10 and Under Rules Change

Earlier this month, the USTA adopted a fairly controversial new set of rules for 10 and under sanctioned competition. The rule change revolves around the use of the different Quickstart format balls and courts for sanctioned events in the 10 and under division. This hasn't exactly been the most well received decision the USTA has ever made. Here is a link to an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal detailing the change and some of the reaction to it:

Is Tennis Getting Too Soft? - Tom Perrotta

After I read this article, I thought there was a critical insight that wasn't well touched on. One of the biggest benefits to the use of the lower compression balls and reduced size courts is the idea of point construction. With so much of my job relating to this age division, I have gotten to see a fair amount of play first hand. One of the things that is lacking with the standard ball is the concept of how to construct a point. Kids are so focused on covering the entire full size court and hitting the ball that play lacks the development of strategy. By reducing the amount of court needing to be covered and slowing the ball down, it allows kids the opportunity to work on constructing shot patterns and utilizing strategy mid point. Perhaps if kids are coming off the court sore and tired in the new format, it's less about the balls and more about an issue with stroke mechanics and overhitting. The format also allows for the development of an all around game. Rather than just blasting the ball, kids are able to utilize drop shots, lobs, etc. It is also easier to come to net on a shorter court which leads to better development of vollies and net play.

Ultimately I understand some poeples' view that different isn't always better. But you know what, status quo isn't always better either. This format is still in the early stages of adoption when it comes to sanctioned play. Maybe, just like we encourage our kids to, we need to "play it out" before labeling it a bust or a success. I would love to hear feedback from you in the comments section if you have an opinion on the format change for 10 and under tennis.

Ooh Look.......A Poll!

Who doesn't love being part of a poll? I for one love to feel like my voice is being heard on relavent issues. Now I am aware we are in an election year, but let's focus on the larger issue. I of course am talking about the upcoming start of the Australian Open. I had almost convinced myself that the Djoker is healthy and would defend his 2011 title. However, now that I have seen the recent play and results of guys like Tsonga and Raonic, I am unsure. Since I am unsure, I will give all of you the chance to influence my opinion. Vote in the poll on the right side of the page for who you think will take the title!

Ps. If you haven't already, make sure you "like" the Idaho Tennis Association page on Facebook. Word on the street is that we are doing a drawing for a free league fee for the USTA Mixed League starting soon!

"I felt like an animal. I wanted to see how it tastes. It tastes good." - Novak Djokovic on why he ate a piece of the grass after winning Wimbledon. Good thing their lawns are gluten free!

TiE is coming!!!

Just an update on some of our upcoming Tennis is Elementary sessions. You should be able to register your kids through our website, http://www.idtennis.com/, for upcoming sessions at Sunny Ridge ( Nampa), Monroe (Boise), and Star Elementary by the end of the week. If you want us to bring TiE to your child's school, leave me a comment or drop me an email and let me know!

Welcome to 2012!

So long 2011, 2012 is here! Oddly, 2012 tennis looks an awful lot like 2011 so far. I saw Novak Djokovic dismantle Federer and Ferrer in the Abu Dhabi tune up tournament this weekend. I was glad to see him looking like he was over the shoulder issues from the end of last season. It should be an interesting Australian Open in a couple of weeks. Anyway, the tennis Santa was very nice to me over the holidays and I got all sorts of good stuff (all very job related I assure you...) What kinds of tennis gifts did all of you get? And what kinds of tennis resolutions have you made for 2012?

"The depressing thing about tennis is that no matter how good I get, I'll never be as good as a wall." 
             -Mitch Hedberg