Brian's Newsletter - 20th January
Hi Everyone
We are back on the tennis journey. 2025 has the year got for us? Have you set yourself any life and tennis goals yet? What do you need to improve? Can you play more? Can you get more variety with who you play with? Can you challenge yourself to make improvements? And as for your tennis!!!
Club News
Well done ladies midweek 3s for their win against Magdalene Park. Ali P, Sarah G (no relation to Ali G!) Jackie M & Lesley J. I believe it was Lesley’s last match as team manager. What a shift she has put in. Her enthusiasm, commitment to team player development and the importance of team spirit has been second to none. The club, players and coaches appreciates all your support & efforts over the years
Well done to Carmen Schmidt, 2nd in ladies doubles over 45s (never!).
Third in singles over 45s... ITF Egypt event At Maadi club. Great effort Carmen!
Club sessions back up and running so get down Wednesday evenings from 630pm onwards and Saturdays 2pm.. New balls last week to start the year off on a positive!
GRACE tournament in full flow. Hope you are enjoying and getting your matches in now...
Don't forget the accident book at the clubhouse entrance. It's really important that any accidents are logged... Obviously don't log your mis hits or if you whack your partner in the head or back from a less accurate serve!
Don't forget to sweep the courts after you have played... There is a sign that says don't if they are soaked, but that is only if there has been a tsunami or river mole ends up flowing up Roman or Ridgeway Road! Imagine how you would like it to look when you arrive to play.... SWEEP PLEASE!
There are foot baths around the club... Please can you use them instead of the male showers or sinks!
Don't forget to cancel your courts if you cannot play... especially at peak times where demand is really high.. Also, if you finish your match a bit early could you switch off the lights... It reduces the electricity bills... A little walk into the clubhouse to the light boxes could be classed as an important cool down as you control your heart rate after an intensive workout on court...
On a lighter note, a big welcome to our new members.. We hope you settle in smoothly to our great club... Shout if you need anything..
Sending big hug to our members that need it... We are thinking of you always!
Coaching Tip of the Week - Get on your Forehand ASAP
The thing is, it’s very rare that you have a better backhand than forehand.
The way the shots work, it’s extremely difficult to have a better backhand than forehand. Many people think they have a better backhand, but in reality, it doesn’t have the same capabilities as their forehand.
Take Djokovic – unbelievable backhand, but if you look at the stats, they just don’t stack up against his forehand.
For virtually every player, it’s going to be a huge advantage to get their forehand involved as an attacking weapon.
The extra spin and power potential give you the ability to take over the point and increase the pressure on your opponent.
Take the tennis legend, Nadal, He’s absolutely desperate to get the ball on his forehand side because he knows that greatly increases his chance of winning the point.
If your forehand is your best-attacking weapon, which is going to be the case for most people, then you need to be just as eager to get play on this side as Nadal.
Look for opportunities to run around your backhand, and plan your patterns of play to get the ball on your forehand side ASAP. Give it a little focus at the start of each point... How many shots will it take and see the outcome..
Australian Open update
Raducanu smashed by Swiatek, Draper out to Alcaraz after 3 5 set matches. Just 1 match too much and it is important he looks after his hip for a healthy 2025.
Sinner looking good, Djokovic too, Gauff, Swiatek & Sabalenka looking strong..
Check out Learner Tien.. Great US prospect.. Lots of younger players are starting to show potential..
Did you see Fonseca's forehand winner? 181 km/h!!
Here's to a great year of tennis ahead and look forward to seeing you at the club..
Have a good week
Brian
Brian Love
Head Coach
Dorking Lawn Tennis & Squash Club
07712 557076
