Setting a Record

By Steven Kaplan
The U.S. Open is increasing its prize money by a "record" $4 million in 2013. The Open will also add an extra day with the Men's Finals to be played on Monday. According to Jon Vegosen USTA Chairman of the board and president, "The record increase in U.S. Open prize money and the changes in next...Read more

Taylor Townsend is Number One

By Steven Kaplan
Taylor Townsend, the 16-year-old from Stockbridge Ga., became the first American female in 30 years to be ranked number one for the year by the ITA. USTA.com reports: "The effervescent Townsend trains at the USTA Training Center Headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla. with national coach Kathy Rinaldi and...Read more

How to Avoid Choking? Write a Journal

By Joel Ross
I was watching NOVA on Channel 13 last night. It was about the brain. The speaker was describing how when she was young, she had a chance to make the U.S. Olympic soccer team as a goalie. On the day she was being scouted, she said that she "choked" and let an easy shot pass under her arm for a goal...Read more

Listening Sessions

By Steven Kaplan
According to USTA.com, the USTA hosted a "listening session" on Saturday, Nov. 24 at The 14s National Open in Connecticut with regard to the proposed changes in the 2014 junior competition structure. "We are here for one reason," said incoming president Dave Haggerty, "and that is to listen and...Read more

Sandy

By Steven Kaplan
So many of us on Long Island, in New York City and the entire Tri-State area have been deeply impacted by the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, it's overwhelming. Things are far from normal for many people and will not be for a long time. I was relatively lucky, a few trees on my home and...Read more

Liestrong

By Steven Kaplan
"Believe nothing. No matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense."—Buddha. Lance Armstrong, the most tested athlete in the history of sports, has been caught by USADA and turned in by his teammates, and the...Read more

Getting Over the 'Hump' Between Winning and Losing

By Joel Ross
For someone who is consistently losing, the "fine line" between winning and losing can feel like a "hump" instead. Keep your feet moving ... during, after and before each ball. Block everything else out. As long as the feet are moving, everything else will usually fall into place. Be prepared and...Read more

The Harder They Come, the Harder They Fall ...

By Steven Kaplan
When I hear players advised to "try your hardest," I cringe because the idea of big effort is often a trigger for strength and force, and not relaxed efficiency. Great tennis mechanics are the result of timing, postural control and the sequencing of movements. "Your hardest" effort is not your best...Read more

Go Back to What You Do Best in Matches

By Joel Ross
Matches are not the time to practice what you have learned or what you are working on. Eventually some new things that you are working on will naturally incorporate into your game as they become automatic. It's important to get your best results in matches ... stick with what you know and do best.Read more

Let It Go

By Daniel Kresh
In the first three months of 2013 the ATP challenger tour will be testing out a new rule, the elimination of the service let. Though there are no immediate plans to implement this rule in a broader scope there is no question that this is the first attempt at doing just that. Would this potential...Read more

Income Inequities

By Steven Kaplan
This is the calm before the storm, as rumors have circulated for months that the ATP Player Council, led by Roger Federer, is going to strike at this year's Australian Open over prize money inequities. The players are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore and now unlike the past efforts at...Read more

End the Point

By Bill Longua
In doubles, points end fairly quickly due to the fast nature of the game itself-singles can be a very different story. Let’s go over a few ways to end some points more quickly and get you off the court sooner. If you have a weapon in either the forehand or backhand work the point to take advantage...Read more
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