‘Read My Tips’ Archives
Acing Depression
Acing Depression, a tennis champion’s toughest fight, a new autobiography from former pro tennis star Cliff Richey, begins with a bang. In the first few pages of the book, Richey’s daughter Hilaire Richey Kallendorf offers an observation that cuts to the bone: “My sisters and I agree that our father, famous celebrity or not, was among the [...]
An afternoon stroll at the International Hall of Fame
The drive along First Beach was in itself incredible. As we moved along Memorial Blvd. towards Bellevue Ave., we were only moments away from one of the most historic treasures in the sport of tennis. Nestled in the city of Newport, Rhode Island, and only minutes away from area beaches, it is startling to see this amazing tennis [...]
Is your game versatile or are you stuck in a rut?
If you are a typical southwest Floridian tennis player, most of your league matches are played on soft courts. However, it is not uncommon to play on a different court surface. So, if your team travels to facilities that feature hard or grass courts, is your game ready for major changes or do you always play the same style? For example, with the [...]
Are you fit to be famous?
A few years ago, when I was watching a ten and under boys’ singles match, it became so evident that one particular opponent was going to lose his match. He had no energy from beginning to end. From the moment he began, this ten-year-old talented youngster had literally no pep; not an ounce of energy to fight off his challenger. Immediately after [...]
Tennis coaches: role changes over time
“Coaches are expensive,” Pete Sampras offered at a tournament press conference. There are several different ways a coach can be compensated but many of the ATP Tour players often reward their coaches with 10% of their tournament earnings. Now, with ‘Pistol Pete’ earning over 43 million dollars during his electrifying career, one may [...]
Whatever happened to the halcyon days of junior tennis?
Back in the 70’s and 80’s, the Pacific Northwest tennis circuit offered a unique concept that made it one of the most popular tours in the country: Each event lasted one week and began each June in Eugene, Oregon. At the completion of the first tournament, the players moved on to Portland and then to Washington State for two more contests in [...]
Do you know when to make an equipment change?
Options… everywhere you go, there are so many new tennis rackets, new tennis bags and the most stunning looking shoes that we have ever laid our eyes on. Now, the most important equipment changes need to be your racket and your string choice, as they will have the biggest and most immediate impact. The difficulty for many experienced players [...]
So, you want to be a tennis pro
One of my all-time favorite comedians is Dom Irrera, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who does this great bit about his friends, who always love to give medical advice, when a buddy is sick called, "not a doctor." “Oh, you got that flu? Yeah. Drink plenty of fluids and get a lot of rest,” his good bud suggested. “Boy am I glad that I ran [...]
Is there a cure for tennis amnesia?
Let’s see… hum, tennis amnesia, is that some kind of new disease? Unfortunately for me, I have never been afflicted with tennis amnesia and I think I know why. The true definition of tennis amnesia is a player’s ability to completely forget the past. In other words, even though the competitor has struggled with his serve and has [...]
Essential Doubles Strategy Guide – Part 2
When we analyze good doubles teams, the one true barometer of success is how much one teammate trusts the other. Look no further than the Bryan twins of California, who are the best tandem in the world rankings. They communicate on every point, they switch with ease, and they show their appreciation for one another with a huge smile after most [...]
