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Steven Kaplan's picture
May 21, 2012
Get Out and Play
Rafael Nadal won his sixth Rome Masters title against Novak Djokovic on Monday and reminded the tennis world that he is the best clay court tennis player to ever pick up a racket. SportsCenter devoted a full 30 seconds to this match ...
Steven Kaplan
Steven Kaplan's picture
May 9, 2012
Fear of Losing is Almost Always a Bad Thing
The fear of losing while playing can motivate greatly, but most often negatively because it distracts and impedes optimal performance. Fear is a terrible focal point.
Steven Kaplan
Steven Kaplan's picture
May 8, 2012
In All Fairness
I often hear players talk about favoritism by coaches. The frequent complaint is that "favoritism is unfair treatment," and while there may be a small absolute truth here, the larger truth is that "sameness" is not "fairness."
Steven Kaplan
Steven Kaplan's picture
April 30, 2012
Magical Thinking
If you are the parent of an aspiring young player on Long Island, there is a very good chance that "prominent" coaches have told you that "your child has the talent to be a pro." Most of you will be skeptical, especially when they add, "we are the only place with the ability to take them to the top."
Steven Kaplan
Steven Kaplan's picture
April 16, 2012
True Life
One of my favorite drill games is called "True Life," and the explanation of this game is way more complex than its execution.
Steven Kaplan
Steven Kaplan's picture
April 4, 2012
Burn and Churn?
The USTA announced changes to the National Junior Tennis Tournament structure last week. It seems like changes to the national format are as inevitable as death and taxes and after speaking with many people, only slightly less welcomed.
Steven Kaplan
Steven Kaplan's picture
March 16, 2012
What Do College Coaches Want From Incoming Freshman?
If you are a high school senior who plans on playing college tennis, get ready for the most rewarding experience of your career.
Steven Kaplan
Steven Kaplan's picture
March 9, 2012
Listen Up
Boys High School Tennis is starting, and hundreds of Long Island players are transitioning from placid indoor conditions to the variable and harsh early season outdoor tennis environment.
Steven Kaplan
Steven Kaplan's picture
March 1, 2012
USTA Eastern Has Class
At the recent 2012 Annual Meeting of USTA Eastern, Section President Jeff Williams addressed junior award winners with these words of wisdom ...
Steven Kaplan
Steven Kaplan's picture
February 20, 2012
The Plays The Thing
If I were a college coach, I would look very closely at a potential recruit's tournament back draw record. Specifically, I would look for a persistent pattern of back draw defaults, and if I identified it, I would have concerns.
Steven Kaplan