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.

Staying Focused Against an Opponent You Dislike Playing

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Let’s face it. We just don’t enjoy playing against certain opponents—they can frustrate us, get under our skin, or just make us feel uncomfortable on the court. Some players, unfortunately, are out there just to play mind games!

When facing someone like that, the key is to stay focused and play your game—exactly what they’re trying to disrupt.

Here’s a set of approaches to help you handle these situations:

1. Focus on the Task, Not the Opponent

Concentrate on your game plan and each point, rather than any negative feelings toward the opponent. This keeps your energy channeled into constructive goals, like targeting specific areas on the court or sticking to shot patterns that work. Shifting focus to the task at hand, rather than the opponent, can be incredibly freeing and help keep emotions in check.

2. Label ’em with a Funny Nickname

If you can’t stand an opponent, try using a bit of humor to take the edge off. Give them a lighthearted nickname like “Misery Guts” or “Queen Delay” before stepping on court—it makes them feel a little less intimidating! 

3. Have a Game Plan

Create small, actionable goals for the match, such as aiming for the opponent’s weaker side, positioning yourself effectively at the net, or keeping the ball deep. Having clear objectives pulls your focus back to the game and reduces emotional distractions by replacing them with practical tasks.

4. Stick to Your Rituals

On-court, a 4-7-8 breath before each serve or return can help maintain that focus. Rituals are powerful tools for staying in control of your emotions and keeping distractions at bay.

5. Use Court Positioning to Stay Engaged

Sometimes emotions can take over when we aren’t actively engaged in the point, so maintaining proper court positioning can help. Stay alert to your partner’s movements to stay connected to the play. This promotes a sense of teamwork and keeps you mentally in the moment, preventing focus from drifting to frustrating aspects of the match.

6. Positive Self-Talk

Use positive self-talk to keep confidence high. Phrases like, “Stay strong,” “One point at a time,” or “Stick to the plan,” can counter negative thoughts and help keep emotions from interfering, reinforce confidence and keep your mindset on the game.

With these strategies, you can tackle even the toughest opponents with a focused mindset.

The goal is to stay in control of what you can, letting go of what you can’t, so you can play your best game possible — point by point.

Read more–> Mind Games

Mastering the Mind Games: Staying Focused Under Pressure

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It’s disappointing that some coaches are encouraging players to unsettle their opponents in ways that stray from the spirit of fair play. It raises questions about the kind of values these tactics  are instilling in young players for the future.

Opponents often have subtle ways to distract you that don’t involve hitting the ball at all. Recognizing these tactics can make a big difference, helping you stay focused, resilient, and in control no matter what comes your way.

Here are some common tactics opponents may use to unsettle you and break your focus:

1. Handling Negative Comments

Some opponents will try to mess with your head by talking to you during the match, making negative comments, or praising your mistakes. They want you to overthink and lose confidence.

2. Slow Play (Stalling)

An opponent may take too long between points, adjusting their equipment, towel breaks, or walking slowly to serve. This slows down your rhythm and makes it hard to stay in your groove.

3. Speeding Up the Game

Opposite to slow play, some players rush between points, serving too quickly or hurrying you into mistakes. If you’re not ready, this tactic can make you feel pressured and lead to rushed, sloppy play.

4. Disputing Calls

Even if they’re not cheating outright, some players will argue every close call, creating tension. They want you to second-guess your own judgment, disrupting your focus on the game.

5. Body Language and Fake Confidence

Opponents might exaggerate their energy or show off overly confident body language—like fist pumps or aggressive looks—trying to intimidate you or make you feel they are unbeatable, even if they’re not.

6. Talking to the Umpire or Asking for Reviews

Constantly questioning the umpire, asking for reviews, or bringing up unnecessary issues can break the flow of the match and throw you off mentally.

7. Changing the Pace of Play

Some opponents will purposely mix up their game—playing slow and defensive, then suddenly hitting aggressive shots. This inconsistent pace can make it hard for you to find your rhythm.

8. Faking Injury or Fatigue

Some players might fake an injury or pretend to be extremely tired, only to suddenly spring back into form. They want you to let your guard down and get caught off-guard when they start playing hard again.

9. Excessive Celebrations

After winning a point, an opponent might celebrate excessively—even on minor points—to make you feel worse about your loss and break your concentration.

10. Disrespecting You or Showing Poor Sportsmanship

Some players will roll their eyes, clap sarcastically, or even avoid shaking hands properly. These small acts of disrespect are designed to irritate you and get under your skin.

11. Deliberate Noise or Distractions

Your opponent might grunt loudly, stomp their feet, or make distracting noises during your serve or rallies to break your concentration.

12. Taking Toilet Timeouts

Sometimes, players will take long medical timeouts to break your momentum. And, talk to the coach in the bathroom! Just remember only you and your opponents can hit the ball — no matter what the coach says.

13. Playing to Your Weaknesses

A smart opponent might relentlessly target your weak spots, like your backhand or net play. This can mentally drain you if you start focusing on your weaknesses rather than adjusting your strategy.

14. Crowd Manipulation

If there’s a crowd, some players may encourage their supporters to make noise, distract you between points or clap your errors. It can be hard to ignore, especially if the crowd is on their side.

15. Faking Agreement in Doubles

In doubles, an opponent might make comments about your partner, pretending to agree with them or saying things to make you doubt your teamwork.

16. Appearing Indifferent

Some players try to act like they don’t care about the outcome, which can make you feel less motivated. They’ll shrug off mistakes or losses as if they don’t matter, trying to make you question why you’re trying so hard.

17. Physical Intimidation

While tennis is non-contact, some players will use their body language or stand very close to you when at the net to intimidate you, making you feel uncomfortable.

18. Feigning Disinterest

An opponent might intentionally play at a lower level during practice or warm-up to make you underestimate them once the match starts. When they switch gears, you may feel caught off-guard.

19. Taking Medical Timeouts

Sometimes, players will take long medical timeouts to break your momentum. While some injuries are real, others can be exaggerated or faked to disrupt your rhythm and focus.

Recognizing these tactics is the first step to staying mentally tough and prepared for anything an opponent throws at you.

Embrace the fact that your opponent seems to believe they can’t beat you through skill alone!

Stick to your game plan, stay composed, and remember that mind games are only effective if you let them get into your head!

 

Tennis in the Age of Extreme Heat: Tennis4Life

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Extreme heat poses a growing threat to tennis players, pushing the limits of human endurance and necessitating critical adjustments to match schedules, player preparation, and tournament policies to ensure safety on the court.
The future implications of extreme heat for tennis players hinge on how heat affects human physiological limits and current tournament heat policies. With rising global temperatures, players will face conditions potentially beyond human tolerance, especially given that scientists now believe core body temperature rises uncontrollably at lower wet bulb temperatures than previously thought. For example, heatwaves in regions such as India, the Persian Gulf, and parts of the United States could increasingly hit 31°C wet bulb temperatures, a level potentially lethal even for healthy individuals within hours under sustained exposure.
In practical terms, tennis governing bodies may need to reassess heat policies and enforce stricter protective measures. Current heat rules typically allow for pauses or match rescheduling under extreme heat, but the risk to players’ safety may require more stringent, preventative action as dangerous wet bulb thresholds become common. This could mean earlier match suspensions, shorter on-court playing times, or limiting certain tournament hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Further, prolonged extreme heat exposure can hinder player performance and recovery, requiring a shift in pre-match preparation and acclimatization routines to handle heat stress. Enhanced training on hydration strategies, cooling techniques, and mental preparation under heat pressure will also be crucial. Given that adverse effects are felt well before the human threshold, tournament organizers will need to integrate these strategies into their protocols proactively.
Source:  Why Heat Waves of the Future May Be Even Deadlier Than Feared, NYT 25 Oct

The Silent Threat of Retinal Detachment: Tennis4Life

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Last week, I underwent laser surgery to repair a small tear in my left eye. Unfortunately, the situation escalated when liquid penetrated under the retina after surgery, causing more floaters and requiring additional surgeries.

The risk of retinal detachment, a severe condition affecting about 1 in every 300 people, became very real to me. Without timely intervention, this condition can lead to permanent vision loss.

Understanding Retinal Detachment

The retina, a thin layer at the back of the eye, plays a vital role in capturing images and sending them to the brain. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye due to fluid seeping underneath, which typically follows a retinal tear. Common causes include eye trauma, infections, or complications from surgery.

Risk Factors

As we age, the risk of retinal detachment increases due to changes in the vitreous fluid in the eye. Other risk factors include extreme nearsightedness, family history, genetic conditions and previous eye surgeries or injuries, particularly in sports such as tennis.

Warning Signs

Retinal detachment is painless, making it hard to detect without being aware of the symptoms. Some key signs include:
– Sudden flashes of light when moving the eyes
– Increased floaters in one eye
– A shadow or curtain spreading across your vision
– Distorted vision

Prevention

Regular eye exams are essential to catch issues early. Protect your vision by living a healthy lifestyle, exercising, and using protective eye wear.

Tennis players often focus on physical fitness and match strategy, but remember to take care of your eyes, as vision is crucial for performance.

If you notice any unusual changes, consult an eye specialist immediately—early action could save your vision!

Want to learn more about the critical role vision plays in tennis? Click links below for further reading.

United Cup 2024 Launch

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The United Cup is a mixed-gender tennis competition that brings together teams from 18 countries. The event, launched in 2022, is played on hard courts across multiple Australian cities—most notably in Sydney and Perth—and serves as a lead-up to the Australian Open.

The United Cup features both men and women in a unique team format where each tie consists of one men’s singles match, one women’s singles match, and a mixed doubles match. This innovative format allows both ATP and WTA players to compete together for ranking points and significant prize money.

The event offers a substantial prize pool of $10 million, split between the ATP and WTA tours, with a maximum of 500 ranking points available for individual players based on their performance. The tournament is set up in a round-robin format, with group winners advancing to the knockout stages and finals

The next edition of the United Cup will take place from December 29, 2024, to January 7, 2025, with teams like Poland, the USA, Greece, and others competing.

Photo Credit: Peter Staples