Yes - its that time of year again.
Even though you cannot differentiate between a tennis racket and the backend of a shovel, Wimbledon will be the hot topic for the next two weeks (might even knock ministerial expenses off it's perch)
One dead certainty is that we wont see a drop of rain. That's because the Centre Court has a sliding roof to keep out the weather - sods law will dictate that we have a fortnight of unbroken sunshine.
The other 'certainty', according to the tabloids, is that a certain Andrew Murray will be holding the championship trophy aloft in a couple of weeks time.
Now if they were to move Wimbledon from SW19 to EH25 then Andy would walk it. (the media razzmatazz would never venture north of Hadrian's Wall)
Or - if AM was able to hide in his grandmother's loft between now and the final - with the odd appearance on court - then I'm sure he would be dancing with Serena (my tip for the ladies) at the Championship ball.
One final 'or' - this is a bit more technical - if he were to maintain a 1st service success rate of over 70 per cent, then I reckon he would be the champion.
However, my prediction is that an unseeded player will have a 'stormer' against him and exit Andy round 3 or 4. Just hope I'm proved wrong.
One thing certain, he will entertain - and that's what Wimbledon is all about.
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Friday, 8 May 2009
Ouch......
Ok - you know the situation - you're watching the 9 o'clock news and you're warned - "some of you might find these pictures disturbing". What happens? You're compulsively glued to the screen, unable to divert your eyes as the horrors unfold.
Well the following scenario has bits that might make you squeamish - so look away now!
There is a modern shot in tennis often referred to as the SOS, or emergency forehand. Basically, you're trying to return an extremely wide ball on your forehand side. In days gone by, you would have resorted to a lob, giving you some recovery time.
These days, many of the pros change to a continental grip and hit downwards, like slicing a water melon. The advantage is your return will remain low over the net, often forcing your opponent to err on the volley. To make the shot, there is a need to stretch your hitting arm and legs to their limit (bit like Inspector Gadget). Kim Clijsters used to perform the splits - not something to try yourself without full medical insurance!
It is basically a squash shot - and Roger Federer for example is very good at it.
Now if you look at Roger's torso then compare it with mine - well enough said. (as an aside my favourite rally partner keeps a picture of Mrs Federer's semi-naked husband on her office desk!)
But a week past Saturday, whilst playing social doubles, I attempted to emulate Roger's SOS forehand and felt a twang in my upper arm. At this stage I should have done an Andy Murray i.e. screamed out and rolled around in agony (sorry Andy). But I played on like the hero I am, with stiff upper lip (and bendy lower arm).
Are you still reading - or have you fainted?
It was only when I got home and couldn't move my thumb that I declared - "Houston we have a problem"
Now I'm going to spare you many of the ensuing dramatic details - including inability to do lots of things, including scratching my bum (Nadal take note). But I have damage to the radial joint - with a bit of "itis" (with all due respect to Zorba, the Greeks are to blame for most things!) Consequently my tennis playing has come to a halt - and I'm frustrated and, being a man, often grumpy.
However, today I went to B...s the chemist to buy a support bandage, to allow me to start doing some things I'd stopped doing.
Thank-you B...ts assistant for being lovely and also taking the time to measure my wrist and put on the bandage. (I think I would've had to stand on my head , like Mr Bean, to do it myself).
I won't be attemping that shot again - but I will defintely go back to B....s!
Well the following scenario has bits that might make you squeamish - so look away now!
There is a modern shot in tennis often referred to as the SOS, or emergency forehand. Basically, you're trying to return an extremely wide ball on your forehand side. In days gone by, you would have resorted to a lob, giving you some recovery time.
These days, many of the pros change to a continental grip and hit downwards, like slicing a water melon. The advantage is your return will remain low over the net, often forcing your opponent to err on the volley. To make the shot, there is a need to stretch your hitting arm and legs to their limit (bit like Inspector Gadget). Kim Clijsters used to perform the splits - not something to try yourself without full medical insurance!
It is basically a squash shot - and Roger Federer for example is very good at it.
Now if you look at Roger's torso then compare it with mine - well enough said. (as an aside my favourite rally partner keeps a picture of Mrs Federer's semi-naked husband on her office desk!)
But a week past Saturday, whilst playing social doubles, I attempted to emulate Roger's SOS forehand and felt a twang in my upper arm. At this stage I should have done an Andy Murray i.e. screamed out and rolled around in agony (sorry Andy). But I played on like the hero I am, with stiff upper lip (and bendy lower arm).
Are you still reading - or have you fainted?
It was only when I got home and couldn't move my thumb that I declared - "Houston we have a problem"
Now I'm going to spare you many of the ensuing dramatic details - including inability to do lots of things, including scratching my bum (Nadal take note). But I have damage to the radial joint - with a bit of "itis" (with all due respect to Zorba, the Greeks are to blame for most things!) Consequently my tennis playing has come to a halt - and I'm frustrated and, being a man, often grumpy.
However, today I went to B...s the chemist to buy a support bandage, to allow me to start doing some things I'd stopped doing.
Thank-you B...ts assistant for being lovely and also taking the time to measure my wrist and put on the bandage. (I think I would've had to stand on my head , like Mr Bean, to do it myself).
I won't be attemping that shot again - but I will defintely go back to B....s!
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Glasgow kiss
Ok you drivers out there. You will recognise this situation I'm sure.
You are patiently sitting in a long queue of traffic edging forward to a set of traffic lights. In the mirror you spot a car, generally long slung driven by a hairy youth sporting orange shades , screaming down your inside. On go the indicators and he forces his battered offside wing into the front of the queue.
Have you noticed that the same tactics are never employed in the check out line at Tescos.
If someone tried this on they would be politely told where to go - i.e. the end of the queue.
In certain parts of the UK, any abuse of territory is generally met with a punch on the nose - or a phenomenon which originated in the west of Scotland called a "Glasgow Kiss". Now you are probably aware that certain animal species employ head butting during courtship. In Glasgow "pittin the heid on someone" has no loving intentions. It's designed to rapidly put your lights out.
When I first trained as a tennis coach (in the days when Virginia wore frilly knickers), we told pupils to 'punch' their volleys. This is still effective with a slow ball at shoulder height - but in the modern game groundstrokes are hit with much more power and there's not enough time for the 'classic' volley.
It's better to use a 'block' rather than a punch, keeping a firm grip on the racket handle and squeezing it with your ring and small finger (keeping your elbow near to the body). In this way there is little movement of the racket head, but you're using the speed of the incoming ball to gain power.
So there we are folks - that's my little piece of advice for today.
Keep in line....... and don't follow through with your head when kissin' your better half good-bye!
You are patiently sitting in a long queue of traffic edging forward to a set of traffic lights. In the mirror you spot a car, generally long slung driven by a hairy youth sporting orange shades , screaming down your inside. On go the indicators and he forces his battered offside wing into the front of the queue.
Have you noticed that the same tactics are never employed in the check out line at Tescos.
If someone tried this on they would be politely told where to go - i.e. the end of the queue.
In certain parts of the UK, any abuse of territory is generally met with a punch on the nose - or a phenomenon which originated in the west of Scotland called a "Glasgow Kiss". Now you are probably aware that certain animal species employ head butting during courtship. In Glasgow "pittin the heid on someone" has no loving intentions. It's designed to rapidly put your lights out.
When I first trained as a tennis coach (in the days when Virginia wore frilly knickers), we told pupils to 'punch' their volleys. This is still effective with a slow ball at shoulder height - but in the modern game groundstrokes are hit with much more power and there's not enough time for the 'classic' volley.
It's better to use a 'block' rather than a punch, keeping a firm grip on the racket handle and squeezing it with your ring and small finger (keeping your elbow near to the body). In this way there is little movement of the racket head, but you're using the speed of the incoming ball to gain power.
So there we are folks - that's my little piece of advice for today.
Keep in line....... and don't follow through with your head when kissin' your better half good-bye!
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Stage fright
A few weeks ago I was flying into New York (as one does these days!) when the captain announced that bad weather was ahead. For the next twenty minutes we suffered a concoction of jars, vibrations, shudders and bangs as we descended precariously over Manhattan island.
Now the majority on the flight were sticking to a 'dead cool' exterior - while the more honest were either squealing out in fear or clinging to their arm rests and silently praying we didn't end up in the Hudson river.
Now I would reckon the only 'unconcerned' people on the plane were the flight crew. They had experienced all this stuff before - it was all part of their normal working day.
Back to ground level.
Why is it that we can play great fluent tennis on a social Saturday afternoon - then when it comes to matchplay our feet are glued to the ground and nothing works for us. It's the stage fright syndrome - it's happened to us all
Well of course if you were like the Continental crew and doing it every day, then playing a match, no more how important, wouldn't put you up nor down (oops). You could then focus entirely on how to win rather than controlling your jangling nerves or fear of messing things up.
Now here's a little suggestion.
Every time you play a game, visualise being surrounded by a large crowd of spectators. Regard it as the most important game of your life, with millions at stake. Play vital set or match points in games that in reality don't matter a hoot.
It will get you used to the big stage - so that when matches come along you will have done it all before!
It really does work!
Now the majority on the flight were sticking to a 'dead cool' exterior - while the more honest were either squealing out in fear or clinging to their arm rests and silently praying we didn't end up in the Hudson river.
Now I would reckon the only 'unconcerned' people on the plane were the flight crew. They had experienced all this stuff before - it was all part of their normal working day.
Back to ground level.
Why is it that we can play great fluent tennis on a social Saturday afternoon - then when it comes to matchplay our feet are glued to the ground and nothing works for us. It's the stage fright syndrome - it's happened to us all
Well of course if you were like the Continental crew and doing it every day, then playing a match, no more how important, wouldn't put you up nor down (oops). You could then focus entirely on how to win rather than controlling your jangling nerves or fear of messing things up.
Now here's a little suggestion.
Every time you play a game, visualise being surrounded by a large crowd of spectators. Regard it as the most important game of your life, with millions at stake. Play vital set or match points in games that in reality don't matter a hoot.
It will get you used to the big stage - so that when matches come along you will have done it all before!
It really does work!
Sunday, 1 February 2009
In The Zone
All our world leaders are gathered this weekend in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss our money, or what's left of it.
Quite why they choose Davos, which is Europe's highest town, cut off from humanity and up to the eyeballs in snow, well who knows.
As a quick aside, a very dear friend of mine is in 'love' with one of the greatest Swiss of all time, Roger Federer. With his looks, bank balance and tennis skills who can blame her. I must confess I don't have any deep feelings for Roger but I do have a great love for Switzerland and look for any excuse to go there.
So it was in the summer of 2001 when I flew into Zurich and boarded a train, destination Davos and St Moritz. Of course the trains in Switzerland are a joy - they pass through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, along the side of mountains and through v shaped valleys - and always precisely on time!
Now hang on to this story because it starts to get exciting. As a result of a total aberattion, near to Davos I got off the train a stop too early. To my consternation, I found myself in a Swiss outpost, deep in a forest, with a few log cabins and not a sign of humanity. However, being a fully trained and experienced Boy Scout there was no panic - but instead I set off through the forest along the side of the narrow gauge railroad. At one point I had to cross a 400 m bridge suspended in the clouds, with only a handrail to stop me from tumbling into the deep ravine below.
It was all a bit scary and I was totally outwith my comfort zone - but it was a truly exhilarating experience and one I wont forget.
Now my point here is that, to get the greatest stimulation in life, it is very worthwhile to venture out of our self imposed comfort zones. It might be something simple - like changing your hair style (I'm still working on that one!)
On the tennis court we can become predictable, and therefore too easy to be read by our opponents. It is often a good idea to mix things up (Andy Murray is an excellent exponent) perhaps by varying your speed and direction or even slipping in a few 'trick' shots. Even though it doesn't come off, when it does it's a blast!! (had to fit that word in somewhere!)
A word of warning for you guys out there. I would go easy on hitting shots through your legs. You could end up in a hospital bed - or singing in the Luton girls' choir!
So here's my final thought for today folks. Ships are safe in harbour but that's not what they are designed for.
Go for it!
Quite why they choose Davos, which is Europe's highest town, cut off from humanity and up to the eyeballs in snow, well who knows.
As a quick aside, a very dear friend of mine is in 'love' with one of the greatest Swiss of all time, Roger Federer. With his looks, bank balance and tennis skills who can blame her. I must confess I don't have any deep feelings for Roger but I do have a great love for Switzerland and look for any excuse to go there.
So it was in the summer of 2001 when I flew into Zurich and boarded a train, destination Davos and St Moritz. Of course the trains in Switzerland are a joy - they pass through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, along the side of mountains and through v shaped valleys - and always precisely on time!
Now hang on to this story because it starts to get exciting. As a result of a total aberattion, near to Davos I got off the train a stop too early. To my consternation, I found myself in a Swiss outpost, deep in a forest, with a few log cabins and not a sign of humanity. However, being a fully trained and experienced Boy Scout there was no panic - but instead I set off through the forest along the side of the narrow gauge railroad. At one point I had to cross a 400 m bridge suspended in the clouds, with only a handrail to stop me from tumbling into the deep ravine below.
It was all a bit scary and I was totally outwith my comfort zone - but it was a truly exhilarating experience and one I wont forget.
Now my point here is that, to get the greatest stimulation in life, it is very worthwhile to venture out of our self imposed comfort zones. It might be something simple - like changing your hair style (I'm still working on that one!)
On the tennis court we can become predictable, and therefore too easy to be read by our opponents. It is often a good idea to mix things up (Andy Murray is an excellent exponent) perhaps by varying your speed and direction or even slipping in a few 'trick' shots. Even though it doesn't come off, when it does it's a blast!! (had to fit that word in somewhere!)
A word of warning for you guys out there. I would go easy on hitting shots through your legs. You could end up in a hospital bed - or singing in the Luton girls' choir!
So here's my final thought for today folks. Ships are safe in harbour but that's not what they are designed for.
Go for it!
Friday, 26 December 2008
Walk Tall
I was heading for work the other day when I saw a car in front without a driver. Now that is seriously scary so, being the hero I am, I drew up alongside, hoping to perform some sort of RAF rescue mission.
As it turned out, the driver was barely 4 ft 2 inch tall, and aged around 102 years.
Without going into detail, over the past couple of weeks life has not been too kind to me. Consequently, I seemed to have slipped further and further down the driving seat - to the outside observer I probably portray some sort of middle aged boy racer - or perhaps the "driverless car" as described above.
It's true that when life gets a bit tough we tend to slouch, almost as if we are carrying the world on our shoulders. The same of course applies on the tennis court when we are having a bad day.
Away before my time, an Irish singer called Val Doonican sat on a rocking chair and and told us to "walk tall, walk straight and look the world right in the eye". Wise words indeed. (He also wore a knitted cardigan which I wouldn't risk unless your name's Federer).
Have you ever noticed the way that World no 3 Novak Djokovic moves about court. His posture is superb, portraying an air of confidence and assurance, even when losing. Maria Sharapova is the same.
So here's my tip as we move into a new year. Between points, visualise yourself as Djokovic or Sharapova, with a straight back and an air of confidence. It can work wonders for your game (and indeed your whole outlook in life)
All the best everyone for 2009
As it turned out, the driver was barely 4 ft 2 inch tall, and aged around 102 years.
Without going into detail, over the past couple of weeks life has not been too kind to me. Consequently, I seemed to have slipped further and further down the driving seat - to the outside observer I probably portray some sort of middle aged boy racer - or perhaps the "driverless car" as described above.
It's true that when life gets a bit tough we tend to slouch, almost as if we are carrying the world on our shoulders. The same of course applies on the tennis court when we are having a bad day.
Away before my time, an Irish singer called Val Doonican sat on a rocking chair and and told us to "walk tall, walk straight and look the world right in the eye". Wise words indeed. (He also wore a knitted cardigan which I wouldn't risk unless your name's Federer).
Have you ever noticed the way that World no 3 Novak Djokovic moves about court. His posture is superb, portraying an air of confidence and assurance, even when losing. Maria Sharapova is the same.
So here's my tip as we move into a new year. Between points, visualise yourself as Djokovic or Sharapova, with a straight back and an air of confidence. It can work wonders for your game (and indeed your whole outlook in life)
All the best everyone for 2009
Saturday, 1 November 2008
Memories of La Manga
Hi folks
I was playing tennis this afternoon - outdoors!
For those of you south of the border who think Scotland is engulfed in snow drifts from October to March this may come as a surprise.
Ok the Nadal shorts didn't make an appearance but it was pleasantly warm until the sun settled over the Edinburgh skyline late in the afternoon.
This is in sharp contrast to a week I spent in La Manga in September when it rained for five days. La Manga is in Spain by the way, where it should be warm and dry, with endless days of sunshine.
And yes you've guessed it - was a lovely week in Scotland
It's an old and well worn cliche - but there's no place like home!
I was playing tennis this afternoon - outdoors!
For those of you south of the border who think Scotland is engulfed in snow drifts from October to March this may come as a surprise.
Ok the Nadal shorts didn't make an appearance but it was pleasantly warm until the sun settled over the Edinburgh skyline late in the afternoon.
This is in sharp contrast to a week I spent in La Manga in September when it rained for five days. La Manga is in Spain by the way, where it should be warm and dry, with endless days of sunshine.
And yes you've guessed it - was a lovely week in Scotland
It's an old and well worn cliche - but there's no place like home!
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