Fiend At Court

Six Weeks to a Better Level of Tennis: Week 5

On June 28, 2020 By Teresa Merklin

I am in the middle of a six week structured improvement program inspired by one of Dennis Ralston’s books, Six Weeks to a Better Level of Tennis. During this time, I am publishing a status update on the effort every Sunday. This week as I reviewed the inventory of all the training activities that I had devised for myself as a part of this project, I came to the realization that I had not touched on the creation and practice of match routines that would directly lead into better footwork patterns.

NTRP Horror Story: When the Carrot becomes a Stick

On June 27, 2020 By Teresa Merklin

Growing the Game

The word “grievance” appears 196 times in the 2020 USTA league regulations. I feel like that is a reflection that something has gone sideways with league tennis. Today I am sharing a league match horror story. I think the events described in this account were precipitated by issues with the NTRP system.

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The USTA League National Championship Carrot

On June 26, 2020 By Teresa Merklin

Growing the Game

The existence of USTA league nationals creates a perception that some teams manipulate the NTRP system to get there. Nationals are also a powerful incentive which might induce some captains and teams to do exactly that.

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Faux NTRP Scoundrels

On June 25, 2020 By Teresa Merklin

Manipulation of the USTA NTRP rating system may be rooted as a perception problem. Unfortunately, perception can manifest reality.

My Days as an NTRP Sandbagging Bastard: Conclusion

On June 24, 2020 By Teresa Merklin

Growing the Game

During my current tenure as a computer rated 5.0, I have been asked if I would be interested in joining a team as a 4.0 following a drill on no less than three distinct occasions. Some people observe my strokes in a semi-competitive environment and eyeball me at 4.0 to this very day. This illustrates the challenge in the NTRP self rating process.

My Days as an NTRP Sandbagging Bastard: Genesis

On June 23, 2020 By Teresa Merklin

USTA

When I returned to tennis after my brief 28 year hiatus from competitive play, I had no intention of competing within the NTRP framework. My initial match play was through age-group open tennis. Given my druthers, that is still by far my most preferred mode of play. I realize that I am very much in the minority with that preference.

Job Cuts at the USTA

On June 22, 2020 By Teresa Merklin

USTA

Two weeks ago today, the USTA announced job cuts and the closure of the White Plains, NY offices. I have to confess that I initially missed the story. I am guessing that probably a lot of other people in the tennis community are also unaware that this happened. The announcement was not widely carried or reported.

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Six Weeks to a Better Level of Tennis: Week 4

On June 21, 2020 By Teresa Merklin

Tennis Training

Weight, body image, and perceptions of fitness are touchy subjects in general and particularly for female athletes. It is no longer socially acceptable to comment on a player’s physique. On the other hand weight can be a loose approximation of overall fitness.

Tennis Ratings: NTRP Horror Stories

On June 20, 2020 By Teresa Merklin

Growing the Game

I have yet to come across an adult tennis player who has been involved with the organized USTA tennis for any length of time that doesn’t have an NTRP horror story. At the same time, a tiered rating system is essential to support participation in tennis. It’s a conundrum.

Tennis Ratings: The Numbers Game

On June 19, 2020 By Teresa Merklin

Growing the Game

In 1971 the USTA created an educational advisory committee which quickly morphed into the Education and Research (E&R) office. The focus of E&R was expanding public participation in tennis. The ideas generated from this office included scholastic programs, a film lending library, a publications department, and clinics for tennis teachers. E&R was also the first unit to focus on player development.

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