Tournaments That I'd LOVE all of you to play in this SUMMER

There is nothing that adds as much confidence to your game, win or lose, than to get invaluable match play experience in a tournament. These tennis tournaments are right in our backyard, at our Paul VI tennis courts. These are just darn good tournaments that fit the needs and experience levels that each and everyone of you at JV and varsity level may be at right now. Sincerely no one on the team should be afraid to sign-up and play in these tournaments. It is a very laid back environment compared to most tournaments. Which is what I love most about it. Remember 'TENNIS IS SUMMER & SUMMER IS TENNIS'

There is no time like the present to capitalize on your tennis skills, that are quite polished after 3 months of playing. I can't tell you how great it is that this type of tournament is offered to you and all area high school tennis players. You'll see members of the Collingswood, Cherokee and Haddon Heights boys and girls tennis teams.

You'll see adults who are 3.5 to 4.5 rated players. 'B' division would be a 3.5 player and 'Open' would be 4.0 and above. You'll see both 'Girls and Boys' divisions, with 16s & 18s and under draws. I highly recommend that you sign up and play one or more of the tourney dates. Our boys and girls varsity players may think of playing multiple divisions, and girls please don't worry if you don't feel your strokes are that polished right now. AND there are prizes, which is quite unique to say the least.

Just DOUBLE CLICK on any of the forms, and then print out the necessary one.




The boys 18's is filled up but if you contact coach mitch ASAP there is still a chance to sign-up for this coming weekend.

Two Short And Simple Mental Video Tips - Concentration, Leave Mental Baggage Off The Court

Tomorrow our friend the sun will reappear. Remember him from a blog post last year. We will be indoors but we will bring the sun in and we'll all bring our own sun ray and contribute it to a group concentration and success at River Winds. It is there where all our minds and eyes will see is the next point and the next successful shot we're going to hit to win that point. Your a ray of sun and all you see it what is in front of you, and RBC will be blinded by our collective energy.

Once you get on that court, as I've stated before, such a place is your cocoon and nothing is important but the next point you'll play. We will all succeed tomorrow, and those winning bus rides back to PVI, and how fun they were, well it is not more than 18 hours before it happens again. BUT!! We have to focus our ray's energy on the ball we are about to hit and only that ball, wherein the happy bus ride will just happen .. if we stay in the moment.

These mental vid tips go hand and hand with yesterday's piece. Leaving the past and not thinking into the future. BE IN THE NOW FOR TWO HOURS TOMORROW!

I have a fresh role of 'Tourna Grip,' and will gladly re-grip your racquets if you need such, just ask and I'll do it tomorrow on the bus.

I also just got back from Trader Joe's, and came to the conclusion that we should go back to the 'Pomegranate White Tea.' This same tea was with us in our first round match-up last year. This was the first Ice Tea we started with, and I am superstitious.



See you all tomorrow. I will be on the bus and ready to rock at 1050pm. See you all ASAP, as I know you get out at 11pm. I hope we'll have time for a short warm-up at River Winds, so be prepared.




Mental Tip



Mental Tip




And A Little Music To Accompany - Our Team On The Road, In The Bus, And On The Run To Victory - Wings

A Kind Of Common Opponent Of Red Bank Catholic Is Bishop Eustace ... Read Between The Box Scores

We play Red Bank Catholic on Thursday at noontime at River Winds Racquet Club in West Deptford. This time last season Bishop Eustace played them in the first round of the playoffs. There are two box scores below, one of that playoff match and a recent box score where RBC played Rumson a couple weeks ago. You'll see some different names in each but some are the same.

Tomorrow if it rains I'll have a short indoor practice for Terry, Frank, Mark, Nick, Marcos, John and Mitchel. We'll have it in the gym and it'll run 245-330.

All members of the tennis team are allowed to attend the playoff match on Thursday at River Winds. Please print out the permission slip below and have it signed by a parent. We will be dismissed at 11pm and the match will start at noontime.





I also put a Haddonfield v Pennsville box score, wherein a number of our team members have played both. Terry won against Pennsville's first and Mark lost in a close match to their 3rd singles.

I thought the recent Cherry Hill East/Shawnee match was interesting. We have played East, wherein Shawnee is ranked considerably higher than the Cougars, but played them close from 3 down and won both doubles positions. We were going to play Shawnee but as you know now that match was canceled.

The last one is fascinating. I see that a 6-11 Oakcrest team could beat St Augustine's 3rd singles, a fill-in, but not a JV fill-in, a member of their 2nd varsity doubles team. Christopher Polizzi has played about half of Prep's matches at 2nd doubles this season. The doubles matches were also quite competitive. The Prep drops off a cliff after 2nd singles, and we'll get another shot at them soon.

Red Bank Catholic 4, Bishop Eustace 1

The Star Ledger, May 13, 2010

1st Singles: Paul Sansone, Red Bank Catholic, def. Bill Celano 6-0, 6-0.

2nd Singles: Matt Rider, Red Bank Catholic, def. Jay Vatson 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

3rd Singles: Tim Swenarton, Red Bank Catholic, def. Eric Mintz 6-2, 6-3.

1st Doubles: Stephen Baldo and Peter Glover, Red Bank Catholic, def. and Brian Miller 6-2, 6-1.

2nd Doubles: Matt Lieve and Steve Smith, Bishop Eustace, def. JV Mennie and TJ Schissler 7-6 (7-2), 6-0.


Records: Bishop Eustace 4-11. Red Bank Catholic 9-7.


5/5/2011

Red Bank Catholic 4 Rumson 1
(9-4-0) (6-9-1)

1st Matt Rider (Red Bank Catholic) d Simon Rubin (Rumson) 6-3, 6-2

2nd Ralph Primavera (Red Bank Catholic) def Drew Hitchner (Rumson) 6-3, 6-2

3rd Campbell Dickson (Rumson) def. Tim Swenarton (Red Bank Catholic) 1-6, 6-3, 6-2

1st Stephen Baldo & Peter Glover (Red Bank Catholic) def. Andrew Henderson & Mike Mahedy (Rumson) 6-2, 6-2

2nd Jimmy Glover & J.V. Mennie (Red Bank Catholic) def. George Ketterer & Anthony Leli (Rumson) 6-2, 6-2


OLYMPIC CONFERENCE 5/13/11

Shawnee 3, Cherry Hill East 2
Justin Kang, S, d Alfred Sebastian Gonzalez 6-0, 6-0; Tyler Arsenault, S, d Alex Feldman 6-1, 6-1; Kyle Sparkman, S, d Hank Davis 6-2, 4-6, 6-2; Jared Kaufman and Max Silverberg, CHE, d Dan Doyle and Tom Annin 6-1, 6-2; Jordan Elmowitz and CJ Smith, CHE, d Mike Cataldo and Joe Forelli 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).


Haddonfield 5, Pennsville 0 5/12/11
Max Oberholtzer d Cory Finlaw 6-1, 6-1; Luke Grabiak d Brett Lankenau 6-4, 6-2; Matt Godlewski d Matt Drummond 6-0, 6-7, 6-4; Isaac Anderson and Sean Campbell d Sam Stafford and Tyler Ascenzi 6-0, 6-1; Anthony Celenza and Max Prescott d Brandon Chambers and Josh Wyshinski 6-0, 6-1.

5/13/2011
St Augustine 4 (13-3) Oakcrest 1 (6-11)
Oakcrest, Mays Landing, NJ

Shane Monroe (St. Augustine) def.David Battistelli (Oakcrest) 6-0, 6-0
Matthew Monroe (St. Augustine) def. Mark Perkins (Oakcrest) 6-0, 6-0
Jimmy Smith (Oakcrest) def. Christopher Polizzi (St. Augustine) 6-1, 6-3

Doubles
Brian Balchiunas & Andrew Moffa (St. Augustine) def. Hamad Hasan & Nicky Race (Oakcrest) 6-2, 1-6, 6-4

Jason DelRe & Ryan Lim (St. Augustine) def. Joe McGarvey & Jerome Walker (Oakcrest)
7-6, 6-0

'Staying in the Moment,' by Brent Abel ... And A Couple Of Other Important Points And Sugestions

This was a great short piece I saw on a tennis website, wherein it is a point I have empathized since I began coaching here, 'Staying in the Moment,' by Brent Abel,' see it cut and pasted at the bottom of this post. 'point by point concentration,' 'don't let the frustration of a lost point lose you the next two points,' etc ... these are points I strongly believe in. PLEASE READ IT.

Hopefully you'll get to use it's information tomorrow, if we get to play Red Bank Catholic, but with 90% chance of rain I am worried. Mr Mitchel is attempting to have the match moved indoors, and I hope to have an answer to you all tomorrow ... or lets hope it doesn't rain ... but check your emails in the late morning for an update.

I also found out that the Philadelphia Freedoms, of World Team Tennis, are having ball boys tryouts. I've been a ball person at handful of tournaments, including the 'US Open' and 'Virgina Slims of Philadelphia,' back in the day at the old Philadelphia Civic Center. I think it is a great way to connect to the sport and see it in a whole different light.

To be on court level with the best in world, and to see the speed and control they exhibit, is truly amazing and inspiring. I highly recommend this experience, and here is your opportunity. I also recommend you go see some of the action if you get a chance. Check the website below for ticket information and their schedule. The person in charge of the ball boys is also listed.

Philly Freedoms (cut and pasted from 'Freedoms' website)
Freedoms are holding ball kid tryouts, June 4th 12-1pm. ages 10-16 outside the Macy's in the King Of Prussia Mall! Hope to see you there!!

Ballkids Coordinator - Philadelphia Freedoms
Rose Weinstein - 610.265.7440 - TennisRose@comcast.net
http://www.philadelphiafreedoms.com/teams/page.aspx?article_id=210

It seems Rob, who once held the 'Tennis Company Pro Shop' at the Cherry Hill Racquet Club is now at Green Valley, and strings racquets there from 10-7 daily. He can have your racquet re-strung within the same day. I just spoke to him and told him that I have a couple players who need re-stringing. I strongly recommend the RPM Blast.

Nick, Terry and Johnny use it, wherein I like the 17 gauge better because I get more feel. I just took my racquet to Dick's, with gift card, and I WILL NEVER do that again. Green Valley is less than a 1/4 mile from Paul VI. His information and phone number are pasted below. I love Steve and Everyone's Racquet, but we are pressed for time. I've been on a couple of you to take care of this.

New for the 2011 Summer Season...Green Valley Tennis Club welcomes The Tennis Company Pro Shop!

The Tennis Company Pro Shop
Green Valley Tennis Club
429 Crystal Lake Avenue
Haddon Twp., NJ 08033
www.thetennisco.com 856-869-3490
rcort928@yahoo.com

See the picture of over-wrap below. I've been using some cheaper Wilson over-wrap, but then I splurged the other day at Walmart and bought 'Tourna Grip' for $3.96 a 3 pack... and I felt like an idiot for ever going cheap on such. I've used the 'Tourna Grip' on and off for years... let's just say I'll never use anything but 'Tourna Grip' again. It is 'head over heels' the best over-grip on the market and the most popular one on either tour.

All our team members should over-grip their racquets at this point in the season, therein more frequently than I see they do ... DO THIS TO AVOID SLIPPAGE ON CONTACT THAT SWEAT AND DIRT BUILD-UP CAN CAUSE ... AND in light of starting the season with a new grip all together. Who read and followed that recommendation made here on the blog. It is suggested, by any major racquet manufacturer, to re-grip your racquet, from anywhere between three to six months, depending on how much you play.



A great shot I recently took with my camera, the other day at the Audubon laundromat. I'll call it 'A Tennis Coach Drying His Tennis Balls After A Rainy Session' .. enter laugh here!!!



The Hardest Thing To Do In Tennis
May 16, 2011 By Brent Abel

Learning stroke technique, the fundamentals of the swing, footwork, strategy, all of that, that’s the easy part.

The tough part about becoming a better competitive tennis player (which translates to simply winning more matches against players at your current skill level) is NOT thinking ahead into the future.

“Well, let’s see, if I win this point, then…”.



We get ahead of ourselves out there…

Between points we think about the consequences of winning and losing future points. We think about what our opponent might do with this shot we’re just about to play.

And during side changes, we think about what a great victory or a depressing loss this is going to be.

The thing that helped me become a better tennis player at the senior level was to find ways to fool myself into staying in the present.

Sounds so simple. But for me, and maybe also for you, the mental part of competing is way harder than improving my swing mechanics.

Here’s what I do in those 3 situations where we can get ahead of ourselves during a match.

* Between points – I go though my 4 part 20 second routine that I immediately start when a point is over.
* Side changes – I do a lot of singing to myself. Sounds goofy, but it helps me to not think into the future or dwell too much on the past. Towel, water, deep breaths, sing…
* Prior to making contact with the ball – This has far and away been the biggest challenge for me. Michael Wayman has helped me trust that I can stay in that moment of contact and not think the nano second of what if…
* And there’s actually a 4th situation which is before the match – I used to get all worked up about what if I lose to this guy or what if I get beat 0 and 0.

What’s worked for me is visualization off of the court.

I see those situations in my mind and act out how I want to be. I have to practice this regularly or else I tend to go back to living in the future when I play a match.

I have to fool myself sometimes especially between points after I’ve just blown an easy shot. Most of it is just acting a certain way.

But if I haven’t rehearsed how I want to act with the off court visualization, I usually don’t manage that time well.

So blah, blah, blah. Let’s get to work.

Take some dedicated time to rehearse exactly how you want to stay in the moment during those times we discussed above and NOT look out into the future.

How about you? What other times before or during a match do you tend to think into the future?

Right below in the Comments area, let us know. Thanks in advance…

Brent

Our Playoff Road .. We Got The Three Seed And A Home Match vs RBC - 2011 Boys Tennis Non-Public 'A' South Bracket

We did get the #3 seed but most importantly we got a home playoff match against the #6 seed Red Bank Catholic. I am thrilled that all our family members and PVI peers will get a chance to support our tennis team, without having to travel too long a distance. The match will be played on or before May 17th, wherein the RBC athletic director and Mr Mitchel will negotiate a date best for both schools. PULL THE MOUSE TO & DOUBLE CLICK EITHER PICTURE TO ENLARGE AND VIEW BETTER.



Below is last year's playoff bracket, wherein RBC was the #7 seed, so they have also improved. We should have a good match on our hands.

Cherry Hill East Was A Battle ... And We Had Some Good Moments - Pictures Of A Beautiful Day At The PVI Courts

Johnny and Mitch communicate quite well, and will never get down on themselves and show their opponents their frustrations. Don't want to give your opponents added confidence ...



The twins made it though a first set quick server. We've all played a quick server once or twice. They slowed it down, a great idea by Marcos.



Mark played our 2nd three set match of the year and really went at it with another Davis at 3rd singles for Cherry Hill East. There is always a Davis at 3rd singles at East.



Frank has amazing concentration on that ball, or coach might just have a good camera that catches such. Or could it be his skills with his camera are really starting to come together with repetition and practice. See the picture below that I put on the blog from the first match of the year against Seneca. I got a great shot of the rust on the fence, but not so good focus on the Seneca players. Practice makes perfect.





Terry played Omar's son and found some shot combinations that worked to win points against a very experienced opponent. Terry did a lot better than yesterday, and I hope his back is doing better. He'll have a tough opponent tomorrow in Dave Blystone of Cherokee. Dave was quite an emotional player when Terry played him last season. If Terry can be consistent and find a way to frustrate him, and then notice such and take advantage of the re-occurrence, I think he could win. You always have to watch and take advantage of the emotional downturns of your opponent(s) when they may be frustrated with their tennis game and show such in words and body language.

We Had A Great Experience At Haddonfield Today That Will Serve Us Well In Our Future Playoff Match-Up

The Legion of Lamberto played a great first set, much better than the first set they played last Saturday at Cumberland against their Bulldog opponents. They were up 4-3 on Issac Anderson and Sean Campbell. I was quite proud of them, and they seemed pleased on the bus ride home, but hungry for more.



Mark was on the attack all day and his lightning quick hands at the net won many points. He can now effectively use this skill, in match situations, to win points. He was up 4-3 in the first set. His opponent, Matt Godlewski, was steady and consistent with every stroke I saw him use today. I can clearly see that Mark is almost over that hump.




Terry's legs may have been a bit like jello today, after yesterday's conference tourney marathon. The 'Vitamin Water' was a necessity that helped him battle through the fatigue. He fought hard against Max Oberholtzer in a match that John Anderson correctly predicted would be as long as it was. It was the longest of the day and I was proud of the heart that he showed.





Frank's serve and forehand were big today, and he had many good moments against Haddonfield's Luke Grabiak. Both players had big serves and forehands. I was quite proud of the hustle and heart Frank showed. Today he used his racquet to show that he does indeed care.



Mitchel (serving in the picture above) and Johnny were in the "Centennial Courts Steel Cage Match" against Anthony "The Anvil" Celenza & Max "Monster Mash" Prescott. A tough match-up and venue for anyone in South Jersey for sure, wherein they fought hard and I was quite proud of them as I always am.

I told all the Haddonfield boys that this year's State Championship which they are gunning for isn't just for the team and Mr Holman, but for 'The Anvil,' their fearless senior leader. The boys state championship drought must end. I hope this group of boys does just that and that Paul VI might join them on that same day at Mercer County Park. I also hope Mitchel is studying for his SAT as we speak.



It was a pleasure to spend some time with Mr Holman(black jacket)today. I was a little disappointed that he didn't wear his tie as I told him of my apparel a few weeks before. I was going to wear an oxford button down and some light colored Khakis in his honor. I think he took off his tie as he was driving the van up to the courts this afternoon. Maybe it wasn't his best tie or it didn't feel right with that pinstripe shirt he had on.

When I played for Mr Holman you couldn't help but notice that he was the only coach who always wore such attire, and having a tie was standard. I never saw him without it, in school or at the courts. It must be a Princeton thing. I compare Mr Holman to Tom Landry, the legendary Dallas Cowboys coach, in manner and dress. Someone should get a 'Haddonfield Tennis' fedora for Mr Holman to really bring his look home. I don't like the Cowboys, but its hard not to see the similarities between the two long time coaches.





John, Pat (ObliterAsian) and Jimmy weren't sure where the pretzels went, but the Ice tea was close by.



The team behind court 1, in support of Terry. That recently added wall is a great new addition to Centennial Courts, where parents and supporters can sit and enjoy the action.



Today's tea was a special edition 'Bulldog Blend,' of Red, Green and Black. I think it worked better than the previous blend of White and Black Tea. I was thrilled that members of both teams enjoyed it. It was great to be home so to speak, and get a warm welcome from David George and Solomon Tanebaum, who were once part of my summer recreation program. I am thrilled that David, Solomon, Anthony and Brandon Coyne are all still playing and enjoying tennis. They were all real good athletes, and I hope the fun and learning they once enjoyed in the Summer program, played a small part in their continuing the sport at HMHS.

It was also great to speak to Mr. Oberholtzer, Max's dad(see Max sitting in the picture with Mr Holman), and I was thrilled to hear that he enjoys the blog too. The blog is a direct reflection of Mr Holman and the tireless work he does to support and promote high school tennis here in South Jersey. I know it is not as popular as the other team sports, so his work to get as much press as possible for any and all South Jersey tennis players and high school teams, made an impression on me long ago. I hope in my own small way I am doing something that helps to support and sustain the sport on the high school level.

I use the Paul VI tennis blog in many ways, but primarily to promote the team aspect here on the high school level and the learning that is new to many. One way I use it is to enhance the learning of the finer aspects of the sport, through simple videos, which give an important visual element to the learning. I hope these short videos encourage and communicate to parents who may not be familiar with the sport, to see what their kids are working on in practice and matches.

A secondary hope is that these same parents may even take up the sport themselves. I now love doing the pictures and stories for each match. I hope the parents, your grandmother in Florida and team members alike all enjoy seeing and hearing what went on in today's match. Mr Holman just heard of the blog and now can see daily what a positive influence he had on me many years ago. So such is also my way of saying thanks to a former teacher, and something I recommend all students do one day, in some shape or form. I clearly understand now what I've been told about teaching being a thankless job at times.

I know Mr Holman has done many things, for the past 30 years, to promote the sport in our area. He runs both the South Jersey High School Tennis Tournament held annually for the boys and girls in Vineland, and the same for the Camden County Tennis Tournament, which we just participated in at Eastern High School. He also started and serves as head of the South Jersey Tennis Coaches Association, which awards scholarships to scholastic and collegiate tennis players, male and female, who play or once played in South Jersey. The SJTCA runs seminars for high school coaches through-out the year. I think there are 20 other things he does which I don't even know about.

Another Conference Doubles Title For The Lamberto Two, A Spirited Fight For The Trophy With Mitch & John & All Singles Players Made the Semi-Finals

It was a beautiful but long day at Seneca for the Olympic Conference Tourney. The day started with Mark 'Million Dollar' Mc Shane barreling through a very good Sedric Thomas. It ended shortly before 7pm with Terry playing his best match to date against Bishop Eustace's Jay Vatson. The sun really showed up at the end, as we started with cold and wind and a slight overcast.

I was equally proud of all our team members. They all played many matches in one day. I know they all got an invaluable experience with match toughness as their reward, and even if I wasn't thrilled with how much we had to play. We have a tough match tomorrow at Haddonfield. We'll see then how we respond.

But today was our day at Seneca, and with all our singles players making the Semi Finals and both our doubles teams fighting for the title, you could say it was the '2011 Paul VI Open.' Mark was quite impressive in his easy win over the 1st singles player from Seneca. He was a man on a mission today. Terry ran head-long into Jay Vatson for the 3rd time this season and had his best showing yet. Frank casually walked into the Semi's before his meeting with 'Too Tall' Terry Long.

Our Doubles toyed with the competition and then battled each other as the afternoon glare sparkled behind them. Enjoy the pictures below and I'll see all of you tomorrow @2 for a very simple and non-exerting practice(Serves, Volleys, Etc) before we hop the bus and old coach here walks you into his backyard and up the path to Haddonfield's Centennial Courts. A walk I've made a million times, and now am excited to make as your coach.



A Blog photo-op before the Championship Match




Terry, Frank, Johnny and Mitch love showing their PVI spirit and supporting Mark in his match against Cooper Morrison of Seneca.









Johnny and Mitch were stretched and ready to conquer Seneca's 1st doubles team in their Semi-Final match-up.













The Legion of Lamberto at the conference tourney is a facsimile of Casey and Storm playing in the singles draw in the previous years.





Frank casually walked his way into the Semi-Finals




Terry was all business today. He was focused and cool as a cucumber.






Mark starting off the day feeling cold but playing hot.



Lloyd and the pizza guy



A close-up of the soft pretzel. We may have had some mustard on the pretzel too.



Coaches Sue, Lloyd, and Linda