Staying Low On Your Shots Vid Tip - Another Win Today Against A Game Pennsauken Squad

We had some good matches and I saw some disciplined and focused play out there today. Which is how we should deal with such an opponent. I saw some talented kids out there for Pennsauken, but it with obvious that their strokes and SHOT TOLERANCE wasn't as good as ours.

'Shot Tolerance' was a prior video tip, wherein how much focus do you have in any given rally during a point or match as a whole, to being disciplined enough to returning each ball. Waiting for the right moment to use your strength to hit from an offensive position on the court. Sometimes you may get bored in a long rally and say enough is enough and or you let something distract your focus, thus allowing an error to occur. This really is a broader point that I apply to each and everything we do in practice.

I saw a lot of this today from Frank and Mark against opponents who had at least one good stroke, their forehands. I also saw both get many of their first serves in
today with great confidence. Terry's opponent didn't seem quite as good as their 2nd but maybe I'm wrong as he was off the court first with a win. Our Doubles just do what they do best. During team competition this year they have 3 losses between them. Our doubles rock!!

It was just a beautiful day to be outside and watch or play tennis. It was great to see you guys want to stay afterwards and do some hitting. I was also thrilled to see all the parental support there today and Mr Connelly was quite kind to bring an endless supply of Gatorade and soft pretzels. He brought two different mustards, as such is a very thoughtful touch. I brought some tea, and with less sugar than in my last batch. Sorry bout that. I do about 2/3 of a cup per gallon pitcher.

My mom and my close friends the Murphys even came out to our match today. Sister Marianne even stopped by for support. My Mom said you guys looked really good. She told me to tell a few of you about bending of your knees. Your knees are really the main point of harnessing all your power and thus controlling any given stroke you perform on a tennis court. Johnny does this real well and you can see all the pop and spin he can get on his ball by doing such. Must be a a soccer thing

So from my mom's observations, and something I've reminded you of, here's a great video tip further describing the NEED TO USE YOUR KNEES, and how they are Kneeded in the whole process.

Were goin to do a sunday practice 12-2 for the varsity. Thanks again for a great week !!!

Lamberto's WIN DOUBLES FINAL AND WE ALL WIN !! HIP, HIP .. HOORAY

The Legion of Lamberto continued their 2010 Chapter of the PVI Tennis Team Success Story by contributing a 6-4, 6-4 win over their game opponent from Bishop Eustace. They now lay claim to being the best doubles team in the Olympic Conference - National Division.

I am super proud of them, as they played a smart and confident match. They played within themselves and showed trust in each other and their shot making. I saw many a time when they set each other up and or themselves. Wherein they were in an offensive position in the point and they did didn't go for all or nothing shot but patiently waited for the next easier shot. These moments in a match help you groove your stokes and show your opponent confidence that you are coming at them from a position of strength and control. Therein you prove to yourself the that you have the ability to execute any number of shots as the match progresses, and you allow your partner to be set up for many a shot. Setting up your partner is vital strategic element of the doubles game.

Actually both teams played quite well, as such is always enjoyable. Marcos hit his patented down the line 'alley monster' at many a well timed moment in the match. He also got a good portion of his first serves in. Nick served well too and often controlled the net. This is what he is exceptionally good at. He was at his best at this from 4-3 on to then close out the second set and win the match. Those who gain control and show confidence at the net throughout the course of a match win at doubles.

There are many a momentum shift in a typical doubles match and is often the result of you or your opponent losing or winning many points in succession from the net. Both teams had moments of controlling the match in this way, but the Lamberto's kept their cool and most important kept each others confidence up. As that was part of the game plan going in.

Now they and the rest of the team are match tested and ready for Pennsauken tomorrow at our courts. Please everyone be there at 245 and we'll sneak a short practice in before we get the match on. Thanks to all who came to show support and I'll see you all on a warm day tomorrow.

PLEASE GO BACK AND CHECK ONE OR TWO VID TIPS AS I CAN SEE THEM SHOW IN ALL YOUR GAMES AS THE WEEK GOES ON.

Tomorrow - Finals of Olympic Conference Doubles Between The Legion of Lamberto and Bishop Eustace's 1st Doubles.

The match will be at Paul VI HS and will start as soon as the other team makes the short trip to our courts from there school. I'd say 315 it'll start. So I'd love for any and everybody on the team to come out and cheer on your Paul VI brothers. We'll have a short practice after the match and its optional for the JV. I want to be done practice by 525.

I want to give an enormous thanks to Mrs Long and Mrs Villari for taking their time and braving the cold to come out to Seneca today to support our boys. It was very kind of them to bring Italian and Turkey Hoagies. I hope all of you took the time to thank them for their generosity and time spent trying to keep warm. I am sorry that it wasn't warm as I thought that I saw and heard warmth from the weather person.

Olympic Tourney - National Division - Summary @ Seneca 4/26/10


Mark McWin had a tough match with the fine gentleman at 1st singles for Camden, before finding BE's 1st in the quarterfinals. To Tall Terrance Long fought through a fever while beating BE's 3rd singles Eric Mintz. He then found himself against his team mate the wiry and veteran 2nd singles player Jay Vatson. The Lamberto's were the tornado that rocked Tabernacle's tennis court's today, kicking dust and cold into their opponents faces. We'll all be STORM watchers to the strength of their gusts tomorrow.

One Franklin Raggio actually started the day's activities off with an easy match against Camden's 2nd and then put up a brave fight against Seneca's #2 Storm Portner. Our 2nd doubles Johnny Dangerously and Mitchel "Mr" Rogers romped through Seneca's neighborhood again before falling to Eustace's 1st doubles in the semi-finals.

I did have the tea today, but I think hot chocolate was more appropriate and thus Mrs Long and Mrs Villari step up again. Tomorrow we'll, myself and the boys on the team, all step up and be there along the fence line with focus and applause for the Lamberto Brothers as they bring pride to your tennis program and your school.

The longer I'm here the more I love royal blue. Mom always said I looked good in blue and I gotta say you guys ALL look like a million dollars in it. See you all tomorrow with the sun and warmth beating down on our tennis home, with our fans and team-members. Don't forget your sunglasses !!!

Sorry this post took long as I was communicating with the coach of Eustace and Seneca, and our AD Tony Mitchell. Wherein the AD's were communicating as both the coach of Eustace and myself were working to avoid the drive out to Seneca to play the match there tomorrow. We were successful in such convincing and we'll all get to see the finals at our place tomorrow.

We Had A Great Day With A Darn Good Opponent

We were tested today and although we didn't win I know we grew and improved. That moment has now passed and as there are many points won and lost in a match, let's dust ourselves off and now move forward with a short memory. That match today was a small step in preparation of meeting our goals, winning a playoff round and winning the Olympic Conference National Division. Everyone got a good match today and I'm thrilled for that as such always makes you a better tennis player. Playing far less talented tennis players only brings your game down. That fact is innate to most sports.

We have our Olympic Conference National Division Tournament tomorrow where our singles and doubles team will be competing against Bishop Eustace, Seneca and Camden. We'll leave school with those 7 players around 11am and be on Seneca's courts warming up shortly before noontime. I'd hope that we'd be done and you'd arrive back at PVI by 4 -415.

Thanks to all the parents for there support today and Mrs Lamberto for bringing the team pretzels and drinks. I apologize I didn't bring my Trader Joe's White Pomegranate Ice Tea and I assure you I will have a fresh batch for the Tourney tomorrow. I know Mrs Long and Mrs Villari are coming out with us and they have been gracious to also bring some food. So we'll have a kind of picnic.


Enjoy these two videos as in one you'll see an unreal shot by Roger Federer and the other is a few bloopers by some of the professional tennis players . As tennis is a funny game that gives you so many balls to hit and so many chances to be, look and feel so human. But we pick ourselves up, dust off and try again and again and again. We're never afraid of failing. I love this game and the simple life lessons and perspective that I take away from it each and everyday with you guys.

HOME Match Tomorrow Against Eastern - FEEL Vid Tip

I was wrong in my previous blog post we play at home tomorrow against Eastern. I want all of you to get out to the courts ASAP 240 tomorrow, as we haven't played in a few days. I want to take the 7 varsity and go through a quick 15 min warm up starting with running the lines and service tosses, etc.

There a good team that can only make us better. Remember as I've told you before better competition makes you better. Walk out to those courts tomorrow with a chip on your shoulder and pretend to be a little cocky throughout the match and no matter what the score. Don't think about the score.

I'm excited as I'm certainly refreshed after a couple days off. I wish I was playing tomorrow, heck I always wish I was playing. With this coaching experience I appreciate playing that much more than I did when I was your age. I've learned from you guys that maybe I took that for granite once. So thanks for such a perspective.
Tomorrow think about FEELING a good ball come off your racquet, off its sweet spot, with a solid thud in your forearm. Feeling, Relaxation and Focus is VERY IMPORTANT tomorrow. Think about your fingertips and how they interact with the ball upon contact. Use such to channel your focus on something as simple as these senses. Don't forget the hearing of the ball come off the racquet.

Good Luck and I'll be there cheering you on. Play with heart! Play For Fun! Always PLAY without fear. The pictures are our weekend tourney stuff and our Haddon Township box score that Marcos had me worried about the other day.






FEEL Vid Tip

We Can't Use The Gym Tomorrow. They Are Re-Doing The Floor For Pauction This Weekend

I hope rain will not prevent us from playing Eastern on Tuesday, however I'm fearful that it will postpone that match also. These rain issues make me even more thankful that our doubles got some important match play yesterday. I hate these gaps as this is a sport done best and improved with as much consecutive practice as possible. As we stand now many of you may not have played since Friday.

I hope you can sense now why I may take practicing and isolating all the facets of tennis so important. So I hope to see you all on Tuesday and ready for the 240 bus to Eastern for our tennis match there. Please remember to bring your water bottles as I will have the big jug that you can fill them with.

Do use such free time to catch up on the blog videos and your studies. As I have stated here before I know and take great pride in how smart you all are. Remember your studies make you a thoughtful well rounded person that can surely lend itself to your thoughtful tennis game. Check the blog tomorrow for the next update.

Good Luck And God Bless,
Coach


Above Picture From Left - Nadal, Sampras, Agassi & Federer - Four Tennis Greats - at a recent charity tennis event - Hit For Haiti

A Great Day At Camden County HS Tennis Tournment For Our @ Doubles Teams And Master James Connelly

We had a great day as everybody won and got invaluable match play experience that will make them better more thoughtful competitors on the tennis court. That experience will serve us well as a team during our future matches against Seneca and Bishop Eustace and our playoff competition. Jimmy got his first taste of varsity singles competition in a high school tournament setting, for that I was excited and am certain he enjoyed it. I'm proud of all you guys for going out there and competing for upwards of three matches.

I am sorry I wasn't their in the morning as Saturday and Sunday are my days for my private tennis lessons. With the rain forecast for Sunday I had to make some adjustments to my weekend schedule.




It appears that we are going to get rained out on monday, so that match experience was even more valuable when we get back on the court on Tuesday or Wednesday. I hope we can have a short(till 4pm) gym session on Monday if it rains. This will be optional for JV. I'll check with Mrs Harris tomorrow and then post it on the blog early tomorrow evening.

Always feel free to go to the blog and check past video tips that I've posted. And thanks to all the parents, Mr Lamberto, Mr Villari and the Rogers who came to Eastern to support the team. It was a beautiful day to be outside watching or playing tennis.

Tennis Is First Family's First Sport

This was an article taken out of a Tennis Newspaper. Apparently our current president his wife and daughters have discovered the love of tennis. This can only be a positive in the support and promotion of our great sport.

(April 23, 2010)President Barack Obama shoots hoops in his spare time, but the first family has adopted tennis as its first sport.

First Lady Michelle Obama told a group of visiting students to the White House that the baseline beyond the West Wing has beckoned the first family, who are busy taking tennis lessons.

"There’s a lot of stuff here, there is. You know, right now I do think we’re using the tennis court the most, because everybody is taking tennis lessons," Mrs. Obama said, in comments published by The New York Daily News.

Daughters Malia and Sasha took tennis lessons when the family lived in Chicago and Mrs. Obama played tennis recreationally while at Princeton. The President has long been an avid basketball player, but the First Lady's comments suggest perhaps he's picked up a racket too.

Former President George HW Bush was also an avid tennis player, who hosted Pete Sampras on the White House court and has played Chris Evert's annual charity event in Florida for years.


To present a balanced view I put two pictures of former Presidents' Ford (1st picture), Don Rumsfeld is in the middle of the Ford Picture, and Bush (2nd picture) with Pete Sampras serving behind him. Both playing on the White House tennis court.

Half Volley Video Tip & Volley Vid Tip - A Very Good Practice Today

We'll have a normal practice tomorrow from 250-520. Hopefully we won't have to do our normal end of practice running routine. As I'd like to play some games for an extended period of time to end practice, where we can work on all the different strokes that we work on in practice. We may also play a game involving a soccer ball, which is related to tennis.

There are two shorts tips that don't take to much time to think about and are rather simple. We've done the drill for one of them during practice. The other relates to bending your knees while volleying, as this video simplifies it.

The included picture is of a great looking white corvette, truly beautiful and probably about a '75. But the real question here is what famous band does the gentleman leaning against that work of art belong to. He is their lead singer and could be from north of the border. Apparently he is a tennis lover also.




Volley Tip



Half Volley Tip

Winslow Match Tomorrow Postponed

We'll have a normal practice, 250-520. It seems the rain today forced Winslow to reschedule their match against Cherry Hill West for tomorrow. I want and hope that you'll take the time to go back through previous blog posts and view something you may have missed. The tips I offer you here are from experts in the field of tennis instruction, and I feel they've played a small part in the whole equation of you being a better tennis player and enhanced your practice experience. Wherein I offer instruction and you hit many balls in many specific strokes, in the hopes that you have the confidence in executing them during the pressures of match play.

We have many strokes that we work on in a daily practice and do so in a repetitive fashion. I love for you to get as many as 8 per pass, so to hammer it down in you muscle memory.

A. The strokes we work on daily in practice
1. forehand

volley

ground stroke

cross court

down the line

2. Backhand

volley

ground stoke
cross court

down the line

3. Serve
service Toss

service Motion

placement
out wide

down the middle

4. Lob

5. Approach Shot

down the line

up the middle

6. Overhead

B. Movement, Footwork, Stretching and Related Strength
distance run - 1 mile around our track

Short sprints - 5 - 10 one side of 2 tennis courts

fitness ladders - we do between turns, ball feeding of specific stroke

pylometrics - hopping drills, shuffling counter clockwise around a series of cones

simple stretches

deep knee bends

carioca shuffle to work on the flexibilty of our hip and kness

running the lines of the court - short and long movements back and forth and side to side

We do a lot in practice everyday with the hopes that you can transfer all this to your success on the tennis court and get that simple feeling of self satisfaction in knowing that you did all that was possible to be the best you could be. Nothing to do with winning or losing.

So we'll have another practice tomorrow, where we're work on all these little things. We have so much incentive to work hard in practice and continue the success that we ALL already started as we sit 6-0. Were doing great and were gonna reflect back and know that we did all we could to truly feel satisfied.

The moment we'll all enjoy, and such means the most to myself. Where we'll all be at the Paul VI Spring Sports Banquet, and I can tell a story about how great a season we had. We'll all feel a great amount of pride along with your athletic peers and my fellow PVI coaches. As it is their respect for our team and tennis in general that will mean a great deal. We are as important a sport as any other.

BUT WERE NOT THERE YET, AND WE HAVEN'T ACCOMPLISHED OUR GOALS!!!

450 - 600 practice tomorrow ...

This is optional for JV. We have an away match at Winslow Twp HS on Thursday. We will leave at 240 and we'll get home by 630. They are a good team, but maybe just a bit better than Timber Creek. They have 6 courts and everyone will get to play.



This is a simple doubles principle that i've expressed to you all before. Watch it and know it by heart



Singles Tactics ... When to Approach Down The Middle

A Win Over Haddon Twp Today And Were Doing Great And Can Get Better

We went on our longest bus ride of the year. That bus lag didn't affect our tennis and we beat Haddon Twp 3-2 and we are now 6-0. Everyone played great and we'll concentrate now on working hard in practice so we can capitalize on tough matches ahead. These tough matches are great experiences that can give up a good idea of HQ competition, wherein that competition will truly make us better. Whether we win or lose these upcoming matches.

We're working toward the playoffs and our main goal of winning a round. I'll see you all tomorrow for our normal 250-520 practice. We may have a match @ Winslow Township on Thursday. This would be a good test, but surely a winnable match. i'll find out about this tomorrow.

Congrats again, as we truly are getting better each and everyday. I want to thanks Mrs Laigaie for bringing the pretzels and drinks today. That was very kind of her, as we had the Villari's, Rogers and Mrs Long out there. Thanks for the support.




This is another video on the importance of keeping your head still. The instructor shows you the simple trick that Roger Federer uses. Listen for it, as I use a similar trick that I noted in an earlier post, therein just hold you eyes to the place where your racquet just met the ball ... for a second after the ball leaves. Try doing this in practice, when your on the run for a groundstroke from the baseline.

Good Practice Today, Haddon Twp Tomorrow

We had a good practice today and I'll see you all out at our courts ASAP ... so we can get a quick warm-up before we take a 2 minute bus ride to Haddon Twp. Haddon Twp High School sits no more than 1/3 of a mile from ours. If any parent would like to come we'd love to have the support. I can't say enough about the support we've had from the parents thus far, its been great and I really appreciate it, as I'm sure the boys do to. We have a great team and a great team of parents.

Everyone please get a good nights sleep. PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO PACK AN EMPTY WATER BOTTLE AS I'LL HAVE THE BIG JUG TO FILL IT UP WITH.

Here's a great tip on relaxation ... when serving...
THEN watch the below video on the 'Racket Bracket' which we were using with many of you today. Were going to use the 'Racket Bracket,' again as I use it for teaching in many of my private lessons. There two important points to differentiate, between the serve video and the 'Racket Bracet' video, but don't think to hard about it. Its small but important.

CNN's New Tennis Show 'Open Court' - Two Short Videos On How Tennis Racquets Are Made And What Those Strings In Your Racquet Are About

These are two great short videos where you'll see all the thought that goes into making your tennis racquet and how important the strings are. This is fantastic stuff that gives you more perspective on your sport and the tools you use everyday for it.

You'll see the Head Tennis headquarters in Austria, they are at the top of the industry in racquet technology and innovation. I recommended the Head Liquidmetal 4 to all of you. A very reasonably priced and HQ racquet. Now you'll get to see how its made.

I feel Prince is also a leader in the industry. Their design HQ's is in Bordentown, NJ, near the turnpike entrance. The name 'Prince' comes from Princeton, New Jersey. Which is right next to Bordentown, no more than 25 miles from our tennis courts.

Enjoy both videos as I was thrilled to see this new news show on CNN about tennis and then offer it here on the blog. This tells me tennis is gaining in popularity, as CNN has not had a show on it before.

Remember tennis has been greatly affected, therein advanced and evolved in all aspects, via technological innovation. This push has happened over the last 40 years and is surely at a speed more than other sports. Your parents may remember the wood racquet, that was used for 70 + years. I remember the wood racquets a bit, but more the aluminum Prince Pro, which I started on.

Pay attention to the stringing video and listen to the commentary about tension. I'll go over this sometime on monday. What does tension mean to you and look on your racquet handle and find the tension range on it.

We'll have practice tomorrow from 3-515 for varsity only. I hope all the juniors had a great time at their prom and everyone got home safe and sound.



Tennis Strings & The Pro Stringers



How A Tennis Racquet is Designed

Another Day and Another Great win for the 5-0 Tennis Eagles - Reading Your Opponent Video Tip

We all won 4-1 today. We should be more than proud with our week's results. We won against our rival Bishop Eustace and Cherry Hill West in tough 3-2 matches that came down to the Batman and Robin of PVI tennis, Mitchel Rodgers and John Villari. As such is going to be a familiar sight being that we only have 4 courts.

Frank had a huge win against Cherry Hill West and Mark McShane had vital wins against Eustace and Cherry Hill West. The Lambertos are our true Rock of Gibraltar at 1st doubles. Too Tall Terry Long's moment is about to arrive, as I've seen some great gains in his game from last year to this. I can't wait to see more in all of you as such competition will surely lead to improvement in your tennis game over the course of the season.


We defended our #20 Courier Post ranking with our final match of the week, a win against Timber Creek. We'll have a good test Monday at Haddon Twp, which I'm psyched about, as I feel its a winnable match. If we have a good focused practice sunday afternoon we'll win decisively. Which for this match is a reasonable and expected goal. They are also our rivals to a degree, considering their school sits about a 1/3 of a mile from ours.

We'll have a 3-5pm practice on Sunday, which the varsity only has to attend. I expect all of you to attend. I know you all see the value in last sunday's practice before the Bishop Eustace match that Monday. Its a simple tennis math equation, the more you practice your various tennis stokes, the sharper they become in match play.

Repetitive LEARNING is my thought in this equation. That hard work and then winning is a BEAUTIFUL feeling that I want you all to continue to have. That feeling I imagine permeates all facets of your daily life, specifically your studies, as you have mojo when your getting them done I sense just walking your hallways at PVI in between classes, is a great feeling these days for all of our team members.

We will hopefully have a practice tomorrow, 245-450, wherein the Juniors won't be there so I'll get to work with many of the JV. If it does rain, and we can't use the gym for a full team practice, you'll hear an announcement shortly before school ends.

Thanks a million to the Rogers for bringing such classic old school soft pretzels, from the store which used to be in the Pennsauken Mart, to the match today. They were delicious, and I stashed one for the road, which I just finished off as I was writing this post. I had some killer mustard that I wanted to use on that pretzel.



Rick Macci - Stretching and Fetching Tip

Momentum Video Tip & Singles Tips ... Another 3-2 Win For The 4 -0 Fightin Paul VI Tennis Eagles !

WOW!!! That was a blast to be part of as your coach. I hope you all had fun, as even if I was a bit nervous at the end. John and Mitchel really pulled through again with the match tied at two a piece. That was great to have all the team members from Cherry Hill West and Paul VI right there cheering them on. Those Cherry Hill West kids seemed like a real nice group. They expressed gratitude for the soft pretzels that the Villari's were so kind to bring. I'll bring the tea tomorrow, but remember I'm very superstitious, SO ...


Sincerely though that is the essence of what is really fun about high school team tennis. A match tied 2-2 with one match on the court and both teams cheering on their teammates and biting their nails with each miss and clapping in approval with each won point.

We had great wins from Frank Raggio and the Lamberto brothers, moreover Mark McShane and Terry Long had tough matches but both put up a great fight. I know you guys can feel it now, as that confidence you feel in your blood stream is priceless. I saw a lot of fight and heart out there, at every position, and that truly makes me feel proud as a coach and all I'll ever ask for, win or lose. No matter what position you are on the team. I've stated such many a time now.

Going forward each position will be called on at different times for the team to be successful. Each position is always necessary for the other positions to succeed in any given match. Its a simple fact, and how challenge match sheet then shapes a team.



Tomorrow we have a game Timber Creek tennis squad coming to our place. I not sure that they'll be quite as good as our previous opponents but a good test none the less. Honsestly I only suspect such by looking at there previous box scores in the newspaper. Remember each and everyday, the day after we have a match, you can pick up the Courier Post and see our box score in the sports page.

I feel we'll all have winnable matches where we'll get invaluable match play experience that is essential to improving your game. This is why we practice, to get to these pressure situations, wherein all the parts of your game are sharpened, for you to execute such with little fear of failure or action.

Here is a great video tip describing the BIG MO, and how to deal with MOMENTUM shifts. Sometimes you lose it during a match. That a natural occurrence, as many of you have seen first hand now. You have to weather the storm so to speak, as one good point by you or one easy mishit by your opponent and the tide can turn. You have to remember this when you or your opponent has that momentum and is winning many points in a row. Singles players can take valuable pointers from this also.



Thanks again for a great match today, and each and everyone of you should be very proud of yourself. I imagine you can't wait to get to the court tomorrow and carry your momentum into another match and grab that great feeling again. I'll be there at 240 and ready for a quick warm-up before Timber Creek arrives.



Momentum Video Tip - Doubles








Singles Tips I've put up two in previous posts - now you know which post has these three great tips so you can reference them over the weekend and in the future - all are less than 2 minutes, maybe takes notes to re-enforce the information if you like

Great 3-2 Win over Bishop Eustace Today for the #20 Ranked And 3-0 Paul VI Eagles Tennis Team

That was a great win and I must admit as nervous as i've ever been for a tennis match. My stomach was tied up in knots from the moment I left practice yesterday. As a tennis player, wherein i'm your coach now, i could simply go on the court and have some degree of control over the outcome. I could let off my nervousness through competition. I am your coach and I can give you advice and make observations but I feel much more comfortable being on the court and competing.

You all played great, and I saw some good JV matches too. Once again we relied on Mark "Million Dollar" Mc Shane, The Legion of Lamberto, John "The Hammer" Villari and Mitchel "The Rocket" Rogers, for our 3 wins. Frank played quite admirably against a USTA ranked opponent, and I sincerely was most impressed with Too Tall Terry Long. It was fun to see him compete with a high degree of confidence and act like he had been there before. BUT we all have do such in practice a little more so we can continue on this path, and have that good winning feeling.

Going forward we will walk with that very same confidence, we will act like we've been there before and we'll work hard in practice to continue what we started. I'm starting to see that glow and I want us to grab hold of it and never let it go now. Cause I know you all see it and know you can do it, and truly knowing means it will be easier to replicate such in the future.

The first time, competing in such matches, for most of you, there can be some uncertainty. That's what I was most nervous about, as I didn't sleep well last night. Then I woke up and grabbed the Courier Post, and saw that we were ranked #20, thus we had a target on our back that we didn't have before.

Therein our rival Bishop Eustace, and a team that beat us 4-1 last year, knew we were ranked now. I was even more stressed, but after today that weight has been lifted for good, as such a feeling was my first time as a coach feeling such. So thanks to all of you for doing so well and relieving my stress by day's end with another great win that takes us to 3-0.

Here are the two articles taken out of the Courier Post over the weekend. The first one is about our upset win over Seneca, as I called Julie Shannon when I got home that night and told her about our exploits. I asked her about a ranking at the end of our conversation and she said she wasn't sure. She wrote a great little piece on us. The second, seen above, are the rankings that came out today. We got one, you should be very proud of yourself.

I want to wish Henry a VERY happy Birthday and he'll get a loud sing along tomorrow. Here's some Beatles for you Hank, they go great with any occasion. I also want to thank Mrs Long for bringing the team gatorade and pretzels. That was very kind of her.


I also want to remind you about the Pauction donation that I sincerely hope all of you will make. Its five dollars per student and Pauction Organizer Mr Villari sent out an email to the team the other day and this is another reminder. I'll remind all of you tomorrow and John will take the donations and mark you off the list. The Villari's and many other PVI families do a great job supporting you, the student/athletes of Paul VI and I am grateful for their hard work on such.



I don't see Seneca in this ranking. You can take two things from that, one ... that they'll be ready for us next time and two ... that we still are not thought very highly of. I think very highly of each one of you, and after what I saw today, I'll sleep better tonite. But remember both as were preparing each and everyday for that rematch in a few weeks.

Please TELL Everybody TO SEE THESE SHORT CLIPS AGAIN

These are two of my favorite tips, and OH SO APPROPRIATE FOR TOMORROW!!! Its important to laugh once in a while. When you make a mistake you can tighten up and thus that one mistake can lead to another one. Plus when I see my opponent tighten up and show frustration, IT GIVES ME MORE CONFIDENCE SEEING THAT THEY ARE LOSING THEIRS. Laughter can defuse that feeling in your gut when your tightening up, and RESTRICT YOUR BREATHING. TAKE MANY DEEP RHYTHMIC BREATHS IN THROUGH THE NOSE.

The other clip is about planting positive thoughts in your head, and not saying anything negative out loud or in your head. You may have missed a serve but SAY TO YOURSELF IM GOING TO PLACE THE NEXT SERVE DOWN THE MIDDLE OF OUT WIDE...OR I MISSED THAT SHOT BUT IM GOING TO MAKE THE NEXT ONE, ETC!!!



Stay in the moment and truly have a blast, as I will be having a blast being your coach tomorrow. We will have many more competitive matches after tomorrow, so sincerely treat it like any other match. Its fun playing a rival, and especially when we are both good teams. We've worked on the little things and you'll ALL be successful doing such tomorrow.

We had a great practice today, and it was a beautiful day. Monday will be a beautiful Monday, and everyone will play and we'll stay there till the cows come home or the rooster crows.





The Perspective of Having Fun during Match Play In Order To
Overcome The Lost Point by Jack Groppel



Ed Tseng A Great Zen Tip



And hum this goofy but classic Lionel Richie song in your head, or any song, as such is a great way to start your warm-up for the match. You'll get some good energy from the music to get your feet moving to start the match. We'll stay all night long to play a point, game, set or match. Remember the 75% rule to start a match. No risky, big shots for the first two games of the match, work into a rhythm first. Let your opponent serve first and choose to receive on the sunny side of the court to begin the match.

Another two tips for calming are trying to read the words on the ball, and thinking about the next point and how your going to exploit your opponents weakness. ALWAYS THINK ABOUT THE NEXT POINT!! Be in the moment not the point that just past.

Short Videos On The Split Step Timing For Doubles, Singles Tactics and The Service Toss

We worked on the split step again today, as its purpose here is to give you body control and balance when you volley. You have to make a quick "hop-stop" on the balls of your feet, where said feet are slightly open. Now with your racquet in the volley ready position,in front of your body, with the Continental grip. You then let you feet and racquet head move you in the direction which you think the volley contact point will be ... 1st video




The singles tactics touch on the very important point of depth that I've spoken of since day one ... 2nd video

The Service Toss ... Listen for the use of the dominant and non-dominant hand Video ... 3rd video

PS - See the Courier Post (Varsity Section) tomorrow with a short piece about our team's big win over 11th ranked Seneca on Wednesday

We are 2-0 And Away We Go, For The First Poem ... A Volley Tip & Poaching Tip

We are 2-0, to Camden we did go
be grateful that is so
for you must know
that this is not the endpoint
Its the beginning of our road

To travel in our yellow school bus
More Indian schools to go
One down but 3 pow - wows where we'll show
Our team of Eagles fly strong

Then we swoop down low
When we see a team in silver and black
With all their families giving back
The Eagle can now sense the large helping

Of Crusader stew that we'll all enjoy
Where points, sets and matches won
Will make for a savory mix
JV is essential to marry the recipe's ingredients

Parents come help us enjoy the feast
and not waste any of
The Bishop Eustace Stew
That you'll all get a chance to season to taste

Parents!! Please come monday as Bishop Eustace travels with a big group of tennis moms, dads, sisters and 6th cousins to all their matches. I mean HUGE, as I've seen them bring a big spread of finger foods to feed their herd. They take over space. I imagine Bishop Eustace parents are like this for all their kids sporting events. Its a little, well you know. I like rivalries, and I sense since Camden Catholic doesn't play tennis, that BE is that rival.

We had some great support out at Seneca, where I was thrilled to see the Villari's, Mrs Long, Mrs. Fuscerello and Mrs Laige. That was a long trip and it was great to see you all their to share in our big road win. Thanks a ton !!

1st video - doubles poaching zone 2nd video - volley tip, use your feet

Very Proud Of All Of You, EVERYONE Contributed

That was a great 3-2 win over the 11th ranked team in South Jersey (Courier Post, click this address and then Boys's Tennis for rankings) http://www.courierpostonline.com/section/varsity
or here in the future ... as ocassionally both pages are down
http://highschoolsports.nj.com/boystennis/ for scores and boys high school tennis information


That was a great way to start the season, as I know you all have some pep in your step and want to continue to strive to be better. I know you can and I'll continue to encourage you to be better and do more than you think your capable of.

That win is representative of all the little things you do in practice. They all add up, and equal a win. "The little things make the big things happen." Its one part the running that you love, you get confidence from the increased dopamine production, i.e the runners' high.

Remember I stated this in one of my first blog posts that I hear some don't read. That aerobic foundation that was also talked about in the previous post video tip, is part and parcel to this same idea of confidence. Don't forget how your breathing functions when you get nervous.

Confidence is so important. We can hit many a fast serve or great backhand during practice without pressure, but to then feel the pressure of a match situation maybe we don't always hit so free and easy. Our muscles tighten up as we restrict our breathing. Everyone gets nervous, its natural, but we practiced all the little things in hopes that you all can push through that wall when you come to it at a crucial point in your match.

Chuck Noll, the coach of the 5 time Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, once said, "Pressure is not knowing what the hill you are doing." I'm 100% confident that all of you know what your are doing during match play. We practiced all these little things in the same routine each day. Your muscle memory knew what to do. What's that Nike motto, "Just Do It." Well you all just did it.

I feel that short warm-up you did today, serve toss, return of serve, short court volleys and ground-strokes and full court cross-court forehands and backhands was part of your success today. That was something we surely wouldn't have had as much time for if we had school. So next time when they come to our place in a few weeks we'll have that luxury of a similar warm-up, while they'll be on the bus.

See you all tomorrow @230 for another short practice. Enjoy your well earned feeling of success, as I hope it made you hungry for more. Our goal of putting 2010 on your tennis banner and winning a round in the playoffs is well in sight, and I'll help you keep it there. Believe and visualize that all the good that happened today, with straight set wins at three spots, will happen again and again. We are a team, and you were all rock stars today !!!


Here is a short video clip on concentration by noted sports psychologist Jim Loehr. Tennis is such a great mental challenge, and concentration is at the center of such. It is important to be relaxed while striving for this higher level of focus in your tennis game.








I kept on thinking of this famous line from the great old school TV show, "Gomer Pyle," ... the whole bus ride home. Paul VI tennis will be doing a lot of this to their opponents this season ... watch this and then mimic it back to your parents and friends.

Doubles and Singles Strategy

We had a great practice today on a beautiful day in our PVI neighborhood. The weather was spectacular, however I see the report for heat tomorrow. I will have the water jug filled for our match against Seneca, but per the recommendation of PVI's nurse and athletic trainer I won't bring the plastic water bottles you use to have. At a meeting in the beginning of the year with all the coaches and our AD's this was recommended so to avoid the H1N1 flu strain. So its for your safety.

The two short video tips below are related to doubles and singles stradegy. I am excited to get our season started, and I know you are too. The singles tip is about three common patterns, which I know our singles players would want to use. The doubles tip is about what your responsibility is when your partner is receiving serve.

See you all tomorrow at 2pm at the courts where we'll have a short warm-up of serves, serve returns, groundstrokes and volleys. I'd also recommend bringing an a few extra pairs of socks.

The picture above is of the Newport Casino, aka The International Tennis Hall Of Fame in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island, coach spent the summer of 1994 interning t for the induction ceremonies of Bud Collins, Donald Dell and Hana Mandlíková. A truly great experience.

Its a summer spot you all should visit. Do the mansion tour via the cliff walk, see the Breakers. Check out Little Compton State Park and spend you beach time there. Then shower up and hit Christopher's on Newport's main drag for a lobster dinner with the family. Boston and Providence are an hour and a little more away.



1st video clip - singles tip 2nd - doubles tip

Video Tips - Doubles Principles & Singles Strategy

A good practice on a beautiful sunny day at Paul VI. I hope you all are getting outside and being active. Here are two short video clips on "Doubles Principles."
And one other video on singles strategy. The singles strategy talks about shot tolerance. We all need to THINK when were out on the court competing. We have a doubles and a singles challenge match tomorrow, and we'll run practice from 11-1. I love this weather and hope it never ends.














1st video - doubles principles part II -- 2nd - doubles principles I -- 3rd - singles strategy

Our Aerobic Workout For Tennis - Clearly Reasoned By Dr Jack Gropell

The two one minute videos below are great explanations by a Doctor, of why we do our short mile run in the preseason. The run that many of you don't like and frequently walk 1/2 of. Wherein we have to wait for you to run an xtra lap if you went over your 10 minute time limit.

As with all my blog posts, I give you information so you have a better understanding of why we do what we do at practice each day. I hope this information engages you in the process to a greater degree, with each post and everyday at practice, wherein you continue to grow in our sport. That you'll eventually take full ownership in your tennis game over time. Your sport for a lifetime.

This old post card above is a picture of the very same grounds where I instructed, managed and played tennis at for 6 years. The tennis center is on the North Side of Chicago, in Lincoln Park, right up against the shores of Lake Michigan. A truly beautiful location, as the majority of the park system runs for miles along said lake. My old club, the Lincoln Park Tennis Association and Diversey Public Tennis Center has been at the same location for over 100 years, and is an important part of tennis in Chicago. Its part private and part public.

If your ever in Chiacgo, please give me a little advanced notice, and I will secure some court time, at a friendly rate. Reservations for the 4 public hard-tru courts can be tough when it gets nice. You can play an hour of tennis, and then walk 7 blocks from the courts, mostly in Lincoln Park, to Wrigley Field to catch the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs tickets are on you, and Wrigley Field is a PRICELESS experience any sports fan should do once in their life. Find out when the Phils are in town. I'd go to Murphy's Bleachers first for some frivolity and burgers, before you go into the game. The first time that you walk in off the lower concourse, and see the field spread out before your eyes, as you get to the top of the steps. It will give you goosebumps.

There is truly nothing like a beautiful day in the city of 'broad shoulders,' and a ball game at Wrigley Field. Don't forget a night cap, say some jazz at the Green Mill or blues at Buddy Guy's. Now you know what Coach did for much of his time there.

Happy Easter,
Coach Bozarth

Practice Schedule 4/5/10 - 4/10/10

Next week's practice schedule will go like this.

Monday - 1130-130

Tuesday - 1100-1

Wedensday - Match @ Seneca 4pm be at school @ 2 for a short warm-up before we get on the bus and head to Seneca for a 4pm match

Thursday - Match @ Camden be at school @ 230 for a short warm-up before we make the short trip

Friday - 1100-1

A Great Return of Serve Tip & No Practice Saturday

As I left practice yesterday I sensed that many of you had other obligations due to the Easter holidays. Thus you won't be able to attend the practice that I wanted to have on Saturday @3pm. We still have challenge matches, moreover practice, which the recent rain has hampered greatly.








We haven't gotten into any rhythm on such a necessary practice routine. This is very important to improve at our sport and why I love the team concept here, wherein we practice on consecutive days. I feel this is vital for all members on our team, new and old. You can see your improvement speed up with such a routine. Think of a musical instrument and the need to practice everyday to improve, and how rusty you are when you don't practice it for a couple days.

The tennis racquet has strings much like a musical instrument some of you may play. It makes music when you hit the ball in the center of its strings. The (WHAT) spot??? Listening is a sense and one that you use to play tennis. Listen to the ball when you hit it and listen again when your opponent hits it, this can aid in concentration and focus during a point.

When you hit the tennis ball on said sweet spot you can actually feel a solid thud go up into your forearm, much like a baseball bat and a golf club? They both have sweet spots without strings. The feeling and sound of solid contact to any of said balls is a beautiful thing and the simple essence of these sports. A golf lover must know this feeling. Remember the sound of a Ryan Howard home run? We've heard it, as it makes us feel great too. Wherein tennis we want to attempt to repeat this action with our body and racquet positioned correctly as many times as needed during a point.

Enjoy this tip as it has good information on how to position yourself for the 2nd serve, and serve return positioning in general. Please give Easter blessings to your family, and save an Easter egg for me. I love using all those easter eggs to make my famous egg salad sandwich, and so they don't go to waste.

Sincerely,
Coach

PS - We will have practice in the morning on mon, tue and fri ... we have a match on wed and thurs which you need to be at school by 230 for, which will most likely end at 6pm ... the late morning practice time I'll get back to you here tomorrow.