Recently, I’ve been watching many local webinars about the state of the industry, and I was reminded about my days back in elementary and junior high school about what makes a good group project presentation: It should have a coherent central theme. The theme should be introduced. It should be presented in a logical…
In evolving announcements that would put a Rube Goldberg machine to shame, the USTA has announced that “our plans to stage the US Open on our scheduled dates at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York with fans remains on-going.” Except, we “have been aggressively modeling many other contingencies, including…
When watching the best tennis players in the world hitting the ball, we see that they do it in so many different styles, yet the ball still travels very fast and with a high level of precision. All these movements have something in common and it is superb biomechanics.In sports, biomechanics refers to the study…
This week I want to focus on the serve toss, which I think is essential for a solid and consistent serve. Let’s start by asking what’s the difference between throwing and tossing a ball? They are both often used interchangeably, but a “toss” is more of a light, careless throw. What we are trying…
To be able to hit an efficient tennis shot, we should have a continuous and relaxed motion. The tennis serve is not an exception, but it’s a little different than the others, because the serve is the only one we have total control over it. On one side it can be an advantage, but…
The USTA has stepped up with $50 million to support the tennis industry and it could not have come at a better time as most in the industry are feeling the strain. This is both an act of generosity and a wise investment because it will help the industry thrive once more. A good portion of…
“In an alliance called “Tennis Industry United”, the entire tennis industry has come together to analyze the most pressing needs and the top concerns of all who are involved in our sport, and then collaborate on programs that can provide the immediate and longer term support that is needed. In this collaboration of the largest tennis…
Without fear on the tennis court, we would aim for a line and try to hit a winner on just about every shot. With too much fear, we would fail to strike firmly when we have an open court to hit to. So how much fear is the right amount? Just enough to get us to…
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in one of his daily addresses earlier this week, talked about the importance of separating FACTS from OPINION. Facts are “calming and empowering”, he stressed. As a coach, my opinion on technique, mechanics, tactics, strategies and training for each student matters. However, I also believe that my opinion, while valuable, is not as important…
Parts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park are now a hospital to help ease the healthcare burden in New York City. While I have not always been a fan of USTA policy and protocol, as a tennis fan and as a New Yorker, this unprecedented action makes me proud….