Hangover Helper Tennis Camp

HAIR OF THE DOG
DYNAMIC STRETCH
FOOTWORK PATTERNS

LIVE BALL DRILLS
INSTRUCTION
COMPETITION

CAN YOU SURVIVE THE (HIT)

Welcome to SNOW CAMP ladies. Others are dropping like flies...

3 Camps for you to choose:

Holiday Tennis Camp
December 26th, Sunday
130-430 pm

Hangover Helper Tennis Camp
January 2, Sunday
9 am -12 pm

Winter Tennis Camp
January 9, Sunday
9 am -12 pm

Hy Intensity Tennis Camp, Cancun
YES, Cancun!
Monday to Friday
February 14-19
9 am -12 pm

RSVP Hy

Holiday shopping have you stressed out? Need to HIT something? Come HIT with ME! You will feel oh so better to make that trip to Jared...

Time to come to Tennis Camp...

Stop HITting with your ego. HIT to eventually get the "finish" ball....stop hoping your opponent messes up...that is not a strategy!

15 minutes on my court will save you 15 points your next match....

Work Off The Turkey TENNIS CAMP

This is what you need to do on Friday, November 26th...
You have worked hard on the 25th. This is for YOU.

Come HIT, learn some new strategies, work off the "Turkey"

Veterans Day

It's time to get in the "fight"

Is that all you got, or are you going to get better?

Uphill FIT Club is up and running.
Several fitness programs to FIT your schedule....

US Open Radio. Right on your blackberry, iphone etc.

Play by play at your desk....

http://67.212.189.10:8052/

I cannot believe James Blake won in 3 at the US Open. Easily. He is possible the last American hope?

Doubles strategy/tips Part 1

Here are a few TIPS to keep you in the match long enough to WIN...

* if the ball is in your "box", it is yours. Poach it...

* chase the lob down, hit it high and deep then recover your footing to close back in again to the service line.

* if one person is on defense(on the baseline), the other should be on offense(on the service line). 2 players on defense is not a good strategy....

*FINISH THE POINT when you have it on your racket. Do not give your opponents a second chance..keep your racket face forward and punch that ball into the open court

Getting ready for Camp ACE

Brief Description Camp A.C.E.

(Achieving through Coaching and Education) provides players a week of daily tennis instruction, college admissions counseling, and community activities, geared to helping students continue success after graduation.

***Former ATP player Rodney Harmon, former WTA player Chanda Rubin and former US National and ITF ranked player Hyacinth Yorke will be on court coaches during the Camp.
 
Camp Features:
• Parent/Student/Coaches Orientation
• Daily Tennis Instruction with Experienced Tennis Professionals
• Fitness/Nutrition/College Prep/Admissions
• Counseling/Etiquette/Financial Literacy/Diversity/Government/Career Counseling
• College Tour
• Swimming
• Community Activities
• Fitness! Fun! New Friends!  

Participant Eligibility:
• Players must be between 14 – 17 years of age (freshman-senior in high school, entering the 9th through 12th grade.)

•Players must have a USTA Membership valid through 1/1/2011.

• Players should be intermediate to advanced playing ability. Sorry! No beginners.

PPS

Mary Beth and Michelle were denied their Gold Ball.

In three sets, Mary and Trish won. Very nice match to watch. Hy quality tennis.

Now, Mar and Susan play in the 45's doubles final against Mary and Erica Smith.

post script

I am watching the 35's doubles finals.

3 of the 4 players were at dinner with me last night.

Mary Beth Williams and Michelle King vs Mary Daily and Trish Riddell.

Mary Beth was on my Sears Cup team and not carbo loading with us.She is trying to win her very first Gold ball.

When you win a National Championship, you get a Gold ball as your trophy.

I hope she does it.

Pre finals dinner with the girls

Pre finals dinner last night, at Bella Tratoria on Main Street, Manayunk.

Marianna and Susan in the finals of 45's doubles today

Mary Daily and Trish Riddell in the finals of 35"s doubles today.

Mary is in the finals of the 45's doubles as well.

They are all carbo loading.
I am having a salad.

Jane Norman is dining with us as well. Jane, we have all known for 15 plus years. She houses players and is court side for practically match.

And she had the best and cheapest parking in Manayunk...right in front of the restaurant....the loading zone....

I said, 'Jane, don't worry. We will keep a lookout for the meter man'....he never walked by.

I live here and had to pay $10 to park near Pottery Barn. Drats.

** 3 more diners showed up to join us. 9 total....fun

Pre finals dinner with the girls

#1 seed fell today

The #1 seed at the USTA Grass Nationals lost today to Beth Paulin.

Beth is a member of Germantown Cricket Club and a grass court specialist.

Mar was pretty upset when I got a call at 4:15pm today.

I immediately drove to the club to listen and console my friend. Thank God I had the time. No lessons were pending.
She vented and I listened.
Not a good day for her. And Beth played well. Mar beat Beth last year in the first round in this tourney.

As we sat together watching the 35's doubles thrilla, several texts and phone calls came in to console her.

Everyone was online getting the results and "phoning a friend"

Mar is out there playing semifinal doubles with Susan Wright. They are up 5-2 in the first set.

The grass is soft due to the torrential rains of the last few days and there is "no bounce" on it today.

I am sitting and watching and coaching in my head.

Strange that I feel no sadness about not playing this year as I watch. I am scouting my opponents for next year.

I want to win the 35's one more time. Make it 7 and I will be happy.

My neck issue.
My hip issue.

These two issues I must fix before I can "win" 7 matches in a row. And get my historical 7 USTA Grass National wins.

Marianna Hollman

Yes, "the" Marianna Hollman.
Coach of Salem College in North Carolina.
World Singles Champion 2009
World Doubles Champion 2010
And a multitude of Gold Balls and other championships in the USA.

Mar and I have been fierce competitors over the years.

Back in '94, '95, '96 we would meet in the quarters or semi's of the USTA Grass Nationals and the battle royal would start.

We have become really good friends through it all.

Played a few doubles tournaments together and even have a Gold Ball together.

Yesterday, we practiced for 2 1/2 hours in the Stadium @ Ashe. We worked on a few shots selections and patterns and responses for grass.

I am not playing this tournament this year. Work has me bogged down. Mar is seeded #1 in the 45's and I would like to see her win this.

Today, I am @ GCC to watch her play doubles with Susan Wright. Yes "the" Susan Wright. Google her. They are winning. Then Mar and I will practice on the grass.

I cannot wait.

As you know, grass is my favorite surface.

The weather is great. And I am ready.

Venus Williams

Yes, "the" Venus Williams.

I got to play her 4 points yesterday.

I started my day empting my Jeep of 2 beach chairs, and ALL the stuff I usually have "at the ready" in my Jeep.

As I bent my knees to lay the chairs down.....both obliques cramped up on me.

There I was behind my Jeep unable to move with NO ONE around to help me.

My breathing was compromised and I started to sort out how I can get out of this position. I totally went into work the point to win mode.

It hurt so much.
I have had sprained ankles.
I have had muscle pulls...like when I played Jana Novotna in the finals of the Grass Nationals. I have had massive headaches and got through them all. So, this too, I would get through, I was thinking all in a nano second.

I don't know how long it took to get the chairs up and stored away then get back in the Jeep to get to Manhattan Bagel for coffee then to Camp. But I did it.

Turning to look back as I backed up the Jeep was so painful. And I did not want to cramp up again. The feeling was lingering. At any time I could.

I got to Camp at Philadelphia U knowing that I will not be at 100% but still able to teach/coach.

I emptied the Jeep so I can lug kids and bags down to Ashe Tennis Center for the kids to see Venus and be a part of the festivities.

Throughout the day I had a series of cramp alerts. Downing Pedialite and water and hoping that I will get to hit with Venus.

I sent a text to Lance Lee that my cramping will not allow my hit with her. He was not happy. Maybe Kristin Harris can step in for me. Kristin was on my court as a kid. Now, mother of 2 and coaching by my side, she can certainly step into my sneakers.

At lunch, I bought a small bottle of water and emptied a salt shaker into it, trying to make sea water. It has helped me with cramping in the past. All the kids think it's wierd but no matter. I have all kinds of "tricks" for survival.


John Green, who coaches with us was at lunch with us and suggested Aleve. John,I don't take drugs. Try it, he replies. John, I don't have Aleve on me. Let's get some from the school store.
I was forced to take 2 Aleve.


I have to say, in about an hour, my obliques relaxed and I was hitting in the Stadium with the kids, testing my body. IT WORKED.

Lance got a text from me that "I am ready for Venus"

The Center's stadiium was packed. The area around the court was packed in with kids from every tennis court in Philadelphia. The press was packed in. We were all waiting for her.

When Venus arrived she was surrounded by a sea of tennis kids. And she towered over them. So tall and graceful.
Wearing my fav color...red.

Press shots and intro by Kenny Holdsman our President and Lance our Director, the hitting got on the way.

Tess was first. She hit beautifully with her.

Nadiyah hit some sweet topspin shots to her.

Jas-Lynn was next. Jazzie wins practically every tournament she plays.

I stepped up to hit. Egging the crowd on, waving my arm and racket to get them to start screaming.....they did.

I played 4 points with her. Winning the first point, I was sure she would retaliate...I gave her the perfect opportunity to pass me...she did not. Damn. I was waiting to try to field her pass.

We played 2 more points and finished with a big hug at the net.

She was very nice at the net. Complimenting my cross court angles.

So very cool just to spar with her. Would love to spar with her on one of her training days.

Dre-Shawn banged that ball over to Venus. Nice hits.

Tauheed age 7, who is the next Federer played beautifully against her.

All the kids made us very proud.

My peers made me very proud.

Venus Williams ROCKED the house.

Heat......Stroke

It is brutally hot today.

As I write this it is 100 degrees.

This type of weather can play havoc with your mind, body and soul. Not to mention your strokes.

First you have to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

You should have been hydrating yesterday to survive well today. Down some Pedialite to replace electrolites.

Second, you have to pre-plan your every move to get your match over with as quickly as possible. A 3 set match is not what you are looking for today. 2 sets. 12 games...hydrate!!! In that order.

**Heat exhaustion symptoms**

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

• heavy sweating • paleness
• muscle cramps • tiredness
• weakness • dizziness
• headache • nausea or vomiting • fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The player's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.

Seek medical attention and call 911 immediately if:

symptoms are severe, or
the player has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the player to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

**Heat exhaustion treatment**

Cooling measures that may be effective include:

• cool, non-alcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician

• rest

• cool shower, bath, or sponge bath

• an air-conditioned environment

• Lightweight clothing

**Based on a CDC Prevention Guide for Emergencies and Disasters**

Wimbledon 2010

Congratulations Martina Navratilova winning the Ladies Invitational Doubles with Jana Novotna.


After recently ending her radiation treatment for breast cancer, Martina put one more grass win under her belt.

The next time you have a hang nail, headache, tummy ache, or it's too hot, too cold, wind is too strong, sun in your eyes, bugs in your mouth......QUIT YOUR CRYING......and think of what Martina just did under her circumstances.

Dig a little deeper and find a way to make it happen for yourself.

Happy 4th of July.

Freedom isn't free.....

Recovery 2

I am recovering well after my Sears Cup play.

Rest helped a lot.
Protein loading helped a lot.
I drank a gallon of water yesterday.

The hot bath-cold bath thing did not work for me. I am a warm shower person. Cold does not compute.

I am already suffering. Cold water is extra suffering. I choose not to suffer.

I have been asleep by 8pm.
So I am getting loads of sleep.

AND I have been sipping on Pedialite to replace my electrolites.

The fruit flavor is my favorite.

Recovery

10 Ways To Recover Quickly After Tennis

"There are as many methods of recovery as there are athletes. The following are some of the most commonly recommended by the experts.

1. Rest. Time is one of the best ways to recover (or heal) from just about any illness or injury and this also works after a hard match. Your body has an amazing capacity to take care of itself if you allow it some time. Resting and waiting after a hard match allows the repair and recovery process to happen at a natural pace. It's not the only thing you can or should do to promote recovery, but sometimes doing nothing is the easiest thing to do.

2. Stretch. If you only do one thing after a tough match, consider gentle stretching. This is a simple and fast way to help your muscles recover.

3. Cool Down. Cooling down simply means slowing down (not stopping completely) after exercise. Continuing to move around at a very low intensity for 5 to 10 minutes after a match helps remove lactic acid from your muscles and may reduce muscles stiffness. warming up and cooling down are more helpful in cooler temperatures or when you have another exercise session or an event later the same day.

4. Eat Properly. After depleting your energy stores with tennis matches, you need to refuel if you expect your body to recover, repair tissues, get stronger and be ready for the next challenge. This is even more important if you are performing endurance exercise day after day or trying to build muscle. Ideally, you should try to eat within 60 minutes of the end of your match and make sure you include some high-quality protein and complex carbohydrate.

5. Replace Fluids. You lose a lot of fluid during exercise and ideally, you should be replacing it during exercise, but filling up after exercise is an easy way to boost your recovery. Water supports every metabolic function and nutrient transfer in the body and having plenty of water will improve every bodily function. Adequate fluid replacement is even more important for endurance athletes who lose large amounts of water during hours of sweating.

6. Try Active Recovery. Easy, gentle movement improves circulation which helps promote nutrient and waste product transport throughout the body. In theory, this helps the muscles repair and refuel faster.

7. Have a Massage. Massage feels good and improves circulation while allowing you to fully relax. You can also try self-massage and Foam Roller Exercises for Easing Tight Muscles and avoid the heavy sports massage price tag.

8. Alternate Hot and Cold Baths or Showers. Some athletes swear by ice baths, ice massage or alternating hot and cold showers to recover faster, reduce muscle soreness and prevent injury. The theory behind this method called contract water therapy is that by repeatedly constricting and dilating blood vessels helps remove (or flush out) waste products in the tissues. Limited research has found some benefits of contrast water therapy at reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). How to use contrast water therapy: While taking your post-tennis shower, alternate 2 minutes of hot water with 30 seconds of cold water. Repeat four times with a minute of moderate temperatures between each hot-cold spray. If you happen to have a spa with hot and cold tubs available, you can take a plunge in each for the same time.

9. Get Lots of Sleep. While you sleep, amazing things are taking place in your body. Optimal sleep is essential for anyone who exercises regularly. During sleep, your body produces Growth Hormone (GH) which is largely responsible for tissue growth and repair.

10. Avoid Overtraining. One simple way to recovery faster is by designing a smart tennis routine in the first place. Excessive exercise, heavy training at every session or a lack of rest days will limit your fitness gains from exercise and undermine your recovery efforts. Listen to Your Body for a Faster Recovery. The most important thing you can do to recovery quickly is to listen to your body. If you are feeling tired, sore or notice decreased performance you may need more recovery time or a break from training altogether. If you are feeling strong the day after a hard workout, you don't have to force yourself to go slow. If you pay attention, in most cases, your body will let you know what it needs, when it needs it. The problem for many of us is that we don't listen to those warnings or we dismiss them with our own self talk ("I can't be tired, I didn't play my best yesterday" or "No one else needs two rest days after that workout; they'll think I'm a wimp if I go slow today.")."

Sears Cup:day 2

Hip Separation.

You cannot play tennis well if your shoulder and hips do not separate.

In our pre match warm up yesterday, I did something to tweek my right hip...the bad hip.

I guess 5 sets on Friday did it in.

I told my teammates, but did not let on to my opponent.

I lost the first set in a tiebreaker 7-5. Doing the very best I can with this hip hurting.

Late in the first set I hit a drop shot that my opponent chased and missed doing a Kim Cljisters split. I learned as I helped her up that she has a slipped disc. "Information" to use later.

I won the second set 6-3.

She was awesome though. She hit some drop shots I could not get to with this hip.

Third set. 4-4. 5-4 down, I had 3 opportunities to volley winners to even the score. I could not get my fast feet moving to get out of the way to hit a proper volley. Lost that set 6-4.

My #6 player only wanted to play doubles so I was down 1 match to start. Only Vincenza won in singles.
We went out to doubles down 5-1.

I sat out for doubles. Hips don't lie.

Mary Beth and Vin lost
Darcy and Ashlee lost in 3 sets.
Luca and Gabi won

When the day of play was done it looked like this.

New England: winner of the cup
Eastern: second
Mid Atlantic: third
Middle States: fourth.

All matches were 5-4 except for our match today at 7-2.

Very high level tennis weekend.

My upHill FIT club has helped me tremendously. I was "never" winded. Grass is a high movement, massive footwork game. Serve and volley. Stretch for balls. Chase lobs.
I felt like the energizer bunny rabbit.

If only my hip was up to par.

I don't think I can play and win 7 singles matches in the grass Nationals starting on July 12.

This hip has to be able to possibly play 3 set matches "every day".

Maybe I can play doubles only in that tournament?

Sears Cup:Day 1

What a beautiful, sunny day yesterday for tennis on grass.

Captain's meeting got on the way @ 930am. The usual....my players are better than your players so I should be seeded higher than you.


It rained Friday night...storm really and the grass was not ready for play untill 10am.


By the time we all got out there dragging our BIG back pack racket bags we did not start competing untill 11am.


New England seeded #1
Middle States seeded #2
Eastern seeded #3
Mid Atlantic seeded #4


Eastern plays Middle States (us)
New England plays Mid Atlantic


Gorgeous day.
I am in heaven.


Grass is my favorite surface though I play on it only 3 times a year. Sears Cup, the grass Nationals and my "play Hy on grass" event.


Anyone asking me to hit with them on grass? I am there. No questions asked. I am ready, willing and able.


My #1 player Mary Beth Williams just won the World's 35's Doubles Championship in Mexico City. And is #4 in the USA.


I am at #2. Won a few tournaments here and there. Only 6 time USTA Grass National Champion.


Vincenza Massaro is my #3 player. Vinny has played on the WTA tour and we have a Doubles National Championship. Win together.


Darcy Rabenda is my #4 player. Darc played at Palmer Academy, a premier tennis academy and on Temple University's Varsity team.


Monika Waniek is my #
5 player. Monika was the National champion of Poland and several wins in the USA.


Patty Kinghorn is my #6 player. Patty and her mom have 5 USTA National Mother-Daughter Championship wins. That's 5 gold balls.


We all want gold tennis balls. I have many, not only for grass wins but, hard court wins and hartru wins. And in singles and doubles.


If you have been reading my blog you know of my neck problem. Serving and overheads aggravate it. The almost 90% angle the head tilts to serve and smash can really hurt over time. Almost like a whip lash sort of feeling.


Well, today after 5 sets, no neck pain.


Middle States tied the singles 3-3 going into doubles.


Vin and Mary Beth lost.
Luca and Gabi won in no time flat.
Darcy and I lost the first set 6-3. Won the second 6-4 and blasted off to a 5-0 lead in the 3rd. Only to have 2 OVA's play out of their mind to come back to 5-5. Then 6-5. 6-6. Tiebreaker. Again they blast off to a 6-1 lead. We came back playing some spectacular doubles all the way to 6-4. They beat us 7-4.
And the opportunity to play for the cup today.


I cannot get upset.
I won my singles (beat an OVA) and lost doubles in 3 sets.

I had major surgery in 2007
I slowly recovered and got my competitive spirit and fitness back. Now I am finally competing at a higher intensity level than pre surgery.


I am back and cannot wait for more.


If you can come cheer, we start singles play @ 1030 am and Doubles play after lunch.

Sears Cup 2010

I am the captain of the Sears Cup team again this year.


This competition has been ongoing on grass courts since 1929 between four tennis sections. New England, New York, Mid Atlantic and Middle States.


The best post college, female players compete for a beautiful silver Cup.


We will be at Merion Cricket Club on Montgomery Avenue in Haverford, Pa today and tomorrow.


Singles start at 1030am.
Doubles start at 1pm.


If you get a chance you should come out to "the" premier grass court club on the East Coast to see some great tennis.


We play a tiebreaker in the deciding set so there will not be an Isner-Mahut marathon match for you to sit through.


Mary Beth Williams
Vincenza Massaro
Ashlee Vosters
Darcy Rabenda
Patty Kinghorn
Monika Waniek
Luca Somorjai
Gabi Collard and I, would love your support.


If you have never played on grass courts sign up for my "play Hy on grass" fundraiser to support childhood cancer research, held on the last Sunday of July at Philadelphia Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill.

Round Robin, drills, tennis memorabilia and fun.

Mahut vs Isner

Mahut. 4 6 7 6 59
Isner. 6 3 6 7 59

OMG. Insanity of a 5th set,

First round match at Wimbledon.

I am at Ashe Tennis Center with the teaching crew and kids doing commentary in the library.

Awesome tennis.
Awesome fitness.

It was 35-34 when I entered the library. Its 56-55 now.

Isner is bent over 9 hours 30 minutes into it. Mahut is bouncing around.
My money is on Mahut.
The whole library is on my case because Isner is an American. Like I am not? So I am only an American for 4 years now. And in this country, I can choose whatever side I want right?

96 aces in this set alone.

It's 56-57 now
57-57
57-58
58-58

Come on Mahut. Drop shot Isner.

I cannot understand why Mahut keeps banging balls. Drop shot him. He is tired. Beat down. Exhausted.


Think. Think. They are both so tired, their brain is not working. Its caveman strategy now. Hit him with the club harder even though he is dead.
Isner serving at 58-58
He has no footwork left.

It's 9:01 pm in London as I write this. 4pm in the US.

58-59 Mahut serving

59-59. Match suspended because of darkness.

I hope my brain works better than those two on grass this weekend. I am playing Sears Cup at Merion Cricket Club. If you want to see the best ladies in New York, New England, Mid Atlantic and Middle States compete, come out to cheer.

Hy% tennis

I have been playing and teaching tennis since the Himalayas were at sea level.


My success is not based on prodigy or height. It is based on playing high percentage tennis, massive footwork and superior tactics


Players short in stature have to come up with different "goods" than other players.


Tall players can hit down. They can look above the net to see the service line and base line. We shorties have to hit up and look through the net to see the lines. Unless we are at the net.


So, hy% tennis is a must.


That means hitting cross court. The court is longer and the net is lower.


That means stop trying to hit a 2" line. Direct your ball 3-4 feet from the line. If you miss that target you will still be in the court.


That means placing your serves to their weakness even if it is the most boring thing you have ever done


That means well measured lobs. Not to hit the line behind your opponent, but to
get them off the net while you advance into a better position to finish the point.


Hy% tennis is a cat and mouse game.

Hy% tennis is a tactical and practical game.

Hy% tennis is a chess game of massive brain involvement.


If you all trained it and used it, your success in your league and tournament matches would rise significantly.

5point0, 4point5, 4point0

What does it all mean anyway?

Well, I am going to tell you.

The 5.0's think they are the cats meow and won't hit with the 4.0's

The 4.5's think they are 5.0.
The 5.0's aren't hearing any of it.

The 4.0's will never hit with a 3.0.

The 3.0's think they are really 3.5
The 3.5's won't ever hit with a 3.0

Still unclear?

Well, let me break it down a little for you....
If you are faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, and more powerful than a locomotive, you are SUPERMAN, right?


Same idea with the numbers above. Each number means a player is able to perform with grace and precision certain tennis skills.

Many players are unable to perform certain skills, yet say they are a high number.


The number means everything.
The number becomes a tennis player's identity. And THAT causes a whole lot of problems on league teams.

National Tennis Rating Program

Here are the general characteristics of each "number"

1.5 You have limited experience and are working primarily on getting the ball in play.


2.0 You lack court experience and your strokes need developing.  You are familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles play.


2.5 You are learning to judge where the ball is going, although your court coverage is limited.  You can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.


3.0 You are fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but are not comfortable with all strokes and lack execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. Your most common doubles formation is one-up, one-back.


3.5 You have achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but need to develop depth and variety. You exhibit more aggressive net play, have improved court coverage and are developing teamwork in doubles.


4.0 You have dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate-paced shots.  You can use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success and occasionally force errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.


4.5 You have developed your use of power and spin and can handle pace. You have sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and attempt to vary game plan according to your opponents.  You can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve.  You tend to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.


5.0 You have good shot anticipation and frequently have an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured.  You can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys.  You can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, and have good depth and spin on most second serves.


5.5 You have mastered power and/or consistency as a major weapon. You can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation.


6.0 to 7.0 You have had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and collegiate levels and have obtained a sectional and/or national ranking.


7.0 You are a world-class player


Many players read the characteristics and place themselves at a higher number because one time, 3 months ago a shot was hit that satisfied a requirement. That is not how it is supposed to work.

You must be able to leap tall buildings not once, but "all the time". Or you are NOT Superman.....

Beach Tennis

As I sit on the steps of my club waiting for Operations to open the building, I am thinking of a beach.


The sun.
The sand.
The sounds.
The smells.
The boards.
The seafood.


Oh, yes....beach tennis.


WHAT IS BEACH TENNIS?


It is the Hottest Sport on Sand: Take the fun and fast-paced sport of tennis... combine it with the sun, sea and sand of the beach... and you have beach tennis, the most electrifying new sport to hit the U.S.


Beach tennis merges the worlds of tennis and beach volleyball into one exciting sport.


It can be played both competitively and recreationally and because it’s so simple to play, it appeals to athletes and non-athletes of all ages. So what exactly is beach tennis? It’s like regular tennis except it’s played on a regulation beach volleyball court.


Using beach tennis paddles, two players on each team volley back and forth, hitting a slightly depressurized tennis ball directly over the net without letting it bounce... it’s hard to make the ball bounce on sand! One hit per team is all that’s allowed.


Your team scores a point each time your opponents hit the ball outside the lines or let it hit the sand.


Fun. Fun. Fun.


Bare footed or sneaks. Your choice.


Who wants in?

Nobody stopped me...

Today, I ran a round robin tournament for the Future Stars program kids.

Starting at 2 pm, 27 players walked out on courts to try to win a $50 gift certificate to Fromuth Tennis. A nice prize indeed.

When I arrived to the club, a HUGE BBQ was getting started. Matt and Kim were on the grills...Yes, you read grills. Food was everywhere. Coolers were brimming with water, juices of all brands, sodas of all sizes. Hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, potatos from Jenny's family....delicious, salad (greens), salad (fruit), and desserts too. I am sure I have left out some items because I was busy herding my players.

And it was hotter than the hinges of hell today....

Every round my players were on court, I was at the "feeding stations" loading up my plate.

Now, I am sure you know that for over a year now, I have been on a raw eating plan, meaning that I eat nothing from a grill, oven, microwave or stovetop. Nothing cooked. Well, I cheated today. The show "cheaters" would have me so "busted" today. I ate like I was pre-menstral.....ummm....I AM NOT. It was all so tasty. I could not help myself.

Throughout the day, while I ate like a pig, no one stopped me. No one said, 'Coach Hy, you should not eat that should you?'

No one said, 'don't have any more, you are done'

No one said , 'what are you doing, are you ok?' 'Why are you eating like that?'

Thanks a lot people.....

Now I have to run my hill faster and longer to detox that nasty stuff I put in today.

Do you have any idea how long that crap will stay with me?
Do you have any idea how long it takes to digest sausage?
Do you have any idea how long it takes to 'get rid" of nasty foods?..

Today is Saturday, I will let you know when:
the sausage
the hotdogs
the chicken thigh
the potato from Peru
the doritoes ranch flavor
leaves me never to return....

I am playing Sears Cup next week. On grass. My favorite surface. Foods I ate today does not help my cause. It has been hard enough to get to my hill with my 12 hour days, now I MUST get there or suffer the consequences......

12 hour days

My "summer" has become a string of 12 hour days and no time to get to my hill. I am just too wiped out at 9pm at night to beat that hill down.

I am bummed out. Have not been to my hill in 2 days. And probably won't get to it today either.

Though my tennis is good.
I miss my Hill.

Go out and run a hill for me. Then shoot me an email about how good you feel. I want to live vicariously.

Beer

Beer is not considered a carbohydrate for a start/stop activity like tennis.

Do not kid yourself.

I know what is in that red cooler on your changeovers.

You are just dehydrating yourself.

Clever idea but it will not help you.
Put water in that cooler. Or Juice. Or a protein shake. Or Pedialite. Not the clear one, it tastes like flavored spit.
Try orange or grape.

Mobility trumps Ability

I will expound later. Do give the header some thought though.

Those with superior footwork will make better use of their bodywork and racketwork.

I do not win because I have superior strokes or strength.
I win because I can get to the ball better to set my body to use my racket to win.

Training Day

Today is the perfect day to get out and get your body ready for your next match.

Jump rope

Sprints

Jog

Hike any of our small to large hills.....Mount Misery is a good one..

Find a school wall to hit some tennis balls

Phone a friend, book a court and get out to hit some tennis balls

Get my drift?

See you at the club...

Are you going to get any better, or is this it?

What are you doing to improve your technical skills?

What are you doing to improve your tactics?

What are you doing to improve your footwork?

What are you doing to improve your fitness? Ahh, dirty word, right?

How do you practice?

Do you practice?

Are you too good to take a lesson?

I know, the word "lesson" is a slur to most 4.0 and above players. That is why you will stay at "that" level and lose to those below that level.

How about the word "train"?
Is that better?

Do you believe you cannot get any better? Well, stop that negative thinking.

Let's look at the players you look up to. Federer, Nadal, Serena, Venus, Sampras, Navratolova, Agassi, Henin, Hy (just checking if you are still reading)

Do you think they just showed up at the US Open with a water bottle in hand and won?

All those players above train, practice, "take a lesson", have someone take a look at them playing to make sure footwork, bodywork and racket work is up to par.

When you step up to that center mark to deliver your serve or send back a return, will you be up to par?

Find a pro.
Book a training session.

It's time to get better.

It's never too late.

US Open Trip

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Pick up Locations:

1. Old Mercer Indoor Center
2. The Westin Princeton

$125 per person

Includes:

US Open tickets (grounds and stadium access)

Round Trip transportation on STARR Tours Luxury Coach

Gourmet breakfast, snacks and beverages

Call 609-341-1698 to register.

Super Senior Tennis Players

Super Senior tennis players are the most underserved population in tennis. Yet the largest population.

Hy Intensity Tennis serves all seniors.

Sometimes 15 minutes is all a senior can handle. And heart rate is way up.

Players get a good work out and leave us sweating, smiling and eager to come back next week.

We use balloons, spongie tennis balls, transition tennis balls and real tennis balls. From service box as a court to half court to full court.

No stone is left unturned to give that super senior a good workout.

*some day, I too will be a super senior.

I hope there are:
Five tennis programs
Four different time slots
Two pros working with seniors
And a low price to pay

Summer Camp Season

That time of year is here again........Summer Camp.

Send the kids out of your house all day to tennis camp.

9am to 4pm. Monday to Friday.
ALL SUMMER.

Adult Camp runs every Sunday from 9am to 12pm.

See you on my court.

PRICES SATISFY DEPRESSION TIMES

Raaaaaa Faaaaaa

Fabulous tennis yesterday.

I hate to say this over and over however, FITness wins. Every time.

Soderling looked tired and un fit. Footwork was shoddy. He just stopped believing after the first set. And stopped moving efficiently.

I am not too fond of Rafa's "split hits".This open stance, squash tennis strokes. NOT ANATOMICALLY CORRECT therefore injury will be occur.

Oh, you will win. Big tournaments, but your playing life will be short. And painful.

Is it worth it?

Don't you want to play when you are 80? Well, stop the open stance BS shots. Get fit and get into position to hit your shots.

Open stance is lazy tennis. It places the muscles in an un natural position. With a lot of force. Over and over again.

Try going to the gym and lifting the iron with poor form. What happens?

You hurt yourself.

That open stance BS stroke will harm you if you do it wrong.

AND MOST OF YOU DO IT WRONG.

I know this is a little like a rant. I can't look at lousy footwork and lousy technique any more.

** when you get hurt, call me. I know a superior PT.

Bike Race today...

The bike race in Philadelphia has taken over my hills.

I have to find a new upHILL to run today.....

PS. Walking uphill in flip flops does wonders for the calves. I discovered that today....

Burn notice...

Stosur in 3, part Deau

Sunday morning UPDATE:

Thank goodness I did not make any bets on this one...

The itch is over

Women's tennis is a series of last names that end in "itch", "ick" and "ova".

Kuznetsova and Ivanovic
Dementieva....Sharapova
Jankovic.....Pavlyuchenkova
Zakopalova.....Pironkova
Bychkova.....Petkovic
Pivovarova......Mladenovic
Strycova......Dokic

Good luck trying to pronounce some of those names.

Well, you can stop itching. The itch is over. It's Stosur and Schiavone in the finals of the 2010 French Open.

Schiavone and Stosur. Two new names baby. New blood to the battlefield of already red.

Both have never been in the finals of a major before so we are all in for a treat.

What I don't like is hearing some players remarking that Samantha Stosur plays like a man.

Who should she play like, Betty White?

Because she is fitter than fit and hits the be jesus out of the ball and runs around her backhand and has superior footwork, she plays like a man?

Is that like saying the business woman who runs her company to brilliant success is a bitch?

Every female tennis pro has a male hitting partner so each of them know what a strong, heavy, deep shot feels like....right?

I have never heard Mary Carillo or Patrick Mc Enroe remark that any of these pros have a female hitting partner......that's an issue I will address at another time.....

Are you telling me that their male hitting partners don't hit as hard or have superior footwork like Stosur?

Whose fault is that?

The era of fat, slow, soft(read fat) women winning at professional tennis is OVA.


Remember Martina Navratilova? She and Samantha Stosur have a lot in common.

Martina changed the game to "the fittest will win". That was years ago. The ball has traveled full circle. To Stosur.

Thank you Samantha.

Princeton Tennis Classic

Today I play mixed doubles with David Goodman in the Princeton Tennis Classic to help raise money for the Princeton Tennis Program.


This event is in it's 25th year.


Tennis competition starts at 9am. Mixed starts at 11am.


All matches will be played at Community Park and Veteran's Park in Princeton, New Jersey.

If you are near by, stop to see some good tennis and maybe make a small donation to the cause.

I dont have to eat my hat

Stosur made that happen for me. By beating Serena 8-6 in the third.


Thank you Sammie.


Though I like vodka sauce and pesto and the red sauce at Bella Tratoria, that hat would not have tasted good.

Those of you who bet me yesterday, it's time to pay up. You know who you are.

Stosur in 3

I am going to say it here in print. If I am wrong I will eat my hat.

Samantha Stosur will take Serena....in three sets.

Federer fell on the red clay.
So anything is possible.

When I find a picture of "my hat", I will post it.

Venus, Sharapova, Henin;OUT

So sad to see these players lose.

Venus got waxed and Maria put up quite a fight.Henin got beat up by the bazooka forehand of Sam Stosur.

Do you see how fitness is a factor?

Start hitting the iron tomorrow.

Start your cardio fitness on Wednesday.

Start winning because you are fitter than the field.

Beach sand

You can get FIT anywhere.

Before the sand gets too hot, go for a nice walk barefooted.
Dig your toes into the sand as you push off. Work those calves.Jog if you can. Then walk. Then jog.

When your calves start to burn, go back to your towel and Margarita.

Enjoy this beautiful, sunny day.

Boy's and Girl's Tournament

The best 16 and under boys and girls are playing in a tournament today, Sunday and Monday at The Ashe Tennis Center in East Falls.

Yesterday, I saw some good matches.

Saw some future college players and one potential ATP and WTA top 50 in the world player.

Got to hang a little with some of the top coaches in our area. Cha, Eric, Chris. Missed Justin. As a kid he was on my court being tortured with drills and sayings made up just for him. Now, he coaches some top juniors.

The weather looks dismal right now as I await my first lesson of the day.

Hope it holds off so all matches can start and finish.

Have a great weekend whatever you do. Be safe. Don't text and drive.....

Aerobic Endurance Training

I have been barking about being FIT to HIT since I used to play with a wooden racket.

Here are some types of aerobic endurance training I like to do to stay "in the game"

Type 1:
LONG, SLOW DISTANCE. 1-2 times per week for 30- 120 minutes. Now, I must admit I have NEVER lasted for 2 hours unless I was roller blading with friends. On a sunny Sunday afternoon with a few stops for icecream at Dilly's Corner and a burger at Meil's.

You will improve cardiovascular function and use more fat for fuel.

Type 2
PACE/TEMPO. 1-2 times per week for 20-30 minutes. This is more my time line. And pace/tempo improves energy production from both the aerobic and anaerobic source.

Type 3
INTERVAL. 1-2 times per week. 3-5 minute intervals. Start the feed and try to keep that one ball going for 3-5 minutes. At noon on a hot, sunny day wearing your "play Hy on grass" sweatshirt. Yeah!

Type 4
REPETITION. Once per week. 30-90 second interval. Get the ball machine plugged in or have your pro feed you some patterns. Hitting the wall or a back board works well too. There is a school near me that has "the" perfect wall. The Principal has asked me to stop my noise a couple of times.

Type 5
FARTLEK. Once per weeek 20-60 minutes. I like this endurance type a lot. All you have to do is start out with a long, slow run combined with a short burst of hy intensity sprint as far as you can get then start your long, slow run again. I like to do this upHill. Lauriston is my favorite street to Fartlek.

Today is my Fartlek day.....before it rains again...

Cause Nets Ova

Well, I was worried for Svetlana Kuznetsova.

I had visions of 2004 against Myskina and 2005 against Henin dancing in my head. My heart racing and illegally coaching her from my couch.
Yesterday, I had four heart attacks.
Svetland was down 6-4, 5-4, with Petkovic serving. She saved 4 match points and finally pulled that set out 7-5.

I think she is playing tight. Nervous. Wants it too much. I know that sounds strange coming from me..... Wants it to much.......breathe...move, smack the crap out of the inside out forehand. You are a champion. Play like a champion.

And yes, respect your opponents, but NEVER put them on a pedestal. You will NEVER beat them towering over you like that.

***Tournament Directors: NEVER make the players choose if they should play or stop due to darkness or rain. You are in this position to make the big calls. MAN UP.

The Monfils vs Fognini match at 4-4 in the 5th set and darkness falling upon the land should have stopped.. They were not playing in the gloaming anymore.....it was dark...no sunlight...no lights in the Stadium....STOP PLAY

Hydrate!

De-hydration is enemy #1 to a tennis player.

The weather is getting hotter and hotter. You must stay well hydrated.
As the sun beats down on you during a long match and you feel thirsty and fatigued....be concerned about your hydration.

Thirst is a delayed response. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already slightly dehydrated. So, give that bod the water it needs, even before you think you need it.

Drink water with all meals and snacks, anything sweet or salty and in a 1:1 ratio with caffeine, alcohol and soda. Drink water before, during and after exercise.

Going to the nearest restaurant bar with your teammates after league match for a beer does not count unless you have one beer then a glass of water. 1:1 ratio.

Good hydration que? Your urine will be clear or pale in color. You are not going to flush right? Carbon Footprint Reduction....

Juice.teen Henin wins

Who said you have to be 6'2" to be successful at professional tennis? Justine Henin is pettite and "kicks butt" on every surface. Though I was not happy with her behavior a few years ago, I can't deny the girl can play.

It's Dirt season. Har-tru, Red clay. The running game. The FITness game.
Soon grass season will be upon us.

I am in training for the USTA Grass Nationals.
Ran up Shurs Lane a lot faster yesterday. So proud of myself.

Went to the tennis club before my run to collect a moving part(screw) for one of my ball carts. I left it in the stadium on Sunday. Found it.

No one wanted to run with me so off I went by myself.

Started my run and soon discovered that my iPod needed charging. I ran that hill with NO music. Just the sound of my in through the nose, out through the mouth cadence.

And the thought of the kids with Cystic Fibrosis who can't do this. I ran for them.

Back in February 2010, I played in the CF Pro-am in Allentown. Darcy, Yulia, Kenn, Andrea. Friends of mine who got auctioned off and played their butts off for the cause.

As you go through your day today, easy on the rage...some are worse off than you.

Dirt Dawg:Tsonga

Holy red dirt, Batman.
It is way too early in this tournament to have a 5 set match.

The French Open is here.

In an earlier Blog I mentioned FITness on dirt courts.

Tsonga admits that "I was not at the top of my shape with regards to running". Yeah boy-e, you need to run Shurs Lane with me in 90 degree weather.

Umm, Venus? Nice see through "style". It's all about keeping em talking, right. Well, you did it, girl.

Hy and Cha must fix your serve though. Seven double faults? Really? Really!

Roge-Fed is cruising through.

Oudin? I can't "believe" you lost.

Watch the French Open on NBC, ESPN, Tennis Channel and TV5.

Gotta run. Literally, Shurs Lane is calling my name. I want to run it faster this week.

Whip Lash...

I seriously hurt my neck yesterday playing in the Pro-am. Chasing a serve to my backhand, I whipped my neck. Ouch. Stiffness and pain.

Do you know of an on-call Chiropractor?

My massage therapist would fix this neck right up, but she is away for the weekend.

Tennis was great all morning until the rain. We switched to Aronomink CC to play on the har-tru courts. They were under water. So we played a paddle Pro-am instead.

Competitive pros will play any racket sport. All for a good cause.

If you want to watch and cheer some AWESOME tennis, the finals of $25,000 Philadelphia Clay Court Championships is at Great Valley Racket Club starting at 4pm. 7th seed Jhonson Garcia from the Dominican Republic vs 2nd seed Marcus Sarstrum of Sweden. Sarstrum won this tournament last year..See you there?

Singles back draw and doubles matches will get underway at 1pm.

Great Valley Racket Club
10 North Morehall Road
Malven, Pa

SOLD......$1100

Today from 1130am to 430 pm the Pro-Am is LIVE..

I will write more later. Have to pack bananas, and water and bagels for my long competitive day.

Come hang on this awesome campus. Tennis will be awesome.

Pro-Am Auction

Caught up with "life" yesterday. My day off from hitting tennis balls.
My legs were beat up.
Not only did my UpHill run beat me up but my Singles Drill at 9pm Wednesday night totally did me in. John was on time for class and he did not miss for 15 minutes straight until the other players showed up.


I had to eat the proper quantity of protein to supply my broken down muscles with the building blocks needed to rebuild even stronger after my UpHill run.

Being Raw-Vegan, leafy-green vegetables, legumes and seeds help. Especially hemp seeds. Combined with carbohydrates, these proteins are able to infuse my tired muscles with more energy than carbos can by itself.

Unfortunately, stiff, achy muscles need movement to get the lactic acid out. You just can't sit around because you ache. So, I went walkabout to find Walt Whitman's tomb......Found it. A nice walk to extract some acid.

Two months ago I was asked to be play in the Pro-Am at
Episcopal Academy

I said yes.

Today, I get auctioned off. Bought by another human being, or several.....yes, I know what you are thinking.

This is for a good cause. And on an ego level, I want to be sold for the most bucks. So I will wear the right outfit to accentuate the upper legs and buttocks. LOL.

I will hit balls with perfect technique and accuracy to up the bidding and ham it upHarlem Globetroter style to excite the crowd. Again with the intention to bring in more dollars until the auction hammer hits the wood.

These events are so much fun. Not only for Pros but for our "owners" as well. There are a few scenarios for who will play with us. Usually, we play with who ever bought us. Often we are given a partner chosen by our owner. Or partners are drawn from a hat, auctioned off and play begins. I personally prefer my partner drawn from a hat. Then there are no Serena-Hy combinations too strong for the field....

The winning team's owner gets first pick from a list of very cool and very expensive "prizes". If you want to get in on the bidding, it all starts at 630pm tonight at Episcopal.

Before all of this I am taking a 5 year old to Wissahickon Creek to search for frogs.

In this picture she is wearing my jacket, sunglasses and signature hat. Mini-me. Well, at age 5, I was not playing tennis. On the day this picture was taken, all the 5 year old players wanted to wear my jacket, sunglasses and hat.

Tori is a really good tennis player. As soon as I figure it out, I will post some video of her playing. She is like a 5 year old Serena Williams. Anyway, she loves frogs and her mom thinks anything slimey and buggy is NEVER coming into her house. So, Tori and I are going to bring some frogs into her house. First we have to find them...

If you want to join us, we will be near Valley Green searching for frogs today..

Are you FIT to HIT?

Yesterday, my run up Shurs Lane kicked my butt. My iPod was blasting for motivation. "100% pure love", "adult education" and "aint no other man" helped me keep a good cadence up that hill. It all ended with "don't call me baby".

When I finally got to the light pole on Ridge and Shurs, my thights were hard as rocks and I needed help from Roxborough Memorial one block away but I sucked it up and ran back down the hill to "buttons" and "gonna make you sweat".

My thought throughout this run was, if you're not FIT you might as well quit.

Are you FIT to HIT?

Har-tru season is HERE.
Can you last 15, 18, 20 shots to win the point?
Can you run from side line to side line for 8 straight minutes?
Can you swing 20 times at that damn slice shot your opponent likes to hit?
Can you bend so low you touch the dirt, 15 times in a row?
Can you slide to that slice shot 18 times in a row?
Can you do it?

Can you last? No? Excuse me, I did not hear you.

Join my UpHill FIT Club and never lose a tennis match because your opponent has better lung endurance, better leg endurance and better stroke endurance.


The FrenchOpen is starting 0n May 23. Just watch the fitness level of these players.
"ONLY THE FITTEST OF THE FITTEST SHALL SURVIVE"

Arrive at your league match and tournament match FIT and ready to HIT.
Check out all I have to offer you to improve at
Calendar of Programs

On an incline today

Fat Edna is at it again.

From 1995 to 2006, I have won 6 National Grass Court Championships. In the 35's. After 2006 a major health issue then surgery then "recovery" has hampered my forward progress.

This year, I want to win the 35 Grass Nationals "one more time". I think 7 is a nice number. Don't you?

How am I going to achieve this knocking on 49's door? INCLINE.

I live in Manayunk and during my 6 championship run years ago, I used the hills of Manayunk as my cardio workout. I sprinted. I leap froged. I ran from Main to Ridge on Shurs until I wanted to throw up...then I crawled home for a protein shake, a bath and my bed.

On this gloomy afternoon, I am heading to Shurs Lane. Have to get my cardio as close to a Himalayan Sherpa to win on grass at 49.

If you want to join me on any of my runs, I would love the company.

Text @ 215-802-0797

Email @ hyintensity10s@aol.com