MTC@manlylawn News
COVID Registration, Ladies Competitions Term 3 Draws/Results, Quick Guide to Doubles, Restrings
COVID Registration Required
In the current COVID-19 environment, Carmela and I want to assure you that your health and well-being is our utmost priority.
Government regulations require that we must register ALL players and visitors using the Manly Tennis Centre.
Please scan our QR code at the centre with your phone’s camera app to complete registration each day you visit us. Only your name and mobile number is required.
Please make sure that you follow all the rules with regard to hygiene, sanitising and social distancing when using our facilities. Thank you.
Scott Blackburn
MTC Tennis Director & Head Pro
GO FOR IT: Ongoing Programs
Ladies Competitions
Tuesday Ladies started July 21. Friday Ladies started July 24. Finals Days are the week of Sept 21.
All matches are played at Manly Lawn Tennis Club and consist of three sets of doubles over two hours duration. Matches start at either 9.15am or 11.15am. Please use the link below for draws and scores.
ALL Ladies Competition draws and scores are now available on the web immediately after play is completed.
Reserve players always welcome. For more information, please contact or email Scott.
Scott Blackburn
MTC Tennis Director & Head Pro
Quick Guide to the Art of Doubles Play
- Manage the ‘real estate’ by understanding the 80% Rule. 80% of shots are in a 2-metre circle around the centre serve box! Given a choice to defend always move to protect the centre of the court. You might not make the shot even so you’ll have a play most times!
- Doubles is a Team Sport because one player gets to stand in a winning position without hitting a ball! The server’s, and the receiver’s job is to get the ball to their partner at the net. So much easier to win points at the net!
- Be a ‘Threat” by your court presence. Impose yourself when you’re at the net to intimidate the opposition. For example Karen (big lady dominating the net) or Catherine (fast lady moving around on the net) can cause opponents to make more errors!
- 80% First Serves. Take a little off your first serve to start the point and serve 2/3 of your serves preferably to the opponent’s weaker side. Statswise, you’re more likely to win the point, you have more time to reach your volley position AND your partner has a greater chance of hitting a winning volley — a threefer! Besides your opposition is much more apprehensive about returning the first serve.
- Deep to Deep, Short to Short. When you’re deep behind the baseline, simply return the balls higher over the net and deep within your opponent’s court. A lob is a great shot to accomplish this particularly when your opponents are at the net. Conversely, when you are drawn forward into the service box, try to keep the ball short, and preferably on the ground, so your opponents have to hit up — and you can volley down to finish the point.
Cheers,
MTC Tennis Whisperer
How Often Should You Restring Your Rackets?
With our competitions just starting back after COVID, this is the typical question we get!
The tournament pros are absolutely fanatical about their choice of strings and the associated string tension — which they change to suit both surface and playing conditions — and often during a match.
Conversely, the average tennis player puts what we euphemistically call “two dollars worth of nylon” in a $200+ high performance frame — and expects to play consistently well and without injury, especially tennis elbow.
If you play year round, we suggest that you invest in a good restring job at least twice a year to maintain tension, control, comfort, feel and power. Your game, and your enjoyment, will immediately benefit.
We all have to manage our limitations — and using better technology (whether frame and/or strings) is a great way to do this. Cunning and guile will only get you so far! Invest in the technology! Here’s a couple of links if you are interested in a little education on the latest strings and rackets: What Constitutes a Good String Job? and Should I Invest in a New Racket?
Our Pro shop has a selection of strings to suit your budget and playing style. Scott can advise.
