would answer both or even neither, but after coaching for more than 40 years now. I have come to a conclusion based on more than 65,000 hours of teaching tennis on the court.

Tennis CAN teach character, but only if it is intentional. The coach needs to have character as one of the pillars of his teaching philosophy.

Studies show that sports participation does NOT in and of itself teach character. In fact, studies show that  the more time and energy athletes put in to becoming elite, that more likely they may be in justify cheating.

Just looking at the professional world of sports and you can see many examples of this happening from using illegal performance enhancing drugs as an obvious example.

Today we have a multitude of players that feel like they are failures because they don’t win as often as they think they should. A big reason is that players have been taught by peers, parents, and coaches, that winning is the ultimate goal.

Instead, we need to realize that tennis is a nearly perfect vehicle to teach players the many life lessons that are so important for all champions to learn.

Below is a list of these core values that tennis COULD teach, if the coach is intentional:

1. CHARACTER: Through the responsibilities each player has to call the lines on their side of the court, keep score accurately, and give the opponent the benefit of the doubt, tennis offers a great opportunity for players to build character.

A player’s character can also be seen in the way they keep score during a drill or even by their line calls while they drill. Good coaches can be very helpful if they can get the players to realize that their self-worth as a person has nothing to do with how well they strike a little yellow ball.

2. COURAGE: Tennis gives players the opportunity to play through tough times. The one-on-one style of competition certainly requires the guts to put it on the line. Few other sports require as much courage from their youngest athletes as tennis does in this area. Another example is when players find it necessary to confront or question someone that is cheating them.

How many times have we seen players avoid that uncomfortable job, only to wait until the match is over to tell the entire world how their opponent was the biggest cheater on the planet? Think of it, aren’t those skills the exact ones that will best serve the players in their adult life? It’s all about how you look at the situation.

Some will think this is an awful burden that no young player should have to endure, while others recognize it as a great opportunity to teach an important life lesson and skill. 

3. HONESTY: Tennis is one of the only sports where the players make calls on each other’s shots. Can you imagine a Little League game where the batter calls the balls and strikes? Although this huge responsibility in the hands of immature competitors can and has caused problems, no other sport allows for the development of honesty like tennis does.

Parents and coaches can facilitate the development of this core value if they seek out opportunities to compliment players when the players get it right. 

4. SPORTSMANSHIP: Like in other sports, tennis players will play opponents that are jerks and try to cheat. In the short run, this is uncomfortable for players and parents, but it does give young kids the chance to start to develop coping skills with these kinds of people.

I know many competitive junior players are mature beyond their peers in this area simply because they have had more chances to practice these skills than non-tennis players. Parents should view these episodes as opportunities and resist the urge to get involved and “save” the child. 

5. INTEGRITY: More than any other sport, tennis has the potential for “retaliatory” calls because it allows for your opponent to make calls that directly affect you. There will be times when people get cheated, whether on purpose or by honest mistake. How a player reacts to these times offers the player a chance to test and prove their integrity.

Will they get even, or will they do the right thing despite the opponent’s actions? Refusing to retaliate will teach players that they should avoid situational ethics by refusing to get even “because he did it to me first”.Players that succeed in this area can have a profound sense of satisfaction even if they lose the match, but only if a coach or parent is dedicated to looking for and rewarding their successes in this area. 

6. COMMITMENT: Reaching the highest level of tennis requires a great deal of commitment on the player’s part. The lessons of self-discipline and delayed gratification are great life lessons that will surely serve the player later in life.

Even within a player’s game, they will need to make decisions to try new techniques that may hurt them in the short run. Commitment to these new techniques is critical for future tennis success and teaches a valuable life lesson that players will surely benefit from as adults. 

7. HUMILITY: Through competition and partaking in drill classes, players soon come to realize people do not look upon arrogance very highly. Tennis offers players the chance to learn the difference between arrogance and confidence.

Team settings and class settings are the best arenas for players to learn this. Parents and coaches can not shun their responsibility to tell players when they are acting arrogantly.

8. EXCELLENCE:  I believe the practice court is the best arena to teach players to strive for excellence. Many players find it difficult to practice with the proper level of intensity after a long day at school.

These challenges are similar to the ones they will have in college, and ultimately when they enter the workforce and become parents. The ability to work hard when you don’t feel like it is a major life lesson in the area of striving for excellence.

If we can produce players that strive to excel in these areas and look at tennis as a vehicle to become a better person, then they will have learned valuable life lessons and in the process experience less stress in competition.

This is because they will no longer view the “win” as the ultimate goal. Instead, they will be aiming at a more important target. Almost every tough loss in tennis can be a victory if the player is tuned into the life lessons that tennis offers.

Jorge Capestany, USPTA Master Professional