USTA Northern California, in partnership with Lair of the Bear, the Cal alumni camp in Pinecrest, wants you to join us in taking a trip back in time to the halcyon camp days of your past – but with one very important addition --
daily tennis instruction by former Cal women’s coach, Jan Brogan, one of the top college coaches in the nation. Jan will be joined by Wimbledon veteran, Helle Virage and Napa based teaching professional Bob Klyce. You will also be able to watch the US Open on the big screen.
Get your summer tennis game in gear now by planning to join us for the Lair of the Bear Sports Camp, September 6-13, 2009.
Due to the popularity of last year's camp, a second week of tennis has been added, affectionately called Club Lair, August 30 - September 6 with Meadowwood resort pros, Bob Klyce and Doug King. It is not necessary to be a Cal alum to participate in either week and USTA members will save almost 20% on their stay. During the week, players will participate in drills and clinics specifically designed for the recreational players.
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Jan Brogan |
Over the next few months, we’d like to give you a preview of some of Jan’s ideas for jumpstarting your tennis game now.
The Second of Jan's Tennis Tips:
Doubles Partners: Improve Your Mental Game
Take Advantage of the Time Between Points
My second tip is all about the routine between doubles partners which occurs once a point is over and lasts until the next point begins. There is more time between points than during points in every tennis match. Research has shown that top players use the time between the action, 25 seconds, to achieve the emotional balance and to stable physiology needed for optimal performance. Most mental/emotional breakdowns or breakthroughs occur between the actual point, game, or set. Dr Loehr outlines this routine is his groundbreaking work called the 16-second cure. I will briefly outline that work and then describe how to use it as a doubles team. I have named this “Running Doubles” after the Bryan Brothers. They are excellent role models performing the between point routine to perfection while exuding high, positive energy.
Commit to Your Own Between Point Routine
Step 1: Reaction Phase (3-5 seconds)
- Once the point is over the reaction phase begins. It is best to have a positive physical reaction after the point ends, either by pumping the fist, patting the leg or some other ritual you associate with high positive energy. Maintain strong, confident body language with good posture, walking with an energized gate, holding your racket up, and keeping your eyes on the racket or the court in front of you.
- Mentally what you say to yourself in your head or out loud is important. “Yes”, “Come on”, “Next one” are examples.
- Be disciplined especially when things are not going well. How you respond to a mistake is crucial to the outcome of a game, set or match. Many top players will occasionally respond with frustration or anger to release tension but then immediately do something, which energizes them like slapping their leg or saying “comes on”. All of this occurs within 3-5 seconds!
- Top players follow an “80-20” rule. 80% of the time the reaction is positive, strong, confident, or neutral. The other 20% is divided between celebration and fire up. The celebration can be a fist pump, a high five or the famous Bryan brother’s chest bump.
Running Doubles: Once the point is over, meet one another back at the baseline T or fence, high five or communicate about the last point. You might say, “Great shot” or “Next one”. Never criticize your partner on court, only build them up. The best doubles partners are able to get their partners to play well. Don’t be “TWO SHIPS PASSING”; connect with each other rather than simply changing sides.
Step 2: Recovery Phase (5-10 seconds)
- This is the relaxation stage. The purpose is to let the last point go, clear, breath or talk with your partner.
- You want to bring your pacing intensity down but stay energized by walking around together, jumping up and down etc. If the point required 100% intensity then the recovery phase should bring that down to between 60-75%.
Running Doubles: You and your partner will meet at or near the baseline. If one of you is picking up the ball near the fence, the other will walk to meet you. By walking together to pick up the ball, one partner will be walking to the other partner usually if you are at the net you will walk back to the baseline T or behind the baseline to connect. 5-10 seconds.
Step 3: Preparation phase (up to 10 seconds)
- In this phase you are getting ready for the point mentally and for the action to begin. When planning your next point, register the score, where to serve, and what kind of serve.
- If you are returning, commit to where you’ll return if you get a forehand or backhand and perhaps a simple “watch the ball”. Physically, you will be going into your serve routine or return routine as you approach the baseline or your routine at the net.
Running Doubles: When you meet around the baseline, this allows the server or receiver to have time to be within themselves focused for the point to begin. You separate after you have agreed on the next play or connected. The player who will be at net runs or walks energetically into position while the server or receiver is performing their routine.
Consistently connect between points and you will play better as a team. This doesn’t mean you have to talk all the time when you connect. You can stand next to one another looking at your rackets or looking at the court but it’s essential that you look each other in the eyes at some point before playing the next point begins. Communicate to each other either with a smile OR an assertive “Right here”.
Use the time between points well and you'll have a greater sense of control and a calm focused intensity. You’ll be a great doubles partner!