Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (All Three)
I usually prefer to have all three balls in my possession prior to serving. At the same time, I also recognize that it isn’t safeRead More
Dropping the Ball
Last August, the Second Serve Podcast did a three-part “Stump the Ump” series with Rebel Good. The long-time USTA Umpire is the author of theRead More
1 responseTwo Balls, Side Pocket
Because I grew up playing tennis on the windswept plains of north Texas, I am loathe to play a point with a loose ball onRead More
Tanking and the Suspension Point System
I got called out after last weekend’s “Suspension Points Crime and Punishment” post by a knowledgeable person over my assertion that there is a gapRead More
USTA League At Level Roster Minimums
The final USTA League National Regulation update for 2024 has to do with team composition. Specifically, wording changes were made to the text that outlinesRead More
1 response40+ USTA League Adds a Line
Last weekend we examined a new USTA League National Regulation for 2024 that explicitly prohibits maintaining more than one identity with the organization. That sparkedRead More
1 responseSuspension Points Crime and Punishment
I abhor the widespread suspicion and vilification of NTRP self-rated players within USTA League culture. Even worse is the fact that this absolute bias leadsRead More
1 responseSuspension Point System for USTA League
The seedy underbelly of USTA League tennis is on full display within the organization’s Suspension Point System documentation. It is a genuine shame that suchRead More
Systems Thinking Between the Points
Tennis matches are typically won by the player who wins the most points. However, the intricacies in the scoring system sometimes result in a matchRead More
I Bet You Don’t Follow This Tennis Rule
This weekend, we have been focusing on the unwritten rules and etiquette about returning stray balls to neighboring courts. Today’s final topic is an aspectRead More
1 response