Holiday Weekend – Play some SMART TENNIS

From Chapter 5 — Playing Percentage Tennis

Most points in a match are won on errors, NOT winners! Regardless of a player’s ability level, he can increase his chances for success if he reduces his number of unforced errors by keeping a high percentage of shots in play. To do this effectively, he must understand percentage tennis and how it influences his shot selection.
* Control Aggressiveness
* Margins for Error
* Deciding the Best Shot to Hit
* Conservative VS. Aggressive: A Few Examples

Go read Chapter Five to Win many many more matches

String Confusion…this may help

 

 Great information on string from local store Owner – Eric Burke of  Hardcore Tennis Marietta

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I am constantly amazed by the misinformation that prevails concerning tennis racquets and tennis strings. The prevailing notion among many tennis players is that using the same equipment that tour players use, just has to make them better players. The truth is very far from that; At least for the most part.

Let’s start with strings.

Tennis strings have improved tremendously over the past 10 years. For years it was virtually impossible to get good feel and durability from the same string. Now there are many strings that provide durability, comfort, and spin potential. Most of these strings are called co-poly or copolymer strings.

For years we have been hearing how most tour pros use “Big Banger” strings. And now RPM Blast is all the rage. To clarify Big Banger is a cool catch phrase that Luxillon puts some of its string packaging.

Actual string names are Luxillon Alu Power or Luxillon Adrenaline.

RPM Blast is a cool looking octagonal shaped black string from Babolat. Many professional, hard hitting junior and college players like these strings for a few reasons. Because these strings are pretty firm, advanced players are able to take bigger swings and keep the ball in the court. And due to the texture and/or shape of these strings, potential for additional spin is excellent. But most of all they are extremely durable. Most tennis players including professionals cut these particular types of strings out of their racquets before they break due to tension loss.

We constantly hear how much spin and control these strings provide. But we seldom hear the negative issues associated with them. While the stiffness of these strings is a benefit for some players, it is a detriment to many more. Wrist, elbow, and shoulder pain is a constant complaint from players. And they tend to lose tension much quicker than you would expect. Especially considering what they cost.

There are many co-poly strings that are very durable and much softer than the most popular ones. Kirschbaum Pro Line 2, Poly Star Energy, Solinco Tour Bite, and Luxillon XP are all excellent co-poly strings. Cost for stringing varies from around $33.00 for Poly Star Energy to $43.00 for Luxillon XP.

We carry all of these great strings at Hardcore Tennis.

Eric

Tennis Coach/Tennis Friend…

Nice Words…

Words from an old tennis friend matter

Mentally Tough Tennis Friend, Bill Wham

“I have known Dave since we were both juniors playing in the 15′s and 18′s as opponents in singles and as doubles partners.  Dave’s mental game was excellent as he had the unique ability to recognize, analyze and capitalize on weaknesses, and develop point and game strategy to simply win matches.  There was no on-court coaching back in the 1960′s so Dave was truly his own on-court coach – and he was effective.  He knew and understood the game.

I have purchased Dave’s book and given it to my varsity players (boys and girls) and it has been eagerly read and utilized by my top players. 

Solid coaching and strategy where you are in control… A really excellent player’s manual that can be used throughout one’s tennis career.”

Bill Wham

Boys and Girls Varsity Tennis Coach

Lyons Township High School

LaGrange, Illinois

Dave Power Speaking to high school tennis coaches in Orlando January 2011

I will be speaking soon, January 5-7 2011, at the Florida High School Tennis Coaches Convention and I look forward to meeting you there. 

Helping coaches teach junior players to use their INNER COACH is important

Dave Speaking for Ohio Tennis Coaches

McENROE RETURNS TO SCENE OF MEMORABLE “SURPRISE” CHAMPIONS VICTORY

Tennis Player John McEnroe

Mentally Tough John McEnroe

Four-time U.S. Open Champion Grouped with Courier, Ferreira and Tarango in Round-Robin Play at Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships In Surprise, Ariz.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – John McEnroe will return to the scene of one of his most memorable tournament victories of his Champions Series tennis career this week at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships in Surprise, Ariz.

McEnroe, 51, will be seeking a second title in the suburban Phoenix enclave two years after a dramatic final-round win over Todd Martin. Played in severe desert winds of up to 35 miles per hour that knocked over courtside umbrellas and chairs, McEnroe saved three match points and defeated Martin 3-6, 7-6 (3), 11-9 (Champions Tie-Breaker).

“We had some incredible winds that day,” said McEnroe of his 2008 final. “Watching the US Open brought back some memories from my final-round match in Surprise in terms of the windy conditions. I have never experienced something or watched something as difficult as it was. It actually helped me, although I am not suggesting that I would want it again. It just goes to show you that you never know what could happen.”

McEnroe will open round-robin play this year on Thursday, October 21 against Wayne Ferreira, followed by a Friday night grudge match against Jeff Tarango on October 22 and a Saturday show-down against former U.S. Davis Cup teammate Jim Courier on October 23. McEnroe was not in the field last year in Surprise as Martin won the title, defeating Andre Agassi in the championship match.

Michael Chang, the 1989 French Open champion, and Mark Philippoussis, the 2003 Wimbledon finalist, headline the other round-robin grouping this week in Surprise. Philippoussis will open up play at the event on Wednesday October 20 against former top 10 star Aaron Krickstein. Chang will kick off play on Thursday, October 21 against former U.S. Davis Cupper Jimmy Arias.

Former Wimbledon semifinalist Anna Kournikova and former U.S. Fed Cup standout Ashley Harkleroad will also participate in special mixed doubles matches during the tournament. The full schedule of play is as follows:

Wednesday, October 20

Starting at 7 pm

Mark Philippoussis vs. Aaron Krickstein

Followed by

Jim Courier vs. Jeff Tarango

Thursday, October 21

Starting at 7 pm

Michael Chang vs. Jimmy Arias

Followed by

John McEnroe vs. Wayne Ferreira

Friday, October 22

Starting at 2 pm

Mark Philippoussis vs. Jimmy Arias

Followed by

Michael Chang vs. Aaron Krickstein

Starting at 7 pm

Jim Courier vs. Wayne Ferreira

Followed by

John McEnroe vs. Jeff Tarango

Saturday, October 23

Starting at Noon

Jimmy Arias vs. Aaron Krickstein

Followed by

Anna Kournikova/Jeff Tarango vs. Ashley Harkleroad/Wayne Ferreira Followed by Michael Chang vs. Mark Philippoussis Starting at 7 pm John McEnroe vs. Jim Courier Followed by Anna Kournikova/Jimmy Arias vs. Ashley Harkleroad/Aaron Krickstein Followed by Wayne Ferreira vs. Jeff Tarango

Sunday, October 24

Starting at Noon

Third Place Match

Followed by

Championship Match

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships is a third-year event on the Champions Series tennis circuit, the New York-based global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex, 14469 W. Paradise Lane and also online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

To be eligible to compete on the Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event features $150,000 in prize money – with the tournament champion earning $60,000 – and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1. Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the Champions Series, followed by Pete Sampras and Todd Martin.

Former U.S. and Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis defeated John McEnroe to win the Staples Champions Cup in Boston in May and take over the No. 1 Champions Series ranking. Former French Open semifinalist Fernando Meligeni of Brazil was the surprise winner of the opening event on the 2010 Champions Series, winning the title in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil by defeating Philippoussis in the final.

Inside Sports

Federer v Murray in China…

Just heard that Federer lost to Murray. i am interested in the match scores because I missed the match.

Georgia Tech News

Gomez Falls in Round of 16 at D’Novo/ITA All-American

Tulsa, Okla. – Georgia Tech All-American Guillermo Gomez failed to get past the round of 16 at the D’Novo/ITA All-American Tennis Championships, falling in three sets Friday morning to Drew

Coaching Program for High School Tennis Coaches

THE INNER COACH

Premium Coaching Program for 2011 

What is The Inner Coach, Premium Coaching Program?

v     January – December 2010 Dave will take one chapter per month, starting with Chapter 1 and dissect it for you.  You will receive an audio and email from Dave on the 2nd of each month. 

v     Dave will accept questions on that specific months’ chapter during the entire month and all questions and answers will be sent to you via email. You will receive all the other coaches’ questions and answers.

v     You receive Information from Dave Power on the Parent – Player – Coach connection.

v     You receive on going court drill information to enhance your team practices.

v     You receive direct phone time with Dave Power to discuss your team, the book and any coaching questions you have.  This is one call per month, scheduled at a convenient time for both you and Dave. You will be in charge of initiating this call and a time will then be arranged. 

v     You will receive tips and insights/interviews from other former world-class tennis players throughout the year.

Mentally Tough Tennis – from the US OPEN 2010

This is a great video done by Tennis Players Network from the US Open – Enjoy

http://animoto.com/play/f9uwucCEVojmt92d3Sa9OQ?%3Futm_source=facebook