tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902964537381937812023-11-16T03:10:16.258-08:00Your Tennis Made BetterWant to improve your tennis, save money on lessons, prevent future tennis injuries; want to know:
What's wrong with your tennis game, volley, forehand, backhand, serve, or how to win when you're losing, visit him on NTTCacemaker.com?
Hey! The Tennis Doctor, Finalist in the 2013 NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES IN TENNIS, has the cure for what's ailing your game. Visit or call him today. (919 610-5255) Your Doctor of Tennis Psychology, Geometry, and Angles on Winning.Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-82323278557985063072018-04-04T18:08:00.000-07:002018-04-04T18:08:48.313-07:00<div class="ii gt " id=":1sr">
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As Sloane Stephens said she had to run down a lot of balls "...left me completely exhausted/fatigued both physically and mentally." </div>
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That's typical for two-hand players who rely only upon long rallies.</div>
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Many "unseasoned" players want time to savor their lastest win, it's understandable; they don't know when the next win will be.</div>
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That's the disadvantage of two-hand strokes, you must run more, you have a shorter reach, and prefer defensive tennis as opposed to " shooting the rapids," agressive net play, daring, in-your-face Tennis.</div>
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Two hands is batting the ball, that's what baseball players do. Two handed play is like riding a bike, and not taking the training wheels off.</div>
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Daniel A. Young, Sr.</div>
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Nttcacemaker.com </div>
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"Teaching Tennis the way it ought to be taught."</div>
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Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-55435174953927203072016-06-25T16:14:00.001-07:002016-06-25T16:14:09.438-07:00The Art of Persuasion in Tennis<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Persuasion:” “The art of getting others to see things as
you see them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Surely there is something more to persuasion than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, answer me this!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Say for example, you’re in a tennis match with players of reasonably
equally skill level, and you would assume equal mental capacity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Tennis is a competition between you and
your opponents, if you’re playing doubles. “Getting you to see what needs to be
done, if you’re losing shouldn’t be all that hard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Maybe, we’re not as good as we think we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hit the ball crisp, and hard in the
warm-up, but the court appears to be too short for those shots during play.
What do you do?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you’re making a number of errors: say double faults,
hitting balls into the net, when players are standing at the net, it’s time to
assess what you can do to decrease the errors you’re making.” If we both have a
goal of wanting to win, the solution to our errors shouldn’t be that hard to
correct, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we should try a
lob next time, maybe a soft angle?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Repetition they say is one of the ways to get a person’s
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, so if you’re making the
same error, shouldn’t that trigger something mentally that you need to become
critical of your behavior, or action?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you’re employed, and you are continually short when the
receipts are tallied, you start looking for solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you’re constantly missing your plane,
your bus, or subway, you might set your alarm earlier, get up earlier, leave
the house earlier, so you are at the point of departure earlier.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Relating this to tennis is not that difficult. If your balls
are going into the net, maybe should aim a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">little higher, and when you aim
higher, and they go long, maybe you should use more control, by slowing down.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">More matches are lost on errors, than are won with winning
shots, but how do you persuade your partner this is so?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I tried humor by asking: “Are you used to playing on longer
courts? I tried reasoning: “Let them make the errors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s Ok!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You got that out of your system.” Sarcasm doesn’t work either “Maybe
they will let us play without the net to make it even.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ok, Tennis Gurus let’s hear from you. What's your solution?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-17256039792882512982016-06-22T19:34:00.001-07:002016-06-22T19:56:24.129-07:00Winning Doubles by Serving down the MiddleTennis is an interesting sport. No two players play or think alike, but they all crave the same results: to win.<br />
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For that reason, it is a "puzzlement" (King and I) to me why a player of several years refuses to see the logic behind the strategy, I use in doubles which is, to serve everything down the middle on the deuce point, as well as the ad point.<br />
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Let me explain by examining how I would play the first point in doubles if I were serving. If this were a new partner, male or female, I would tell them that I would be serving everything down the middle, and anything over their head is theirs. If I were to change, for tactical reasons, I would inform them.<br />
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By serving down the middle, when the ball bounces in the deuce court, my partner can readily see that he/she don't have to worry too much about the backhand down the line, and they would likely just hold their position, as the ball is likely to come back through the middle, and towards their forehand.<br />
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However,if the ball comes back out of their reach, which could result if the receiver decides to run around the serve down the middle; then, and if the receiver in the deuce court happens to be right-handed and who attempts to hit the return wide, the ball would be coming to the server--my forehand, which gives me a possible opening angle, since the player, who having ran around the forehand to take the serve, would be out of position by being away from their alley for having run around the serve.<br />
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Now, as I see it, if I were to serve the ball wide, using a spin serve which pulls my opposing receiver off the court, he has the option of hitting cross court, at the lowest part of the net, or through the middle, since my net man would have to protect the down-the-line shot, and I would have to cover the sharp angle, or a drop shot. Remember, "one good angle deserves another."<br />
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But wait you might say: "When serving down the middle in the deuce court, you are serving to your opponent's forehand, if they are right handed. That's true, but a well spun ball would take the service receiver into, and behind their partner, and likely to cause them to make an error--not wanting to hit their partner.<br />
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As the server, I must come up fast and wide to cover the sharp angle, or if I'm old, dig up a drop shot at my feet if towards my forehand, or backhand; and if I'm old and slow, this becomes a real challenge if you hope to win. But if it's served down the middle, it's likely to be towards my forehand therefore anything through the middle is likely to be hit as a winner.<br />
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That's how see it, what about you?Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-16487451629035453062016-06-17T19:11:00.000-07:002016-06-17T19:17:32.468-07:00Winning, doing what it takes<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 16px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Having attained a year-end USTA ranking in Dec/2015, of #1 in North Carolina Southern Division in the Men's 4.0, 70-74, I was seeded #1 this year and got a bye in the first round.</div>
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In the past, I had preferred not knowing who I would be playing. I believed, I would be restless the night before the match, thinking about who this person might be; and thinking about game strategy to use against them, and how well they played, and therefore not be rested and sharp the next morning.</div>
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Since my opponent was seeded # 2, we were expected to meet in the Finals, which we did.</div>
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Having won this tournament--beating the same opponent-- last year in a tie-break, I felt my opponent Ron Keiger would remember I don't serve, or hit hard; but that I use a lot of psychology: laughing, using futility body language, muttering to myself at my errors, or applauding their good strokes.</div>
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Usually, my opponent don't suspect I'm trying to make them become over confident.</div>
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Drop-shooting on my return of serve to mix up my returns, as well as moving away from the center service mark to serve, which pulled him farther off court, making my angle volley easier, was some of the strategy I gleaned from two of my favorite tennis books now out if print. "How to beat better tennis players," and "Use your head in tennis;" but I'll admit it opened me up to some sharp down the line winners I could not prevent.</div>
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Having watched my opponent play the day before and having made notes, which I keep in a binder court side, I took the first ball of our warm up rally to go to the net to get focused, worked on my eye, hand coordination, timing and footwork.</div>
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This was intended to show my opponent that I volley consistently, and it would not be a good idea to bring me in to the net.</div>
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Thankfully, he didn't test my overhead which is suspect, and not totally reliable, because of my bad pain in my hip from prostate cancer, it's difficult to retreat from the net.</div>
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Many balls I would have retrieved in the past, I had to concede to my opponent, though they would have been reachable in the past.</div>
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I've not played or practiced since Saturday as my arm seems to be taking longer to recover since I may have unwittingly played harder, and with more intensity in the tie-break wanting, and desiring to win, but I should soon be back to exercising as instructed by my therapist.</div>
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P.S. Getting ready to do my annual reading of the Declaration of Independence at my teaching facility: Lake Park Swim, and Tennis. This year I'm trying to introduce Fencing.</div>
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Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-75489122048246043542016-06-04T19:53:00.003-07:002016-06-04T19:53:52.593-07:00Reminders can help on Changeovers in TennisJune 4, 2016, as I sat about getting rid of some old press clippings, I found one on a 2014 French third round player Taylor Townsend, a top world junior ranked player in 2012. What caught my attention in this story by USA Today sports columnist, Douglas Robson, @dougrobson, was that he mentioned that Townsend "referred to a small notebook of reminders on changeovers." Something I've done for years.<br />
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This I found interesting because today, I happened to be in a pick-up match on the Challenge Court #15 in Raleigh, N.C., and me and my Partner [who will remain anonymous] lost the first three games of the only set we were to play 0-3. My partner appeared happy to be playing, but overly anxious, and made several errors, as he had just finished a Tie-Breaker League Match.<br />
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Ironically, I happened to have my own personal "Over the net" note cards that I had brought with me, so I slipped them in my pocket during the cross over, and thumbed through them before our opponents had taken their position on the court. With their back towards us, they were giddy, playful and silly to be up 3 love and my partner serving again, whom they had previously broken.<br />
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They didn't see me show my partner one of my( 28) "Over the net Tennis Tip Cards," that read: "Doubles is won at the net." He began to come in and they lobbed over him to his chagrin.<br />
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Me, unable to run like I used to at age 74, [Muhmamad Ali died today, he was 74] I took a moment to whisper in my partner's ear.<br />
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As I did so, our opponents started to laugh again because they had heard me tell others about my warning card which read: "Anything over your head is yours."<br />
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Well, we finally won that game after I presented my partner with card No 5: "Tennis is a thinking man's game."<br />
<br />
However, we didn't get settled in the match until we were behind 2-4 and I pulled out card No. 9: "Get the first serve in and win," let them make the errors.<br />
<br />
During the changeover at 3-4, my partner was late getting into position in the Deuce court--conversing with our opponents and I found time to show him card No. 17: "...Converse with your opponents after the match. I then added: "Stay focused to win."<br />
<br />
Miraculously, we get up 5-4 in games, and at 30-40 in the 10th game with me receiving. I coyly<br />
caution my partner at the net to "Watch the net man, he may be poaching."<br />
<br />
As the serve crossed the net, it handcuffed me, and I stepped back to get sideways in order to angle the ball cross court and farther away from the opposing net man. <br />
<br />
Woops! Out of the corner of my eye, and peripheral vision, I see the net man start his run. Being sideways to the net, I was able to re-direct my return quickly enough that although the net man came back, he was not quick enough to prevent the "Winner down the line." Game! 6-4, Young-Eric over Phil and Bob.Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-29910641020953887312016-05-31T18:45:00.000-07:002016-05-31T18:45:09.367-07:00Form in Tennis is Economy of Motion
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ni6FdfQb9D9dct5wchwIm7QjIda5YuGy37Z4nEhU1LXarts-uOg1yNMdsBWpW_mH_berZkrXLb02fHcTaflMFcyE7gg9Me248bYjmEWfmuXBsiVBSHw4Gj058TbC9qnsioEK2U4tvkk/s1600/Dan+Young-3756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ni6FdfQb9D9dct5wchwIm7QjIda5YuGy37Z4nEhU1LXarts-uOg1yNMdsBWpW_mH_berZkrXLb02fHcTaflMFcyE7gg9Me248bYjmEWfmuXBsiVBSHw4Gj058TbC9qnsioEK2U4tvkk/s320/Dan+Young-3756.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Arthur Ashe wrote a
tennis book called Poetry in Motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is exactly what Tennis used to look like when Ashe, Newcomb, Laver, Gonzales
roamed the courts with their agility, speed and reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, these players had their quirks like incessant bouncing of the ball before the serve, but the majority of them
used, displayed classical stroke production and equally classic footwork in their
movement about the court.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.1in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To see the
difference, you can look at any professional photographer’s photos of players
today who use two hands and those who use one hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a stark difference in the balance of
the subject in their photo, and in their activity. By this, I mean there is a
pleasing esthetic well-balanced quality to subject matter in the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>picture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.1in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Look at the photo
above and see if you can discern what I’m talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is, in my opinion, a certain amount of
harmony in the photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a sense
of balance, stability and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
example, the feet are well apart. This player could remain in this position as
long as necessary. This player appears to be stroking the ball down the line with
his foot placement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.1in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-mirror-indents: yes;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some finer points to compare with your game: racquet parallel to the ground. Feet are well spread. The forward foot is flat and stable. The player's body gives a sense of moving into the ball. The left arms counter-balances the racquet arm, as the fingers can barely bee seen behind the player. The player is down on the end of the racquet with the fingers slightly spread, and the arm is straight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-67800400291448351702016-05-30T19:18:00.002-07:002016-05-30T19:18:14.800-07:00Tennis Competition and what it means to competeTennis is a competitive sport, and for most of us, the goal of playing is to win. To do that, one must prepare, mentally, physically, and Psychologically. There are home teams and there are opposing team, or visiting teams.<br />
<br />
Quoting, the English poet and writer, Arthur Hugh Clough (1819-1861: "Though shall not covet; but tradition approves all forms of competition." And isn't competition all about winning, if not to win why compete?<br />
<br />
Whether you're one of the William Sisters, or one of the Bryan Brothers, it's important that when competing, for that minute period in time, your opponent, he or she, is not your friend, and they should be treated as such within the boundary of the rules of the sport in which you are engaged.<br />
<br />
There is seldom, if any friendly bantering between two Prize Fighters in the Boxing Ring or on the National Football League Field among the coaches of the Harbaugh Brothers, or the UFC Cages, or Mixed Martial Arts fights.<br />
<br />
Many tennis players think the way to make the game more competitive, is to continue to trade partners, until you find a winning combination during a match. This is silly, if not stupid if you're trying to improve your game.<br />
<br />
If a team gets beat, they should take the beating, thank their opponents and mentally think about what must be done to be more competitive the next time. That might consist of more practice before the match, maybe a new strategy, or a new stroke in your arsenal. Maybe an evaluation of your stroke production by a knowledgeable instructor. You never can tell.<br />
<br />
According to one of my many instructional books on Tennis the writer suggests: "...Your own game would be sounder if you knew how the game should be played, and why." And he continues, "You never improve your aim if you don't have a target to shot at."<br />
<br />
Players should not compete if they are not up to the competition physically. They are doing themselves, their opponents, and their partner a disservice, in addition to prolonging their condition. <br />
<br />
In a Tennis match, it has been determined that the serving team has a distinct advantage to winning. Therefore, when starting your match, make sure your decision not to serve first is not one of pure superstition, or because you are not physically warmed up, and prepared to play. This puts your team at a disadvantage as well.<br />
<br />
For example, if one of you were left handed, it would give your team the advantage of neither player having to serve facing into the Sun. Of course, if you are not warmed up enough to serve, even because of a prior injury, it's possible to loosen up even more during the warm-up. First, by using your service motion to put the ball into play rather than dropping it and hitting a courtesy stroke. Secondly, you might even report 5-10 minutes earlier before you match just to stretch, and to get in some serving practice on your own.<br />
<br />
There are players who are just superstitious about being the first server; they are not player, they are player "wannabes," because in Boxing, when the bell rings, you come out fighting to win.Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-55008491448361490292016-05-18T17:51:00.000-07:002016-05-18T17:51:50.750-07:00The Real "I" Formation
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Doubles, the NTTC
Acemaker.com Way<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you serve down the center in doubles, the return [tends] to
come back down the center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
importance of this is that when it comes back down the center, your partner in
doubles might have a chance to intercept and put the ball away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember, few weekend players will attempt to poach going to
their backhand to volley, more often than not, they will usually poach,
depending on the receiver, on their forehand side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When serving down the middle, trying standing at the center
service mark to serve, but be sure to come up wide. Not many players can angle
the ball well enough to your forehand to hurt you with their backhand, unless
they attempt a drop shot, which your partner should be on the alert for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that case, he takes the shallow ball, and
you come up and take his position at the net.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Women should hit down the line, and aim it low at the net on
their first return of serve, but always alert your partner of your intentions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Need a surprise when you’re behind? Try using the “I”
Formation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use the real “I” Formation,
invented by the National Tennis Teachers College in 1976.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The net man, or woman, must straddle the
Center Service Line, and the serve must serve from the Center Service Line
mark, and down the “T.,” but over their partner's head.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The net person gives the direction in which he will be
going, and the server goes in the opposite direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By serving down the “T,” the server prevents
any really wide angle shots which would defeat the Formation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cheating to one side changes the dynamics, and gives away the surprise, and makes it harder for the net man to poach.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another way of defeating the formation is to lob down the
middle, since both players would be moving away from the middle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c Daniel young, 2016 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-5468142453573091272016-05-18T17:35:00.002-07:002016-05-18T17:35:19.298-07:00Are you a "Tennis Player" or just someone who "Plays Tennis?"
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That is the question: "Are you a Tennis Player, or just someone who happens to play
tennis?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Oh yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a difference. A
person who “plays tennis,” plays to keep from losing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A “tennis player” plays to win, and knows how
to win.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A “Tennis Player” plans their match.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have a goal and purpose in mind when they
accompany their opponent onto the tennis courts.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A person who just “plays tennis,” in doubles, looks to team
with a person with whom they are likely to win; but, even if they lose, those
who “just play tennis” to have fun, and get some exercise, never experience the
“agony of defeat.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everybody wins in
their match ups, they just switch partners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whether playing singles or doubles, a “Tennis Player” is
constantly looking to raise their skill level, never satisfied with a
loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A “Tennis Player” wants a
rematch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, they want it as soon as
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a loss, the “Tennis
Player” is back to the backboard to work on their strokes, and to think about
what went wrong.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The “Tennis Player” who loses asks themselves after the
match: “What did they miss in evaluating their opponent in the warm-up?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A “Tennis Player’s” match starts long before they take the
court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They check their appearance,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their equipment, their grip wrappings, water
supply, headwear, sun glasses and their cheat sheet—just a written reminder
[kept in their racquet cover] to look over during the cross over, just in case
things are not going their way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When warming up a “Tennis Player” is scouting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are checking the wind conditions, the
position of the sun, and whether their opponents are right handed or left
handed, and who is the better player?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By noticing where their opponents stands, relative to the
court’s center, they can often surmise whether their opponents prefer to hit
one shot or another, and whether their opponent has more confidence in their
forehand or backhand. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, you be the judge!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Are you a “Tennis Player,” or do you just “Play Tennis.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">C Daniel A. Young, Sr. 2016<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-56175562628540420092016-05-12T15:21:00.000-07:002016-05-12T15:21:03.356-07:00Tennis Partner EtiquetteTennis is a great sport. A student told me he thought tennis was a lot more fun than running. "Of course," I said, "You never see a runner with a smile on their face."<br />
<br />
But you know, tennis is not always fun, especially if you are having a bad day. Your returns are not working. Your serve "sucks." And you miss an easy shot that would have won your team the game.<br />
<br />
What do you do? Well, some players will invite others to take their place, and just sit out. If you are over the age of 50, and you are playing at capacity, there's nothing wrong with sitting out. In fact I encourage it. It's better to take a break. Sit out and play another day.<br />
<br />
There's an acceptable way of stepping off the court when you're having a bad day, or heaven forbid, your not feeling well.<br />
<br />
While others might disagree, I would first: "communicate with my partner," and maybe say something along the lines of : " I'm not feeling well," Partner, would you mind if I ask (Joe Blow) to fill in. I'm not myself it seems?" <br />
<br />
I think asking someone to fill in for you without discussing with your partner the circumstances of your desiring to stop play, or "quit," or whether your partner has an objection, is unfair to your opponents who have put together a team, and trying to win the match, and disrespectful to anyone who agree to accept, or play with you as a partner (Maybe your partner and Joe Blow don't get along); this is especially true if you implied the day before: "Whether the player would be available for the weekly match, and they told you yes."<br />
<br />
Finally, and after the match, whether you, as the new partner, was on the winning team or not, common courtesy, in my opinion, would suggest that after the last point of the match, regardless of how badly you played, you would seek out and thank your partner, whether selected, or chosen for playing with you rather, rather than rushing to the net to "fist bump" your opponents, and have to have your partner seek you out to "Thank you!" before he shakes hands, or "fist bump" with your opponent. But hey, that's just me. Like most winners know: "It's lonely at the top."<br />
<br />
Tennis as you can see is not all fun and games, but it can be with the right attitude among players.Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-40173285267617726242015-09-13T19:46:00.000-07:002015-09-13T19:46:46.394-07:00Tennis News to NoteNews, Notes and Comments.<br />
<br />
Daniel A. Young, Sr. now the Tennis Coach at Northern Vance High School, member in the Big 8 Conference, now with a 4 wins and 3 loss record this September 13, 2015<br />
<br />
Earlier this Summer, Young was featured on Tar Heel Traveler with Host Scott Mason on WRAL-TV-5., and featured in a story by Marty Simpkins of the Wake Weekly, and got featured on the cover of Boomnc.com<br />
<br />
Follow him on Twitter @nttctennis.<br />
<br />
Young unseeded, lost in the Quarter Finals this year to Washington, D.C.'s Phil Lucas in Minnesota, but was a Finalist, though not seeded lost to Douglas Dancer in 2013.<br />
<br />
Young continues to teach at Lake Park Swim Club at 6333 Lakeland Dr. in Raleigh.<br />
<br />
Young has just received Copyright Notice for his 100+ Tennis Tips from the Tennis Doctor, order your copy by sending $7.00 plus Tax to Nttc Acemaker, PO Box 3262, Henderson, N.C. 27536.<br />
<br />
Having trouble with your service toss? Do you repeatedly have to toss and re-toss, then you need the Ace-Maker. The Ace-Maker controls the height and direction of the service toss. Get yours today by sending $15.00 plus tax to NTTC, PO Box 3262, Henderson, N.C. 27536.<br />
<br />
See the ACE-Maker in action on U-Tube at nttcacemaker.com<br />
<br />
Order the Tennis Excuse CD. Now set to guitar music played by the Tennis Doctor.<br />
<br />
Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-8323535031338324602015-04-03T09:33:00.001-07:002015-04-03T09:33:41.693-07:00Tennis, the importance of proper footwork<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
T</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">he topic of footwork often comes up in the sport of Boxing,
because proper footwork in Boxing—and like Fencing—can help the athlete defeat
an opponent, or avoid being defeated by an opponent.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Boxing footwork is important to help the Boxer maintain
his balance and stance, while slipping a punch, i.e. making an opponent miss
his target—or by helping a Boxer deliver a punch by springing off the rear
foot, which generates the movement forward towards the target.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While footwork in Tennis is necessary for balance and
control of the body movement as well, the real need for footwork helps
determine the reach and the speed adjustment of the player’s movement, along
with their being able to escape the danger of balls hit directly at them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without proper footwork at the net, balls which are not
reached with the short side step with the wrong foot, could well be an easy
point, when angled into the “Diagonal Gap,” when the players steps across one
foot to volley balls on the forehand or backhand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not only does the cross-over step give the players backhand
or forehand greater reach and extension, the player appears to be quicker in
recovering for any return volley. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Further, proper footwork permits better handling of low
balls, when the feet are well spread apart, and balls are played below the
waist, especially for tall players.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Axiom is this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
taller the player the further apart the feet must be when volleying low balls.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, the most important footwork maneuver is the “Ball-Change”
or “Shuffle-Stopping Step.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This movement
is used to slow the players’ body momentum when running wide for a ball almost
out of reach, and which permits the player to adjust the speed, and to change
direction of the centrifugal force of his body to permit the racquet swing
towards the net, and in direction of the balls intended flight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Concluding, not only does proper footwork prove essential
for safety, speed and agility, it is proven to be responsible for helping the
player to avoid injuries to knees, back, feet, hips and shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-26326371271514365902015-03-20T18:01:00.000-07:002018-03-05T19:41:13.211-08:00Local Tennis Instructor attains Celebrity statusWell, All most. Daniel A. Young, Sr. is featured in the March 2015 Issue of "Boom" Magazine.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://issuu.com/boommagnc/docs/boom-magazine-march-2015">The Tennis Doctor Dan Young in Boom</a><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">"Any Tennis stroke taught in less than an hour." That's what he says.</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Dan Young is an amazing, diligent Tennis Instructor, using such quotes from </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY2WNlixl0uqbQPmG7nvE6wrhogFYD9cBRj-PmnArpTbotzkuBY83Zv3UQ3N4P63KKDxlr_WBXTXntpcb1mzTLY9y8KCHm5vTlNZOtJsszIu2sCbgc7yYUnT6Xs7zQAvTxmqr3w25GKU/s1600/Dan+Young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY2WNlixl0uqbQPmG7nvE6wrhogFYD9cBRj-PmnArpTbotzkuBY83Zv3UQ3N4P63KKDxlr_WBXTXntpcb1mzTLY9y8KCHm5vTlNZOtJsszIu2sCbgc7yYUnT6Xs7zQAvTxmqr3w25GKU/s200/Dan+Young.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Issac Newton as "An object at rest tends to stay at rest, an object in motion tends to stay in motion<br />
or his police venacular: "Hold it right there, Buddy."<br />
or just: "Stop Ball," all which he uses to teach the<br />
serve, forehand, backhand and volley, even the over-<br />
head and lob, and gives a free lesson if he's late for a<br />
lesson, you hit the target balls, or refer, or bring a friend to take a lesson.<br />
<br />
Young is known as the Dr. of Tennis Psychology, Geometry, and Angles on win-<br />
ning and teaches the classical, more elegant and picturesque one hand backhand<br />
only. Not because it's easier but because, but because says Young, "It gives better performance by requiring less running, permits a greater variety of shots, but most importantly the one hand backhand or forehand causes fewer injuries<br />
to the elbow, the wrist or to the knees.<br />
<br />
After March Madness, Young says a Tennis Challenge will be just what Tennis players, team Tennis Players, and club players will be looking for as the summer season approaches.<br />
<br />
Young, a former high school Tennis Coach, winner of "9" Senior Games Tennis Tournaments, winner of 4.0 Men's closed Singles Tennis Tournament at the Raleigh Racquet Club, 2016, and did I mention, he's an inventor, ranked #1 by USTA NC South in his age Division.<br />
<br />Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-2284602850715079592015-03-12T15:13:00.000-07:002015-09-13T19:50:22.557-07:00Tennis Excuses by Daniel A. Young, Sr.<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poem of Tennis Excuses</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daniel A. Young, Sr.,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dr. of Tennis Psychology, Geometry, and Angles on Winning</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My opponent too lucky, too young, too quick; my racquet too heavy, too small, too new;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
the courts too dirty, too cracked, to play; and I'm too old, too cold, too slow, too hot, too tired to</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
win.<br />
<br />
My opponent to lucky, too young to quit, my racquet too heavy, too small, too new;<br />
<br />
the courts, too dirty, too cracked to play; and I'm trying hard to win.<br />
<br />
OH!!! Repeat top stanza.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
c dyoung </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkctRfpOJPRGKqiAsMwQvVoV0ep4jdGPYVviqyECkB32rys_p6jNLYVEM8ZShaCI-chA6v_52bTyE2TRvbJOHnamrE75hhky5uEgyrHBoAN1rRXx2EFCh1-fW2946H5S3ESxjZs83epRo/s1600/Tennis_DanielYoung2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkctRfpOJPRGKqiAsMwQvVoV0ep4jdGPYVviqyECkB32rys_p6jNLYVEM8ZShaCI-chA6v_52bTyE2TRvbJOHnamrE75hhky5uEgyrHBoAN1rRXx2EFCh1-fW2946H5S3ESxjZs83epRo/s1600/Tennis_DanielYoung2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Serve </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu3F2Oq5fioUtO2Zp_BF469Ghl0Ln8HA-rbqnecmh9ekEX2T_F-PCci8NnqMeFSFFf3ynxIKsDRitjrnrIGptrIz4v6sni8F7bXF1BlQ_mP1wh4XhkVIzD5i3WLyIazVZAKinr_qq3Pk/s1600/Tennis_DanielYoung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu3F2Oq5fioUtO2Zp_BF469Ghl0Ln8HA-rbqnecmh9ekEX2T_F-PCci8NnqMeFSFFf3ynxIKsDRitjrnrIGptrIz4v6sni8F7bXF1BlQ_mP1wh4XhkVIzD5i3WLyIazVZAKinr_qq3Pk/s1600/Tennis_DanielYoung.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get it in Please!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-67571467136845998292015-03-12T10:59:00.000-07:002015-09-13T19:50:49.938-07:00Proposed merging of the NTTC with ATA<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday, June 15, 2012<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Franklyn Scott<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 301<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Largo, MD 20774<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Subject: Proposal to revive and restore prominence of ATA</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Dr. Scott:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forgive me for being so presumptuous that I might have
anything to contribute to the 95<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the ATA, whose
history consists of such former players as the late Arthur Ashe, Althea Gibson,
who come to mind for me at age 70. Of
course, there are others!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1976 I observed USPTA Professional instructors, play and
give instructions, and realized that more needed to be done to train World
Class players. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I still believe that.
Given all the well-named, well-identified tennis facilities, and availability of what
passes as instructions on our public courts and developmental programs, America’s
Tennis is lacking, thus we don’t need the USTA pouring more money into
renovation of “more than adequate facilities” but, developmental programs
instead, and something more than 10 and under and league play.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe as even Vic Braden has conceded, [Black Tennis Magazine 2007, BTMag.com] We
need more [knowledgeable ] black coaches.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I had observed years earlier, there was the need to
adjust tennis to those players young, and smaller of stature. I believe we have gone too far the other
way. Hence our younger players are
burning out, before they acquire the knowledge, and understanding of the sport
of tennis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In early 1963 my wife bought me a tennis racquet and ball
with wrist band at a Rexall Drug Store in Washington, D.C. My first tennis challenge, I got beat at 6-0;
6-0; but requested a rematch in a month, which I won 6-0; 6-0 and have been
playing ever since: D.C., Md. Va. W.VA. Pa.
Cal. GA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After playing for several years, I was asked, if I could
teach someone to play. I said,” I don’t
know if I can teach you; but I can show you how I do it,” and the National
Tennis Teacher’s College was born.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Bolleteri was just a name at Haines Point in D.C.,
before beginning his Tennis Academy-- now in Florida; and Dennis Van Der Meer
had just a desk in a hallway in a Washington, D.C. office building--before
introducing the Professional Tennis Registry; and the United States Professional Tennis
Association required a $50.00 membership fee to join-- though I observed some
members attempting to teach, could not play, nor teach, I developed (1976) my
Instant Use Tennis Technique, and the Abbreviated Racquet Method for teaching
the strokes of Tennis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To that end, I would like to see the ATA, adopt the tenet of
the National Tennis Teacher’s College: “Teaching Tennis the way it ought’a be Taught,”
using the National Tennis Teacher’s College Manual, and identified with
our exclusive Logo Patch for those who make the grade, and become certified. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as there is an American Baseball League, and a National
Baseball league, and an All-star game, I believe there is enough money in the
Elite Black Community to develop, and promote their own integrated Tennis training facility, with
what I believe could promise guaranteed
results.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For many black youth, Tennis, unlike the sport of Baseball,
Football, Basketball isn’t recruited like other professional sports and doesn’t
require the spending necessarily in Golf, just the willingness to have
self-discipline, and to work hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I look forward to meeting you during the tournament. I hope to play in the 65 mens’ Singles and
Doubles with my brother, Calvin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for your time, and any comments you might have.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yours truly,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daniel A. Young, Sr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
221 West Belle Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Henderson, NC 27536<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
919 610-5255<o:p></o:p></div>
Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-29755454608892281192015-02-21T10:48:00.001-08:002015-02-21T10:48:39.418-08:00We got Challenge or We got next! <br />
Ignoring challenger, or failure to relinquish the courts.<br />
<br />
Concern by users of the Challenge Court at Millbrook Exchange Park Tennis has been raised by those who are waiting in turn for the opportunity to "(Challenge).<br />
<br />
Players should have the opportunity to play in the order of their arrival, and be ready to play. A sign up board might be needed, if the challenge court continues to expand its active use.<br />
<br />
No players, or player team member, who loses on the Challenge Court should be permitted<br />
to return to the court, unless no one else is waiting to play. Both losers must exit the court, and wait another turn.<br />
<br />
Neither rewrapping of racquets, putting on any protective device [Shoes, knee braces, Sun<br />
Screen, etc.], or warming-up should be permitted prior to entry on the Challenge Court when others are waiting. Players should be ready to play.<br />
<br />
Players should come and be ready to play upon accepting the Challenge. This requirement is intended to expedite play. Access to the challenge court should not be restricted because of tournaments scheduled to be played; or utilized for ladder matches, lessons, or teacher training.<br />
<br />
To assist in enforcing this requirement, I believe that rather than a chalk board, which can<br />
be erased, that a paper pad, protected from the elements, and utilized throughout the<br />
day as necessary to insure fair access.<br />
<br />
The numbered, signed list name, or player roster would show who is due up to play next.<br />
<br />
Management personnel could use the Challenge Court record for challenges for fiscal purposes, and would demonstrate court use, or provide necessary information for the allotment of courts 13, 14, and 15 at the 23 Court, Millbrook facility.<br />
<br />
Finally, If necessary, court use can be monitored from the Millbrook Exchange Park Tennis Office, by office personnel assigning available courts, by having the player write their name down on the counter sign-up board in the Tennis Office, then the employee gives the player, or players a ticket with their name, and court assignment.<br />
<br />
Court use slips could be issued from the office, and be placed on Binder Clips attached to the gate of each tennis courts, which would show the time the court in use would be free. The next players would exchange with the courts users at the appropriate time their "court use slip."<br />
<br />
When those players time is up: 1 hour for Singles, and 1 112 Hours for Doubles, they<br />
would simply replace the ticket, giving the old one to one of the players leaving, whose<br />
court they would be taking. This would not apply to the Challenge Court.<br />
<br />
Comments are welcomed@<br />
@nttctennis, or Daniel.young42@gmail.com<br />
nttcacemaker.comTalk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-12870507761627661732015-02-18T10:49:00.000-08:002015-09-13T19:54:48.426-07:00Playing the Net or Shooting the Rapids both are dangerous to your health!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tennis, dangerous to your health? Well, not really. Only shooting the rapids is dangerous to your health--though I'm sure it's good exercise, and probably exciting, so I've heard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">The danger in tennis is what a tennis player is likely to do to themselves: pull a muscle, twist an ankle, hurt their Achilles tendon, injure their rotator cuff or twist a knee.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Per se, Tennis is really an easy game to play. The difficult part in learning the game of tennis is learning to run to within a certain distance of a moving ball, that is spinning with a sometimes unpredictable bounce, and swinging your racquet at the proper time to make contact. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">In learning to quickly build your confidence in playing Tennis, I have found that it's much easier to start at the net. Though many players, women in particular, I must add, do fear playing the net for fear of getting hit or hurt. It's true, you might get hit at the net, but seldom will you get hurt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Think about it! From about the waist down you are protected by the net itself. And, from your waist to your neck, there is little chance of being injured for life. From the head up, that's a different story, but easier to prevent. Keep your arms slightly bent, holding the racquet high and away from the body, as you look through the strings of your racquet, like a Fencer's Mask.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Use your arms to help establish the distance of the approaching ball.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">By holding your arms away from the body, you are given a means of measuring how close the ball is to you, and that distance permits you time to get out of the way of the projectile--or </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">ball, for those in Rio Linda--coming towards you, as Rush might say.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">By simply stepping out of the way of the ball, but leaving your racquet forward you are able to avoid any bodily harm. Try it sometimes. Balls off to your right or left, just go after them, but lead with your racquet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Balls coming directly at you, which you wish to take on your forehand, simply step back with the right foot if you are right handed, putting yourself sideways to the net, but leaving the Tennis racquet in the path of the ball and squeeze.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For balls coming directly at you while you are at the net, which you wish to take on your backhand, are easily accomplished by stepping back with the left foot and leaving your racquet in the path of the ball. The one key that must be emphasized is to squeeze the racquet just before contact. Otherwise the racquet will spin in your hand and your volley will not be crisp, and easily directed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">This tips can all be found in the soon to be released National Tennis Teacher's College Teacher's Manual.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">So you see playing the net is not as dangerous as you once thought, just remember: "Familiarity breeds contempt," even at the net.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-61650231909870840762015-02-17T07:30:00.001-08:002015-09-13T19:57:59.576-07:00Regaining Number 1 Tennis Ranking in America<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Regaining Number 1 Tennis in America<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">TEN THINGS THAT’S WRONG WITH AMERICA’S TEACHING OF TENNIS
TODAY: Old School taboo; Starting too young; Bigger; Better Program Myth; Playing and Practicing; Purposeful effort; Student Immaturity; Inattention to detail; Lacking Sound techniques; Role of better equipment.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Old School is considered taboo: Many of todays' players don't come from private clubs, and many have taught themselves, and watched players on T.V., and are not familiar with Old School, that taught basic footwork and ball control.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
Myth: </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Starting sooner will get you there faster: Many of today's parents, who themselves have not played tennis, heard that the father of Venus and Serena taught them to play, and believe that starting their youngsters at a very young age 10u might make the difference. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bigger program the better: Local tennis facilities with numerous courts are filled with instructors that have played, or are playing tennis, and looking for part-time jobs and have taken up teaching Tennis. These players, often with no tournament, or teaching experience and limited background in sports, see teaching tennis at the recreational level as an easy way to make money.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The difference between playing and practicing: Playing is putting into use what you have practiced. Many tennis players think that simply by playing they will improve. Unfortunately, this is never the case. One must practice so that their strokes are performed as they are needed, and done so subconsciously . This can only occur when you are able to slow down your movement so that you can prepare by getting your racquet back, getting into position, planting you feet, for a good hitting foundation and following through.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Purpose of effort: Practice must be done with real results in mind. One good example is a player who fails to follow through on the serve because of fear it will go too long. The follow through must be done so that the serve will have control, and direction. A player must remember that every stroke has three elements: The strokes early preparation, the contact point, and the follow through. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Immaturity of student: Many of todays' youngsters are not mentally, emotionally, and physically mature for the rigors of the discipline of tennis. For example, some learn to play with two hands because their fingers are to short to control the change in grip necessary for the one hand backhand, though two hands shortens their reach and requires them to run more. Many don't understand the need for proper footwork that assures proper balance. And finally, losing is a part of the game that players must understand. There has never been a tennis players that doesn't make errors. Youngsters must be taught that the only time you start at the top is when you're learning to Ski, or learning to swim.</span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instructional inattention to detail in teaching: Many teachers, I have observed, fail to correct footwork demands, or the need to explain why certain style, or playing technique is ineffective for that individual player, and often fail to show the cause of certain errors in stroke making because of their limited knowledge, or understanding.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lack of sound approach to teaching: Anyone teaching tennis, must not only have a love of the game, but must have an understanding of the mechanics of constructing the stroke. Simply being able to demonstrate the stroke is not enough. The instructor must be able and willing to dissect the stroke so that the problem is evident to the student.</span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Players’ reliance upon equipment: Players must understand that, if they put in the time to practice, to learn the mechanics of producing each and every stroke in tennis, there is no reason to give credit to your equipment bag, your newest racquet, or your colorful shoes.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Playing –not practicing to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>improve: Being unwilling to play a weaker player for fear it will damage your game, is a foolish idea that can be observed on numerous courts throughout the United States. Playing against a weaker player is your opportunity to work on shots that a better player doesn't give you time to attempt.</span><br />
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Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-3999329501613245612015-02-16T20:07:00.000-08:002015-02-16T20:08:39.636-08:00Tennis Anyone
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tennis Professional Demonstrates hard to teach
concepts in tennis<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">by: Daniel A. Young, Sr. nttcacemaker.com, @nttctennis 919 6510-5255</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Understanding, and applying suggestions, and tips provided
by well-meaning tennis coaches, and instructors often lack the necessary hook
to make the message stick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That problem has been solved in the instant use
tennis techniques used by NTTC Instructors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example,
“Get your racquet back," intones the coach, w<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">ho</span> demonstrates by holding a tennis ball head high, and tells the
student to watch the ball. When they see the ball leave the instructor's hand, they are required to throw their racquet back with the other hand, point the butt of the racquet at
the ball, while the non-racquet hand points to the oncoming ball.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Wayward ball toss.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">You know by now that the </span>
Serve is 50% of the game of tennis, and the Toss is 50% of the Serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you can’t control your ball toss: “Start with both
your hands together:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you cradle the
ball, in the “Praying Mantis Position.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then drop both hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the back
of the ball tossing hand hit the players’ inner thigh on ball tossing side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This stops the ball's downward movement and permits the ball tossing hand to
change direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, both the Racquet hand,
and the ball tossing hand are raised simultaneously to shoulder height in opposite
directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is repeated until it
becomes fluid, and natural. It should look natural as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As the last set of arm movements are stopped shoulder height,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, brush the back of your head with what would be your racquet hand—think in terms of making a muscle--with
the racquet-hand, while looking up towards the upward facing palm of the ball tossing
hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When this can be done in a smooth, rhythmic motion, let the
ball tossing hand continue upward and extend as high up as you can reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The palm of the ball tossing hand should be
facing towards you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may feel
awkward for a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now unwind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing the
same movements, just doing them in reverse very slowly.</span></div>
Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-8948890091889504222015-02-16T19:47:00.000-08:002015-02-16T20:08:39.639-08:00Professionalism and Fairness in today's Tennis
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Better Tennis Bureau 919-610-5255<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the most part, Tennis is considered a fair sport. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Supposedly, players, according to Nick Powell,
who wrote the Code of Tennis Etiquette, were required to settle any question of
doubt of a ball being considered “In” or “Out” [no pun intended] was always to
be decided, awarded, given, unquestionably, in favor of your opponent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s fairness, Right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Playing two on one, or what’s called Australian Tennis, is
not considered fair, right; but, good practice for singles and doubles!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But usually, when a qualified fourth comes
along, they might be invited to play, Right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if the fourth is not as talented, or is just learning to play; that
competition would not be considered fair either.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Competition is pitting your ability, talents, skills,
agility and mental prowess, against an opponent of equal stature; if not, what’s
the purpose?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the players are not
equal, the “game” or “pursuit” is not competition at all, it’s bullying. No one
likes, or wants to be bullied.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many will tell you that tennis is the fairest sport of all.
They will argue that there are linesman, or lines-women lines persons [Let’s be
fair] in the Umpire’s Chair, calling the many lines, keeping the score,
deciding who is to serve first, all in the exercising of fairness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ball persons at the ready with towels, new balls, giving
equal time and attention to the professional player.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In all competitive sports, the element of fairness is taken
into consideration to make the competition equal; or to “level” the playing
field, to be politically correct, as real journalist like to say.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Depending upon the sport, most team chose players, depending
upon their ability, skill, speed, agility, height, weight. Take the sport of
Baseball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nine players, of different,
but known abilities and talents assembled as a unit to play a game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same requirements are to be found in most
team sports like Football, Basketball, Hockey and La Crosse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tennis, the sport of a life time, [and there is a reason
it’s called the Sport of a Lifetime time], does not chose its players in this
fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As anyone knows, in an
individual sport, i.e., Skiing, Ice Skating, Boxing, Wrestling; you can be as
good as you want to be, without exception. Practice, Practice determination,
and hard work are all that is required and, perhaps an entry fee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think about the team sports per se, these players are
physically trying to hinder the opposing player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catchers, Pitchers, other opposing team
members, are trying to spoil the batters attempt to get a hit or get on base, through
movement, different fielding positions and signaling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Football, the coaches might call the plays, or the
Quarterback might stutters is signal calling to get a penalty advantage of
being off sides, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tennis given all of its effort to be fair, and claiming to a
professional sport, has missed one opportunity to be fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While you might not make the team because of
your height in Basketball, because of your weight in Football or Boxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tall or taller Tennis players do gain a
distinct advantage in height because of the serve elevation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thus, pitchers have decided advantage over hitters because
of the raised pitching mound.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For this reason the Better Tennis Bureau, a creation of the
National Tennis Teacher’s College, believes and advocates, that all tennis
players should be given just one serve per point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
serve per point would shorten matches, would eliminate double faults, and the
wait, while another ball is retrieved. One serve would save wear and tear on the
arm, back, shoulders and knees. Players would have more stamina, for the third,
or fifth set, if they serve and volley, by not having to go back to serve the second
ball.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One serve would take away the server’s advantage, we’ve all
heard about, and receivers would be mentally set to receive serve, and the
rally would be immediate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, if these are truly, professional players and
capable of doing what you and I aren’t capable of doing, they should be able to
be just as effective with one serve; however, in the interest of drama, the
Better Tennis Bureau would suggest awarding two points for a one serve “Ace.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That's my perspective. What's yours?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-43803354273834236662014-01-04T06:53:00.000-08:002014-01-04T06:53:56.514-08:00Getting your money's worth out of your tennis lessonEvery year, more and more people are taking up the game of tennis. Perhaps you even got a tennis racquet for Christmas. My first racquet was bought at Rexall Drug Store in Washington, D.C., in the early 70's, but that was then, this is now. <br />
<br />
Tennis is indeed the sport of a lifetime, but you won't enjoy those benefits of better health, increased social activities, and self-esteem in learning, and doing something well, unless you devote some time to learning the nuances and fundamentals of the game and practice, especially in tennis.<br />
<br />
If you take the time, expend the energy to go, and put out your cold, hard, cash for a lesson or two, why not take then the time to put that knowledge you've acquired into effect?<br />
<br />
You might not see immediately the results of the lessons, but once you acquire the knowledge, you must utilize it. It's been said: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."<br />
<br />
Another platitude worth repeating is this Persian Proverb: "He who knows not and knows not that he knows not, is a fool. Shun him.<br />
<br />
He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not is a child, teach him.<br />
<br />
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep, wake him.<br />
<br />
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise follow him.<br />
<br />
To get the most out of any lesson, you must at least attempt to apply that knowledge immediately, and it must be applied consistently for maximum results. Once any stroke is demonstrated, and you feel, it might help your game, put that knowledge to use immediately. Start mimicking the stroke every chance you get. Any time you have your racquet in your hand, make it a point to be practicing, mentally see yourself slowly stroking through the ball.<br />
<br />
Even better if you can see the reflection of yourself in a mirror, car window, club house window, any thing that will give you feed back as to how the stroke should look, and feel when you are under no pressure to execute. <br />
<br />
Then, take this same knowledge, feel to the courts and take on some of those duffers that are hanging around, hoping to get in a match. Here's your chance to become better known as being friendly, and approachable about the courts. While at the same time you are actually sharpening your game, so long as you don't become lazy, and sloppy with your stroke production, just because there is little stakes on the line.<br />
<br />
And remember this, as well: "You're not nearly as good as you think you are, and only half as good as they say you are.Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-12228398518879538692013-06-24T06:47:00.004-07:002013-08-04T14:08:04.847-07:00Tennis Correction I had a student who had a difficult time controlling the racquet swing on the backhand; others have trouble not completing the stroke on the serve.<br />
<br />
It's important to note that all tennis strokes have a beginning and and ending. For example, the racquet swings 180 degrees and the body: hips and shoulders swing 90 degrees from the racquet back position; however, this particular student would swing the racquet 180 degrees. How you asked? She generated a lot of momentum and was unable to control the racquet head.<br />
<br />
Rather than finish, or complete the swing with a follow through towards the target, thus keeping the racquet and ball together longer resulting in more control, the client would swing the racquet a full 360 degrees. Coming off the ball without the necessary feeeeel!<br />
<br />
The Cure? I gave the student an old racquet--well, I should have given the student and old racquet, instead, I stood her along side a cement wall surrounding the court, and fed her forehands, demonstrating beforehand, of course, the consequences of swinging further than 180 degrees.<br />
<br />
After all that, the swing while standing next to the wall resulted in her chipping her new racquet. However, needless to say she never overswung her racquet on the forehand, or backhand again. No other instructions to control the racquet speed or follow through were needed thereafter.<br />
<br />
I'm just sorry I didn't, in fact, let her use an old racquet for this demonstration. You should however.<br />
<br />
My student who would "stop the racquet," as a means of controling the serve immediately after the service contact, was cured by my standing behind him, and asking the player to hand me the racquet as they served the ball. Some players follow through but hit themselves on the shin.<br />
<br />
Folks you must pronate the racquet so you see the back of your hand in the contact position, then the racquet will rotate over, and come down along side of your front leg, whether you are lefthanded, or righthanded.<br />
<br />
Just remember that all strokes have a beginning and an ending. Finish each stroke for consistency and control.Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-12859738189525651972013-06-24T06:15:00.004-07:002016-05-30T19:28:35.310-07:00Where should I stand in Doubles?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">While taking a lesson, a student queried me: “Where should I
stand in doubles?” At the same time demonstrating to me that, he stands about
three feet from the net, and straddles the Singles sideline to prevent his opponents
from hitting down the line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">He suggested: “…By standing in the alley, no one could pass
him down the line".</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">True!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">He also offered that his position gave his serving partner
more room in which to hit their serve.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Also true!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I volunteered.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I agreed his reasoning made sense to protect the alley, and
to give his serving partner room in which to place their serve was sound and
purposeful; however, the execution and performance of this stratagem was flawed
for “winning doubles” for several reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Certainly, standing in the alley would discourage the down
the line shot, but in Championship Doubles, it’s not doubles in tennis. You leave so much territory
uncovered, or to be covered by your partner.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Not a good idea.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In doubles each team must decide how to adequately cover the
entire court, where a tennis ball might land without leaving certain areas
vulnerable, and open to your opponent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Dividing the court equally and at the same time moving in
tandem, wherever your partner might wander permits the easy, and adequate means
to defend your side of the court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
same time this makes it harder for your opponents to penetrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The need to take the net, as soon as
possible, and at all cost, cannot be overemphasized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On certain points you might feign forgetfulness about
watching the alley, just to entice an unwary opponent to present you with an
easy “diagonally crosscourt” volley; just as you would move to one side of the
service area, when waiting for the serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This trick is employed to invite your serving team to serve
to a certain side of the court or to an opponents’ forehand, or backhand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Standing to one side in order to protect the alley requires
your partner to cover more than their share of the court because more of the
court is exposed, thus standing in the alley to protect it should be avoided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing so immediately identifies your
knowledge of the game of tennis to be weak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Since your opponents’ strokes will be coming towards you, my
experience tells me that by standing back at the service line when my partner
is serving permits me more reaction time if the receiver is able to nail his or her return of the
serve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And, being back from the net discourages lobs over my head; and, as many of my opponents will tell you: "Anything over your head is yours," while
also giving my partner all the court they need to see to serve into. So don't just watch from the sidelines, get in the game, do your part on the court. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Original Publication Date: Sunday, June 23, 2013</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">c d young 2016</span></div>
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Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-12027774686096354232013-06-21T19:25:00.003-07:002013-06-21T19:29:48.560-07:00Players Avoiding the Challenge in Tennis--No Fire in the Belly"Winning is not everything; it's the only thing." Vincent Lombardi. If not to win, why compete?<br />
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History tell us that as man evolved, and became more civilized, he converted his skills of hunting into a sport, since hunting for his meat, furs, and fish life was no longer necessary to survive.<br />
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Men and women today shoot at targets rather than enemies as a sport, [unless at war] in competition in high school, college and the Olympics, as well as other competitive sporting events.<br />
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Competition, as a Nation, a team, or individual--pitting your athletic ability, skills, intelligence against your peers in sport--has always been a source of accomplishment, pride, self-worth, and yes, often accompanied with the "Agony of defeat," yet few handle the last part of defeat very well.<br />
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A case on point. Recently I've noticed in my circle of tennis playing friends competition has taken a new bent. When each team has won a set, rather than play a third set, or play a tie-breaker, according to the rules, play is often just stopped.<br />
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As I see it, and perhaps, this stems from the newest educational phenomenon of "dumbing down America's society, and education." Dumbing down our kids--who later become adults--because parents, and teachers alike are afraid to let their kids fail. In Tennis, "Champions are born in the labor of defeat.<br />
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We are producing a lot of kids, and ["adults, as I see it, who look for short cuts...]" The "no fail, "no win" approach to tennis does more harm than good," in society as well. In Tennis, being an individual sport, you can be as good as you want to be.<br />
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My likeable, well meaning peers, who enjoy tennis play, but won't, can't, or claim either not to have the time, the need, nor the money--they say--to devote to improving their game to make them truly competitive. Instead, they simply change partners to try to win, or agree to play only two sets, rather than play long enough to determine a winner; or play only with their select foursome.<br />
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My observation has been many strong players will let the weaker player play the ad side, knowing that the strongr player would likely win more points on that side, and effect the outcome of the match favorable. <br />
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However, As I See it, if the stronger players are somewhat evenly matched, but one stronger player feels that the other weaker player might not be quite as weak as his, that player will often let the weaker player play the Ad court. This way the stronger player saves face, because his partner allegedly insisted on playing the Ad court.<br />
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I know. I've done my share of losing, and after losing, on the way home from an event, makes for a long trip, because a loss is a "disappointing companion."<br />
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<br />Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890296453738193781.post-62239955155328037392013-06-10T19:05:00.000-07:002013-06-10T19:05:01.771-07:00Absolutely Fair TennisThis is a sad, but respectful post. I learned yesterday, June 9, 2013, from Tom Munn [forgive me Tom if that is not how you spell you last name], that a former Tennis competitor "Ray McDonald" Raymond J. MacDonald, Jr. has gone to play some real Tennis, where your opponents are always competitive, and even if they lose they are greatful for the match, and the line calls are always given to your opponent, and the server always calls out the score.<br />
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And after the match, they run to the net to shake your hand.<br />
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I enjoyed playing with Ray, though we didn't team up much, but when we did play together we made a good team, and I didn't need to run down any of his overheads either.<br />
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The family had requested in the obituary published Sunday, June 9, 2013, that memorials be made in honor of Ray to the Hospice of Wake County.<br />
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Daniel A. Young, Sr.Talk of the Townhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194009845955447556noreply@blogger.com0