Video Blog: Hardcourt Champs

Front page of the Sports in Tylers Saturday paper
10/20/12
 

Hello!  Set up the cam to share some thoughts about the tennis tournament last month.  Cool experience and so grateful for support from sweet friends who came out to watch and encourage me.  Thanks to Sherif for being there and getting all those awesome money shots!  Most of all to my sweet mama who is always there to listen to me and believe in me. 



Summer Tennis movie!

I SO love teaching the little ones how to play tennis.  Check out how awesome they are...

Tennis 101: Split Step

The split step is footwork.  The younger guys are so funny because they often like to tell me if the ball was too high, too low, or too far.  They are shocked when they realize they have to move their bodies to where the ball is.  Move your feet, any decent tennis coach will tell you that!
Tennis players use a split step as a move that transitions them from one shot to another.  It's a little hop type movement that is done in a ready position.  It's not necessary to really jump.  The purpose is to get you on the balls of your feet ready to move in any direction.  Much more effective than standing on your heels.  When the ball hits your opponents racquet you split step and then move whatever direction to get set up for a forehand, backhand, or rush the net.  Split Steps are used between volleys as well.  The key is to time it well.  Too early and you won't know what direction to anticipate the opponents shot.  This will help keep your eye on the ball too.  I see too many benefits, its worth taking note.  Younger players will probably not pick it up as quickly but the idea should at least be introduced. 
It becomes natural and you will notice the pros do it all the time.  It's important and easily overlooked when beginning.  This move will keep you on your toes.

Take a look at Nadal and Djokovic...see if you can notice their split step..

Here Maddie and Lauren have created their own ready dance.  I see a strong doubles team in the making.  The split step happened and they didn't even try..

Here is Cameron learning how to incorporate this move inbetween shots...

well..trying to video, toss balls, and not get hit is probably not the the best idea.  When I get hit they tell me to work on my duck and cover...

okay off the subject of split step for a quick second.  two moments of cuteness i had to pause and thank God for kids..

1.  when i told cameron to head to the add side of the court he asked me "whats the other side called, subtract?"  I love that!

2.  i was explaining to emily that you get two chances to serve and get it in.  if you miss the first you get a second.  she goes "oh, like packman.  you get two lives".  she is right!  just like packman :)

Cuteness on the Court!!

 "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew18:2-4

These kids make teaching tennis so much fun!  They make me laugh even when temps have been over 100 ev day this summer!!  We are ready for some cooler weather :)