An engineer overthinks tennis in a daily journal.
The “lace on Gussie Moran’s panties” is a metaphorical expression that originated from tennis. It indicates that something is a distraction from more important issues of concern. Gussie’s famous panties are an indelible part of the history of Wimbledon and the All England Tennis Club. It is the perfect story to examine in the midst of the current fortnight.
This week’s book on how to play doubles in tennis is one that I forgot that I owned when this series was originally mapped out. Last weekend it came tumbling off the shelf at me when I was looking for another unrelated book. The sting of the book was experienced on multiple dimensions. In addition to literal physical impact, it brought on the realization that my anticipated break from the topic of tennis doubles had extended an additional week. I would also be remiss if I failed to mention that the double exclamation point at the end of the title offends my sensibilities.
There are specifications for ball durability codified in the ITF Rules of Tennis. The durability requirements are provided in an unnumbered table in Appendix I. There are conformance parameters for mass, rebound, forward deformation, and return deformation. The durability testing performed by the ITF uses laboratory equipment that simulates nine games of play.
The Cordless jump rope is one of my favorite training devices. It is a ridiculous concept on the surface. I would have loved to be in the room the first time the device was pitched to a sporting goods manufacturer. Basically a cordless jump rope consists of jump rope handles with weighted foam balls attached to a short rope. Essentially it is a jump rope without a rope.
Yesterday we examined how the USA Women’s Tennis Team is likely to shake out for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Today we are taking a look at the possible participants on the Men’s side. Selection of the rosters are expected to be announced by 5 July. Since the selection process is different from what is done in professional tennis tournaments, most tennis fans are not familiar how Olympic spots are determined in tennis.
The tennis players who will be selected to play in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics is expected to be announced by July 5. The protocols and procedures for Olympic qualification are significantly divergent from what is used in professional tennis tournaments. For one thing, the nationality of the players really matters. Additionally there are Olympic rules that are intended to create balanced international participation. For most tennis fans, the process is foreign and mysterious.
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Today I am wrapping up my final observations from a feedback letter I recently submitted to the USTA Adult Competition Committee (ACC). My letter was one of many from tennis advocates within the Senior Women’s Tennis Community. The conclusion of my letter shares that some of the recent innovations were likely sourced or justified from a belief that court capacity is an issue driving necessary change.
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I recently sent a lengthy email with feedback to the USTA Adult Competition Committee. (ACC) A lot of women in the Senior Tennis Community did the same thing because there is concern within that community that recent innovations in USTA tournament formats is exacerbating the participation problem for national senior women’s tennis. Today I am covering the final point from my message. It is related to a preliminary round robin format that was used earlier this year at the Senior National Hard Court Championships at La Jolla.
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One of the best books on the game of doubles in tennis was written by Stan Smith. Smith was an accomplished professional singles and doubles player. The “Stan Smith” model of tennis shoes is iconic. Smith’s partnership with Bob Lutz formed one of the greatest doubles teams of all time. It should come as no surprise that Smith’s is able to sharply enumerate the key factors for competing successfully in doubles.
Each Wednesday this site examines, dissects, and generally overthinks the rules of tennis. Currently we are examining the specifications for the different types of balls that are approved by the ITF for sanctioned competition. Last week I stumbled across an article on the USTA Colorado website that provided a tidbit of information that had eluded me in previous analysis. Pressureless tennis balls are recommended for play at high altitude. In fact, pressureless balls have previously been used by ATP tournaments played in Mexico City. I was astonished to learn that fact.