Some of My Favorite On-Court Expressions

By Ricky Becker
Most coaches have expressions, sayings or opinions. Some are unique, some are taken from other coaches and some are read. Here are some of my more common refrains. 1. "Tennis is a movement game" - I guess it's also a mental game too...but everyone knows that. So many under-the-radar things that...Read more

CELL-ibacy

By Steven Kaplan
"Cellibacy" - the act of refraining from looking at your cell phone at inappropriate times. While it's not a real word, it should become part of the lexicon of tennis players. Cell phone compulsion on the tennis court is widespread and not a healthy trend. This practice is disruptive, distracting...Read more

The Seven Dirty Words

By Steven Kaplan
One of the most pervasive myths in junior tennis is that the USTA conducts most tournaments when in fact they function mainly as the sanctioning body. The tournaments themselves are conducted by the individual clubs. These clubs can impose rules which go beyond the USTA Code, yet are enforceable as...Read more

Some College Questions at Long Island Tennis Expo Answered

By Ricky Becker
Batting lead-off and speaking first about the path to college tennis at the Long Island Tennis Expo had its advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, nobody could steal my material!!! Also, I didn't have time to sit around and question what I should talk about. Unfortunately, the audience got more...Read more

Embarking on the Road to College Tennis

By Steven Kaplan
On March 6, 2011, I spoke at the Long Island Tennis Magazine Expo covering the subject, "The Road to College Tennis" from a coaches' perspective. Here is an outline of that talk. The Road to College Tennis: Developing a long-term plan for competitive players. I. Consider your tennis plan. ►...Read more

False Start

By Steven Kaplan
Usta.com reports that "six of the brightest products of the QuickStart play format shined on center court inside Madison Square Garden" on Monday, February 28. I agree that these kids are absolutely great. The level of younger players is astounding; age 8 is the new age 10 in playing level. They...Read more

Early 2011 Opinions

By Ricky Becker
Maybe it's because I'm not a parent of a tournament age player, but I love this new tournament format. Lew Brewer of the USTA was interviewed on tennisrecruiting.net and said it perfectly. This news system makes a child earn his/her way to the next level. No more, "my child can't qualify for...Read more

Old Timer's Day

By Steven Kaplan
Each year, Yankee Stadium hosts an Old Timer's exhibition before the real game and it's a lot of fun to watch the stars of yesterday for a few innings. On Feb. 28, Madison Square Garden is hosting an Old Timer's tennis exhibition and it's the main event. John McEnroe (52) will play Ivan Lendl (50)...Read more

QuickStart Update

By Steven Kaplan
A brief check of USTA.com reveals that 20 tournaments have been held in the boy's and girl's 10-and-Under, and 8-and-Under in the East, using the QuickStart format thus far this year. Sixty-six entries were tallied in total for all 20 tournaments! That doesn't sound like a very quick start to me.Read more

My Opinion: What’s the Story With Wearing All White?

By Eric Meditz
Growing up on Long Island, I had a reputation that I was a good tennis player. Much like many people with similar reputations, I was asked constantly throughout the summers of my youth if I could participate in Member/Guest Country Club Tournaments all throughout the area. For those of you who don’...Read more

Down Under?

By Steven Kaplan
The new crop of young American players has not been looking too impressive at the 2011 Australian Open, in fact, they look as weak as any upcoming group of rising Americans I have seen. Charles Bricker of World Tennis Magazine said several days ago that, "The American women's game is in shambles."...Read more

And Some Eastern Rule Changes for 2011..

By Ricky Becker
Some USTA/Eastern Changes 1) Rest Periods: BG12-18 – after 2nd set, in the best of three-set match: “mandatory 10-minute rest period during which no player shall practice.” Coaching will be allowed. In Layman's Terms: The 18's now has a 10-minute break in between a 2nd and 3rd set. My Opinion: No...Read more
more articles