Summer's End

Here it is, end of summer. I've enclosed some tennis photos from our 4.5 team's play off's in Long Beach. Our team did not make it through, but we all have assignments for the coming year. Here is some of what I wrote as a close for my team....

RESILIENCY: The ability to recover quickly from misfortune, illness or change.

Well Ladies,
That was a pretty bumpy ride this weekend...and kind of ironic as I was thinking about it; that our singles lines were so prepared yet barely faced a challenge, with 3 defaults and a walk over. Kierston got a good match Fri and a real challenge Saturday which will help her focus her attention to the areas of her game that would benefit most with improvement.

I believe, however, that the message was clear. The doubles lines would ensure a championship team with significant improvements in basic strength, and increased speed of play, across the board. This is what we are looking for in our 4.5 team next year. Take a break. Play tennis socially or not at all for the summer, but get to the gym by mid August and start conditioning.

I would be happy to direct you even via the phone on how to get started. But the people who start earlier and stick to it would see the best results. Even if you think you know what you are doing, please talk with me. We want specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable goals set to a time table, and I will help you do it.For myself I am working on setting up a trade with a local pro, to train her 2 x a week and hit with her 2hrs a week. My commitment to those of you who wish to do better next year is to find tough doubles people to play against and perhaps on the team. You may get your ego bruised along the way, but if you are resilient enough you will come back stronger than you can imagine.

Let go of the old habits and the "good enough" attitude if you dare. Look for an email regarding a 4.5 team mid- October. That gives everyone 3 months to develop a significant change in their power. Use it wisely. A Bientot!
Leslie Shuffleton, CPT/Owner