In talking to many league players, both male and female of various levels, the one common complaint that those that play doubles have is that they rarely, if ever, play with the same partner. As a teaching professional who coaches various league players, I can tell you I second their frustration.
Doubles is a TEAM game. A good team practices together, and plays matches together. There should be an exclusivity to the pairing. To play your best individually in a doubles match, you must be able to anticipate your partner's shots in order to be in the best possible position for the opponents' reply. If you are constantly playing with different people, you never gain that knowledge and feel for the game that is essential to being in the right place at the right time.
Look no further than the professional tour. The two best teams right now are the Bryan brothers on the men's side, and Sara Errani/Roberta Vinci on the women's side. The players are exclusive to the other, and have been playing together for years. This is the secret to doubles success. There are other great doubles players on tour - Leander Paes as an example. Every two years or so he changes partners, and his results go south. Once he's played with his new partner for a year, you consistently see him making Grand Slam finals and winning them. Continuity is essential to success.
Too often in league play, one player will play doubles matches with three or four different partners. Even two is one too many. Having been a league captain before, I know how difficult it is to ensure you have the requisite number of players, much less keeping partners together. The last time I did captain, I told everyone that they would play with the same partner throughout the season. The "subs" were also paired together. This way everyone could be assured of whom they were playing with, and could practice as much as they were able to with that partner. In addition, if my partner could not play, I took myself out of the line-up, and put a "Sub" team in.
With adult league, there are five courts of matches, which means you have 8 players playing each night. Your team should have a minimum of four subs, which you partner together into two teams. The subs should also be available for singles if necessary.
Tennis is a game that requires rhythm in order for a player to play well. The more you play with a partner, the more you get a good rhythm off of what they are doing on the court. You also get a feel for how to emotionally and mentally deal with your partner. You learn what to say and when, and what not to say and when. A personal example: I played doubles with my Assistant Pro at William and Mary for 4 years. The one tournament we entered, we won. During that time, I played five other tournament, and lost in the finals of 3 and lost earlier in the other two. I had a different partner that I never practiced with at those events. With my regular partner, I understood that he didn't like me talking to him between points at all. He wanted all tactical discussions to be mediated on changeovers. I also got a great feel for playing two-back on returns with him, and got used to the fact he did not serve and volley. I knew every shot he had, what he would attempt and what shots he would try in given situations. I have never played better doubles than I did playing with him. He was unorthodox at our level, but our familiarity with each other's games brought out the best in each other.
In layman's terms, if I don't know what my partner is going to do, I must play more conservatively, cross less, and play tentative until such time I figure their game out. The process of figuring someone's game out takes time - minimum one year for total comfort. It certainly cannot be done within the confines of one match on a Wednesday night.
I encourage all the captains out there to put their teams together early, determine partners well before the season begins, and then keep doubles partner's together at all times. Your teams will be more successful because of it.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
The Only Tactics that Really Matter - USTA League Observations (3.5 Women)
A few nights ago I watched a very competitive 3.5 women's doubles match at Forestmeadows. From time to time I will watch a match, or at least a part thereof, in order to see what tactics the players are utilizing - if any. I also watch it to either confirm or debunk my own belief that the adventuresome "advanced" tactics learned in lessons at any level of recreational tennis are unnecessary because too often the point does not get started by both teams, or an unforced error is made.
The set I watched ended with a 6-4 score. The deuce court returner for the winning team hit the same exact return of serve cross court EVERY single time to virtually the same target on the court. Every time it seemed she came into the net. It seemed like she only volleyed to the "short" side (the side where the opposing server's partner is in the front-court if the server remains at the baseline) when she got a ball above the net. There was zero deviation from this pattern during the time I was watching. When the same player was serving, she stayed back mostly and was content to just hit cross court and keep the ball in play. Her strokes were by no means overpowering - in fact one might say they had very little pace at all.
The ad court player for the winning team played within their own capabilities, never hitting an aggressive shot - instead ensuring that the point continued. She wasn't going to make an error (she did make a few but it wasn't because of attempting to be a hero), content with allowing her opponent to supply the errors. Her weapon was consistency and patience. Although sometimes this patience and consistency resulted in poor shot selection - the poor shot selection never really resulted in an unforced error. When this player served, she stayed back and was content to do whatever it took to keep the ball in play - mostly cross court, with an occasional lob.
Conversely, the deuce court returner for the losing team played over aggressive, especially on big points. In doubles, cross court is the high percentage return. Down the line is a more aggressive return, but always results in more errors - it is a low percentage shot. Low percentage shots should only be attempted if the likely negative outcome will not impact your ability to win or lose the game or set. At 3-4 deuce, the possible negative outcome of missing the return by going down the line severely impacts your team's ability to win that game and the set. Conversely going down the line at 5-1 0-30 has virtually no negative consequence if you miss that return. During the set, I counted five missed down the line returns by the deuce player to only one successful return.
The ad court player for the losing team was more consistent making the returns. However, after two or three balls in a row, the player would become over aggressive and lose patience, as did the deuce court player after 2-3 balls in a row. Some of these errors were of a movement/ technical nature, especially on the volleys, but all the groundstroke errors were purely shot selection errors - lack of playing the percentages and being patient.
My take away from the match was this:
1) The winning team proved they were patient enough to make the other team hit a minimum of 5 balls when they were engaged in a groundstroke rally
2) The winning team made an extremely high percentage of return of serves, and no double faults, while the losing team missed 10 returns and had 4-5 double faults in the set I watched.
3) The winning team only attempted shots they were capable of making, especially under pressure, the losing team went outside their capabilities as players.
So my belief that the tactical lessons that are being taken by players at the recreational level are unnecessary for the most part was confirmed. The only useful tactics necessary to win are as follows:
1) There are no tactics if you cannot start the point on the serve or the return of serve
2) Consistency is the most important factor and weapon in order to win
3) Knowing your limits as a player and playing within them leads to positive results
Notice that poaching was not listed as essential. Neither was attacking the net, nor was attacking the short side of the court. While these are tactics, and useful to learn, if you are not proficient enough to win more than 51% of the points using that tactic, or any other tactic, or you are not capable of getting the point into those situations, you need to leave it in the bag and stick with what actually works for you.
The most essential "tactic" in tennis is knowing what you are capable of doing when you are on the court, and sticking to it no matter the situation. A teaching professional should be able to tell you what you are proficient at or how you can become more proficient in order to win.
1) You must be able to hit 5 balls in a row in a groundstroke rally live ball under match conditions- singles and doubles.Whether this requires better shot selection, less pace, slicing, or more topspin is individual to the player. Each player must figure out what is necessary for them to hit 5 balls in a row under match conditions. If you are unsure, ask a teaching professional whose opinion you value.
2) You must be proficient enough with the serve to limit the number of double faults per match to 2 or less. This may mean taking pace off the first serve, spinning in the first serve, or taking pace off the second serve - again this is individual to the player.
3) You must be proficient enough on the return to start at least 85-90% of the points on your side (each side for singles) Again this may mean changing your position, being less aggressive, hitting more cross court, slicing the returns, just blocking it back - again, individual to the player.
4) Before you expand out to more adventuresome tactics, you must master 1-3 above.
Remember it is OK if your opponent hits a winner. It is NOT OK if you make an unforced error, especially if your shot selection was poor. The overwhelming majority of points are determined not by winners, but by unforced errors. Limit your own and you will win more matches, guaranteed.
The set I watched ended with a 6-4 score. The deuce court returner for the winning team hit the same exact return of serve cross court EVERY single time to virtually the same target on the court. Every time it seemed she came into the net. It seemed like she only volleyed to the "short" side (the side where the opposing server's partner is in the front-court if the server remains at the baseline) when she got a ball above the net. There was zero deviation from this pattern during the time I was watching. When the same player was serving, she stayed back mostly and was content to just hit cross court and keep the ball in play. Her strokes were by no means overpowering - in fact one might say they had very little pace at all.
The ad court player for the winning team played within their own capabilities, never hitting an aggressive shot - instead ensuring that the point continued. She wasn't going to make an error (she did make a few but it wasn't because of attempting to be a hero), content with allowing her opponent to supply the errors. Her weapon was consistency and patience. Although sometimes this patience and consistency resulted in poor shot selection - the poor shot selection never really resulted in an unforced error. When this player served, she stayed back and was content to do whatever it took to keep the ball in play - mostly cross court, with an occasional lob.
Conversely, the deuce court returner for the losing team played over aggressive, especially on big points. In doubles, cross court is the high percentage return. Down the line is a more aggressive return, but always results in more errors - it is a low percentage shot. Low percentage shots should only be attempted if the likely negative outcome will not impact your ability to win or lose the game or set. At 3-4 deuce, the possible negative outcome of missing the return by going down the line severely impacts your team's ability to win that game and the set. Conversely going down the line at 5-1 0-30 has virtually no negative consequence if you miss that return. During the set, I counted five missed down the line returns by the deuce player to only one successful return.
The ad court player for the losing team was more consistent making the returns. However, after two or three balls in a row, the player would become over aggressive and lose patience, as did the deuce court player after 2-3 balls in a row. Some of these errors were of a movement/ technical nature, especially on the volleys, but all the groundstroke errors were purely shot selection errors - lack of playing the percentages and being patient.
My take away from the match was this:
1) The winning team proved they were patient enough to make the other team hit a minimum of 5 balls when they were engaged in a groundstroke rally
2) The winning team made an extremely high percentage of return of serves, and no double faults, while the losing team missed 10 returns and had 4-5 double faults in the set I watched.
3) The winning team only attempted shots they were capable of making, especially under pressure, the losing team went outside their capabilities as players.
So my belief that the tactical lessons that are being taken by players at the recreational level are unnecessary for the most part was confirmed. The only useful tactics necessary to win are as follows:
1) There are no tactics if you cannot start the point on the serve or the return of serve
2) Consistency is the most important factor and weapon in order to win
3) Knowing your limits as a player and playing within them leads to positive results
Notice that poaching was not listed as essential. Neither was attacking the net, nor was attacking the short side of the court. While these are tactics, and useful to learn, if you are not proficient enough to win more than 51% of the points using that tactic, or any other tactic, or you are not capable of getting the point into those situations, you need to leave it in the bag and stick with what actually works for you.
The most essential "tactic" in tennis is knowing what you are capable of doing when you are on the court, and sticking to it no matter the situation. A teaching professional should be able to tell you what you are proficient at or how you can become more proficient in order to win.
1) You must be able to hit 5 balls in a row in a groundstroke rally live ball under match conditions- singles and doubles.Whether this requires better shot selection, less pace, slicing, or more topspin is individual to the player. Each player must figure out what is necessary for them to hit 5 balls in a row under match conditions. If you are unsure, ask a teaching professional whose opinion you value.
2) You must be proficient enough with the serve to limit the number of double faults per match to 2 or less. This may mean taking pace off the first serve, spinning in the first serve, or taking pace off the second serve - again this is individual to the player.
3) You must be proficient enough on the return to start at least 85-90% of the points on your side (each side for singles) Again this may mean changing your position, being less aggressive, hitting more cross court, slicing the returns, just blocking it back - again, individual to the player.
4) Before you expand out to more adventuresome tactics, you must master 1-3 above.
Remember it is OK if your opponent hits a winner. It is NOT OK if you make an unforced error, especially if your shot selection was poor. The overwhelming majority of points are determined not by winners, but by unforced errors. Limit your own and you will win more matches, guaranteed.
Monday, June 9, 2014
To Opine is Divine - Coached by a Woman to Conquer Men?
Yesterday Andy Murray, the defending Wimbledon Champion, announced that he was hiring Amelie Mauresmo as his coach - at least through Wimbledon. Socially speaking, it was a groundbreaking hire. There are no non-parental female head coaches on the tour coaching men.
The idea of a woman coaching a man or boy is culturally considered taboo. I need no other proof than the reality that there are zero female head NCAA basketball coaches, zero NCAA female head men's tennis coaches in the top 60, and very few female head boys coaches in high school. However, the cultural belief that a woman cannot possibly coach a boy is misguided not only because gender makes no difference, but because it flows from the misguided belief that "in order to coach it, you must have done it (at that level)."
Coaching involves three core processes, none of which deal with actually performing a given task: 1) The ability to understand what must be done. This can be done by reading, watching, and using your brain. 2) The ability to communicate what must be done and how to do it. Again the ability to demonstrate is not needed for this. 3) The ability to develop a good working relationship with the student/ player. This mostly concerns a good personality match.
Richard Williams coached Venus and Serena - No tennis experience. Jimmy Connors was coached by his mother through age 21 - She clearly never played men's tennis at any level, although she was a very accomplished player. George Seifert won two Super Bowls as Head Coach of the San Fransisco 49ers - never played a down of professional football. Joe Gibbs won 3 with the Redskins - never played a down of professional football. Success at anything is about preparation, organization, and delivery.
As an aside, I highly recommend reading this SI article from 1978, about Jimmy Connors being raised and coached by his mother and grandmother.
Can Amelie take Murray's game to next level? What obstacles does she face?
Naysayers will say that Amelie will struggle with tactics, as the tactics in women's tennis differ significantly from the women's game. In women's tennis, because the players are less physical, slower, not as fleet as foot, and have much weaker serves, the game is about the first strike, and putting your opponent immediately on the defensive. In men's tennis, the game is very physically demanding, the serves are much stronger, and defense is a priority. Working the point and patience is more necessary. Mauresmo's detractors will say because she never did it, she won't be able to help him.
Luckily for Mauresmo, experience doing something isn't necessary to coach it. Nick Bolleterri - never played professional tennis - he did alright.
In fact, women are just as qualified to coach men as their male counterparts are to coach women. Yet the latter is widely accepted while the former is taboo. Perhaps men think having a female coach makes them appear weak - that if they don't have someone screaming at them with a testosterone induced rant, that they just can't raise their level to meet the demands. It makes zero rational sense.
What players of both sexes need is a plan with goals, a way to track the plan, and a smooth professional delivery. These things are gender neutral.
I personally hope Mauresmo is successful. She did coach Marion Bartoli to last year's Wimbledon title. The spotlight will be focused on her - win OR lose for Murray. It is an unfortunate reality. If she succeeds, more women will get the opportunity. If she does not succeed, the tired old false statements about coaching will receive a new injection of life, to the detriment of everyone. For his part, I also hope Murray keeps her on after Wimbledon to give her a true shot to prove herself.
The idea of a woman coaching a man or boy is culturally considered taboo. I need no other proof than the reality that there are zero female head NCAA basketball coaches, zero NCAA female head men's tennis coaches in the top 60, and very few female head boys coaches in high school. However, the cultural belief that a woman cannot possibly coach a boy is misguided not only because gender makes no difference, but because it flows from the misguided belief that "in order to coach it, you must have done it (at that level)."
Coaching involves three core processes, none of which deal with actually performing a given task: 1) The ability to understand what must be done. This can be done by reading, watching, and using your brain. 2) The ability to communicate what must be done and how to do it. Again the ability to demonstrate is not needed for this. 3) The ability to develop a good working relationship with the student/ player. This mostly concerns a good personality match.
Richard Williams coached Venus and Serena - No tennis experience. Jimmy Connors was coached by his mother through age 21 - She clearly never played men's tennis at any level, although she was a very accomplished player. George Seifert won two Super Bowls as Head Coach of the San Fransisco 49ers - never played a down of professional football. Joe Gibbs won 3 with the Redskins - never played a down of professional football. Success at anything is about preparation, organization, and delivery.
As an aside, I highly recommend reading this SI article from 1978, about Jimmy Connors being raised and coached by his mother and grandmother.
Can Amelie take Murray's game to next level? What obstacles does she face?
Naysayers will say that Amelie will struggle with tactics, as the tactics in women's tennis differ significantly from the women's game. In women's tennis, because the players are less physical, slower, not as fleet as foot, and have much weaker serves, the game is about the first strike, and putting your opponent immediately on the defensive. In men's tennis, the game is very physically demanding, the serves are much stronger, and defense is a priority. Working the point and patience is more necessary. Mauresmo's detractors will say because she never did it, she won't be able to help him.
Luckily for Mauresmo, experience doing something isn't necessary to coach it. Nick Bolleterri - never played professional tennis - he did alright.
In fact, women are just as qualified to coach men as their male counterparts are to coach women. Yet the latter is widely accepted while the former is taboo. Perhaps men think having a female coach makes them appear weak - that if they don't have someone screaming at them with a testosterone induced rant, that they just can't raise their level to meet the demands. It makes zero rational sense.
What players of both sexes need is a plan with goals, a way to track the plan, and a smooth professional delivery. These things are gender neutral.
I personally hope Mauresmo is successful. She did coach Marion Bartoli to last year's Wimbledon title. The spotlight will be focused on her - win OR lose for Murray. It is an unfortunate reality. If she succeeds, more women will get the opportunity. If she does not succeed, the tired old false statements about coaching will receive a new injection of life, to the detriment of everyone. For his part, I also hope Murray keeps her on after Wimbledon to give her a true shot to prove herself.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Handling Deep Balls That Force You To Move Backwards
A common error for most recreational and inexperienced junior players is running backwards for balls that force them to retreat towards the fence behind the baseline in order to play them. The reason that running back for the ball is improper, is the movement pattern cause the player to hit from an off-balanced, uncoordinated position, usually resulting in some sort of mishit or unforced error. Another effect of running backwards when retreating is falling off-balance after the shot, making the player's recovery to the middle take more time and be less balanced, both of which will negatively affect the next shot.
The proper movement pattern for retreating is shuffling. Utilizing this movement pattern allows the player to ensure playing the ball from a balanced position, as you will play the ball off your back foot - the foot that is leading you to the ball. Hitting with the foot closest to the direction you are moving assures the most balanced position.
In the video below, please note how guest contributor, Lenin Mongerie, is moving to hit the balls that are forcing him to retreat. Every step in this hand fed drill is a shuffle step. It is a Spanish System drill that specifically targets the "backwards V," the retreating forehand and retreating backhand.
The other benefit of this movement pattern, is that you are able to maintain proper balance, and ensure a proper balanced recovery. In the above video, Lenin is able to maintain his footwork pattern and be quick in his recovery back to the middle of the court.
An immediate result to implementing this pattern of movement into your game will be an increase in your consistency. Especially at the recreational level, if a player can return five balls back to their opponent, that player will win the majority of the points against that opponent.
For advanced players, both adult and juniors, this movement pattern allows you to load your back leg in order to explode up into the ball, thus giving you more pace and spin on your reply.
The next blog will discuss how to move forward to balls that force you to move forward within the middle third of the court.
The proper movement pattern for retreating is shuffling. Utilizing this movement pattern allows the player to ensure playing the ball from a balanced position, as you will play the ball off your back foot - the foot that is leading you to the ball. Hitting with the foot closest to the direction you are moving assures the most balanced position.
In the video below, please note how guest contributor, Lenin Mongerie, is moving to hit the balls that are forcing him to retreat. Every step in this hand fed drill is a shuffle step. It is a Spanish System drill that specifically targets the "backwards V," the retreating forehand and retreating backhand.
An immediate result to implementing this pattern of movement into your game will be an increase in your consistency. Especially at the recreational level, if a player can return five balls back to their opponent, that player will win the majority of the points against that opponent.
For advanced players, both adult and juniors, this movement pattern allows you to load your back leg in order to explode up into the ball, thus giving you more pace and spin on your reply.
The next blog will discuss how to move forward to balls that force you to move forward within the middle third of the court.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Service Toss Tip
The hardest thing in tennis to succeed at for most people is the service toss. The reasons are numerous, but can be summed up as follows: most people toss with their non-dominant arm. This means that the most crucial part of the serve must be executed with the arm with which you have the least amount of coordination.
So, can anything be done to help ensure a "true" toss, one that is always roughly in the same location at the proper height, proper distance from the body, and proper position relative to you?
You have likely all heard the general technical items before, and to be sure, they do assist in having a true toss. They are:
1) Keep arm straight throughout the toss
2) Touch bicep to nose in order to ensure you arm goes all the way up (this is a tool, need not be done in actuality)
3) Ball on the tips of your fingers, rather than in the palm of the hand
4) Release ball at eye level
5) Toss 6-12 inches above your racquet at full extension.
6) Toss at 1 o'clock for righties, 11 o'clock for lefties (12 o'clock runs from your left shoulder perpendicular to the net)
Ok, so you have been taught all the above and your toss is STILL askew with the variance of a failing IPO. Now what?
Many players, too many to count do one specific thing incorrectly when going through the tossing motion (down together, up together) - they watch the ball from ready position, and track it downward and back upward while the ball is in their hand, and continue to track after the release. What are they missing?
In order to place the ball to the specific target area needed for your serve, you MUST target that area by looking at it with your eyes prior to releasing the toss. How can you shoot a target with your eyes closed or by looking away from the target? None of us have a sixth sense. We must view the area in space before we toss. That means from ready position, instead of following the ball when you begin moving your arms "down together," immediately look up and visually target the area you want to place the toss. This one correction will allow you to immediately know if it is askew, and will help you improve your toss by reducing the variance.
Note that well prior to the release of Djokovic's toss, he is already looking towards his vertical target for his toss.
Now go and improve that toss!
So, can anything be done to help ensure a "true" toss, one that is always roughly in the same location at the proper height, proper distance from the body, and proper position relative to you?
You have likely all heard the general technical items before, and to be sure, they do assist in having a true toss. They are:
1) Keep arm straight throughout the toss
2) Touch bicep to nose in order to ensure you arm goes all the way up (this is a tool, need not be done in actuality)
3) Ball on the tips of your fingers, rather than in the palm of the hand
4) Release ball at eye level
5) Toss 6-12 inches above your racquet at full extension.
6) Toss at 1 o'clock for righties, 11 o'clock for lefties (12 o'clock runs from your left shoulder perpendicular to the net)
Ok, so you have been taught all the above and your toss is STILL askew with the variance of a failing IPO. Now what?
Many players, too many to count do one specific thing incorrectly when going through the tossing motion (down together, up together) - they watch the ball from ready position, and track it downward and back upward while the ball is in their hand, and continue to track after the release. What are they missing?
In order to place the ball to the specific target area needed for your serve, you MUST target that area by looking at it with your eyes prior to releasing the toss. How can you shoot a target with your eyes closed or by looking away from the target? None of us have a sixth sense. We must view the area in space before we toss. That means from ready position, instead of following the ball when you begin moving your arms "down together," immediately look up and visually target the area you want to place the toss. This one correction will allow you to immediately know if it is askew, and will help you improve your toss by reducing the variance.
Note that well prior to the release of Djokovic's toss, he is already looking towards his vertical target for his toss.
Now go and improve that toss!
Sunday, May 18, 2014
French Open Preview - What To Watch For
The French Open begins next Monday. The dirt slam offers viewers longer points, and challenges the endurance and anaerobic fitness of the players the most of any major. Before you begin enjoying the top level tennis for two weeks, let me give you some key factors that may help you accurately predict a winner during a given match, as well as the winner of both the Men's and Women's Draws.
First Serve % - At the French, the first serve percentage of the players is more critical to success than at any other major. The more second serves an opponent sees on a high bouncing slow court, the more likely the server will be on the defensive from the first strike. Getting more first serves in means starting the point either on the offensive or at least neutral. The player with the higher first serve percentage, all other things relatively equal, will usually win.
Average Length of Rally - By paying attention to this stat, you can immediately see if a big serving, ultra aggressive player - like a Milos Raonic or John Isner - has any chance to win a round in a 3 out of 5 set match. This stat is even important for Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. For these types of players, the average length of rally must be less than 5 balls. These players are not anaerobically fit enough (ala Nadal, Errani) to maintain a high level of play over the course of the match if the rally lasts more than five balls. These players must be aggressive early and try to end the points as quickly as possible, or they can be ground into the clay by counter punching specialists. Conversely players like Nadal, Ferrer, Radwanska want long points if they are going to succeed. The one loss Nadal suffered at the French at the hands of Robin Soderling in 2009 was due to Soderling ending the points quickly early in the rally, going for broke.
Drop shots - The drop shot is a fantastic weapon that is used more often on clay than any other surface. If you see a player being successful with the drop shot in a match, it is a good bet they are dominating the rallies. This is a player to consider picking to win.
Defensive Prowess - Does a player, when pulled wide off the court, go for a winner or do they respond with a high loopy ball or squash shot down the middle to try to neutralize the point and make their opponent hit yet another shot? Clay rewards patience and defensive tennis, so the players doing more defensive work (attempting to lengthen the rallies rather than win the rally) when stressed are usually more successful.
Rain - This is the only major that will play matches in the rain (to a degree). This is an important factor because the more water on the court, the slower the court. This gives defensive players and players with better anaerobic fitness even more of an advantage. Damper courts, being slower, helps kill the pace of big servers, and will lengthen the rallies as it is easier to run a slower ball down. The balls also get damp in the rain, which slows them down. Aggressive players will be at more of a disadvantage in these conditions.
Conversely, if it does not rain and it is hot and sunny, the court conditions will be drier, speeding up the court. This will give big servers and hitters a better chance to hit through the court and shorten the points.
Nadal Has Not Lost a Match At The French When Not Injured - He's 60-1 all time at Roland Garros for a reason. His one loss saw him nursing a sore knee.
For Batman: The Dark Knight Rises Fans - Nadal as Bane : "Oh, you think the clay is your ally, but you merely adopted the dirt. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn’t see the grass and cement until I was already a man; by then, it was nothing to me but trivial! The earth-courts betray you, because they belong to me. I will show you where I have made my home, whilst preparing to bring dominance. Then, I will break you. Your precious unforced errors, gratefully accepted. I will need them. Ah yes, I was wondering what would break first. Your spirit, or your body."
Pick someone else at your own peril.
This Is The One Major a Woman Not Named Serena Has A Better Chance Than Serena To Win. History says Serena won't win this year. Yes, she won last year, but it was 11 years since her previous victory. This is the event Serena more often than not will suffer an early exit, or a major upset. She must be "on" ending the points quickly in EVERY match if she's going to win again. If you're a betting person, take the field. The field is 10-2 over the last 12. There is a reason - the court is not a good fit for Serena's game.
First Serve % - At the French, the first serve percentage of the players is more critical to success than at any other major. The more second serves an opponent sees on a high bouncing slow court, the more likely the server will be on the defensive from the first strike. Getting more first serves in means starting the point either on the offensive or at least neutral. The player with the higher first serve percentage, all other things relatively equal, will usually win.
Average Length of Rally - By paying attention to this stat, you can immediately see if a big serving, ultra aggressive player - like a Milos Raonic or John Isner - has any chance to win a round in a 3 out of 5 set match. This stat is even important for Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. For these types of players, the average length of rally must be less than 5 balls. These players are not anaerobically fit enough (ala Nadal, Errani) to maintain a high level of play over the course of the match if the rally lasts more than five balls. These players must be aggressive early and try to end the points as quickly as possible, or they can be ground into the clay by counter punching specialists. Conversely players like Nadal, Ferrer, Radwanska want long points if they are going to succeed. The one loss Nadal suffered at the French at the hands of Robin Soderling in 2009 was due to Soderling ending the points quickly early in the rally, going for broke.
Drop shots - The drop shot is a fantastic weapon that is used more often on clay than any other surface. If you see a player being successful with the drop shot in a match, it is a good bet they are dominating the rallies. This is a player to consider picking to win.
Defensive Prowess - Does a player, when pulled wide off the court, go for a winner or do they respond with a high loopy ball or squash shot down the middle to try to neutralize the point and make their opponent hit yet another shot? Clay rewards patience and defensive tennis, so the players doing more defensive work (attempting to lengthen the rallies rather than win the rally) when stressed are usually more successful.
Rain - This is the only major that will play matches in the rain (to a degree). This is an important factor because the more water on the court, the slower the court. This gives defensive players and players with better anaerobic fitness even more of an advantage. Damper courts, being slower, helps kill the pace of big servers, and will lengthen the rallies as it is easier to run a slower ball down. The balls also get damp in the rain, which slows them down. Aggressive players will be at more of a disadvantage in these conditions.
Conversely, if it does not rain and it is hot and sunny, the court conditions will be drier, speeding up the court. This will give big servers and hitters a better chance to hit through the court and shorten the points.
Nadal Has Not Lost a Match At The French When Not Injured - He's 60-1 all time at Roland Garros for a reason. His one loss saw him nursing a sore knee.
For Batman: The Dark Knight Rises Fans - Nadal as Bane : "Oh, you think the clay is your ally, but you merely adopted the dirt. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn’t see the grass and cement until I was already a man; by then, it was nothing to me but trivial! The earth-courts betray you, because they belong to me. I will show you where I have made my home, whilst preparing to bring dominance. Then, I will break you. Your precious unforced errors, gratefully accepted. I will need them. Ah yes, I was wondering what would break first. Your spirit, or your body."
Pick someone else at your own peril.
This Is The One Major a Woman Not Named Serena Has A Better Chance Than Serena To Win. History says Serena won't win this year. Yes, she won last year, but it was 11 years since her previous victory. This is the event Serena more often than not will suffer an early exit, or a major upset. She must be "on" ending the points quickly in EVERY match if she's going to win again. If you're a betting person, take the field. The field is 10-2 over the last 12. There is a reason - the court is not a good fit for Serena's game.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Pronation Part Trois - The Serve
In this third installment on pronation, I will be discussing how pronation impacts the serve, and why it is crucial in developing your serve into an unstoppable weapon. As discussed in the previous two blog posts on pronation, pronation is defined as an inward rotation (towards the sternum) of the arm.
On the serve, the arm literally should rotate 180 degrees during the stroke - 90 degrees from the forward swing to the contact point, and another 90 degrees from the contact point to a point where the arm is parallel to the ground, with the palm facing outwardly. This mimics the natural throwing motion you see from Major League Baseball players.
The quicker a player is able to accelerate through the pronation during the serve, with additional emphasis on the acceleration through the contact, the faster the players serve will be. Once a player has mastered this pronation and the acceleration of it, he or she can then attempt to increase the speed of their serve buy using their legs and hips to increase torque and upward acceleration.
It should be noted that in order for any player to properly pronate on the serve, you must use a continental grip. This is because it is the only grip that allows the racquet to mimic the palm of your hand as a natural extension if your arm.
See below how the greatest server of all time, Pete Sampras, pronates perfectly during his motion.
In the above photograph, Sampras has already begun exploding up to the ball. At this point, the edge of his racquet is heading directly for the ball. By attacking the ball with the edge of the racquet, less surface area is cutting through the air, which maximizes the acceleration up to the ball. If he were not pronating, the edge of his racquet would strike the ball. Here, the palm of his right hand is facing left.
Now you can see that Sampras's forearm has rotated 90 degrees to contact. The palm of his right hand is now facing forward towards his target.
Here you can clearly see that Sampras's right forearm is parallel to the ground, and his right palm is now facing to the right, his forearm having rotated another 90 degrees. All told, a 180 degree rotation.
How can you practice this technique?
Without a racquet
First toss the ball as you would in your motion, and attempt to hit the ball with the edge of your hand (pinkie). Freeze at contact.
Second, toss and attack the ball with the edge of your hand and at the last second either catch the ball, or hit it with the palm of your hand. Freeze at the catch or contact.
Third, toss, attack with the edge of your hand, strike the ball with the palm of your hand, then pronate 90 degrees, with your arm parallel to the ground, palm facing outwardly, and your thumb down.
With a racquet
(All the drills discussed below require a continental grip)
First, begin in trophy position, toss the ball and try to it the ball at full extension with the edge of the racquet. Freeze at contact.
Second, toss the ball, and attack the ball with the edge, and right before contact rotate your arm so you contact the ball with the strings. Freeze at contact,
Third, Toss the ball, attack with the edge, contact the ball with the strings, and then freeze with your arm parallel to the ground with an inverted L (racquet head pointing to ground), with the edge of the racquet pointing to the target.
Fourth - Repeat steps 1-3 and then follow through by relaxing to your non dominant side.
Now you know how to pronate properly on the serve. Time to channel Sampras in your next match!
On the serve, the arm literally should rotate 180 degrees during the stroke - 90 degrees from the forward swing to the contact point, and another 90 degrees from the contact point to a point where the arm is parallel to the ground, with the palm facing outwardly. This mimics the natural throwing motion you see from Major League Baseball players.
The quicker a player is able to accelerate through the pronation during the serve, with additional emphasis on the acceleration through the contact, the faster the players serve will be. Once a player has mastered this pronation and the acceleration of it, he or she can then attempt to increase the speed of their serve buy using their legs and hips to increase torque and upward acceleration.
It should be noted that in order for any player to properly pronate on the serve, you must use a continental grip. This is because it is the only grip that allows the racquet to mimic the palm of your hand as a natural extension if your arm.
See below how the greatest server of all time, Pete Sampras, pronates perfectly during his motion.
How can you practice this technique?
Without a racquet
First toss the ball as you would in your motion, and attempt to hit the ball with the edge of your hand (pinkie). Freeze at contact.
Second, toss and attack the ball with the edge of your hand and at the last second either catch the ball, or hit it with the palm of your hand. Freeze at the catch or contact.
Third, toss, attack with the edge of your hand, strike the ball with the palm of your hand, then pronate 90 degrees, with your arm parallel to the ground, palm facing outwardly, and your thumb down.
With a racquet
(All the drills discussed below require a continental grip)
First, begin in trophy position, toss the ball and try to it the ball at full extension with the edge of the racquet. Freeze at contact.
Second, toss the ball, and attack the ball with the edge, and right before contact rotate your arm so you contact the ball with the strings. Freeze at contact,
Third, Toss the ball, attack with the edge, contact the ball with the strings, and then freeze with your arm parallel to the ground with an inverted L (racquet head pointing to ground), with the edge of the racquet pointing to the target.
Fourth - Repeat steps 1-3 and then follow through by relaxing to your non dominant side.
Now you know how to pronate properly on the serve. Time to channel Sampras in your next match!
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