USTA Combo doubles league is now upon us. This is the league where (generally) you play with either a player one level below you or with a player one level above you. If you are fortunate enough to play in both scenarios, chances are you will see the greatest overall improvement, provided you follow a few simple suggestions.
If you are the lower-rated player
In this scenario, what is most important is to be consistent, especially when you are engaged in baseline rallies with the higher rated player on the other team. Your opportunities to outright win a point will be few and far between, so don't play outside of your limitations. Use the match as an opportunity to work on your consistency at a higher level.
Returning the serve of the higher rated player will also be challenging. Again, don't try to win the point with the return. Follow the sage advice - "make them play" - just put it in play somewhere. Cross-court is always best, but it's ok if you accidentally make the net player hit volleys. Just don't try to crush the returns out of a need to match pace and prove you belong. You are rated lower for a reason.
Your goal is to set up the higher rated player on your team so THEY can hit winners and try to outright win the point. As the lower rated player, this is your opportunity to "play up" and challenge yourself. Make the most of it by simply trying to be a complimentary player to your higher rated partner.
In addition, write down every part of your game that broke down when playing against the higher rated player. These are the parts of your game that need the most work if you want to get to the next level.
If you are the higher rated player
In this scenario, you must play slightly outside your comfort level if you really want to improve. What this means is when you are at the net, poach and cross more often, damn the consequences - especially against the lower rated player's groundstrokes. This is the best way to gain confidence and become more confident as a poacher.
You must work on "taking over the court" and work at being the best player on the court. Any "50/50" ball is yours. Don't let your weaker partner hit a groundstroke if you even have an inkling you can get to the volley.
Learn the word "Mine" and the words "I got it" and use them frequently and without hesitation. You should take more balls - you're the better player.
Attack the weaker player - strategy 102. Especially if you have a volley above the net and the weaker player is at the net. This applies to overheads as well.
Go for bigger serves against the weaker player, in order to improve your first serve pace. You'll be less nervous serving to the weaker player, so there is less pressure.
Focusing your game on being more aggressive will help you improve, and you will see the results once regular adult league rolls around and you see yourself moving slightly more, taking more poaches, and putting away more balls,
Write down every part of your game that broke down when you increased your aggressiveness. These are the parts of your game that need to improve if you want to get to the next level.
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At the end of the day, combo league, if used properly, can vastly improve your game if you choose to look at the game in the above manner. Remember, between now and next USTA Adult league season is the time to be making necessary changes to your game in order to improve upon your individual success in Adult League play. Talk to your pro about your game, and work on the areas you and he/she feel are necessary to get to the next level.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
There Can Be Only One - US. Open Preview
Bonsoir Rafa! The King is dead! Long live the king! Uh...Wait a minute, who is next in line to the throne? I don't know - let us have a tournament of knights to determine the heir to the throne!
And so it begins. 128 enter, one remains. Many have a good claim to be named the new King of New York. However, as it usually does, it boils down to three or four who have a chance at the semis, and only a few have what it takes to win.
Pretenders
1. Anyone who has the letters USA (Used to Succeed Annually) next to their name. Don't expect any great showings. Isner will be out before the 4th round begins, and that will be the best showing by an American.''
2. All the rest of the Spanish Players, including David Ferrer. I include Ferrer because he can't beat Djokovic or Federer, so he may make the semis, but he has zero shot to go further, unless he gets divine assistance.
3. Jo-Wilifried Tsonga. Yes he won the Canadian Masters series event. Yes he beat Djokovic, Murray, and Federer along the way. He followed it up with a first round loss in Cincinnati. That is normal for Tsonga. In a three out of five set format, he loses to Djokovic, Ferrer, Murray. He might have a chance against Fed. Quarterfinalist.
4. Anyone in the top 10 not named Djokovic, Federer or Raonic. No one in the top 10 is getting by these guys. Murray is still not 100% in my opinion. He's not moving as well as he did when he won Wimbledon last year. Mauresmo thus far has not been the answer for him. Stan Wawrinka seems content now that he's won a major. He's done absolutely nothing since, and I expect that trend to continue. Berdych has an outside shot at a semi-final depending on the draw, but he's fragile in the early rounds. Don't count on him being there on Semi-final Saturday.
Contenders
Milos Raonic - He's having an incredible year is he not? A semifinalist at Wimbledon, and he's risen to #6 in the world. He's got a huge serve, and has seriously improved both his return game and his fitness, footwork, and movement. I love the fact that he says his current success is not his goal. He wants to be #1 in the world. I foresee multiple slams for him, is first coming by 2016. Could it be this year's open? If and ONLY if Federer and Djokovic lose before they would play him. If that scenario happens, look for the Canadian Cannon to win his first slam.
Roger Federer - Heck of a summer for the old man. Unfortunately all it has proven to me is he still chokes in big matches against Djokovic, and can't beat him at all in a final, and still struggles to beat anyone else in a final. He's 4 for his last 13 finals. I don't expect Federer to win, even if I think he'll make the final. And save for Fed-Raonic final, I expect him to lose to whomever he might face. Agassi won his last major at 33, at the 2003 Australian Open, but he had fewer miles on his body than fed, and was a better player later in his career.. Fed is 33 now, and is a shell of himself. I hope he wins, but I wouldn't bet a dime on him.
Novak Djokovic - Has marriage and a pregnancy changed the crazy man's perspective on life? He wins Wimbledon, gets married, and subsequently loses early in the master series hard court events. The good news is he didn't play too much leading up to the open, so his body got a nice break. He should be in tip top physical shape. Nadal isn't here, so his biggest obstacle mentally isn't here. He's got Federer's number in majors now, so he has no fear of a "hot" Roger. Plus he knows he's got celebratory crack courtesy of Boris Becker should he hoist his second Us Open trophy. (This is called historical sarcasm) Should he avoid an early upset, he should win the title. Prediction: Champion.
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For the women, I will make this brief. There are really four women who can win the title this year:
1. Simone Halep - She has the game, but does she have the belief? If she can get a win vs Sharapova, having lost in 3 sets the last few times they've played, I like her chances.
2. Maria Sharapova - Se won the french, but fizzled out early at Wimbledon. She has never won two majors in the same year. Will she buck the trend? Not if she plays Serena Williams, who has beaten her 14 times in a row. There's no overcoming that for Sharapova, save an on court coaching visit from Tonya Harding. Check her coaches' box Serena!
3. Eugenie Bouchard - The girl doesn't do very much unless it's a major. She has been the most consisten player in the slams this year, having reached the semi-finals of the Australian and French Opens, and the final of Wimbledon. Her hard court prep leading in the Open doesn't lend me to be super excited about her chances, but even I can see she trains to peak at the slams, not win the tune-ups. I expect a semi-final.
4. Serena Williams - As long as she's playing, you have to go with her. Though she's had a terrible year by her standards, her hard court tune-ups after Wimbledon has produced much improved results. Her serve looks to be getting back to the weapon we all expect from her, and if that's the case, just write her name on the trophy now. When Serena says she has no pressure, it means she's put in an enormous amount of extra work in order to win a slam, and she wants it badly. I remember her saying she had no pressure in 2007 before the Australian open, when her ranking had dropped to 81 in the world due to injury and lack of play. She dominated the tournament, and the final against the reigning US Open Champion Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-2. I see a similar result. Prediction: Champion
And so it begins. 128 enter, one remains. Many have a good claim to be named the new King of New York. However, as it usually does, it boils down to three or four who have a chance at the semis, and only a few have what it takes to win.
Pretenders
1. Anyone who has the letters USA (Used to Succeed Annually) next to their name. Don't expect any great showings. Isner will be out before the 4th round begins, and that will be the best showing by an American.''
2. All the rest of the Spanish Players, including David Ferrer. I include Ferrer because he can't beat Djokovic or Federer, so he may make the semis, but he has zero shot to go further, unless he gets divine assistance.
3. Jo-Wilifried Tsonga. Yes he won the Canadian Masters series event. Yes he beat Djokovic, Murray, and Federer along the way. He followed it up with a first round loss in Cincinnati. That is normal for Tsonga. In a three out of five set format, he loses to Djokovic, Ferrer, Murray. He might have a chance against Fed. Quarterfinalist.
4. Anyone in the top 10 not named Djokovic, Federer or Raonic. No one in the top 10 is getting by these guys. Murray is still not 100% in my opinion. He's not moving as well as he did when he won Wimbledon last year. Mauresmo thus far has not been the answer for him. Stan Wawrinka seems content now that he's won a major. He's done absolutely nothing since, and I expect that trend to continue. Berdych has an outside shot at a semi-final depending on the draw, but he's fragile in the early rounds. Don't count on him being there on Semi-final Saturday.
Contenders
Milos Raonic - He's having an incredible year is he not? A semifinalist at Wimbledon, and he's risen to #6 in the world. He's got a huge serve, and has seriously improved both his return game and his fitness, footwork, and movement. I love the fact that he says his current success is not his goal. He wants to be #1 in the world. I foresee multiple slams for him, is first coming by 2016. Could it be this year's open? If and ONLY if Federer and Djokovic lose before they would play him. If that scenario happens, look for the Canadian Cannon to win his first slam.
Roger Federer - Heck of a summer for the old man. Unfortunately all it has proven to me is he still chokes in big matches against Djokovic, and can't beat him at all in a final, and still struggles to beat anyone else in a final. He's 4 for his last 13 finals. I don't expect Federer to win, even if I think he'll make the final. And save for Fed-Raonic final, I expect him to lose to whomever he might face. Agassi won his last major at 33, at the 2003 Australian Open, but he had fewer miles on his body than fed, and was a better player later in his career.. Fed is 33 now, and is a shell of himself. I hope he wins, but I wouldn't bet a dime on him.
Novak Djokovic - Has marriage and a pregnancy changed the crazy man's perspective on life? He wins Wimbledon, gets married, and subsequently loses early in the master series hard court events. The good news is he didn't play too much leading up to the open, so his body got a nice break. He should be in tip top physical shape. Nadal isn't here, so his biggest obstacle mentally isn't here. He's got Federer's number in majors now, so he has no fear of a "hot" Roger. Plus he knows he's got celebratory crack courtesy of Boris Becker should he hoist his second Us Open trophy. (This is called historical sarcasm) Should he avoid an early upset, he should win the title. Prediction: Champion.
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For the women, I will make this brief. There are really four women who can win the title this year:
1. Simone Halep - She has the game, but does she have the belief? If she can get a win vs Sharapova, having lost in 3 sets the last few times they've played, I like her chances.
2. Maria Sharapova - Se won the french, but fizzled out early at Wimbledon. She has never won two majors in the same year. Will she buck the trend? Not if she plays Serena Williams, who has beaten her 14 times in a row. There's no overcoming that for Sharapova, save an on court coaching visit from Tonya Harding. Check her coaches' box Serena!
3. Eugenie Bouchard - The girl doesn't do very much unless it's a major. She has been the most consisten player in the slams this year, having reached the semi-finals of the Australian and French Opens, and the final of Wimbledon. Her hard court prep leading in the Open doesn't lend me to be super excited about her chances, but even I can see she trains to peak at the slams, not win the tune-ups. I expect a semi-final.
4. Serena Williams - As long as she's playing, you have to go with her. Though she's had a terrible year by her standards, her hard court tune-ups after Wimbledon has produced much improved results. Her serve looks to be getting back to the weapon we all expect from her, and if that's the case, just write her name on the trophy now. When Serena says she has no pressure, it means she's put in an enormous amount of extra work in order to win a slam, and she wants it badly. I remember her saying she had no pressure in 2007 before the Australian open, when her ranking had dropped to 81 in the world due to injury and lack of play. She dominated the tournament, and the final against the reigning US Open Champion Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-2. I see a similar result. Prediction: Champion
Thursday, August 14, 2014
How To Win At Sectionals And Nationals (USTA Adult Leagues)
The time of the year is upon us when the victorious teams from the Tallahassee USTA Adult Leagues (18 & up) head to various locations throughout the state to play in the USTA-FL sectionals. At the Sectional, our local champions first have to navigate themselves out of their round robin group, and then win two matches in single elimination format. This means winning 5-6 matches during the course of three days.
For captains, this task can be daunting, if not overwhelming. The first rule of captaining, in my opinion, is to get your entire team on the same page BEFORE the local season actually begins. Your entire team must "buy in" to your goals. Is your team going to try to win the sectional and try to win nationals? Is your team going to play to "have fun?" Is the goal at sectionals to let "everyone play," or is it to put your "best team forward." You can see the unasked question. Do we want to win this or not?
If the goal is to win, then here is a list of things that must occur before you go to sectionals/nationals, and what must occur at the sites.
Before Sectionals
1) Before the local season begins, get the commitments from everyone about sectionals and nationals. If someone cannot commit to both, it may be best to leave them off the roster, and let them play for someone else's team that year. Ensure that everyone knows that the weakest players and weakest doubles teams will not play too often, and at sectionals and nationals they likely won't play at all, save for fatigue, injury, or illness.
2) Designate your singles players (3-4). These players will not play doubles unless they play with they're designated partner, who will also be one of these singles players.
3) Designate 4-5 doubles teams. These teams cannot be broken up. If one teammate is unavailable, then the other teammate does not play either. Teams play only with one another. Period. If team 1 cannot play because Judy can't be there that night, you play one of your other teams. This way your doubles teams know who they're playing with at all times for the entire season, can practice and do lessons with that teammate, and can develop the chemistry necessary to win at sectionals and nationals.
4) Prior to the season starting, play matches against everyone (singles and doubles) within your team to determine your hierarchy in singles and doubles.
5) Play your strengths throughout the local season, ensuring that everyone on your team plays the requisite two or three matches needed to qualify for sectionals.
During Sectionals/Nationals
1) Play your strengths EVERY match. Only substitute your weaker singles players or doubles teams if fatigue, injury or illness occurs. Remember that if one player on one of your starting 3 doubles teams cannot play, that team is out (both players), and your next best team should play.
2) Do not be tempted to attempt to determine what teams in your round robin bracket aren't any good. There is really no way to know. Your team goal is to beat everyone like a drum so you win the group outright. Don't leave a "wildcard" position (one of the 2nd place teams) to chance. When you play your weaker teams on purpose, you open yourself up to losing the team match and falling behind in the tiebreaks (matches won, sets won, games won). Leave nothing to chance.
3) Ignore your weaker teammates' pleas to play. You already discussed what your team's goals are, and by their commitment to the team, they agreed to the rules and standards by which you are running the team. Winning and letting everyone play are incompatible. It's just the harsh reality. On any team there are starters and subs. The subs play either very little or not at all.
The key to a successful run is impeccable ORGANIZATION, and proper COMMUNICATION of goals, standards, and procedures. The teams that have captains that follow these simple rules, will have the best chance to win at sectionals AND nationals.
For captains, this task can be daunting, if not overwhelming. The first rule of captaining, in my opinion, is to get your entire team on the same page BEFORE the local season actually begins. Your entire team must "buy in" to your goals. Is your team going to try to win the sectional and try to win nationals? Is your team going to play to "have fun?" Is the goal at sectionals to let "everyone play," or is it to put your "best team forward." You can see the unasked question. Do we want to win this or not?
If the goal is to win, then here is a list of things that must occur before you go to sectionals/nationals, and what must occur at the sites.
Before Sectionals
1) Before the local season begins, get the commitments from everyone about sectionals and nationals. If someone cannot commit to both, it may be best to leave them off the roster, and let them play for someone else's team that year. Ensure that everyone knows that the weakest players and weakest doubles teams will not play too often, and at sectionals and nationals they likely won't play at all, save for fatigue, injury, or illness.
2) Designate your singles players (3-4). These players will not play doubles unless they play with they're designated partner, who will also be one of these singles players.
3) Designate 4-5 doubles teams. These teams cannot be broken up. If one teammate is unavailable, then the other teammate does not play either. Teams play only with one another. Period. If team 1 cannot play because Judy can't be there that night, you play one of your other teams. This way your doubles teams know who they're playing with at all times for the entire season, can practice and do lessons with that teammate, and can develop the chemistry necessary to win at sectionals and nationals.
4) Prior to the season starting, play matches against everyone (singles and doubles) within your team to determine your hierarchy in singles and doubles.
5) Play your strengths throughout the local season, ensuring that everyone on your team plays the requisite two or three matches needed to qualify for sectionals.
During Sectionals/Nationals
1) Play your strengths EVERY match. Only substitute your weaker singles players or doubles teams if fatigue, injury or illness occurs. Remember that if one player on one of your starting 3 doubles teams cannot play, that team is out (both players), and your next best team should play.
2) Do not be tempted to attempt to determine what teams in your round robin bracket aren't any good. There is really no way to know. Your team goal is to beat everyone like a drum so you win the group outright. Don't leave a "wildcard" position (one of the 2nd place teams) to chance. When you play your weaker teams on purpose, you open yourself up to losing the team match and falling behind in the tiebreaks (matches won, sets won, games won). Leave nothing to chance.
3) Ignore your weaker teammates' pleas to play. You already discussed what your team's goals are, and by their commitment to the team, they agreed to the rules and standards by which you are running the team. Winning and letting everyone play are incompatible. It's just the harsh reality. On any team there are starters and subs. The subs play either very little or not at all.
The key to a successful run is impeccable ORGANIZATION, and proper COMMUNICATION of goals, standards, and procedures. The teams that have captains that follow these simple rules, will have the best chance to win at sectionals AND nationals.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
City of Tallahassee Offers NEW Junior Elite Performance Program
The City of Tallahassee is pleased to announce that beginning August 26th, it will be running a new Junior Elite Performance Program at Forestmeadows.
It will run Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-6:00pm, and all instruction will be done on clay courts. Each session will run eight weeks. Each class will be broken into three segments. Segment 1 will incorporate dynamic warm-ups, as well as footwork/fitness/athletic skill work. Segment 2 will focus on technical/tactical adjustments. Segment 3 will be point play/match play.
In addition to the above segments, each player will be video taped hitting the various strokes, and receive a detailed analysis of what changes must be made in order to maximize their potential.
In order to participate in this program a player must meet the following minimum criteria:
Play full court tennis with tennis balls
Have already played in at least one tournament at the local level or higher
In addition, a player who registers for this program must commit to playing in at least 5 tournaments a year. Failure to comply will unfortunately result in expulsion from the program. This program is for players who are serious about improving and have a desire to play at a very high high school level and/or desire to play collegiate tennis.
Each player will be strongly encouraged to play all tournaments that are held in Tallahassee, as well as tournaments within at least a 2-3hr driving range. Each player's USTA ranking will be tracked and compared to other players within the program on our junior board. Players that win tournaments will have their names and successes posted for all to see at Forestmeadows.
Finally, each player will be given "homework" that will include, though will not be limited to, playing matches against fellow students, sit ups, pushups, running, and watching tennis. A ladder will be maintained during each session.
All players must be APPROVED by the coaches prior to registering.
Matthew Cory and Lenin Mongerie are the coaches for this program. You can view their bios and contact information at www.tallahasseetennisvoice.com. To get a registration form, or if you have any questions regarding the program, please feel free to contact Matt or Lenin.
We look forward to seeing you on court August 26!
It will run Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-6:00pm, and all instruction will be done on clay courts. Each session will run eight weeks. Each class will be broken into three segments. Segment 1 will incorporate dynamic warm-ups, as well as footwork/fitness/athletic skill work. Segment 2 will focus on technical/tactical adjustments. Segment 3 will be point play/match play.
In addition to the above segments, each player will be video taped hitting the various strokes, and receive a detailed analysis of what changes must be made in order to maximize their potential.
In order to participate in this program a player must meet the following minimum criteria:
Play full court tennis with tennis balls
Have already played in at least one tournament at the local level or higher
In addition, a player who registers for this program must commit to playing in at least 5 tournaments a year. Failure to comply will unfortunately result in expulsion from the program. This program is for players who are serious about improving and have a desire to play at a very high high school level and/or desire to play collegiate tennis.
Each player will be strongly encouraged to play all tournaments that are held in Tallahassee, as well as tournaments within at least a 2-3hr driving range. Each player's USTA ranking will be tracked and compared to other players within the program on our junior board. Players that win tournaments will have their names and successes posted for all to see at Forestmeadows.
Finally, each player will be given "homework" that will include, though will not be limited to, playing matches against fellow students, sit ups, pushups, running, and watching tennis. A ladder will be maintained during each session.
All players must be APPROVED by the coaches prior to registering.
Matthew Cory and Lenin Mongerie are the coaches for this program. You can view their bios and contact information at www.tallahasseetennisvoice.com. To get a registration form, or if you have any questions regarding the program, please feel free to contact Matt or Lenin.
We look forward to seeing you on court August 26!
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