Badge Tie Breaker Strategy | ATP

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“With finals approaching do you have a philosophy for tiebreakers?”

Ah… tie breakers. Regrettably most people hate playing tiebreakers!  Why?

For some reason, as the pressure mounts towards the end of the set, many feel they have to overplay. Even though it was their current play that got them to the tie breaker!

Now is NOT the time for those trick shots, topspin lobs or the screaming sideline winner that just misses! CONSERVATISM is the name of the game. So what’s our preferred strategy?

First a little background.  At our Badge level whether Grade 1 or Grade 10, most points are LOST.  Read that again, yep most players beat themselves. Therefore, your basic strategy is to ‘give’ your opponent a chance to miss. You’ll find that, as the pressure builds after 3 or more shots, your opponent will try to finish the point and probably make an error.

So the basic strategy is strong and steady wins tie breakers. Get your first serve in, get your return of serve in play and hit your shots to ‘big targets’ typically down the centre of the court and midcourt to stay in the point.  You’re trying to get your opponents to hit the ball to your partner at the net, who has a much greater chance of winning the point for your team. 

And to improve that ‘first serve in’ percentage, take a little more time to prepare to serve (i.e. don’t rush) since this is the only time you have control of the point. Nothing happens until YOU serve — use the time to calm down with a little slow breathing. And perhaps, a little more spin to help your control if that’s within your capabilities, otherwise just aim for the middle of the service box. You want a 80% success rate.

When you’re receiving, err on the side of a higher net clearance and aim for the centre of the court to get into the point. A lob return can be a great return in a tie breaker. Even so, lob high — give ’em a chance to miss.

Recognize, there is no need to overplay and do more, rather just try to do more of what you’re been doing a little better. Trust yourself, your game, and do your best. Just keep playing. You might surprise yourself. I guarantee you’ll surprise your opposition!

And lastly, the most important point is always the next one. It’s never over until you shake hands.

Go Manly Lawn!
Rob

Read more: Psychology: Playing Tiebreakers

 

Crucial Point & Games | ATP

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With Badge starting, here’s a timely reminder that some points are more important than others in match play.

In tennis, the latter stages of any game and any set, especially from the ninth game on wards, are critically important due to the unique scoring structure and the psychological dynamics involved. This phase of the set is pivotal for building or maintaining momentum.

And let’s not forget the drama of tiebreakers!

Here’s the links on the Tennis Whisperer site to cover these key stages and games, ensuring you’re well-prepared for these crucial moments in Badge.

The Crucial Fourth Point

The Crucial Ninth Game

Tiebreakers

Nadal Prematch Ritual | AskThePro

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This week’s question comes from a player at the Seaside Championships.  “Isn’t it great to see Nadal is back. He’s such a fierce competitor. My question is, why does Nadal employ a short burst routine as part of his initial match preparation?

It’s no surprise that Nadal, known for his fierce competitiveness, incorporates a scientific approach into his routine. He kicks off his pre-match preparation with a three-minute, dynamic warm-up, a vital component for combating fatigue, reducing stress, and boosting spirits. This routine can work wonders if you’re feeling drained before stepping onto the tennis court.

According to Margaret Rice, a neurosurgery professor at N.Y.U. Grossman School of Medicine, engaging in this brisk activity elevates your heart rate, improving oxygen delivery to both muscles and brain. This surge in energy can leave you feeling more alert, possibly attributed to the release of dopamine triggered by the movement.

Beyond the immediate energy boost, a recent 2022 study involving 25,000 British adults revealed that just three minutes of vigorous daily movement can lead to a decreased risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease.

This research recommends beginning your day with an invigorating warm-up to jumpstart your energy levels. However, it also underscores its versatility, making it suitable for a quick three-minute pick-me-up during any break. Activities like shadow tennis swings, golf swings, boxing, and basketball shots—all designed to engage your major muscle groups—are highly effective.

At the end of those three minutes, take a moment to assess your experience. Is your heart rate elevated? Are you breathing deeply? Do you feel more energized, and has your mood improved?

It’s fantastic to witness Nadal’s return, and we certainly hope he remains injury-free for a while yet.

Best of luck, Rob
Tennis Whisperer

USPTA Quick Tip: Soft Hands on Volleys | AskThePro

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USPTA Elite Professional Katie Dellich shares a trick on getting students to understand why they shouldn’t hold their racquet so tightly on the volley!
Good luck,

Rob, USPTA Pro
Tennis Whisperer

What Does it Take to Create an Elite Junior Player? | AskThePro

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We were fortunate to watch several promising juniors compete in the Club Championships over the past several weeks.  One parent watching the matches asked this week’s question.  What Does it Take to Create an Elite Junior Player?

Creating an elite junior tennis player involves a blend of talent, dedication, and a specialized teaching program.

The Muir Tennis Academy (MTA), drawing from years of experience, developed a tennis curriculum that emphasized building on individual strengths.  The program was very successful in creating college athletes with the payoff that tennis paid for their education.  Some even went on to become College Coaches themselves, one even has his own tennis academy.

The approach mirrored a multiyear academic education, with structured semester programs focusing on seven key elements. The curriculum allowed for tracking a child’s progress and tailoring teaching to their specific needs/strengths, all while incorporating healthy competitive elements.

Here’s a copy of the curriculum.

The curriculum was divided into two main sections: learning the Fundamentals and Building a Game based on the fundamentals.  Classes were held biweekly for groups of 6 – 8 players.

1. Fundamentals

  • Ball Watching: This involved teaching players about eye-hand coordination and focus, with drills designed to track the ball from the opponent’s racket to their own.
  • Balance and Rhythm: The training here included exercises to improve physical coordination, footwork, balance, and rhythm, enhancing agility and court movement.

2. Building A Game

  • Applied Fundamentals: This step involved integrating basic skills into more complex drills, combining ball watching and balance with hitting exercises to simulate real-game scenarios.
  • Strategy Essentials: Players learned tactical aspects of the game, understanding different shots, their appropriate use, and how to anticipate the opponent’s moves.
  • Singles Strategy: The curriculum focused on specific singles play strategies, such as court management, exploiting opponents’ weaknesses, and enhancing serve and return games.
  • Doubles Strategy: Emphasized teamwork, positioning, and communication in doubles, teaching effective partnership strategies, including court coverage and shot selection.

This structured approach fostered learning and development, focusing more on the “experience” rather than just winning or achieving high rankings.

At the end of the day, the role of the coach is to help develop a ‘good person’ with life skills. If they happen to become an elite tennis player too, that’s a bonus.  Good luck.

Rob Muir
USPTA
Tennis Whisperer

The Dreaded Tennis Elbow | AskThePro

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Recently, I have a reoccurrence of the dreaded tennis elbow. What can I do about it?

Unfortunately, sooner or later, most of us have to suffer through the dreaded tennis elbow.  Between 10 and 50 percent of players suffer from tennis elbow so you’re not alone. And as most of us find out – rest doesn’t help.

Tennis elbow occurs when repetitive forces cause micro-trauma injuries to the tissues around the elbow.  Common initiating factors include: using a new racket, using nylon strings that are too tight, oversized grips, playing in the wind, hitting ‘heavy wet balls’.

In addition, if you suddenly increase your playing intensity and couple this with poor technique, especially the backhand and serve, you reduce your body’s ability to withstand these forces and develop tennis elbow. Striving for that little extra can really hurt you!

In a study by Kelley (1994, “sufferers showed poor body positioning and greater involvement of their forearm extensor muscles. They also showed rapid change from wrist flexion to wrist extension when striking the ball and early in the follow-through. This placed the wrist in an unstable position to withstand repeated forces. Importantly, the backhand stroke heightened these differences.”

If you are suffering from tennis elbow, you will have pain radiating down the lateral side of your elbow or stiffness in this area. Your symptoms may disappear if you stop playing, but this is obviously self-defeating. If you consult a doc, they’ll suggest anti-inflammatory drugs, injections, and RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) method. These, however, merely treat the symptoms and don’t address the underlying factors that caused the injury.

Another paper by Noteboom (1994) suggested 5 stages of treatment for tennis elbow: 1. Reduce pain, 2. Reduce inflammation, 3. Induce the healing process, 4. Maintain fitness, and 5. Control force placed on injured tissues.

Part of reducing the pain and inflammation is to get the inflamed tendons and muscles to ‘release’ (this is why some people have success with acupuncture). Typically the muscles and tendons are displaced away from your body causing your arm to be ‘bent’ and exacerbating the stress on the elbow point. You need to find the pressure (i.e pain) point, and gradually increase the pressure there until you feel the muscle release – sometimes takes a couple of minutes depending on how extreme your case!.

Repeat liberally and at the same time, start hot massage beginning at the wrist and gradually work your way up to the elbow to both release and stimulate blood flow to the muscles and tendons. Be patient, since there’s typically little blood flow to tendons which is why it takes time for the inflammation to go down. Gradually you’ll see your arm “unbend” as the muscles and tendons return to proper alignment.

In my own case, it takes about 10 days to get my elbow in reasonable shape if I’m diligent. Thereafter, after I’ve completed stages 1-3, I use a series of stretching exercises coupled with reducing the force in hitting the ball.  Racket stringing technology is developing all the time and I’ve found that one of Gamma’s strings, Live Wire, definitely eases the force on my arm.  While it might costs a few $$ more for a restring, even so, you’ll easily make up for this in frustration and injury reduction.

Candidly, putting the right strings in your racket is worth at least a point-a-game advantage in power, control, and injury prevention! If you can afford the technology, buy it!! Likewise, if you worried about your technique, spend a few $$$ on lessons.

Rob, USPTA Pro

Tennis Whisperer

How Do I Handle Match Play Distractions? | AskThePro

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This week’s inquiry comes from a club member participating in our club championships. During the heat of a match, my opponent unexpectedly erupted with incomprehensible outbursts, visibly losing their temper, and impulsively hurling their racket against the fence. This unsettling incident disrupted my concentration, leading to my subsequent loss of three consecutive points and ultimately the entire match. How should I effectively deal with such situations in the future?

When your adversary is unable to defeat you with their racket alone, it is crucial not to permit them to discover alternative means of gaining an advantage. Rather than succumbing to frustration due to your opponent’s unsportsmanlike behaviour, consider seizing the opportunity it presents.

Competitive tennis is all about matchups and your ability to discern your opponent’s psychological state. This not only allows you to draw energy from your opponent’s mental struggles and maintain your composure when trailing, but also enables you to adjust the game’s tempo to create a more favourable matchup during play.

In essence, when your opponent exhibits visible signs of distress, you should maintain a brisk pace to keep them off balance. Conversely, during pivotal moments or when they are gaining an advantage, you should slow down the tempo. So, how can you identify these tell-tale signs of your opponent being “visibly upset”?

You encountered a few distractions in your match, so here is a list of common indicators that your opponent is feeling pressure (remember, these may also apply to you):

  1. Abuse: Engaging in abusive racket behaviour such as throwing or hitting it against the net.
  2. Control: Making critical errors at crucial times, double faults, or trying to steer the ball instead of hitting it.
  3. Mouthing: Negative self-talk, shouting, or using abusive language.
  4. Negative: Refusing to accept errors or calls, and dwelling on mistakes.
  5. Physical: Inability to relax, deliberately making bad calls, or rushing play.
  6. Rushing: Exhibiting signs of agitation and hurrying the game.
  7. Visual: Expressing dismay at errors, displaying negative body language, or making mocking gestures.

Many of these behaviours are childish and attention-seeking in nature, similar to behaviours not tolerated outside of tennis. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor your opponent’s conduct throughout a match to gain insights into their mental state and how they handle pressure.

Maintain your composure during crucial moments. Often, we internalize our focus, competing against ourselves. Avoid sending unintentional signals of frustration to your opponents, as this can boost their confidence. Players like Federer and Nadal excel at managing on-court distractions.

There is great value in staying composed, focusing on your own game, and minimizing distractions, whether they originate from your side of the court or your opponent’s.

Good luck,

Rob, USPTA Pro
Tennis Whisperer

Gilbert’s Coaching Advice to Gauff: Know what’s coming, and play to your strengths | AskThePro

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Brad Gilbert — tennis junkie, junkballer, commentator, coach of legends — had roughly seven minutes to trade his coaching hat for a microphone, to shift from helping Coco Gauff manage her third-round match Friday night to interviewing Novak Djokovic in the tunnel before his.

“Been coming to this place since 1981,” Gilbert, who travels with an espresso machine, said between sips of coffee as he headed to his office, a.k.a. the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, on Saturday morning. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

For 40 years, he has been a near-ubiquitous presence in the sport, rising through the 1980s to the No. 4 ranking in the world, despite his quirky, awkward, ugly strokes, then pivoting to coaching and television work, often at the same time, in that hybrid way that is oddly common in tennis. Andre Agassi had him at his side when he won the U.S. Open in 1994, as did Andy Roddick, in 2003.

Now, at 62 and a decade removed from top-level coaching, Gilbert is back in the trenches and quickly becoming a star of this year’s U.S. Open, albeit in a supporting role to the 19-year-old Gauff, who is among the biggest stars of this quintessentially American tennis party. One minute, Gilbert is chatting and applauding Gauff through a practice session. The next, he’s hustling through the crowds, fist-bumping fans who treat him like an old buddy on his way up to the ESPN commentary booth to mingle with a decidedly older set of stars from his era, such as Chris Evert, Patrick McEnroe and Pam Shriver.

“A very funny man,” Gauff said earlier this summer of Gilbert, whose coaching exploits she knew little about, since, as she pointed out with a giggle, they mostly happened before she was born. “I didn’t want to be with someone who’s a wall. But he’s definitely not a wall.”

Tennis fans love and hate his nerdy player nicknames. Stan Wawrinka, the Swiss tank of a player, is “Stanimal.” Carlos Alcaraz is “Escape from Alcaraz.” And on and on.

Last year took an unconventional turn. For nearly a decade, Gilbert had been working with junior players on private courts in California. Then the phone rang with an odd request.

After Gauff lost in the first round at Wimbledon in July, another disappointing Grand Slam result for a player who believes she is ready to win the biggest titles, he got a call from her team. They wanted him to speak with her parents about sharing his been-there wisdom as an adviser alongside Gauff’s new and somewhat-inexperienced coach, Pere Riba.

Gauff’s shortcomings were hardly a mystery: a shaky forehand and serve in tight moments; a struggle to maximize her prodigious strengths — her speed and ability to cover the court, her fitness, her blazing backhand, a laserlike first serve.
Used the right way, those tools have gotten her far. Maybe Gilbert’s brain could get her over the line.

“He loved discussing matchups, how to get to people’s weaknesses,” said Andy Murray, who worked with Gilbert earlier in his career. “It was very focused on the strategy and finding ways to win matches.”

Gilbert and Gauff’s team have kept quiet about the specific ways he has helped her, but anyone who watches him and hears what he says from her box during matches can figure it out: Know what’s coming, and play to your strengths.

“Make it physical, Coco,” is a constant refrain, a reminder that she can chase down balls all night long if she wants to, taking the legs and the heart out of opponents.

Gilbert has little use for the statistics that have come into fashion among many elite teams. He ignores the screen in the coaching box that gives coaches real-time data. “I trust my eyes,” he said.

He has been trying to introduce Gauff to his music, sending her links to songs by Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and the Eagles. Gauff, a fan of City Girls — a Miami hip-hop duo featuring artists Yung Miami and JT — has yet to share her thoughts.

Still, at the moment, she and her team have every reason to trust his eyes, too. Gauff has won two of her first three tournaments with him on the team, and 14 of 15 matches, including three at the U.S. Open.

Source: .nytimes.com/2023/09/02/sports/tennis/us-open-coco-gauff-brad-gilbert.html

Mastering Tennis Requires an All-Court Style | AskThePro

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The tennis court at Arthur Ashe Stadium appears smooth, but the microscopic structure of sand granules in the acrylic paint significantly affects match dynamics. The size, shape, and density of the sand dictate the ball’s speed post-bounce, with the U.S. Open surface being “medium-fast,” resulting in fewer long rallies and quicker matches. This pace is deliberately chosen by organizers using devices that measure friction and restitution.
Players like Daniil Medvedev have criticized court speeds, as variations can affect match outcomes. For example, the medium-slow courts at Indian Wells play differently than the medium-fast courts in Miami. Organizers try to control court pace; for instance, Wimbledon switched to 100% ryegrass for firmer courts, and the U.S. Open added sand to the line paint to minimize ball sliding.
Despite these efforts, top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek consistently win regardless of surface speed. The pace affects playing styles, with faster surfaces favoring offense and slower ones requiring defensive skills and patience. Rafael Nadal, dominant on slow clay courts, had to adopt a more attacking style for hardcourts. The U.S. Open resurfaces its courts annually to ensure consistency. The surface, made by Advanced Polymer Technology, impacts the ball’s speed, trajectory, and spin.
Ultimately, mastering tennis requires an all-court style, as top players like Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic have demonstrated their adaptability to different court speeds.

Court speeds at major tournaments in 2023

TOURNAMENT

COURT SURFACE

PACE RATING

French Open

Clay

Slow (29 or less)

Indian Wells

Hard

Medium-slow (30-34)

Western & Southern Open

Hard

Medium (35-39)

Miami Open

Hard

Medium-fast (40-44)

Australian Open

Hard

Medium-fast (40-44)

U.S. Open

Hard

Medium-fast (40-44)

Wimbledon

Grass

Fast (45 or more)

Source:  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/09/02/sports/tennis/us-open-tennis-court-speed.html

Developing a Warrior Mode | AskThePro

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The mental side of competitive sports is crucial as it directly impacts an athlete’s performance and ability to handle pressure. Developing strong mental resilience, focus, and confidence can often be the differentiating factor between success and failure!

Today’s SMH contained an insightful article on Stuart Board’s development as a professional cricketer. Here’s the relevant teaching extract:

” ….  It’s been a remarkable career for someone who, in his first year of international cricket, was hammered for six consecutive sixes by India’s Yuvraj Singh during the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa. Broad claims that over was the making of him. 

‘‘ It was obviously a pretty tough day . . . I learned loads,’’ Broad recalled. ‘‘ I pretty much based a whole mental routine through that experience, knowing I was left very short as an international performer in that moment. 

I rushed my preparation, I didn’t have any sort of pre-ball routine, I didn’t have any focus. And I started building my sort of ‘warrior mode’ that I call it after that. 

But I think it steeled me up to make me the competitor I am to this day and has driven me forward. 

You obviously go through massive peaks and troughs. But ultimately, I think it’s that bounce-back ability and ability to put poor days behind you because certainly . . . you have a lot more bad days than good days in cricket. You have to be able to deal with them to make sure your good days can flourish …….’’ 

In tennis, like any sport, there are highs and lows, victories and defeats. But it’s the ability to bounce back from setbacks, to learn from the bad days and to develop the resilience needed to thrive in the face of adversity. 

Embracing a “warrior mode” emphasizes the importance of incorporating pre-serve and 4-7-8 breathing rituals to reset one’s determination in overcoming setbacks during matches, ultimately allowing players to persistently seek solutions and maintain a competitive edge.

Good luck.
Rob  Tennis Whisperer

Game Changers: Mastering the Court’s Real Estate | AskThePro

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This week’s question comes from a mid level Badge player.  What are the optimal positions on a tennis court during a match? I often find myself in the wrong position during play.

Considering the highly sought-after nature of Manly as a real estate location, we can draw parallels to explain the relative tactical value of court positions using real estate as a simple metaphor.

1. Net Position – “Manly CBD”: The net position in tennis can be compared to a prime location in the real estate market. Being close to the net provides several advantages. Players in this position have greater control over the game, can execute quick volleys, and apply pressure on their opponents with aggressive shots. It’s a desirable location that allows players to dominate the court and dictate the pace of the game.

2. Baseline Position – “Home”: The baseline position in tennis can be likened to living at home. Being at the baseline gives players a bit more space and time to strategize and react to their opponent’s shots. It provides a solid foundation and acts as a starting point for rallies. Players in this position have a good vantage point to analyze the game, set up their shots, and patiently wait for the right opportunity to attack.

3. Mid-Court Position – “Strategic Acquistion”: The mid-court position in tennis can be compared to a strategically located investment property. Being in the mid-court gives players versatility and options. It allows players to quickly transition between defense and offense, covering more ground and maintaining control over the game. Players in this position can take advantage of opportunities and adjust their game plan based on the situation.

4. Approach Shot Position – “Emerging”: The approach shot position in tennis can be likened to a growth area in the real estate market. Being in the approach shot position provides players with the opportunity to move closer to the net and take control of the point. Players in this position can showcase their attacking skills, put pressure on their opponents, and potentially finish points with powerful winners.

5. Defensive Position – “Blue Chip”: The defensive position in tennis can be compared to a safe haven property. Being in a defensive position allows players to absorb their opponent’s shots and extend rallies. It provides a fall back option when the opponent has the upper hand, enabling players to reset and regain control of the point. Players in this position focus on consistency, precision, and strategic shot placement.

In summary: The net position represents a prime location for control and aggression, the baseline position is like the comfort of home with strategy and patience, the mid-court position is a strategically located investment property with versatility, the approach shot position is an emerging growth area with attacking opportunities, and the defensive position acts as a safe haven property for regaining control.

Good luck.
Rob  Tennis Whisperer

Where should I stand to receive serve? | AskThePro

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This week’s question comes from a mid level Badge player.  Where should I stand to receive serve?  If I stand too far back, I can be aced out wide particular on the forehand court. If I stand too close, I can get overpowered particularly on a big serve?

Pros employ various strategies to returning serve to neutralize the servers advantage. Medvedev/Djokovic/Nadal play a long way back, Federer/Kyrgios/Barty play closer to the baseline.

The following stats chart illustrates the variations in the “neutralizing effect of the serve” based on the returner’s position for either the forehand or backhand court and, for first and second serve. Note the huge difference in the Second Serve position where the server has lost the advantage of the first serve!

Ultimately, the best approach for you is the one that provides you with a long-term advantage in getting into the game and creating the opportunity to win more points.  I teach this as your “Happy Position“.

To optimize your return position and neutralize the server’s advantage, here are a few guidelines to help you find your ‘happy position’:

  1. Assess the server’s tendencies: Observe the server’s patterns, strengths, and weaknesses. Do they often go for powerful serves or rely on placement? Are they consistent with their first serves?  Flat, slice or kick second serve? This information will help you anticipate their shots and allow to adjust your position accordingly.
  2. Consider court positioning: For first serves, standing around 2 to 4 meters behind where the ball bounces in the service box is a good starting point. This allows you to have enough time to react to powerful serves while still being able to cover a wide serve on the forehand court. Standing deeper than 4 meters may make you more vulnerable to wide serves, so find a balance between depth and court coverage.
  3. Adapt to second serves: As the chart shows, second serves often offer greater opportunities for an aggressive return. Here, the optimal return positions are significantly different. Some players excel at taking the ball on the rise, while others prefer a position where the ball has dropped slightly. On average, attempting to take the ball on the rise is much more challenging for club players, so finding a comfortable position where you can consistently make solid contact is key. Experiment with different positions during practice sessions to determine what works best for you.
  4. Focus on the key third hit: Remember that the return is just the beginning of the point. Aim to hit a deep and well-placed return that puts pressure on the server. If you force a short ball on the server’s second hit (the third shot in the point), it opens up opportunities for you (or your partner) to attack with an easy volley or a strong groundstroke.
  5. Be Adaptability: Tennis is a dynamic sport, and your return position should adapt to various factors such as different opponents, court conditions, and serve styles. Stay flexible and be willing to adjust your positioning based on the specific circumstances of each match.

Find your own “happy position,” where you can consistently return the serve and get into the point. This is typically at waist height, while allowing you to move forward into the ball, and around 3 meters from where the serve bounces in the service court! And yes it changes from first to second serve, from opponent to opponent, from day to day as court conditions change!

Good luck,
Rob  Tennis Whisperer