TIMELESS TENNIS

The Australian Open 2012 Men's Singles Title: Novak & Rafa - Breaking Boundaries

2012-01-29T08:32:00.000-08:00

Photo: NBC Sports

Melbourne - The 100th Men's Singles Championship match at the Australian Open showcased something magical.

The Associated Press called it: "one of the most dramatic finals in tennis history."

A sell-out crowd at the Rod Laver Arena in hot and humid conditions, and a worldwide television audience, would agree that it was an epic battle for the ages.

In a grueling six-hour marathon in which the players dueled each other like Roman-style gladiators, Novak ("The Joker") Djokovic (No. 1 Serbia) outlasted Rafael Nadal (No. 2 Spain) in five ferocious sets, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5.

Djokovic, 24, successfully defended his Australian Open championship, and won his 5th Grand Slam career title.

Djokovic has won 4 of the last 5 Grand Slam titles, the last 3 in a row, and the last 7 finals he played against Nadal, 25. He retains his World No. 1 rank.

It was the longest Australian Open final in history, and the longest Grand Slam final ever.

In the words of ESPN commentator Chris Fowler, the players "re-defined the boundary of what's possible on a tennis court."

If tennis, on a primal level, is about physicality, endurance and the mental battle, this match raised the bar of what 2 players, each refusing to buckle, can do.

Numerous point rallies exceeded 25 strokes and routinely reached speeds of 70 to 100 MPH, with both players making seemingly impossible offensive and defensive shots.

"We made history tonight, and unfortunately there couldn't be two winners," remarked Novak.

"I will never forget this match," said Rafa. " Even though I lost, it was something really special for me."

What is next for tennis this year after such a fantastic start at Melbourne Park over the fortnight?

2012 promises to be one of tennis's best years.

Stay tuned . . .

Congrats to all the winners, players, fans and supporters at the Australian Open 2012!
Gary

Video: Epic Win for Novak Djokovic
By: ESPN

The Australian Open 2012 Women's Singles Title: Queen Victoria Wins!

2012-01-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

Photo: Pat Scala

Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) - Victoria Azarenka (No. 3 Belarus) crushed Maria Sharapova (No. 4 Russia) 6-3, 6-0 today to take the Aussie Open women's singles championship and the No. 1 world rank.

The 22 year old became the first player from Belarus to win a Grand Slam title and reach No. 1.

After some initial nerves in dropping the first 2 games, Azarenka dominated from the baseline, exploited her superior movement, and ended her opponent's hopes in 1 hour and 22 minutes.

"It's a dream come true," Azarenka exclaimed. "I'm proud of what I'm doing. I just want to keep going and keep raising that level."

Azarenka captured the hearts of her countrymen and women back home.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko awarded Azarenka the Order of the Motherland, proclaiming: "You are pride of the whole nation! [Y]our great achievement is already written into the history of Belarus and world sports."

Congrats, and well done!
Gary

Video: Azarenka v. Sharapova - Final Match Highlights

Rod Laver's Top 10 from Past and Present Players

2012-01-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

Who do you think the great Rod Laver believes are the Top 10 Players of the Past and Present?

Here are his picks. (With his usual humility, he excludes himself, of course.)

Enjoy,
Gary

PAST
10. John Newcombe (AUS)
9. Jack Crawford (AUS)
8. Bobby Riggs (USA)
7. Ellsworth Vines (USA)
6. Ken Rosewall (AUS)
5. Fred Perry (GBR)
4. Don Budge (USA)
3. Pancho Gonzalez (USA)
2. Jack Kramer (USA)
1. Lew Hoad (AUS)

PRESENT (OPEN ERA)
10. Stefan Edberg (SWE)
9. Ivan Lendl (USA)
8. Jimmy Connors (USA)
7. Andre Agassi (USA)
6. Novak Djokovic (SER)
5. Rafael Nadal (ESP)
4. John McEnroe (USA)
3. Pete Sampras (USA)
2. Bjorn Borg (SWE)
1. Roger Federer (SUI)

Read more: Rod Laver's Top 10 Players from the Past and Present
Courtesy: The Australian Herald Sun

Video: Roger Federer and Rod Laver on ESPN

Tennis Quote of the Day: What Separates the World's Top 4 Men Players from the Rest?

2012-01-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

Question: What Separates the World's Top 4 Men Players from the Rest?

Answer: "It's mental strength . . . to [consistently] hit the right shot at the right time."

Novak Djokovic, in his post-match interview with Jim Courier after his Round of 16 victory at the Australian Open 2012

Tennis Quote of the Day: On the Power of Correct Practice

2012-01-22T08:43:00.001-08:00

"If I don't practice the way I should, then I won't play the way that I know I can."

Ivan Lendl, 8 time Grand Slam champion and current coach of World No. 4 Andy Murray. Lendl is widely considered to have helped usher in the modern era of "power tennis." His professional attitude and scientific training methods paved the way for today's training systems.

A few "Don'ts" in Doubles

2012-01-21T06:20:00.000-08:00

Playing doubles?

Here are a few "Don'ts" in Doubles (what NOT to do when playing).

*Courtesy: Idle Hour Tennis Club (Est. 1911), Drexel Hill, PA USA

Best, Gary

1. Don't say, "I'm sorry," each time you miss. No apology is owed unless you denied a partner the opportunity to miss the same shot. Spare the drudgery - it's bad enough you ruined the point.

2. Don't remind your partner of the important next point. Most players immediately follow an insult with hitting the ball into the net.

3. When you miss an easy shot, don't say "Good Shot", "Good Serve" to your surprised opponent. Who do you think you are kidding?

4. Never demand an explanation. "Why didn't you lob?" It's just plain silly, because you may be wrong. Your partner may have been right, since a miss does not make his or her choice wrong. If your partner is stupid, why ask?

5. Be selective with yelling, "Yours." Yell when the ball is unreachable, then you can both laugh.

6. Use directions sparingly ("run up", "out", "stay" ). If the direction is not clear and correct, it is simply a nuisance.

7. Don't comment on every play. If compelled to analyze each point - go home and write a term paper or a book.

Tennis Quote of the Day on MLK Day 2012: Arthur Ashe in the Battle against Apartheid

2012-01-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

"Power surrenders nothing without a struggle, progress can come only in unsatisfactorily small chunks, and even the tiniest crumb must be better than nothing at all."

Arthur Ashe quoting Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Johannesburg 1973, after winning an invitation to play at the South African Open tournament, previously closed to all players of black origin. Ashe finished as a finalist, losing only to Jimmy Connors.

Arthur Ashe: A Video
By: RuqaiyahN

The Australian Open and Timeless Memories

2012-01-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

Melbourne Park, Australia - The 2012 Australian Open begins here January 16, 2012, and concludes January 29, 2012.

The first Australian Open was held in 1905 in Melbourne at the old Warehouseman's Cricket Ground. Since then, 59 men's singles champions have been crowned.

This year, the 100th men's singles championship will be contested.

And the very best men, women and doubles players in the world will compete for all the glory and titles offered by the new tennis season's first "Grand Slam."

Enjoy this short video in which champions recall their best memories of the past.

Best,
Gary

Australian Open 2012
By: australianopentv

Reprise: Our recent Holiday Podcast on Tennis!

2012-01-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

In case you missed our recent Holiday Podcast on Tennis topics for 2012, check it out!

We've had 200 people enjoy download of this Podcast discussion with me and Ron Miller of GottaPlayTennis.net!

Join them (and us), and enjoy!

(Or just listen again!)

Best,
Gary

Episode #83: GottaPlayTennis.net

Tennis Players and the Guitar

2012-01-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

Photo: FreakingNews.com

What does playing the guitar help you do?

It increases finger and hand dexterity. It boosts IQ. It develops areas of your brain controlling memory and coordination.

It helps you to recognize and develop patterns of play. It forces you to learn rhythm and cadence.

Does all this sound familiar to tennis players?

You bet.

These are among the many things we tennis players do on the court each time we play, practice and learn.

Just ask John McEnroe and the Bryan Brother Twins.

They play the guitar - and really well too!

Tennis and guitar playing. Perfect together.

Best,
Gary

Roger Federer Plays the Guitar (Nike)
By: leedscrew

Tennis Tip for 2012: Wanna Get Smarter - Faster - for Tennis (or anything else)?

2012-01-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

Newsweek Magazine suggests these 31 ways:
1. Play word games
2. Eat turmeric
3. Take up an activity which raises heart-rate and improves body coordination (dance, squash, you name it)
4. Become more open-minded by following news from alternate sources such as Al Jazeera (English)
5. Give your smartphone a rest
6. Sleep. A Lot.
7. Download the TED App. (Great Minds speak)
8. Go to book festivals
9. Build your memory bank with images
10. Learn a language
11. Eat dark chocolate
12. Join a knitting circle
13. Be more questioning and skeptical
14. Play a videogame to manage stress and improve multi-tasking
15. Follow smart and interesting people on Twitter
16. Eat yogurt
17. Install SuperMemo program
18. See a Shakespeare play
19. Refine your thinking
20. Hydrate
21. Check out iTunes U for college lectures
22. Visit a museum
23. Play an instrument
24. Write by hand
25. Use time-management techniques
26. "Zone out" - give yourself free time to let your mind wander
27. Drink coffee
28. Delay gratification and develop patience
29. Become an expert at something, especially if it requires pattern recognition such as chess
30. Write online reviews
31. Get out of town and in touch with nature

Source:
Newsweek Magazine: 31 Ways to Get Smarter - Faster

Best,
Gary

New Year Podcast: Topic - Reasons to Play Tennis, Review of 2011, Predictions for 2012

2012-01-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

Enjoy my tennis discussion with Ron Miller of GottaPlayTennis.net!

We talk about our favorite reasons to play tennis, and review tennis news in 2011, and make predictions for New Year 2012!

Click Here for Podcast:
Episode #83 of GottaPlayTennis.net

All the Best for New Year 2012,
Gary

The Democracy of Tennis - Tennis is for Everybody!

2011-12-31T07:29:00.000-08:00

Did you know that according to the Racquet Sports Industry and the USTA, more people are playing tennis than ever before?

In absolute numbers averaged over the past 2 years, almost 30 million people play tennis in the USA.

And more minorities and people of ethnic backgrounds are also playing tennis than ever.

And thanks to initiatives such as the USTA "10 and Under Tennis", the "Quick Start" program and the White House "Let's Move" project, more kids are being encouraged to play than ever.

And tennis has become a global sport too - perhaps second only to soccer.

For example, in early 2011, the Top Ten women's singles players came from 10 different countries. And at the end of 2011, the Top 50 men's singles players came from 24 different countries.

Even disabilities do not stop someone from playing tennis! Wheelchair tennis is played at all the Grand Slams and in 58 countries.

Tennis is simple, fair, easy to understand, and is not expensive to play and requires no fancy equipment.

As admonished by the great champion Bill Tilden in How to Play Better Tennis (1950): "I urge you - play tennis! Tennis is the most valuable sport any individual can learn . . . It is a game than can be played practically from the cradle to the grave - and it is apt to aid in postponing the latter many years . . ."

Best,
Gary

The Tennis Serve in Animation

2011-12-24T04:31:00.000-08:00

Did you ever see the tennis serve in animation?

Here's a short video showing us exactly that.

Enjoy!
Gary

Video: The Tennis Serve in Animation
By: citiclinic

The Most Feared Servers in Tennis

2011-12-19T12:22:00.000-08:00

Who do you think is the most feared server in tennis today?

Whom would you say are the most feared servers in the history of the game?

Is the dominant factor speed, spin, consistency, placement, disguise or something else?

Below is an analysis of the top 30 most feared servers in tennis from Bleacher Report.

1. Roger Federer
2. Clark Graebner
3. John McEnroe
4. Jack Kramer
5. Maurice McLaughlin
6. Gerald Patterson
7. John Newcombe
8. Stefan Edberg
9. Lew Hoad
10. Neale Fraser
11. Kevin Curren
12. Slobodan Zivojinovic
13. John Isner
14. Milos Raonic
15. Bill Tilden
16. Steve Denton
17. Greg Rusedski
18. Michael Stich
19. Mark Philippoussis
20. Richard Krajicek
21. Joachim Johansson
22. Andy Roddick
23. Don Budge
24. Boris Becker
25. Ellsworth Vines
26. Roscoe Tanner
27. Pete Sampras
28. Gopan Ivanisevic
29. Ivo Karlovic
30. Pancho Gonzales

Best,
Gary

Bleacher Report: The 30 Most Feared Servers

Video: Milos Raonic - Second Fastest Tennis Serve at 150MPH

The Top Ten Greatest Men's Seasons

2011-12-11T09:12:00.001-08:00

Tennis.com has selected their top ten greatest men's seasons.

What is your pick?

Best,
Gary

1. Rod Laver, 1969 ("Grand Slam" - all 4 majors, Win-Loss 103-16 record)
2. Roger Federer, 2006 (3 Grand Slam titles, 92-5 record)
3. Novak Djokovic, 2011 (3 Grand Slams titles, 70-6 record)
4. John McEnroe, 1984 (2 Grand Slams titles, 82-3 record)
5. Jimmy Connors, 1974 (3 Grand Slam titles, 93-4 record)
6. Roger Federer, 2007 (3 Grand Slam titles)
7. Rafael Nadal, 2010 (3 Grand Slam titles)
8. Mats Wilander, 1988 (3 Grand Slam titles)
9. John McEnroe, 1981 (2 Grand Slam titles, Davis Cup)
10. Bjorn Borg, 1979 (2 Grand Slam titles, 84-6 record)

Tennis Quote of the Day: Boris Becker and Chess

2011-12-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

"I used to prepare for my tennis matches by playing chess, and it would get my mind stimulated and focused before going on court. It was essentially a mental warm-up.

Like in tennis, strategy is very important in chess. It's a one-on-one situation, and it is very important to always remain one step ahead of the opponent.

Mental energy is hugely important for success in tennis, and chess is the perfect way to tune the mind in to the stresses and strains of the game."

- Boris Becker
December 06, 2011

Timeless Similarities: The Forehands of Borg and Federer

2011-12-09T08:15:00.001-08:00

Here's a short video comparing the forehands of the great Bjorn Borg and Roger Federer.

Enjoy!
Gary

Video: Borg to Federer Forehand Comparison
By: siegeperilous

The Modern All Court Game - A few remarks by Bill Tilden (circa 1920)

2011-12-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

Here are brief remarks and observations from one of the game's great players of the past - "Big" Bill Tilden in the 1920s - who foresaw the development of today's modern All Court Game.

Best,
Gary

"The All Court Game - The Future in the Forecourt"
(*Excerpts from Match Play and the Spin of the Ball, by Bill Tilden, Tennis' first great superstar)

"What is this all-court game? What does it include? First, I claim it must include all the standard strokes; service, both slice and twist; drive and chop, both forehand, backhand, volley and smash. Second, it must include varied depth. No longer will consistently deep driving prove a satisfactory standard. Today one must vary distance as well as direction. The short shot has its place in modern tennis just as much as the deep one. Third, the all-court game demands varied spin of the ball, with which to change pace.

Every player must be able to both undercut and topspin his ground shots. Fourth, there must be controlled speed. Please note the word "controlled." Speed alone will not suffice; it must include sufficient control to vary it according to the opponent you face. If I were to attempt to define the all-court game tersely, I should say: you must be able to vary your game at will, both as to direction and depth, speed and spin.

What is the future of the tennis game? Have we reached the ultimate development of the game in the champions of the present? As one of the champions of today, I see vistas of progress ahead, of which I glimpse only a bit, but which the champions of tomorrow will have explored and developed.

What are these lanes of progress? Not from the backcourt. Not from the net. It is rather in the use of the forecourt for sharp angled shots, in the use of the mid-court volley, the half volley and rising bounce shots, that future progress lies. Every player who desires to succeed in the future must equip himself with every shot in tennis, and then strive to explore the mysteries of the forecourt.

The future lies ahead with its tantalizing glimpses of unexplored roads of progress. Would that I were not an old dog who finds it hard to learn new tricks, for I would gladly attempt to explore some of the roads. In fact, I may try it anyway. The young stars have their chance. To them I say, go out into the highways and byways of the game and bring back, developed, those interesting but imperfect shots that today lie on the edge of our modern tennis in its all court games."

Video Tribute - Bill Tilden

Gods Never Die - Roger Federer Wins Season-Ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and Makes History

2011-11-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

November 27, 2011: London O2 Arena -

Roger Federer (No. 3, Switzerland) defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (No. 6, France) in 3 sets at the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Final today in a brilliant display of determined and skillful tennis, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3.

It was Federer's 6th year-end World Tour title - an historic record which surpasses Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras. It was also Federer's 70th career singles title, and 100th tour-level final performance.

This year, Federer also won the ATP Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award (by peer vote) for the 7th time, and the ATP Fans Favorite Choice Award for the 9th straight time. He finishes the year as No. 3 in the world, behind only Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

"I know that it's one of my greatest accomplishments," said Federer. "I couldn't be more happy, I couldn't be more exhausted. This definitely is an amazing finish again to the season. I've never finished so strong."

The Barclays ATP World Tour finals is limited to the top 8 ranked players in the world, who play in a round-robin format against each other for the season-ending Masters title. It is widely considered the most prestigious and certainly the most lucrative championship, after the four Grand Slam events.

Federer added to his record 16 Grand Slam Singles Championships, and his Gold Medal in Doubles at the 2008 Olympics. Federer's accomplishments probably allow him to make the strongest claim of any player in history to the mythic mantle: "Greatest Player of All Time".

Most tennis observers and experts agree that Federer's classic all-court tennis is not only exceptionally masterful, but also just beautiful to watch.

Congrats Roger. Thank you for your extraordinary and inspiring tennis and well done.

Best,
Gary

A Video Tribute: Roger Federer - Gods Never Die
By: Muse7222
Website: http://www.muse7222.com/

Preview: 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals

2011-11-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here's a short video previewing the upcoming 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London.

Enjoy!
Gary

For more information, check out:
2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals

Second Year Anniversary

2011-11-18T09:17:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today, I started this Blog to record my thoughts and opinions about our favorite topic - tennis!

My thanks go to all of you - my friends, supporters and readers - for sticking with my Blog.

I hope that it's been fun and interesting.

I've tried to write about the relationship of tennis to history, science, and physics and more.

Shakespeare wrote the immortal words: "All the world's a stage."

And the same is true for tennis. It's a stage to learn, grow and develop.

Thanks again for reading, and please stay tuned.

Happy holidays!
Gary

The Many Worlds of Tennis

2011-11-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

Hugh Everett, III
(American Quantum Physicist, 1930-1982, Founder of the
Many Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Theory)
Photo: Scientific American

Over fifty years ago in 1957, Princeton graduate student Hugh Everett, III, proposed a radical and mind-bending theory for his doctoral dissertation in quantum physics.

He proved mathematically that, in the world in which we live, the universe "branches" or "splits" into different realities with each observation or decision event.

Each person, thing and event takes place in alternate worlds all at the same time, including infinite copies of each of us!

Everett called his theory "the universal wave function". And it was later popularly called the "many worlds interpretation."

Critics called it hogwash. Indeed, Everett's idea was met with scorn, and relegated, sadly, to the backwaters of science fiction stories.

But something strange happened over time.

Everett's mathematical proof proved to be nearly-impervious.

And progress and experimentation in quantum physics has led a growing number of scientists to re-visit Everett's theory - and to now grudgingly accept it, albeit with some understandable discomfort.

Today, leading MIT Physicist Max Tegmark calls Everett's concept, one of the greatest theoretical constructs of all-time, ranking with Newton's Law of Gravity and Einstein's Theory of Relativity.

Can it really be true? Are there actually an infinite number of worlds where everything possible than can happen takes place all at once?

What exactly is Everett's theory? And why are growing numbers of physicists forced to admit that it may indeed describe our world?

Let's take a look.

Everett proposed a startling comprehensive mathematical theory to describe our world. It unified the two aspects of our universe - the microscopic "quantum world" of sub-atomic electrons and protons, and the macroscopic "classical world" of people, chairs, planets and stars.

The problem was that, based on a famous light experiment known as the "double-slit" experiment, objects in the microscopic sub-atomic world, such as electrons, seemed to act as both particles and waves.

And they seemed at first to appear in multiple places at once, and sometimes even in all places at once - a state physicists termed a "super-position" of probabilities.

Yet when they measured an electron after observation, it always settled into one definite physical position. This is the infamous "measurement problem."

Since objects are never in multiple places at once in the "classical world" of people and chairs, physicists up to the time of Everett operated under a mental fiction of sorts to help explain the riddle. It was called the "Copenhagen interpretation."

This view assumed that the simple act of observation or measurement forced the electron into a definite position - technically described as a "collapse of the wave function."

Everett answered the riddle a different way by suggesting a radical new alternative - his theory of the "universal wave function." Under this concept, every possible configuration of an electron or sub-atomic particle exists all at the same time.

Since people and ordinary things are "made" of the same sub-atomic particles, Everett argued that the human observer or measurement device itself is part of the quantum world. Thus, he reasoned that the observer or device is always itself in the same "super-position" of probabilities.

In other words, not only are sub-atomic microscopic objects in multiple and even every position at once, but also objects in the macroscopic world of people and ordinary objects. When the observation or measurement is made, there is no "collapse"of anything.

Rather, the universe itself "splits" or "branches" into multiple and even infinite positions - with each universe just as "real" as the others.

In short, all objects in the universe are always in state of "super-position." And each observation or decision "branches" reality into multiple and even infinite universes, each of which includes you and me!

And he supported this theory by a cogent and compelling mathematical proof, which today physicists still struggle to dispute.

In fact, recent experiments of macroscopic objects in our classical world, called "buckyballs" (C60 carbon molecules), seem to confirm that they behave as both particles and waves - and they seem to be measured in different places at once.

Our universe is far richer and more complex than ever imagined!

Back now to tennis. How might all this apply?

Can tennis also be operating at different levels or "many worlds" all at once?

Indeed, it can - and does.

Tennis is far more than a game or a set of practice exercises.

Consider some of the many aspects of tennis beyond just the score.

*Health and Fitness - Tennis undeniably improves health and fitness. In fact, studies suggest that tennis players who play 3 hours a week at moderate intensity reduce risk of death from any cause in half. And it builds dynamic balance, speed and hand-eye coordination.

*Brain development - Tennis requires full and continuous alertness in the "now" - connections between nerves and the brain. And good tennis will encourage tactical thinking and problem-solving.

*Building of positive personality characteristics - In various tests, tennis players scored higher in vigor, optimism and self-esteem. And they scored lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension.

*Sportsmanship - Good tennis teaches players to compete fairly with opponents.

*Mental discipline - Playing and improving at tennis requires mental discipline and building a good work ethic. Tennis is about managing mistakes and overcoming adversity with calm and purpose.

When you watch the next tennis match, observe well and carefully all these "many worlds."

Like our universe itself, the game of tennis is far richer and more complex than what we first see!

Best,
Gary

Sources:
1. The Many Worlds of Hugh Everett, III, Peter Byrne,
(New York, NY: Oxford Univ. Press, 2010)
2. Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, PBS Special, October 21, 2008
3. Tennis - for the Health of It (A USPTA Initiative by
Jack Groppel, Ph.D.)

Many Worlds Theory

Tennis Quote of the Day: Calm in the Face of Any Circumstance

2011-11-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

"If you can react the same way to winning and losing, that's a big accomplishment. That quality is important because it stays with you the rest of your life, and there's going to be a life after tennis that's a lot longer than your tennis life."

-Chris Evert, 18 time Grand Slam Champion

A Few Tips for All Players from One of the All-Time Greats: Chris Evert

2011-11-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

THE SERVE

THE VOLLEY

THE MENTAL GAME: STAY TOUGH

PRE-MATCH PREPARATION

Courtesy: cjlampman

Best,
Gary

Tennis Quote of the Day: A Compliment from America's Top Half-Miler

2011-10-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

"I love watching tennis players. I think those guys are probably the greatest overall athletes in the world, just given their stamina, power, durability . . . [t]heir hand-eye coordination . . . those guys are able to play four-five hours, the kind of focus that that takes is impressive."

Nick Symmonds, America's Top Half-Miler
U.S. 800 Meter Champion, 4 times
NCAA Outdoor Titles, 7 times

34 Reasons to Play Tennis

2011-10-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

-From "Tennis - for the Health of It!" (A USPTA Initiative with Jack Groppel, Ph.D.)

There are 34 powerful and compelling reasons to play tennis, according to an initiative by the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), Tennis - for the Health of It!

Noted tennis researcher and USPTA Master Professional Jack Groppel, Ph.D. writes: "According to world-renowned scientists from a variety of disciplines, there is no doubt that tennis can improve your overall health, including your mental and physical fitness."

Among the documented benefits are:

*Tennis players who play 3 hours a week at moderate intensity cut their risk of death from any cause in half.
*Tennis players score higher in vigor, optimism and self-esteem, and lower in depression, anger and anxiety.
*Tennis players benefit from a lifetime of brain development since the game requires alertness and tactical thinking.

Check out the USPTA's Poster and Booklet on the 34 reasons to play tennis!

Poster (PDF)

Booklet (PDF)

For more information, visit:
http://tennis-health.com/

Best,
Gary

Tennis Quote of the Day #1: A Game for Life

2011-10-25T16:18:00.001-07:00

"When I was 40, my doctor advised me that a man in his 40s shouldn't play tennis. I heeded his advice carefully and could hardly wait until I reached 50 to start again."

-Hugo L. Black (1886-1971), Asscociate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court

Tennis Quote of the Day #2: Tennis Creativity

2011-10-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

"It's difficult for people to imagine the creative process in tennis. Seemingly, it's just an athletic matter of hitting the ball consistently well within the boundaries of the court. That analysis is just as specious as thinking that the difficulty in portraying King Lear on stage is learning all the lines."

-Virginia Wade, British Champion, 3 Singles and 4 Doubles Grand Slam Titles

The Three Tests of Tennis Athleticism

2011-10-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Photo: Getty Images/Julian Finney

Watch this video of the 3 tests of tennis athleticism, as explained by Coach Pat Dougherty of the Bollettieri Academy.

1. Low "ready position" with wide base
2. "First-step" reaction
3. "Look to move", with an elevated split-step

Best,
Gary

Video: Are you a tennis athlete? Three Tests
By: servedoc

Tennis and the Biocentric Universe

2011-10-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

"The only thing that we perceive is our perceptions."
George Berkley (1685-1753)
Irish philosopher and empiricist

What is reality? What is it that we can truly be sure of when it comes to objective "reality"?

Is there really a "there" out there? Or is what we perceive just electrical-chemical impulses sent to a dark portion inside our brain from our five human senses?

And can any one of us ever be sure that any "thing" actually exists, or any other person is really alive or conscious?

Berkley's quixotic quote suggests that our perceptions are all we can truly be sure of.

Our perceptions, of course, presuppose that the individual person doing the perceiving is alive and conscious. Under this view, it would thus follow that consciousness is the fundamental matrix of the universe.

Biologist Robert Lanza in his book, Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to Understanding the True Nature of the Universe, developed this concept further into a stunning new theory of the universe - the Biocentric Universe.

Consider this classic question: If a tree falls in the woods without anyone to hear it, does it make any sound?

Lanza would answer that the tree never actually fell and would never fall, if no one conscious is around to perceive it.

In contrast to the classical model that the objective universe came first and created life, Lanza proposes the opposite: namely, that life - particularly consciousness - literally constructs the universe.

And that the universe, and everything in it, even time itself, could not exist without us.

In other words, ours is a Biocentric Universe. And we literally engineer the universe as we go, in a participatory way.

In short, Lanza proposes a paradigm shift in scientific thinking of the highest order.

Quantum physics which applies to sub-atomic particles, Lanza points out, supports his theory. Experiments under quantum theory reveal that sub-atomic particles such as an electron only exist in a blurred and ambiguous state, sometimes even in two places at the same time.

Quantum physicists call this a "superposition" of undefined probabilities, until a conscious observer makes a measurement. And obviously everything in our universe - objects, living things, stars, galaxies - is made up of atoms and sub-atomic elements.

Hence, everything might only be a superposition of probability until we observe it.

How does all this relate to our humble game of tennis?

Tennis is undeniably part of our world - and any Biocentric Universe, if the theory holds true.

Consider how the conscious biological observer, namely the tennis player himself or herself, is the key component in the game's equation.

*The player and his or her perceptions - not the court, racket, equipment, conditions, luck, or even the opponent - dictate the game.
*The player and his or her internal skills, technique, and deliberate-practice results - not other things - generate the blueprint of play.
*The player and his or her knowledge, play style, tactics and strategy - not other things - shape the flow of the game.
*The player and his or her beliefs, such as fear, being intimidated, or being confident and relaxed - not other factors - create victory or defeat.

In the Biocentric Universe, we - as the player and conscious biological observer - create the game, and it's shape and result.

In an ultimate sense, consider this: we are our tennis game, and our tennis game is us.

Best,
Gary

Sources:
1. Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to Understanding the Universe, Robert Lanza, M.D. (Biology) & Bob Berman, (Astronomer) (Dallas, TX: BenBella Books, 2010)
2. Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness (2nd Ed.), Bruce Rosenblum, Ph.D. (Physics) & Fred Kuttner, Ph.D. (Physics) (New York, NY: Oxford Univ. Press, 2011)
3. The Conscious Mind, David J. Chalmers, Ph.D. (Philosophy) (New York, NY: Oxford Univ. Press, 1997)

Video: The Biocentric Universe

Tennis Quote of the Day: Jose Higueras

2011-10-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

"Tennis is a game of errors. A good player learns how to minimize them, and properly understands when it's time for offense, and when it's time for defense."

-Jose Higueras, USTA, Director of Coaching
USTA Magazine, May/June 2011, p. 28

In Physics & Tennis: Speed Kills

2011-09-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

Photo: Dan McCoy/Corbis

Speed kills.
-John McEnroe, commentating the 2011 Wimbledon Men's Singles Final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

On Friday, September 23, 2011, an international scientific team at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) particle laboratory reported a stunning research finding which, if true, may revolutionize the past 100 years of physics.

Mysterious particles known as neutrinos were clocked by science's best instrumentation at traveling a tiny fraction of a second faster than the speed of light, which is the cosmic speed limit in our universe.

Neutrinos are ghost-like sub-atomic particles with nearly no mass or electrical charge, and pass through matter as if it was not there at all.

In a 3-year experiment known as OPERA, researchers measured the speed of neutrinos projected from CERN in Geneva, Switzerland to Gran Sasso, Italy.

And they were astonished by their finding - and spent 6 months painstakingly cross-checking and verifying the results beyond margin of error.

The neutrino was clocked at 299,798,434 meters a second which exceeds the speed of light by a very small fraction.

No object in our universe can travel faster than light under the prevailing pillar of modern physics - the theory of relativity developed by Albert Einstein in 1905.

The CERN finding must be confirmed by follow-up experiments by other researchers, which is expected to be underway shortly in both Japan and the United States.

If validated, "[i]t would be the biggest physics discovery in a century because we'd have to revise everything from subatomic physics to what we know about how the universe evolved," said Neil Turok, Director of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

Famed physicist Michio Kaku of City College of New York agreed: "[If true], we'll have to re-write all of modern physics."

Speed kills.

In tennis, the same holds true.

The very best players move at blinding speeds which create an impenetrable defensive shield and which intimidate their opponents. Thus, points are sometimes won even before they start.

Speed kills.

How can we all improve our court speed?

It's all about that explosive first step.

Check out legendary Coach Pat Etcheberry's comments about a building a quicker first step.

Best,
Gary

MSNBC: Faster-than-light neutrinos?

A Quicker First Step with world-class footwork performance coach Pat Etcheberry
By: tennisonevideo

"The Inner Game of Tennis": A Ten-Minute Audio Summary

2011-09-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Here's an excellent audio summary of the classic best-selling book on mental tennis, The Inner Game of Tennis, by Timothy Gallwey. (Courtesy: QualiaAquarium)

Enjoy!
Gary

The Greatest Year: Novak Djokovic wins the Men's Singles Championship U.S. Open 2011

2011-09-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

"It's probably the greatest year in the history of our sport."
-John McEnroe, holder of 82-3 Win-Loss Record in 1984,
referring to Novak Djokovic's current tennis year of 64-2
with 3 Grand Slam Titles.

Novak Djokovic (No. 1, Serbia) defeated Rafael Nadal (No. 2, Spain) in four brutally competitive and physical sets, 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-1, to win his first U.S. Open Title at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, NY in four hours and ten minutes.

It was an epic match on a warm Monday evening before a boisterous capacity New York crowd, including many celebrites and VIPs. And they were treated to some mesmerizing rallies of 30 shots and more, many ending in spectacular winners.

It was Djokovic's third Grand Slam title of the year, and lifted his 2011 Year Win-Loss record to an astonishing to 64-2, with 10 professional singles titles.

Djokovic's Win-Loss record this year ranks among the best in tennis history - placing his accomplishment in the same league with John McEnroe's 1984 year, Rod Laver's 1969 year, Jimmy Connors' 1974 year, and Roger Federer's 2006 year.

"It's an incredible feeling. I had an amazing year, and it keeps going," said Djokovic after the match, wearing an FDNY hat and honoring the memory of victims and heroes of 09/11. "We can't even realize how lucky we are to do something we love."

A humble Nadal, who lost to Djokovic 6 times this year in final matches, said of Djokovic's historic 2011 record, "What you did this year is probably impossible to repeat. So well done."

Congratulations to all of the winners, players, fans and supporters of this year's U.S. Open.

See you next year!
Gary

Samantha Stoser wins the Women's Singles Championship: U.S. Open 2011

2011-09-11T23:28:00.000-07:00

Samantha Stoser (No 6, Australia), defeated Serena Williams (No. 28, USA) in impressive straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, in Sunday's final of the Women's Singles Championship.

It was a stunning upset before a packed crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium in only 73 minutes on the 10th anniversary of 09/11.

Stoser became only the second Australian woman to win the U.S. Open, after the legendary Margaret Court in 1973. It was her first Grand Slam title. She joins Li Na and Petra Kvitova as first time Grand Slam winners this year.

"I had one of my best days and I'm very fortunate that I had it on this stage in New York," said Stoser. "Ever since I started playing, it was a dream of mine to be here one day, and now my dream has come true."

Congratulations and well done, Samantha!
Gary

A Day at the U.S. Open 2011

2011-09-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the 2011 U.S. Open in Flushing, NY on Day 5, Friday, September 2, 2011!

It was just awesome. I spent the day and early evening walking through the grounds and taking it all in.

Highlights:
In the Junior Boys Qualifying Singles, I saw a captivating 3 set victory by Enzo Couacaud of France over Spencer Papa of USA.

I saw thrilling 5 set victories by Donald Young over Stanislas Wawrinka, and Andy Murray over Robin Haase.

I saw the Indo-Pak Express (Rohan Bopanna and Aisam Qureshi) defeat James Cerrentani and Philipp Marx in Mens Doubles.

And I caught Roger Federer and Maria Kirilenko, on their off-day, practicing on Practice Courts 1 & 2.

All in all: a fantastic educational experience and great fun too.

Final Observations On the Players:
*The huge preparation before each shot - their intentionality behind each stroke
*The fluidity of their footwork and movement - how they get out-of-the way of the incoming ball (spacing to the ball)
*The follow-through and completeness of their strokes

And wow - do they look ever so relaxed and loose!

For more information on the USA's Grand Slam Tournament, visit: U.S. Open

Best,
Gary

Video: U.S. Open 2011 - Day 5 Highlights

The Illustrated History of Tennis Fist Pumps

2011-09-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Click Here and Enjoy!
Fist Pumps
Gary

Credit: Mickey Duzyj and ESPN
Mickey's Website is: http://www.mduzyj.com/

The Perennial Philosophy of Mental Tennis

2011-08-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Perennial Philosophy (Latin: philosophia perennis "eternal philosophy") refers to universal insights and truths common to all the world's major philosophies and religions.

The idea of Perennial Philosophy originated in antiquity, and was voiced by influential figures such as Cicero, the famed Roman philosopher, and St. Augustine, the historic Catholic theologian.

The concept was popularized in more recent times by Aldous Huxley in his seminal 1945 book: The Perennial Philosophy.

What might be the Perennial Philosophy of mental tennis?

Over the years, a wide number of excellent books, authored by some major coaches and players, have made significant contributions to mental tennis literature.

Major among them are: The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey, Mental Tennis by Vic Braden, Fearless Tennis (a/k/a The Best Tennis of Your Life) by Jeff Greenwald, Winning Ugly by Brad Gilbert, and recently Tennis: Winning the Mental Match by Allen Fox.

Each of these authors offers a differing perspective, and each says things in different ways. Yet, I believe that the similarities of these books far outweigh any differences.

What common ideas do these books share? And what simple suggestions can be drawn from them about mental tennis?

I propose that these books collectively suggest 3 simple ideas and admonitions on mental tennis.

1) The critical dominance of the mental game
Each author emphasizes the pivotal nature of the mental game. The mental game is huge. It is always there and never goes away. Most competitive matches are routinely decided by who wins the mental component.

Understanding this well and dealing with it decisively becomes critical for success at tennis at all levels.

2) Physical looseness and relaxation is the foundationstone for good mental tennis
These books, through different examples, re-iterate that our best tennis can only be played when we are supremely loose and relaxed physically. This helps to allow mind, body, emotion and spirit to work together more harmoniously. How can the human machine reach this state?

For nearly everyone, some practical ways to help do this: literally shake loose your hands, arms, shoulders and face. And focus on deep, diaphragm breathing. And consider slowing down the pace of play.

3) Focus on what you can control, and thus strengthen your self-belief
Putting your mind's attention on what you can control, especially regarding the process of tennis, allows you to achieve calm, cool steadiness and stability. Focusing on things like the score, game results, and things such as actions and reactions of others, which you don't control, will just put you out-of-kilter.

Here's a short list of factors to put your mind on which you can control 100%: awareness, footwork, level of effort, body language (including the "ready position"), on-court routines and rituals, technique mechanics, breathing, and of course what you choose to put your attention on.

Best,
Gary

Tennis Quote of the Day #1: Jimmy Connors

2011-08-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

"[I] see a lot of changes happening in the game - the good, bad and some of the ugly of it all. [It's] interesting ... to see how the equipment has changed with the racquets and the strings, and what that means to the way the guys play. . . I think that I come from a generation that is lost. . . Our attitudes were different; our games were all different; nobody played the same. Everybody plays the same game now. We had variety and we had charisma. [We] had it all."

-Jimmy Connors
Tennis Magazine
"One More Time",
Pages 31-32
September/October 2011

Tennis Quote of the Day #2: Intensity

2011-08-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

"The difference between competing at 100% intensity and 95% intensity is virtually indistinguishable except that at 100% you win and at 95% you lose. [Why?] [Because] the difference between winning and losing is a surprising few points. In a close set, the winner only wins an average of 4 more points that the loser."

-Allen Fox, Ph.D.
Tennis: Winning the Mental Mental Match, (Kearney, NE: Morris Pub., 2010), Chapter 10, Page 111.

The Western & Southern Open (Cincinnati) 2011

2011-08-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, OH-

Andy Murray (No. 4, Britain) defeated Novak Djokovic (No. 1, Serbia) 6-4, 3-0 (Retired) at the 2011 Western & Southern Open (Cincinnati) today, one of the last major tune-ups for the U.S. Open in New York.

Murray, Britain's best hope for a major title since the days of Fred Perry, played solid tennis throughout the tournament, and earned his second Cincinnati title.

Djokovic, who is enjoying one of the best tennis seasons ever, was forced to retire in the second set due to a right shoulder injury. It was only Djokovic's second match loss this season, putting him at 57-2.

On the women's side, Maria Sharapova (No. 4, Russia) defeated Jelena Jankovic (No. 14, Serbia) in a 3 set showdown, lasting 2 hours and 49 minutes, 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3.

In her customary hard-hitting style, Sharapova fought back bravely after a first set letdown to take her second tournament title this year.

The Western & Southern Open is quickly becoming one of the big draws on the professional circuit. It attracts the very best men and women players in the world to compete in a venue considered a major prelude to the U.S. Open in New York at the end of the month.

Congrats to all the winners, players, fans and supporters!

Best,
Gary

For more on the W&S Open, visit: CincyTennis

The Physics of Tennis

2011-08-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

A Video Science Project by:
Alexa Deitz
Jasmine Macias
Katia Miranda

Enjoy!
Gary

Online Course Review - "Match Tough: Practice Great and Play Even Better!"

2011-08-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

"Why is my tennis game far better in practice than in competition?"

Match Tough is an online Audio Course, consisting of 4 modules with Study Guide, Bonuses and Videos which attempts to answer this question and raise a player's game in competition.

Online audio and video tennis courses such as Match Tough have increasing become common on the Internet, allowing large numbers of players worldwide to benefit electronically on their own pace and time.

Match Tough is offered by David Breslow, a Peak Performance coach for 25 years, former Director of Mental Toughness at the National Tennis Center in NY, and author of the book on successful golf, Wired to Win. Mr. Breslow runs The Personal Best Academy, and can be found at: http://www.davebreslow.com/

In Match Tough, Breslow takes a non-traditional approach to the "mental game" in tennis, a phrase he does not especially like, preferring a term such as "peak peformance". Breslow suggests that the "mental game" is not a part or piece of a player's game but literally "is your game".

He eschews tennis "tips" as short-term quick fixes, and avoids usual admonishments about confidence and staying positive, which he says are obvious. He disdains vague "mental" theories or concepts.

Rather, Breslow's bold insight is that a player's "mental game" is really about 4 essential parts working together: mind, body, emotion and spirit (by which he means a person's core essence). To change or improve performance, a player must literally change who he or she is.

Breslow offers a practical and simple methodology to help a player do so. He draws on what he calls "laws of human performance", which he says are as undeniable, provable and unalterable as the laws of physics.

And he offers a way for players to "re-start" or re-boot themselves, and encourages them to focus on what they can control on court. In this way, a player's long-term confidence and self-belief is elevated, and wisely not connected to things such as results or the score which always fluctuate.

Match Tough is a unique exploration into how a player's thoughts and choices help drive who he or she is, and thus molds what his or her performance level is - and ultimately can be.

Best,
Gary

Book Review - "Tennis: Winning the Mental Match", by Allen Fox, Ph.D.

2011-08-07T04:18:00.000-07:00

Tennis: Winning the Mental Match, by Allen Fox, Ph.D. (Kearney, NE: Morris Publishing, 2010) 159 Pages, 14 Chapters, with Foreword by Justin Gimelstob

"Tennis is more difficult mentally than most other sports. Because of its one on one personal nature, it feels more important than it is. Competitive matches can be highly stressful, and losing can be very painful."
-From Tennis: Winning the Mental Match, by Allen Fox, Ph.D.

Allen Fox is uniquely qualified to talk about the psychological aspects of tennis from multiple perspectives - namely, as a world-class player, top coach, writer and thinker. Fox, a Ph.D. in Psychology from UCLA, is an author of multiple tennis books, former Wimbledon Quarter Finalist, former coach of top-ranked Pepperdine University, and regular contributor to Tennis Magazine and Tennis Channel.

He has made a significant contribution to mental tennis literature with this short yet lucid book. Tennis: Winning the Mental Match offers a thorough compendium of ideas and suggestions for better managing this most mental of sports, collected from Fox's years of tennis experience.

In 14 Chapters, Fox dissects a broad range of mental tennis topics, among them: our need to win, emotional issues surrounding competition, reducing stress, confidence, game plans, breaking your opponent mentally and doubles psychology. He offers focused and practical suggestions to help players deal with these issues.

For example, on stress reduction, Fox suggests that players develop a more "realistic" perspective on the game - namely, take it as a "game to enjoy". For Fox, this includes simply accepting outcomes which cannot be controlled, resisting the narrow focus on winning, and avoiding excessive perfectionism.

Fox offers many incisive yet often-overlooked insights. For example, he suggests that our on-court body language makes a difference - in terms of winning and impact on our opponent. "[A]ll of your actions, not just your forehands and backhands," writes Fox, "have a profound effect on your opponent's mental state."

"Since human beings are a social species, they instinctively react emotionally to how other people treat them. . . If you fear [your opponent], they feel brave; if you show them they are hurting you, they feel strong; if you appear certain, they will feel uncertain; if you dismiss their efforts, they will feel weak. . . So if you appear strong, confident, and impervious to their efforts, your opponent will tend to feel weak and ineffectual."

For Fox, among the principal mental challenges in tennis pertain to:
*Anger - releasing and managing anger outbursts
*Tanking - improving a downturn in level of play stemming from overwhelming stress
*Choking - minimizing a debilitating fear which freezes a player's relaxed and effortless game

Here is a short list of ten (10) mental tennis ideas and concepts in the book worthy of consideration and study.

1. Tennis is an intensely emotional game. The goal is to manage these emotions. Your emotion rules every point. Thus, the trick is to maximize positive emotion before every point.

2. The primary question for players to pose, and the cause of stress is: What does winning and losing mean to me? (Fox admonishes us that tennis is a game, and to treat it as a game and simply enjoy it.)

3. Stress also comes from people attempting to control the uncontrollable. Winning a tennis match is not fully in your control. Accept it.

4. In tennis, you can play a nearly perfect match and still lose. The scoring system is "diabolical", making some points far more important than others. This compounds the pressure.

5. Recognize and take comfort in that every match offers multiple opportunities to win, not just one.

6. The Golden Rule: Never do anything on court that does not help you win.

7. In a close match, the difference can be only a few points. How you manage your mind and emotions will determine if you win.

8. In tennis, and most things, it takes courage to get hit, and keep going. Be tough mentally.

9. Optimism is one of your biggest on-court weapons. Use it and hone it.

10. Develop higher character values for more long-term respect and satisfaction, such as good sportsmanship, respect for the opponent and the sport.

In summary, Tennis: Winning the Mental Match offers thoughtful and important insights into critical mental aspects of tennis for players at all levels. It's a gem that should be read by all tennis enthusiasts who know that this game is ultimately a sport of supreme mental self-discipline.

Best,
Gary

Videos by TennisPodPro.com (Quicktime)

Allen Fox Speaks on:

Emotional Drive (Click Here)

Fighting Drive (Click Here)

Allen Fox can be found here:

http://www.allenfoxtennis.net/

Tennis Quote of the Day: The Value of Hope

2011-08-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

"The most valuable commodity a competitor can possess when things are going wrong is hope. Confidence or self-belief . . . is not always achievable nor is it always realistic. But hope is always both . . . denying its existence, regardless of the situation on court, is just plain wrong. Hope . . . is always a correct and available emotional state, [and] hopelessness is [always] false. The question of victory or defeat in a tennis match is always a matter of probabilities, not certainties. Regardless of how far behind you may be, your probability of victory is never zero until the last point is played or you quit. Thus, hope for victory is always reasonable . . . never impossible. Maintaining hope under all circumstances is the true competitor's unalterable obligation."

-Allen Fox, Ph.D. (Psychology), former world-class player, coach, and author of mental tennis books.
From: Tennis: Winning the Mental Match, (Kearney, NE: Morris Publishing, 2010), Chapter 11, Pages 121-122.

Tennis Quote of the Day: Reducing Debilitating Stress with a New Perspective

2011-08-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

"Tennis is a just a game you are playing for fun. It is not your life, nor is it likely to be anything more than just a game. If you happen to get more out of it (like trophies, scholarships, notoriety, pro contracts), it will simply be gravy. . . Your tennis game is merely a project that you work on diligently, like any other project, to see how good you can get. It is like building a model airplane. Your objective is to build as good a plane as you can, but it is nothing more. Naturally, you would like to play well and beat everybody all the time. and you can keep working toward this end. But the process itself should ultimately be satisfying. If you don't enjoy it, quit. You can get in shape by running on a treadmill. The stress comes from making tennis more important that it really is."

-Allen Fox, Ph.D. (Psychology), former world-class player, coach, and author of mental tennis books.
From: Tennis: Winning the Mental Match, (Kearney, NE: Morris Publishing, 2010), Chapter 4, Pages 35-36.

Book Review: "Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long Term Fulfillment", by George Leonard

2011-07-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment, by George Leonard (New York, NY: Plume, 1992), 176 Pages, 3 Parts, 14 Chapters with Introductions, Acknowledgments and Epilogue.

"To be a learner, you've got to be willing to be a fool. [T]he carefree fool . . . who bears the awesome number zero, signifying the fertile void from which all creation springs."
George Leonard, Page 172-173
Epilogue (The Master and the Fool)

In this short yet focused book, George Leonard outlines the roadmap common to success in any human endeavor - what he calls "mastery". Leonard is a martial arts master, Zen philosopher and author of the highly-praised book, The Way of Aikido.

In Mastery, Leonard defines "mastery" as a process and a journey which brings rich rewards. And he argues passionately and convincingly, I believe, for what makes for "mastery".

What are the elements of "mastery"?

*Instruction or Coaching -
Valuable and supportive feedback
*Practice, Practice, Practice -
"Perfect practice makes perfect"
*Surrendering to Your Passion -
Finding purpose and power from your passion
*Intentionality or Vision -
Your mind's eye creates what you seek
*Playing the Edge - Pushing your own limits

Leonard goes on to elaborate on each of these elements, and examines how they have applied to many who have excelled from Larry Bird to Arnold Schwarzenneger to Chuck Yeager. Along the way, he describes personality types who fail to achieve mastery, such as the Hacker, the Dabbler and the Obsessive.

He talks about tools to help with mastery such as physical fitness, setting priorities and "learning to love" any plateau in your progress. He discusses pitfalls to mastery such as laziness, vanity and over-competitiveness.

In a fascinating discussion, he explains how being balanced and centered in your body, and developing relaxed power, is similar to developing chi in the martial arts - and is vital to achieving mastery.

Mastery is a wonderful exploration into what makes for human excellence in any endeavor. And it offers valuable and cogent insights for all those who seek to elevate their performance in whatever they do.

Best,
Gary

Video: The Keys to Mastery
By: davelent

Book Review: "Talent is Overrated", by Geoff Colvin

2011-07-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, Geoff Colvin, (New York, NY: Portfolio, 2008), 228 Pages, 11 Chapters with Acknowledgments, Sources and Index.

"Landing on your butt twenty thousand times is where great performance comes from."
-Geoff Colvin Page 188, Chapter 11 (Where does great performance come from?) (Explaining that Japanese figure skater Shizuka Arakawa's road to Gold Medal performance at the 2006 Winter Olympics required painful and massive practice designed to push her limits, powered only by her passion)

What made Mozart, Tiger Woods, Jerry Rice, Chris Rock and other world-class performers reach their levels of excellence? Most would say "natural talent" or "hard work". But is that really true?

In this thoughtful and well-written book, Geoff Colvin, Editor at Fortune Magazine, challenges these and other basic assumptions we have about world-class performance in business and sports. And by doing so, he offers a journey into the physics of "performance excellence" - with the democratic promise that some part of that excellence might be available to us all.

Colvin employs some ground-breaking research and data to question the "natural talent" or "hard work" schools of thought about world-class performance. He suggests that something else, perhaps startling at first but actually quite intuitive, is at play in a critical way. And it's not special intelligence or memory or experience or in-born genetics. Rather, it is something he calls "deliberate practice".

"Deliberate practice" is a methodology carefully designed to constantly push a performer past his usual and tired limits - to stretch oneself - into what Colvin describes as the "learning zone" which is a place where the performer is continuously improving his skill sets.

Over many months or years or thousands of repetitions, a "deliberate practice" performer begins to rise to the highest levels of excellence. Colvin suggests that even such a performer's cognitive perception, powers of creativity and intuitive knowledge and memory begin to grow. Unfortunately, "deliberate practice" is "hard", says Colvin. "It hurts, but it works." It is an intensely mental drill, and thus it is not "inherently enjoyable".

What are the elements of "deliberate practice"?

*Exercises designed specifically for the individual to improve performance past his limits.
*It is repeated over and over.
*High level feedback on results is continuously available in a supportive environment.
*It's highly demanding mentally.
*It's not much fun, thus implies the need for passion.

Colvin goes on to show how this methodology can apply in business and sports, and to individuals and teams. Colvin lastly explores the "deepest question about great performance" - namely, where does the passion come from? He suggests that performers might have intrinsic as well as extrinsic motivations, and among them the pleasure of great accomplishment, the need for achievement, the need to do good, and the drive for power and purpose.

For Colvin, the ultimate questions about performance excellence for anyone are: What do you really want? And what do you really believe? Do you want to pay the price of sustained "deliberate practice" to reach your level of excellence? Do you really believe that you can achieve it or not?

Talent is Overrated is an intellectual exploration into what really makes for world-class performance, with useful and challenging ideas for everyone to reach a higher performance level.

Well worth reading for anyone wishing to improve at whatever they do.

Best,
Gary

Podcast: "Practicing Tennis on Purpose"
By: Ron Miller's GottaPlayTennis.net

Video: Deliberate Practice, Part 1
By: Taskryr

Tennis Quote of the Day: Justin Gimelstob

2011-07-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

"I contend that tennis is the toughest sport in the world. It is emotional by its very nature, and it's the only sport that demands so many different types of physical and mental skill sets. And it all takes place while you stand alone in a gladiatorial ring thinly disguised as a simple tennis court. But there is nothing simple or serene about it. Competitive tennis is a battle!"

-Justin Gimelstob, Tennis Commentator & Former Professional Player
Foreword to Tennis: Winning the Mental Match, Allen Fox, Ph.D., (Kearney, NE: Morris Publishing, 2010).

Tennis Tip of the Day: Brent Abel and "Spacing to the Ball"

2011-07-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Spacing to the Ball - Watching the Ball

Want to improve your tennis play? Here's a great tip and drill.

Brent Abel, tennis instructor, player, and former student of the legendary coach Tom Stow, offers this thoughtful and useful suggestion for players at all levels.

Enjoy!
Gary

Video by: www.webtennis.com

Tennis and Yoga

2011-07-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

Are tennis and yoga perfect together?

Yes, say many - including world-class stars Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Andy Murray who all practice aspects of yoga.

Yoga is the ancient Eastern system of exercise and mental discipline which helps to build flexibility, balance, core strength and mental relaxation - all vital components of the modern game at all levels.

Experts say that your tennis will be always be stronger if you can stretch and reach for your serve farther, and if you can swing on your groundstrokes more flexibly and quickly while on balance.

And staying focused and mentally relaxed, of course, cannot be over-emphasized in tennis.

Watch and enjoy this short video demonstrating some yoga poses which are greatly beneficial for tennis players.

Best,
Gary

Video: Better Tennis with Yoga, by Valerie Goodman

An evening with the Philadelphia Freedoms, July 2011

2011-07-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Philadelphia Freedoms match against the New York Sportimes on Wednesday evening, July 13, 2011 at the Villanova Pavillion in suburban Philadelphia.

The Freedoms and Sportimes are part of World Team Tennis (WTT), a fan-friendly team tennis league which often showcases past stars, new upstarts and top players returning from injury or layoff.

John McEnroe and Martina Hingis played for New York, while Melanie Oudin and Lisa Raymond played for Philadelphia.

The play was at a very high level and competitive. The format offered 5 matches with "no-ad" scoring: men's singles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, women's singles and men's doubles.

New York edged out the Freedoms in overtime, 21 to 19 (final team score).

It was a fun and entertaining evening for all the fans, supporters and players.

Best,
Gary

Tennis Quote of the Day: Why Winners Win

2011-07-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

"One way of looking at it is that winners get in their own way less. They interfere with the raw expression of talent less. And to do that, first they win the war against fear, against doubt, against insecurity - which are no minor victories."

-Timothy Gallwey
Tennis writer on mental tennis topics including the
best-selling classic The Inner Game of Tennis

The Return of Serve: How the Mind Works

2011-07-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

"The movements of elite athletes are beautiful to watch. But what goes on inside their heads? The best players learn their moves by encoding whole sequences in the cerebellum through intensive practice - and then in game situations, activate them without conscious thought. To return a serve, for instance, a tennis player uses his thalamus to focus on her opponent [or ball], while the prefrontal cortex quashes distractions. Visual information from the occipital lobe activates the unconscious mental program in the basal ganglia, which passes instructions to the posterior parletal cortex (which calls up automatic movements) and the pre-motor cortex (a staging ground for complex movements). The pre-motor transmits commands to the motor cortex, which orders muscle movements. Swing!"

- Sharon Begley
Ilustration by Brian Christie for Newsweek
From: "Why Winners Win",
Newsweek Magazine, July 18, 2011

Tennis Quote of the Day: Andre Agassi

2011-07-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

"It is no accident that tennis uses the language of life: service, advantage, break, fault, love. The lessons of tennis are the lessons of maturity. In tennis, you prepare and you prepare . . . [and] you improvise. Tennis makes you perceptive, proactive, reactive all at the same time. Tennis teaches you the subtlety of human interaction; the curse and blessing of cause and affect . . . and there is nothing quite like a tiebreak to teach you the concept of high risk, high reward. Tennis teaches you there is no such thing as perfect, you hope to be perfect, then you're out there and you're far less than perfect."

-Andre Agassi, July 09, 2011,
International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Tennis and "The Art of Seeing"

2011-07-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

Every shot in tennis is about moving your body with racket in hand while a ball is moving towards you. Thus, the key visual skill is depth perception.

How can we improve our depth perception?

In 1942, British author Aldous Huxley wrote a book called The Art of Seeing.

(Most people will remember Huxley for his more famous book Brave New World.)

What most people might not know about Huxley is that he suffered a severe childhood illness that left him nearly blind.

In The Art of Seeing, Huxley documents his journey to overcome his near-blindness with a program of simple eye exercises known as the Bates Method.

These exercises focus on improving the human eye's depth perception.

Though this system is sometimes controversial with some eye doctors, Huxley credited the Bates Method with saving the quality of his eyesight.

Watch and consider this short video describing some of these exercises, and the potential impact on one's tennis game.

Best,
Gary

Video: Eye Exercises to Improve Your Tennis Game
By: richmorr9

What do these guys have in common? (Part 2)

2011-07-05T08:44:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: PBI Magazine

In this side-by-side comparison of the great Bill Tilden with Roger Federer, we see that racket preparation for the one-handed backhand has changed little in the 75 years between these photos.

1. A wide base with the weight on the front foot
2. The core moving through the line of the shot
3. The head looking forward and down
4. Racket head below the level of the ball
5. Eastern grip with the butt cap pointing at the ball

Timeless preparation!

Best,
Gary

Wimbledon 2011: The Joker is "King"

2011-07-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

Photo: AP

He pounded shots from the baseline, exchanging - and winning - long and powerful rallies with one of the best baseliners in memory. His defense and cat-like quickness covered the court like a blanket.

His volleys were deft and precise. His return of serve, as usual, was among the best in the game. And his improved serve was a key weapon, often driving his opponent back or off-court.

Novak ("The Joker") Djokovic (No. 2, Serbia) decisively defeated Rafael Nadal (No. 1, Spain) in a gripping Gentlemen's Singles final on Centre Court at the 125th Wimbledon Championships before a sold-out crowd and world-wide television audience in 4 sets, 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3.

It was his first Wimbledon title, and 5th win over Nadal this year. Together with his amazing 48-1 win-loss record in 2011, Novak's Wimbledon victory lifted him for the first time to World No. 1, only the 25th man in tennis history to achieve No. 1 rank.

Probably every player's dream is to win tennis' most prestigious tournament and become No. 1 in the world. Novak realized that dream on a brilliant sunny July day at the All England Club before a jubilant family and team, and fans and supporters.

"I managed to achieve a lifetime goal and I managed to make my dream come true," said Djokovic. "It's just an incredible feeling that I'm never going to forget. This is the best day of my tennis career."

Today, the man called "Joker" was the King of Tennis.

Yesterday, meanwhile, 20-year old Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) blasted a victory in straight sets over Maria Sharapova (Russia) in the Ladies' Singles title match, 6-3, 6-4. It was Kvitova's first Wimbledon Championship and Grand Slam crown.

Her smooth and efficient groundstrokes generated uncanny pace and accuracy. And her easy transition to net and powerful volleys were natural and flowing.

Her convincing win likely represents a new generation of power and assertiveness in women's tennis.

"She's like the first-strike queen," said Mary Jo Fernandez, TV Commentator and Fed Cup Captain. "She hits harder than anyone I've ever seen."

Meanwhile, the Bryan Brother Twins (Mike & Bob of USA) lifted another Wimbledon Doubles' Wimbledon Championship trophy, this time over Robert Lindstedt (Sweden) and Horia Tecau (Romania), 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (2).

It was the Bryan Brothers' second Wimbledon title, and overall 11th Grand Slam title, tying them with the legendary "Woodies" doubles team (Aussies Mark Woodford and Todd Woodbridge).

"To equal the Woodies - a team that we idolized, the greatest team in our mind - is unbelievable", Mike Bryan said.

Congrats to all the winners, competitors, fans and supporters on a fantastic 125th Wimbledon Championships!

See you next year!

Best,
Gary

Wimbledon: What's the Excitement About?

2011-06-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

The 125th Wimbledon Championships are underway. What's the excitement about? Enjoy these videos and this information about the world's oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament.
Best,
Gary

Video: Wimbledon - The Oldest and Most Prestigious Tennis Tournament in the World
By: amkelly45

Video: Wimbledon Finals Archives
By: British Pathe

Video: The Longest Match in Tennis History - Isner v. Mahut, Wimbledon June 2010
By: trainerautsin

Video: The Greatest Match in Tennis History - Nadal v. Federer, Wimbledon June 2008
By: TheJordy123go

Watch on You Tube

Podcast Commentary on Wimbledon
By: Ron Miller of GottaPlayTennis.net

"Why the Grass Still Tickles the Toes"

Quick Tennis Quiz: The Serve

2011-06-19T11:39:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: TennisMindGame.com

What do these guys have in common?

A. Heavy shoulder tilt
B. Launching upward and forward
C. Straight left arm (Non-dominant arm)
D. Right arm pronation (Dominant arm)
E. All of the above

The answer of course is obvious: (E).

And it probably serves as a startling reminder of the importance and timelessness of excellence in technique.

Best,
Gary

Are you ready for the 125th Wimbledon Championships?

2011-06-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a short video of the 2011 Pre-Wimbledon WTA Player Party.

Enjoy!
Gary

Tennis and Time: How the Concept of Time is Pivotal to Tennis

2011-06-12T06:08:00.000-07:00

Time is a Fundamental Yet Elusive Concept in Our World
Time exists all around us, and apparently without end. We live our lives by it. For example, we constantly measure the passage of time with clocks and calendars. We sometimes use time wisely to get things done. But we sometimes waste it foolishly and regret its loss.

Time is often described as a "dimension", equal to the 3 common dimensions of space: vertical, horizontal and depth. Time is as familiar to us as our wristwatches. Yet we intuitively know that there is something mysterious about it.

Time also has a single direction - always from past to present to future, and never any other way. Theoretical Physicist Sean Carroll, in his recent book From Eternity to Here (Dutton, 2010), calls this the arrow of time. He explains that, while no known law in physics requires the past to be followed by the present and then the future, this structure is part of the cosmic blueprint in our Universe.

Time is also a relative concept as Einstein's Theory of Relativity teaches. It can speed up or slow down. Let's say that an astronaut in a spaceship is traveling at the speed of light. He would sense time for him moving normally. But he would see years of time elapse for his friends on Earth for every few minutes of his travel at light speed. Conversely, his suddenly-older friends would say that their astronaut friend traveled into the future as he would not appear to have aged.

Perhaps most important for us is that time is at least partially manageable. We can try and manage our time. We can organize and adapt our activities to time. We can do things faster or slower or differently to conform to time.

Let's talk tennis. How does all this relate?

How "Time" is Related to Tennis:
Controlling Time by Taking the Opponent's Time Away
Consider that, in tennis, there is no shot clock as in basketball. There also is no game clock as in soccer or football. You cannot sit on a lead and "run out the clock" on your opponent. In tennis, no matter how long it takes, you must win the last point and actively "close out the match."

Yet time is still a pivotal axis for success in tennis. How?

Modern tennis, it is argued, is really about taking time away from your opponent. The less time your opponent has to reply to your shot, the greater chance that you will hit a winner or force an error. The more time that you give yourself to set up, prepare and execute a shot and then recover, the greater chance you will hit a winning point.

Therefore, think time.

Monopolize time for yourself, and squeeze time on your opponent.

This applies both during points and even between points.

In playing points, Andre Agassi made a career in "taking the ball on the rise", and thus effectively robbing his opponent of time to properly strike the ball. Recall his exquisite timing in hitting the ball well before it rose to its apex, and thereby squeezing his opponent's options.

In between points, Rafael Nadal is probably the current master at controlling the tempo and rhythm of play. Observe how he deliberately slows down the pace of play and methodically towels off between point exchanges so as to impose his tempo on the match and his opponent.

Thus time, and how well a player can manage and utilize it to his advantage, can be crucial in a player's immediate and long-term success in tennis.

Best,
Gary

Ranking Tennis Players Based on:
"The Time Preparation Scale"
Top 20 Player
*Prepares and sets up a day early

Top 10 Player
*Prepares and sets up a week early

Top 5 Player
*Prepares and sets up a month early

Number One Player in the World
*Prepares and sets up a year early

Video: Taking Reflex Time Away from Your Opponent!
(Poaching in Doubles)
By: CleverTennis.com

The Evolution of Tennis

2011-06-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a short interesting video of Coach Lorenzo Beltrame's thoughts on the evolution of tennis, courtesy of TennisResources.com and USPTA.

Evolution of the Game

Enjoy!
Gary

Tennis Quote of the Day: Novak Djokovic

2011-06-07T14:18:00.001-07:00

“Tennis players . . . we’re always playing in center courts that feel like arenas. And when we get on the court and the crowd cheers your name or salutes you—it’s like you’re a gladiator in the arena. And everyone is cheering—and you’re fighting, you’re screaming, during your strokes—it feels like you’re an animal, fighting for your life.”

- Novak Djokovic
From: Vogue Magazine (June 2011), Hot Shot: Novak Djokovic

The Superman of Clay: Rafael Nadal Wins 6th French Open (Roland Garros) Title and Ties Historic Record of Bjorn Borg

2011-06-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

Paris - Rafael Nadal (Spain, No. 1 Seed) defeated Roger Federer (Switzerland, No. 3 Seed) 7-5, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-1, at Court Philippe Chatrier for his 6th French Open (Roland Garros) Title, tying him for the historic record with the great Bjorn Borg. It was his 10th Grand Slam championship title, and keeps him at World No. 1 rank.

"To win this final against one of the best players in the world and in history is something which is really fantastic for me," said Nadal. "It's one of my most beautiful dreams."

Overcoming a slow start, Nadal methodically ground down his opponent with defensive shot-making gems, and heavy powerful topspin attacks. His trademark Reverse Forehand always produces devastating power and spin, inevitably generating winners or unforced errors against any opponent, especially on the clay court surface.

Federer made a gallant effort especially early in the first set, and in taking the third set, but fell short again against Nadal at Roland Garros. "As it often happens, he is the best on clay," Federer said. "He proved it once again."

Nadal joins only Borg, who won this title 6 times in the 1970s and early 1980s, in the record books as "Masters of the Red Terra Batu" in Paris.

Congrats, Rafa!
Gary

Video Comparison: Reverse Forehands of Nadal & Borg
By: tommyenglish1

China Rising: Li Na Wins French Open (Roland Garros) 2011 and Makes Tennis History

2011-06-04T14:21:00.001-07:00

Paris - She brought her cool grittiness and colorful personality, with her power baseline game and obvious fitness. She showcased a scintillating serve, with deep penetrating groundstrokes from both forehand and backhand wings, which constantly drove her opponent back and off-balance.

She crushed 31 winners, and even threw in some unexpectedly spectacular volleys and lobs. And all this before a global tennis audience, including millions of households in her home country of 1.3 billion people where she is hugely popular.

Li Na (No. 6 Seed, Age 29) dubbed "China's No. 1 Sister" defeated current champion Italian Francesca Schiavone (No. 5 Seed, Age 30) in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (0) at Court Philippe Chatrier. She made history by becoming the first tennis player from China (Chinese National) to win a Grand Slam championship title. Her victory lifted her ranking to No. 4 in the world.

It was a boost for both women's tennis, and for tennis in China - a nation which will probably be critical for future tennis growth.

"Today is a dream come true," exclaimed Li. Referring to her recent loss at the Australian Open final in January to Kim Clijsters, she explained: "I had no experience. I was very nervous. For my second time in a final, I had the experience. I knew how to do it. And I had more self-confidence."

China's pride was obvious. "Amazing," Li said. "I got a text message from my friend. They said they were crying in China because they saw the national flag."

Tennis is considered an elite sport in China. While the numbers of players are growing quickly, it still lags far behind basketball, soccer and other sports. But the hope is that Li's victory will help change things.

"I hope that lots of kids see my performance and in their hearts feel that one day they can do even better than me," she said.

Michael Chang, Chinese-American star who won this same tournament in 1989 as a 17 year-old, said: "[T]his could be the start of something very special for tennis in China . . . Li will definitely change the sport of tennis in China and that is a great thing."

Added WTA (Women's Tennis Association) President David Shoemaker: "There's going to be a good, steady stream of talented young players coming out of this region . . . I think it's really inspiring."

China now sports its first player in the Top 5, two players in the Top 20, and four in the Top 100.

Well done Li Na! Well done China!
Gary

Video: Li Na wins!

Tennis and the Power of Rotation

2011-05-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

Why is a rotating object so pleasing for us to see?
Think of any rotating object - a ball, a sphere, or even a coin. Why do we like to watch it? Why are we sometimes even mesmerized by it? Because there appears to be a "smoothness" or "fluidity" or "flow" to such an object which the human eye is naturally attracted to. Indeed, there seems to be something strangely hypnotic and appealing about the object's rotating quality.

Think again about more rotating objects. Think of a spinning top. Think of the waves of the ocean at the beach. Think of that old toy for kids called the "Slinky". Think of a swinging pendulum. Think also of watching a video of a tennis ball rotating in slow-motion hit by your favorite pro. And on "contact" the spin of the ball changes, and it suddenly spins in a different direction.

The sight of rotation for most of us appears to be magnetic.

Why is rotational force so fundamental to our world?
The power and constancy of rotation is self-evident everywhere in our world. And it appears to be a primary force in our universe in creating energy and motion. Our Earth rotates on its axis, and also rotates around the sun. Our sun and solar system rotate within the galaxy. Our galaxy itself rotates around its core, and rotates within our observable universe.

And on the other side of the cosmic scale, at the sub-atomic level, electrons rotate around protons and neutrons. The electron itself was recently measured by scientists at the Imperial College London as the purest spherical object in nature, and itself always rotating or spinning on an axis. See: Cosmic Log, MSNBC, May 25, 2011

Thus, rotation is fundamental.

How does rotational power work in tennis?
Rotational power in tennis essentially comes from rotating your hips and shoulders into the shot. Your arm and racket head follows from behind your body and completes a full follow-through in a circular motion. Some coaches describe this as "sinking and coiling, and lifting and uncoiling". You are using your body's largest parts to power the racket head "through the line of the shot", and the shot "through the body of the court."

This is the bio-mechanical generation of power and spin through the release of the human kinetic chain:
1. From ground to foot & ankle
2. ankle to knee
3. knee to hip
4. hip to shoulder
5. shoulder to elbow
6. elbow through forearm
7. wrist & hand into ball contact point

Best,
Gary

Video: Exercises to Improve Rotational Power
By: Tennis4Everyone for Answers.com

Click Here to Watch Video

The Federer Forehand in 3D

2011-05-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

The Federer Forehand is considered by many experts to be perhaps the best single shot in tennis in recent times, and one of the best in history.

Here's a video of the Federer Forehand in 3D, courtesy of Vic Braden and Andy Fitzell.

Observe the remarkably effortless fluidity in generating power from the human kinetic chain -
1. From ground to foot & ankle
2. ankle to knee
3. knee to hip
4. hip to shoulder
5. shoulder to elbow
6. elbow through forearm
7. wrist & hand into ball contact point

Enjoy!
Gary

Video: Roger Federer Forehand on the APAS System

Mapping: Tennis' Version of the Holographic Principle

2011-05-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Holographic Principle is a scientific concept which has to do with information. It states that our entire observable universe consists essentially of information. More precisely, this concept suggests that every piece of our reality - called "spacetime" - is encoded with informational content. And understanding this content can further our knowledge of the world and how it works.

Why use the term "holographic"? Because this principle, and its view of the universe, is just like what we know as a hologram - a reflection of light, which is simply 2 dimensional information, but which appears to us in our world as a 3 dimensional image. (Footnote 1: What is a Hologram?)

The Holographic Principle goes on to make a stunning speculation. Everything we see as 3 dimensions in our world is only informational code which is actually written somewhere else - on a 2 dimensional boundary outside of our observable world. Thus, our entire universe itself, ourselves included, may actually be a "Super-Hologram " of informational code written from a place beyond our horizon. (Footnote 2: Is Our World really a "Super-Hologram"?)

Let's get back to tennis. How does all this apply?

We now know that information is the key foundation of our reality - and it is all around us on the tennis court. Thus, "mapping" this information may be greatly beneficial or even vital to our game.

What is tennis mapping, and how does it work?

Mapping is a methodology in tennis to visually record information about your tennis opponent and his side of the court. And it arguably improves our prospects for victory.

Most players are generally concerned only with their own strokes and play. And they make only the most cursory observations of their opponents and the other side of the court. They might choose to briefly take notice of whether their opponent is right or left dominant, and whether their opponent favors the forehand or backhand side.

Mapping encourages a player to quickly make much more detailed and meaningful observations. A player doing mapping must not only look at the opponent but also the physical space on the other side of the court. And he must break down the space on the other side in terms of a visual grid of red zones and green zones: red zones are place to avoid hitting to, while green zones are places to aim for.

Let's use a simple example to illustrate this "visual grid" mapping.

Let's say we are playing a relatively tall right-handed baseline player, whose speed/fitness, net game and backhand stroke are mostly suspect. And let's just consider 3 simple factors in our grid.

When looking at our hypothetical opponent's court we see:

1. RIGHT and LEFT
*(Right means a Rightie Opponent's Backhand side.)(Left means a Rightie Opponent's Forehand side.)

2. UP and BACK
*(Up means a short shot hit to opponent.)(Back means a deep shot hit to opponent.)

3. SPEED and ENDURANCE
*(If opponent has weak speed, then running opponent from side to side is one option.)(If opponent has low endurance, then hitting longer rallies vs. short points is one option.)

What does our visual grid look like for this hypothetical opponent?

As for red zones (i.e. places to avoid hitting to), we would see a large red zone to our left or his Forehand side, especially deep. We probably also see a red zone in the middle of his court where he can easily get to on most shots.

As for green zones (i.e. places to aim for), we would see green zones to his right or Backhand side. We would also see green zones up close to the net where we would try for short and low shots, and shots to test his volleys.

We would see green zones on the far sidelines on both sides of his court due to his questionable speed and fitness (i.e. places to try and run him to). We would also see a green light when it comes to long rallies of over 5 to 8 strokes to take advantage of his doubtful endurance.

This then would be a simple example of mapping - a quick visual aid to help formulate and implement a strategy to win.

Best,
Gary

Footnotes:
1. What is a Hologram? A hologram is light which appears to us as a 3 dimensional object. It is created by first enveloping the object in a laser beam. Then, a second laser beam is shined onto the reflected light of the first, and a digital video is made of the "interference pattern." A third laser beam is then projected onto the pattern, thus producing a 3 dimensional image.

2. Is Our World Really a "Super-Hologram"? This stunning speculation was first suggested back in the 1990s by quantum physicist David Bohn (University of London) studying sub-atomic particles, and neuro-psychologist Karl Pribam (Stanford University) researching the area of memory storage in the human brain, each working independently.

More recently, research done by renowned cosmologists Stephen Hawking and Leonard Susskind, and "string" theory research done by Princeton physicist Juan Maldacena, seem to lend more support for this speculation. Meanwhile, a project known as GEO600, an experimental device in Hanover, Germany built to detect gravity waves, made an unintentional find just in 2009 which New Scientist Magazine called perhaps "the most important discovery in physics in the past half century."

It inadvertently picked up a strange constant background noise, still being investigated, which could offer tantalizing proof of our possible Holographic Universe. According to astrophysicist Craig Hogan of Fermilab, the background noise may be the fundamental limit or irreducible "grain" of spacetime which leads him to conclude that "we are all living in a giant cosmic hologram."

Sources:
1. The Holographic Universe, Michael Talbot (Harper: New York, NY, 1992)
2. The Hidden Reality, Brian Greene, Ph.D. (Knopf: New York, NY, 2011)(Chapter 9, The Holographic Multiverse)
3. "Our World May Be a Giant Hologram", Marcus Chown, New Scientist Magazine (January 15, 2009)
4. TennisRX (2010)

Video: John McEnroe Hologram!

Anticipation: Tennis' Answer to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

2011-05-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976, German, Nobel Prize Physics 1932)

Werner Heisenberg is one of the 20th century's greatest physicists. He is the founder of the Uncertainty Principle in quantum mechanics.

Quantum mechanics is probably the most successful scientific theory in history. In fact, it is the basis for today's modern electronics, including smart phones, microchip processors, GPS devices and bar code scanners.

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle was developed in the area of sub-atomic particles, and essentially makes a statement of probability. It states that the more is known about the position of a sub-atomic particle, the less is known of its momentum and velocity, and vice versa.

It is often stated another way: We can only know the probable position of a moving particle such as an electron. Therefore by extension, we can only know its probable destination. Thus, we can never know with absolute certainty where it will go.

Similarly, in tennis, can we ever know with absolute certainty where the ball will go?

Probably not - at least not on real world tennis courts where extraordinary electronic measurements of the ball before every shot are not feasible.

But we can anticipate where the ball will probably go based on the human cognitive skill of anticipation: by perceiving its spin, speed, direction or height over the net.

Can anticipation be improved and developed? Most coaches say yes.

Anticipation can be developed through knowledge, experience and repetition.

It's a matter of closely watching the ball and its spin, speed, direction and height over net, over and over again. And repeatedly observing your opponent's body position and racket face and swing path.

And over time building up an innate feeling for the geometry of the court and its boundary lines. And learning where and how to move in response to all of these components.

Best,
Gary

Take this video test of your tennis anticipation skills!

Tennis Quote of the Day: Thierry Henry

2011-05-14T09:04:00.001-07:00

"What I like most about tennis is the beauty. It is the art. The way the players move their feet, the way they move around the court. I have a lot of respect for tennis players because . . . in tennis, if you have an off day, you are out. These guys have to perform every single game, every single ball. That is the standard they set."

--Thierry Henry
International soccer superstar
Tennis Magazine, June 2011, p. 56.

Womens Tennis Legends

2011-05-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a short video from Tennis Now TV, showcasing some the top tennis stars of the past on the womens' side.

Enjoy!
Gary

Courtesy: TennisNowTV
Visit: www.tennisnow.com

Mens Tennis Legends

2011-05-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a short video from Tennis Now TV, showcasing some the top tennis stars of the past on the mens' side.

Enjoy!
Gary

Courtesy: TennisNowTV
Visit: www.tennisnow.com

"Slow and steady wins the race." - Managing Unforced Errors

2011-04-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

"Slow and steady wins the race."
Aesop's Fable The Hare and the Tortoise
(Greece, Circa 620 BC - 560 BC)

Most experts say that, at nearly every level of tennis, the number of "unforced errors" will most usually decide a match.

What is an unforced error? It's simply a shot that you are expected to make and have no obvious reason to miss. Indeed, these are the types of shots that most players who are practicing, are usually practicing on.

If unforced errors usually decide a match, then who will probably win the match? The flashy and mercurial hare? Or the steady and patient tortoise?

The winner will likely be the player who carefully recognizes and methodically manages his or her unforced errors.

What are the best ways to manage unforced errors?

Here's a quick list borrowed from some top coaches and writers on this topic.

1. Watching the ball
In How to Play Better Tennis, Bill Tilden wrote: "At least 65 to 70 percent of all [unforced errors] are due to the player's not keeping his eye on the ball." When watching the ball, Tilden admonished: "I mean watch that ball from the time you first start to toss it to serve until the end of the point, and never look at anything else." (emphasis in original).

Many coaches also make this simple suggestion to help a player watch the ball: literally look at the spin on the ball. Focusing on the ball's spin forces a player to really scrutinize the ball and its trajectory.

2. World class racket preparation
There are very few things that we all can do as well as the pros. One exception might be racket preparation. It is said that we can all reach a level of world class racket preparation.

The best players turn their shoulders and take their racket back on the way to the ball. This reduces the effort of the swing, and improves the timing to ball contact. And thus it lessens the possibilities for unforced errors.

3. "It's about your feet"
At higher and higher levels, tennis is played, it is said, from the waist down - and in particular with the feet. It's all about your spacing to the ball before you swing - not too close to be jammed, and not too far to have to reach. Thus, it's about using good footwork to avoid errors.

And as good players know, good footwork means the "split-step-and-go" just before the opponent's racket strikes the ball. And then it means many "baby steps" in moving towards the ball.

4. Loose hands sink opponents
They say "loose lips sink ships." In tennis, the hands are key - and loose hands must surely sink opponents. Loose hands make for loose arms, shoulders, and torso. That in turn makes for a relaxed swing with maximum controlled racket head speed. Looseness equals relaxation, and relaxation encourages a calm focus which tends to limit errors.

5. Think "recovery"
The best pros know that completely avoiding unforced errors is impossible. We will all inevitably make errors. The challenge then is to manage the errors, not eliminate them.

Thus, coaches suggest that a player employ a particular "mind-set" to help manage errors. This is a mentality of rapid and fluid recovery from unforced errors, rather than trying to avoid unforced errors.

Recovery means "letting go of the last point" immediately, and re-focusing on the most important point in the match - the next one - and how to win it. The player who can best do this over the course of a match will likely prevail.

For a thoughtful discussion of unforced errors, please visit Ron Miller's GottaPlayTennis.net, and listen to Podcast # 67:
"Seeing the Errors of Your Ways."

Best,
Gary

Enjoy one of recent history's best error-free rallies!

Federer v. Hewitt 45-Shot Rally
(Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, March 2005)

The Rhythm of the Tennis Serve: 3 Styles

2011-04-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Photo: AP

Here's a short video reviewing the 3 styles in the rhythm of the tennis serve:
1. Classic
2. Abbreviated
3. Staggered

Into which rhythm style does your serve fall?

Most experts suggest that the rhythm of the serve, regardless of style, is the single most important component of a consistent and effective serve . . . and the basis for control and power.

Best,
Gary

Tennis Recovery

2011-04-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

A player's rest and recovery always and inescapably follows his energy and activity.

In fact, this seems true in all physical endeavors in the human and animal worlds.

Indeed, this is the life cycle which underlies all existence.

In tennis and sports, top performance and injury-free longevity will likely depend on much more than practice, training and competition.

It will depend, as the best professionals know, on intelligent and systematic recovery in body and mind after and between activity.

Here's an interesting 28 page booklet from the USTA discussing recovery in tennis.

Well worth reading!
Best,
Gary

"Recovery in Tennis" (Adobe PDF)

The Indian Express is No. 1

2011-04-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Photo: AFP

India's Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi rose to No. 1 in the ATP World Tour mens doubles team rankings this week.

Often called The Indian Express, Paes and Bhupathi won the Sony Ericsson Mens Doubles Championship in Miami-Key Biscayne, FL this weekend. In a captivating finals match, they defeated Max Mirnyi (Belarus) and Daniel Nestor (Canada): 6-7(5), 6-2, 10-5.

It was the Indian Express' second title of the year after the Chennai Open in January. And it came on the heels of India's historic cricket World Cup victory, the first in 28 years.

“The key (to us winning) was just fighting as a team. Like Leander said, we didn't play our best match of the week. All four of us were tentative in the beginning,” Bhupathi said.

Bhupathi and Paes found their rhythm in the second set and took the lead 3-1. And they pulled away after that.

“It's still early for us. The season is broken down into four segments — this is just the first of them. If we're still No. 1 after the U.S. Open, then we'll start getting excited,” said Bhupathi.

For now, well done!
Gary

2011 Sony Ericsson: The Joker Wins!

2011-04-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Miami-Key Biscane - It was one of the most thrilling championship matches in the tournament's history. It offered a sell-out crowd of 14,625 at Crandon Park a special tennis treat under a sunny 85 degree Sunday afternoon.

It was the first matchup between the No. 1 and No. 2 seeded players since 1995, when Andre Agassi defeated Pete Sampras. And it ended in a grueling third set tiebreak with both players playing at their highest level until the very last point, after almost 3 & 1/2 hours of tennis.

Novak Djokovic ("The Joker") of Serbia (No. 2) defeated Rafael Nadal of Spain (No. 1): 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

The Joker is the hottest player in tennis right now - and his game is anything but a joke. In fact, he now sports an undefeated record of 26-0 this year, the best start ever since Ivan Lendl's start of 25-0 in 1986.

And Sony Ericsson is Novak's fourth tournament championship in row this year, on the heels of his country Serbia's Davis Cup win late last year.

Indeed, The Joker's game now is about stratospheric levels of confidence.

Confidence is about that inner belief that, no matter what obstacles might be in your way, you will ultimately find a way to win. Winning matches, of course, breeds confidence - which in turn breeds more belief in winning . . .

Thus, confidence might be "The Joker" in everyone's deck of tennis cards. And as Novak has shown us, it is surely a worthy attribute to build and nurture.

Best,
Gary

A brief look at the Player Party: 2011 Sony Ericsson Open

2011-03-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Photo: AP

The 2011 Sony Ericsson Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center in Miami, FL USA is now underway. Each year, this electrifying tournament draws all the top men and women players in the world, as well as over 300,000 tennis fans and guests.

It's one of the most glamorous stops on the professional tour. And it's been known to bring out some of the top stars in music, entertainment and other sports to visit and enjoy.

Here's a short video of Slovakian star Dominika Cibulkova's fun off-court interview of some of the game's top stars at the exclusive Player Party this year.

Enjoy!
Gary

A Visit to Indian Wells - "The Fifth Grand Slam"

2011-03-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

I had the unique opportunity to visit Indian Wells, CA USA (BNP Paribas Open) for three days this past week, and see some of the game's top players first-hand. It was a fantastic and fan-friendly experience at one of the top professional tournaments - often called the "Fifth Grand Slam."

Indian Wells, and it's new owner Larry Ellison, have tried to blaze a new trail for tennis pre-eminence this year. Among other things, the tournament boasted the ground-breaking "Shot Spot" technology on all courts, not just at the stadium courts for the big matches - thus enabling player challenges at every match and on every round.

All match courts are now lit - and lighting has been improved at several courts. There are now more practice courts with more fan seating, thus allowing for even more close-ups with players. And the big stadium court holds 16,100 fans - more people than any tennis stadium in the world after the U.S. Open's Ashe Stadium.

I enjoyed Roger Federer playing USA teen star Ryan Harrison, saw Maria Sharapova practicing and even caught Rafa Nadal relaxing by playing soccer in the practice field.

There were daily player autograph sessions, countless sponsor booths and tables, and food, prizes and fun throughout the Indian Wells Tennis Garden facility. A real treat for any tennis fan and follower!

This year's BNP Paribas Open, the 36th edition, broke all attendance records, with over 350,000 fans visiting over 2 weeks.

And yes. Congratulations to the winners of the Men's and Women's Singles Championships - Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniaki.

See you next year!
Gary

A few great serves in history, starting from the Year 1919

2011-03-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a fascinating short video of a few great serves in history, starting from the Year 1919.

Gerald Patterson, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Boris Becker.

Enjoy!
Gary

The fastest serve ever. . . Dr. Ivo's blast

2011-03-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

Photo: AP

Croatia - Big-serving Ivo ("Dr. Ivo) Karlovic (Croatia) set a new world's record in the Davis Cup tie between Croatia and Germany on Saturday, March 05, 2011 for the fastest serve ever: 156 mph (251 km/h).

The previous record was 155 mph by Andy Roddick (USA) in 2004 at another Davis Cup match.

Dr. Ivo hit the serve in the fourth set of his doubles match against Germany. Unfortunately, Karlovic and his teammate Ivan Dodig (Croatia) lost the doubles match in 5 sets to Christopher Kas and Philipp Petzschner (both Germany), 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 .

Best,
Gary

Preview Video: BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, CA USA 2011

2011-03-05T17:28:00.001-08:00

Here's a short Preview Video for the upcoming BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, CA USA 2011. . .

Enjoy!
Gary

Playing tennis like the "wild thing" in D.H. Lawrence's poem

2011-03-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

An interesting thing happened recently at a practice clinic.

One of the players was definitely not playing very well. It was not her best tennis.

Her timing and rhythm were off. Her footwork and quickness were not sharp. Her mind was not focused, and her strokes were tight. She started moping, groaning and just generally feeling sorry for herself.

The teaching pro then quoted a poem by the famous British poet D.H. Lawrence.

"Self-Pity"
I never saw a wild thing
sorry for itself.
A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough
without ever having felt sorry for itself.

What did it all mean?

I think he meant to send a simple message:

Play tennis like that "wild thing" in nature.

Don't feel sorry for yourself on court. Live in the moment.
Accept whatever comes your way with grace and dignity.
Spring back from injury, hurt or temporary failure.
Exist and survive with natural strength.
Avoid self-doubt and remorse.

Best,
Gary

Is Jimmy Connors the greatest tennis player of all time?

2011-03-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

The Wall Street Journal reports that the scientific journal PLoS One published a research study ranking tennis players on a measure different than the usual "most weeks at No.1" or "most Grand Slam championships" - a measure called "prestige scoring."

By 'Prestige Score,' Connors is Tops, Wall Street Journal, February 28, 2011

Based on this study's "prestige scoring" ranking, Northwestern University statistical researcher Filippo Radicchi argued that Jimmy Connors might be considered the "greatest tennis player of all time".

What is "prestige scoring"?

It refers to victories by a player over "quality opponents", as opposed to any win against any opponent. "What's really important is not to win many matches, but to win matches against other good players," explained Radicchi.

Radicchi reviewed and evaluated all matches in the Open Era from 1968 to 2010. He developed an algorithm and applied it to his tennis database. He ranked players based on "quality wins".

And he concluded that Connors enjoyed 178 quality match victories over his career - more than anyone else, and thus achieved 95.4 on his "prestige score". Ivan Lendl came in second with 134 quality wins, and John McEnroe was third with 129 quality wins.

For more reading, see:
Who Is the Best Player Ever? A Complex Network Analysis of the History of Professional Tennis (February 09, 2011)

Best,
Gary

Peace through Tennis: The Indo-Pak Express

2011-02-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

Photo: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP

In today's political world of turmoil and trouble, Rohan Bopanna (India) and Aisam-ul-Qureshi (Pakistan) are helping to spread a message of peace through tennis.

India and Pakistan are nuclear powers in the Indian sub-continent. And they have often been bitter adversaries and foes in global geopolitics.

But that did not stop Indian Bopanna and Pakistani Qureshi, friends for 14 years, from joining forces in 2007 to play doubles.

By 2010, the rising duo sported some major credentials: the U.S. Open Final, Wimbledon Quarterfinals, 5 ATP tour finals and the Johannesburg Open Championship. They recently ranked as high as in the top 10 of doubles teams in the world.

And they have become known as the "Indo-Pak Express", offering an example of how sport and tennis can help build bridges.

On their tennis rise, Bopanna commented: "We just have to keep learning from every game going forward. That's the only thing. We just have to learn from our mistakes, keep trying and keep improving for the tournaments ahead."

Qureshi added: "It has been a good thing for the last two years. if you see our rankings, it has been improving every month, every week. So, it feels really good. Doing well with a really, really good friend on the Tour is like the icing on the cake."

As for any political message sent by the pair, Bopanna humbly insists that tennis is, of course, their main focus. He explained: "It's just two friends trying to help each other in their respective careers. He doesn't have anybody from Pakistan to play with."

Of course, most observers know that there is something special going on here also - wherever the Indo-Pak Express play tennis.

As Qureshi reflected: “It’s a message of peace to the world. We are not talking about just Indians or Pakistanis. It’s about the beauty of sports. In football, you see so many different nations, so many different cultures, so many different religions, they are all playing in the same team."

“It’s the same thing about tennis. We are trying our best to send the same message of peace through our game, whatever we can do in the best way possible. If both of us, from different nations, different cultures and religions, can get along well, others can, too."

Best,
Gary

The Indo-Pak Express

GQ Magazine's "25 Coolest Athletes of All Time"

2011-02-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

GQ Magazine's Feb. 2011 Edition is out.

And this month, they list their "25 Coolest Athletes of All Time" (in no special order).

For GQ, "cool" means "grace", "style", "swagger", "guys you know by just one name", and just plain wow.

Any tennis players on the list?

You bet.

Bjorn Borg
"Borg is beautiful." He is "seamless." Resistance is futile. He's not brash or loud like Connors or McEnroe. Nor is he boring or robotic like Lendl. He's "as inscrutable and noble as a statue." Said Arthur Ashe once, "Borg is larger than the game. . . like Elvis."

Arthur Ashe
Ashe is "graceful, refined." But on court, he had a "killer streak." Ashe is "one of many great American tennis players, but the only one to have America's greatest tennis court named after him."

Best,
Gary

"The Maple Leaf Missile" wins first ATP Title

2011-02-13T23:32:00.000-08:00

San Jose, CA USA - His serve is a nuclear bomb.

Some have thus dubbed him: "The Maple Leaf Missile".

20 year-old Canadian Milos Raonic upset top seed and World No. 9 Fernando Verdasco in straight sets at the SAP Open finals in San Jose.

The final score read 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), and match time was 1 hour & 51 minutes. Raonic is the first Canadian to win an ATP singles title since Greg Rusedski in 1995, who went on to become a British citizen.

The 6'5" Raonic sports a huge serve which can reach close to 150 MPH, together with crisp volleys and powerful groundstrokes. Many invoke the obvious comparisons to the legendary Pete Sampras. Raonic's second serve, like that of Sampras, can be equally deadly.

Veteran American James Blake, who lost to Raonic in the second round, bemoaned: “I watched Milos ace me with a second serve tonight and it was around 123. It's a big difference in how the game has changed in technology and how the game is getting bigger."

Raonic started the 2011 season ranked 156th in the world. His victory in San Jose will elevate him to No. 59, making him one of the fastest-rising young stars on the men's tennis.

"It's been amazing," Raonic said after winning his first tournament on tour. "I can't stop smiling."

Congrats, Milos.
Gary

Many thanks to: Jim's Blog

The Three Golden Rules of Tennis

2011-02-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

The Three Golden Rules of Tennis
Are there any universal rules of tennis that will help lift all players to higher levels of success and growth?

Yes.

Here are 3 interesting and pivotal concepts borrowed from some top coaches and writers.

1. Never Do Anything on Court that Does Not Help You Win
* From Allen Fox, Ph.D., former World-Class Player, Coach, Psychologist and Author.

Fox tells us that champions never lose sight of their ultimate goal - to win. Losers, meanwhile, often seem to be driven by a fear of failure. Thus, for Fox, the first (and final) "Golden Rule" is to ask yourself: "Will this help me win the match?" If not, don't do it, admonishes Fox.

Examples of things that happen on court that typically enable and encourage players to get "off-track" or not "let-go-of-a-point" are: bad line calls, faulty umpire instructions, crowd distractions, weather issues, court surface problems and many other related topics. Of course, these types of issues should not be completely ignored. Rather, they should be carefully managed to avoid losing focus on the final goal - to win.

All too often, warns Fox, lesser players feel pressured and fear failure, and quickly fall into excuse-making, defeatism or personal antagonism. Only the rare player can elevate his or her game with anger. For most of us, we draw far better dividends by staying focused and keeping "our eyes on the prize."

2. Never Do Anything on Court that Does Not Help You Become More Loose
*From Jeff Greenwald, M.A., M.F.T., former World No. 1 and USA No. 1 in Men's Singles and Doubles (35-and-Over Division), Sports Psychology Consultant and Author

Greenwald suggests that a player's best tennis happens when tension and tightness is released. But conversely a certain amount of arousal and adrenaline should be maintained. Thus, Greenwald prefers the term "loose" as opposed to "relaxed". Being "relaxed" may imply a certain lack of intensity or focus. Being "loose", on the other hand, forces the player's mind to think about his or her body. And encourages the player to make things more limber and fluid.

The goal for Greenwald then is to "drop into a looser state" so you can execute with your highest confidence. How is it done? Greenwald says that the key is to first be aware of your body's tightness and literally "call up" this looser state. Shift attention to your hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, upper and lower backs. Are they loose and limber? Are you breathing deeply?

Even simple technique reminders such as committing to a "split-step-and-go", "early racket preparation", or "full follow-through" often helps many players increase their physical looseness and shift away from tension. Simply pay attention to your body and loosen it up, counsels Greenwald, which then paradoxically allows you to forget your ego and get out of your head.

"Looseness" of hands, say most coaches, enables a player to grip the racket in the ideal manner - as if holding an raw egg or live bird. "Looseness" of body, suggest most coaches, empowers: footwork to be quick and urgent, swing technique to be smooth and fluid, and the mind to be focused and intense.

3. Never Do Anything on Court that Does Not Help You Improve Your Game in the Long Run
*From Vic Braden, Legendary Coach, Sports Psychologist and Bestselling Author

Braden reminds us that all of us are naturally focused on short-term results. What is the score? What is my rank or rating? How can I win now?

Yet, half of us will lose our matches. Indeed, every player in a tournament will eventually lose - except, of course, for the winning champion. Yet even the champion has suffered his or her share of past losses. Therefore, we will all eventually lose. Braden suggests however that while "losing" is inevitable, "defeat" is optional.

In other words, we can never be defeated if: we first play to the best of our ability on every shot and point, and then learn from our losses to improve our game for the long run. Our victorious opponent, after all, has conveniently shown us our weaknesses and our strengths. We win by building our game up with the knowledge we have gained - fortifying our strengths and addressing our weaknesses.

In this way, Braden defines for us a "new kind of winning" - one in which we can't lose. Many coaches call this the "cycle of improvement." Our final goal is to always come back and, of course, "play our game" - but this time an all-new and improved game.

Best,
Gary

Sources:
1. The Winner's Mind, Allen Fox, Ph.D. (Racquet Tech Pub.: Vista, CA, 2005) For more: Fox
2. The Best Tennis of Your Life, Jeff Greenwald, M.A., M.F.T. (Betterway Books: Cincinnati, OH 2007) For more: Greenwald
3. Mental Tennis, Vic Braden (Little, Brown: New York, NY 1993)
For more: Braden

Australian Open 2011: Novak Djokovic and the Power of Elastic

2011-01-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

Men's Singles
He stretched, he bent, he leaned. He lunged and lobbed. He flexed and flicked. He matched a scintillating defense with powerful and crisp groundstrokes. He served to his spots almost flawlessly. His timing and rhythm was as sharp as ever. He was cool and confident - and became even more so as the night wore on. Throughout the tournament, he rode the positive energy from his team Serbia's recent Davis Cup victory. Tonight was no exception.

Novak "Mr. Elastic" Djokovic (Serbia) defeated Andy Murray (Britain) in three convincing sets, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3, before a capacity crowd in the cool evening at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. It was Djokovic's 2nd Australian Open Championship title and his 2nd Grand Slam. Tonight, Serbia not only sported the Davis Cup but also showcased their top player's tennis prowess and his silver Aussie Open championship trophy.

Congrats, Novak!

Men's Doubles
Meanwhile, USA Bryan Brother Twins (Bob and Mike) had earlier successfully defended their men's doubles title. They defeated Indian stars Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, 6-3, 6-4 for their 5th Australian crown and 10th Grand Slam championship.

America's greatest doubles team triumphed again!

Well done to all the players, coaches, officials, ball-boys and ball-girls, fans and sponsors at this year's fabulous Australian Open.

See you next year!
Gary

Australian Open 2011: Women's Singles Championship Title

2011-01-29T13:04:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Kim Clijsters (Belgium) who defeated Li Na (China) in three dramatic sets to win the Women's Singles Championship Title at the 2011 Australian Open in Melbourne, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

It was Clijsters' first Australian Open women's singles championship. Meanwhile, Na was the first Chinese and Asian player to reach the women's singles final of any major Grand Slam tournament.

Well done to Kim Clijsters (Champion), Li Na (Runner-Up) and all the women players at this year's fantastic Australian Open tournament!
Gary

"The New String Generation"

2011-01-26T13:55:00.000-08:00

Magazine Article Review

The Atlantic magazine this month has a very interesting article titled: "The New Physics of Tennis: Unlocking the Mysteries of Rafael Nadal's Killer Topspin" by Joshua M. Speckman. In it, Speckman dissects one of the principal reasons why pros today generate massive amounts of topspin on many of their shots.

With the benefit of new ultra high-speed digital video shooting at 10,000 frames-per-second, Speckman shows how the new co-polyester ("co-poly") strings and lubricated strings deliver up to 20% more spin than standard nylon strings. Super slow-motion replay appears to show that these new strings add extra spin to the ball "by sideways sliding and snapback."

This helps to explain why today powerhouse players such as Nadal produce twice as much spin as tennis greats of even the recent past such as Andre Agassi. And it's probably why Roger Federer, widely regarded as perhaps the best tennis player ever, has dubbed today's players "the new string generation."

Best,
Gary

Read more:
"The New Physics of Tennis", The Atlantic, January-February 2011

Video: Joshua Speckman demonstrates new string technology

Wonder Woman Tennis: The Longest Match

2011-01-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

----------------------------------Photo: AP-----------------------------------

Melbourne - It was "Ms. Pocket Hercules" vs. "Comet Kuz". It was the irrepressible Italian force vs. the supremely dangerous Russian shotmaker. And it was the longest women's match in Grand Slam tennis history and in the 43-year Open Era. . .

In a nearly 5 hour marathon, Francesca Schiavone (Italy) defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) in three grueling sets, 6-4, 1-6, 16-14, in the Round of 16 at the Australian Open 2011.

Total match time: 4 hours and 44 minutes. Total effort expended: all there was. Match summary: An ultimate test of character. Final result: An epic match for the ages. . .

"To live the moment was the most important for me," said 30 year-old Schiavone, the 2010 Roland Garros-French Open Champion.

"We both fought so hard the whole match," said Kutznetsova, the two-time Grand Slam Champion (2004 US Open, and 2009 Roland Garros-French Open).

The third set alone lasted 30 games and 3 hours, with each player responding tirelessly and courageously to the other's relentless shot-making.

ESPN's commentator Pam Shriver remarked that the more tired both players appeared to get, the more they seemed to play at a higher level!

Carrado Barazzutti, Captain of Italy's Fed Cup team, who witnessed the entire match and saw both exhausted players hug each other afterwards, commented: "It was one of the best women's matches I've seen in term of emotions."

And it was also one for the tennis history books. . .

Well done to both players!
Gary

Who was the last Aussie and "janitor" to win the Australian Open?

2011-01-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

Photo: Central Press/Hulton Archive, via Getty Images

Mark "Superman" Edmondson
The media called him "janitor" because he had taken odd jobs cleaning windows to help pay for tennis expenses. The fans called him "Superman" for his heroics and rise from humble origins.

In 1976, Mark "Superman" Edmondson beat compatriot John Newcombe, 6–7, 6–3, 7–6, 6–1, for the Australian Open Men's Championship title. He remains even today the last Aussie man to win his native country's Grand Slam.

He was ranked No. 212 at the time. And 35 years later, he is still the lowest-ranked winner of a Grand Slam since the ATP started ranking players in 1973 - underscoring his Herculean effort against all odds.

Edmondson won 6 career singles titles and 34 doubles titles, including 5 major titles. He was inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame, and has been honored with a bust of him at Melbourne Park, current site of the Australian Open.

Many say Edmondson and his generation represented the "last gasp" of Australian tennis' golden era.

That remains to be seen as a new generation of promising Australian players continue to make their efforts to rise.

Meanwhile, for now, Edmondson's accomplishment continues to stand tall in the annals of tennis history.

Well done, Superman!
Gary

For further reading:
"Mark Edmondson Gave Golden Era of Australian Tennis Its Last Gasp", New York Times, Dave Seminara, January 13, 2011

Australian Open 2011 Preview

2011-01-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a short video preview of the Australian Open 2011 for men's singles.

Enjoy!
Gary

Video: Courtesy GRF Productions

"Talent is Overrated"

2011-01-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

"Talent is Overrated" is a best-selling book and concept from Geoff Colvin, Senior Editor of Fortune Magazine.

Colvin asks what makes world-class performers and athletes the way they are. And based on scientific research, he questions the natural assumption of many that natural-born talent and skill is the primary reason, followed by intense hard work.

Colvin argues that world-class performance is based less on natural talent or raw unfocused work, and much more on what he calls "deliberate practice" - a practice, argues Colvin, engaged in purposefully by world-class performers such as golfer Tiger Woods, comedian Chris Rock, football player Jerry Rice and many others.

In "deliberate practice", the performer focuses on his weaknesses specifically. And he repeatedly and deliberately practices overcoming them, especially under pressure situations. Thus, the limits of one's ability are pushed back -until they begin to master that which limited them from greatness.

And Colvin argues that we can all learn from these principles, and apply them to our lives to reach higher performance levels.

An intriguing concept worth considering.

Needless to say, the book is not suggesting that talent is irrelevant or unimportant, or that we can all achieve world-class performance levels, or that other factors such as "desire", "competitiveness", "inspiration", "passion" or "coaching" do not play a role.

Rather, "Talent is Overrated" is suggesting (based on some scientific research), I think, that a particular kind of rigorous, systematic, focused and purposeful practice is greatly underrated or not well-understood in the process of building performance - "deliberate practice" targeting and overcoming weaknesses to push through one's limits.

Best,
Gary

Book: Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, Geoff Colvin, Portfolio Hardcover (2008), 224 Pages, reprinted in Paperback by Portfolio Trade (2010).

Video: Talent is Overrated

Tennis and the Power of Gravity

2011-01-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

How can the power of Earth's gravity be used to help your tennis strokes?

Here is an interesting video taken from the sister game of golf discussing how the power of gravity can be harnessed to achieve rhythm and fluidity in a golf club swing.

Think about how this same principle applies to a tennis racket swing on your ground strokes and serves.

Best,
Gary

Video: Courtesy Shawn Clement Golf

The Parallel Universes of Tennis

2011-01-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

Our best theoretical physicists and mathematicians today have deduced with their experiments and equations that our Universe is far richer and more complex than ever imagined.

For example, physics pioneers such as Michio Kaku of City University of New York and Brian Greene of Columbia University, argue that our physical reality may actually consist of much more than our 3 simple dimensions of space, and time - but rather up to 11 dimensions of space and time.

Meanwhile, leading research physicists such as Max Tegmark of MIT and top astronomers such as Alex Filippenko of University of California at Berkley (and an avid tennis player), propose yet another mind-bending possibility.

They say that 21st century physics, together with massive data from space-based satellites such WMAP (Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe), now suggest that our vast universe is actually but one of many --- a Multiverse of many different parallel universes in different dimensions, spaces and times.

Back to Earth.

In the world of tennis, consider how many levels or "worlds" are at play in a match. Beyond strokes, footwork, technique, mental nerves, match conditions and the score, what other "universes" might there exist to affect the ultimate outcome?

1. The Universe of Managing Unforced Errors
Most coaches agree that tennis at all levels, especially recreational tennis, is a battle of unforced errors. Whoever makes more unforced errors usually loses. Bill Tilden wrote: "Remember that in first-class tournament tennis, 70% of all points end in error, a net or out . . ." And of course, he warns that it's even higher at lower tennis levels. Vic Braden adds his observation: Most rallies at all levels on average last no more than 2 to 3 strokes before someone makes an error. Thus, controlling errors is beyond critical.

Managing unforced errors first requires attention to what is happening and why. Most unforced errors happen because a player is simply not watching the ball intently and exclusively. Another reason for many unforced errors is, of course, poor stroke technique (hitting long or into the net) or bad footwork (swinging too close to or too far from the ball).

To manage unforced errors (which are simply unavoidable for everyone), coaches suggest that a player employ the mind set which the pros reportedly use: A mentality of rapid and fluid recovery from unforced errors, rather than trying to avoid unforced errors which is of course plainly impossible.

Go back to some basics to recover from an unforced error. Watch the ball, watch your spacing to the ball, watch your form. Return to hitting "the directionals" (meaning hitting the ball back in the direction from which it came to you.) Hit the ball cross-court more often, where there is "more" court and a "lower" net. Hit with more safety, meaning hit higher over the net, thus hitting the ball deeper. And above all, as Vic Braden implores all players, hit with topspin and less flat --- with your racket head starting below the level of the ball, and moving low to high.

2. The Universe of "Getting on a Roll"
Tennis is a sport about rhythm and timing in swinging the racket at the ball. How many times have we seen a player "catch fire" in their stroke production or service motion and get into an almost unbreakable "groove" at a tournament? "Tennis is a psychological game", wrote Vic Braden. And it is probably about which player can "get into a roll" faster and better than the other. Which player on this day can more quickly and consistently play his or her best tennis game?

Tennis players, more than nearly all athletes, it is said, are creatures of habit and routine --- before, after and between points. Ever notice how meticulously Rafael Nadal always places his water bottles at chair side in the same exact way and engages in the very same routines on court? Getting into a "groove" mentally and physically probably helps enormously in re-creating a top player's proven court domination in a new match. It is remarkable to see how any player's confidence is suddenly boosted when he or she manages to hit a few winners in sequence. More often than not, many more winners will flow from that player in the course of that match.

3. The Universe of Imposing Your Will on Your Opponent
Tennis is very close to a boxing match. Each player's shot to the opponent is like a boxer's punch. Each exchange is really about who is pushing around whom. Each player is matching his strengths and weaknesses against the opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Each player is looking to be continuously on-balance, hitting his best shots, and taking charge --- and making his opponent look off-balance and be reaching and lunging for the ball.

Of course, each of us has a limited reserve of will-power, and a limited ability to withstand stress and pressure. No one can stay concentrated and focused indefinitely. Thus, each player is striving to outlast the opponent. And a tennis match's outcome is about who outlasts the other in this way.

Bill Tilden put it this way: "When two players start a match, it is always a battle to see who will dominate the match, and who will be pushed around. One player or the other will ultimately impress his tennis personality on the other. The one who does will win, because by doing so he forces the recognition of impending defeat upon his opponent. [Set] your tempo and hold it. An attitude of calm confidence goes a long way toward maintaining a mental edge. The more you can make your opponent feel that you expect to win, intend to win, and there's nothing he can do to shake your confidence and determination, the harder it is for him to hold his own concentration. [The old saying is]: A man who won't be beaten, can't be beaten."

Best,
Gary

Sources:
1. Parallel Worlds, Michio Kaku, Ph.D., (Anchor Books: New York, 2005)
2. The Elegant Universe, Brian Greene, Ph.D., (Norton: New York, 1999)
3. How to Play Better Tennis, Bill Tilden (Cornerstone Library Publications Reprint of 1950 Edition: New York, 1973)
4. Mental Tennis, Vic Braden, (Little, Brown: New York, 1993)

Geometry and the Art of Tennis

2010-12-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

The great Greek mathematician Euclid (circa 300BC in Alexandria) is considered the "Father of Geometry". He may have found it interesting that the modern game of tennis is, arguably, mostly a problem of geometry.

The art of tennis is essentially the problem of hitting a tennis ball with as much spin and power necessary to carry it over the net and within the lines of the court to a place where your opponent cannot return the ball.

Thus, geometry is involved with the path of the ball, the configuration of the court, and the positioning of the player.

Most coaches will agree that winning tennis is about moving forward, controlling the middle of the court, cutting off angles and defending as much of the court as possible.

So what do the laws of geometry then instruct us to do on a tennis court?

(Of course, let's not get too technical with concepts like a triangle's hypotenuse or angle of reflection or angle of incidence.)

Here's a simple and short list compiled from writers and coaches who have studied this topic:

1. Creating more angles with your positioning
Move closer into the court. Take the ball on the rise, when possible.
The closer any player moves in, the greater number of angles that they create, not to mention the steeper the angles that they create. The view of the court looks different and more favorable to the incoming player - more court to hit to and easier to see. And the earlier the player hits the ball, the less time for the opponent to react to more angles and to more difficult angles.

2. Hitting cross-court on rallies
When you hit cross court to your opponent in a rally, you gain safety and probability to your game. The tennis net is about 15% lower at the center strap than at the ends (3 feet vs. 3 feet 6 inches). The tennis court (which is 78 feet in length) is also about 10% "longer" if you hit cross court than down-the-line (about 4 feet for singles, 8 feet for doubles), since you "gain" space in hitting diagonally.

That's a 10% to 15% return on your investment, if you hit cross-court.

3. Hitting down-the-line on volleys
The reverse is true for volleys. Hit down-the-line. Why? The key is how much space you have to cover when and if the opponent returns your volley. Geometrically, volleying down-the-line forces your opponent into fewer "angled" options on his return. It's more difficult for him to hit the ball back at steep angles. Meaning, you will have to cover less territory on his return.

4. Recovering back to the middle on defense
In playing defense in tennis, the challenge is to get back quickly to the position where you can safely cover as much of the court as possible against your opponent's potential shots. That position, geometry tells us, is the point at the middle of where you opponent could return the ball.

In other words, to maximize court coverage, a player quickly moves to that area which is the "mid-point" of the opponent's range of return. Notice that top players use this quick recovery to "mid-point" as more than just defense. They use it to actually gain "space" and "time" over their opponent, enabling them to go on offense on their next shot, if at all possible.

Tennis then is a game of gaining the advantage of "space" and "time" over your opponent. And geometry helps us to see how.

It is said that "strategic" tennis players incorporate geometric concepts into their game. Meanwhile, "practice" tennis players incorporate the same geometric ideas into their play, but by "learned repetition" in their practice.

Either way, effective use of the rules of geometry intelligently elevates the level of your game. And it will probably help generate more winners and reduce unforced errors.

Best,
Gary