It’s always fun to sit on the dais with some of the great thinkers in the world of tennis. I was recently invited to participate in a panel discussion at this year’s New York Tennis Expo at NYCB LIVE. The panel consisted of Steve Johnson, the California-born powerhouse currently ranked 34th in the world;…
It’s important that players understand the importance, function and movements of the split-step. When you finally “get it,” tennis becomes a very different game. Split-steps link together movements and create a brief pause allowing players to make decisions, react efficiently, see where the ball is going and change direction quickly. Split-stepping is as important…
Watching singles tennis matches at both the pro and junior levels, I have noticed that these matches are relatively long in duration. A tennis match generally takes anywhere from one hour to five hours to complete, depending on a few factors, one of which is the format of the match (best of three sets…
I have been treating athletes for the last 20 years, and after all this time, I can conclude that their issues fall into one of the following two categories: They will fail either out of a fear of success or due growing self-doubt. In this article, let us explore the former issue, the so-called “Fear…
In today’s day and age, running a business in almost any industry requires more than just a brick and mortar operation. And the tennis industry is no different. Being able to not only provide quality programming, but creating a recognizable brand to showcase to potential customers, is essential to success, and embracing the Internet…
As USPTA tennis professionals, we are often asked questions about strategy. What shot should I use when this happens? When should I try this tactic? I have put together some tips to help singles players better understand how and when to use certain strokes in order to achieve the best tactical benefits. Each player…
Classic volleys are shots that have a specific spin and use short arm and hand movements paired with specific footwork. Spin amounts vary, racket work is short, contained and precise. Footwork is dance-like, using repetitive patterns which adapt to different tempos and situations. When racket work and footwork sync together, you’ll have an efficient,…
It is okay to stand in No Man’s Land in doubles! Players have been conditioned to stand all the way back or all the way up in doubles. While this is applicable in matches where players are skilled in placing the ball deep or hard, players who are challenged with mobility or power are…
This story first appeared in the November/December 2018 issue of New York Tennis Magazine. Click Here to see the full issue. The local tennis community has some of the sport’s finest facilities and some of the top coaches in the world. With this wealth of talent available, New York Tennis Magazine took the opportunity to pick the…
To become a champion, you must have talent, fitness, good coaching, money, supportive parents, access to courts, discipline and patience. The sport psychologist is usually called upon when a player is having trouble with anxiety, anger, confidence, focus or pain tolerance. Any coach and athlete will admit that the ability to stay focused, confident…