COURT REPORT SPRING/SUMMER 2014

                        


How to make things happen on the tennis court
There are 3 types of tennis players:
Those who don't know what happened,
Those who wait for things to happen,
And those who make things happen.
                                            -Anon
Even though most matches are won on the number of errors rather than winners, the 'winningest' players turn things around to their advantage. They play a proactive instead of a reactive role in deciding their fate. In other words they take their game to their opponent and challenge them to play better. They do not wait for their opponent to make an error-they force them to.This is especially true in the closing stages of a match or when the match is evenly poised.

1. Go for it : 

Take a chance randomly

 Every now and then try to hit an ace or a winning return. This is a good strategy to tilt the scales. You might just hit the perfect shot and win an important point.
2. Keep your opponent on the move: 

Wear down your opponent

You will be testing his/her conditioning as well as not letting them set up for a shot.
3. Get to the net:

Play the net when you get your opponent on the run

Send the message: "Pass me if you can'. Even if you do get passed it will still put pressure on your opponent to come up with the shot.

4. Don't play defensively : 

Defensive tennis can lose tight matches

Play to win rather than not to lose.
Hit with intent. As you hit more aggressive shots many of them will go in and force errors from your opponent.
5.Body language: 

Bad body language

Good body language

                                     
Theories abound regarding how this works but it does. Pumping yourself up on court will keep you playing aggressively.

 Don't wait and hope for your opponent's error. Go and get it !!
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Marquee match of the week: Donna Viertel vs Magda Toro ( in the words of Donna Viertel):
Magda had won the first set 6-2, and was up 2-1 in the second. She was totally out playing me. Lobbing me or beating me down the line every time I came to net. She was getting everything back and you know me,I have no patience. I just want to always hit a winner and end the point. Well, we finished our match today. I tied it up 2-2 in the second, but then began to trail again, 4-2 as she began to do the same lob session every time I hit a low deep backhand, she would hit the lob to my backhand. I began to change my game, mixing up forehands and backhands and serving differently; just doing something to throw her off. It worked!!! I got it to 4-4, 4-5, 5-5, and then won 7-5. So we played a ten-point tie break. I found myself trailing again, 2-0, 4-2, but then I said, one point at a time and just kept believing. Got it to 4-4, then she fought back 6-4, 7-4, 8-4, I fought back to 8-8 and won 10-8!!!!! Hard fought, but totally worth the workout. It was hot, but I just believed and it happened!!! So final score, 2-6, 7-5 and tiebreak 10-8 win!


              3 tips to hit the ball on the rise
Agassi made it famous and now virtually every top pro does it 80% of the time. Hitting on the rise means hitting the ball sometime after it bounces and before it starts to fall. The advantages of this are many: since you hit the ball a fraction of a second earlier it also steals time from your opponent,you can use the balls kinetic energy and increase the pace of your shot (since the kinetic energy reduces as the ball starts to fall ) and since you have to  hit the ball with a closed face,you can hit it harder and still keep the ball in.
Heres how to do it:

1. Rhythm: From 'bounce-racquet back -hit' it becomes 'bounce-hit'.

Try saying,'Bounce- hit' to develop the rhythm

                           
2. Closed racquet face: Since the ball is going to scurry off your strings keep a slightly closed racquet face.

Prepare with a closed racquet face

                              
3. Prepare early: As soon as you determine which side the ball is traveling to (forehand or backhand),take your racquet back and wait for the ball. Once it bounces hit the ball before it peaks.

Hit the ball as it travels upward and before it peaks

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                          Sunday Funnies


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                    And now back to our show...                                     

                 
                                              League Play has resumed !!
                             
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When your game goes to the dogs....
 

      Every League Player has had one of those bad days when they play so poorly that they wish they had not stepped on the tennis court that day. Shots sailing out,double faults, balls hitting the net-in fact everything to make them take a silent vow to take a long break from tennis.Everyone,including the pros, has these slump days and it  seems to happen,curiously enough,without any warning.

Fortunately,here are some dog tricks to help you avoid those dog day afternoons on the tennis court:

1. Eye on the ball :

Try to watch the fuzz on the ball

 This is the day you need to 'hyper-focus -wide- eyed' on the ball. It will make a tremendous difference.Pretty soon your shots will start to go in.

2. Hold your racquet loosely in between points:
 
Stress plays a big role in how you play. Perhaps you had a bad day at work,maybe a domestic dispute or just plain aggravated at the world. Most players tend to grip their racquet tightly under stress. This makes the muscles very inflexible and the strokes very rigid. For a free flowing stroke making, grip your racquet loosely with your non-dominant hand in between points.

  3. Exaggerate your shoulder turn on both your ground strokes and exaggerate your service toss:
This tip works very well on 'bad days'. Exaggerate your shoulder turn on ground strokes and exaggerate your toss on your serve. This will make the strokes more fluid and your muscle memory will start to kick in.

Exaggerate your shoulder turn...but don't forget to keep your eyes on the ball !!

4. Don't wait for your opponent to make a mistake:


Even when things are not working for you, try to take the game to your opponent rather than waiting for your opponent to make errors.Sooner rather than later,your strokes are going to click.

5. Enjoy holding the tennis ball and racquet:

Even if you feel like walking out of the court on a bad tennis day, think of what tennis means to you. Think of how much you enjoy  and love the game. Take pleasure in the fact that you have the opportunity to play this great game and that a bad day on the tennis court is better than a good day at work !
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                "Mardona es mas grande que Pele"*
                    (3 Lessons for League Players from the
                          2014 FIFA World Cup Soccer)
                                          

 1. A good defense puts pressure on the opponent:
 
Lothar Matthaus, the most decorated soccer player from Germany put it simply: "Defence is not attractive nor beautiful but there is a saying in Germany that the attackers get all the glory but defence wins titles." (This was said before Germany won the 2014 World Cup). So get that extra ball back.

2. It ain't over no matter who is singing:
 
It was a shot heard around the world and though it did not provoke a world war, it was one of the most shocking moments of the tournament.With less than 30 seconds left in the game,Portugal came from nowhere and scored a goal against the USA to ruin its prospect for advancing to the quarter finals. At least in tennis there is no time limit. So don't give up,keep fighting till the last point.

3.*"Mardona es mas grande que Pele": "Mardona (Argentinian soccer legend) is better than Pele(Brazilian soccer legend)":

Let's hand it to the Argentinians. They came to their neighbor and fierce rival's territory and started taunting the Brazilians with this anthem set to the tune of yesteryear rockband,Credence Clearwater Revival hit, "Bad Moon Rising". 
And they backed it up by getting to the finals.What does it mean to League Players ? Never get intimidated by your opponent. Believe in yourself and play your game. Of course,we don't want you to taunt and shake your fist at your opponent,but let your racquet do the talking. And you can sing along,if you want:



And if you want to sing along:
                          
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Match tips:                
       The 'Penultimate Shot'  strategy
The 'Penultimate Shot' strategy can be incorporated successfully by League Players and it can have a positive impact on the match.
It can reduce errors,avoid rash shots and tire out your opponent. 
                            A good time to use this strategy is on important points like 30-40 or 30-30 or the first point in a game or as you are trying to close out the set or trying to save the set.
                                                   The premise is very simple : keep the ball in play and make each shot set you up for the next one. In other words you keep postponing hitting a winner by one rally. So if your opponent gives you an easy opening for a cross court winner,you hit a firm cross court shot but not a put away shot. When your opponent replies with a short ball you hit it to the open court but postpone hitting a winner off that. In other words you keep telling yourself : "I will hit a winner off the next ball...off the next ball...off the next ball" .
                                               Thus each ball is the penultimate ball until you finally decide to go for it. Chances are your opponent would have lost the point long before that. 
Here is an example of that from the pro tour. The players featured here do not go for a winner despite having an opportunity to do so. They just wait  for the penultimate ball.
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                                  30-30

The 30-30 score can change the outcome of a match

 The most frequent score in a match is 30-30.This is also the most important point in a game. One more point and it is either game point or break point-with pressure on the trailing player.
Yet many players do not attach due significance to 30-30.
Your strategy at 30-30 is not to take unnecessary risks,not go for the lines and not try to hit shots you don't own.
You should play the percentages,keep the ball well within the lines and play to your strength i.e. if your forehand is stronger try to hit all forehands. If you are serving,take something off your serve and get the ball in. If you are returning,just try to get the ball in play. When the rally starts try to hit one more ball in instead of trying to end the point . The 'rule of 4' applies here: hit the ball 4 feet inside the baseline and 4 feet inside the sidelines with a 4 feet net clearance. 
30-30 can change the course of a game but you need to get to 40-30 first !
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                    Welcome Back,Bob !!

Ulster County's premiere tennis player Bob Cook

Bob Cook,the un-lobbable, un-passable-at-the-net, and multiple title holder of the Ulster County Tennis Tournament is back on the tennis court after a hiatus of several years during which he became a golfer and gradually evolved into becoming a school principal.
                                                 Bob is now back to playing tennis and can be spotted regularly on Saturday mornings at his alma mater Kingston High School's tennis courts.
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         Lost tennis racquet !!
One of our League Players lost his 
Wilson Hammer 6.2  racquet at Forsyth Park. Any info on the racquet please email to tennis4u@yahoo.com
Reward :
2 points added to your Leader board score !! 
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           The Terminators together !!

David White and Greg Tellier

In a show of solidarity, The Terminators Part 1 and 2 came together to promote the 2014 Ulster County Tennis Tournament. (Early Bird Deadline expires June 25th).




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"Keep your feet on the ground and reach for the stars"
                                                            -Casey Kasem

 

Casey Kasem 1932-2014

                  
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Re-run : Past article on this website that had a high viewership around the world    
                                 as per Google stats 

                                                                                                                      
                 The 4 ball drill

Famous tennis coach explaining how to use the 4 ball drill 

The commonest mistake on the ground stroke is not hitting through the ball. By abruptly coming off the ball without hitting through it,  the ball does not have the same trajectory and depth. One way of visualizing hitting through the ball is to imagine that you are hitting 4 balls instead of one and in order to hit all four balls over the net you need to follow through all 4 balls. Another way is to imagine there are 4 balls on a table and in order to sweep all four off the table you have to hit through all 4 balls.
                                            Next time you practice or when your shots lack depth during a match,think '4 balls' and your strokes will be doggone good.
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Check out tennis at Zena Recreation Park !

Zena Recreation Park was established over 40 years ago to provide wholesome recreation activities for both adults and children.  Situated on 27 acres in the Zena-Highwoods area, the Park has a five-lane swimming pool, bathrooms with showers, a snack bar, a large open air pavilion, and four recently rejuvenated tennis courts.  These courts, resurfaced for the 2013 season in the colors of the US Open Courts, are the pride of the Park.  The courts are illuminated, so tennis can be played from 8:00 a.m. till midnight.

Various tennis and general memberships are available.  A popular option for adult tennis players is the annual singles tennis membership with a fee of $365 for unlimited use of the courts.  Junior single tennis memberships are also available for $250 annually.  During the summer season, tennis lessons are offered for children of all ages five days a week for six weeks.  Group adult lessons are free; for the 2014 season they will be offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. and on Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.  The tennis shed is combination locked for members and contains balls, hoppers, and a ball machine.  Additional types of membership are available for those seeking the whole family experience of tennis, basketball, and pool as well as numerous other activities including swim team and swim lessons for children, water aerobics for adults, and a variety of  social events.  The Park offers a free trial day to anyone considering membership.

For more information, you may contact the Membership Chair at claudia283@hvc.rr.com or leave at message at Zena’s regular number, 679-9665. 

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                                 UP !!

In the recent French Open,after missing a serve in the net,
Andy Murray exclaimed,"Up!" What he was referring to is valid  for players in  the League as well as in the French Open.
When you hit a serve make sure you hit upwards. If you do it with your arms fully extended the ball will not go to the back fence-it will land in the service box. Many servers hit the ball down and towards the net because the intended target is the service box. Research has shown that unless you are 6'6", you need to hit up to clear the net. While serving make believe you need  to clear the back fence.This will force you to hit up but your serve will land in most of the time.


What does 'hitting deep' mean?
 
The term 'hitting with depth'  generally signifies the ball landing just inside or a foot or two inside the baseline. Hitting the ball deep in the baseline area has a lot of advantages:
1. It is very difficult to hit winners off a deep ball.
2. It increases the distance the opponent has to return the ball.
3.It gives you time to set up for the next shot.
4. It might even increase the chances of your opponent hitting a short ball thereby giving you an easy ball to put away.
5. It keeps your opponent pinned to the baseline.

However hitting deep does not mean hitting just to the baseline area. Rather it signifies hitting 'deep' relative to  the position of your opponent. So the effect of hitting to the baseline can also be achieved if you hit close to where the opponent is standing. If he/she is standing at the service line then hitting to the service line or slightly beyond will produce the same effect as if the opponent were standing at the baseline and your shot lands on the baseline.
                                              Therefore 'hitting deep' is the same as hitting to an imaginary line drawn across the width of the court where your opponents' feet are situated.
                                                  As long as you hit near this line or just beyond it  
( not beyond the baseline,of course) your opponent will not be able to take a full swing and you will either win the point outright or get an easy ball to put away
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             How to to hit a  one-handed backhand
                

Rick Lange ( Singles A) demonstrates the right way to hit a one-handed back hand

   One of the common errors in the backhand is to 'open up' too soon.So your racquet ends up travelling across the body rather than forward towards your target. As Rick demonstrates above,make a concerted effort to stay sideways through the hit.Some teachers tell you to hold on to your left hip pocket ( for right-handers) as you hit. This will prevent you from over rotating and you will have a strong backhand like Rick !
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          Go Mano-a-Mano with Germano !

Ernie Germano is back after a hiatus from tennis !

 Ernie Germano used to be much feared on the tennis court. He went into tennis exile and now has stormed back to the B League scene ! Granted he's gained a few pounds, but if you think his footwork ain't what it used to be: Ernie is a competitive ballroom dancer.
Besides he's loads of fun. So give him a call,challenge him for a match and watch his nimble movement on the tennis court.
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        Players seen playing matches this week:

Amy Keller challenged Ravi Ramaswami

TN Thompson squeaked out a win in a super tie-break against Jihyuk Han

Melissa Bamford(above) d Magda Toro

Ed Rogers lost in a super tie-break to Wyatt Sprague

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                             On to Sectionals !

The 8.0 Mixed Doubles USTA team captained by League Players,Vicki and Kevin Madonna won their regional match at Westchester and are bound for Schenectady for the sectionals. A win there will take them to the Nationals. Good luck from all of us !
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DOCTOR Brand Ambassador !!!

2014 League Brand Ambassador is now a full fledged PhD

Congratulations to our Brand Ambassador Francine Wizner who,last week, successfully presented her dissertation to get her doctorate degree.
                       Dr. Wizner stated,"Playing hard,long matches in the Mid Hudson Tennis League made me so mentally tough that defending my dissertation was a walk in the park !"

We are all so proud of  our Brand Ambassador !
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                  The Tie-Break Champs

Paul Mushlit/Melissa Bamford ( B Mixed Doubles)

Melissa Bamford and Paul Mushlit have been in 3 super tie-breaks this season. Melissa and Paul also play B singles when they take a break from being a terror on the B Mixed Doubles circuit.
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When the sun shines,the stars come out to play  !

Some of the League Players spotted on court recently playing their matches:

Rick Lange ( Singles A)

Jihyuk Han ( A Singles)

Wyatt Sprague ( A Singles)

Steve Hack (A Singles)

Sharon Crego (B Singles)

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Remember the windy weekend last week? Even the pros have a tough time in windy conditions. When the wind starts to pick up you have to adjust your playing to counteract the ball movement:
1. Keep your feet moving. This will help you reach the ball as it drifts around.

2. Figure out: which side is the wind blowing ?
 Do you feel it on your face or your back ? Which direction is your hair blowing ?
 

Hair on a bad hair day can act as a windsock !!

                  3.When playing with the wind(breeze blowing on your back) keep the ball low over the net and hit softer.

4. When playing against the wind (breeze blowing on your face), hit harder and higher over the net.     


5. Lob cautiously when playing with the wind (breeze behind you).

6. Lob deep when playing against the wind (breeze on your face)-otherwise the ball might stall giving your opponent an easy over head.


7. This is one time you HAVE to overdo keeping your eyes on the ball.

Playing on a windy day can be frustrating but with a little ingenuity you can work it to your advantage !

  


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How to turn tables on your opponent

It's been a long first set and your opponent has won it. It's time for Plan B except you don't have one. Here are a few tips that will help tip the scales in your favor.

1. Analyze the match thus far. 
 Have you been going for too much ? Has your opponent been hitting winners ? How close has the match been?

2. Start the first game of the second set by trying to see how many strokes in each rally you can hit. Count softly how many shots you hit in a rally.

3. Go cross court and high over the net with every shot to give you a bigger margin of error. 

4. Hit your first serve like a second serve to minimize double faults.

5. Exaggerate your feet movement by moving your feet or hopping deliberately before during and after hitting the ball.  Do this even in between points- before you start to serve or receive.

You will be amazed how these simple things can change the balance of the match
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        Brand Ambassador takes to the court !

2014 Mid Hudson Tennis League Brand Ambassador,Francine Wizner,with partner Bruce at the practice courts

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                The Cregos are in the lead !

Sharon and Randy Crego

 Despite being sidelined by an injury last year,Sharon Crego has bounced back this year by winning both her matches in the singles and mixed doubles (with husband, Randy). More matches are expected to be played this week as warm weather finally takes hold !
Latest results can be viewed by clicking the Leader Board and Score Board links on the right----------->
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                  League Tennis underway !!

Don Tegler (Singles A) relaxes after a practice session with Jihyuk Han

 League matches have started and League Players who have not begun play have been testing the waters with intense practice sessions and lessons. League Players take the League 
seriously ! Which tennis enthusiast wouldn't ?
Click on Leader Board and Score Board on the right of this screen for details !

'Mystery Coach'  giving match preparatory lesson to League Player

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                   HVIT team in USTA regionals !

The HVIT tennis team led by  League Players Vicki and Kevin Madonna outplayed every team in the Hudson Valley and reached the USTA regional finals to be held in Harrison,NY next month. The HVIT won almost all their matches against a bunch of teams from other clubs. These matches were held throughout the winter.
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         Affordable Tennis Court Act 2014

Well it's that time of the year and it is our civic duty to enlighten League Players regarding court availability.
So here goes:
1.First of all, nets are up at Forsyth Park/ MJM Kingston High School/ Saugerties High School/UCCC.
2.The courts are a bit warped at MJM due to moisture getting under the surface. So expect a few areas where the ball makes a flat sound and does not bounce high.
3.The courts at Saugerties have not been re-surfaced for over 20 years and are worn down.
4.UCCC courts are well surfaced but windy.
5.Forsyth courts are,well....Forsyth courts (even though there are plans to renovate them soon).

1.All courts have scholastic practice till 5 pm until June except on match days on the dates indicated below.
2.Home games indicated in red and generally no courts will be available on these days after 3 p.m.
3.Note: Courts are available all day on away dates.
4. Loughran Park/Rosendale have no scholastic games.
5. MJM (Kingston High School) has scholastic practice till 5 even on away days.
6. All courts available all day on weekends.

In case the above was too complicated,here is the Cliff's Notes version: 
1.On the days marked 'HOME' no courts available after 3 pm.
2. On days marked 'AWAY' courts will be available all day -except for Kingston High School courts.
3. All courts available on weekends.
1. Forsyth Park

Fri	04/04/2014			AWAY
Tue	04/08/2014			HOME
Wed	04/09/2014			HOME
Fri	04/11/2014			AWAY
Mon	04/14/2014			HOME
Tue	04/22/2014			AWAY
Fri	04/25/2014			AWAY
Tue	04/29/2014			AWAY
Fri	05/02/2014			HOME
Tue	05/06/2014			HOME

2. Saugerties

Fri	04/04/2014			HOME
Mon	04/07/2014			AWAY
Tue	04/08/2014			AWAY
Fri	04/11/2014			HOME
Mon	04/14/2014			HOME
Tue	04/22/2014			AWAY
Thu	04/24/2014			HOME
Tue	04/29/2014			AWAY
Fri	05/02/2014			HOME
Tue	05/06/2014			AWAY

3. UCCC
Tue 04/08/2014 HOME Thu 04/10/2014 HOME Fri 04/11/2014 AWAY Mon 04/14/2014 AWAY Tue 04/15/2014 HOME Tue 04/22/2014 HOME Fri 04/25/2014 AWAY Tue 04/29/2014 HOME Fri 05/02/2014 AWAY Tue 05/06/2014 HOME
4. Kingston (MJM) :
Tue 04/01/2014 HOME Thu 04/03/2014 AWAY Mon 04/07/2014 HOME Wed 04/09/2014 AWAY Fri 04/11/2014 HOME Mon 04/21/2014 HOME Wed 04/23/2014 AWAY Fri 04/25/2014 AWAY Fri 04/25/2014 HOME Mon 04/28/2014 HOME Wed 04/30/2014 AWAY Fri 05/02/2014 HOME Mon 05/05/2014 AWAY Wed 05/07/2014 AWAY Fri 05/09/2014 HOME
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Get INSTANT with CONSTANT !
Andrew with dad Bill Constant

     Ulster County Tennis Champion.Andrew Constant, who teaches tennis at Bard College and Rhinebeck Tennis Club is now planning to teach League Players to get them to the next level instantly !
Get INSTANT with CONSTANT !!
Low low rates !!!
$15.00 for an hour of group lessons
$35.00 for an hour of private lesson 
Now that is a steal especially if you can steal a few extra points from your opponent due to your new and improved tennis skills !
Email:     

 Tennis4u@yahoo.com   

and say you want to get

INSTANT with CONSTANT !!
                       ****************

2014 Mid Hudson Tennis League

Francine Wizner has been appointed Brand Ambassador for the
 2014 Mid Hudson Tennis League

Spring is here (see below).  Mid Hudson Tennis draws are out !
 This year we have a new Super Seniors Division for the 60 + age group.  We will also have a 'draw' format with ability to challenge up. 
2 points for winner,1 for loser in super tie-break and 1 bonus point for challenging up and accepting a challenge and 1 bonus point for letting opponent start with a 3-0 lead in each set.

A/B/C levels in Men's/Women's/Mixed.

One fee of $20.00 can get you into unlimited events !

Checks can be sent to:
MHVTA
48, Dewitt Mills Road
Hurley,NY 12443

 Registration ends  3/20/14

Enter now by emailing

Tennis4u@yahoo.com

Our simple rules:
1. Both opponents bring a can of new or good used balls. Winner keeps unused can.

2. All rounds played within a 2 week window unless BOTH teams agree to arrange an alternate date.

3. Reports scores to Tennis4u@yahoo.co

4. All matches are best of 3 sets with a 10 point super tie-break in lieu of the 3rd set. ( Please play a super tie break even if you have time to play a 3rd set).

5. 2 points for winner/1 point for super tie-break loser/1 additional point for challenging up or accepting challenge from below

 ( e.g. C challenging A or B and B challenging A).

(Additional bonus point for the higher ranked player if  he/she allows a 3-0 lead per set for the lower ranked player).

6. And the most important rule:

        Have fun !!

********************************************************************************      Tennis Health: A series of articles on health and  nutrition for tennis players

                                 The eyes have it

 Ever heard of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or B.D.N.F ? Now you do ! That is a substance that promotes eye health and increased quantities in your system prevents conditions that cause poor eye sight and degenerative conditions of the eye called 'macular degeneration' ( one of the commonest cause of visual impairment in the elderly). In a recent study,it was found that exercise protects the eyes from this condition and increases levels of B.D.N.F.  Another study from 2009 involving 40,000 runners showed they had healthier eyes.
                            Tennis is a great form of exercise and since it involves a lot of visual exercising ( keeping eyes on the ball, making line calls, constant eye movements etc;) as well as physical exercising,it stands to reason that tennis players' eyes stand to benefit. Think about this as you prepare 
to play in the 2014 League !!


                              *****************
                        Slice 3.0

If you scroll below , you will see 2 different variations of the slice by Rosewall and Federer.  The 3rd version by Andy Roddick is a hybrid of the two. 
 

"Shoulder turn--straight arm--high hand finish"

Roddick's racquet faces only partially skyward and he drives through and across his body  but for League players,there are just 3 things to observe that will revolutionize your slice :
1. STRAIGHT ARM while hitting.
2. High finish.
3. The 3rd thing -not shown in the picture is AIM LOW.
By aiming for the net cord or just an inch above the net you will avoid the risk of a floating slice sailing out.
                                      ****************

 
                    The Eastern Phoebe
The Eastern Phoebe is a tiny,nondescript brown bird that heralds the start of Spring. "The Eastern Phoebe, known as one of the season’s first harbingers, is flitting in the trees", said Harry Maas, president of  New York City Audbon.
                      What does this signify for League Players ?
1. Spring is here !
2. The groundhog was right.
3. 2014 Mid Hudson Tennis League will start soon !

And in case League Players want to spot the Eastern Phoebe,here is what the birdie looks like:


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                    Got (chocolate) Milk ?

More tennis players are drinking chocolate milk after a strenuous work out

 Chocolate milk is now considered a great recovery drink. When you play a long match the tissues get parched and depleted. Several studies have shown that chocolate milk has the right blend of proteins,carbs and calcium and gets absorbed quickly. The muscle proteins and glycogen gets replenished and recovery is faster. The tissues essentially absorb chocolate milk like a sponge and the muscles are able to process the ingredients of chocolate milk quickly.So all the carbs and protein lost during a match is replaced and the muscle recovers. This also reduces injury subsequently. 
Of course, it is important to recharge as soon after exercise as possible,preferably within 30 minutes.

Older players tend to benefit more from calcium and protein replacement

The world's # 1 doubles team,the Bryan Brothers, use and endorse chocolate milk for recovery

Chocolate milk containers also have the advantage of  being compact enough to fit in your tennis bag. 

Finally (and our favorite reason),after a tough tennis match loss: what better way to deal with your depression than reaching for something chocolatey ?

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Zen Tennis :a series of articles to help League Players reach tennis Nirvana
                    

This week on Zen Tennis: Playing with heart
"You can have my name,you can have my number ...but you can never have my heart"
                                                      -Theme song from the Bond movie,'Skyfall'.

Even when your opponent is outplaying you can still create a significant impact if you have 'heart'.
Playing with 'heart' means playing  with the intention of winning. The thought of losing is not even an option. Think Jimmy Connors. He played every match like he was going to win.-giving it his 110%.

In order to play with 'heart'. you need to :

1. Get back to back to basics: watch the ball,move your feet,and avoid risky shots.

2. Play each point as if it were match point.

3. Focus on the moment not the aches,the heat or the result.

These 3 things will make you change the fulcrum point of the match and you might even come from behind to win
-again think Jimmy Connors !

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                         Slice Backhand 2.0
2 of the best slicers in the game : Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer show you how to do it:

 


 What is common: 
First move: big shoulder turn ? That's what we've been taught but that is deceptive.  Notice  how the front (right) leg has crossed over to turn the body sideways. THAT (foot cross over) is what creates the shoulder turn and not by actually turning the shoulder first.

What is different:
1. Take back: Rosewall's is below shoulder level with the racquet facing the sky...Federer's is above the shoulder with the racquet facing the net.

2. Impact: Rosewall's racquet goes from facing the sky to facing the net at the point of impact...Federer's racquet stays facing the net.

3.Follow through : Rosewall hits through the ball and finishes high...Federer hits across his body and finishes low.
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                     Love is............

....getting as close as possible to improve your tennis game !
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     The best stringer in town !!

Greg Tellier a.k.a.The Terminator has a firm grasp on racquets and stringing

When you want to re-string your racquet as you begin the 2014 League or want advice on racquets and strings, who you gonna call ? String buster !  The Terminator,of course !! 
  League (Singles A) player Greg Tellier a.k.a. The Terminator busts strings every other day due to his killer forehand but he is also a very popular stringer in the area. Why is he so much in demand ? Because he is very knowledgeable regarding strings and racquets and his rates are very competitive and affordable. 
                                                 The Terminator strings racquets based on players' tennis skills and discusses with them which strings would be best for their game. "I like to help players customize their racquet through weight,balance and strings", he says," and every player is different as they have different playing styles". 

 So the next time you pop a string, don't fret--just contact :
The Terminator at   gjtellz09@hotmail.com !!
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            Pussy Riot ...and League Players
 
Pussy Riot is a Russian punk band that made headlines recently after they were arrested and thrown in jail for their public protests against the government's heavy handed authoritarian ways.
                                                   Though,their music consists
 of shrill ,Grammy unworthy material and their faces are always hidden under balaclavas , their philosophy of standing up to perceived injustice is laudable.
                                                  What does this have to do with League Players ? We recently received a letter from a fellow tennis player in neighboring Orange County lamenting the fact that the authorities have decided to close the Orange County Park  tennis courts because they were 'underutilized' and divert tax dollars elsewhere. This may be a sign of  shape of things to come and we cannot afford to have our public courts abandoned while money is freely granted for other sports like baseball and skateboard parks.
                                                     So let us take a page out of  Pussy Riot's book and join in, letting the authorities know that we will stand up as one tennis fraternity, if our freedom to play tennis is threatened.
Senator John Bonacic ( an ardent tennis player ) is spearheading this effort to save those courts. So write him and other county officials listed below and help our fellow tennis players in Orange County.  
JRamppen@orangecountygov.com    
SNeuhaus@orangecountygov.com   
bonacic@senate.state.ny.us

Let us be the local Pussy Riot !!
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                                         2014 Mid Hudson Tennis League


1. Sign ups start March 1st  and ends March 20th.                                                                                      
2. Play begins April 1st and ends November 1st                                                                                          
3.Events are men's/women's A/B/C singles/doubles/mixed                                                                           
and New Super senior division ( 60 years and above)                     4. A draw will be made and you will have 2 weeks to finish  your match. 
( Exceptions can be made if your opponent agrees-and you need to finish all your matches by November)                                                   
5. You will still be able to challenge 10 places above your level for bonus points                                           
6. Matches are best of 3 tie-break sets with a super tie-break in lieu of 3rd set                                            
7. Points: 
 2 for winner/1 for STB loser/1 for challenging or accepting challenge                                                                 Finally:                                                                                                
   8. Registration fees : $ 20.00    sent to                                                                                                                       
Mid Hudson Valley Tennis Association                                    
 48, Dewitt Mills Road, Hurley,
 NY 12443                                             


Draws will be posted at the end of March
You call your opponent and play your match within a 2 week window. It's that simple !!
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