By Angela Molchan
Rafael Nadal also known as Rafa is a 22 year old Spanish tennis player. Nadal's Uncle Toni who also is a tennis player introduced tennis to Nadal when he was only 3 years old and has coached him thought his career. Nadal also played football and was force to choose between them at the age of 12 so that his education was not affected because he was playing tennis or football all the time. At the age of 16 Nadal had been ranked as being one of the top 50 tennis players in the world. Nadal being naturally right handed was taught by his uncle Toni to play left handed because he thought
Nadal's two-handed backhand would benefit him with a strong right arm. He uses a full western grip forehand, which allows him to hit a heavy, powerful topspin forehand giving him a bigger margin of error because of the height in which he clears the net and the speed of which the ball drops because of the topspin that is applied to the ball. Nadal uses a Babolat AeroPro Drive without cortex, and his racquet strung is between 50 and 58 pounds.
His clothing is sponsored by Nike. Nadal is known for his unconventional wear, such as sleeveless tops and Capri pants. He wears the Nike Air Max Breathe Cage II shoes[24] which have been customized for him with the famous "Vamos Rafa" written on the side of them.[25] Currently, his shoes display his nickname "Rafa" on one shoe and a logo specifically designed by Nike featuring a stylistic bull's head on the other.
Nadal's career really began to take off in 2002 when he was just 15 years old when he became the ninth player in the open era to win before age 16. In 2003 he became the second youngest male player to rank in the world's top 50 players. In 2004 Nadal won his first singles title. In 2005 Nadal was No. 2 in rankings. They call him The King of Clay because of his abilities on a clay courts. In tournament finals his record was 22 wins and 1 loss and is undefeated in 41 of five sets of matches played on clay. During April 2005 until May of 2007 Nadal won 81 matches in a row making him the owner of the longest single-surface winning streak. Nadal won the French Open in 2006, 2007, and 2008. As of August 2008 Nadal has a 67 wins and 8 losses and has won eight singles titles, including the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Olympic Games. He also had a 32 match winning streak during which he received five titles.Nadal is the number one tennis player in the world and is considered the best spanish player of all time.
Nadal was born in Manacor, Majorca to Sebastián Nadal and Ana María Parera. He has a younger sister named María Isabel. Nadal's upbringing and early years are largely kept private, he has stated growing up his passions were football, tennis, and fishing, and as of 2008 he has been dating María Francesca Perelló,also from Majorca, for three years.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Molchan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Rafael-Nadal&id=1465928
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Baseline - Revisited
By Beth McCaskill
This morning, I awoke to find the Nadal/Fish match being replayed on USA, after I stayed up 'til 2:15 AM to watch it. I decided to check over on The Tennis Channel, as if I'm not getting enough tennis lately, and they were showing the finals of the Mexican Open, between Chela and Horna, 2 South Americans. They looked quite at home on clay. Flipping back and forth between the 2 channels made it clear how different the games are. On clay, from right up on the baseline in the middle of the court, a player can hit a very sharp angle, to just behind the service line on the sideline, and not have an outright winner.
At the US Open, Fish was hitting winners from the baseline, middle, by hitting much less angle, deep near the corners, against Nadal, maybe the best defender on the tour. That is why the aggressive player must get up on the baseline against a great topspinner like Nadal. Fish really did it in the first set. I didn't count, but he hit lots of outright winners because he was standing up at the baseline. Standing up at the baseline has another big advantage, which Fish also made clear. You are that much closer whenever Nadal hit short, which he does quite often because of his spin. There is tremendous advantage to being closer to short balls.
When you get in to a short ball faster, you get to hit bigger angles. On a surface like the US Open, those are winners. Second, if you are hitting an approach shot you usually catch the ball higher and have many more options. There is another important reason to get to a short ball before it falls below the net: you avoid telegraphing your approach. If you are forced to hit an approach shot off a low ball, while you are running forward, you must prepare for your backswing by moving your feet out of the way, so your opponent knows 2 steps earlier, where you are aiming.
Watch a Roddick match. If he approaches from his usual spot, many feet behind the baseline, he catches the ball very low. Watch his opponent. He is already running into position before Roddick strikes the ball. In today's game, giving away your approach is fatal. Watch an early Federer match (HINT: Roger, you are playing deeper now!). When he hits a short ball, he closes fast, reaches it up high, and freezes his opponent by not revealing his approach. Then, half the time, his opponent guesses wrong or moves early and Roger just hits a winner. The rest of the time, because he has caught the ball up high, he drives it with pace, and gets an easy volley back. Off course, all this is contingent upon your willingness to stand at the baseline and be willing to hit many more balls on the rise. It takes guts. It takes confidence. On clay it is more difficult because of the uneven bounces, and frankly it isn't even worth it. At the US Open, on a hard court, against someone like Nadal, that is where the advantage lies.
Contact: Beth McCaskill
Phone: 678-622-3708
Email: BethMcCaskill@TennisPlayersNetwork.com
URL: http://www.TennisPlayersNetwork.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beth_McCaskill
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Baseline---Revisited&id=1471128
This morning, I awoke to find the Nadal/Fish match being replayed on USA, after I stayed up 'til 2:15 AM to watch it. I decided to check over on The Tennis Channel, as if I'm not getting enough tennis lately, and they were showing the finals of the Mexican Open, between Chela and Horna, 2 South Americans. They looked quite at home on clay. Flipping back and forth between the 2 channels made it clear how different the games are. On clay, from right up on the baseline in the middle of the court, a player can hit a very sharp angle, to just behind the service line on the sideline, and not have an outright winner.
At the US Open, Fish was hitting winners from the baseline, middle, by hitting much less angle, deep near the corners, against Nadal, maybe the best defender on the tour. That is why the aggressive player must get up on the baseline against a great topspinner like Nadal. Fish really did it in the first set. I didn't count, but he hit lots of outright winners because he was standing up at the baseline. Standing up at the baseline has another big advantage, which Fish also made clear. You are that much closer whenever Nadal hit short, which he does quite often because of his spin. There is tremendous advantage to being closer to short balls.
When you get in to a short ball faster, you get to hit bigger angles. On a surface like the US Open, those are winners. Second, if you are hitting an approach shot you usually catch the ball higher and have many more options. There is another important reason to get to a short ball before it falls below the net: you avoid telegraphing your approach. If you are forced to hit an approach shot off a low ball, while you are running forward, you must prepare for your backswing by moving your feet out of the way, so your opponent knows 2 steps earlier, where you are aiming.
Watch a Roddick match. If he approaches from his usual spot, many feet behind the baseline, he catches the ball very low. Watch his opponent. He is already running into position before Roddick strikes the ball. In today's game, giving away your approach is fatal. Watch an early Federer match (HINT: Roger, you are playing deeper now!). When he hits a short ball, he closes fast, reaches it up high, and freezes his opponent by not revealing his approach. Then, half the time, his opponent guesses wrong or moves early and Roger just hits a winner. The rest of the time, because he has caught the ball up high, he drives it with pace, and gets an easy volley back. Off course, all this is contingent upon your willingness to stand at the baseline and be willing to hit many more balls on the rise. It takes guts. It takes confidence. On clay it is more difficult because of the uneven bounces, and frankly it isn't even worth it. At the US Open, on a hard court, against someone like Nadal, that is where the advantage lies.
Contact: Beth McCaskill
Phone: 678-622-3708
Email: BethMcCaskill@TennisPlayersNetwork.com
URL: http://www.TennisPlayersNetwork.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beth_McCaskill
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Baseline---Revisited&id=1471128
The Andy Murray Backhand Stroke - Analyzed!
By John Key
Following his amazing efforts at the 2008 US Open, Andy Murray has truly arrived and is a force to be reckoned with on the men's tennis tour - and so has his two-handed backhand. Andy's backhand really is a classy stroke and a great example of the two-hander for junior and adult players to copy.
So Why is it So Good?
There are so many good points about Andy Murray's backhand that it is difficult to know where to start.
The Movement
His movement, compared to a couple of years back is like the difference between chalk and cheese. His general court coverage and his ability to chase balls down is awesome. His tuning around the ball (those small sharp steps around the ball) is also vastly improved. It has now become extremely difficult to get the ball past Andy.
The Drive
It's scary how many options Andy has open to him on his backhand drive! His racket-head control is full of snap and his timing is perfect. He really makes this shot tell in a rally, partly due to the way he positions himself up the court striking the ball very early after the bounce. Andy's constant smothering of the ball is very tiring for the opponent to play against as they are given very little time between shots.
One minute he winds up with a full blown shot, the next he abbreviates, blocks or floats the shot. He has an uncanny ability to mix the pace, stopping his opponent from settling into a comfortable rhythm.
Andy has a straight right arm on take-back and flexes his arms slightly on impact. Lovely! Many of Andy's drives around the baseline are played with an open stance and with excellent weight transference. He has superb balance, very rarely collapsing when making contact with the ball (a common mistake when social players get too close to the ball).
The tremendous racket-head speed Andy generates has got to be my favourite part of his drive. The tip of the racket overtakes the grip with ferocious speed on the Murray drive. As a result, his arms and racket are wrapped over his shoulder on completion of the shot.
The Slice
Andy utilizes a text book take-back and follow-through and like so many two-handers, he plays his slice as a one-handed shot. Time after time he weaves this shot into his rallies for change of spin, change of pace and for approach shots. Sometimes he just floats his slice backhand to length without much pace and other times zaps it over the net fast and low. He also utilizes a cheeky short cut shot that fizzes low.
The Drop Shot
As Andy possesses a really natural slice backhand, the drop shot is a natural progression for him. Nowadays Andy is selecting when to play the drop shot with more care, resulting in a far more effective drop shot.
The Service Return
Week after week on the men's tour Andy can be seen hitting his returns early, constantly hitting to the feet of the incoming serve-volleyer. His natural ability to abbreviate and adapt his technique makes his return a real weapon. He moves forwards into the court and following a split step, pounces on the ball. His superb racket-head control means that the clipped shots and improvised flicks are a breeze.
If an opponent decides to stay back on the baseline, Andy will constantly nail his returns into the corners of the court. Intimidating to say the least!
Andy Murray has arrived and is here to stay!
As a coach, John Key has worked with all levels of tennis players from beginners to junior national champions, Davis Cup and Wimbledon. His tennis website Backhandworld.com offers lots of free coaching tips and advice for all standards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Key
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Andy-Murray-Backhand-Stroke---Analyzed!&id=1481669
Following his amazing efforts at the 2008 US Open, Andy Murray has truly arrived and is a force to be reckoned with on the men's tennis tour - and so has his two-handed backhand. Andy's backhand really is a classy stroke and a great example of the two-hander for junior and adult players to copy.
So Why is it So Good?
There are so many good points about Andy Murray's backhand that it is difficult to know where to start.
The Movement
His movement, compared to a couple of years back is like the difference between chalk and cheese. His general court coverage and his ability to chase balls down is awesome. His tuning around the ball (those small sharp steps around the ball) is also vastly improved. It has now become extremely difficult to get the ball past Andy.
The Drive
It's scary how many options Andy has open to him on his backhand drive! His racket-head control is full of snap and his timing is perfect. He really makes this shot tell in a rally, partly due to the way he positions himself up the court striking the ball very early after the bounce. Andy's constant smothering of the ball is very tiring for the opponent to play against as they are given very little time between shots.
One minute he winds up with a full blown shot, the next he abbreviates, blocks or floats the shot. He has an uncanny ability to mix the pace, stopping his opponent from settling into a comfortable rhythm.
Andy has a straight right arm on take-back and flexes his arms slightly on impact. Lovely! Many of Andy's drives around the baseline are played with an open stance and with excellent weight transference. He has superb balance, very rarely collapsing when making contact with the ball (a common mistake when social players get too close to the ball).
The tremendous racket-head speed Andy generates has got to be my favourite part of his drive. The tip of the racket overtakes the grip with ferocious speed on the Murray drive. As a result, his arms and racket are wrapped over his shoulder on completion of the shot.
The Slice
Andy utilizes a text book take-back and follow-through and like so many two-handers, he plays his slice as a one-handed shot. Time after time he weaves this shot into his rallies for change of spin, change of pace and for approach shots. Sometimes he just floats his slice backhand to length without much pace and other times zaps it over the net fast and low. He also utilizes a cheeky short cut shot that fizzes low.
The Drop Shot
As Andy possesses a really natural slice backhand, the drop shot is a natural progression for him. Nowadays Andy is selecting when to play the drop shot with more care, resulting in a far more effective drop shot.
The Service Return
Week after week on the men's tour Andy can be seen hitting his returns early, constantly hitting to the feet of the incoming serve-volleyer. His natural ability to abbreviate and adapt his technique makes his return a real weapon. He moves forwards into the court and following a split step, pounces on the ball. His superb racket-head control means that the clipped shots and improvised flicks are a breeze.
If an opponent decides to stay back on the baseline, Andy will constantly nail his returns into the corners of the court. Intimidating to say the least!
Andy Murray has arrived and is here to stay!
As a coach, John Key has worked with all levels of tennis players from beginners to junior national champions, Davis Cup and Wimbledon. His tennis website Backhandworld.com offers lots of free coaching tips and advice for all standards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Key
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Andy-Murray-Backhand-Stroke---Analyzed!&id=1481669
10 Top Tennis Tips For Coaching Junior Tennis Players
By Rufus Keown
Mini Tennis, Pee Wee Tennis, Tiny Tots Tennis, Little Mozzies! Coaching Junior Beginners has been called everything. The bottom line for tennis coaches is that having a strong beginner tennis coaching program is the key to a long term sustainable business operation.
Putting together an exciting and challenging tennis coaching program for the young player should be a priority for any serious coach. These young beginners also need some special coaching methods to teach them to love tennis and stay in the game.
Tip 1 - Success equals Confidence equals Fun! Tennis is in the recreation business and coaches are fighting to attract young athletes to the sport so that grass roots programs flourish and we produce players at the elite level. Be constantly positive; play fun games which all players can succeed; create an atmosphere at your club that parents and children can enjoy. Do your best to keep children in tennis for life.
Tip 2 - Use modified tennis equipment. This relates to tip number one because by using lower nets, softer tennis balls, lighter tennis racquets and fun equipment we can help our students succeed and therefore enjoy tennis.
Tip 3 - Use cones to position players. Use cones or spots to position students for games and activities. This will give them a reference point and prevent them from wondering off.
Tip 4 - Refer to the names of lines and areas of the court. Use the names of lines and parts of the court when giving directions. This will provide a "full" tennis education and help when playing matches later on.
Tip 5 - Demonstrate before you explain the drill. Young children are fantastic learners. They learn best from observing and copying; as well as experimenting and feeling how something works. In your tennis lessons give the players lots of visual coaching and have them shadow swing so they can feel the correct stroke. This will be far more effective than explaining to a child with a very short attention span who may not fully understand the meaning of your words.
Tip 6 - Don't get too technical! This relates to tip number five. Technical instruction is wasted on young children but they do understand simple distinctions. For instance using higher or lower; softer or harder; to the left or right are effective words to guide a young player. This is one reason why the use of targets and cones can be a very valuable coaching tool.
Tip 7 - Use targets for students to aim at. The reason for using targets is to compel the players to use control over power. Many young players will associate success with how fast and far they can hit the ball. Studies have shown that in sports that require both speed and precision (like tennis) it is far better to learn slow, controlled moves and then make them faster; than learn fast uncontrolled moves and them slow them down. By hitting accurate controlled shots our players will become better at rallying (which should be foremost goal of any program.)
Tip 8 - Don't take private lessons too early. While some parents will expect us to dress up in a clown suit and entertain a 4 or 5 year old in a private lesson it is inappropriate at this age. The children at this age enjoy the excitement of playing with their friends and social interaction - the coach will soon become weary and lose passion for their job.
Tip 9 - Progress the program. Keep giving the students a reason to come back to the game. Progress from a mini court to full court; a mini racquet to a graduate racquet; low compression balls to championship balls; a 30 minute lesson to a 45 minute lesson. Keep challenging the students or they will feel they are not improving and find another sports which offers a pathway.
Tip 10 - Let them play the game. As coaches we are trying to teach players the game of tennis. Once the fundamentals have been taught modified game play should become an emphasis. While at a young age hitting the ball over the net seems miraculous, and returning an impossible dream; let the students experiment with a modified rally. The coach can help or make special rules so it remains enjoyable and the students can experience some success.
Follow these tennis tips to success in your own junior tennis program!
By Rufus Keown
Club Professional Coach
Co-founder http://www.globalsportscoaching.com
The global website for tennis coaches and players with 1000's of tennis drills, tennis articles, tennis tips and tennis lesson plans.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rufus_Keown
http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Top-Tennis-Tips-For-Coaching-Junior-Tennis-Players&id=1493080
Mini Tennis, Pee Wee Tennis, Tiny Tots Tennis, Little Mozzies! Coaching Junior Beginners has been called everything. The bottom line for tennis coaches is that having a strong beginner tennis coaching program is the key to a long term sustainable business operation.
Putting together an exciting and challenging tennis coaching program for the young player should be a priority for any serious coach. These young beginners also need some special coaching methods to teach them to love tennis and stay in the game.
Tip 1 - Success equals Confidence equals Fun! Tennis is in the recreation business and coaches are fighting to attract young athletes to the sport so that grass roots programs flourish and we produce players at the elite level. Be constantly positive; play fun games which all players can succeed; create an atmosphere at your club that parents and children can enjoy. Do your best to keep children in tennis for life.
Tip 2 - Use modified tennis equipment. This relates to tip number one because by using lower nets, softer tennis balls, lighter tennis racquets and fun equipment we can help our students succeed and therefore enjoy tennis.
Tip 3 - Use cones to position players. Use cones or spots to position students for games and activities. This will give them a reference point and prevent them from wondering off.
Tip 4 - Refer to the names of lines and areas of the court. Use the names of lines and parts of the court when giving directions. This will provide a "full" tennis education and help when playing matches later on.
Tip 5 - Demonstrate before you explain the drill. Young children are fantastic learners. They learn best from observing and copying; as well as experimenting and feeling how something works. In your tennis lessons give the players lots of visual coaching and have them shadow swing so they can feel the correct stroke. This will be far more effective than explaining to a child with a very short attention span who may not fully understand the meaning of your words.
Tip 6 - Don't get too technical! This relates to tip number five. Technical instruction is wasted on young children but they do understand simple distinctions. For instance using higher or lower; softer or harder; to the left or right are effective words to guide a young player. This is one reason why the use of targets and cones can be a very valuable coaching tool.
Tip 7 - Use targets for students to aim at. The reason for using targets is to compel the players to use control over power. Many young players will associate success with how fast and far they can hit the ball. Studies have shown that in sports that require both speed and precision (like tennis) it is far better to learn slow, controlled moves and then make them faster; than learn fast uncontrolled moves and them slow them down. By hitting accurate controlled shots our players will become better at rallying (which should be foremost goal of any program.)
Tip 8 - Don't take private lessons too early. While some parents will expect us to dress up in a clown suit and entertain a 4 or 5 year old in a private lesson it is inappropriate at this age. The children at this age enjoy the excitement of playing with their friends and social interaction - the coach will soon become weary and lose passion for their job.
Tip 9 - Progress the program. Keep giving the students a reason to come back to the game. Progress from a mini court to full court; a mini racquet to a graduate racquet; low compression balls to championship balls; a 30 minute lesson to a 45 minute lesson. Keep challenging the students or they will feel they are not improving and find another sports which offers a pathway.
Tip 10 - Let them play the game. As coaches we are trying to teach players the game of tennis. Once the fundamentals have been taught modified game play should become an emphasis. While at a young age hitting the ball over the net seems miraculous, and returning an impossible dream; let the students experiment with a modified rally. The coach can help or make special rules so it remains enjoyable and the students can experience some success.
Follow these tennis tips to success in your own junior tennis program!
By Rufus Keown
Club Professional Coach
Co-founder http://www.globalsportscoaching.com
The global website for tennis coaches and players with 1000's of tennis drills, tennis articles, tennis tips and tennis lesson plans.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rufus_Keown
http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Top-Tennis-Tips-For-Coaching-Junior-Tennis-Players&id=1493080
Maybe the Williams Sisters Had it Right All Along
By Mark Hauser
Maybe there is no right or wrong way on how to handle a tennis career. It may all just be a matter of personal preference. However, there seems to be a prevailing view that if an athlete, specifically a tennis player, is not totally dedicated to playing just tennis all the time they are wasting their talent. Admittedly, at first glance -- given how competitive any professional sport is right now -- this seems to make sense. But, in tennis, more than any major sport, there is the burn-out factor. More great tennis players over the last 30 years (Tracy Austin is the first one that comes to mind and Bjorn Borg is the biggest name) have been burned-out by age 26 than any other sport. And given that in most sports, athletes hit their peak at around age 28, this would by startling if we were not so used to it.
Tennis players, like any sport where there is lots of money to be made, start practicing and competing intensely at a very early age -- and never let up -- in order to gain an advantage over their competitors. Which they do: But, at what price? Well, the price is obvious. They earn more victories and money at a young age, however, mentally and physically they break down -- at a young age.
Boxers and running backs in American football, because of the physical toll that getting hit takes on their bodies, often hit their peak before the age of 28. But, I do not see anything about tennis which would have that type of affect on its athletes. No, the toll is caused by too much tennis. Ken Rosewall made the finals of Wimbledon at the age of 39 in 1974 -- something unheard in today's tennis. I am willing to bet that he was able to this, at least partly, because he played a lot less tennis between the ages of 5 and 20 than today's stars.
The very talented Andre Agassi was not always as focused and dedicated as people thought he should have been before the age of 28. Then around the age of 28 he rededicated himself to tennis and won more majors after the age of 28 (5) than before (3). Hence, Agassi success demonstrated that a lack of burn-out and not age, is why modern tennis players fail to perform well after the age of 26. While he may have underachieved before the 28, it appears he may have made up for it by overachieving after the age of 28.
Which brings us full circle to Serena and Venus Williams. Venus, at the age of 28, defeated Serena in the finals in July to win her fifth Wimbledon (her 7th Grand Slam singles win). Serena, 26, just did her sister one better by eliminating Venus in the quarterfinals and going on to win the US Open (her 9th Grand Slam singles win). In addition, Serena regained the World #1 ranking -- something she has not had for 5 years, 1 month -- the longest gap in women's tennis history. Like Agassi, the Williams sisters have been criticized for their lack of focus and dedication. Sometimes, they appeared more interested in fashion design than tennis. As a result, they did not win and dominate as much as their talent may have allowed them. Given that Venus is very talented (perhaps as talented as any women ever on grass) and Serena is the most talented women tennis player I have ever seen -- this seems to be a fair criticism.
However, to be fair to the Williams sisters -- they have had more than their share of injuries. And there is no law (the last time I checked) that a professional tennis player has to be 100% committed to tennis all the time. Besides, isn't fashion more suited to the young than old? And maybe, just maybe, they saw the recent history of tennis and decided they wanted to well rounded and avoid the tennis burn-out. Right now, is appears to be working. Perhaps they had it right all along and we were a little hard on them. Perhaps, like Agassi, they will overachieve after the ages of 26 and 28 while their contemporaries retire due to burn-out. I am hoping and predicting they will, but only time will tell.
Mark D. Hauser
Owner: http://UltimateSportsRankings.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hauser
http://EzineArticles.com/?Maybe-the-Williams-Sisters-Had-it-Right-All-Along&id=1494184
Maybe there is no right or wrong way on how to handle a tennis career. It may all just be a matter of personal preference. However, there seems to be a prevailing view that if an athlete, specifically a tennis player, is not totally dedicated to playing just tennis all the time they are wasting their talent. Admittedly, at first glance -- given how competitive any professional sport is right now -- this seems to make sense. But, in tennis, more than any major sport, there is the burn-out factor. More great tennis players over the last 30 years (Tracy Austin is the first one that comes to mind and Bjorn Borg is the biggest name) have been burned-out by age 26 than any other sport. And given that in most sports, athletes hit their peak at around age 28, this would by startling if we were not so used to it.
Tennis players, like any sport where there is lots of money to be made, start practicing and competing intensely at a very early age -- and never let up -- in order to gain an advantage over their competitors. Which they do: But, at what price? Well, the price is obvious. They earn more victories and money at a young age, however, mentally and physically they break down -- at a young age.
Boxers and running backs in American football, because of the physical toll that getting hit takes on their bodies, often hit their peak before the age of 28. But, I do not see anything about tennis which would have that type of affect on its athletes. No, the toll is caused by too much tennis. Ken Rosewall made the finals of Wimbledon at the age of 39 in 1974 -- something unheard in today's tennis. I am willing to bet that he was able to this, at least partly, because he played a lot less tennis between the ages of 5 and 20 than today's stars.
The very talented Andre Agassi was not always as focused and dedicated as people thought he should have been before the age of 28. Then around the age of 28 he rededicated himself to tennis and won more majors after the age of 28 (5) than before (3). Hence, Agassi success demonstrated that a lack of burn-out and not age, is why modern tennis players fail to perform well after the age of 26. While he may have underachieved before the 28, it appears he may have made up for it by overachieving after the age of 28.
Which brings us full circle to Serena and Venus Williams. Venus, at the age of 28, defeated Serena in the finals in July to win her fifth Wimbledon (her 7th Grand Slam singles win). Serena, 26, just did her sister one better by eliminating Venus in the quarterfinals and going on to win the US Open (her 9th Grand Slam singles win). In addition, Serena regained the World #1 ranking -- something she has not had for 5 years, 1 month -- the longest gap in women's tennis history. Like Agassi, the Williams sisters have been criticized for their lack of focus and dedication. Sometimes, they appeared more interested in fashion design than tennis. As a result, they did not win and dominate as much as their talent may have allowed them. Given that Venus is very talented (perhaps as talented as any women ever on grass) and Serena is the most talented women tennis player I have ever seen -- this seems to be a fair criticism.
However, to be fair to the Williams sisters -- they have had more than their share of injuries. And there is no law (the last time I checked) that a professional tennis player has to be 100% committed to tennis all the time. Besides, isn't fashion more suited to the young than old? And maybe, just maybe, they saw the recent history of tennis and decided they wanted to well rounded and avoid the tennis burn-out. Right now, is appears to be working. Perhaps they had it right all along and we were a little hard on them. Perhaps, like Agassi, they will overachieve after the ages of 26 and 28 while their contemporaries retire due to burn-out. I am hoping and predicting they will, but only time will tell.
Mark D. Hauser
Owner: http://UltimateSportsRankings.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hauser
http://EzineArticles.com/?Maybe-the-Williams-Sisters-Had-it-Right-All-Along&id=1494184
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Techniques to Help You Master Tennis
By Todd Hicks
Have you thought about becoming a tennis player? If you already play, do you want to improve? Do you watch professional tennis and wonder how the stars make great shots? By reading this article, you will at least learn how to hold your own on the court. We will discuss the techniques you must use to master tennis.
Playing at the Net: Stand a few feet away from the net when your doubles partner serves. While you wait for the ball to come from your opponent's side, you must use the "continental grip" - this means you must hold your tennis racket by the handle with your elbow bent to the side away from your body while your racket head is up. If the ball comes toward your head or higher, come straight down on the ball as hard as you can or dump the ball inside the inner line of the doubles alley. If the ball comes toward your waist, lower your racket head sideways to block the ball back over the net. To avoid losing a point, never touch the net during a play.
Charging the Net: You must leave the baseline and charge the net when you make your opponent run toward a corner. The reason why you should do this is your opponent will likely hit the ball softly and you need to be at the net to cut the ball off and put it away. Once you decide to charge the net, keep coming and do not go back.
Preparation and Footwork: Always stand with your knees bent and hold your racket up with both hands as you wait for the ball to come. As soon as the ball leaves your opponent's racket, turn to the side with one foot out in front with both knees bent. If you are right-handed and the ball comes to your right side, or forehand side, turn toward the right with your left foot out in front. If you are right-handed and the ball comes to your left side, or backhand side, turn to the left with your right foot out in front.
Swinging: When I started playing tennis, I hit a lot of balls long or over the fence because I would hit them with my racket pointing to the sky. As I started to hit the ball with my racket head angled toward the top of the net, I could keep the ball on the court but had nothing on it because I was still not using the proper fundamentals and hardly anyone would hit with me. When you take a swing to hit the ball on your forehand side or backhand side, you must raise your racket over your head, then bring the racket head toward the ground and then bring your racket head toward your shoulder.
Making Contact: You must guess the speed of the ball and meet the ball at the right spot. You don't want to meet the ball all the way in front of you and you don't want to let the ball jam you or get past you. You need to meet the ball with a full arm extension at a northeast angle.
Lobbing: When your opponent rushes the net after hitting the ball to you, try to get the ball over her head. If you get your racket head under the ball and lift the ball with plenty of force to the point where your racket head arrives between the point of being flat and the point of being straight over your head, you can hit the ball over your opponent's head while not hitting the ball past the baseline. Charge the net if your opponent chases the ball.
Overhead Shots: If the ball comes at a height over your head, raise your racket head over the ball and come down sideways. The best way to hit overhead shots is to slice through them.
Line Shots: To hit the ball down the line with power, roll your front hip forward and swing over the side of the ball with all your might while rolling your back hip forward. Use this approach on your backhand side too.
Slicing: It is useful to slice the ball when you want to give your opponent a shallow shot or throw his timing off. To slice the ball, raise your racket head over the ball, come down the side of the ball and yank your racket head under the ball. You can help develop the ability to use a backhand slice by improving your hand-eye coordination. You can do this by touching tiny marks with each finger.
Drop Shots: It is a good idea to drop the ball over the net especially when you are close and do not want to hit the ball out of bounds by hitting it too hard. To hit a drop shot, bring your racket head under the ball and come up the side lightly.
Building Speed: It is important to develop speed to reach more shots. Run sprints or take up speed walking. You can walk quickly by walking like a penguin in a way. Walk at a brisk pace and swing your arms while rolling your hips back and forth.
Hitting on the Run: If you must run to a corner to retrieve a shot, hit the ball into the air to give yourself enough time to get back to the middle of the baseline.
Cover Your Doubles Partner: If your partner is playing near the server's line and runs to your side to hit a shot, move over to the other side. Be prepared to chase a ball hit over your partner.
Serving: To serve successfully, lean forward, toss the ball up high with your racket already held up and come down on the ball before it drops too low. To avoid making a foot fault, do not lift a foot over the baseline.
First Serve: On the first serve, you should hit the ball as hard as you can. A great way to put a lot of spin and movement on the serve is to toss up the ball and come straight down the side as hard as you can.
Second Serve: It is imperative to make sure you do not make a fault on your second serve; therefore, you must ease up when serving the second time. I like to toss the ball up while spinning my hand and hit the ball lightly while leaning forward on my second serve.
Strategy: Do what it takes to outsmart your opponent and create discomfort. Exploit his weaknesses. Hit the ball away from her. Change speeds. Hit the ball lightly or hit a lob after hitting the ball hard several times to upset your opponent's timing. Hitting the ball down the middle of the court often works in doubles because both players on the other side wonder whether they should retrieve the incoming shot.
Follow these techniques to master tennis!
Todd Hicks owns Skill Development Institute, an enterprise that provides a keyboard typing lesson and academic study guide. To become a great typist or student, visit Skill Development Institute. http://sdinst.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Todd_Hicks
http://EzineArticles.com/?Techniques-to-Help-You-Master-Tennis&id=1488867
Have you thought about becoming a tennis player? If you already play, do you want to improve? Do you watch professional tennis and wonder how the stars make great shots? By reading this article, you will at least learn how to hold your own on the court. We will discuss the techniques you must use to master tennis.
Playing at the Net: Stand a few feet away from the net when your doubles partner serves. While you wait for the ball to come from your opponent's side, you must use the "continental grip" - this means you must hold your tennis racket by the handle with your elbow bent to the side away from your body while your racket head is up. If the ball comes toward your head or higher, come straight down on the ball as hard as you can or dump the ball inside the inner line of the doubles alley. If the ball comes toward your waist, lower your racket head sideways to block the ball back over the net. To avoid losing a point, never touch the net during a play.
Charging the Net: You must leave the baseline and charge the net when you make your opponent run toward a corner. The reason why you should do this is your opponent will likely hit the ball softly and you need to be at the net to cut the ball off and put it away. Once you decide to charge the net, keep coming and do not go back.
Preparation and Footwork: Always stand with your knees bent and hold your racket up with both hands as you wait for the ball to come. As soon as the ball leaves your opponent's racket, turn to the side with one foot out in front with both knees bent. If you are right-handed and the ball comes to your right side, or forehand side, turn toward the right with your left foot out in front. If you are right-handed and the ball comes to your left side, or backhand side, turn to the left with your right foot out in front.
Swinging: When I started playing tennis, I hit a lot of balls long or over the fence because I would hit them with my racket pointing to the sky. As I started to hit the ball with my racket head angled toward the top of the net, I could keep the ball on the court but had nothing on it because I was still not using the proper fundamentals and hardly anyone would hit with me. When you take a swing to hit the ball on your forehand side or backhand side, you must raise your racket over your head, then bring the racket head toward the ground and then bring your racket head toward your shoulder.
Making Contact: You must guess the speed of the ball and meet the ball at the right spot. You don't want to meet the ball all the way in front of you and you don't want to let the ball jam you or get past you. You need to meet the ball with a full arm extension at a northeast angle.
Lobbing: When your opponent rushes the net after hitting the ball to you, try to get the ball over her head. If you get your racket head under the ball and lift the ball with plenty of force to the point where your racket head arrives between the point of being flat and the point of being straight over your head, you can hit the ball over your opponent's head while not hitting the ball past the baseline. Charge the net if your opponent chases the ball.
Overhead Shots: If the ball comes at a height over your head, raise your racket head over the ball and come down sideways. The best way to hit overhead shots is to slice through them.
Line Shots: To hit the ball down the line with power, roll your front hip forward and swing over the side of the ball with all your might while rolling your back hip forward. Use this approach on your backhand side too.
Slicing: It is useful to slice the ball when you want to give your opponent a shallow shot or throw his timing off. To slice the ball, raise your racket head over the ball, come down the side of the ball and yank your racket head under the ball. You can help develop the ability to use a backhand slice by improving your hand-eye coordination. You can do this by touching tiny marks with each finger.
Drop Shots: It is a good idea to drop the ball over the net especially when you are close and do not want to hit the ball out of bounds by hitting it too hard. To hit a drop shot, bring your racket head under the ball and come up the side lightly.
Building Speed: It is important to develop speed to reach more shots. Run sprints or take up speed walking. You can walk quickly by walking like a penguin in a way. Walk at a brisk pace and swing your arms while rolling your hips back and forth.
Hitting on the Run: If you must run to a corner to retrieve a shot, hit the ball into the air to give yourself enough time to get back to the middle of the baseline.
Cover Your Doubles Partner: If your partner is playing near the server's line and runs to your side to hit a shot, move over to the other side. Be prepared to chase a ball hit over your partner.
Serving: To serve successfully, lean forward, toss the ball up high with your racket already held up and come down on the ball before it drops too low. To avoid making a foot fault, do not lift a foot over the baseline.
First Serve: On the first serve, you should hit the ball as hard as you can. A great way to put a lot of spin and movement on the serve is to toss up the ball and come straight down the side as hard as you can.
Second Serve: It is imperative to make sure you do not make a fault on your second serve; therefore, you must ease up when serving the second time. I like to toss the ball up while spinning my hand and hit the ball lightly while leaning forward on my second serve.
Strategy: Do what it takes to outsmart your opponent and create discomfort. Exploit his weaknesses. Hit the ball away from her. Change speeds. Hit the ball lightly or hit a lob after hitting the ball hard several times to upset your opponent's timing. Hitting the ball down the middle of the court often works in doubles because both players on the other side wonder whether they should retrieve the incoming shot.
Follow these techniques to master tennis!
Todd Hicks owns Skill Development Institute, an enterprise that provides a keyboard typing lesson and academic study guide. To become a great typist or student, visit Skill Development Institute. http://sdinst.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Todd_Hicks
http://EzineArticles.com/?Techniques-to-Help-You-Master-Tennis&id=1488867
Bobby Riggs - The Big Sting! Aspen Hustle - Part Three
By Marv Huss
I'm really pumped now. Thanks to Bobby's generosity, this extra event, the doubles exhibition, has brought out 2,500 fans to watch some of Aspen's top men tennis players play doubles against Bobby. When I went into my office at the Club my secretary informed me that we have had hundreds of resident and non-resident membership applications for the Club and that people are swarming through the new condos. There might be a couple of sales already. We're cooking. The event has really touched the pulse of the town. The atmosphere is just electric. If Sally can string him along to make a match out of it, we'll get some national press from this. It's really taken on a life of it's own, thanks to Bobby! No matter what happens now we will be huge winners!
As Bobby and I walk down to the court I try to tell him how much I appreciate what he has accomplished in a few short days. But he just smiles and says, "Let's just have fun, OK?" As we walk onto the court the fans all stand and cheer, "Bobby, Bobby, Bobby!" I found myself cheering too.
While I start hitting with our two opponents, both fine club players and much better than I, Bobby works the crowd -- walking the entire first row of the length of the stadium, shaking hands and signing autographs. Then he greets our opponents and goes back to the base line and gently hits a few practice groundstrokes. "Hey, I'm ready. Let's play!"
The play began. Naturally our opponents tried to hit as many balls to me as possible, but if Bobby could reach a ball he would hit some off-speed shot, a junker, to set up a weak return and then he'd put it away. At five games all he stopped the match and asked our opponents, "I know you guys are going to beat us because we are really struggling here. But just to make it interesting Marv and I want to press the bet and make it $500 at corner. How does that sound?"
Without hesitation, they both smiled and agreed. They were clearly out playing me, but I hung in and the points got longer. The more I could stay in the point, the longer it got. The crowd loved it. Point after point I hung in just long enough for Bobby to get his racket on the ball and do something spectacular. My heart was pounding. Then after some wild points, Bobby ends up putting away a high lob and we took the set 8-6. Our opponents were dumbstruck. I was thrilled, even though I had not won a thing.
We sat on the side of the court, our opponents opened their billfolds and peeled off $500 each and handed the money to Bobby. By the look on their faces you knew they felt that this had been money well spent. One of them added his special appreciation, "Thanks, Bobby. Wait till we tell our grandkids!"
The second match was almost the same, except they were even stronger players and quickly had us down 2-5, within one game of losing, again Bobby stopped the match and wanted to press the bet to $500 for each corner. Our opponents smiled and gave a 'thumbs up'. The crowd went wild. They were in on it. To my amazement Bobby kicked up his efforts a notch. His racket wizardry and court savvy were extraordinary from drop shots to topspin lobs he used it all. We won the match 7-5. All I could think was that Sally was going to have her hands full. There would be no walkover here.
After the match Bobby waved to the crowd. The mayor and his buddies were waiting with a car ready to whisk him away for a round of golf. I just shook my head in disbelief. He had just pocketed $2,000. The losers were happy to have played a tennis legend. He was definitely stronger, maybe too strong.
The town is bustling. Shops are full, restaurants full, bars full, streets crowded, people everywhere. Banners announcing the 'Battle of the Sexes' cross the main streets. Posters are in every window. Everybody was looking for Bobby Riggs. I've never seen any celebrity buzz quite like this and over one wizened up little, old man.
Sally and I were already in the Terrace Dining Room sitting with Andy. I was having a hard time controlling my enthusiasm. Friends and strangers were stopping by our table to express their pleasure in the happenings and wishing Sally well in her match tomorrow. Bobby was running a little late because of the golf game, but a roar from the crowd let us know he had arrived. He's laughing, glad-handing everyone as he makes his way through the crowd to our table. I remark to Andy, "I'll bet he got his money back from the sharks."
Overhearing my remark, Bobby tells a different tale, "Don't I wish. Those friends of the mayor's are not that friendly. I'm into them for $3,000. Can't wait for tomorrow. I really need the money!"
As sad as he speaks of his money woes, he puts on a different face to the crowd of well-wishers. He is the life of the party. Everyone wants meet him, greet him and to bet him - anything. He bets one man $100 that the next person to walk through the door at the hotel will be a woman. And most certainly it was!
Off to the side Andy lets me know, "We've got most of his money covered. Only a thousand dollars left. Sally's still a sure bet."
I felt she was too. "I'll take it. Put me down for the $1,000," I said. I too was caught up in the moment. A rush of adrenalin had passed through me and I could see the finish line ahead - the Club brimming with new members, condos all sold, everyone in town happy we were there and Sally floating to net shaking Bobby's weary hand and collecting the prize money. "Well, Andy, call me in the morning after your hit with Bobby. He was playing some crafty tennis today, but then again Sally's something else!"
The big day has finally arrived. Andy walks into my office sweating profusely and slumps down in a chair. "Marv, we've got a problem. Rather Sally's got a problem."
"What's the problem? Is it his elbow? Has he pulled a muscle? What?!" I had to know. Things were going so well. At least so well until I told Sally that I had bet on her. She was a free spirit and had to play freely. She had played for money on the Slims Tour, of course, but now she would be playing to not lose money. Definitely not a gambler. So, I already had a problem. I didn't need more.
"Well, he's hitting the ball not only on the lines, but I can't handle his pace. I can't stay with him. He's able to hit every shot in the book -- drop shots, topspin lobs right on the baseline, slices that die, loopers that float and junk, all kinds of junk. He's not the same man. I'm thirty five and he wore me out in just 30 minutes. She's going to have her hands full today. But the crowd should love it."
It's a three-ringed circus-carnival atmosphere and all created by Bobby Riggs. He walks onto the court amid the roar of the fans. It's more like a rowdy bullfight crowd than a group of sedated tennis fans. "Bobby! Bobby!" they shout. He is decked out in his yellow Sugar Daddy, T-shirt, but now his pot belly is gone. He carries a sack of Sugar Daddy suckers and hands them out to the audience as he walks along the front row of the stands all the way around the court. He even gives one to the chair umpire and one to Sally. They meet at the net to decide by the flip of a coin who will serve first.
Sally looks fit and lovely in a new Michelle Palmer outfit, scarf around her head. But, I can see she's uneasy and not feeling steady. I hope once they start she will forget everything and play.
The match begins. The first few games are made up of long rallies, back and forth, up and back, nothing dramatic, just solid tennis. The crowd is appreciative and roars with every point Sally wins. She's a hometown gal now and has been touted as the favorite. She goes ahead 4-2 and looks in command of the match. Some of those who have bet on her yell the loudest. I'm included. As the match goes into the seventh game it is like a horse race when the horses turn for home. I look over to Andy and nod, what do you think? He shrugs, could go either way.
At 4-all Andy frowns. His face says it all. Look out, he's ratcheting up. Sally's got her hands full now! Doesn't look good. Sure enough he pulls ahead and wins the first set 6-4. Now Sally looks over at me as if to say this is the real Bobby Riggs! I give her a warm smile for she and I know this is exactly what I had hoped for -- the perfect 'Grand Opening' event -- one that is going to put the Club on the map of this little town.
The second set starts with Bobby kicking into high gear. There is no question he is an artisan. He wields his racquet like a paintbrush on a grand canvas, mixing shots, pace and angles at will. He smoothly glides and slides around the court, pulling Sally as if on a tether. Then at just the right moment he opts for a soft drop shot. The crowd goes wild. Sally shows a little fatigue and soon it is 5-2 and match point. The crowd is mesmerized. They would like to see a third set, but it is not to be. The absolute last shot of the match finds Bobby at mid-court after a long rally. He winds up as if to hit a wedge shot out of a sand trap. Sending the ball straight up, then arching over the net, landing well in front of Sally and then with such reverse spin returning back over the net to Bobby without her even touching it. It was right out of the Harlem Globetrotters bag of tricks.
There was dead silence. Even Sally couldn't believe what she had seen. Then the crowd erupted in cheers.
We all knew we had just witnessed one of the world's greatest tennis players demonstrate, even in his late 50's and at 8,000 feet why he had won Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Probably because he was known first and foremost as a hustler he would never receive the recognition he deserved. But on that day in Aspen the crowd knew, I knew it and Sally knew it.
Bobby made a sweeping gesture to the crowd, ran up to the net, gave Sally a big hug and a kiss, then quick as a wink headed for the mayor's car in the parking lot. As he passed me he said, "Marv, I really need your help. One last favor, please. Nancy has us all packed, but the mayor's boys are into me for some serious money and I promised them one more shot before I leave. I have a flight at 5:00 p.m. If you could have the van at the 18th green by 4:30 p.m. with the motor running, I think w can make it. Can you do that for me?"
I just shook my head, unbelievable. "Bobby, whatever you need. I'll be there for you. You did an extraordinary job for us. Thank you so much."
Andy grabs Bobby's arm before he gets in the car and hands him a very fat envelope. They shake hands and Bobby jumps in the car along side the mayor's cohorts, both eying the envelope.
Nurse Nancy and I drive through the parking lot at Snowmass over to the 18th green, near the clubhouse. I get out and walk to the edge of the green, checking my watch. Sure enough a foursome was just preparing to hit up on the green. Suddenly four balls land in rapid succession, plop, plop, plop, plop. Bobby's was the closest to the pin, but still some 20 feet away. No one spoke. Nobody was kibitzing. The match was obviously not over. I was wondering what was riding on it. The mayor and his friends putt out. Bobby stands over his 20 footer, then backs off to realign the putt. He stands over the ball again and again he backs off. Finally he stands over it and smoothly strokes the ball, dead center into the cup! Like the last point of the tennis match, you could hear a pin drop.
"Well, guys, like I told you I've got a 5:oo o'clock flight to catch. Gotta run."
One by one, the mayor included, each player steps up and begins peeling off $100 bills into Bobby's hands. I don't know how many, but a lot. Then he quicksteps into the van, shouting over his shoulder, "Hey guys, it's been fun. I hope we can do this again sometime -- soon! Thanks again Mr. Mayor." They wave. We leave.
I don't know how much he won on the golf course, but now knowing what he was capable of he must have pressed the bet and pressed the bet and pressed the bet. His pockets were stuffed when he left, but we all got our money's worth in the end.
"Marv, let's get out of here quick. I've got to make that flight!" At the airport the passengers were all on board as I helped carry my guests' bags to the plane. Bobby was the last to board. He turned as he stepped inside and gave me a wink,
"Marv, I've had a wonderful time. Lot's of fun. I knew it would be. Anytime you want me back, anytime. You just call."
And he was gone!
Copyright 2008 Marv Huss
Marv Huss graduated from the University of Callifornia, Berkeley. Captain Huss served in the USMC as a fighter pilot in the South Pacific. After his military service he rose through the corporate ranks at Hallmark to corporate Director of Advertising, responsible for the Emmy-award-winning "Hallmark Hall of Fame" television series. Retiring from corporate life he helped develop a world-class resort, The Aspen Club in Aspen, Colorado.
In the 90's, Marv focused his marketing skills on his wife - considered one of the leading artist/writers in the country. Together they have licenesed her art on clothing, purses, books and even baby bibs. Their most recent creation, Happy Musings, is a newspaper feature combining her charming art with a whimsical life thought syndicated by King Features. Happy Musings are now available as e-cards at http://www.happymusings.com or through http://www.sallyhuss.com
Marv now lives and writes full-time in his home in La Jolla, California while overseeing his wife's artistic endeavors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marv_Huss
http://EzineArticles.com/?Bobby-Riggs---The-Big-Sting!-Aspen-Hustle---Part-Three&id=1467871
I'm really pumped now. Thanks to Bobby's generosity, this extra event, the doubles exhibition, has brought out 2,500 fans to watch some of Aspen's top men tennis players play doubles against Bobby. When I went into my office at the Club my secretary informed me that we have had hundreds of resident and non-resident membership applications for the Club and that people are swarming through the new condos. There might be a couple of sales already. We're cooking. The event has really touched the pulse of the town. The atmosphere is just electric. If Sally can string him along to make a match out of it, we'll get some national press from this. It's really taken on a life of it's own, thanks to Bobby! No matter what happens now we will be huge winners!
As Bobby and I walk down to the court I try to tell him how much I appreciate what he has accomplished in a few short days. But he just smiles and says, "Let's just have fun, OK?" As we walk onto the court the fans all stand and cheer, "Bobby, Bobby, Bobby!" I found myself cheering too.
While I start hitting with our two opponents, both fine club players and much better than I, Bobby works the crowd -- walking the entire first row of the length of the stadium, shaking hands and signing autographs. Then he greets our opponents and goes back to the base line and gently hits a few practice groundstrokes. "Hey, I'm ready. Let's play!"
The play began. Naturally our opponents tried to hit as many balls to me as possible, but if Bobby could reach a ball he would hit some off-speed shot, a junker, to set up a weak return and then he'd put it away. At five games all he stopped the match and asked our opponents, "I know you guys are going to beat us because we are really struggling here. But just to make it interesting Marv and I want to press the bet and make it $500 at corner. How does that sound?"
Without hesitation, they both smiled and agreed. They were clearly out playing me, but I hung in and the points got longer. The more I could stay in the point, the longer it got. The crowd loved it. Point after point I hung in just long enough for Bobby to get his racket on the ball and do something spectacular. My heart was pounding. Then after some wild points, Bobby ends up putting away a high lob and we took the set 8-6. Our opponents were dumbstruck. I was thrilled, even though I had not won a thing.
We sat on the side of the court, our opponents opened their billfolds and peeled off $500 each and handed the money to Bobby. By the look on their faces you knew they felt that this had been money well spent. One of them added his special appreciation, "Thanks, Bobby. Wait till we tell our grandkids!"
The second match was almost the same, except they were even stronger players and quickly had us down 2-5, within one game of losing, again Bobby stopped the match and wanted to press the bet to $500 for each corner. Our opponents smiled and gave a 'thumbs up'. The crowd went wild. They were in on it. To my amazement Bobby kicked up his efforts a notch. His racket wizardry and court savvy were extraordinary from drop shots to topspin lobs he used it all. We won the match 7-5. All I could think was that Sally was going to have her hands full. There would be no walkover here.
After the match Bobby waved to the crowd. The mayor and his buddies were waiting with a car ready to whisk him away for a round of golf. I just shook my head in disbelief. He had just pocketed $2,000. The losers were happy to have played a tennis legend. He was definitely stronger, maybe too strong.
The town is bustling. Shops are full, restaurants full, bars full, streets crowded, people everywhere. Banners announcing the 'Battle of the Sexes' cross the main streets. Posters are in every window. Everybody was looking for Bobby Riggs. I've never seen any celebrity buzz quite like this and over one wizened up little, old man.
Sally and I were already in the Terrace Dining Room sitting with Andy. I was having a hard time controlling my enthusiasm. Friends and strangers were stopping by our table to express their pleasure in the happenings and wishing Sally well in her match tomorrow. Bobby was running a little late because of the golf game, but a roar from the crowd let us know he had arrived. He's laughing, glad-handing everyone as he makes his way through the crowd to our table. I remark to Andy, "I'll bet he got his money back from the sharks."
Overhearing my remark, Bobby tells a different tale, "Don't I wish. Those friends of the mayor's are not that friendly. I'm into them for $3,000. Can't wait for tomorrow. I really need the money!"
As sad as he speaks of his money woes, he puts on a different face to the crowd of well-wishers. He is the life of the party. Everyone wants meet him, greet him and to bet him - anything. He bets one man $100 that the next person to walk through the door at the hotel will be a woman. And most certainly it was!
Off to the side Andy lets me know, "We've got most of his money covered. Only a thousand dollars left. Sally's still a sure bet."
I felt she was too. "I'll take it. Put me down for the $1,000," I said. I too was caught up in the moment. A rush of adrenalin had passed through me and I could see the finish line ahead - the Club brimming with new members, condos all sold, everyone in town happy we were there and Sally floating to net shaking Bobby's weary hand and collecting the prize money. "Well, Andy, call me in the morning after your hit with Bobby. He was playing some crafty tennis today, but then again Sally's something else!"
The big day has finally arrived. Andy walks into my office sweating profusely and slumps down in a chair. "Marv, we've got a problem. Rather Sally's got a problem."
"What's the problem? Is it his elbow? Has he pulled a muscle? What?!" I had to know. Things were going so well. At least so well until I told Sally that I had bet on her. She was a free spirit and had to play freely. She had played for money on the Slims Tour, of course, but now she would be playing to not lose money. Definitely not a gambler. So, I already had a problem. I didn't need more.
"Well, he's hitting the ball not only on the lines, but I can't handle his pace. I can't stay with him. He's able to hit every shot in the book -- drop shots, topspin lobs right on the baseline, slices that die, loopers that float and junk, all kinds of junk. He's not the same man. I'm thirty five and he wore me out in just 30 minutes. She's going to have her hands full today. But the crowd should love it."
It's a three-ringed circus-carnival atmosphere and all created by Bobby Riggs. He walks onto the court amid the roar of the fans. It's more like a rowdy bullfight crowd than a group of sedated tennis fans. "Bobby! Bobby!" they shout. He is decked out in his yellow Sugar Daddy, T-shirt, but now his pot belly is gone. He carries a sack of Sugar Daddy suckers and hands them out to the audience as he walks along the front row of the stands all the way around the court. He even gives one to the chair umpire and one to Sally. They meet at the net to decide by the flip of a coin who will serve first.
Sally looks fit and lovely in a new Michelle Palmer outfit, scarf around her head. But, I can see she's uneasy and not feeling steady. I hope once they start she will forget everything and play.
The match begins. The first few games are made up of long rallies, back and forth, up and back, nothing dramatic, just solid tennis. The crowd is appreciative and roars with every point Sally wins. She's a hometown gal now and has been touted as the favorite. She goes ahead 4-2 and looks in command of the match. Some of those who have bet on her yell the loudest. I'm included. As the match goes into the seventh game it is like a horse race when the horses turn for home. I look over to Andy and nod, what do you think? He shrugs, could go either way.
At 4-all Andy frowns. His face says it all. Look out, he's ratcheting up. Sally's got her hands full now! Doesn't look good. Sure enough he pulls ahead and wins the first set 6-4. Now Sally looks over at me as if to say this is the real Bobby Riggs! I give her a warm smile for she and I know this is exactly what I had hoped for -- the perfect 'Grand Opening' event -- one that is going to put the Club on the map of this little town.
The second set starts with Bobby kicking into high gear. There is no question he is an artisan. He wields his racquet like a paintbrush on a grand canvas, mixing shots, pace and angles at will. He smoothly glides and slides around the court, pulling Sally as if on a tether. Then at just the right moment he opts for a soft drop shot. The crowd goes wild. Sally shows a little fatigue and soon it is 5-2 and match point. The crowd is mesmerized. They would like to see a third set, but it is not to be. The absolute last shot of the match finds Bobby at mid-court after a long rally. He winds up as if to hit a wedge shot out of a sand trap. Sending the ball straight up, then arching over the net, landing well in front of Sally and then with such reverse spin returning back over the net to Bobby without her even touching it. It was right out of the Harlem Globetrotters bag of tricks.
There was dead silence. Even Sally couldn't believe what she had seen. Then the crowd erupted in cheers.
We all knew we had just witnessed one of the world's greatest tennis players demonstrate, even in his late 50's and at 8,000 feet why he had won Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Probably because he was known first and foremost as a hustler he would never receive the recognition he deserved. But on that day in Aspen the crowd knew, I knew it and Sally knew it.
Bobby made a sweeping gesture to the crowd, ran up to the net, gave Sally a big hug and a kiss, then quick as a wink headed for the mayor's car in the parking lot. As he passed me he said, "Marv, I really need your help. One last favor, please. Nancy has us all packed, but the mayor's boys are into me for some serious money and I promised them one more shot before I leave. I have a flight at 5:00 p.m. If you could have the van at the 18th green by 4:30 p.m. with the motor running, I think w can make it. Can you do that for me?"
I just shook my head, unbelievable. "Bobby, whatever you need. I'll be there for you. You did an extraordinary job for us. Thank you so much."
Andy grabs Bobby's arm before he gets in the car and hands him a very fat envelope. They shake hands and Bobby jumps in the car along side the mayor's cohorts, both eying the envelope.
Nurse Nancy and I drive through the parking lot at Snowmass over to the 18th green, near the clubhouse. I get out and walk to the edge of the green, checking my watch. Sure enough a foursome was just preparing to hit up on the green. Suddenly four balls land in rapid succession, plop, plop, plop, plop. Bobby's was the closest to the pin, but still some 20 feet away. No one spoke. Nobody was kibitzing. The match was obviously not over. I was wondering what was riding on it. The mayor and his friends putt out. Bobby stands over his 20 footer, then backs off to realign the putt. He stands over the ball again and again he backs off. Finally he stands over it and smoothly strokes the ball, dead center into the cup! Like the last point of the tennis match, you could hear a pin drop.
"Well, guys, like I told you I've got a 5:oo o'clock flight to catch. Gotta run."
One by one, the mayor included, each player steps up and begins peeling off $100 bills into Bobby's hands. I don't know how many, but a lot. Then he quicksteps into the van, shouting over his shoulder, "Hey guys, it's been fun. I hope we can do this again sometime -- soon! Thanks again Mr. Mayor." They wave. We leave.
I don't know how much he won on the golf course, but now knowing what he was capable of he must have pressed the bet and pressed the bet and pressed the bet. His pockets were stuffed when he left, but we all got our money's worth in the end.
"Marv, let's get out of here quick. I've got to make that flight!" At the airport the passengers were all on board as I helped carry my guests' bags to the plane. Bobby was the last to board. He turned as he stepped inside and gave me a wink,
"Marv, I've had a wonderful time. Lot's of fun. I knew it would be. Anytime you want me back, anytime. You just call."
And he was gone!
Copyright 2008 Marv Huss
Marv Huss graduated from the University of Callifornia, Berkeley. Captain Huss served in the USMC as a fighter pilot in the South Pacific. After his military service he rose through the corporate ranks at Hallmark to corporate Director of Advertising, responsible for the Emmy-award-winning "Hallmark Hall of Fame" television series. Retiring from corporate life he helped develop a world-class resort, The Aspen Club in Aspen, Colorado.
In the 90's, Marv focused his marketing skills on his wife - considered one of the leading artist/writers in the country. Together they have licenesed her art on clothing, purses, books and even baby bibs. Their most recent creation, Happy Musings, is a newspaper feature combining her charming art with a whimsical life thought syndicated by King Features. Happy Musings are now available as e-cards at http://www.happymusings.com or through http://www.sallyhuss.com
Marv now lives and writes full-time in his home in La Jolla, California while overseeing his wife's artistic endeavors.
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Top 10 All-Time All-US Women Tennis Players
By Gerry Storch
The Williams sisters showed once again at the U.S. Open ... Serena in winning it, and Venus in coming the closest to defeating her ... why they are the two greatest female U.S. tennis players who ever took the court.
Each tournament they both enter, going in, you figure only one player can beat them ... and that's the other sister. It may not always happen that way, but usually it does. They are the most powerful ever to play the game ... they both hold the tour's fastest serve record of 129 mph ... and the fastest sideline to sideline and backcourt to frontcourt. Their many championships playing doubles together (seven Grand Slams, two Olympics) give them the volleying deftness and quickness others lack. Their incomparable tenacity, as opponent after opponent has learned, means you may take a set off them, especially when they're just going through the motions, but just try closing them out.
Their casual approach to entering non-Slam events over the years in favor of fashion and film/TV projects has drawn criticism, yet it is a smart strategy that has kept them fresh and allowed them to recuperate from injuries generated by their furious playing style ... and is it so wrong to have a life?
As to who's better, we'll take Serena as she has won nine Grand Slam titles ... including all four majors ... and been to three other finals. Venus has won the U.S. Open twice and ruled Wimbledon with five wins, and been to two other finals in each, and taken Olympic gold in singles in 2000, but has never triumphed at the Australian or French, being runnerup there once each.
Here's the rest of our top 10. Numbers in parentheses mean number of Grand Slam titles won and runnersup. And by U.S. tennis player, we mean born and bred ... that rules out Monica Seles and Martina Navratilova, who became American citizens only after their careers were well underway. Had we counted them, Martina would be No. 3 and Monica No. 8.
3. Chris Evert (18,16). She influenced a whole generation of players with her two-handed backhand and cool demeanor. She flourished on all surfaces, winning two Australians, seven French, three Wimbledons and six U.S. Opens. She was world No. 1 seven times. In Evert's 80 classic duels against the bigger, stronger Navratilova, she nearly came out even ... going 37-43 in their rivalry.
4. Maureen Connolly (9,0). "Little Mo," at 5-foot-5, had a brief but spectacular career cut short by a horse riding accident in 1954 that wrecked her leg at age 19. By that time, she had become the first woman to complete a Grand Slam in 1953. She won three successive U.S. championships (1951-53) and Wimbledons (1952-54). That zero in the stats column is key; she never lost a Grand Slam final and in fact won all nine Grand Slam tournaments she entered.
5. Billie Jean King (12,6). King was the queen of Wimbledon, winning a tournament record 20 titles (six singles, 10 doubles, four mixed). Despite being just 5-foot-4, she used a serve-and-volley style to become world No. 1 five times between 1966-72 but gained even more attention for two things ... 1) whipping Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" before 30,472 in the Astrodome in 1973 and 2) becoming the first prominent female athlete to announce she was gay.
6. Helen Wills Moody (19,3). Nicknamed "Little Miss Poker Face," and the nation's first big female tennis star, Moody won her all-time American-best 19 Slam titles (eight Wimbledon, seven U.S., four French) without ever playing the Australian Open. Usually attired in a white sailor suit, from 1927 to 1932, she did not lose a set in singles anywhere. Tennis seems to have been good for her longevity ... she died in 1998 at age 92, bequeathing $10 million to the University of California.
7. Althea Gibson (5,2). Powerful and athletic, Gibson took back-to-back U.S. and Wimbledon singles crowns in 1957 and '58. She was the first black to win those titles. She could excel on slow clay as well, winning the French and Italian championships in 1956. She later became a pro golfer.
8. Doris Hart (6,11). As a young girl, Hart watched people play tennis from her hospital window after an operation. She took up the game and went on to win all four Slam singles. In 1951 at Wimbledon, she claimed the singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles titles with the loss of just one set.
9. Lindsay Davenport (3,3). She whipped herself into shape and made herself a champion, winning the Australian, Wimbledon and U.S. Open ... and let's not forget she took Olympic gold in 1996 in Atlanta. In an era of tempestuous teen tennis, her steadiness and good sportsmanship were welcome virtues. Of course, being 6-foot-2 and having the most powerful groundstrokes in the game, or close to it, didn't hurt.
10. Tracy Austin (2,0). Better known today as a TV commentator, Austin came and went like a comet, being robbed of a great career by back pain. Before it forced her to retire at age 20, she managed to win the U.S. Open twice, performing at the very top level by beating Evert in one final, Navratilova in the other. The 5-foot-5 baseline master was the youngest ever to win the event ... 16 years, 9 months ... and remains the women's tour's all-time youngest winner of a tournament (age 14 in Portland).
Gerry Storch is editor and administrator of http://www.ourblook.com , a political discussion/media analysis website that fills the gap between a blog and a book. In his journalism days, he was sports editor of Gannett News Service.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerry_Storch
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-All-Time-All-US-Women-Tennis-Players&id=1488411
The Williams sisters showed once again at the U.S. Open ... Serena in winning it, and Venus in coming the closest to defeating her ... why they are the two greatest female U.S. tennis players who ever took the court.
Each tournament they both enter, going in, you figure only one player can beat them ... and that's the other sister. It may not always happen that way, but usually it does. They are the most powerful ever to play the game ... they both hold the tour's fastest serve record of 129 mph ... and the fastest sideline to sideline and backcourt to frontcourt. Their many championships playing doubles together (seven Grand Slams, two Olympics) give them the volleying deftness and quickness others lack. Their incomparable tenacity, as opponent after opponent has learned, means you may take a set off them, especially when they're just going through the motions, but just try closing them out.
Their casual approach to entering non-Slam events over the years in favor of fashion and film/TV projects has drawn criticism, yet it is a smart strategy that has kept them fresh and allowed them to recuperate from injuries generated by their furious playing style ... and is it so wrong to have a life?
As to who's better, we'll take Serena as she has won nine Grand Slam titles ... including all four majors ... and been to three other finals. Venus has won the U.S. Open twice and ruled Wimbledon with five wins, and been to two other finals in each, and taken Olympic gold in singles in 2000, but has never triumphed at the Australian or French, being runnerup there once each.
Here's the rest of our top 10. Numbers in parentheses mean number of Grand Slam titles won and runnersup. And by U.S. tennis player, we mean born and bred ... that rules out Monica Seles and Martina Navratilova, who became American citizens only after their careers were well underway. Had we counted them, Martina would be No. 3 and Monica No. 8.
3. Chris Evert (18,16). She influenced a whole generation of players with her two-handed backhand and cool demeanor. She flourished on all surfaces, winning two Australians, seven French, three Wimbledons and six U.S. Opens. She was world No. 1 seven times. In Evert's 80 classic duels against the bigger, stronger Navratilova, she nearly came out even ... going 37-43 in their rivalry.
4. Maureen Connolly (9,0). "Little Mo," at 5-foot-5, had a brief but spectacular career cut short by a horse riding accident in 1954 that wrecked her leg at age 19. By that time, she had become the first woman to complete a Grand Slam in 1953. She won three successive U.S. championships (1951-53) and Wimbledons (1952-54). That zero in the stats column is key; she never lost a Grand Slam final and in fact won all nine Grand Slam tournaments she entered.
5. Billie Jean King (12,6). King was the queen of Wimbledon, winning a tournament record 20 titles (six singles, 10 doubles, four mixed). Despite being just 5-foot-4, she used a serve-and-volley style to become world No. 1 five times between 1966-72 but gained even more attention for two things ... 1) whipping Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" before 30,472 in the Astrodome in 1973 and 2) becoming the first prominent female athlete to announce she was gay.
6. Helen Wills Moody (19,3). Nicknamed "Little Miss Poker Face," and the nation's first big female tennis star, Moody won her all-time American-best 19 Slam titles (eight Wimbledon, seven U.S., four French) without ever playing the Australian Open. Usually attired in a white sailor suit, from 1927 to 1932, she did not lose a set in singles anywhere. Tennis seems to have been good for her longevity ... she died in 1998 at age 92, bequeathing $10 million to the University of California.
7. Althea Gibson (5,2). Powerful and athletic, Gibson took back-to-back U.S. and Wimbledon singles crowns in 1957 and '58. She was the first black to win those titles. She could excel on slow clay as well, winning the French and Italian championships in 1956. She later became a pro golfer.
8. Doris Hart (6,11). As a young girl, Hart watched people play tennis from her hospital window after an operation. She took up the game and went on to win all four Slam singles. In 1951 at Wimbledon, she claimed the singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles titles with the loss of just one set.
9. Lindsay Davenport (3,3). She whipped herself into shape and made herself a champion, winning the Australian, Wimbledon and U.S. Open ... and let's not forget she took Olympic gold in 1996 in Atlanta. In an era of tempestuous teen tennis, her steadiness and good sportsmanship were welcome virtues. Of course, being 6-foot-2 and having the most powerful groundstrokes in the game, or close to it, didn't hurt.
10. Tracy Austin (2,0). Better known today as a TV commentator, Austin came and went like a comet, being robbed of a great career by back pain. Before it forced her to retire at age 20, she managed to win the U.S. Open twice, performing at the very top level by beating Evert in one final, Navratilova in the other. The 5-foot-5 baseline master was the youngest ever to win the event ... 16 years, 9 months ... and remains the women's tour's all-time youngest winner of a tournament (age 14 in Portland).
Gerry Storch is editor and administrator of http://www.ourblook.com , a political discussion/media analysis website that fills the gap between a blog and a book. In his journalism days, he was sports editor of Gannett News Service.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerry_Storch
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-All-Time-All-US-Women-Tennis-Players&id=1488411
Top 10 All-Time All-US Men Tennis Players
By Gerry Storch
America's male tennis stars had nothing to be ashamed of after the U.S. Open, the sport's last major event of the year ... they gave a good effort ... but there's been a falloff after the Sampras-Agassi-Courier-Chang-Martin era to the point that no one playing right now is one of the nation's 10 best players ever.
Andy Roddick took Novak Djokovic to four sets with a stirring comeback ... and Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey surprised as each took Rafael Nadal to four sets.
Roddick, 26, Fish, 26, and James Blake, 28, are the USA's best veteran players but not only are they far from the Sampras-Agassi level, they'd have to achieve far more than seems likely just to surpass Jim Courier to get into our top 10.
Querrey, who'll turn 21 in October, and 19-year-old Donald Young are the best young hopes. The 6-foot-6 Querrey has climbed to No. 38 in the world and is known for serving 10 consecutive aces. Young has won the Australian, U.S. and Wimbledon junior titles and has climbed to No. 73 in his first year as a pro.
We'll see in, oh, 10 years if they've made our list but for now, here it is. The numbers after each guy represent the number of Grand Slam titles and runnersup.
1. Pete Sampras (14,4). Sampras held the No. 1 spot on the men's tour a record six consecutive years and his 14 Slams are a record. If he isn't the best server ever, who is, and he is undoubtedly the best second server ever. His flounderings on clay at the French Open are well known but he wasn't the total failure there that one would think, as he did make the semis in 1996. His class and sportsmanship in the wake of the tacky McEnroe-Connors era helped the game as well.
2. Andre Agassi (8,7). He became only the fifth man to win all four Grand Slam tournament in a career with his triumph at the French Open in 1999. Unlike most players, who seem to fade after their mid-20s, Agassi won two Slams after age 30 and finished runnerup in two more. A flamboyant style make him a big fan favorite, and his unique quick-reaction ability to hit the ball on the rise inside the baseline would have made him a standout in any era.
3. John McEnroe (7,4). An artist on the court with his great touch, he won four U.S. Opens and three Wimbledons. He was the cornerstone of five Davis Cup championship teams and holds six U.S. Davis Cup records, including most singles wins (41). But he gained just as much attention with his tantrums and wound up with the nickname of "Superbrat."
4. Jimmy Connors (8,7). He slashed and fought his way to 109 career singles titles, tops in the open era. He is the only male to win the U.S. Open on three different surfaces during its history (grass, clay and hardcourt). He conceivably could have taken the four Slams in 1974 since he won the Australian, Wimbledon and U.S. crowns but was banned from the French for having signed to play in World Team Tennis. His most electrifying feat came in 1991 when he whipped the U.S. Open crowd into a frenzy as he advanced to the semifinals at age 39 before Courier finally stopped him.
5. Bill Tilden (10,5). "Big Bill" was the dominant tennis player in the golden era of sport, the 1920s, and the world's first big tennis star. He won the U.S. Championships seven times and Wimbledon three times though his first title didn't come until age 27.
6. Don Budge (6,1). Noted for his effortless backhand, he became the first man to win the Grand Slam, doing so in 1938 ... then he turned pro the next year.
7. Jack Kramer (3,0). Reared on the California hardcourts, Kramer had the prototype big serve and volley game. He won the 1946 and '47 U.S. Championships and the 1947 Wimbledon, then became Pancho Gonzales' rival on the pro circuit, beating him in 96 of 123 matches. He later helped tennis grow big-time as a promoter.
8. Pancho Gonzales (2,0). He had a thunderbolt serve and a temper to match. He won the U.S. Championships in 1948 and '49, then spent most of his career on the pro circuit, meaning he was ineligible for the Slams ... surely he (and Kramer) would have won more. In 1969, as a 41-year-old grandfather, he outlasted Charlie Pasarell 22-24, 1-6, 16-14, 6-3, 11-9 in the longest match (five hours and 12 minutes) in Wimbledon history.
9. Arthur Ashe (3,4). Ashe won the very first "open" (amateur and pro) U.S. Open while still an amateur and serving as a first lieutenant in the Army. He was the first black male to win a national title. He spent a dozen years among the top 10 with his power game but resorted to dinks and softballs at age 32 to confuse and upset Connors in a memorable 1975 Wimbledon final.
10. Jim Courier (4,3). He won two slams on a soft surface (French) and two on a hard surface (Australian). He came close to winning the French three times in a row, finishing runnerup in 1993, and he played well at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, making the finals in those once each. Courier was one of the first guys to wear a baseball cap on the court.
Gerry Storch is editor and administrator of http://www.ourblook.com, a political discussion/media analysis website that fills the gap between a blog and a book. In his journalism days, he was sports editor of Gannett News Service.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerry_Storch
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-All-Time-All-US-Men-Tennis-Players&id=1488445
America's male tennis stars had nothing to be ashamed of after the U.S. Open, the sport's last major event of the year ... they gave a good effort ... but there's been a falloff after the Sampras-Agassi-Courier-Chang-Martin era to the point that no one playing right now is one of the nation's 10 best players ever.
Andy Roddick took Novak Djokovic to four sets with a stirring comeback ... and Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey surprised as each took Rafael Nadal to four sets.
Roddick, 26, Fish, 26, and James Blake, 28, are the USA's best veteran players but not only are they far from the Sampras-Agassi level, they'd have to achieve far more than seems likely just to surpass Jim Courier to get into our top 10.
Querrey, who'll turn 21 in October, and 19-year-old Donald Young are the best young hopes. The 6-foot-6 Querrey has climbed to No. 38 in the world and is known for serving 10 consecutive aces. Young has won the Australian, U.S. and Wimbledon junior titles and has climbed to No. 73 in his first year as a pro.
We'll see in, oh, 10 years if they've made our list but for now, here it is. The numbers after each guy represent the number of Grand Slam titles and runnersup.
1. Pete Sampras (14,4). Sampras held the No. 1 spot on the men's tour a record six consecutive years and his 14 Slams are a record. If he isn't the best server ever, who is, and he is undoubtedly the best second server ever. His flounderings on clay at the French Open are well known but he wasn't the total failure there that one would think, as he did make the semis in 1996. His class and sportsmanship in the wake of the tacky McEnroe-Connors era helped the game as well.
2. Andre Agassi (8,7). He became only the fifth man to win all four Grand Slam tournament in a career with his triumph at the French Open in 1999. Unlike most players, who seem to fade after their mid-20s, Agassi won two Slams after age 30 and finished runnerup in two more. A flamboyant style make him a big fan favorite, and his unique quick-reaction ability to hit the ball on the rise inside the baseline would have made him a standout in any era.
3. John McEnroe (7,4). An artist on the court with his great touch, he won four U.S. Opens and three Wimbledons. He was the cornerstone of five Davis Cup championship teams and holds six U.S. Davis Cup records, including most singles wins (41). But he gained just as much attention with his tantrums and wound up with the nickname of "Superbrat."
4. Jimmy Connors (8,7). He slashed and fought his way to 109 career singles titles, tops in the open era. He is the only male to win the U.S. Open on three different surfaces during its history (grass, clay and hardcourt). He conceivably could have taken the four Slams in 1974 since he won the Australian, Wimbledon and U.S. crowns but was banned from the French for having signed to play in World Team Tennis. His most electrifying feat came in 1991 when he whipped the U.S. Open crowd into a frenzy as he advanced to the semifinals at age 39 before Courier finally stopped him.
5. Bill Tilden (10,5). "Big Bill" was the dominant tennis player in the golden era of sport, the 1920s, and the world's first big tennis star. He won the U.S. Championships seven times and Wimbledon three times though his first title didn't come until age 27.
6. Don Budge (6,1). Noted for his effortless backhand, he became the first man to win the Grand Slam, doing so in 1938 ... then he turned pro the next year.
7. Jack Kramer (3,0). Reared on the California hardcourts, Kramer had the prototype big serve and volley game. He won the 1946 and '47 U.S. Championships and the 1947 Wimbledon, then became Pancho Gonzales' rival on the pro circuit, beating him in 96 of 123 matches. He later helped tennis grow big-time as a promoter.
8. Pancho Gonzales (2,0). He had a thunderbolt serve and a temper to match. He won the U.S. Championships in 1948 and '49, then spent most of his career on the pro circuit, meaning he was ineligible for the Slams ... surely he (and Kramer) would have won more. In 1969, as a 41-year-old grandfather, he outlasted Charlie Pasarell 22-24, 1-6, 16-14, 6-3, 11-9 in the longest match (five hours and 12 minutes) in Wimbledon history.
9. Arthur Ashe (3,4). Ashe won the very first "open" (amateur and pro) U.S. Open while still an amateur and serving as a first lieutenant in the Army. He was the first black male to win a national title. He spent a dozen years among the top 10 with his power game but resorted to dinks and softballs at age 32 to confuse and upset Connors in a memorable 1975 Wimbledon final.
10. Jim Courier (4,3). He won two slams on a soft surface (French) and two on a hard surface (Australian). He came close to winning the French three times in a row, finishing runnerup in 1993, and he played well at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, making the finals in those once each. Courier was one of the first guys to wear a baseball cap on the court.
Gerry Storch is editor and administrator of http://www.ourblook.com, a political discussion/media analysis website that fills the gap between a blog and a book. In his journalism days, he was sports editor of Gannett News Service.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-All-Time-All-US-Men-Tennis-Players&id=1488445
Tennis Scoring - How it Works
By Wendy Pan
Tennis scoring will be really interesting, as most of the individuals have turned their interest in playing the game. The tennis game is purely very simple furthermore it is truly interesting! A player can win the game in the following ways. If he scores four points, the player wins the game, and winning six games makes him to win a set, and if he wins two sets he wins a match. We will learn to play a match about Tennis Scoring.
Now let us consider a tennis match between Anna and Sania Mirza. And in the beginning Anna wins the toss and she is selected to serve the ball the first.
In the match, now Sania Mirza moves to the place at the end of the court and Anna may serve the tennis ball from any where in the court behind her baseline and the right single sidelines and the centre marks of the tennis court. When hitting the ball, the serve must hit before the ball bounces and it must move to the service box opposite to her. A player can get two chances to serve a ball and if the two given serves are missed then she loses her points. It becomes redone, when the service becomes a good abstract of the net on its way in. In the match, if Anna gets her service in, then Sania Mirza returns the ball after the one bounce at any part of the Anna's single court. After one bounce both of them must return the ball in to others court till one of them misses the ball. At the second point in the game Anna will serve the ball from the left side of her baseline in her court and she will continue the substitute left and right for the start of each point in the Tennis Scoring. If Anna wins the first point and the second point must be started, before starting the second point the scores of the first point must be announced.
The tennis scorings of the first point are, First point: "15 - Love" (Love = 0.)
Sania Mirza achieves the succeeding point: "15 all." Sania Mirza achieves the further succeeding point: "15 - 30." Anna wins the further succeeding point: "30 all." Anna wins the next point: "40 - 30." And at last, Anna wins the second and she wins the game. Now if Sania Mirza wins the next point, the score is "40 all," which is called "Deuce." At the Deuce, a single player must win the next two points to win the game. At the time of Deduce if Anna wins the next point, now she has an advantage to win a score called "ad in" which is called a server's advantage. And if Sania won that point, then score would become "ad out." The player wins the game when he or she is having the advantage of winning the points. And if the player loses advantage then the score goes back to Deduce. The "No Ad" variation scoring comes in the game by winning the margin of one point i.e. instead of using the points like 15, 30 and 40 they must use 1, 2 and 3. And at the "3 all" the player receiving the ball must know whether to receive the ball in the left or right service box. And that player wins the game. Tennis scoring is very simple to play the game and we can also get tennis scoring after following these instructions.
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about tennis scoring, please visit My Tennis Site for current articles and discussions.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Tennis-Scoring---How-it-Works&id=1505024
Tennis scoring will be really interesting, as most of the individuals have turned their interest in playing the game. The tennis game is purely very simple furthermore it is truly interesting! A player can win the game in the following ways. If he scores four points, the player wins the game, and winning six games makes him to win a set, and if he wins two sets he wins a match. We will learn to play a match about Tennis Scoring.
Now let us consider a tennis match between Anna and Sania Mirza. And in the beginning Anna wins the toss and she is selected to serve the ball the first.
In the match, now Sania Mirza moves to the place at the end of the court and Anna may serve the tennis ball from any where in the court behind her baseline and the right single sidelines and the centre marks of the tennis court. When hitting the ball, the serve must hit before the ball bounces and it must move to the service box opposite to her. A player can get two chances to serve a ball and if the two given serves are missed then she loses her points. It becomes redone, when the service becomes a good abstract of the net on its way in. In the match, if Anna gets her service in, then Sania Mirza returns the ball after the one bounce at any part of the Anna's single court. After one bounce both of them must return the ball in to others court till one of them misses the ball. At the second point in the game Anna will serve the ball from the left side of her baseline in her court and she will continue the substitute left and right for the start of each point in the Tennis Scoring. If Anna wins the first point and the second point must be started, before starting the second point the scores of the first point must be announced.
The tennis scorings of the first point are, First point: "15 - Love" (Love = 0.)
Sania Mirza achieves the succeeding point: "15 all." Sania Mirza achieves the further succeeding point: "15 - 30." Anna wins the further succeeding point: "30 all." Anna wins the next point: "40 - 30." And at last, Anna wins the second and she wins the game. Now if Sania Mirza wins the next point, the score is "40 all," which is called "Deuce." At the Deuce, a single player must win the next two points to win the game. At the time of Deduce if Anna wins the next point, now she has an advantage to win a score called "ad in" which is called a server's advantage. And if Sania won that point, then score would become "ad out." The player wins the game when he or she is having the advantage of winning the points. And if the player loses advantage then the score goes back to Deduce. The "No Ad" variation scoring comes in the game by winning the margin of one point i.e. instead of using the points like 15, 30 and 40 they must use 1, 2 and 3. And at the "3 all" the player receiving the ball must know whether to receive the ball in the left or right service box. And that player wins the game. Tennis scoring is very simple to play the game and we can also get tennis scoring after following these instructions.
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about tennis scoring, please visit My Tennis Site for current articles and discussions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Pan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tennis-Scoring---How-it-Works&id=1505024
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Get your tennis strategy right
As a tennis player, it is not surprising that you want to improve your tennis strategy. Have you ever wondered how some good players seem to win despite your not seeing any apparent pattern to their styles of playing? Maybe you did not even understand how they could have won, but the fact is; they did. So what is the secret?
This is where tennis strategy comes in. And this is why it does not matter what the situation is, which is why you seem to see no pattern to their styles of playing. If they do lose despite this, then their opponents just happen to be more masterful over tennis strategy than they are.
If you really want to get into tennis strategy, you have to know what mental preparation it takes. In other words, a little psychology on tennis is needed. If this sounds fancy, it won’t be once you understand what it is.
Learn what are the most basic areas of tennis psychology and the 29 situations that are critical during a match. You need to know how to stay calm in these situations. You need to take a look at this if you want in on tennis strategy that works.
This is where tennis strategy comes in. And this is why it does not matter what the situation is, which is why you seem to see no pattern to their styles of playing. If they do lose despite this, then their opponents just happen to be more masterful over tennis strategy than they are.
If you really want to get into tennis strategy, you have to know what mental preparation it takes. In other words, a little psychology on tennis is needed. If this sounds fancy, it won’t be once you understand what it is.
Learn what are the most basic areas of tennis psychology and the 29 situations that are critical during a match. You need to know how to stay calm in these situations. You need to take a look at this if you want in on tennis strategy that works.
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