Monday, August 31, 2015

US Open Live Streaming | Video and Radio | 2015 US Open Official Site - A USTA Event - Official Site by IBM





US Open Live Streaming | Video and Radio | 2015 US Open Official Site - A USTA Event - Official Site by IBM:




U.S. Open Tennis: How You Can Watch for $100K - YouTube

U.S. Open Tennis: How You Can Watch for $100K - YouTube: ""


US tennis Open results 2015,Start of the 2015 US Open Tennis Championship - YouTube

US tennis Open results 2015,Start of the 2015 US Open Tennis Championship - YouTube: ""


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."


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."
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."
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."

Rafael Nadal Practice Training | US Open 2015 | Court Level View - YouTube

Rafael Nadal Practice Training | US Open 2015 | Court Level View - YouTube: ""



'via Blog this'

Saturday, August 29, 2015

US Open Preview-Genie & Jimbo - YouTube

US Open Preview-Genie & Jimbo - YouTube: ""


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."


Tuesday, August 25, 2015

US OPEN EXPEDITION Vlog

US OPEN EXPEDITION - YouTube: ""




Catherine Bellis’s Teenage Dream Moves Closer to the U.S. Open - WSJ

Catherine Bellis in action against Kimiko Date-Krumm (not pictured) in a women's qualifying singles match.
"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. 

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:

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.



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.
Tennis served for kids, adults




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:


Friday, August 7, 2015

Junior tennis tourney scheduled for Aug. 10-13 - Sequim Gazette

Junior tennis tourney scheduled for Aug. 10-13 - Sequim Gazette

Sequim's Community Junior Tennis Program hosts a tennis tournament for junior tennis players of ages 18 and younger.




Wednesday, August 5, 2015

USPTA: Cardio Drill

Don Thomas: OK. for you cardio tennis fans, here's one of the Cardio Drills








Monday, August 3, 2015

2015: Olympic Peninsula Area JR. Tennis Tournament Aug. 10-13

All participants are reminder that this is a round robin tournament.  Matches will be formatted in 8-game pro-sets.  Ads will be played out -- win by 2 games --  7-point tie-breaker (win by two points) at set score 8 to 8. 
A schedule for the 18U class will be promulgated after the entry deadline -- Monday evening,
Due to the number of entries, the 14U class was split into two divisions:  boys and girls divisions.
First matches will commence exactly at 1 PM on Monday, the 10th of August.  Here are the tentative tournament match ups for the 14U divisions:
Monday, August 10, 1:00 PM (Round 1):
        Court #1 -- Reef Gelder vs. Blake Wiker
        Court #2 -- Raymond Lam vs. Aaron Jackson
        Court #3 -- Brenton Barnes vs. Damon Little
        Court #4 -- Thomas Hughes vs. Henry Hughes
        Court #5 -- Isabelle Hugoniot vs. Olivia Preston
                                2:00 PM (Round 2):
        Court #1 -- Brenton Barnes vs. Blake Wiker
        Court #2 -- Thomas Hughes vs. Aaron Jackson
        Court #3 -- Henry Hughes vs. Damon Little
        Court #4 -- Kalli Wiker vs. Emma Shogren
        Court #5 -- Reef Gelder vs. Raymond Lam
                                3:00 PM (Round 3):
        Court #1 -- Henry Hughes vs. Blake Wiker
        Court #2 -- Damon Little vs. Aaron Jackson
        Court #3 -- Isabelle Hugoniot vs. Kalli Wiker
        Court #4 -- Reef Gelder vs. Brenton Barnes
        Court #5 -- Thomas Hughes vs. Raymond Lam
                                4:00 PM (Round 4):
        Court #1 -- Aaron Jackson vs. Blake Wiker
        Court #2 -- Emma Schogren vs. Olivia Preston
        Court #3 -- Reef Gelder vs. Thomas Hughes
        Court #4 -- Henry Hughes vs. Brenton Barnes
        Court #5 -- Damon Little vs. Raymond Lam
Tuesday, August 11, 1:00 PM (Round 5):
        Court #1 -- Isabelle Hugoniot vs. Emma Shogren
        Court #2 -- Reef Gelder vs. Henry Hughes
        Court #3 -- Damon Little vs. Thomas Hughes
        Court #4 -- Aaron Jackson vs. Brenton Barnes
        Court #5 -- Blake Wiker vs. Raymond Lam
                                2:00 PM (Round 6):
        Court #1 -- Reef Gelder vs. Damon Little
        Court #2 -- Aaron Jackson vs. Henry Hughes
        Court #3 -- Blake Wiker vs. Thomas Hughes
        Court #4 -- Raymond Lam vs. Brenton Barnes
        Court #5 -- Olivia Preston vs. Kalli Wiker
                                3:00 PM (Round 7):
        Court #1 -- Blake Wiker vs. Damon Little
        Court #2 -- Raymond Lam vs. Henry Hughes
        Court #3 -- Brenton Barnes vs. Thomas Hughes
        Court #4 -- Open
        Court #5 -- Reef Gelder vs. Aaron Jackson

G'day Tournament Participants,
Due to the hot weather expected tomorrow, 14U (Boys) Round 8 participants will have the option of delaying play until Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 PM.  This decision will be made following the players completion of their 7th Round matches, and times will be determined then.   
Weather permitting, in the 18U class, rounds 1 thru 3 will be played on Wednesday, and rounds 4 and 5 will be played on Thursday.  This divided schedule has been suggested due to expected hot weather. 
All participants are reminder that this is a round robin tournament.  Matches will be formatted in 8-game pro-sets.  Ads will be played out -- win by 2 games --  7-point tie-breaker (win by two points) at set score 8 to 8. Award  winners will be determined by number of wins minus number of losses.  In case of  ties, 7-point tie-breakers will be played to determine placement of award winners. 
First matches will commence exactly at 1 PM each day of the tournament.  Here are the current match ups:
Tuesday, August 11, 1:00 PM (Round 5):
        Court #1 -- Olivia Preston vs. Kalli Wiker
        Court #2 -- Damon Little vs. Raymond Lam
        Court #3 -- Isabelle Hugoniot vs. Emma Shogren
        Court #4 -- Henry Hughes vs. Brenton Barnes
        Court #5 -- Open
                                2:00 PM (Round 6):
        Court #1 -- Open
        Court #2 -- Reef Gelder vs. Henry Hughes
        Court #3 -- Damon Little vs. Thomas Hughes
        Court #4 -- Aaron Jackson vs. Brenton Barnes
        Court #5 -- Blake Wiker vs. Raymond Lam
       
                                3:00 PM (Round 7):
        Court #1 -- Reef Gelder vs. Damon Little
        Court #2 -- Aaron Jackson vs. Henry Hughes
        Court #3 -- Blake Wiker vs. Thomas Hughes
        Court #4 -- Raymond Lam vs. Brenton Barnes
        Court #5 -- Open
       
                                4:00 PM (Round 8):
        Court #1 -- Blake Wiker vs. Damon Little
        Court #2 -- Raymond Lam vs. Henry Hughes
        Court #3 -- Brenton Barnes vs. Thomas Hughes
        Court #4 -- Open
        Court #5 -- Reef Gelder vs. Aaron Jackson
Wednesday, August 12, 1:00 PM (Round 1):
        Court #1 -- Stephanie LaCour vs. Elliott Soelter
        Court #2 -- Stephen Prorok vs. Eli Berg
        Court #3 -- Matthew Richards vs. Victor Lam
        Court #4 -- Open
        Court #5 -- Open
                                    2:00 PM (Round 2):
        Court #2 -- Stephanie LaCour vs. Stephen Prorok
        Court #3 -- Matthew Richards vs. Elliott Soelter
        Court #1 -- Victor Lam vs. Eli Berg
        Court #4 -- Open
        Court #5 -- Open
                                    3:00 PM (Round 3):
        Court #3 -- Stephanie LaCour vs. Matthew Richards
        Court #1 -- Victor Lam vs. Stephen Prorok
        Court #2 -- Eli Berg vs. Elliott Soelter
Thursday, August 13, 1:00 PM (Round 4):
        Court #1 -- Stephanie LaCour vs. Victor Lam
        Court #2 -- Eli Berg vs. Matthew Richards
        Court #3 -- Elliott Soelter vs. Stephen Prorok
                                        2:00 PM (Round 5):
        Court #2 -- Stephanie LaCour vs. Eli Berg
        Court #3 -- Elliott Soelter vs. Victor Lam
        Court #1 -- Stephen Prorok vs. Matthew Richards

2015: Sequim's Summer Tennis Program

In order to promote the sport of tennis, and to provide tennis related activity throughout the summer, the following tennis opportunities will be available for our kids and the community.
 
Youth Tennis Ladder Play:  Ladder play has already begun.  So far, there are 31 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. 
 
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. 
 
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 50 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.
 
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. 
 
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!!!
 
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.   
 
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.
 
Away Playdays:  We'll try again this year to field a group to play at various area tennis clubs. 
 
 
There's a lot on our plate above.  It will take plenty of help to make tennis a successful proposition this summer.  We need volunteers and ball donations.   Monetary donations will go toward supporting equipment and to rackets for those kids who can not afford them. 
 
As always, I am open to suggestions and ideas.  Please feel free to contribute.
 
Plan ahead.  PPPPPP -- the six "P"s. 
 
Happy hitting,
 
Don Thomas

Got A Broken String?




Got a broken string?

For a limited time....

I'll string your racket in exchange for hitting tennis balls with you on a Port Townsend or Chimacum tennis court.

The charge is double the time required to string your racket. Example: 2 hours to string racket =  4 hours of hitting time.

I'm learning how to use the X-2 Gamma Progression II racket stringer.

You need to provide the strings.

Contact: Jack Olmsted (j_olmsted at yahoo dot com)

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Busy times for Sequim tennis youths - Sequim Gazette



Don Thomas - Submitted photo

"School’s out but it’s still time to learn on Sequim tennis courts.
US Tennis Association pro Don Thomas has Tennis Academy 2015, a summer tennis program for Sequim youth (ages 5-17), set for July 6-10.

 Classes run from 9 a.m.-noon each day and will be designed for youth who are non-beginners.

 The program includes some “classroom” time as well as dynamic and static stretching, strength conditioning, agility training, stroke analysis and practice, advanced techniques, strategy and match playing time.

 “Classroom” time includes such subjects as history of tennis, rules of tennis, tennis safety, physical fitness, health/injury issues and strategy — thus, the title “Tennis Academy 2015.”

The one-week session is limited to 30 youths who will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thomas said he does not anticipate any charge for the academy.

Thomas also has a number of activities for Sequim tennis players, from Youth Tennis Ladder Play to youth individual and group lessons and youth tournaments, Cardio-Tennis For All (10 a.m. on Thursdays, all ages invited) and a USTA promotional event (also all ages; times and dates to be determined).

For more information, call Thomas at 582-3033.

Tennis Academy, 2015, Daily Schedule Update 7/4
 
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ADMIN:
 
Monday:  Della, Shaena,
Tuesday:  Ellen or Karla
Wednesday:  Della
Thursday:  Karla
Friday:  Virginia
 
 
Monday, July 6, 2015:
 
                8:30:               Arrive and set up -- Don
                9 - 9:15:          Check-in:  T-shirts, Liability Waiver Statement (Participants and Volunteers)
                9:15 -9:30        Opening, Orientation, and Organization -- Don
                9:30 - 9:35       Class presentation:  Importance of dynamic/static stretching -- Doug/Allison
                9:35 -  9:45      Warm-ups, dynamic stretching -- Doug
                9:45 - 10:20:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Tag Team Singles.
                10:20 - 10:30:   Class presentation:  Court Safety -- Don
                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks
                10:45 - 10:55:   Class presentation:  Sportsmanship -- Don
                10:55 - 11:45:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Champion of the Court -- Don
                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching -- Allison 
                11:55 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don
 
        Snacks:  Lou
        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy
 
Tuesday, July 7, 2015: 
 
                8:30:               Arrive and set up -- Don
                9 - 9:05:          Morning briefing/opening -- Don
                9:05 - 9:15:      Warm-ups, dynamic stretching -- Doug 
                9:15 - 10:20:     Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Triples -- Don
                10:20 - 10:30:   Class presentation:  History of Tennis -- Don
                10:30 - 10:45:    Break:  water/snacks
                10:45 - 10:55:    Class presentation:  Dieting/Nutrition -- Della
                10:55 - 11:45:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of One Ball Live -- Don
                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching -- Allison 
                11:45 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don
 
        Snacks:  Della
        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy
 
Wednesday, July 8, 2015:
 
                8:30:              Arrive and set up -- Don
                9 - 9:05:         Morning briefing/opening -- Don
                9:05 - 9:15:     Warm-ups, dynamic stretching -- Doug 
                9:15 - 9:25:     Class presentation:  Singles Strategy -- Doug/Allison
                9:25 - 10:30:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Champs and Chumps -- Don
                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks
                10:45 - 10:55:   Class presentation:  Health/Injury Issues -- Terry
                10:55 - 11:45:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Round the World -- Don
                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching -- Allison 
                11:45 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don
 
        Snacks:  Shaena
        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy
 
Thursday, July 9, 2015:
 
                8:30:              Arrive and set up -- Don
                9 - 9:05:         Morning briefing/opening -- Don
                9:05 - 9:15:     Warm-ups, dynamic stretching -- Doug 
                9:15 - 9:25:     Class presentation:  Doubles Strategy -- Doug/Allison
                9:25 - 10:30:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Team Doubles -- Don         
                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks
                10:45 - 10:55:   Class presentation:  USTA Tournaments -- Virginia 
                10:55 - 11:45:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of All Position Doubles  -- Don
                11:45 - 11:55:   Cool down/static stretching -- Allison 
                11:45 - Noon:    Concluding remarks -- Don
 
        Snacks:  Sherry
        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy
 
Friday, July 19, 2015:
 
                8:30:              Arrive and set up -- Don 
                9 - 9:05:         Morning briefing/opening -- Don
                9:05 - 9:15:     Warm-ups, dynamic stretching -- Doug 
                9:15 - 10:20:    Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Wipe-Out -- Don
                10:20 - 10:30:  Class presentation:  Preparing Yourself Mentally -- Mindy
                10:30 - 10:45:   Break:  water/snacks
                10:45 - 10:55:   Rules -- Don
                10:55 - 11:35:   Drill:  Explanation and conduct of Champs of the Doubles Court  -- Don
                11:35 - 11:45:   Cool down/static stretching -- Allison 
                11:45 - Noon:    Attendance medal presentation/Concluding remarks -- Don
 
        Snacks:  James
        Water:  Provided by Dr. Pamela Bundy

2014: Cracks keep Sequim High tennis courts closed - Sequim Gazette

Jim Adams, on right, returns a hit while Darryl Fling, both of Sequim, watches as the duo plays doubles at Sequim High School on Nov. 23. The top three courts remain the only public courts in the Sequim area while two other nearby courts remain closed due to unsafe conditions. - Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Jim Adams, on right, returns a hit while Darryl Fling, both of Sequim, watches as the duo plays doubles at Sequim High School on Nov. 23. The top three courts remain the only public courts in the Sequim area while two other nearby courts remain closed due to unsafe conditions.

— Image Credit: Sequim Gazette Photo By Matthew Nash

"Recent efforts to repair two tennis courts at Sequim High School might not be enough to reopen them for play this spring due to unsafe conditions.



 After maintenance crews placed placed a tennis court repair material in October, cracks and holes remain in the lower courts.



 John McAndie, maintenance and operations supervisor, said he’s noticed weeds sprouting through the material despite filling in some areas with two to three coats.



 His crewmen haven’t gotten a chance to finish the courts, he said, because their priority has been working on installing a portable at Greywolf Elementary School.

“Any break in the weather has been for that,” he said. “Getting classroom space is a huge priority.”"



Cracks keep Sequim High tennis courts closed - Sequim Gazette:


Lesson: Watching The Ball In Tennis




Watching The Ball In Tennis:



How do you watch the ball in tennis? One often overlooked part is the first part of the trajectory from the contact of your opponent until the ball starts to drop. This can tell you almost everything about the eventual height and position of the ball.

Don't fixate on the bounce but do see it with a soft focus.

Once the ball comes closer try and get a "clear picture" at least for a split second.

Keep your head still at contact. Use simple drills at first to get the feel for it, then see if you can rally while watching the ball as recommended in this video. (Read More)

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Lesson: How to Serve



Tennis: How to Serve - YouTube:




Welcome to the Port Angeles Senior Games - 2005 Tennis Results

Welcome to the Port Angeles Senior Games - 2005 Tennis Results:



 Inaugural Port Angeles Senior Games
Tennis Results 2005



Dates: September 17 & 18, 2005

Prior Years Tennis Results: 2006  2007  2008  2009  2010 

Community-Tennis - Olympic Peninsula - Local League | USTA Pacific Northwest

Community-Tennis - Olympic Peninsula - Local League | USTA Pacific Northwest:



Olympic Peninsula - Local League

USTA Jr. Team Tennis League
of the Olympic Peninsula


Divisions:
18-and-under Advanced & Beginner/Intermediate
14-and-under Advanced & Beginner/Intermediate
12-and-under Advanced & Beginner/Intermediate
10-and-under Advanced & Beginner/Intermediate
Team regisration is underway. In order for your team to be eligible to compete, a minimum of three boys and three girls must register by June 7. League entry fee is $35 per player.
League play begins on June 26 (2010) at various sites in Port Townsend, Port Angeles, Sequim and Chimacum. Matches will be scheduled on a Thursday evening or Saturday afternoon and will run through July 21. Practices will be scheduled by the team manager.