tennis training machine - YouTube: ""
Monday, November 30, 2015
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Passionate about pickleball: Game beloved by Peninsula locals both young and old [* Photo Gallery *] -- Peninsula Daily NEWS
Port Townsend Community Center gym, 620 Tyler St. — One indoor court; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays; call .
"What is pickleball?
What's pickleball?
Well, toss together tennis and badminton and ping-pong.
Actually, imagine yourself standing on a 20-foot-wide, 44-foot-long ping-pong table, wielding an oversize paddle and batting at a wiffle-like plastic ball that travels at about a third the speed of its fuzzy tennis counterpart.
Richard Cary has started today's session by squeegeeing the courts with a sort of giant spongy roller that eliminates the worst of the puddles.
Then it's time for a few warm-up swats before the doubles matches begin in earnest.
“Here, we're what they call slammers,” Cary confides as he balances on the balls of his feet and awaits his opponent's serve."
What's pickleball?
Well, toss together tennis and badminton and ping-pong.
Actually, imagine yourself standing on a 20-foot-wide, 44-foot-long ping-pong table, wielding an oversize paddle and batting at a wiffle-like plastic ball that travels at about a third the speed of its fuzzy tennis counterpart.
Richard Cary has started today's session by squeegeeing the courts with a sort of giant spongy roller that eliminates the worst of the puddles.
Then it's time for a few warm-up swats before the doubles matches begin in earnest.
“Here, we're what they call slammers,” Cary confides as he balances on the balls of his feet and awaits his opponent's serve."
KALA POINT - Pickleball Schedule
Play Pickleball Indoors This Winter!
Starting Sunday, November 4th at 11am we will be playing every Sunday at:
Port Townsend Senior Community Center
620 Tyler St
Port Townsend, WA 98368
For more information, contact Hank Krist: 379-9812 or hanksand@worldnet.att.net.
KALA POINT - Pickleball Schedule:
Friday, November 13, 2015
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Cardio Tennis in Sequim
What is Cardio Tennis? - YouTube: ""
Cardio-tennis is being held at the Sequim High School tennis courts on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11 (weather permitting, of course). Sign-up with Don Thomas at masterdgt@aol.com or call 
360.582.3033.
360.582.3033. A full hour packed with warn-up, drills, and cool-down has been scheduled. Meet your heart level zone goals! If you have a monitor, check out your levels from the exercises and tennis drills. See if your goals are being met. AND, HAVE FUN! We even have new, workout music.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Crest Toothpaste Commercial Girls Playing Tennis
1963 Canadian Crest Toothpaste Commercial showing two girls playing tennis.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Groundstroke Low to High - Brush Like Djokovic
Groundstroke Low to High - Brush Like Djokovic - YouTube: ""
You've heard it before. You must brush up the back of the ball on your groundstrokes in order to create spin and therefore control. Whether beginner or advanced, learning how to effectively accelerate from low to high will be a plus for your game. Check out these simple tips, and feel free to leave questions in the comment section below.
You've heard it before. You must brush up the back of the ball on your groundstrokes in order to create spin and therefore control. Whether beginner or advanced, learning how to effectively accelerate from low to high will be a plus for your game. Check out these simple tips, and feel free to leave questions in the comment section below.
2015 September Email Update
Hi tennis enthusiasts,
It’s been a wonderful summer for tennis in Port Townsend. Virtually every match met with sunshine! I want to thank the newbies to our club for turning out—especially for the folks driving in from Gardiner, Ludlow and Marrowstone. Great to have some new blood in the mix! And thanks to all my “old timer” friends for supporting this endeavor to bring the lonely PTHS courts back to life.
Things have gone just as I hoped with good competitive matches with fun and friendly folks.
Soon the weather will be affording fewer dry windows. Which brings me to question how feasible keeping our regular Sunday afternoon & Wednesday mornings will work?
I will continue to schedule for those days for a while but expect some rain-outs and I may try to pull together matches on other weekdays so watch for that. I will also be gone at various times like at the end of September/start of October and then again in mid October for a week.
We can consider leaving the regular time slots as non-scheduled (just show up and take your chances) times, and/or maybe someone else can step in and assist during times when I’m gone in the autumn.
Your feedback is welcome! Somewhere around November, we will probably need to desist for the winter months. And I’m usually somewhere warm in January as I know many of you are! The weather will dictate our activities. Springtime should find us shaking off any creeping decrepitude and getting our bodies back in shape. 
Court cleaning update: I spoke with the superintendent again and now that the drought has eased, he thinks it’s a great idea to proceed but says not until the week after next earliest since school just got going. The labor is up to us but he has a high power pressure washer and enough hose and will meet us with the equip and turn things on for us when we arrange a time—time yet undecided.
Personally, I have no experience with power washing and don’t know how many bodies are useful to have present to do the work. Several of you have already volunteered so let’s see another “show of hands”—and when you might be available. It will good to get this done (for the first time in more than a decade).
Who wants to sign up to play this Wednesday at 9? Forecast is sketchy but we might luck out. I’ll let the out-of-towners know if the court is dry by 8AM if it’s questionable.
Cheers!
DavidMonday, September 14, 2015
Sequim: 2015 Summer Junior Tennis Accomplishments
Hi Everyone,
In order to promote the sport of tennis, and to provide tennis related activity throughout this past summer, the following tennis opportunities were available for our juniors and the community. The following is a listing of the programs and assessments of their degrees of success:
Youth Tennis Ladder Play: Ladder play has already begun. So far, there are 30 kids, organized in age groups, participating in the ladder. There is the potential of many more joining in as they progress in private and group lessons, and as other youth tennis players learn of the program. Sized-to-age courts, nets, and balls are being arranged for ten-and-under tennis (TAUT) players, as well. The ladder will be displayed Saturday mornings at the group lessons and sent out weekly in email.
[Limited success -- about 30 juniors participated; but, not many challenged others. Most ladder advances were due to lessons achievement rather than challenges. Next year we need to offer incentives, or rewards, to get more playing.]
Sequim Youth Tennis Academy, 2015: The three upper courts at SHS have been reserved from July 6 through July 10, 9 to noon, for the Academy. Participants will be limited to 30 players. Preference will be given to advanced and intermediate players who will be capable of participating in advanced drills and physical activity. Volunteers will be accepted to assist in this event. This program will consist of lectures, fitness training, stroke technique, drills, strategy training, and play. We anticipate no fees -- unless, for snacks, water, and T-shirts. We are looking for a possible sponsor to provide for snacks and water.
[Very successful -- there were a total of 32 juniors participating, and 10 volunteers assisting. There was no cost to the juniors. Sponsors contributed funds to put on the event and others donated snacks and water. Everyone felt that this event was hugely successful.]
Private Youth Tennis Lessons: Private half-hour, no-cost lessons will continue throughout the summer, as per a Weekly Availability Schedule which will be emailed each week to interested youth. At this time, there are approximately 45 kids taking private lessons. Ladder players who participate in at least one lesson during a week will be moved up one rung of the ladder for that week.
[Very successful -- from 18 June until 30 August, I gave at least 244 tennis lessons to about 42 different juniors, from the ages of 6 to 18 years old.]
Group Youth Tennis Lessons: Saturday morning group lessons will continue to be available for our youth, at no cost. Group lessons are divided into "beginners", "intermediate", and "advanced" groups. Participants sign up as per Weekly Availability Schedule. Again, ladder players will be able to move up one rung of the ladder for that week for group participation.
[Moderately successful -- over the 8-week period, excluding 3 weekends, I gave 10 group lessons to about 30 juniors.]
Cardio-Tennis For All: Thursday mornings, at 10am, will be set aside for Cardio-Tennis -- FOR ALL AGES. Sign up as per Weekly Availability Schedule. IT'S FUN TIME FOR EVERYONE. Move to the music! Tennis rackets and tennis shoes required. From warm-ups to drills, we keep active for one full hour. Tennis ability not required. Swinging and missing is OK. The racket is simply a prop. FUN, FUN, FUN!!!
[Unsuccessful -- we just couldn't get it going this summer. However, I attended a Cardio Tennis registration conference in Portland, OR, put on by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA), and qualified as a registered Cardio Tennis Authorized Provider. I have already worked in some of the Cardio Tennis warm-ups, drills (called "games" in Cardio speak), and cool-downs. So far, these lessons have gone very well with the older kids. We will be making more Cardio Tennis available in the future to both juniors and adults.]
Youth Tennis Tournaments: Tournaments for those kids participating in the tennis ladder are anticipated. Playing in 3 challenges in ladder play qualifies a player for tournament play. Dates for the tournaments will be determined soon.
[Successful -- There were a total of 18 juniors signed up for this round robin event. They played a total of 49 matches over a 4 day period. Eight volunteers assisted in putting on this event. Through donations and sponsorships, we were able to provide for trophies and medals for all participants and volunteers. This was the first junior's tournament put on in Sequim in recent times.]
USTA Promotional: At least one promotional, all invited, one day of "free tennis instruction for all ages" event to promote the sport of tennis and the USTA. Planning is underway, and the date is to be determined.
[Not held -- but not too late.]
Away Playdays: We'll try again this year to field a group to play at various area tennis clubs.
[Unsuccessful -- we tried to put together a junior tennis exchange with the Kitsap Tennis and Athletic Club (KTAC), but we just couldn't get enough participants from this area to make it work. I am still working with the director at KTAC to see if we can get something arranged for the Fall]
USTA Tournament Play: Six of our kids played in USTA sanctioned junior tournaments. Congratulations to Emma Shogren, Stephanie LaCour, Kalli Wiker, Blake Wiker, Damon Little, and Garrett Little. It was a great start for those wanting to compete on the next level.
That's about it for this past summer. We've learned some lessons this year, and we should be better prepared for next year. Any comments, suggestions, solutions, etc.?
Thanks for all you do.
Don
Saturday, September 12, 2015
NYPD releases video of arrest mixup involving former tennis star James Blake | abc7ny.com
NYPD releases video of arrest mixup involving former tennis star James Blake | abc7ny.com: "The NYPD has released surveillance video of the incident in which former tennis star James Blake was handcuffed in Midtown Manhattan in a mixup Wednesday morning.
The footage shows Blake standing against a silver post outside the Grand Hyatt New York when the officer approaches suddenly, grabs Blake, spins him around and body slams him to the ground before handcuffing him."
ESPN First Take - James Blake Mistakenly Tackled & Handcuffed
Friday, September 11, 2015
Hit Fest Friday At Port Townsend High School
Hit Fest is every dry Friday 3-5pm at Port Townsend High School
Peninsula Tennis Club | Doubles Tournament September 12, 2015
- When: Saturday, September 12th, 2015, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
(Rain date is Sunday, September 13th, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm) - Where: Sequim High School Tennis Courts (Fir Street)
- Who: Men and Women, ALL skill levels NO SET TEAMS
- Format: Doubles format, but everyone enters individually
- Cost: PTC Members, $10.00 and bring assigned snack
Non-Members, $12.50 and assigned snack
ENTER EARLY – LIMITED TO 30 PARTICIPANTS!!
Monday, September 7, 2015
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Friday, September 4, 2015
(10) US Open Tennis Championships
How did Kevin Anderson Tennis prepare for the #USOpen? What are his predictions for the upcoming college football season? How does he deal with playing in extreme heat? Find out in the latest #WinnersWalk!
Posted by US Open Tennis Championships on Thursday, September 3, 2015
(10) US Open Tennis Championships:
Thursday, September 3, 2015
(12) US Open Tennis Championships
How do players make sure they eat healthy when they're always traveling? Find out all the storylines and behind the scenes stories from the #USOpen in Beyond the Baseline presented by Westin at 7pm ET.Watch live: http://bit.ly/1JrO4uZ
Posted by US Open Tennis Championships on Wednesday, September 2, 2015
How do players make sure they eat healthy when they're always traveling? Find out all the storylines and behind the scenes stories from the #USOpen in Beyond the Baseline presented by Westin
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Interviews during matches: The future of tennis?
ESPN demonstrated its commitment to bringing tennis to the masses with its 11-year agreement to air the US Open and Emirates Airline US Open Series starting this year. But the network made just as bold of a statement with the innovative ways it plans to do so, including holding the first-ever on-court interview in the middle of a Grand Slam match.
During the first-round women’s singles match between CoCo Vandeweghe and No. 29 seed Sloane Stephens, Vandeweghe agreed to have ESPN commentator Pam Shriver interview her on court after winning the first set. She was briefly asked what she was most happy about in the first set and what she needed to do in the second set to finish off the match. It was a quick exchange, but it set the press area and player locker rooms abuzz.
Vandeweghe explained that she had been approached by ESPN the night before the match about the idea. She also said the interview was completely voluntary and there was the option of declining it at any time – even seconds before it was set to take place.
Read More:Interviews during matches: The future of tennis? | News
'via Blog this'
Gearing Up for the US Open Video - ABC News
ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos
ABC News' Charli James and Olivia Smith ride NYC's 7 train to the US Open
Gearing Up for the US Open Video - ABC News:
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Nadal Sees Off Coric Challenge
Rafael Nadal has avenged a defeat to Croatian young gun Borna Coric (Facebook) to reach the second round of the US Open on Monday night. The Spaniard, returning to Flushing Meadows for the first time since winning his second US Open title two years ago, came into the match having lost to his 18-year-old opponent in their only prior encounter – at the quarter-final stage in Basel last October.
But under lights on Arthur Ashes Stadium, the No. 8 seed ensured it would not be back-to-back defeats against the teenager, emerging 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 46 minutes. “I think I played great. The first two sets I played a very high level of tennis,” Nadal said. “Seriously, then I get a little bit tired … But then in the fourth I recovered little bit. I played again more aggressive.”
Read More
usopen-2015-monday-nadal | ATP World Tour | Tennis:
Monday, August 31, 2015
Google Doodle Has Two Letters Playing Tennis to Celebrate This Year’s U.S. Open | TIME
Google Doodle Has Two Letters Playing Tennis to Celebrate This Year’s U.S. Open | TIME: "It's a tense battle between the o and the g
As tennis stars Marin Cilic and Serena Williams prepare to defend their U.S. Open titles on Monday (with Williams on track to complete a “calendar-year Grand Slam” by winning all four major tournaments within 12 months), Google’s logo is already engaged in a tense tennis battle with its g doing battle with one of the o twins on Monday’s Doodle."
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Tour Wife Tales with Kelsey Anderson: Long Distance Love - The Changeover
Tour Wife Tales with Kelsey Anderson: Long Distance Love - The Changeover:
"Anyone who has been in a long distance relationship knows how emotionally difficult and taxing it can be. Distance can strain even the strongest of partnerships. It is probably not all that surprising to learn that this type of relationship is an unavoidable reality for most of the people involved with the ATP Tour.
Of course the players themselves are subject to distance from their loved ones, but it is easy to forget about the support teams and tour employees who also spend a considerable portion of their year “on the road.” Traveling to various tournaments can separate partners and families sometimes for months at a time, which I have experienced firsthand as part of my relationship with Kevin."
"Anyone who has been in a long distance relationship knows how emotionally difficult and taxing it can be. Distance can strain even the strongest of partnerships. It is probably not all that surprising to learn that this type of relationship is an unavoidable reality for most of the people involved with the ATP Tour.
Of course the players themselves are subject to distance from their loved ones, but it is easy to forget about the support teams and tour employees who also spend a considerable portion of their year “on the road.” Traveling to various tournaments can separate partners and families sometimes for months at a time, which I have experienced firsthand as part of my relationship with Kevin."
Our Mission - The Changeover
Our Mission - The Changeover: "The Changeover aims to shake up the expectations for what a tennis website should be. The emphasis here is on freedom and creativity: great contemporary writing, personal commentary, and out-of-the-box analysis that incorporates humor and honesty. We want to find new and exciting ways to tell tennis stories — both past and present — using a mixture of long-form pieces, blog posts, free-flowing conversations, videos, GIFs, and social media."
They Said It!: US Open Media Day | News | 2015 US Open Official Site - A USTA Event - Official Site by IBM
They Said It!: US Open Media Day | News | 2015 US Open Official Site - A USTA Event - Official Site by IBM: "The world's press descended on Flushing Meadows this week for the 2015 US Open's pre-tournament media day on Saturday. Here are a selection of quotes from the top players in the men's and women's draw."
Roger Federer on comparing himself now to the past:
"I felt definitely five, 10, 15 years ago you just had a bit more time once the courts slowed down. In the beginning, while you always got pressure from the serve-and-volley player, the chip-and-charge player, the guy who’s going for broke on the return, that thing kind of disappeared when the slower courts came in. Now the bigger guys came in and started to hit huge from the baseline, and now you started to have less time, even on the slower courts. So I had to adjust my game accordingly, again, but I think it was helpful for me to start out on faster courts against the serve-and volley players and not get frustrated by two-shot rallies for four hours."
"I felt definitely five, 10, 15 years ago you just had a bit more time once the courts slowed down. In the beginning, while you always got pressure from the serve-and-volley player, the chip-and-charge player, the guy who’s going for broke on the return, that thing kind of disappeared when the slower courts came in. Now the bigger guys came in and started to hit huge from the baseline, and now you started to have less time, even on the slower courts. So I had to adjust my game accordingly, again, but I think it was helpful for me to start out on faster courts against the serve-and volley players and not get frustrated by two-shot rallies for four hours."
Rafael Nadal On getting his confidence back:
"To have the confidence back you need to win. If you’re not winning, then you won’t have high confidence. To win you need to play well. To win a lot you need to play very well and have a lot of confidence, and I’m playing well today."
"To have the confidence back you need to win. If you’re not winning, then you won’t have high confidence. To win you need to play well. To win a lot you need to play very well and have a lot of confidence, and I’m playing well today."
Novak Djokovic on his chances of winning a calendar Grand Slam:
"I sincerely hope from your mouth to God’s ears. That is the only thing I can say. I’ve been close and that gives me enough reason to believe that I can achieve that. I’m trying to win, there is no secret. I’m trying to win every Grand Slam that I play. I set myself up for high standards because of the results I’ve had the last couple of years. I’m an ambitious guy and I devote myself completely to this sport. With my family and team around me, I enjoy it. I really enjoy playing."
"I sincerely hope from your mouth to God’s ears. That is the only thing I can say. I’ve been close and that gives me enough reason to believe that I can achieve that. I’m trying to win, there is no secret. I’m trying to win every Grand Slam that I play. I set myself up for high standards because of the results I’ve had the last couple of years. I’m an ambitious guy and I devote myself completely to this sport. With my family and team around me, I enjoy it. I really enjoy playing."
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Pete Sampras Previews 2015 US Open
Pete Sampras Previews 2015 US Open - YouTube:
ATPWorldTour - Pete Sampras discusses the 2015 US Open contenders with Justin Gimelstob.
U.S. Open Qualifiers Brave a Gantlet Into the Main Draw - The New York Times
U.S. Open Qualifiers Brave a Gantlet Into the Main Draw - The New York Times: "For some, the qualifying draw of the United States Open is a launching pad. For others, it is a place to land, comfortably or not, after enjoying greater heights in tennis. For 16 men and 16 women, it was a gantlet to reach the main draw.
Kateryna Bondarenko, a quarterfinalist at the United States Open in 2009, worked her way back into the main draw of the tournament with three wins in qualifying, the last a 6-1, 6-1 romp on Friday afternoon over 123rd-ranked Nao Hibino."
Kateryna Bondarenko, a quarterfinalist at the United States Open in 2009, worked her way back into the main draw of the tournament with three wins in qualifying, the last a 6-1, 6-1 romp on Friday afternoon over 123rd-ranked Nao Hibino."
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Catherine Bellis’s Teenage Dream Moves Closer to the U.S. Open - WSJ
"By the time Catherine “CiCi” Bellis was born, in 1999, Kimiko Date-Krumm had already retired from professional tennis. Three years earlier, in 1996, Date-Krumm lost to a 16-year-old named Martina Hingis and stepped away from the game and her top-10 ranking.
Twelve years later, in 2008, Date-Krumm returned to the women’s tour, and is now ranked No. 148 in the world. On Tuesday during the qualifying rounds for the upcoming U.S. Open, the now-44-year-old faced another 16-year-old: Bellis, the darling of last year’s Open.
For now, though, Bellis is happy she can handle her nerves. Last year’s sudden fame was overwhelming, and she said the drive to the Open grounds rekindled those emotions. But even if she doesn’t reach the main draw, she’ll at least leave with a cathartic moment: the win against Date-Krumm came on Court 17, the court she lost on last year.
“I’m glad I was able to get my revenge on this court,” she said.
Catherine Bellis’s Teenage Dream Moves Closer to the U.S. Open - WSJ:Update: Catherine lost in the 3rd round of the US Open qualifying round.
Federer's Crazy New Return of Serve: "The Kamikaze"
Federer's Crazy New Return of Serve: "The Kamikaze" - YouTube: ""
So if you watched the Western Open you know Federer has a crazy new return of serve.
I call it "The Kamikazee" because he literally runs at the upcoming server and takes the return of serve on the short hope right at the service line.
Looks kind of crazy but it was a super effective tactic for getting into the opponents head.
In today's return of serve lesson I show you step by step how he does it.
So if you watched the Western Open you know Federer has a crazy new return of serve.
I call it "The Kamikazee" because he literally runs at the upcoming server and takes the return of serve on the short hope right at the service line.
Looks kind of crazy but it was a super effective tactic for getting into the opponents head.
In today's return of serve lesson I show you step by step how he does it.
Monday, August 24, 2015
US Open Qualifying Tournament offers a glimpse of the future | News | 2015
"The US Open main draw kicks off on Aug. 31, but you can get a sneak peek of the grounds – and watch some of the game’s rising stars and established veterans do battle – during the US Open Qualifying Tournament.
The US Open Qualifying Tournament takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open, and runs from Tuesday, Aug. 25, to Friday, Aug. 28. It is free and open to the public.
The matches typically feature players ranked between 105 and 250 in the world, some of whom will go on to become the future champions of the game. (See Draw) Most of the game’s top players have competed in the US Open Qualifying Tournament, including defending champion Marin Cilic (competed in qualifying in 2007), last year’s finalist Kei Nishikori (2010) and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova (2007).
Among those to watch in this year's US Open Qualifying Tournament are 16-year-old CiCi Bellis, who made headlines last year with her win over No. 12 Dominika Cibulkova in the opening round, and 19-year-old Anett Kontaveit, who upset world No. 10 Carla Suarez Navarro in the opening round of Wimbledon earlier this summer.
Resources
Read More: US Open Qualifying Tournament offers a glimpse of the future | News | 2015 US Open Official Site
What is Cardio Tennis? (2011 British Tennis)
What is Cardio Tennis? - YouTube:
High Energy
Cardio Tennis is a high energy fitness activity that combines the best features of the sport of tennis with cardiovascular exercise, delivering the ultimate, full body, calorie burning aerobic workout.
Social
It is a very social and fun class for players of all ability levels taught by a tennis teaching professional or fitness professional. If you've never played tennis before it is a great way to be introduced to the sport and if you are an experienced high level tennis player it is the best way to train for tennis.
Engaging and Welcoming
Most classes have mixed ability and some facilities offer classes which are more specific to ability/fitness level. However, regardless of ability or fitness level the Cardio Tennis Leader is trained to provide the ultimate workout for each person.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Sequim: High School Tennis Team Practice, Lessons, Doubles Tournment, Cardio Tennis
Keep a good weather eye. We do not practice if the courts are wet, icy, or if we have high winds. But, we will get in what we can. If the weather forecast for the afternoons look good, I will frequently squeegee the courts in the morning and hope they will be dry by mid-afternoon. I will try to advise of lesson cancellations well ahead of time in order to allow enough time for planning; but, sometimes, I get it wrong. I apologize for that. - Don Thomas
SHS Varsity Practice: Varsity practice starts on Monday, August 24th. The team will be using the courts from 3 to 5, this week, on Monday thru Thursday, and from 9 to 11 on Friday. The courts will not be available to the public during those time periods.
Additionally, school starts on the following Tuesday, September 1st. Tennis lessons will be available during SHS school hours for home schoolers, OPA attendees, and private school children. Further, the tennis courts will be used after school by the tennis team; so, they will not be available for use -- except, from time to time, during away matches.
The bottom line is: except for this week and weekends thereafter, there will be very limited use of tennis courts for public school children for the next 6 to 8 weeks.
Sequim Doubles Tournament: Here's an opportunity to get some doubles experience. There will be a doubles tournament held on the Sequim HS courts on Saturday, the 12th of September. Contact Julien Berg at 681-3301 for more information. All skill levels are welcomed -- that means you!!!! This is a great opportunity for our juniors to get doubles experience. The cost is $12.50 for non-members of the Peninsula Tennis Club -- $10 for members. The tournament will be limited to 30 players; so, sign up early. I highly recommend this tournament for all the juniors. Proceeds go to the SHS Scholarship Fund -- someday, could be you.
Cardio Tennis: Last weekend, I attended a Cardio Tennis registration conference in Portland, OR, put on by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA). As a result of some classroom presentations and active oncourt participation and demonstrations, I am now a member of the TIA and a registered Cardio Tennis Authorized Provider. I have already worked in some of the Cardio Tennis warm-ups, drills (called "games" in Cardio speak), and cool-downs. So far, these lessons have gone very well with the older kids. We will be making more Cardio Tennis available in the future.
Reminder: weekday lessons are private lessons and Saturday morning lessons are group lessons, depending upon the number of players signed up.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
LaCour, Richards, Wiker siblings win Sequim junior tennis titles SLIDESHOW - Sequim Gazette
"The future is now.
With just three weeks until schools are back in session, young Sequim tennis players battled for top places, trophies and bragging rights in the Community Junior Tennis Program tournament, held Aug. 10-13 at the Sequim High School tennis courts.
Siblings Blake and Kalli Wiker each earned championships by going a combined 10-0 in Boys 14U and Girls 14U divisions, respectively.
Blake went 7-0 in a seven-player bracket, with Raymond Lam (6-1) taking second and Thomas Hughes (5-2) in third. Kalli was 3-0, with Olivia Preston (2-1) taking second place and Emma Shogren (1-2) in third.
Matthew Richards and Stephanie LaCour took titles in 18U divisions. Eli Berg won a tiebreaker over Victor Lam for second place in the Boys 18U division after both went 3-2.
A total of 49 matches were played over a four-day period, with 18 players competing in the round robin tournament using a pro set, eight-game format.
"The weather was hot … and those kids were exhausted at the end of each day of competition," event organizer Don Thomas said. "The round robin format put a lot of pressure on those kids. But they gain a lot of experience, build endurance and learn a lot about themselves. It was a great event to cap off this summer's juniors program."
Thomas, who heads up the Community Junior Tennis Program, said local tennis youth movement is gaining momentum as the players gain experience.
"We promote the game within our community through our youth," Thomas said. "Tennis is a family sport. We grow the program through our kids and their families. We are reviewing our lessons learned from this summer's events and we are already applying them in planning for next year's programs.""
LaCour, Richards, Wiker siblings win Sequim junior tennis titles SLIDESHOW - Sequim Gazette:
With just three weeks until schools are back in session, young Sequim tennis players battled for top places, trophies and bragging rights in the Community Junior Tennis Program tournament, held Aug. 10-13 at the Sequim High School tennis courts.
Siblings Blake and Kalli Wiker each earned championships by going a combined 10-0 in Boys 14U and Girls 14U divisions, respectively.
Blake went 7-0 in a seven-player bracket, with Raymond Lam (6-1) taking second and Thomas Hughes (5-2) in third. Kalli was 3-0, with Olivia Preston (2-1) taking second place and Emma Shogren (1-2) in third.
Matthew Richards and Stephanie LaCour took titles in 18U divisions. Eli Berg won a tiebreaker over Victor Lam for second place in the Boys 18U division after both went 3-2.
A total of 49 matches were played over a four-day period, with 18 players competing in the round robin tournament using a pro set, eight-game format.
"The weather was hot … and those kids were exhausted at the end of each day of competition," event organizer Don Thomas said. "The round robin format put a lot of pressure on those kids. But they gain a lot of experience, build endurance and learn a lot about themselves. It was a great event to cap off this summer's juniors program."
Thomas, who heads up the Community Junior Tennis Program, said local tennis youth movement is gaining momentum as the players gain experience.
"We promote the game within our community through our youth," Thomas said. "Tennis is a family sport. We grow the program through our kids and their families. We are reviewing our lessons learned from this summer's events and we are already applying them in planning for next year's programs.""
LaCour, Richards, Wiker siblings win Sequim junior tennis titles SLIDESHOW - Sequim Gazette:
Saturday, August 15, 2015
2007: Tennis served for kids, adults
The first Rhody Jr. Rallyball Tennis Tournament for kids in grades 3-6 is Saturday, May 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Port Townsend High School tennis courts or, in case of rain, at the rec center gym.
Tennis served for kids, adults
Children can form their own team of up to six players, or a child can be placed on a rallyball team. Play is round-robin format. Teams score a point for every ball they get over the net in the court. All equipment is provided. Prizes and ribbons are awarded.
The tournament is sponsored by Jefferson County Parks & Recreation, Jefferson County YMCA and Jefferson County Community Tennis Association (JCCTA).
Parents are invited to volunteer by keeping score or tossing balls.
A $5 entry fee covers the cost of an event T-shirt. Register by May 10 with the recreation department at www.countyrec.com or call 385-2221.
Try tennis at free block party Saturday
Tennis players of all ages and abilities, beginners to advanced, are invited to join in the free Jefferson County Tennis Block Party from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12 at the Port Townsend High School tennis courts or, in case of rain, at the rec center gym.
Designed to encourage people of all ages to try tennis, this fun-filled event offers free tennis instruction by teaching professionals as well as games and activities.
Guest tennis pro Christine Samuel teaches two Introduction to Cardio Tennis classes this month at the PTHS courts, weather permitting. Cost is $10/ player; each class is limited to 10 players. Classes are 5-6:30 p.m. on Mondays, May 14 and May 21.
Adult Drop In and Drill is taught by local tennis instructor Julie Jablonski from 5 to 6:30 p.m. each Monday from June 4 through July 30 at the PTHS courts. The first eight players at the courts participate in drills for $10 a session. No preregistration is needed, as registration and payment are taken onsite.
Adult Beginner & Intermediate Tennis (USTA 1-2-3) begins in June. Contact County Rec at 385-2221 for more information and schedules.
Community tennis options
The association is encouraging regular community tennis gatherings. The school and community courts are not reserved; use is first-come, first-served. These times are simply opportunities to meet others and play:
• Saturday mornings, community advanced doubles meets at PTHS courts, while beginner and intermediate doubles meet at Chimacum High School courts.
• Sunday afternoons, the PTHS courts are used for community doubles and family play.
• Wednesday afternoons, it's community doubles at PTHS.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Drill: Emilio Sanchez
One of the drills that Emilio Sanchez demonstrated at the conference that I recently attended. I have adopted this drill with the kids, who I coach privately, as well as many other drills that were taught at the "The Spanish Way of Developing [Tennis] Players" conference. The conference was held in Berkeley, CA. Of course, Emilio is directing an 18-year old player -- a recent high school graduate who just received a full ride scholarship to UCLA. We'll be seeing him later on playing in some major, sometime, -- for sure.
You've got to watch this one -- it's great!
I'm sitting at court side, near the net post.
Don Thomas
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Tip: The Spanish hand fed drill
This is a great drill -- and we already do most of it -- in parts. We call it "the X-Box". Please have the kids watch the clip. The drill is designed to build stroke consistency, footwork, and stamina. What you don't see here is the length of time devoted to this drill.
Actually, it is done until the player is exhausted, plus a few more -- then, a 90 second rest, followed by continuing the drill or moving on to another.
If you ever get a chance to attend an Emilio Sanchez tennis symposium, you MUST do it. He works his students hard -- but, that's what it takes if you want to be a top level player.
When my brother Bill was in high school, for example, in addition to playing year around, he played at least 10 hours a day during the summers, which included rallying, tournament play, coaching, and cleaning/repairing courts. Temperatures were between 100 and 115 degrees in the Sacramento area then.
His hands were blistered and callused, and he wore out shoes to the tune of one pair every two weeks -- frequently, his toes would show through his shoes and the balls of his feet would be blistered. His feet hurt -- always. He use to say that, if you weren't hurting, you weren't improving.
But, it paid off in 1961 with a full ride tennis scholarship to college. The bottom line here? work hard, develop skills, build stamina, build strength, condition -- CHECK OUT THE SPANISH METHOD.
The Spanish hand fed drill (3:50)
In this hand-fed drill, demonstrated by USPTA Professional Emilio Sanchez, players hit 10 shots in one set, moving in V patterns from side to side and forward and backward. Both defensive and offensive shots are incorporated in this drill, which also helps players develop their fitness. A... (Presented by Emilio Sanchez Vicario) | 34805 Views
Happy hitting,
Don
The Spanish hand fed drill:
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