November 11, 2017
Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your own two ears. Laird Hamilton
November 7, 2017
The All England Club has made a stunning announcement today in London. Beginning with The Championships in 2018, the top four seeds in men’s singles will be required to wear a kilt for all matches. The move was made to even the playing field due to the absolute dominance by the top players during the […]
October 21, 2017
Your doubles team has just won a hard fought first set by the score of 7-5. What’s your plan as the second set begins? First, realize that your opponents may be a bit deflated after dropping such a close set. Second…understand the natural dynamic of relaxing and taking your foot off the gas because you […]
October 11, 2017
The point of contact in tennis, baseball, and golf has often been referred to as ‘the moment of truth.’ It’s been very clear to fans that Mr. Federer stays visually tuned into this moment longer than anyone in history. Maybe that’s one reason he has won 19 major titles and two this year in his […]
September 16, 2017
Have you ever wondered what the ball feels like when Rafa Nadal is lining up that wicked topspin forehand that has been measured at 3,200 revolutions per minute? I think this is pretty accurate. Kudos to Rafa for his recent win at The U S OPEN…wowser! It’s rumored that he’ll be required to wear ankle […]
September 3, 2017
Just one more proof of The Deity. The mute button at your fingertips when Maria Sharapova is playing. Aaaahhhh…how sweet it is.
September 1, 2017
John McEnroe called it a real David vs. Goliath match today in the third ound at The US OPEN in New York. Five foot seven inch Diego Schwartzman battled his nerves and six foot six inch Marin Cilic and emerged victorious. In 2016, Diego lost in the first round of all four major tournaments. Cilic […]
August 30, 2017
Pam Shriver was commentating as Nick Kyrgios self destructed at The U.S. OPEN against fellow Aussie Dan Millman. A fellow announcer called Millman a ‘terrier’ because of his dogged determination to compete to the max on every point. Shriver hit the nail on the head as the crew discussed if a coach could help Kyrgios. […]
July 28, 2017
In the last couple of years, tennis commentators have commonly used the term ‘business end of the set,’ when describing the mindset needed to close out a set. Whether it’s 4 all, or 4-3, these are times that demand poise, persistence and positive shot making. A player or team must be relentless but not reckless…willing […]
June 18, 2017
Former tour player Justin Gimelstob has a terrific way to describe a forehand volley that is sound. More than once he has said that the player ‘just sets the racquet behind the ball.’ How simple. It goes along with what teaching pro Dave Smith says…’set and hold.’ Stefan Edberg was one of the most elegant […]
June 16, 2017
I have a book in my library entitled The Heart of a Champion. Conner Stroud (pictured here) didn’t write it but could have. Maybe this quote from him will inspire you when the next tough match comes your way. AFTER EVERY POINT, I TRY TO SAY I’M GOING TO WIN THE NEXT POINT, OR THE […]
June 10, 2017
The half volley is an auxiliary shot but needs to be in everyone’s toolkit. The shot is played with a minimum to no backswing and a slightly rising swing plane. There is very little follow through. John McEnroe…the champ with the heavenly hands, played this shot exquisitely with forehand or backhand. Be sure to try […]
June 5, 2017
Jim Courier pretty much hit the nail on the head while describing French tennis player Gael Monfils. ‘One moment he is breathtaking and the next can be head scratching.’ There is no doubt that he’s improved the last few years. Better shot selection is certainly evident these days. Maybe if he trained with Rafa or […]
April 30, 2017
Up and over. That’s as basic as it gets. No wonder my good friend Larry Loeb promotes ‘up spin.’ The late Welby Van Horn called balls in the net ‘felonies.’ Type this up and put it in your tennis bag. ‘When I’m playing my best tennis…I avoid felonies on each point.’
April 5, 2017
Twenty years ago, regular tennis matches consisted of the best two of three sets with the twelve point breaker played whenever a set reached six games all. Responding to the hurry up pedal to the mettle world we live in, tennis changed. The third set is now, very likely, a ten point match tie breaker. […]
April 1, 2017
Johanna Konta of Great Britain won the prestigious Miami tournament today over former number one Caroline Wozniacki. In the post match interview conducted by Brad Gilbert, she gave a very interesting answer. Gilbert made reference to her improvement at her age. Johanna smiled and said that not everyone’s game matures at the same rate. The […]
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