Advertisement:

How do you play a good poacher?

I’m going to geek out here with some technical stuff.  Casual readers or those looking for inspiration may want to avert their eyes. Here it is:  I can find info on HOW to poach online, but I can’t find anything about PLAYING a good poacher.  There are some smart tennis folks out there who can help! (and I have a match... Read more »
By SCB,
March 24, 2012 at 10:14 am
• Leave a comment

A True Inspiration in Tennis and in Life

Martina Navratilova.  I’d always admired her athleticism “back in the day” as she dominated Chris Evert across years and Grand Slams. Truly, I could go on and on listing the accolades and accomplishments of this amazing tennis player. But the other day, I read something about her that made it official.  She inspires me and... Read more »
By SCB,
March 23, 2012 at 3:26 pm
• Leave a comment

Everything Old is New Again

They usually say it with pleasure. The thing is relished–with glee and a flourish,even. We all want to see something (or someone) we took for granted as if experiencing it in the early blush of novelty. A lover or friend, of course. A job. Returning to a city where one lived. And then there’s tennis. I... Read more »
By SCB,
March 8, 2012 at 10:30 pm
• Leave a comment
Advertisement:

Are you too competitive?

Is this even possible?  I can think of 1-2 women against whom I played singles 3, 4 or even 5 times.  These were intense, competitive matches with very little chit-chat and silent changeovers. They had a different vibe than the doubles matches I play now.  Yet, over time, I got to know the singles players well and came... Read more »
By SCB,
February 5, 2012 at 9:17 pm
• Leave a comment

Federer Plays Nadal at the Australian: Will You Watch?

image.attributes.post_excerpt
Shhhhh–I think I hear the Bulls fans muttering. ”Am I watching…the whaat?”  Well, they’re not here to bug us, are they?  Yes, the Australian Open, the only Grand Slam played in the southern hemisphere, has an exciting semi-final in the works. Normally, I wouldn’t go on in this space about pro tennis matches (unless it’s McEnroe-related, past or present). Yet... Read more »
By SCB,
January 25, 2012 at 10:15 pm
• Leave a comment

Teaching and Learning and a Whole Lot More

As I happily rejoined a group of players I knew in drill tonight, I once again drew parallels to being a learner and a teacher. (I recently had to adjust to a new pro in my other group, and even though that’s another story, the experience applies here) Tonight, I was expecting my favorite pro to lead the class, as... Read more »
By SCB,
January 20, 2012 at 12:26 am
• Leave a comment
Advertisement:

For the Good of (Our) Tennis

Not surprisingly, there are other blogs out there with “topspin” in the name. One guy is frustrated by the lack of tennis stats (really?), and the other blog is all about the pro game–through HIS eyes/perspective.  Sound fun? This blog, however (ta-DA!), is different. It’s about the READERS and what THEY know about tennis. I just “serve”... Read more »
By SCB,
January 14, 2012 at 6:48 pm
• Leave a comment

Live and Swinging!

It’s here–the beginning of the indoor season! One might argue that the indoor season comes with the freeze; however, after the last 5-6 years, I’m on the USTA league schedule. (United States Tennis Association)  However you look at it, this timing is a GREAT time to begin feeding the “bug” that bit me, and many... Read more »
By SCB,
January 10, 2012 at 12:21 pm
• Leave a comment