Drama and Glory: Highlights from the 2024 Manly Seaside Championships

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The intensity, athleticism, and drama of finals tennis were on full display at the 2024 Manly Seaside Championships!

By New Year’s Eve afternoon, champions were crowned in the premier events, delivering thrilling performances across all categories.

Finals Results:

  • Men’s Singles: Connor defeated Roger 7-6(5), 6-4.
  • Women’s Singles: Linda edged Ellen in a nail-biting 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 battle.
  • Men’s Doubles: Jay and Jordan triumphed over Lachlan and Andre, 6-3, 6-2.
  • Women’s Doubles: Sienna and Sarah claimed victory over Ruby and Jenna, 6-3, 6-3.
  • Mixed Doubles: Ellen and Andrew overcame Sienna and Takek, 7-6, 6-1.

Congratulations to all the players for their extraordinary efforts, and kudos to the club for organizing a stellar event. Even the weather cooperated, allowing tennis to shine as the ultimate winner. Special appreciation goes to the club’s volunteers, easily identifiable in their stylish t-shirts, for their seamless coordination. A big thank-you to Shelley for capturing and sharing event highlights and photos on the club’s Facebook page.

It was a privilege to witness most of the finals, and the large crowd certainly enjoyed the exceptional level of tennis on display.

Highlights from the Finals Matches:

Women’s Singles Final

Arguably the match of the tournament, the Women’s Singles final saw both players battling intensely in the deciding set, each with a legitimate shot at victory. Linda, a wildcard entry armed with powerful groundstrokes, displayed remarkable composure under pressure to edge past Ellen. Notably, Ellen later redeemed herself with a title win in the Mixed Doubles event.

Men’s Singles Final

The Men’s Singles final was a thrilling clash of athleticism and baseline power. Roger’s elegant one-handed backhand—a display Federer would undoubtedly admire—was pitted against Connor’s consistent two-hander. The first set was a high-stakes battle that culminated in a tiebreak, where Connor’s strategic forays to the net proved decisive. The second set revealed signs of fatigue in Roger after a week of intense competition. Sensing the opportunity, Connor applied relentless pressure, finally breaking serve in the 10th game to seal the match. As an unseeded entrant, Connor showcased exceptional resilience and tactical precision throughout the week, securing a well-deserved victory.

Men’s Doubles Final

The experienced duo of Jay and Jordan showcased their mastery in doubles strategy, outmaneuvering the younger pair of Lachlan and Andre. Despite Lachlan’s reliable serve, its lack of variety allowed Jay to repeatedly target Andre, who struggled to anticipate and handle shots at the net. The seasoned pair capitalized with classic doubles tactics, dominating at the net and securing a straight-sets victory.

Women’s Doubles Final

Sarah and Sienna’s dominance at the net proved insurmountable for Ruby and Jenna. Their cohesive teamwork and superior court coverage earned them a well-deserved title. Sarah, more aptly nicknamed the “Iron Maiden,” displayed remarkable stamina over a week of matches, although her commitment to her partner in the A grade Mixed Doubles may have hindered her performance in the Women’s Singles semifinal. She lost a close three set match to Linda when she tired in the third set..

Mixed Doubles Final

The Mixed Doubles final concluded with Ellen and local hero, Andrew, demonstrating outstanding synergy to defeat Sienna and Takek. Ellen’s adaptability across multiple events was particularly impressive as she capped her tournament with a well-earned title.

The 2024 Manly Seaside Championships embodied the spirit of tennis—camaraderie, competition, and excellence. Tennis emerged as the true winner of this annual event. Here’s to another year of spectacular matches and unforgettable moments!

Click here for All Event Finals Results

Building Lifelong Habits: Lessons from the Seaside Championships

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Watching the Seaside Championships this week was a fascinating mix of highs and lows—moments of brilliant play, moments of faltering performance, and, unfortunately, moments of bad behavior that crumbled under the pressure of match play.
These observations serve as a powerful reminder: every action on the court contributes to shaping lifelong habits, for better or worse. When players fail to recognize this, they risk reinforcing patterns that can hinder their development. This lack of awareness may explain why many talented juniors, despite their potential, leave the sport by their late teens. Understanding and managing these habits is essential not just for achieving success in tennis but also for fostering a lifelong passion for the game.
In tennis, as in life, much of what we do is automatic and habitual. Research shows that 40-50% of our behavior is governed by habits—take a moment to let that sink in. Half of what we do happens on autopilot, meaning it’s easy to reinforce bad habits without even realizing it.
From how we approach a serve to how we react to a fast volley or handle high-pressure moments, these ingrained patterns often dictate performance more than raw talent. The key to improvement lies in consciously forming habits that align with our goals. Small, deliberate adjustments—whether in technique, strategy, or mindset—can elevate performance in profound ways. Match play, which is often said to be 90% mental, underscores the importance of incorporating these habits into both practice and competition. By doing so, players can lay the foundation for long-term success and peak performance.
One of the most effective ways to manage and reshape habits is through rituals. Rituals are intentional, structured actions that interrupt automatic behaviors and redirect them toward productive outcomes.
In tennis, rituals can help players regulate emotions, maintain focus, and reinforce positive patterns. For instance, a pre-serve routine—like bouncing the ball a set number of times or taking a deep breath—anchors the mind, reducing anxiety and promoting consistency. Similarly, a post-point ritual, such as adjusting strings or using a towel, creates a mental reset, breaking cycles of frustration and preparing players for the next point. These rituals act as behavioral cues, training players to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. Over time, they help build habits that enhance performance, resilience, and enjoyment on the court.
The lessons from the Seaside Championships are clear: your habits today define your success tomorrow. By understanding the power of rituals and consciously shaping your patterns, you can develop not only a stronger game but also a deeper connection to the sport.

Joao Fonseca Wins the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals

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Joao Fonseca, an 18-year-old Brazilian tennis prodigy, claimed his first ATP title by winning the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah. Fonseca defeated Learner Tien with a scoreline of 2-4, 4-3(8), 4-0, 4-2 in the final. The world No. 145, youngest in the tournament field, became the second-youngest winner of the event after Jannik Sinner in 2019. This milestone makes him the first Brazilian and the lowest-ranked player to win the title in the tournament’s history.
Fonseca overcame a slow start in the final but displayed composure, rallying back with a flawless finish, including an emphatic third set victory. Notable for his diverse court prowess, Fonseca also impressed on hard courts, countering perceptions of him as a clay-court specialist.
With Rafael Nadal in attendance, Fonseca reflected on the honor of joining a prestigious list of past winners, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and expressed aspirations to emulate their success. His breakout year, highlighted by this triumph, signals a promising career ahead as he aims for further success in 2025 and beyond.

How Much Ibuprofen Is Too Much?

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Ibuprofen, commonly marketed as Advil, Motrin, or Nuprin, is widely recognized for its effectiveness in relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and lowering fever. While it is a valuable tool for managing discomfort, especially among tennis players dealing with minor injuries, it is crucial to use it responsibly.

Dosage Guidelines:

Recommended OTC Limit: Adults should take 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 1,200 mg (6 pills) in 24 hours.
Prescription Use: Doctors may prescribe up to 3,200 mg/day short-term for conditions like injuries or post-surgery inflammation.
Key Advice: Without a doctor’s guidance, stick to the 1,200 mg daily limit.

When to Be Cautious:  Conditions to Watch For:

Kidney disease, liver issues, high blood pressure, heart failure, stomach ulcers, or pregnancy (after 20 weeks).
Medication Interactions: Diuretics, anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and some cold medicines may increase risks.
Long-Term Use Risks: Stomach ulcers, kidney strain, heart risks, and rebound headaches.

Tips for Safe Use:

Take ibuprofen with food to reduce stomach irritation.
Avoid doubling up on ibuprofen through combination products like cold medicines.
Use the minimum dose for the shortest duration (no more than 1-2 weeks without consulting a doctor).

Signs to See a Doctor:

Pain persists for more than two weeks.
You rely on ibuprofen regularly or at high doses.
Proper use of ibuprofen can relieve pain effectively, but monitoring your intake and understanding risks is essential for safety.
Source: NYTimes

Aging Well: Embrace the Exercises You Love to Hate

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Revisiting Disliked Exercises

The Psychological Importance of Challenging Exercises

  • Many individuals avoid exercises they dislike, but overcoming such challenges can be a boost to confidence and mental resilience.
  • Studies suggest trying new, challenging activities outside one’s comfort zone, including disliked exercises, can improve life satisfaction.

Modifying Exercises for Comfort and Effectiveness

Experts emphasize that most exercises can be modified to suit individual capabilities while still offering benefits:
  1. Planks
    • Importance: Builds core strength crucial for posture and stability.
    • Adjustments: Perform on knees or elevate the upper body using a chair, table, or wall.
  2. Jumping Exercises
    • Importance: Improves balance, coordination, and reaction time.
    • Adjustments: Begin with low-impact variations like stepping jacks or box step-ups.
  3. Squats
    • Importance: Fundamental for mobility and independence, aiding in movements like sitting and standing.
    • Adjustments: Start with bench-assisted squats or single-leg variations to gradually build strength and balance.
  4. Deadlifts
    • Importance: Strengthens hamstrings and glutes, alleviating back stress.
    • Adjustments: Begin with light dumbbells, focus on hip mobility, and practice the hip hinge motion.
  5. Burpees
    • Importance: A full-body exercise that improves endurance and strength.
    • Adjustments: Simplify by stepping instead of jumping, skipping the push-up, or slowing down the pace.

Key Takeaways

  • Skipping disliked exercises entirely might limit fitness gains, but adapting them ensures progress without discomfort.
  • The goal is to build confidence, improve technique, and enjoy long-term physical benefits.
Source: SMH 24Dec24

How to Enjoy Living as You Age

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1. Physical Fitness

  • Why it matters: Staying active helps maintain mobility, strength, and cardiovascular health, enabling you to enjoy activities like dancing, hiking, and playing with grand kids.
  • Key actions:
    • Incorporate both aerobic and strength-based exercises.
    • Mix activities for endurance, speed, and balance.
    • Counteract natural declines in cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle mass.

2. Healthy Eating

  • Why it matters: Aging alters nutrient needs, making a balanced diet essential for preventing issues like sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and anemia.
  • Key actions:
    • Increase protein intake by 25% from your 50s.
    • Focus on calcium, vitamin D, and B12 for bone health and energy.
    • Chew food thoroughly to enhance nutrient absorption and digestion.
    • Visit the dentist regularly to maintain dental health.

3. Skincare

  • Why it matters: Skin health affects both external appearance and internal wellness, influencing inflammation and overall health.
  • Key actions:
    • Use moisturizers with niacinamide (daytime) and retinol (nighttime).
    • Add vitamin C serums and sunscreen (SPF50) for protection and rejuvenation.
    • Explore treatments like marine collagen supplements or cosmetic therapies for enhanced aesthetics.
    • Support skin health with good gut health, quality sleep, and resistance training.

4. Brain Health

  • Why it matters: Cognitive functions like memory and decision-making can improve with care, while risks like dementia can be mitigated through lifestyle.
  • Key actions:
    • Engage in aerobic exercise to maintain and even grow brain volume.
    • Manage high blood pressure with regular exercise, a plant-based diet, and reduced salt/alcohol intake.
    • Stay mentally active by nurturing relationships and learning new skills.

The Takeaway

Aging well is achievable through consistent effort in fitness, nutrition, skincare, and brain health. Embrace a holistic, proactive approach to maintain vitality and enjoy the benefits of deeper relationships, greater acceptance, and improved quality of life as you age.
Source: SMH 24Dev24

Key to Consistent Serves: Your Pre-Serve Ritual

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Your pre-serve ritual plays a vital role in preparing you mentally and physically for an accurate and effective serve.
Here’s an in-depth explanation of the key aspects of a pre-serve ritual

1. Bounces Before the Serve

The number of bounces you take before serving is highly individual. While some professional players bounce the ball only a few times (e.g., Novak Djokovic often bounces the ball numerous times), others keep it minimal. The focus should be on establishing a rhythm. Typically, 3 to 7 bounces suffice to calm your nerves, engage focus, and prepare for the motion.

2. Duration in Ready Position

The time spent in your ready position depends on your personal rhythm. However, holding this position for about 2-4 seconds allows you to focus on your serve’s direction and goal without overthinking. Freezing the time in ready position will lead to tension, while rushing can cause errors due to insufficient mental preparation.

3. Quicker vs. Slower Loading Phase

The pace of your loading phase (the transition from preparation to starting the serve motion) depends on your style. Quicker loading phases might suit servers with explosive serves and fast tempos, while slower phases can benefit those relying on precision and fluidity. Striking the balance between tension and relaxation is crucial; an overly quick load may lead to errors, while a sluggish load might reduce momentum.

4. Detailed Pre-Serve Routine Elements

  • Grip Check: Ensure your grip is correct before starting your routine.
  • Ball Toss Practice: Visualize the toss height and placement.
  • Focus Point: Pick a target to serve at (e.g., the backhand side or a specific angle).
  • Breathing: Deep, controlled breaths can help calm nerves and increase focus.

5. Practical Tips

  • Balance: Maintain a steady base and proper weight distribution before initiating the toss. Exercises like those shown in our agility and balance drills can improve stability.
  • Consistency: Establish a ritual that you repeat identically each time, as consistency helps with focus under pressure.
This structured approach ensures you are both mentally and physically prepared to execute your serve with precision.
Incorporate these elements into practice, adapting them to your personal style, to enhance confidence and accuracy in your service game.

Top Culprit Behind Losing Your Rhythm—and How to Fix It

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Losing your rhythm on the tennis court can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re playing well but find yourself unable to maintain consistent play. Whether it’s in the middle of a ground stroke rally, during a serve, or while at the net, rhythm is essential for transferring your body weight into the shot and making sure your movements are smooth and controlled. Understanding why you lose your rhythm and how to fix it can significantly improve your game.

The Primary Culprit? Loss of Rhythm

When you lose your rhythm, it impacts your entire game. The body doesn’t move in sync, weight transfer is compromised, and the shot execution becomes inconsistent. The causes of rhythm loss are varied, but some of the most common ones include:

  • Hesitation in Movement: Pausing or overthinking during the shot preparation can break your flow, leading to mistimed shots and a lack of consistency.
  • Too Fast or Too Slow Swing Speed: Swinging the racket too quickly or too slowly without proper adjustment can throw off your timing, making it hard to connect with the ball cleanly.
  • Lack of Fluidity in Weight Transfer: If you fail to transfer your body weight effectively into the shot, you will lose the momentum required to generate power and control.
  • Inconsistent Racket Head Speed: A sudden increase or decrease in racket speed during a shot disrupts your rhythm and can lead to mistakes, especially on volleys or groundstrokes.
  • Ball Speed and Timing: Adjusting to the speed and bounce of the ball requires precision and focus. When the ball comes too fast or too slow, your timing may be thrown off, making it harder to find your rhythm.

Why Does This Happen?

Several factors can contribute to the loss of rhythm:

  1. Swinging with Only the Arm: Players who rely solely on their arm rather than incorporating their body into the shot will often lose rhythm. Tennis is a full-body sport, and the racket must move in harmony with your body’s rotation and weight transfer.
  2. Inconsistent Racket Head Speed: Maintaining a smooth, even racket speed during the stroke ensures that your timing and coordination are spot on. Sudden changes in racket head speed can leave you feeling out of sync and cause mishits or rushed shots.
  3. External Distractions or Tension: Stress or tension can lead to hesitation, while external distractions like crowd noise or weather conditions can break your rhythm. Mental distractions often make players overthink or rush their shots, leading to a loss of fluidity in their game.
  4. Failure to Prepare Early: The ball’s speed (whether fast or slow) impacts your ability to generate rhythm. Faster balls tend to feel more natural, while slower balls require more precise timing and early preparation. Prepare early to be able to adjust to the speed of the ball.

How to Fix It?

Getting back into a good rhythm isn’t difficult, but it requires focus, practice, and understanding how to synchronize your body movements and shot technique. Here’s how to fix it:

  1. Relax and Stay Fluid in Your Movements:
    • Smooth and Even Swing: For ground strokes, use a smooth, one-speed swing. Try not to force the shot by swinging too hard or too fast. The key is consistent, fluid motion. For serves, consider a two-speed swing to add variation and control.
    • Focus on Your Body, Not Just Your Arm: Avoid relying only on your arm to generate power. Instead, focus on incorporating your legs, hips, and torso into the stroke. This coordinated movement will help restore your rhythm and balance.
  2. Adjust to the Ball Speed:
    • Fast Balls: Faster balls naturally offer you less time to prepare, but they’re easier to time. Stay focused on the ball and aim for smooth, controlled shots.
    • Slow Balls: Slower balls require early preparation and a more precise swing. Make sure you adjust your footwork, set your racket early, and focus on clean contact with the ball.
  3. Maintain Consistent Racket Head Speed:
    • Smooth Acceleration: Focus on a steady racket head speed throughout your shot. For volleys, increase your racket speed slightly to catch the ball cleanly. For ground strokes, aim for a consistent speed that matches the tempo of your footwork and body rotation.
    • Avoid Jerky Movements: Sudden movements can disrupt your rhythm. Work on keeping your swings fluid and relaxed, allowing the racket to follow through naturally with each shot.
  4. Mental Focus:
    • Stay Calm and Relaxed: Tension is a major disruptor of rhythm. Try to stay relaxed and focus on the task at hand. If you feel yourself getting tight, take a deep breath and reset your focus and make sure you have “happy feet”.
    • Focus on the Process, Not the Result: Rather than worrying about winning the point or the match, focus on the process of executing each shot with rhythm. The more you concentrate on your technique and body movement, the more naturally the rhythm will come back.
  5. Practice with Purpose:
    • Rhythm Drills: Incorporate rhythm-focused drills into your practice sessions. For example, do shadow swings without hitting the ball to focus on your body movement and timing. Or practice rallying with a partner, ensuring that both of you keep a consistent rhythm.
    • Serve with Rhythm: When practicing serves, focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm with both your toss and swing. A smooth rhythm is crucial for a reliable serve, so incorporate this consistency into your practice.
  6. Adjust Your Timing Based on Court and Ball Conditions:
    • Adapt to Conditions: Different court surfaces, ball types, and weather conditions affect the ball’s bounce and speed. Make adjustments in your timing to accommodate these factors, whether the ball is bouncing higher or slower than usual.

Build Confidence and Consistency

Rhythm is a skill that takes time to develop, but once you have it, your game will feel more natural and fluid. The key to finding and maintaining rhythm is a combination of smooth, controlled movements, mental focus, and body awareness. By practicing these techniques and staying mindful of how you move, you can restore your rhythm and perform consistently under pressure.

When you’re in rhythm, you’ll notice your shots feel more effortless, your movement is more efficient, and your confidence on the court improves. Trust the process, and with time, your rhythm will become second nature—leading to a more powerful and consistent game.

Joao Fonseca: Rising Tennis Star

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Joao Fonseca, an 18-year-old tennis prodigy from Brazil, is gaining recognition for his talent and adaptability, but struggles with homesickness. At 6’1″, Fonseca possesses an ideal build and a powerful 140 mph serve, reminiscent of top players like Jannik Sinner. He grew up idolizing Roger Federer, securing sponsorship with On, Federer’s endorsed brand, at 16. Fonseca is the youngest to qualify for the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, reflecting his rapid rise in professional tennis.
Despite his clay-court background in Brazil, Fonseca aims to excel on all surfaces, aspiring to triumph at Wimbledon. His coach highlights his ability to perform under pressure and adapt during matches, such as tactically altering rallies against rivals. Homesickness remains a challenge, requiring regular visits home between tournaments. Fonseca’s disciplined training regimen and mental strategies are shaping him into a versatile player capable of contending with the world’s best.
Source: New York Times 19Dec24

Bede Shines at State Masters Final!

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A huge congrats to MLTC member Bede K who placed runner up in the final of the U16 NSW and ACT State Masters Invitational Event 💪🏆

Bede was selected as one of the top 16 players across the State for this epic showdown based on his tournament results over the year.

The event was played at Penrith over the past 4 days in the scorching 35 degree heat, and Bede dug deep to win his first 4 matches, with 2 of them clocking over 3 hours on court!

Bede would like to thank his coach and mentor Rob Muir, and the Tuesday/Thursday ‘old guys’ crew for sharing their craft and good humour. Def helped!

 

 

Source: MLTC Facebook

Top Culprit Behind Losing Your Balance—and How to Fix It

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Losing your balance in tennis is a surefire way to derail your shots and your confidence on the court. Whether it’s during a ground stroke, serve, or volley, poor balance is one of the key elements that can negatively affect your game. The good news? By understanding why it happens and how to fix it, you can get back to hitting solid, controlled shots with confidence.

The Primary Culprit? Poor Balance

When your balance is off, it’s almost impossible to execute shots with proper power, precision, and fluidity. The primary causes of losing balance during play include:

  • Improper Stance: Not positioning your body correctly before or during a shot can easily cause you to lose stability.
  • Rushed Footwork: In a fast-paced rally, rushing your movement without considering your foot placement often leads to off-balance shots.
  • Inadequate Weight Transfer: If you fail to transfer your weight correctly during your strokes, you will struggle to maintain balance and hit effective shots.
  • Overreaching: Trying to hit the ball while extending too far from your body can cause you to lose your center of gravity and leave you unbalanced.
  • Muscle Fatigue: As your muscles tire during long rallies, it becomes harder to maintain good posture and a strong base, affecting your balance.

Why Does This Happen?

There are several factors contributing to poor balance:

  1. Improper Ready Position: Players often forget that balance starts with the foundation—the ready position. If you’re not balanced when the point begins, your body will have to compensate during the shot, resulting in inconsistency and poor control.
  2. Lack of Weight Transfer: Whether you’re serving or hitting groundstrokes, transferring your weight properly is crucial. Shifting your body weight from the back foot to the front during a shot maximizes power and helps you stay balanced. Failure to do this leaves you too static and can lead to weak, off-target shots.
  3. Muscle Tightness and Fatigue: Muscles can tense up in response to pressure or fatigue, leading to a lack of fluid movement and poor body coordination. This often results in losing your balance, especially during fast-paced exchanges.
  4. Rushed Movement: If you’re not careful about your footwork and rush to make a shot, your body can become misaligned. Quick, reactive movements without proper preparation can lead to off-balance shots.

How to Fix It?

Achieving and maintaining balance in tennis is a skill that requires conscious effort, proper technique, and mindfulness. By improving your balance, you’ll be able to execute more controlled and powerful shots. Here’s how to fix it:

  1. Perfect Your Ready Position:
    • Balanced Stance: Start with your racket held comfortably across your body, feet shoulder-width apart, and weight evenly distributed. This will set the foundation for all your movements.
    • Lower Your Center of Gravity: Lowering your stance slightly, with knees bent, helps you stay light on your feet and allows for better movement in any direction.
  2. Focus on Footwork:
    • Move the Racket First: When preparing to hit the ball, ensure that you move the racket before your feet. This helps you get the racket in position early, especially when returning big serves, and gives your feet time to adjust.
    • Quick and Controlled Steps: Take small, quick steps to position yourself correctly. The more controlled your movement, the less likely you are to get off-balance.
  3. Transfer Your Weight Effectively:
    • From Back to Front: During your ground strokes and serve, shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you strike the ball. This weight transfer gives you more power and helps you maintain your balance.
    • Weight Shift During Serve: On your serve, start with your weight on your back foot. As you toss the ball, transfer your weight forward into the shot to generate maximum power and maintain control.
  4. Stay Relaxed and Fluid:
    • Loosen Your Muscles: Tension is one of the biggest enemies of balance. Stay relaxed in your upper body, especially your arms and shoulders, and focus on smooth, fluid movements.
    • Mind Your Head and Eyes: Keep your head steady and your eyes focused on the ball. A steady head helps maintain your balance and keeps your movements synchronized with your shot.
  5. Practice Balance Drills:
    • Single-Leg Balance Drill: Practice standing on one leg while holding your racket in the ready position. This helps you develop strength and stability in your legs, improving your balance.
    • Shadow Swings: Practice hitting shadow strokes with an emphasis on maintaining good posture and balanced weight distribution. Doing this will help your body learn the correct positioning and weight transfer before hitting the ball.
  6. Condition Your Body for Endurance:
    • Core Strength and Flexibility: Building core strength is essential for maintaining balance. Exercises like planks and rotational movements can improve your stability and control during rallies.
    • Leg Strength: Strong legs are essential for staying balanced during dynamic movements. Include squats, lunges, and agility drills in your training to develop your lower body strength.

Build Confidence in Your Balance

Balance is the foundation for every shot in tennis, and once you master it, you’ll find that your game becomes more fluid, consistent, and powerful. The key is practice and awareness—be conscious of your positioning, weight transfer, and overall stability during every point. As you refine your balance, you’ll be able to move more efficiently, stay in control, and execute your shots with greater precision.

By focusing on these techniques—proper stance, weight transfer, relaxed movement, and core strength—you’ll not only fix your balance issues but elevate your overall game. The next time you find yourself off-balance, remember to return to the fundamentals and rebuild that stable base that will allow you to perform at your best.

Stay Cool, Play Smart: Surviving the Summer Heat

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Understanding Heat Risks

– Prolonged sun exposure can cause:
  – Dehydration
  – Heat exhaustion
  – Sunburn
  – Decreased performance
  – Potential heat stroke

Hydration Strategies

– Drink water before, during, and after play
– Consume electrolyte drinks to replace lost minerals
– Aim for 250-500ml of fluid per hour of play
– Avoid caffeine and alcohol before matches

Sun Protection Essentials

– Use high SPF sunscreen (50+ recommended)
– Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
– Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts
– Choose light-colored, breathable clothing
– Wear a wide-brimmed hat
– Use UV-protective sunglasses

Heat Management Techniques

– Schedule play during cooler parts of day
– Take frequent shade breaks
– Use cooling towels or neck wraps
– Wear moisture-wicking clothing
– Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure

Physical Preparation

– Acclimatize to heat gradually
– Reduce intensity during hottest periods
– Listen to your body
– Know the signs of heat-related illness

Emergency Warning Signs

– Dizziness
– Headache
– Nausea
– Extreme fatigue
– Muscle cramps
– Confusion

When to Stop Playing

– If experiencing any heat illness symptoms
– When body feels overheated
– If feeling weak or disoriented

Additional Tips

– Carry a personal cooling kit
– Use portable fans
– Keep extra water and electrolyte drinks
– Have a buddy system to monitor each other

Remember: Your health is more important than the match!

Finally, another helpful resource developed by the International Tennis Federation is set out below.
… 
Please excuse any typos as this was sent from my iPhone

2024 Premier 20k KIA North Shore Open

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Tournament name2024 Premier 10k North Shore Open
Tournament start date18/12/2024
Tournament end date22/12/2024
Closing deadline4/12/2024 11:59:00 PM
Withdrawal date11/12/2024 12:00:00 AM
Draw release15/12/2024 5:00 PM
Tournament Director

Northern Suburbs Tennis Association
0416 000 507
[email protected]
Venue

Talus Street, 18 Talus Street, Naremburn

2024 NSW State Masters

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Tournament information

Tournament name2024 NSW & ACT State Masters
Tournament start date13/12/2024
Tournament end date17/12/2024

Top Culprit Behind Poor Volleys—and How to Fix It

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Volleys are an essential part of tennis, but they can be intimidating, especially when you’re positioned close to the net, with the possibility of getting hit by a fast-moving ball. Understanding the causes of poor volleys and how to address them can help you build confidence and improve your net game.

The Primary Culprits? Fear and Poor Head Positioning

One of the most common reasons for poor volleys is a natural fear of being hit by a fast ball, particularly in the head. This fear can trigger a knee-jerk response where players turn their head away from the incoming ball, which leads to disastrous results. Here’s why this happens:

  • Fear of Getting Hit: When players are close to the net, they often instinctively turn their heads away from the ball to avoid being hit, particularly in the face. This leads to poor shot execution because the eyes are no longer tracking the ball, and the body’s positioning becomes misaligned.
  • Lack of Focus: Turning your head also causes a loss of focus on the ball, making it harder to gauge its trajectory and speed. Volleys require precision, and without focus, it’s difficult to make clean contact.
  • Disrupted Rhythm: Moving the head can disrupt the player’s rhythm, throwing off timing and balance. This makes it harder to react quickly to subsequent shots.

Why Does This Happen?

The fear of being hit is an instinctive reaction, but there are a few key factors that contribute to poor volleys:

  1. Turning the Head: Turning your head to avoid the ball causes a loss of visual contact with it. As a result, players miss their timing and struggle to react properly to the ball.
  2. Poor Racket Position: In addition to head movement, incorrect racket positioning can throw off your balance and shot execution. If you’re not keeping the racket in the right spot, it can result in weak or missed volleys.
  3. Inconsistent Footwork: Poor footwork or hesitation in movement can cause you to be off-balance, further complicating the volley. Proper footwork is critical for getting into the right position and executing a clean shot.
  4. Nervousness or Anxiety: The close proximity to the net and fast-paced nature of volleys can make some players nervous. This anxiety can manifest as rushed or tense movements, which interfere with technique and timing.

How to Fix It?

To improve your volleys, the first step is overcoming the fear of being hit and refining your head and body positioning. Here’s how to fix it:

  1. Keep Your Eyes on the Ball:
    • Don’t Turn Your Head: Instead of turning your head away from the ball, rotate your shoulders to face it. Keeping the ball in front of you will help you maintain visual contact and make a clean strike.
    • Track the Ball: As the ball moves toward you, shift your focus from parallel vision to triangular vision. This means keeping your eyes on the ball as it moves closer and adjusting your body to keep the ball in your field of vision.
  2. Position Your Racket Correctly:
    • Racket in Front: Ensure that your racket is always positioned in front of you, comfortably across your body, not straight in front or too low. This makes it easier to react quickly and meet the ball cleanly.
    • Use the “Ready Position”: Before making the volley, make sure your racket is in the proper ready position. Keep it high and in line with your body, with your hands and racket facing forward for quick reactions.
  3. Develop Smooth and Quick Footwork:
    • Small, Quick Steps: Good footwork is essential for getting into the proper position. Take small, quick steps to adjust to the ball and maintain balance. Ensure you are set before making the shot.
    • Stay Light on Your Feet: The closer you are to the net, the faster the ball will come at you. Being light on your feet allows you to move quickly and adjust your position as needed.
  4. Stay Relaxed and Confident:
    • Overcome Nervousness: Volleys often trigger nervousness because of the proximity to the net and the speed of the ball. Stay calm and focused. Trust in your training and rely on your preparation to make the shot.
    • Avoid Rushing: Don’t rush the shot. Let your footwork guide you into the right position, and take your time to execute the shot. Remember, volleys are about precision, not power.
  5. Practice with Purpose:
    • Volley Drills: Practice volleys by focusing on technique rather than speed. Use wall drills, target drills, or partner drills to practice keeping the ball in front of you and executing clean volleys.
    • Use Shadowing: Shadow volleying without the ball can help you focus on shoulder rotation and racket positioning. This helps your body learn the movements without the pressure of the ball.

Build Confidence to Overcome the Fear

Fear of being hit is a natural response, but it’s essential to overcome it to improve your volleys. By keeping your head still, positioning your racket correctly, and focusing on your footwork, you’ll be able to execute more consistent and controlled volleys. Practicing these skills will help you develop the muscle memory needed to handle fast balls at the net with confidence.

By mastering these basics—tracking the ball, proper racket positioning, quick footwork, and relaxation—you’ll overcome your fear and significantly improve your volley game. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself dominating at the net, making those crucial points and feeling more comfortable in the process. Let your volleys become a strength, not a weakness!