USTA 3.0

Hi ladies,

As we begin this new season we now get to focus on taking that next step towards our goals in our first match of the season Wednesday night. We have an experienced group of ladies who have been playing on this summer USTA circuit for many years now. I want you ladies to approach this match and this season like you have unfinished business to take care of. It's time for us to build off of last season and improve in the areas we struggled with last summer while being better at what we do best. I can lead you to the water, but I can't force you to drink it. Trust the process, trust the coaching you receive and believe in your training. Keys to victory:

1. Don't let your feet fail you! Time your split steps, hit and recover, follow the ball when you're at the net.

2. Keep it simple! Play high percentage tennis using smart shot selection. In doubles, hit the ball to the player who is at the baseline when you're in the traditional set ( one up, one back). Don't be impatient and change direction too early, hitting the ball to the net player and not doing enough with the ball. Doing so leaves your partner out of position and doesn't give your partner enough time to react to the next shot. Or the worse case scenario, your partner ends up getting hit.

3. You have more time than you think you do. Remember to take your time and don't get excited on the high easy balls. if you prepare early for the ball, you have more time to meet the ball out in front of you and place the ball where you want the ball to go. Stay calm and execute the shot, then you can celebrate after the point is won.

4. Stop hitting the ball right back to your opponent(s)! You can't be so afraid to miss your shots that you tighten up and float the ball back to your opponent(s). You have now allowed your opponent to take control of the point. Trust me, they are not going to be as nice as you are. Focus on hitting the ball to the open areas of the court. Use the angles and always remember that less is more! You don't have to crush every ball. Mix up the pace of your shots and take joy and pride in watching your opponent(s) scramble, run and stretch for the balls you hit.

5. Always have a plan. Before each point starts, always have a plan in mind of what it is you want to do. When playing doubles, make sure you and your partner are on the same page. The net player should know where the serve is going and where the return of serve is going. Try to go into each point knowing what your first two shots are going to be. Obviously, points don't always play out the way you want them to, but you should have a back up plan ready.

Try to set the tone early against your opponent(s). Attack their weaknesses and play to win. Don't be afraid to make adjustments when you need to. Take your time in between points and believe in yourselves. Mistakes happen, shake them off and move on to the next point. The match is a marathon, not a short sprint. Take what your opponent(s) gives you and remember to play within yourselves. Strike when the opportunities present themselves and never give up.

Always believe,

Shaun.