The New York metro tennis community has some of the sport’s best facilities, both indoor and outdoor, and best coaches in the world. With this wealth of talent available right in our own backyard, New York Tennis Magazine recently took the opportunity to pick the brains of some of these top coaches. What you will…
As a tennis professional, I always hear people use general terms and phrases to describe very specific actions. For example, you have probably read or heard the term “racket head speed.” This is just the common, quick reference to a very detailed and intricate action. One must understand the words mentally, physically and visually before…
Tennis is often referred to as a "mental sport.” It is true, of course, but what really makes it such a challenging and unique sport? Apart from the obvious of tennis being an individual sport and no coaching is allowed, it is a sport that constantly tests your nerves, week-in, week-out, and it is a…
Verbal Kint was the man! Sorry for those who haven’t seen this classic, The Usual Suspects, but this movie was an instant classic in my humble opinion! Every time I watch that flick, I get a kick out of it. (Spoiler alert: Seeing and understanding how Verbal takes the little details and creates a story)….
I have been playing in USTA Adult Leagues for about seven years now, and not one season has passed where I can avoid an overwhelming amount of animosity at the age difference between myself and some of my opponents. This experience is not just an isolated one, but one that is common both inside and…
There are many facets to hitting a solid ground stroke, but if you key in on four simple areas, your shots will improve. Movement is number one. Tennis is a sport that requires quick feet. The stroke is dependent on the fact that you are in the right spot to hit the ball. Moving the feet…
Professional coaches are receptive students and as eager to receive information, critique and criticism as they are to give it. They think independently, solve problems creatively, and assimilate and integrate information into a message that works best for each student. Great coaches are constantly learning and growing by questioning teachings of the past and uncovering…
When your son or daughter catches the tennis bug and has a little talent to match, it could be very overwhelming when figuring out what academy to join or what coach to train with privately. Parents often make quick decisions based on unnecessary facts. In today’s very competitive business environment, many coaches recruit at tournaments…
Ask any athlete how important the mental game is and most would say it’s between 50 percent and 99 percent of competition. In individual sports like golf, running, swimming and tennis, the value always pushes the higher limits. In team sports like baseball, basketball, lacrosse and football, it has great relevance as well. Remember Yogi…
With the playoffs of the adult USTA Leagues approaching, it seems an appropriate time to ask ourselves, how we practice to maximize success. The people who play in the leagues are folks with jobs, families and other responsibilities. If time allows, they will practice and work on their game, but how can that small amount…