The Art of Practice
The Repetition Mistake We All Make (And How to Fix It)
We get a lot of questions—and more than a few curious looks from passersby—about our unconventional training methods. Whether we’re using tennis balls, basketballs, ball cans, or other unexpected tools, people often ask: What are you working on?
Our approach uses building blocks to isolate and train various parts of the kinetic chain, helping players feel and control segments of movement that are often overlooked in more traditional training. This allows us to refine mechanics, enhance proprioception, and improve the quality of each phase of the stroke.
In many cases, these methods have evolved from pre-match locker room routines—simple, improvised drills aimed at sharpening awareness, balance, and feel just before stepping on court. Over time, we’ve brought those ideas into regular training because they serve a deeper purpose: building adaptability.
And that’s what this column is all about.
The Problem with Traditional Repetition
Most athletes have experienced the sensation of repeating a skill so many times that focus begins to fade. Instead of reinforcing technique, the repetition becomes mechanical—something the mind checks out of, even as the body goes through the motions.
This is the danger of block practice: performing the same movement in the same way, in the same context, over and over. While it may feel productive, it often leads to mental disengagement and stagnation rather than real skill development.
Wooden’s 8 Laws of Learning
John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, once said:
“The eight laws of learning are: explanation, demonstration, imitation, repetition, repetition, repetition, repetition, repetition.”
It’s a powerful reminder of the value of repetition in mastering a skill. But repetition without variability can lead to diminishing returns.
Repetition is necessary. But for it to be truly effective, it must be paired with challenge, intention, and adaptability.
A Study in Variability
In a 2014 study by Hernández-Davo and colleagues, two groups of young tennis players practiced their serves across 12 sessions.
-
One group practiced serves in a traditional, consistent format.
-
The other group varied the task: serving from different locations, with different tosses, body positions, and orientations.
Findings:
The takeaway is clear: variability did not undermine performance. It enhanced it.
Why This Works: Schema Theory
According to Schema Theory, the brain doesn’t develop one fixed program for each movement. Instead, it constructs a Generalized Motor Program (GMP)—a flexible blueprint that can be adapted to different conditions.
Each time an athlete encounters variation, they learn to adjust the parameters of this generalized program—such as timing, force, or trajectory—based on the situation at hand. This process, known as parameterization, is a key factor in developing adaptable and resilient skill execution.
Our training approach aligns with this framework. By using building blocks to isolate and train specific segments of the kinetic chain, we strengthen the athlete’s awareness and control over individual components of the movement. This targeted refinement allows players to understand not only what to adjust, but how to adjust under different match conditions—enhancing both the precision and adaptability of their motor programs.
Implications for Tennis Practice
Improving consistency doesn’t always mean repeating the same action in precisely the same way. More often, it involves developing a flexible, adaptive movement system—one that can respond effectively under pressure, fatigue, or varying match conditions.
Examples of effective practice variation might include:
-
Serving from different positions on the baseline or with varied toss heights
-
Groundstrokes hit from different court zones, with adjusted spacing, spin, or tempo
-
Volleys practiced at different heights or from compromised positions (e.g., off-balance, mid-recovery)
-
Footwork drills performed on unstable or changing surfaces to challenge coordination and balance
-
Ball-watching drills that emphasize early tracking, clean visual pickup, and eye discipline through contact
-
Match simulations in shifting environmental conditions (wind, sun, poor footing)
-
Occasional equipment changes, such as using a different racquet or string tension to challenge proprioception and feel
The goal isn’t to perfect every variation. Rather, it’s to enhance your ability to make real-time adjustments—developing a more stable, consistent game by strengthening your adaptability across a range of scenarios.
Match play is ultimately a test of adaptation. Conditions shift, opponents adjust, and momentum swings. The player who has only trained in predictable, controlled environments often struggles to respond. This is why the mechanically trained player—precise in practice but rigid in competition—frequently falters under pressure. Adaptability, not perfection, is what holds up when the stakes are high.
And along the way, don’t hesitate to add a little fun to the mix. Variation not only sharpens your game—it can also make training more engaging, which in turn increases the likelihood that you’ll stick with it over time.
Wrap
True consistency is not about replicating the same movement flawlessly. It’s about being able to adjust, improvise, and respond under changing conditions.
Repetition still matters—but repetition with variability is what builds a resilient, adaptable athlete.
Train with this in mind, and your game won’t just be more reliable. It will be ready for anything.
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Australian Open
/in Newshttps://ausopen.com/
United Cup 2026
/in News, Tournamentshttps://www.unitedcup.com/en/
Tracking the Serve
/in News, Serve, WhispererTracking the Serve
What Tennis Players Can Learn from Steve Smith’s Vestibular Struggle
A week before captaining Australia at the MCG, Steve Smith faced a challenge that few elite athletes ever talk about: he couldn’t track the ball. Not due to rust or mechanics—but because of a vestibular issue that blurred vision and disoriented him every time he raised his head to face the bowler.
Sound familiar?
Tennis players often describe moments when they “lose the ball” on the toss, feel dizzy when tracking kick serves, or misread the direction despite being well-positioned. While Smith’s issue was clinical, it shines a spotlight on a hidden aspect of elite performance: eye tracking, balance, and spatial recalibration.
Why Ball Tracking Can Break Down
Smith described the unsettling symptoms:
Dizzy head every time he looked up.
Sluggish eye tracking on fast-moving balls.
Needing to “recalibrate” each time he faced forward.
In tennis, this mirrors common breakdowns during return games, especially against:
Big servers with high-velocity serves.
Lefty swingers or players using disguise.
Serve-and-volley players where reaction time is reduced.
Training the Tracking System
To improve tracking and minimize “serve blind spots,” players can train their vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) and spatial timing using exercises inspired by sports science and balance training:
1. Dynamic Eye Tracking Drills
Use vestibular goggles or apps that force you to track lights or symbols while moving your head side to side.
Practice following tosses or balls with only your peripheral vision to reduce over-reliance on central focus.
2. Balance-Recalibration Techniques
Implement single-leg balance work with head rotation to simulate the head movement from ready position to return stance.
BOSU drills or dynamic balance boards train the body to stabilize while shifting vision and position.
3. Split-Step Sync Training
Match split-step timing to visual cues rather than anticipation. Use slow-mo serve footage and time your prep and reaction.
Many players think they’re tracking well, but their split-step is mistimed, throwing off their entire return setup.
Wrap
If an athlete like Steve Smith, one of the world’s best hand-eye coordinators, can be undone by tracking issues, any of us can. But the good news? The system is trainable.
By blending:
VOR-specific drills,
balance integration, and
timing-specific footwork,
you can significantly sharpen your ability to pick up the ball early, react quickly, and return with confidence—even against the biggest serves.
Why Tennis Players Part Ways with Coaches
/in Coaching, News, WhispererWhy Tennis Players Part Ways with Coaches – Even After Success
The Alcaraz-Ferrero split shows that even winning partnerships have a shelf life.
Carlos Alcaraz’s recent split from long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero has reverberated throughout the tennis world. After seven years together — a stretch that included six Grand Slam titles and a rise to world No. 1 — the partnership ended not in decline, but at the peak of their shared success.
So why do such breakups happen — especially when everything seems to be working?
Growth Demands Change
Even the strongest player-coach relationships eventually reach a natural pause. Alcaraz’s statement reflected that awareness:
What fuels a 15-year-old phenom isn’t necessarily what sustains a 22-year-old champion. As players evolve, so do their needs — technically, physically, and emotionally. To grow, they often need new input, new methods, and more personal autonomy. Stepping away from a formative coach can be a necessary act of professional ownership.
This arc is familiar across the tour, where many players eventually separate from long-time mentors or parent-coaches to stand fully on their own.
The Lifecycle of Coaching: From Architect to Engineer
Ferrero was the architect. He recognized Alcaraz’s potential, built the foundation of his game, and helped instill the habits and values required to succeed at the highest level. The titles and accolades followed.
But once the structure is in place — once a player reaches No. 1 — the coach’s role changes. What’s needed isn’t architecture, but engineering: fine-tuning serves, optimizing schedules, managing recovery, and sustaining excellence over time.
Some coaches are natural builders; others thrive as refiners. Very few can — or want to — do both indefinitely.
Ferrero guided Alcaraz through a full development cycle. His job, in many respects, was complete. The house was built. The next phase — remodeling for long-term dominance — may require a different kind of expertise, or simply a new voice.
The Demands on Coaches: When the Grind Becomes Too Much
Elite coaching is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle. With more than 40 weeks on the road, constant travel, and emotional highs and lows, the demands can wear down even the most experienced coaches — particularly those with families.
Recent examples underscore the trend. Darren Cahill stepped away from Jannik Sinner, and Robert Vant Hof parted ways with Lindsay Davenport — not because of performance issues, but because of the strain that tour life imposes.
Coaching at the highest level is relentless. Knowing when to pause, step away, or reset is often a mark of wisdom — not weakness.
Wrap
The split between Alcaraz and Ferrero isn’t a breakup story — it’s a graduation. It’s the closing of one chapter and the necessary beginning of another.
Even winning partnerships have a shelf life. And in tennis, as in life, the best relationships often end not in failure — but in knowing when the work is done.
Who Should Chase the Lob in Doubles?
/in Doubles, News, WhispererWho Should Chase the Lob in Doubles?
Q: My partner and I are often lobbed when we’re both at the net. Who should go back for the lob?
The Golden Rule (Amongst Equals)
When both players are equally mobile and skilled, use the classic rule: “Over your head is yours.”
This allows each player to handle lobs in their zone while maintaining a solid court formation that covers both sides.
When One Partner Is More Mobile: Use the “Chase and Cover” Principle
If one player is clearly faster or more comfortable tracking down lobs, your team should default to a “chase and cover” system.
Here’s how it works:
The quicker player goes back to retrieve the lob—regardless of which side it’s on.
The other player immediately shifts over to cover the vacated side of the court.
This is sometimes called “duck and switch”, because the stationary partner often ducks or clears space for the other to pass behind while rotating across. It’s not about style—it’s about maintaining court coverage when one player is doing the heavy running.
Avoid These Costly Errors
Hesitation: Neither player goes for the lob. Easy point lost.
No cover: One player chases a lob while their partner fails to shift, leaving the court exposed.
Fix it with clear, simple commands: “Mine!” or “Yours!” as the lob goes up, and “Switch!” if one partner needs to rotate across.
Prevention Is the Best Defense
Don’t let opponents lob you all day. Cut them off by:
Hitting penetrating volleys and smart approach shots.
Staying close to the net and maintaining pressure.
Dropping back to “prepare for the lob” just opens space for your opponents to hit at your feet. Hold your position and make them take the risk of a high shot under pressure.
A Good Lob Is a High-Risk Shot
When you’re at the net, you’re in the winning position. For your opponent, a lob must:
Clear your reach,
Stay in the court,
Avoid giving you an easy smash.
That’s a small margin. Even when it works, they’ve only won one point—they’ll need 23 more to take the set.
Wrap
The lob is the most underrated shot in doubles. It disrupts attacking play and forces repositioning. But it’s only as effective as your team’s communication is weak.
Train your responses. Call your balls. And always—cover the open court.
Lindsey Vonn: A Case Study in Professional Resilience
/in News, Psychology, WhispererLindsey Vonn: A Case Study in Professional Resilience
How athletes at any age can align habits, strategy, and identity for peak performance
Just as tennis has its global professional tour, so does alpine skiing. The World Cup Tour is relentless, demanding peak performance across changing terrain, weather, and pressure—and age rarely does athletes any favors.
So when Lindsey Vonn, at 41, returned to win a World Cup downhill race against the best in the world, it was nothing short of extraordinary. The equivalent in tennis? Imagine Navratilova reappearing to beat Sabalenka on center court. It wasn’t just impressive—it was instructive.
For serious tennis players, Vonn’s win is a masterclass in how to extend performance, manage change, and compete. Her return offers five specific lessons relevant to any high-level player, especially those navigating transitions: returning from injury, evolving their game, or extending a career into later years.
1. Preparation Is Reinvention, Not Just Recovery
Vonn’s result wasn’t a fluke. It was the product of deep, deliberate preparation.
She openly admitted she needed time to adjust to her equipment and rebuild her physical condition. She even brought in a new coach—former World Cup star Aksel Lund Svindal—to reset her approach.
In tennis, this underscores a broader truth: the off-season is not downtime. It’s development time. That might mean refining footwork patterns, installing more tactical variation, or experimenting with different racquet setups that better suit your evolving game.
2. Start Slow, Finish Strong
Vonn didn’t win by nailing the top section of the course. In fact, she started cautiously. But midway down, her speed surged—she closed with authority.
This mirrors the arc of many tennis matches. You don’t need to dominate early to win. Great players manage momentum, adapt to conditions, and finish with precision. The ability to reset mentally, adjust tactically, and execute late is often the true separator at higher levels.
3. Age Isn’t the Opponent—Outdated Systems Are
At 41, Vonn became the oldest woman to win a World Cup race. But this wasn’t about “defying age.” It was about designing a training system that suited her current reality—one that optimized her strengths and protected her body.
In tennis, where careers are now stretching into the mid-30s and beyond, success comes from intelligent adaptation: managing recovery cycles, focusing on efficiency, and training with a purpose. Sustainable success comes from well-built systems—not just lofty goals.
4. Identity Drives Behavior
Vonn didn’t come back just to compete. She returned because she still saw herself as a world-class athlete. Her behaviours—her daily habits, her training environment—reflected that identity.
For competitive tennis players, this principle is critical. Performance habits stick when they reinforce how you see yourself. If your identity is “I’m a focused, strategic competitor,” your behavior will align. Identity leads; outcomes follow.
5. Pressure Can Be Trained
On race day, Vonn delivered with a packed leaderboard behind her. The moment didn’t shrink her—it sharpened her.
This level of composure isn’t luck. It’s built. Tennis players can train the same skill: through prematch routines, pressure-specific drills, and techniques like the “tennis ball squeeze,” which has been shown to help maintain motor control under stress.
The ability to execute under pressure isn’t just mental—it’s methodical.
Wrap
Lindsey Vonn’s return wasn’t just inspiring. It was methodical. Strategic. Professional.
She didn’t rely on raw talent or nostalgia. She built a system. She clarified her identity. She prepared with intent. And she competed with purpose.
For high-level tennis players, her story isn’t just motivational—it’s a roadmap. Success at any age comes not from defying time, but from designing the right approach.
Manly Seaside
/in Tournaments2025 KIA North Shore Open
/in TournamentsThe Art of Practice
/in News, Training, WhispererThe Art of Practice
The Repetition Mistake We All Make (And How to Fix It)
We get a lot of questions—and more than a few curious looks from passersby—about our unconventional training methods. Whether we’re using tennis balls, basketballs, ball cans, or other unexpected tools, people often ask: What are you working on?
Our approach uses building blocks to isolate and train various parts of the kinetic chain, helping players feel and control segments of movement that are often overlooked in more traditional training. This allows us to refine mechanics, enhance proprioception, and improve the quality of each phase of the stroke.
In many cases, these methods have evolved from pre-match locker room routines—simple, improvised drills aimed at sharpening awareness, balance, and feel just before stepping on court. Over time, we’ve brought those ideas into regular training because they serve a deeper purpose: building adaptability.
And that’s what this column is all about.
The Problem with Traditional Repetition
Most athletes have experienced the sensation of repeating a skill so many times that focus begins to fade. Instead of reinforcing technique, the repetition becomes mechanical—something the mind checks out of, even as the body goes through the motions.
This is the danger of block practice: performing the same movement in the same way, in the same context, over and over. While it may feel productive, it often leads to mental disengagement and stagnation rather than real skill development.
Wooden’s 8 Laws of Learning
John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, once said:
It’s a powerful reminder of the value of repetition in mastering a skill. But repetition without variability can lead to diminishing returns.
Repetition is necessary. But for it to be truly effective, it must be paired with challenge, intention, and adaptability.
A Study in Variability
In a 2014 study by Hernández-Davo and colleagues, two groups of young tennis players practiced their serves across 12 sessions.
One group practiced serves in a traditional, consistent format.
The other group varied the task: serving from different locations, with different tosses, body positions, and orientations.
Findings:
Both groups increased their serve speed.
Only the variable group significantly improved accuracy—by approximately 18 inches closer to the target.
The takeaway is clear: variability did not undermine performance. It enhanced it.
Why This Works: Schema Theory
According to Schema Theory, the brain doesn’t develop one fixed program for each movement. Instead, it constructs a Generalized Motor Program (GMP)—a flexible blueprint that can be adapted to different conditions.
Each time an athlete encounters variation, they learn to adjust the parameters of this generalized program—such as timing, force, or trajectory—based on the situation at hand. This process, known as parameterization, is a key factor in developing adaptable and resilient skill execution.
Our training approach aligns with this framework. By using building blocks to isolate and train specific segments of the kinetic chain, we strengthen the athlete’s awareness and control over individual components of the movement. This targeted refinement allows players to understand not only what to adjust, but how to adjust under different match conditions—enhancing both the precision and adaptability of their motor programs.
Implications for Tennis Practice
Improving consistency doesn’t always mean repeating the same action in precisely the same way. More often, it involves developing a flexible, adaptive movement system—one that can respond effectively under pressure, fatigue, or varying match conditions.
Examples of effective practice variation might include:
Serving from different positions on the baseline or with varied toss heights
Groundstrokes hit from different court zones, with adjusted spacing, spin, or tempo
Volleys practiced at different heights or from compromised positions (e.g., off-balance, mid-recovery)
Footwork drills performed on unstable or changing surfaces to challenge coordination and balance
Ball-watching drills that emphasize early tracking, clean visual pickup, and eye discipline through contact
Match simulations in shifting environmental conditions (wind, sun, poor footing)
Occasional equipment changes, such as using a different racquet or string tension to challenge proprioception and feel
The goal isn’t to perfect every variation. Rather, it’s to enhance your ability to make real-time adjustments—developing a more stable, consistent game by strengthening your adaptability across a range of scenarios.
Match play is ultimately a test of adaptation. Conditions shift, opponents adjust, and momentum swings. The player who has only trained in predictable, controlled environments often struggles to respond. This is why the mechanically trained player—precise in practice but rigid in competition—frequently falters under pressure. Adaptability, not perfection, is what holds up when the stakes are high.
And along the way, don’t hesitate to add a little fun to the mix. Variation not only sharpens your game—it can also make training more engaging, which in turn increases the likelihood that you’ll stick with it over time.
Wrap
True consistency is not about replicating the same movement flawlessly. It’s about being able to adjust, improvise, and respond under changing conditions.
Repetition still matters—but repetition with variability is what builds a resilient, adaptable athlete.
Train with this in mind, and your game won’t just be more reliable. It will be ready for anything.
Growing Older with Duncan
/in News, Tennis4Life, WhispererGrowing Older with Duncan
Why the post-match beer hits differently these days
As the song goes, “I want to have a beer with Duncan, ‘cause Duncan’s me mate.”
I’ve always loved that line. There’s something simple and perfect about it. After a match, beer with your mates is the punctuation mark at the end of a good tennis story. Laughs, debriefs, maybe a little trash talk — and a cold one to wrap it all up.
But lately… it hasn’t hit the same.
The banter is still good. The friendships still solid. But the beer? Not so much. I’ve caught myself wondering why that is — and now, I’ve got some answers.
Here’s What the Biology Says
A recent article unpacked what age does to our relationship with alcohol. The science is sobering — but enlightening.
1. More Intoxication, Less Enjoyment
As we age, we lose muscle (which stores water) and gain fat (which doesn’t). Since alcohol is water-soluble, it hits harder — but feels less rewarding. A 2022 study showed that older drinkers feel just as tipsy as younger ones at the same BAC… but enjoy it less.
2. Hangovers Get Meaner
Aging slows liver function and blood flow, letting toxic by-products like acetaldehyde linger longer. The result? Stronger headaches, nausea, palpitations — and longer recoveries.
3. Sleep Takes a Hit
Older adults already wrestle with sleep due to circadian shifts and other factors. Alcohol makes it worse — relaxing the throat, disrupting oxygen flow, and fragmenting deep sleep. Even non-drinking nights can be affected due to ongoing disruption of GABA and melatonin signaling.
4. Amplified Aging Effects
Regular alcohol use compounds inflammation, memory lapses, and medication interactions — all of which become more relevant with age.
How to Keep Sharing Beers with Duncan
You don’t have to ditch the ritual. You just have to adjust it:
Sip, don’t slam. Let your body pace itself.
Hydrate. Alternate with water or sports drinks.
Snack. Food slows down alcohol absorption.
Skip the nightcap. Protect your already-fragile sleep.
Opt for quality. One good beer can beat three average ones.
It Was Never Just About the Beer
The real ritual isn’t the drink — it’s the mate. The bond. The decompression after competition. The shared grin over a tough tie-break or a fluffed overhead. Beer just happened to be the sidekick.
So maybe the beers get lighter. Or fewer. Or maybe it’s just water next round.
But Duncan’s still me mate.
And that’s the part that matters most.
MLTC AO One Point Slam
/in MLTC, TournamentsCoach Tim is running the AO One Point Slam competition for MLTC on Sunday, 7 December.
Entries close Thursday, 4 December.
[Enter here]
Dampeners 101: What They Do (and Don’t Do)
/in Equipment, News, WhispererDampeners 101: What They Do (and Don’t Do)
They’re small, cheap, and everywhere — from junior racquets to Grand Slam show courts. But what do vibration dampeners actually do?
Here’s everything you need to know about these little accessories that spark big opinions.
What Is a Dampener?
A vibration dampener is a small rubber or silicone insert that fits between the main strings, usually near the racquet’s throat. It comes in all shapes — circles, worms, smiley faces — but the idea is the same: change the way your racquet feels and sounds at impact.
What a Dampener Does Do
Mutes the Sound
The most immediate effect of a dampener is that it changes the sound when you hit the ball. Instead of a high-pitched “ping,” you get a lower “thud” or “pop.” For many players, this makes contact feel more solid or satisfying. For others, it’s just less annoying.
Softens Stringbed Feedback
A dampener can reduce the string vibration that travels into your hand — especially on off-center hits. This doesn’t affect the frame’s vibration (which is what reaches your arm), but it can make the stringbed feel less “buzzy.” If you’re sensitive to feel or want a quieter, smoother experience, a dampener can help.
Improves Focus for Some Players
The reduced vibration and quieter sound can help some players feel more in control or less distracted. It’s often more about psychology than physics — but if it calms your nerves or boosts confidence, it’s doing its job.
What a Dampener Doesn’t Do
Does Not Increase or Reduce Power
Dampeners have zero impact on power. They don’t change how the strings rebound or how much energy transfers to the ball. Any “power boost” you feel is placebo.
Does Not Prevent Arm Injuries
This is a huge myth. Dampeners do not reduce frame shock or protect against tennis elbow. That vibration comes from the racquet, not the strings.
If you’re concerned about injury or comfort, look to:
Softer strings (like natural gut or multifilament)
Lower string tension
Flexible racquets with large sweet spots
Sound biomechanics
Does Not Change Spin or Control
Your spin and control come from your technique, string type, tension, and racquet setup — not from a dampener.
So, Should You Use One?
Use a dampener if:
You dislike the “pingy” sound of contact
You want to reduce string vibration or hand buzz
You play better when your setup feels quieter or more solid
Skip it if:
You prefer full feedback from the strings
You rely on the sound of contact for timing or rhythm
You’re already using a setup that feels soft enough
Wrap-Up: A Feel Thing, Not a Fix
A dampener doesn’t make you hit harder, spin more, or protect your elbow — but it might make your racquet feel better.
And in a game where confidence, rhythm, and mindset matter as much as mechanics, that’s more than enough reason to use one.
For the Tennis Whisperer, though, we teach players to watch with their ears — to use the sound of the ball coming off the strings as a real-time indicator of timing, clean contact, and energy transfer. In that context, a dampener defeats one of the most valuable forms of feedback.
Dampeners don’t change the physics of your shot — just the experience of it.
How Polyester Strings Revolutionized Tennis
/in Equipment, News, WhispererHow Polyester Strings Revolutionized Tennis
In 1997, Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten exploded onto the scene with a forehand that looked — and felt — like the future.
What few knew at the time was that his whip-like strokes weren’t just about style or talent. They were powered by something far less obvious: polyester strings.
A quarter-century later, polyester has become the standard across the tennis world — from tour pros to local club players. The shift has reshaped how the game is played and how we build our strokes, strategies, and even our racquet setups.
But is poly right for your game? And how can you use it without compromising comfort or control?
What Polyester Strings Changed
Before poly, most players used natural gut — a soft, powerful string with incredible feel but poor durability. Polyester introduced a completely different profile:
Tension stability: Poly strings hold their tension longer, giving more consistent response over time.
Spin-friendly response: Their slick surface allows the strings to snap back with force, dramatically increasing topspin.
Control over power: Their stiffness makes the stringbed feel “deader,” allowing players to swing bigger without the ball flying long.
Guga was among the first to adopt this tech in the 90s — and he built his entire game around it. That decision helped propel him to three French Open titles and the No. 1 ranking. Within a decade, nearly everyone followed suit.
Why Use Poly Today
Even at the club level, polyester offers clear advantages:
Confidence to swing harder without fear of overhitting.
More margin through spin, allowing players to aim higher over the net and still bring the ball down inside the lines.
Greater consistency, especially in baseline exchanges.
If your game is built around topspin, aggressive groundstrokes, or rallying from behind the baseline, poly can be a game-changer.
Caveats and Customization: Making Poly Work for You
Despite the benefits, polyester isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
1. Stiffness and Arm Health
Poly strings are inherently stiff — and that can be tough on the arm, especially for older players or those with slower swing speeds.
Solution:
Use a lower tension (around 45–50 lbs) to soften the feel and expand the sweet spot.
Choose a soft poly if comfort and injury prevention is a priority.
Opt for a thinner gauge (e.g., 1.20 mm vs 1.30 mm) to increase string “bite” and feel — thinner strings deform more, creating more spin and comfort, though at the cost of some durability.
2. Hard vs. Soft Poly
Not all polyester strings play the same. There’s a wide range:
Hard Polys (e.g. Babolat RPM Blast, Luxilon ALU Power): Built for spin, durability, and control — but can feel harsh.
Soft Polys (e.g. Gamma Live Wire, Tecnifibre Ice Code, Yonex PolyTour Air): Designed for greater comfort and playability, mimicking some of the power and feel of gut.
If you’re new to poly, start with a soft version. You’ll get a taste of the benefits without wrecking your arm.
3. Hybrid Setups: Best of Both Worlds
Want the control of polyester without the harshness? Go hybrid — just like all of our Tennis Whisperer coaches do.
By combining polyester with a softer string, you can fine-tune your setup for both performance and comfort. And where you place each string in the racquet — mains versus crosses — makes a significant difference.
Poly in the Mains / Gut or Multifilament in the Crosses
Maximizes spin and control
Adds some comfort and touch
The most common hybrid for aggressive baseliners
Gut or Multifilament in the Mains / Poly in the Crosses
Maximizes power and feel
Adds durability and tension maintenance
Ideal for doubles players, all-court players, or those prioritizing comfort
Tension Tip: In hybrids, string the polyester 2–3 lbs lower than the softer string to balance the feel and reduce stress on the racquet and body.
Is Poly for You?
Use poly (or poly hybrids) if you…
Hit with moderate to high racket speed
Want more control or spin on groundstrokes
Play from the baseline and need margin for error
Stick with softer strings if you…
Have arm issues or play infrequently
Rely on touch, volleys, or feel-oriented shots
Need extra help generating power
Wrap-Up
Guga didn’t just lead a string revolution. His decision to switch to polyester gave birth to a new kind of forehand, and a new kind of game.
You don’t need to hit like Kuerten to benefit from poly. But you do need to be smart: match your string setup to your swing style, age, and physical needs — even down to the gauge.
Coach Tim Impresses at Forster Club Championships
/in News, Tournaments, WhispererCoach Tim Impresses at Forster Club Championships
We’re recognising a strong weekend from Coach Tim, who delivered composed and consistent performances against a high-calibre field.
Runner-Up – Open Doubles
Tim reached the final, narrowly edged out by a duo known for their big serves and aggressive play — a team comparable in level to Rimmo and Bede. A closely contested match that reflected the quality of competition.
Third Place – Open Mixed Doubles (with Stacey)
Backing up in the Mixed event, Tim and Stacey secured third place, finishing just behind the same two players who also contested the Open Singles final. A consistent presence across both draws underlines Tim’s competitive level.
Well played, Coach Tim — a composed showing across the board.
Congrats and well played Coach Tim! 👏👏
Finalists 2025 FTC Club Doubles
Tennis for Life: The Ultimate Interval Training Workout
/in News, Tennis4Life, WhispererTennis for Life: The Ultimate Interval Training Workout
If you’re looking for a lifelong sport that keeps your body fit, your mind sharp, and your competitive spirit alive, tennis may be the perfect match. More than just a game, tennis is a built-in interval training system that delivers powerful, science-backed fitness results—at every stage of life.
Whether you’re 18 or 80, stepping on court gives you one of the most complete and engaging workouts available—without the grind of traditional cardio or the monotony of machines.
The Secret: Interval Training in Disguise
Tennis naturally mirrors high-intensity interval training (HIIT)—a proven method to boost cardiovascular health, burn fat, and build endurance.
The game alternates bursts of explosive movement (rallies, serves, sprints) with short recovery periods (between points, games, or sets). This rhythm trains two key energy systems:
Aerobic system – for stamina and fat metabolism
Anaerobic system – for speed, power, and fast recovery
It’s real-world fitness that doesn’t just benefit athletes—it’s ideal for anyone looking to stay healthy, active, and sharp well into later life.
Why It Works: The Power of Heart Rate Zones
Heart rate zone training divides exercise intensity into five zones, each defined as a percentage of your maximum heart rate (HR max). Training by zone allows you to target specific outcomes—whether it’s endurance, speed, fat burn, or recovery.
To estimate HR max:
Each zone corresponds to a specific energy system and physiological adaptation. In tennis, your heart rate naturally fluctuates across these zones—especially Zones 2 through 5.
Most players naturally cycle through multiple zones during a single session—building cardiovascular capacity, muscular endurance, and explosive performance without even thinking about it.
Tennis: A Fitness Prescription for Every Age
For young players: Builds agility, focus, discipline, and athletic foundations.
For adults: Keeps you lean, strong, and mentally resilient—without requiring hours in the gym.
For older adults: Boosts heart health, bone density, balance, and social connection. Few sports offer such high returns with such long-term playability.
In fact, studies show that regular tennis players tend to enjoy greater life expectancy than participants in many other physical activities—thanks to tennis’s start-stop rhythm, full-body engagement, and the mental stimulation it provides.
It’s Also a Mental Workout
Tennis isn’t just physical—it’s deeply cognitive. Every rally is a real-time puzzle, demanding:
Focus and memory
Split-second decision-making
Emotional control under pressure
Adaptability and resilience
These mental challenges build brain strength alongside physical conditioning, making tennis one of the most holistic health practices available.
And Don’t Forget the Social Side
Tennis is a community sport. Whether in singles or doubles, it encourages connection, shared effort, and friendly competition—qualities that enhance mental well-being and contribute to long-term participation.
Wrap-Up: Tennis Is Fitness for Life
You don’t have to train like a pro to reap pro-level benefits. By playing tennis regularly—with purpose and joy—you tap into a fitness system that trains your body, challenges your mind, and supports your well-being at every age.
Tennis isn’t just a sport—it’s your lifelong interval training partner.