We can’t let the cure be worse than the problem itself, and no, I’m not talking about sheltering-at home. With so many tennis pros unable to instruct live, many have turned to making “instructional videos”. And while they give information, many are devoid of valuable insight and wisdom. In my anecdotal study of 10…
The USTA is hopeful to start the US Open in late August with business as usual with a “decision coming in June”, explained Mike Dowse USTA Chief of Operations. Dowse went on to say: “The driving factor will be the health and well-being of the players, the fans and our staff.” Dowse added, “it is…
The USTA today announced a comprehensive suite of programs to support the tennis industry, which is battling the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement is the second phase of ongoing efforts that the USTA is developing in concert with the American tennis industry. The overarching goal of these efforts is to provide…
A game, all over social media, in which we hypothetically choose to quarantine in a house from a list of well-known people is helping us pass the time. Tennis has one with six houses, with each one having five random US Open champions. So should tennis players Rejoice? I’m not so sure. This one is…
I read an article yesterday from a “trauma psychologist” complaining about how social media blogs which “urge self-improvement during this time place an unnecessary burden on people making them feel guilty.” I don’t know about you, but my introspective emotions are my choice, no one causes me to feel the way I do; definitely not social media. Sure, it’s…
A lot of truth is being revealed during this shutdown and shelter-at-home orders. Some are truths about others. Which leaders, whether individuals or organizations both in and out of tennis, really care about our well-being? Who is stepping up with real effort, and who is just passing information along and then stalking a claim like…
A lot of tennis professionals are doing video tips on Facebook and other social media sites these days. I recently saw several video tips from Tom Gullikson, who I know from my coaching days on the ATP Tour. Tom was a great player, winning the 1984 French Open Mixed Doubles title along with Manuela…
How about making a video of you doing household tasks and working out? I have a better idea. Get off your phone and do them! Do you really need a virtual pat on the back to do what you should be doing anyway?
How do you handle a disagreement about the score? Of course, there is a protocol in the rules, but most importantly it usually involves learning how to negotiate. The ability to negotiate in order to defuse difficult situations is a tennis skill that will become an invaluable life skill. For many, it’s a skill that comes in…
John Wooden, the great UCLA men’s basketball coach, once said, “Sports don’t build character, they reveal it.” What is your character on the court? Do you “cheat back?” Do you give up? Do you whine and complain about how the world is unfair, or do you rise above and fight with calm resolve, deliberate purpose and grace under…