When the System Rewards Losing: The NBA Tanking Debate and Tennis’s NTRP Dilemma
This season, the NBA is facing one of the most visible examples of tanking in recent memory, with several teams effectively racing to the bottomRead More
The Difference Between Gaining an Edge and Crossing a Line
This weekend’s “Unplugged” theme is rule-breaking. But instead of looking only at tennis, we are going to approach the subject from a few unexpected angles.Read More
Althea Gibson Books: 4 Essential Reads on a Tennis Legend
There are certain figures in tennis history whose names mark a before-and-after. Althea Gibson is one of them. Before Gibson, the highest levels of AmericanRead More
99% Out Is 100% Good
Every Wednesday, this site delves into a rule or governing principle that shapes how tennis is actually played. We are currently in the midst ofRead More
Can a Balloon Help Your Reaction Time
Every Tuesday, this site examines a training or technology concept that shapes how tennis is played. This week’s inspiration is a YouTube short featuring Aryna Sabalenka performingRead More
Tennis Beyond the Headlines: February 16, 2026
A slow news week leaves us deep diving rankings rules, Serena Williams’ eligibility, Federer’s Hall of Fame sellout, Indian Wells updates, and an epic pickleballRead More
2 responsesGrievances as Data: Rethinking the USTA League Feedback Loop
In May of last year, shortly after the 2026 USTA National League Regulations were released, I wrote a post about how I am always disheartenedRead More
Post-Mortems, Process, and the Reluctance to Change
In the wake of failure, organizations often conduct post-mortems, after-action reviews, or hot washes. The terminology varies across domains, but the objective remains consistent. GatherRead More
What the Challenger Disaster Taught Me About Systems, Risk, and Tennis
In the publishing rhythm of this site, the topics for the “Unplugged” series of posts that run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are intentionally unconstrained.Read More
1 responseRevisiting Whirlwind: The Godfather of Black Tennis
When I first reviewed Whirlwind: The Godfather of Black Tennis in early 2022, my focus was squarely on the historical importance of Dr. Robert Walter Johnson and the extraordinaryRead More