Visualization is arguably the most important factor in the mental approach to tennis. The current situation we are facing with the COVID-19 pandemic gives us an opportunity to turn within and hone our craft through improving mental acuity with certain visualization techniques. Strong visualization skills allow players to run scenarios in their heads, getting…
USTA Eastern announced this week the unveiling of the USTA Eastern Collegiate Series featuring four weekends of tournaments open to current and incoming college players and juniors. The entry fee for each tournament is $85 and will feature a $250 prize for the winners. See below for more information on each event: August 14-16…
I have been working with students and interacting with parents at many different levels in tennis for more than 20 years. I currently teach group and private lessons, run a program for 25 autistic students and run USTA tournaments. My experience has been with students ranging from the beginner through the advanced levels. The…
Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) announced the new UTR National Championship Series on Monday, revealing more than 70 events throughout the United States for junior, high school and college tennis players. “The UTR National Championship Series gives players the opportunity to compete in safe, high level local tennis events, continue to develop their game, and…
In encouraging news for junior tennis in the United States, the USTA announced on Monday that the 2020 USTA 18s and 16s National Championships will be held as scheduled, from August 7-16. The 18s National Championships will be held at their normal locations, with the boys being played in Kalamazoo, Mich., while the girls…
Parents often ask me, “What makes Spanish tennis so great?”, or, “What do they do differently in Spain?” Many folks have never been there and are curious how such a small country became a world superpower in tennis. They also want to know how my academy and summer camp are influenced by the Spanish…
On Wednesday, the USTA compiled tips and guidelines, botrh for players and facilities, on what to do when returning to the courts. The USTA said: “The USTA recognizes that the coronavirus has been affecting different parts of the country in different ways and with different timing. We therefore believe it will be possible for people…
While all students are different, and that is one of the things that makes coaching so fun and fresh, there are some universal truths that I find myself saying repeatedly to my students. Some things I’ll rattle off more to high-performance juniors, and some of the other things to serious but recreational adults. Off…
I have several emotional scars from being cheated during my junior tennis days. Even though I recently turned 50 (what?!), I can remember two situations like it was yesterday. On both occasions my opponent blatantly cheated me, and both times I did not handle it well. I turned into a hopeless mess and suffered…
“I made it to the final of my tournament last week!” “I got a baby puppy this week!” “My AP History class is killing me!” These are just a few of the phrases I hear on a weekly basis from students during lessons/programs, and it’s easy to assume they are being talkative or only…