WOW ! What a game.

I really don't know what to say as I think I'm going through a writing slump, or have some sort of a block. Well whatever the case may be, my words won't do that game justice. To see us get down early and continue to fight back was awesome. You gotta love sports when you see a game like that one, to sit and watch both teams fight and play at such a high level. It was pure artistry that wasn't compromised by many penalties or mistakes. We were grinding from the beginning. Did you see Bobby Ryan, a Cherry Hill boy, introduce a few Canadians to the boards.

I was on the edge of my seat as we pulled the goalie and got all those shots at the end of the game. Then I jumped up and yelled when we scored the goal with 24 seconds left to send the game into OT. I didn't know that in international competition they go to 4 on 4 during the OT. The Canadians skill and speed seemed a little more at that point, with less men and more room on the ice. The game still could have gone either way. I really hope you all got to see and enjoy the game. I will soon not forget it, it was inspiring. Our team should be proud of themselves. They gave us quite a show.

We'll get together on Thursday and follow the the exact same schedule as last Thursday, which was snowed out. We'll start off in the same classroom at 245. Please remember to bring your sneaks and sweats, put them on before the meeting. Newbies need to stay and i'll set up the Tree and start some teaching after we all do the workout with Mr White.

Modern Tennis Was First Played On Fresh Cut Grass

In 1874 Major Walter Clopton Wingfield introduced his fellow Brits to the game that was to become lawn tennis. What Bud Collins describes in the video clip as "modern tennis." Notice how Collins describes the first court in the the clip. Think of the shape of an old coke bottle. I've always thought this was funny, as Coke was surely invented and branded around the same time period in Atlanta, Georgia. Your parents will know that the shape of a Coke bottle is iconic, and as famous as its lettering that your familiar with. Maybe its a 'Victorian' time period thing, it seems like it.

He had the court layout & its necessities patented and called the game, "Sphairistike," a Greek word referring to an ancient ball game. He believed such "Greek" branding was going to appeal to educated friends like himself, as they would have the leisure time to play the game. The necessities came in a box containing a net and posts, four bats (latter called racquets), balls, a mallet and a line brush. Enjoy the video clip, and remember the French origins of tennis described in a previous post.

Two of the recommended tennis racquets available on ebay now

Remember both racquets can be built up 2 grip sizes. Know thy grip size.

Head liquidmetal 4 racquet racket 4 3/8 NEW! Current price: $29.99 End time: Feb-27-10 21:31:37 PST Prince O3 Hornet Hybrid 4 1/8 Midplus Tennis Racquet Current price: $9.99 Buy It Now price: $39.95 End time: Mar-05-10 11:01:34 PST

Rocky Is In All Of US

This was the clip I spoke of earlier, Rocky training in the Russian wilderness for his Christmas Day fight with the mighty Soviet champ Ivan Drago. The men you see chasing him are the KGB, who have to watch the American to make sure no spying is going on. This was the world I grew up in the 1980's. Russia and America in a fierce 'Cold War.' Watch the other clip too.

In it Sylvester Stallone describes two themes that are easy to see in all the Rocky movies. The character of an underdog and the heart of a competitor. Rocky clearly showed both to us, and that's why it is a great movie. We've all been underdogs at one time, be it sport or life.

How we react to such situations and deal with obstacles is a true measure of who we are. Its where the learning, thus the learning about ourselves really happens. Remember Coach Wooden's quote from the 'Pyramid of Success.' "Success is the peace of mind which is the direct result of self satisfaction in knowing that you made the effort in becoming the best of which YOU are capable."

Underdogs and heart, always make for a good story/movie. I love being the underdog, as we may be such in a few of our matches this year. There is more satisfaction, win or lose, that is possible as an underdog. Don't forget Rocky lost to Apollo Creed in the first movie, but we know that didn't matter.

Its how Rocky fought knowing that it was nearly impossible for him to win the fight. He had to re-prove something to himself. Which each one of us is always doing at many moments in our life. The final scene, and the end of the the fight, it was obvious to the viewer, even in defeat that Rocky had really won something more.

He had re-affirmed his heart and pride to himself and the viewer. His spirit and soul shown so bright at that moment. It could make you cry if you see it at the right time. I may have. "Where's Adrian," with the fight over and the ring flooding with people, is usually that moment.

I've seen the first Rocky to many times, and if you haven't then you should. Its quite inspirational. Stallone wrote this movie himself after watching Chuck Wepner go 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali, a true feat. The movie studios weren't going to let him, a no-name actor at the time, play Rocky in the movie. He fought like heck to force them to, doing it at essentially minimum wage for a lead actor.

In the second clip you'll see Rocky running in Independence Mall and South Philly with crowds of people following him. These are both classic scenes from the first Rocky. Many a coach has had their teams, professional and amateur, get together to watch Rocky for inspiration before a big contest. This type of story is ever-present in our sports landscape, and this movie is the all time best representation of it ... i.e. Hoosiers, Miracle and The Natural.

We'll all be witness to another chapter of that same story on Sunday late afternoon(3pm), as we watch the underdog Americans take on the Canadians in ice hockey for the Gold Medal. It should be great live theater, as all competitors involved sense and react to the pressures of the moment. Who steps up and what will we see happen over 60 minutes of hockey at the highest level. So enjoy this game and get your homework done before it so you can really enjoy it.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills On The Tennis Court

This is a great clip defining two distinct motor skills and how they relate to tennis. He explains how you would switch back and forth between each skill during any given point on the tennis court. A terrific concept to get a feel for.

Enjoy your day off, a three day weekend, man you guys lucked out. Help mom and dad and shovel some snow, and feel those shoulder, arm, back and core muscles burn. Maybe do your neighbor's sidewalk too, cause such is a nice thing to do. AND its a good workout. Like Rocky 4, when Rock trains in Russia for the Ivan Drago fight, working out in the snow. Hey ! I just got an idea for a future blog entry. I'll find one of Rocky training in that harsh Russian winter, very appropriate for this winter.

FYI - History - The Origins of Tennis

The attached video is a 1 minute piece on the "Origins of Tennis." Its one part of many i'll show here on the blog this season. Tennis is a game that its historians believe was started as something like hand ball with a make shift net. It was a competition to a set number of points between two people.

Its believed that a tennis like game can be much documented and traced to France in the 13th century. Tennis had a sort of explosion of popularity within all walks of French life at the beginning of the 13th century. Tennis much like our baseball, wherein its exact time and place origins are still disputed. Germany, Spain and Italy have similar stories of tennis during the same time period, but their documentation only refers to nobility, religious types and the rich playing something like it. It lacks the other documented descriptions of the game that French historians have, which I'll note below.

French tennis participants would hit a make shift ball with their hands. The commoners played it on the streets in the same way. The monks played it in their monasteries. The monks latter got in much trouble because some played it too much. Which is where some of the documentation of its existence comes from, notes of the monks being scolded by there higher ups, for playing tennis and placing bets on their competition. The wealthy and titled played it in their complexes and castles.

The origins of the racquet are actually believed to be from this same time in France, as the well to do began to experiment with unique homemade gloves to hit the ball with instead of solely using their bare hands. This is an important point. The beginnings of glove usage, as an implement used by the player to help hit the ball better. With this fact, tennis historians agree that said place and time in France is where they have the most proof for the genesis of tennis. Remember this is not "Modern Tennis," but its roots which actually are what is referred to as "Real Tennis," and "Court Tennis."

I wish we had out workout and meeting today but the darn snow rears it ugly face again. So we'll try again next week. I'll tell you the exact day and time over the weekend. If you have any questions or issues, you all have my email. Please feel free to write and i'll be glad to help. Enjoy the video clip, as you'll also get a lesson on scoring. But remember newbies when you get to "40 - All," in a particular game, you then have to win two points in a row to win the game.

FYI - History - The Clown Prince Of Tennis

Mansour Bahrami, is seen here performing his hilarious tennis tricks/act for the crowd. His showmanship which he brings to the Senior Tennis Tour now, is much like what the Harlem Globetrotters bring to the basketball court. They both constantly travel around the world to promote their sport, and use tricks and humor to entertain. Mansour, a native of Iran, is one of the most unique professional tennis players of all time. He has carved out a much needed niche in tennis that is invaluable to promoting the sport and the Champions/Senior Tour.

The story of his journey to professional tennis is even more amazing. Mansour grew up dirt poor and was unable to afford a racket of his own. He had to fabricated tennis racquets with frying pans, dust pans and broom handles and played on make shift courts in the streets.

With these crazy racquets he invented, he discovered many tricks, that he'd then practice and perfected, along with his tennis game. He also noticed his fellow tennis playing friends would be highly entertained by his tennis tricks. Mastering these tricks certainly improved his hand-eye coordination. You'll see one where he serves with 6 balls in his hand.
Mansour wanted to play tennis, with real racquets on real court, but there were few tennis courts in Iran. It seemed a helpless battle, moreover young Mansour didn't give up and kept his dream alive by any means possible. The truth was he wasn't rich enough to play the sport at the tennis country clubs, inhabited by French expats and rich Iranians. After years hanging around a local tennis club, the members relented and allowed him to play. It was there, with a real tennis racquet, that he showed his high level of skill. His tennis career took off.

For a short time Mansour became a solid player on the men's tour and represented Iran in the Davis Cup (an all nations team tennis competition) Sadly this was the early 1980's in Iran, so after overcoming all those obstacles his progress was brought to an abrupt halt when the Islamic Revolution led to the banning of professional sport in Iran by their backwards thinking religious and political leaders. His dream of a professional tennis career seemed all but over. He still kept his dream alive, even being trapped with his family in Iran.

In 1988, things had settled down in Iran and many were seeking to leave, if they hadn't already. Mansour took his family and left for France. Working first as a tennis instructor in Paris. He tried to return to professional tennis, but it was at the ripe age of 33, a time when many pro tennis players are retiring. It didn't quite work out, he did play some doubles. But the direction of his life was about to change. At age 35 he was eligible for the Senior Tour/Outback Champions Tour. A new venue to play and promote the sport he loves, to a new audience.
Now in his 50's, still active on the Senior Tour, he battles against McEnroe, Sampras and Agassi. At each tour spot he performs his tricks and showmanship in separate exhibitions which pack the house. Usually with a top junior from the surrounding area, with the help of one of his fellow Senior Tour pros. What a story arc Mansour's life has. His story is proof that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. If your willing to give something up of yourself in the process. He gave an insane amount up.

I'll see all of you tomorrow for our meeting and our workout session. Those who are staying after wards for some teaching and introduction learning on the Tree, we'll be done by 4:45.
A couple of hilarious points against hall of famer Boris Becker, and an interview in German if anyone can translate. Watch how they slide on the clay.

FYI - A Place to Get Quick Physicals & A Local Tennis Store

Gentlemen,
A friendly reminder about your physicals and there need to be done before the first official day of practice. Up the Street from Paul VI is a Walgreen's Drug Store with a doctor's office. They can give you a physical without an appointment. Walk In. Its at Cuthbert and Haddon Ave, 856 869 7504 , and their Doc's hours are 8-730pm mon-fri. They take most major health insurers. Im sure its no more than $40.00. Call them, there may be one closer to your home.

There is one full sized/full service tennis racquet store in South Jersey, its called Everyone's Racquet in Mt Laurel, NJ. If you so desire and may need a racquet and or shoes. Its another option to get good buying information, and from a highly informed salesperson. Their prices are reasonable. Steve is the owner, but Abe and JR are always there and much more in the know about tennis racquets than anyone you'll find at Dick's or Sports Authority. Their address is 127 Ark Rd. Mt Laurel NJ 08054 phone - 856 778 7223 - www.everyonesracquetnj.com

I know I recommend two racquets, and the reasons are price, quality and the below characteristics. I did my searching for these recommendations with those traits in mind. But both recommended models are a few years old, and Steve may not have either. With that said these are the characteristics that I want you to look for when buying a tennis racquet. You want a racquet that balances control with power. Often described as 'Tweener' tennis racquets, because they fall between power and control racquets.

1/ racquet weight : under 11 oz but over 10 oz - and that's with stringing

2/ 27 inches in length, 27.25 is alright ... not 27.5 ... no longbody racquets

3/ Head Size between 97 square inches and 102

4/ You want an even balanced racquet, that you could balance with your finger in the
middle ... see if you can sense the racquet's weight in the handle and head when doing
this. The racquets I first recommended have all the aforementioned characteristics.
They are both good intermediate racquets that you can grow with for a few years,
without breaking the bank. Both racquets have a good balance of control and power,
and compliment the teaching and strokes your learning.

5/ Steve has used racquets for sale also and offers demo racquets too take and try.


I want you to be educated about your tool, your tennis racquet. Know your racquet and love your racquet and it will love you back. Your racquet shouldn't be in a cold place right now.

I want you to know your grip size and get a new grip for a new season. I'll be glad to help you put it on. I left all of you last year with the key point of having your grip change, between the Eastern and Continental, down pat. Remember the exercises that I gave you to practice the grip change during the off season. If your new don't worry about this point. Please think of any question or issue you or parents may have, write it down and at our Thursday meeting I'll be more than happy to answer it. I'll bring some racquets also.

Good technique "How and Why Video" about working out YOUR CORE.

This is another You Tube core workout. I wanted to give you this as the trainer seen here gives you a great general overview of the who, what, why & how of a core workout. Take particular notice the to term "abdominal bracing," used and further described right at the beginning, such is an important term of technique in doing your core workout properly. Achieving balance and body control for maximum efficiency of the individual core exercise.

I think you can further educate yourself about the core workout by watching this video. Both videos seen here are good, but this one gives you a better overview, which is why i'm FYI'ing you here. One was with a tennis player and this is with a trainer. I think it greatly important and I want to cover all bases with this so you can get started and feel your succeeding.

Think of this, beyond tennis, if your not already working out in some way, I assure you one day you will be. Maybe it'll happen in your 20's in college and maybe your parents workout now. That said a core workout is a necessary compliment to any workout you'll ever do. So this is a good habit to start.

Today was the day we were waiting for, as I hope this weather has finally broke and warmth and the sun is close by. I hope you all enjoyed it and got outside.

KEEP YOU HEAD STILL ! KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL !

This is a point I know I made many times in practice and thru the very first article last year. We put those things on our heads, that you guys loved walking around the courts with. This is one of those, "little things make the big things happen," point. Remember the ball I attached to the Tree that you were instructed to look at after you hit the one ball, that you'd watch it and count to 10.

That is all about a simple muscle memory exercise to keeping your head still at contact. Nick Saviano, the USTA national team coach, is the instructor seen in it. I love this clip, he uses a baseball analogy that I frequently make note of to all my students. I want you to watch it and take specific note of his description of the front shoulder when he uses that analogy. Hear him state the need to be and stay with the ball at contact, and not focused at all over to the other side of the net. Hear what he says about power and keeping your HEAD STILL

Tennis Specific Core Workout

I did some searching and I found a tennis specific core workout video. I found one without a medicine ball. Many tennis specific core workout videos used that same medicine ball Mr White had us use yesterday. I imagine some of you might not have a medicine ball lying around. I would love for you to start this workout exactly as she does it with the amount of reps she says. It should take you no more than 10 mins a day.

The tennis player seen here performs about 6-8 tennis specific core and balance exercises in the video. You'll notice that some of these exercises are similar to the one's you did on Thursday. One is the exact same as the medicine ball bit, butt balanced, feet in the air and moving the ball from one side to the other.

This is something I neglected last year but is oh so important for this sport and the others some of you might play. Do it cause it'll help you tennis game, and or make you feel good about how you look. Do it cause its a necessary compliment to any strength training many of you might now do. Whatever the reason, you don't need to go crazy, but do get into a routine.

We're only meeting once a week for the next few weeks, so the workout we did while nice, needs to be done with a little more frequency as Mr White would attest to. He did a great job helping us on Thursday. He's there everyday after school, same spot, and i'm certain he'd answer any questions you may have or help you with a workout.

He's Paul VI's staff trainer, wherein he has private clients that pay him good money for his services outside of Paul VI. Your very lucky to have his wisdom and guidance.

I know two of you at our session the other day, who haven't played much tennis, and that is perfectly fine cause I have an important component of my program to help kick start your tennis game. I mentioned to each of you about staying behind next Thursday, so we can set up my 'Tennis Ball Tree,' and begin work on your forehand and backhand groundstrokes. Many of last year's team members are familiar with the tree so ask them if you so desire.

It's my invention, that I'm at the end of the patent process on. In a future post I'll show you some documentation between myself and the USPTO. I've been using it to teach large group and private tennis lessons for the past 4 years. It'll help to speed up your learning, as it did for many from last year's team. We can set it up in the Cafeteria or Gym. Per the Tree's usage remember the terms spacing, muscle memory and sense memory.

We'll be done by 445 for you(4 for the others,) and if anyone else needs this instruction feel free to stay. My goal is to have you caught up so to speak, so we can go right into the feeding and drills once the snow thaws and we're on our courts. I have a few spare racquets, if needed.

I can't wait, we have a good group of guys, and i'm excited to get started. If you buy into the program, and understand that i'm here to gently push you to learn and succeed. Then I promise i'll do anything I can to help you experience individual success on the courts this season. I also promise to do anything I can to help you at anytime in the future. If not, well .. let's hope not. I know your all here for the right reasons.

To challenge yourself to work hard and compete, with much personal satisfaction and confidence waiting for you at many points along the way. A journey of a season awaits us all with a good group of your PVI brothers, that you'll share a bond with, whether your in the same social circle or not ... AND to learn tennis 'a sport for a lifetime.'

Reasonably Priced Tennis Racquet Recomendations

Head Liquidmetal 4 MID PLUS

AS SEEN AT TENNIS WAREHOUSE

Best Seller Offers good power without sacrificing control, along with a comfortable, dampened feel. Best suited to 3.5 to 5.0 players. 102 square inch head, 27.25" length, 10.7 ounces. TENNIS Magazine Editor's Choice

$64.95, Review, Feedback

Prince O3 Hybrid Hornet Midplus

Sale Offering more power, comfort and mobility than the Triple Threat Hornet racquets, the O3 Hybrid Hornet Mid Plus brings performance to the court for 3.0-5.0 level players. Features a standard length frame and open, 16/19 string pattern. TENNIS Magazine's Editor's Choice.

$99.00, Feedback

Both of these can be bought at even cheaper prices, used on Ebay, and if you know your grip size just make sure you find your exact number grip(there are 5 designated grip numbers) and you could purchase two sizes too small and then the racquet can be built up to your right grip size ... BUT the grip size can never be brought down.

Once again if any of you have any questions concerning necessary purchases please feel free to write and ask and I'd be glad to help. We had a great meeting today, and I'm getting excited. I'll see you all next thursday at 245 in the same room, but be in your gym clothes and ready.

Measuring Your Grip Size, You all need to re-grip your racquet

Measuring Your Grip Size

The right grip size makes a huge difference in how a racquet performs. If you're not sure of your grip size, here are two simple ways to measure:

Holding an eastern forehand grip (the palm is placed against the same bevel as the string face), you should be able to fit the index finger of your non-hitting hand in the space between your ring finger and palm. If there isn't enough room for your index finger, the grip is too small. If there is space between your finger and palm, the grip is too big.

A too-small grip requires more muscle strength to keep the racquet from twisting in your hand. Prolonged use of a grip that's too small can contribute to tennis elbow problems. A grip that's too large inhibits wrist snap on serves, makes changing grips more difficult and also requires more muscle strength. Prolonged use of a grip that's too big can also contribute to tennis elbow problems.

If you don't have a racquet handy, you can also measure your grip size using a ruler. With your hand open and fingers extended close together, align the ruler with the bottom lateral crease of your palm and measure to the tip of your ring finger.

Keep in mind, it's easier to increase handle size on most racquets. In fact, the majority of today's lightweight racquets' handles cannot be reduced in size. If you're between grip sizes, go with the smaller size and add an overgrip to arrive at the ideal fit. A typical overgrip will increase a grip by 1/16 inch.

You can also increase grip size using a heat-shrink sleeve. One heat shrink sleeve will increase grip size by 1/8 inch. Both methods will increase overall racquet weight slightly (7-16 grams) but the benefits of a correct grip size far "outweigh" the disadvantages of this added mass.


We also recommend you replace your grip regularly. A fresh, properly wrapped grip provides you with better racquet control and increased confidence. Check our selection of grips and our page on How to Wrap a Grip.
- I can help you with re-wrapping your tennis grip..coach

This was taken right from Tennis Warehouse's Website...they are the biggest and cheapest and when you call them at 1800-8-TENNIS, you'll get someone who knows what they speak of

As noted by the author in the beginning, and how I will teach all of the newbies and how many of you learned last year ... were going to continue to use the Eastern Grip for the forehand and backhand ... I know of one person who is using a different grip and that is fine But for the rest we are going to keep it simple, inline with the teaching from last year.

Eastern Grip on our ground strokes and the Continental on our serve, volley and overhead. GRIP IS VERY IMPORTANT ... AND YOUR FOREFINGER IS RIGHT NEXT TO YOUR THUMB, it the same as your index finger in the above picture ... this is something you need to know for future reference.

Priceless General Tennis Recomendations and Tips

You'll see four recommendations, and as the gentleman in the clip states, the same thing I said in our first meeting. We are going to frequently work on the simplest fundamentals of technique, till they are strong enough to not break down under the pressure of a match.

Run For Every Ball !

Do you know what a runner's high is ? Its the increased production and then release of a chemical called 'Dopamine' to the brain when you running or physically active. This chemical and what it does for your mind and soul is a beautiful occurrence. It can flood you brain with confidence, that can be applied to anything you do. This confidence can be especially valuable when you playing a tennis match. You should use it at all time with the purpose if breaking your opponents will.

If you run for every ball, your opponent can actually lose confidence in his or her ability to win, fearing that just one mistake on their part could lead to a switch in the match's momentum. They may be saying to them self, "Why won't this person(s) just give up, they are going to lose anyway."

Never ever repeat this sentence in your head. A momentum shift can happen to you or your opponent in a blink of an eye, if you run for every ball. No matter what the score is at that moment. If you lose momentum, you'll lose it fast and you won't get it back. It an age old tale in tennis. Your up 4-1 in a set, you lose it, and the match is quickly over 6-4, 6-1 and your left scratching your head. Never think about winning till the match is over, and the final point has been played.

Rick Macci, the pro seen here, was the one chosen by Richard Williams to polish up their games at his Florida academy, after he had taken them as far as he could. You'll see a lot of clips here with Rick in them making points about basic tennis fundamentals that I also use in my teaching. This one is a key point in all the coaching I do.

Pancho Gonzalez - Tennis History FYI - The Jackie Robinson of Tennis

What I love about this video is everyone you see in it who gushes over Pancho, is the very best at what they do. You'll see Robert Redford(green tee shirt) and Edward James Olmos (Miami Vice, etc), two great actors that your parents are sure to know.

Redford was a great baseball and tennis player and all around athlete growing up in Southern California, before he played 'Sundance,' on the big screen. Pancho was also a fellow Southern Californian, who Redford saw play tennis in person many times.

The gentleman you see with the glasses, who says he followed Pancho around and apologized to people he offended is Vic Braden. Braden is one of the greatest tennis coaches in the history of the sport.

A true innovator of the mental side of the sport along with technique. Coaching among others, Tracy Austin, who won 2 Grand Slams and is in the Hall of Fame. We are teaching you some of the tennis technique and mental aspect that Braden popularized in the 1970's.

You'll see Jimmy Connors in a sweater vest, well you could make a sports argument that he is the best tennis player ever. We know now that the fire that he and John McEnroe frequently displayed on the tennis court is a direct reflection of Pancho's influence on both.

Venus & Serena Williams and Andre Agassi are all first ballot Hall of Famers', and all gush over Pancho in the piece. You'll see Vijay Amritraj, the greatest Indian tennis player ever call him superman. You know I love Pancho.

I sent many of you this video last year. I first learned about him many moons ago. You'll see his eyes at one point, you can't miss it, they appear to be burning with determination. They look huge and seem like they could pop out of his head. This shot is from a well known Wimbledon match he played at the end of his career at the age of 41.

Its all in the eyes. They are the most important muscles you have in life and this sport, whether it be following the ball or using them to display confidence, desire, heart, etc. We can all use our eyes better to display those traits to our teammates and opponents, before we go on the court for a match, and or before we arrive at the courts that day. Use your eyes, and if you don't think
you can, pretend a little, till you SEE THE LIGHT.

A simple exercise, the service toss, that many of you are familiar with. We'll again practice this each and everday.

What is the most important shot, yet hardest to master in the sport of tennis? The Serve. I want you all to visit this you tube site and watch the video there on the service toss. Listen and pick up some necessary tips to improve your service toss. Note why Brad Gilbert thinks the toss is so important.

Brad Gilbert is one of the best in the tennis coaching business, he resurrected Andre Agassi's career in the late 1990's and spent time after that coaching Andy Roddick and Andy Murray, both in the top 10 now. This simple activity was something we did each and everyday of the first part of practice. Gilbert thought it so important that he and his partner invented a teaching aid for that specific reason. To mold it to you muscle memory in the most effective and efficient way.

The advice he gives about the toss is point for point the same as I gave all tennis team members each and every time we practiced such. Many of you didn't seem to like it. I hope this video sways your opinion now of its importance.

Notice the target dot in the video that he uses to practice the toss. Please hear where Brad recommends to start the toss and where to release the toss. Remember put a very little bit of pressure on the ball with the forefinger and thumb of your toss hand. Notice Brad and Venus above holding their toss arm up after the release of the ball. See his eyes and head still held up after the release of the ball. Notice where he holds the tennis ball in his hand. It was great to find this new training aid product, on brad's "square hit" website.

The Pryamid of Success by Coach John Wooden

I love Coach Wooden and have read many of his theories on success in life and sport. John Wooden was once coach of a UCLA men's basketball team that won 10 consecutive national titles. The above picture, please click on it to enlarge it, is his famous 'Pyramid of Success.' I try to follow these concepts the best I can, along with other coaches I've read about and learned from.

Coach Wooden is widely considered one of the best coaches in any sport, ask your parents about John Wooden or Wikipedia him. I want you to read the pyramid of success, and then read it again. Save it and keep it for the rest of your life. Each time you read it, you'll pick up something new that could help you in life, school and sport, with each read. Remember sport is life and life is a sport.

And though we play an individual sport, we are the Paul VI tennis team first and foremost. You desire to compete doesn't end with the challenge matches. You should all take great pride wearing your schools royal blue colors and thus representing Paul VI with class and respect, each and every time you walk out on the court for a match. I know I do as your coach, cause if I sense you don't, you know I'll let you know how I feel about that.

If you don't already and are a newbie, please know the parts of your tool for this sport, the tennis racquet, as seen here.