3.02

Hi ladies,

Great job last week getting the sweep! Tomorrow's match sets up a new challenge for those of you who are playing. Because of the bipolar New England weather, we have not had the opportunity to play outdoors as a team. But the lack of outdoor play has never stopped us in the past when going up against this team. Your biggest challenge or obstacle will be how you handle the elements which you can not control. It's going to be cold so you must dress warm. You may or may not have to worry about the wind. You won't have to worry about the sun being in your eyes. You won't have to worry about it being too hot or too humid. So as I see it, you are playing on an even playing field other than the fact that it's an away match for you ladies. You have to go into this match knowing that the conditions are the same for your opponents as they are for you. If you have to play in windy conditions, don't panic. If the wind is blowing towards you, this allows you the opportunity to hit out on your shots. Shots that would normally be out under normal conditions will stay in the court. If you're not hitting through the ball with confidence, a lot of your shots will land short in the court allowing your opponent(s) to move forward and attack you more if they are comfortable playing that way. If the wind is to your back, use more topspin on your shots and aim for the service line. Be patient and keep as many balls in play as you can. If your opponent(s) is hitting the ball short, this allows you to be more aggressive and move forward putting more pressure on them to come up with passing shots with the wind to their faces. As you are moving forward and hitting mid court shots and approach shots, mix in the slice ball. Vary the depth of the slice shot hitting some deep and some short to keep your opponent(s) guessing. Don't fall in love with this shot unless it's working and your opponent(s) have not made adjustments to counter attack what you're doing to them. If they are lobbing you in windy conditions, stay patient and make sure you are moving your feet and getting in the correct position for the ball. If you're hitting overheads, don't set your feet until you're ready to swing through the ball. The ball will stay in the air longer and travel deeper towards the baseline the higher the lob is hit in the air. My suggestion for those of you who are not confident in hitting overheads outside is to hit high volleys or let the ball drop and then hit a ground stroke. Footwork and racquet preparation are key in windy conditions. Preparing early and getting into position should be your main priorities under these circumstances. Regardless of the conditions, these should be two main things you focus on at all times.

Keep moving so you keep your body temperature warm in the cold conditions tomorrow night. Take your time and try not to rush through the match because of the miserable weather. Make sure you ladies warm up properly to prevent injuries as well. The last thing we need is for one of you to pull a muscle because you are reaching and stretching for a ball.

I know you ladies will not be happy playing tomorrow night so I want you ladies to use that as motivation and put a beating on these ladies. Your biggest opponent is yourself, not the people across the net from you. Every ounce of focus and energy needs to be on the ball your hitting and where you are hitting the ball. As far as I'm concerned, these ladies don't belong on the same court as you. Plan your attack and take it one shot at a time. Don't focus on the outcome of the match. Focus on each step you must take to get to the outcome you all want. Be confident, communicate and build each other up. Nothing can stop you!

Always believe,

Shaun.