Long Island Tennis Magazine November / December 2023

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Adult League Wrap-Up

By Becky Bellino

F

all is in the air, but the summer action is still fresh in our minds!

As usual, we were action packed with Sectionals and Long Island had its fair share of victories.

The 18+ 2.5 Women from Point Set WON at Nationals! These ladies came together in the USTA format for the first time this past season, and dominated from start to finish. Tired of facing off against one another in town leagues, Laura Crain created this Point Set team to play with her friends and enjoy some competition along the way.

Their competitive nature brought them all the way across the country where they took top honors! The Long Island Region could not be more proud of these women, and we hope this is a start to a long and successful USTA experience for them all!

Below is the full list of teams that won Sectionals which qualifed them to compete at Nationals:

55 & Over 6.0 Men Sectional Champions • Rob Kronenberg's team from Long Island Health and Racquet

18 & Over 2.5 Women Sectional Champions • Laura Crain & Cristina Handal's team from Point Set

55 & Over 7.0 Men Sectional Champions • Daniel Marklin’s team from Sportime Kings Park

18 & Over 4.5 Men Sectional Champions • Mitchell Low & Amani Siddiqui's team from Long Beach Tennis Center

65 & Over 8.0 Men Sectional Champions • Al Silverstein & Ken Luba’s team from Christopher Morley Tennis Center

40 & Over 3.5 Men Sectional Champions • Adam Moramarco’s team from Christopher Morley Tennis Center

65 & Over 8.0 Women Sectional Champions • Lydia Eitel’s team from Sportime Syosset

40 & Over 4.0 Women Sectional Champions • Lisa Newell & Tracy Kleinberg's team from Huntington Indoor Tennis

40 & Over Mixed 9.0 Sectional Champions • Roslyn Chua-Mcalonie’s team from Park Ave. Tennis

While some teams have Nationals in their sites, others have already started their conquest in the tri-level leagues and 18+ mixed. The 4.5 trilevel leagues have begun and will end just shy of the December holidays. The 18+ Mixed Doubles has just begun, and registration is open until January 15. Feel free to reach out if you are interested in joining in on the fun.

Lastly, the Long Island Region is trying to gain traction in the newly created 5.0 tri-level league. As of publication, this league will run for the men with at least two teams participating and at the moment, there is one team interested for the women. If there is anyone interested in captaining another team, please contact me.

Becky Bellino is the Adult League Coordinator for USTA/Long Island. She may be reached at bellino@eastern.usta.com.

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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November/December 2023 • Volume 15, Number 6

Table Of Contents

litennis Long Island Tennis Magazine

Big Ben

MAGAZINE

Young American Ben Shelton ready to take next step after U.S. Open success See page 16

Long Island Tennis Magazine

1228 Wantagh Avenue, Suite 203 Wantagh, NY 11793-2202 Phone: (516) 409-4444 • Fax: (516) 409-4600 Web site: www.litennismag.com

Staff David Sickmen Publisher (516) 409-4444, ext. 309 david@usptennis.com Brian Coleman Senior Editor (516) 409-4444, ext. 326 brianc@usptennis.com Joey Arendt Art Director Marie Santora-Lent Advertising Coordinator (516) 409-4444, ext. 301 marie@usptennis.com

Photo credit: Mike Lawrence/USTA

Highlights 4 8

Perfect End to Summer at the LITM Challenge Junior Player Spotlight: Paige Wygodzki, Bethpage Park Tennis Center By Brian Coleman 16 Tennis, Food and Fun at Courts & Cocktails 22 2023 LITM’s Coaches Roundtable 34 40-Love: After 40 Years of Growth, Future Stars Still Maintains Its Values By Brian Coleman 38 USTA Eastern Long Island Region’s 33rd Annual Awards Dinner Recap 44 In The Kitchen…An In-Depth Look at Pickleball on Long Island 54 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Emilie Katz Assistant Marketing Coordinator Barbara Wyatt Contributing Writer Rob Polishook Contributing Writer

Interns Aryn Feldman Nyla Gershfeld Julia Isham Abby Kleiman

Brielle Marcus Sanam Mehta Saharsh Peddireddy Victoria Wroblewskii

Advertising To receive any information regarding advertising rates, deadlines, and requirements, call (516) 409-4444 or e-mail info@usptennis.com.

Article Submissions/Press Releases To submit any material, including articles and press releases, please call (516) 409-4444 or e-mail info@usptennis.com. The deadline for submissions is the first of the month preceding the target issue.

Subscriptions To receive subscription information, contact (516) 409-4444 or e-mail info@usptennis.com or check out our Web site: www.litennismag.com.

Fax subscription changes to (516) 409-1600.

Statements of fact and opinion in Long Island Tennis Magazine are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of United Sports Publications Ltd. Long Island Tennis Magazine reserves the right to edit, reject and/or postpone the publication of any articles, information or data.

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Features

1 Adult League Wrap-Up By Becky Bellino 7 Tennis Fun and More at Pine Hollow Italian Night 11 The Gift Givers By Dr. Tom Ferraro 18 The High School Tennis Conundrum By Ricky Becker 20 Five Reasons Why Your Kid’s Practice Sucks By Chris Lewit 37 Momentum In Tennis By Adam Lee 42 Get Out Of Your Own Way By Tonny Van De Pieterman 43 Tennis Association of Farmingdale Holds Another Successful Season 50 Pickleball Plus Celebrates 2nd Anniversary 51 Racquet Sport Report presented by adidas Pickleball 52 Big Data, Big Deal By Steve Kaplan 53 A Tale of Two Tennis Teams By Barbara Wyatt 62 More Than An Athlete…Six Keys to Coaching the Person First

By Rob Polishook

Long Island Tennis Magazine is published bi-monthly by United Sports Publications Ltd. • Copyright © 2023 United Sports Publications Ltd.

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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Perfect End at the LITM

Women’s 6.0-6.5 Division Champions: Tiffany Ritcey & Linda Miller

Women’s 7.0-7.5 Division Champions: Evangeline Boutin & Beth Anderson

I

n the backdrop of the U.S. Open Championships, Long Island Tennis Magazine (LITM) brought together Men’s and Women’s Doubles teams to compete in this summer’s final LITM Challenge Event.

Across the beautiful courts of Sportime Quogue on a sunny day in the Hamptons, teams competed in round-robin group play before advancing to the knockout rounds. The competition was intense on the courts, but it was all smiles off the court as the teams socialized with one another while enjoying catered lunch as well as an open bar to keep the day fun and loose.

Playing in their first LITM Challenge event was Tiffany Ritcey & Linda Miller, and the duo won the Women’s 6.0-6.5 division, and have plans to return next tournament to defend their title.

“We’re so happy we learned about this event,” said Miller. “I absolutely loved it and we already inquired about the next one; we’ll be back.”

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Ritcey added: “We balanced each other out well and kept each other engaged. It was so much fun, and we’ll absolutely be back.”

In the Women’s 7.0-7.5 division, Evangeline Boutin & Beth Anderson teamed up to capture the title.

“We communicated really well today and just tried to make sure we kept the ball in play and play our game,’ said Boutin.

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

Men’s 7.0-7.5 Division Champions: Rob Remolador & Paul Schneider One of the keys to their success was staying loose throughout the afternoon.

“Having margaritas brought to you during the middle of a match helped me a lot,” joked Anderson. “But I think we just picked each other up well and made sure to always encourage each other during the matches.”

The pairing of Rob Remolador & Paul Schneider used their experience competing in LITM Challenge tournaments to come away victorious in the Men’s 7.07.5 combined division.

“The key to our success was having an amazing time with friends,” said Remolador. “The camaraderie of these events is great, we always have a great time. It’s great seeing familiar faces and meeting new people as well.”

The father-son duo of Mark Friedman & Dylan Friedman captured the title in the Men’s 8.0-8.5 division. Their goal coming out to the event was to just have fun and they were able to do that.

“I just finished playing college tennis,

d to Summer M Challenge

Men’s 8.0-8.5 Division Champions: Mark Friedman & Dylan Friedman and wanted to do something fun with my dad who still loves playing,” said the younger Friedman. “We went out there and had an absolute blast today.”

Mark Friedman added: “I thought it was a great event.

Everyone was having a good time. I was just trying to stay out of my son’s way for

Women’s 8.0-8.5 Division Champions: Carol Cioffi & Barbara Mueller the most part and let him control the matches.”

For the pairing of Carol Cioffi & Barbara Mueller, they did a great job of communicating during their matches which helped them stay focused en route to winning the Women’s 8.0-8.5 division.

Women’s 9.0-9.5 Division Champions: Diann Starcke & Gina Hagedorn “Encouraging each other during the matches goes a long way, we wanted to make sure we communicated and picked each other up,” Mueller said.

Cioffi added: “This was so much fun. This is a great continued on page 6

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club to play at, the competition was good and it’s always fun getting to play against new people.”

Rounding out the championships was Diann Starcke & Gina Hagedorn who walked away with the Women’s 9.0-9.5 title.

“We have a great dynamic together,” said Starcke. “Our patience helps a lot and we were able to win some of the longer points.”

When asked about her thoughts on the event, Hagedorn said: “It was awesome; great location and it’s outside, right on the heels of the U.S. Open. It was great.”

Long Island Tennis Magazine is proud to be able to provide these unique Challenge events and bring people together for not only competitive tennis but also a great

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time off the courts.

“We know that local players have a lot of options of events when it comes to racquet sports, and we continue to be appreciative of all those who participate in our events,” said David

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

Sickmen, co-tournament director. “We like to make sure that we are running events rather than just tournaments, and I think what makes the Challenges stand out is the professionally-run tournament along with the social aspect and the attention to all details. We were lucky to have so many nice people at this tournament which create good vibes, and we’re excited to continue putting on events like these. I want to thank my co-tournament director Michelle Stoerback, without whom the event would not be possible, as well as Sportime Quogue for hosting, and our sponsors OSIM and inPhorm.”

The next LITM Challenge event will be held on Saturday, November 25 at Sportime Syosset Visit LITennisMag.com/Events/ThanksgivingCh allenge for more information or to register.

Tennis Fun and More at Pine Hollow Italian Night

T

he Pine Hollow Club in East Norwich is known for providing its members and tennis players with fun and unique events throughout the summer that help elevate normal evening tennis play, and that was no different this summer.

One of those events was its Italian Night, a much-anticipated event that combined tennis with delicious food and drinks, and a festive atmosphere.

“Italian Night at Pine Hollow Club was an absolute blast!” said Alina Volman, Director of Racquet Sports at Pine Hollow Club. “It was a fantastic evening filled with delicious food, lively music and a great sense of community. The combination of authentic Italian cuisine and the charming ambiance of our club made it an unforgettable experience for everyone.”

Throughout the evening, players competed on court in match play, but there was laughter and camaraderie off the court which kept the positive vibes going all night long. The highlight of the event was the King/Queen of the Court contest, with the winners not only claiming club bragging rights but also some

Pine Hollow Club glassware as a memento of their victory.

After the on-court activities, the attendees enjoyed an Italian-themed dinner inside the Club’s clubhouse.

“The feedback we received from our members and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many of them praised the attention to detail in the decorations, the high-quality cuisine, and the overall immersive experience,” said Volman. “It was evident that they appreciated the effort put into creating a unique Italian atmosphere right here at Pine Hollow Club. These themed events not only entertain but also strengthen the bonds within our club community.”

Pine Hollow Club member Carly Dougherty, who attended the Italian Night, said: “Italian Night was so much fun!

Great tennis with great people, followed by a fresh and delicious family style meal; as far as tennis events go, what more could you ask for?!”

Another member, Aryn Rubenstein, added: “What a great night at Pine Hollow! First, there were some fun doubles drills which was followed by

drinks on the court, then a full spread of authentic delicious Italian food! It was the best tennis event yet with the best people.”

The Italian Night was just one of the many unique events Pine Hollow Club put on this past summer. While the outdoor season may be finished, there is a lot of excitement of what’s to come on the Pine Hollow Club tennis courts in 2024.

“As we look back on this incredible evening, we cannot wait to host more events like Italian Night at Pine Hollow Club,” Volman added. “The memories created, the friendships forged, and the sheer joy that filled the air are a testament to the power of community and shared passions.

These events add variety and excitement to our members' social calendars, giving them something to look forward to. It also allows us to showcase different aspects of our club's offerings and creativity. These events create memorable moments and foster a stronger sense of belonging among our members.”

To learn more about Pine Hollow Club and all that it offers, visit PineHollowClub.com.

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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junior player spotlight junior player spotlight junior player spotlight junior player spotlight junior player spotlight junior player spo

Paige Wygodzki Bethpage Park Tennis Center

L

ike a lot of kids growing up, Paige Wygodzki played a number of different sports as a youngster. As her parents tried different things to see which their daughter liked best, there was always one that stood out above the rest.

“I did gymnastics, dance, figure skating and soccer, among others,” recalls Wygodzki. “But I just remember I loved tennis from the moment I started playing, when I was around four-or-five-years-old. I played a ton of different sports, but tennis was always different to me.”

So as she gravitated towards tennis and away from the other sports she played,

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Wyogdzki and her family searched for the right place for her to play and train at. They went to various clubs across Long Island but found the perfect fit and her tennis home at the Bethpage Park Tennis Center, and specifically under its founder and owner Steve Kaplan.

“We played at a number of different places, but I remember Bethpage always felt like home,” she said. “I have always felt comfortable there, and the relationship I have built with Steve and the coaches over the years has been amazing. If Steve is your coach, he isn’t only your coach, he’s your mentor. He’ll be there for you whenever you need, and he just really

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

er spotlight junior player spotlight junior player spotlight junior player spotlight junior player spotlight junior player spotlight junior cares about his players.”

And now Wygodzki is one of the premier players in the Bethpage Park program, training on court with Kaplan her hitting coaches there multiple times a week, putting in the necessary work to take her game to the next level.

For the past few years, Wygodzki took the route of being home schooled so she could prioritize her tennis training and tournament schedule, but beginning this fall her and her family made the decision to return to inperson school. In September, she began her freshman year at St. Anthony’s High School. Her decision to return to in-person school is no indication that she is taking her tennis any less seriously though. On the contrary, it shows her commitment to furthering her academic career while not sacrificing any of her tennis, spending early mornings and late afternoons on the tennis court, with her time in school sandwiched in between.

“Training has been a bit of a challenge just in terms of setting everything up, but I have been playing at 5:30 a.m. on school days, and meeting with Steve at Bethpage afterwards as well,” Wygodzki explained. “Steve’s been such a great help in terms of building a schedule,

and giving me ideas on how to plan out my schedule, and maximize not only the hours spent on court, but getting the most out of them.”

Being back in school has been a nice change of pace for Wygodzki as well, who after a couple of months back has already seen a positive impact.

“Being homeschooled and now going back made me realize how much I needed it in my life,” she said.

“Homeschooling was great, but I have already learned so much more, not only academically, but socially too. It’s

been a big change, and there were a lot of emotions on that first day back.

But as soon as I walked into the building it felt natural. I went through the entire day of school and it felt normal, more normal than I thought it would be.”

This fall, Wygodzki also competed on the St. Anthony’s varsity tennis team, which was a new tennis experience for her. She was immediately successful playing high school tennis as she won the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Individual Singles title, and helped lead her team to the CHSAA AA championship.

“When I was homeschooled, I loved traveling around the country to play tournaments in California, Texas, Arizona, etc., it is such a competitive environment and I love the experiences it allows me to have,” she said.

“While I miss traveling as much as I used to, playing for and with a team has been such a good experience for me. You have a dozen people cheering for you when your match gets close, and it really makes you feel like you are part of a family.”

The adjustment Wyogdzki has had to make over the last couple of months continued on page 10

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junior player spotlight continued from page 9

has been a positive one for her overall, and she can serve as an example to other highly-ranked junior tennis players that there are multiple paths to success. Wyogdzki is focusing on her academics and her tennis in a way that will prepare her for high-level collegiate tennis, which is one of her main goals moving forward.

In terms of her tennis game, Wyogdzki is an aggressive lefty who likes to attack offensively. She is able to take advantage of her opponent’s weaknesses and capitalize on those weaknesses to win points. During her training sessions now, her and Kaplan focus primarily on mechanical details and the “tedious” stuff.

“I say that as a good thing,” she explains. “In pro tennis, you have to be detail-oriented and focus on the

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little things. Now that my fundamentals are set, it’s about fine-tuning those tedious things and small mechanical details that will help take my game to the next level.”

When she isn’t playing tennis, Wygodzki loves to spend time with her family, and her parents, who she calls her “favorite people in the world”. She also spends a lot of time in the kitchen cooking meals and experimenting with new recipes, and is a big proponent of preparing healthy meals for herself, as proper nutrition is a major aspect of training the right way.

Still just a freshman, the future is extremely bright for Wygodzki, who has struck a balance between her academics and tennis, ensuring she isn’t sacrificing one for the other, all while remaining humble and hardworking.

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

“Paige has a very rare combination of ability and humility. She is one of the most promising players in the county and while she recognizes her talent as helping her to be a better tennis player than most, she does not believe it makes her a better person than anyone,” said Kaplan when describing his star player. “Paige recognizes her tennis as an opportunity to grow athletically and educationally.

In this way Paige is very mature for her age, and for any age. She is a very serious competitor both on and off the court, yet she is fun to be around, friendly, helpful and kind to those around her and always willing to learn and improve.

Brian Coleman is the Senior Editor for Long Island Tennis Magazine. He may be reached at brianc@usptennis.com.

The Gift Givers

T

By Dr. Tom Ferraro

his fall, I attended the annual brunch at Pine Hollow Club hosted by Long Island Tennis Magazine’s publisher David Sickmen. The brunch is always an opulent affair held in the Vanderbilt estate that is now the main clubhouse for Pine Hollow Club. It’s a chance to network and meet new folks and this year, I sat with Saad Hajidin, the creative director of the high-end sportswear company, inPhorm.

I’m certain that hosting this brunch cost plenty and it’s a good example of what we in psychoanalytic circles call altruism, or charitable giving back. Sickmen is giving this gift to his clients and supporters by throwing the party.

Altruism is a valued trait and usually a part of religious doctrine as in ‘faith, hope and charity’. Athletes are expressing their altruism as they perform in front of others.

The athletic quest is to perfect a skill and offer it to the world in the form of a gift though the athlete or the fan is actually

aware that this is occurring. Gifted athletes perfect their talent only through hard work, discipline, perseverance, pain tolerance and endurance. When they display the result of this disciplined effort it is a gift given back to those who watch them play. When the athlete performs their craft they are giving a gift of inspiration which connects perseverance and perfection. Contrary to what Charles Barkley said many years ago about athletes, in fact, all talented athletes are role models. Being a role model is the gift they give back to the world. This is called altruism.

The psychoanalyst Phyllis Greenacre studied artists and said that the artistic product is a gift given to the world, a gift of love. I think this is also what every hardworking athlete is doing. They are giving back to the world a sample of what it means to be courageous and heroic.

It is important for athletes to see that perfecting a skill and performing it has a purpose or a meaning that is grander than they may realize. This is something to be proud of.

As a sport psychologist working with many elite athletes, I can see that one of the problems they have is a lack of selfesteem. They rarely take sufficient pride in who they are or what they have done. Elite athletes are in a rarified group. They are the artists of their craft and therefore ought to be proud of who they are and what they have become. So many of my patients possess this altruistic sacrificial trait. It is their purpose, but rather than internalizing pride, they feel shame and even worthless if they lose or even if they make a mistake.

But the reality is that all competitive players have achieved heroic status which is why they are admired by those who watch them play. That is why fans ask for autographs. The athlete is not only gifted but they are also gift-givers. So thank you to those young tennis players who are grinding away each day. You are the gift givers and thus you can be proud.

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LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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Big Ben

Young American Ben Shelton ready to take next step after U.S. Open success

By Brian Coleman

W

hile Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff were the main stories of the 2023 U.S. Open, with Djokovic capturing his record-setting 24th major title, and Gauff winning the first of what she hopes are many major titles, there was another star to emerge at the end of this summer.

His name is Ben Shelton.

Coming into this year’s U.S. Open, most people, even in the tennis world, were not too familiar with the 20-year-old former collegiate standout who played at the University of Florida, but he quickly changed that. For two weeks in Queens, Shelton put on a show, blasting aces north of 140 MPH, dazzling the crowd with his whipping lefty forehand, and demonstrating the type of energy and intensity on court you would expect from a player not too far removed from college.

“I think I learned a lot about myself these two weeks, knowing how deep I can go, how deep I can dig, and what I can do competitively on the tennis court. Because I think it’s such a mental sport. I think that’s such a big side of it,” Shelton reflected after he lost in the semifinals to eventual champion Djokovic. “I kind of found a place where I can operate and still be calm and still be clear-minded but be a fierce competitor and get after the guy I’m playing…I was pretty happy with the way I competed throughout the tournament.”

While Shelton had reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open to begin the season, there is nothing quite like making a splash at your home Slam. By reaching the final four in New York, Shelton made a name for himself. It is quite the leap from just about 15 months ago, when Shelton was merely an aspiring professional tennis player with talent and potential, but with still a lot of room to grow.

Shelton’s ascent should not come as some huge surprise, however, with the sport being in his DNA. His father, Bryan Shelton, was a professional tennis player himself, who competed on tour for nearly a decade, reaching a career high singles ranking of 55th in the world. Following his time as a player, he led the Georgia Tech women to the National Title in 2007.

After taking the helm of the University of Florida men’s team, he guided them to the continued on page 14

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big ben continued from page 12

National Championship in 2021, a team led by his son Ben. In doing so, he became the only coach to win both a men’s and women’s national championship. Bryan stepped down as head coach at Florida to become his son’s full-time coach, an arrangement that began earlier this summer, but something they had dreamed of doing since Ben was younger.

“I think in his mind, he’s always thought that ultimately, we’d be able to do this together,” said Bryan. “We started together on the court and I think we’ve kind of built that coach-player relationship through the years as we continue to build our own relationship as father-son. And those two kind of went side by side along the way.”

Finding that balance between fatherson and coach-player has been a bit challenging, as one would expect, but

it’s something they continue to strive for.

“I always said, I had to put one hat on and take the other hat off, and then kind of understanding when to do both is a little bit tricky, because you hear about these stories with mother and daughter, father and son, mother and son, these stories that end up not being great stories. And so, my wife, Lisa, and I, we've really tried to have a balance with our kids and understand that they're people first before they're players,” Bryan added. “I think that along the way, I've put my coach hat on and to be able to do both still and for him to want me to come out there with him and help him in this area and share these experiences together, I think that speaks to the love that we have for one another and also the level of respect that we have for one another.”

When the announcement was made,

Ben wrote on Instagram: “The dream team is back together baby � Can’t wait to have you out on tour with me, and see what we can accomplish together.”

The partnership did not immediately produce results however, as Shelton would struggle for much of the summer as he attempted to find his footing as a professional. Heading into the U.S. Open, Shelton lost 10 of the previous 14 matches he played, and didn’t seem to have any sort of form before competing in the year’s final major.

But something clicked when he got onto the courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Although the courts played slower this year, Shelton’s overpowering serve, topping out at 149 MPH at one point, and improved groundstrokes led to the best two weeks of his young tennis life.

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Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

After coasting through the first three rounds, Shelton knocked off his fellow Americans Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe, taking control of the raucous American crowd, especially in the quarterfinals as he denied the crowdfavorite Tiafoe a second straight semifinal appearance.

Afterwards, he was asked about what became his signature celebration, hanging up the phone on his opponents after a win.

“Our home phone when I was growing up in Atlanta was one like that.

If I wanted to talk to my friends or call their home phone, seeing if they wanted to go outside and throw a football, that was what I did,” he explained. “But for me it’s kind of like I’m saying I’m dialed in. That’s what it is for me.”

That celebration, and the underlying passion and enthusiasm that it personified, became synonymous with Shelton, which made for great entertainment, but also caught the attention of his next opponent.

When Shelton took on Djokovic in the semifinals inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, the eventual champion would play clinical tennis for the first two sets, but Shelton woke up in the third set. The young American got the crowd involved and battled Djokovic into a tiebreaker, only to see Djokovic close it out in straight sets, and proceed to hang the phone up on Shelton.

“I just love Ben’s celebration,” Djokovic said smiling in his press conference. “I thought it was very original, and I copied him. I stole his celebration.”

Shelton did, to his credit, take it in stride and mentioned that he doesn’t like when people dictate how he celebrates, so he wasn’t in any position to tell Djokovic how to. It made for compelling

television and sports oftentimes needs those sort of tense moments between players.

The most important point of that moment was that Shelton’s two-week run in New York caught the attention of his peers. Shelton has all the weapons and charisma to take the next step and become a star, so we may need to keep those phone lines open.

• Long Island's Premier Indoor Racquet Club • 7 Indoor Tennis Courts, 4 Pickleball Courts and Half Court Basketball • Tennis Programs For Tots (3-5 Years Old), Juniors (6-18), Adults & Seniors.

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hen Long Island Tennis Magazine introduced its Courts & Cocktails event series in 2022, the goal was to use them as a way to raise money that could be put back into the community and help those who were underprivileged and less fortunate, while also producing a different Saturday night experience for people looking to mix it up from the typical dinner and a movie evening.

Over the last two years, Courts & Cocktails has provided a fun time out on a Saturday night for adults to play tennis and socialize with old friends and also meet new ones, while helping to raise money for worthy causes. At one of these recent Courts & Cocktails nights, we helped raise money for the Sunrise Association.

“Sunrise Day Camp-Long Island’s mission is to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and 16

their siblings worldwide,” said Erin O’Toole, Senior Development Executive for the Sunrise Association.

“Sunrise accomplishes this through the creation and oversight of welcoming and inclusive summer day camps, year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities, all offered free of charge.”

To help its mission, Sunrise Association teamed up with Grow Tennis New York for a Courts & Cocktails event at Sportime Syosset. The night featured tennis games and drills on the courts, with great drinks and delicious food off the court. Bartenders and waitresses mix and serve drinks including the U.S. Open signature cocktail, the Honey Deuce, and catered Italian dinner buffet was available for all to enjoy.

The event was able to bring people together to raise money for the Sunrise Association, who will use those funds to better the lives of children.

“Sunrise is so grateful for donors

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

who are dedicated to bettering the lives of children with cancer and their siblings,” O’Toole added. “We thank the chairs, Nikki and Danielle, for raising over $15,000 and sharing their passion with their community.”

David Sickmen, Publisher of Long Island Tennis Magazine, added: “We were proud to partner with Sunrise Association and use our successful Courts & Cocktails event series to help bring some fun to those who are less fortunate. Everyone who participated had a great time and it was all for a worthy cause. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Sunrise Association, and hosting more Courts & Cocktails events to continue that mission.”

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ennis, food and fun was on the menu at the latest Courts and Cocktails event in October. A great group of people came out to enjoy more than two hours of tennis, featuring drills and games across multiple courts.

All the while, though, bartenders served cocktails, as Long Island Tennis Magazine’s event staff served drinks to all the players.

A full catered dinner was provided to players post-event as attendees were treated to both delicious food and amazing drinks, all making for a wonderful evening of good times with good people.

“Our latest Courts & Cocktails reinforced the need for social tennis options,” said David Sickmen. “We love being in the community and bringing together players of all levels.

The night allowed for everyone to meet new people and get away from the monotony of the typical Saturday night plans. It was another sold-out event, and Mike Kossoff and the Sportime Syosset staff were perfect hosts. We want to thank them for helping us put this on, and we look

forward to hosting many more of these events.”

These events have become a popular get together for the tennis

community, and LITM will be bringing back Courts & Cocktails on Saturday, December 2 at Sportime Syosset.

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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The High School Tennis Conundrum: Most Top Players Don’t Play, And It’s A Shame For Everyone

By Ricky Becker

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nfortunately, over the last few years, the Long Island High School team champions are often the schools who have most of its strongest players participate, and not necessarily which high school has the best players. Additionally, many junior players are missing out on what I think is a great experience. I am 30 years out of junior tennis and still, winning a state title and three county titles holds more cache with people I meet than the four supernational back draw titles I won, the latter being the much tougher achievement. It would really be better for everyone, other than a fourth doubles team getting bumped out of the starting lineup or an alternate getting bumped from varsity, if everyone who attended school played high school tennis.

After speaking with some high school

coaches I realized that the athletic director sets the mandate as to what commitment its’ top players need to make. Some schools require players go to everything, while I recently heard of an example of a player participating in the minimum matches required to qualify for the state tournament.

What I would say to a high school administrator who makes a player head-and-shoulders above everybody else on their team go to every practice In most cases, a highly-ranked player or a number one singles player who is levels ahead of everybody else on his/her team has dedicated a lot more of their life and made many more sacrifices to tennis…in some cases more than the rest of the team combined.

If that player has nobody their level to

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Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

practice with, you are asking that player who has got to be good at time management to get to that level to fritter away a couple of hours a day away from schoolwork and coaching from their personal coach.

Playing high school tennis reflects well to colleges but it really doesn’t make very much difference to a college coach. A junior girl who is ranked 150th nationally with an 8.4 UTR is going to be taken before the girl who is 300 nationally with a 7.3 UTR pretty much every single time, whether the child plays high school tennis or not.

Tennis is not like team sports where it’s necessary to work on plays or timing patterns. You don’t need to have everyone at practice together to get better. Your team is going to improve more by seeing your number one player come in for matches than it is by not having that player at all.

With so many top Eastern players getting home-schooled, it would be nice to reward the ones that go to regular school by accommodating their schedules a bit. Schools often give high-ranked players a couple of free periods at the end of the day to train, so how is this different?

As far as other players resenting it, honestly, I think that’s their own issue. It should be respected that this person has reached such a level and I think it’s sour grapes if other kids don’t like it. This top player isn’t slacking, they are training harder on the outside than any high school team trains. These top-players aren’t taking the easy way out and the rank-and-file players on the team should respect their training schedule instead of

playing the victim card of “it’s not fair”.

If one of my own children complained about it, I’d tell them to suck it up. The high-level tournament player has paid their dues and earned that right.

What I would say to a topranked player who doesn’t play high school tennis with players their approximate level on the team.

When you look back at your tennis career, you will have more memorable moments from high school tennis than you will from playing an ITF in Waco, Texas. It’s not even close. You know what’s a weird feeling? Sitting in homeroom that Monday morning after you won a Super Six Tournament and nobody in your class knows or cares what you did or accomplished that weekend. You know what’s a fulfilling feeling? Getting recognition in your school, Newsday, Long Island Tennis Magazine or your local newspaper when you beat somebody 6-0, 6-0 in a

high school match against an opponent who wouldn’t even make a Super Six. Is your club telling you it’s dumb to play high school tennis? There are motivations often behind this. They don’t want to deal with make-ups, skipping (and not paying for) the first two months of the semester or asking for a refund. As a coach, I admit my appointment book would be much easier to keep with school tennis but I would never fathom doing this.

99.9 percent of junior tennis players aren’t going to be known names outside of tennis circles from junior tournaments or professional tournaments alone…high school tennis can give you that feeling. You want to feel famous? This is the closest you are

going to get. Being in the moment is fun once in a while! Very rarely will you hear that high school tennis is boring! Create some memories!

Solution: Yes, I realize this won’t come to fruition most likely….it just makes too much sense. But to me, the solution is simple.

If the top player on a team is two full UTR points higher than the next player on the day tryouts start, then practices should be optional for that player. On game days, the player must travel with the team and stay at the match until it is over like the other players. A scenario such as this would provide a win/win/win for the player, school and credibility of a true Long Island team championship.

Ricky Becker is The Director of Tennis at Glen Oaks Club. Ricky also coaches highperformance juniors throughout the year and has been the Director of Tennis at three of Long Island’s biggest junior programs. As a player, Becker was the Most Valuable Player for the 1996 NCAA Championship Stanford Tennis team, four-time MVP for Roslyn High School and ranked in the top-five nationally as a junior. He can be reached at rbecker06@yahoo.com, 516-359-4843 or via juniortennisconsulting.com.

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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Five Reasons Why Your Kid’s Practice Stinks

By Chris Lewit

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ne of the biggest reasons your kid may not be improving is that his or her practice is not optimal. There can be a lot of reasons why a player’s practice is not working to provide the necessary stimulus needed to develop quickly and efficiently. In this article, I will discuss five common reasons that practices fail.

1. Coach Talks Too Much Some coaches just cannot help themselves. They need to talk, talk, talk. There is nothing worse than a coach who loves to hear their own voice all the time. Kids need to maximize their practice time and get a

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good workout. Coaches who talk too much interrupt the flow of a group lesson and make a class less physical.

Good practices should be very physical, and the coach should restrain himself or herself to giving only necessary commentary and critiques as much as possible.

Here in New York, time is a valuable commodity. Kids are very busy. Students have lots of homework.

Commutes are long. We simply don’t have the luxury of spending valuable time in a class talking too much. Kids need to work, hustle, grind and sweat.

Coaches can save the in-depth critiques for a debrief session or meeting with kids and parents after

class is finished. Water breaks and ball pickups should also be performed in a time-efficient manner! Many coaches waste so much time during ball pickups and water breaks that a significant portion of the lesson is lost.

2. Bad level It’s vital to have the best level possible in your kid’s class. Everyone wants to “play up,” so this makes running a class or academy program very challenging.

If you want your kid to get better, he or she needs to play with strong players at the same or better level. Occasionally it may be useful to “play down” against a lower level kid to work on handling pressure or to work on a new technique or strategy—but not too often. Don’t believe it when a coach tells you the level doesn’t matter or that your kid is in the right class, even though he or she is the best one. Being the best one often means your kid is helping the lower level ones get better.

Many times I recommend private hitting to escape this level trap. Parents stuck with kids in a suboptimal group can get private hitting sessions with good college players, for example, to provide more challenge.

3. Too Much Or Too Little Technique Some clubs and programs work on a lot of technique. That’s a problem if your kid already has good form. It’s a waste of time to drill and focus on technique

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

details that are already formed. On the other hand, many programs don’t work on any technique. Those types of group classes are a disaster for kids who still need technical development.

As time passes, bad technique becomes more and more ingrained in this type of program and the kids can develop recalcitrant bad habits and major technical flaws in their game.

The best approach is a flexible program that can customize the training for your child by providing a mix of good technical and tactical instruction. Unfortunately, many programs are rigidly tactical or technical using a dogmatic approach rather than tailoring the training plan to the actual needs of each individual player.

4. No Serving, Returning, Or Set Play One of the worst mistakes in tennis coaching is leaving serving practice to the last 10 minutes of a lesson or group. This is a very common method of arranging a practice and it fails to give enough priority or time to developing what is arguably the most important shot in the modern game.

In addition, many practices neglect the return of serve. Players can often go weeks in clinics with very little serving or returning. The kids often play baseline points or participate in

drills. While there is a place for baseline points and drills, practicing points with serving and returning is paramount.

Related to the importance of serving and returning, players need to play sets—preferably every day. Set play is critical for players to develop match toughness and strategy for tournaments. Many kids just play team singles or some kind of baseline points all week. Then they wonder why they never feel prepared for weekend tournaments where serving, returning and set play competence is required.

5. Bad Ratio A parent recently expressed frustration to me that her player’s high performance class was not working well because it had six players on the court. Apparently, the club “needed to get makeups in.” That kind of ratio is a development killer. I told the parent to find a new program—fast. In Spain, over the last four decades, legendary coaches like Luis Bruguera and Pato Álvarez developed a training system with two players per court and coach.

That ratio provides a tremendous quality to the player and helps to accelerate development. I fell in love with this approach when I first started studying in Spain, nearly 20 years ago. Look for a ratio of two to three players per court and coach and you will see higher quality workouts and better progress for your player. Four or more players per court is typical in NY to save money but will not provide a world-class training environment in most instances.

Conclusion There are many more reasons why your kid’s practice may suck. The five above are the ones that are the most salient to me. Don’t let even a minute of your kid’s valuable development time be wasted by a bad practice. Those minutes really add up when compounded monthly and annually.

If you think of any other common reasons for a bad practice, share them by emailing me directly at Chris@ChrisLewit.com. You can visit YouTube.com/ChrisLewit to view the accompanying video to this article.

Chris Lewit is a former number one for Cornell and pro circuit player. He is a highperformance coach, educator, and the author of two best-selling books: The Secrets of Spanish Tennis and The Tennis Technique Bible. He has coached numerous top 10 nationallyranked players and is known for his expertise in building the foundations of young prodigies.

Chris coaches in NYC and year-round at his high performance tennis academy in Manchester, VT, where players can live and train the Spanish Way full-time or short-term. He may be reached by phone at (914) 462-2912, e-mail Chris@chrislewit.com or visit ChrisLewit.com.

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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2023 LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

Coaches Roundtable Discussion T

he local tennis community boasts some of the top coaches in the world, and with this wealth of talent available, Long Island Tennis Magazine took the opportunity to pick the brains of some of these coaches. These coaches share their thoughts on a wide variety of tennis topics and issues, ranging from junior tennis to the professional game.

Meet the participants …

Junior Tennis league, and has a Ricky Becker is The Director of Tennis at the Masters in Sports Leadership from Glen Oaks Club. He also Northeastern University. coaches highSteve Kaplan is the performance juniors owner and managing throughout the year and director of Bethpage has been the Director of Tennis at three Park Tennis Center, as of Long Island’s biggest junior well as director emeritus programs. As a player, Becker was the of Lacoste Academy for Most Valuable Player for the 1996 NCAA Championship Stanford Tennis New York City Parks Foundation, executive director and founder of team and ranked in the top-five Serve &Return Inc. and co-director of nationally as a junior.

The City Classic Junior Tennis Vinicius Carmo is the Academy. Steve has coached more Director of Tennis at the than 1,100 nationally- ranked junior players, 16 New York State high Ross School Tennis school champions, two NCAA Division Academy. A former 1 Singles Champions, and numerous standout player from Brazil, Carmo attended highly-ranked touring professionals. the University of Tennessee on a full Ed Krass coached the tennis scholarship, before moving on to Harvard Women’s direct several prestigous tennis Tennis Team to four programs in the Hamptons before consecutive Ivy League going to RSTA. Carmo has expanded titles from 1986-1990. the program to include events, Ed is the founder and competitive training techniques and more, using his NCAA experience and director of the Annual College Tennis Exposure Camps, which are taught extensive connections to help RSTA exclusively by all head college coaches graduates in the next stage of their for high school-aged players (15-18). tennis careers.

Ed is also the founder of One-On-One Doubles tournaments, which have been Gary Gaudio is the played at USTA, ATP, ITA and USPTA director of tennis at Eastern Athletic Club of national events.

Blue Point. He began his coaching career as a teenager coaching 10 and Under tennis with Suffolk County 22

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

Adam Lee is the Director of Junior Development at Glen Head Racquet and Fitness. He was a threeyear captain at Wake Forest where he still holds the program record for singles victories, and achieved an ATP ranking. He has worked with Top 500 ATP Tour players as well as top nationallyranked juniors, and has USPTA, ITPA, Certified Tennis Performance Specialist and GPTCA coaching certifications.

Chris Lewit is a former number one for Cornell and pro circuit player. He is a highperformance coach, educator, and the author of two best-selling books: The Secrets of Spanish Tennis and The Tennis Technique Bible. He has coached numerous top 10 nationallyranked players and is known for his expertise in building the foundations of young prodigies. Chris coaches in NYC and year-round at his high performance tennis academy in Manchester, VT, where players can live and train the Spanish Way fulltime or short-term.

2023 LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

Coaches Roundtable Discussion Rong Ma is a teaching professional at Sportime Port Washington.

Originally from China, Ma combines a robust academic background with a distinguished tennis coaching career. Holding a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, complemented by an M.S. in Kinesiology and a B.S. in Exercise Sports Science, Ma has held positions as an assistant coach for the men’s and women’s tennis team both at BYU and the University of Hawaii.

States on a tennis scholarship to Benedictine College in Kansas, where he led the team to three conference championships.

Ben Marks is Director of Junior Tennis at Carefree Racquet Club, and Director of Tennis at Cold Spring Harbor Beach Club. He previously worked at the JohnMcEnroe Tennis Academy, and was the Cold Spring Harbor Varsity Head Coach for three years, earning Nassau County Coach of the Year Honors in 2014.

He played number one and number two singles for Norfolk State University, and number one doubles— reaching a career-high regional ranking of ninth in the Atlantic Region.

He is a 2015 National Open Doubles Champion. In 2018, he was named USTA Long Island’s Tennis Professional of the Year.

Brandon Passarelli is the senior tennis professional at Nassau Indoor Tennis Center. As an experienced PTR certified tennis professional and strength and conditioning coach, he has dedicated nearly 20 years to the sport in various clubs throughout New York City and Long Island. His passion for tennis has driven me to work with Competitive juniors and adults of all ages and levels, helping them develop their skills and achieve their goals.

Pablo Montesi is the Tennis Club and Camp Director at Future Stars Southampton, and has been at Future Stars Camps for more than a decade. Montesi also runs a tennis academy in Miami Beach. A USPTA Certified Professional and PTR Certified instructor, Montesi is a native of Chile who first came to the United

David Nisenson is the director of junior development at Point Set Tennis. With more than 25 years of playing and coaching experience and an unmatched competitiveness, David has quickly become one of the driving forces behind Point Set’s junior development program.

Jay Pinho is the Head Professional of 10U and High-Performance at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

He is a USPTA Elite Professional, a former NCAA DI coach and player, and has specialized in developing competitive junior players over the past decade. Currently, he is the private coach of three national champions and a WTA touring pro.

Michelle Stoerback is the Adult Tennis Director at Sportime Kings Park.

Her infectious personality and dedication to her players and students has made her a favorite amongst adult tennis circles on Long Island, and Stoerback is one of the most reputable and hard-working tournament directors in the Region.

Alina Volman is the Director of Racquet Sports at Pine Hollow Club. She was a standout tennis player at the University of South Alabama, and she now takes all of her experiences as a player and coach in her role as the director of racquet sports, helping coach and running club events.

Jason Wass is the Director of Summer Programs at LuHi, a position he’s held since 2020. Wass also serves on the USTA Eastern Long Island Regional Council, and has been a tennis and camp director here on Long Island for more than a decade.

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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2023 LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

Coaches Roundtable Discussion The roundtable ...

How do you find the right balance between training and rest/recovery for junior tennis players?

Carmo: Tennis is a year-round sport with no time off. That's why it is so important to learn how to rest and recover physically and mentally. It is essential to warm up before practices and matches. It is of utmost importance to stretch after practices and matches. Cold tubs are also another way to help with muscle recovery. It is also important to have hobbies and enjoy other things besides tennis. When you do other activities besides tennis, you reset your energy and return to the courts even stronger. Make sure to find other things that you enjoy doing outside the tennis court.

Lewit: It’s important to push hard to achieve greatness but also know when to take recovery time. Typically my top national kids will train six days week with one day off and 2-3 tournaments a month. That schedule could be just a couple hours per day if the kid is in regular school up to 15 hours per week, or if the child is homeschooling, training could be 20-

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30 hours per week. It’s important to discern whether a kid is overtraining or under-recovered. Most kids are in the latter category. You don’t want to take too many days off per year because it can hurt momentum; but you don’t want to burn your player out mentally or physically either. It can be a tricky balancing act for parents and coaches. You have to carefully monitor your player at all times and make continual adjustments.

Pinho: This can vary greatly based on the player's age and goals, as well as the time of the year. For example, young players should alternate sports throughout the week and use the benefits that each sport has as a way to develop their overall athletic abilities. Given sports can vary quite a bit, a player will rest some areas of the body when off from tennis, and work on other areas when playing other sports. For more competitive players, that play tennis only, it's important to have a balance between academics, tennis, and social life. This includes having at least one day a week off from any training, having periods off throughout the year as a total rest, such as short family vacations, and an appropriate tournament scheduling;

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

which will include specific training blocks and weekends off.

Mental health is an important topic that has been brought to the forefront of athletics recently. How often and how do you engage your players on their mental well-being, both on and off the court?

Gaudio: Engaging players on their mental well-being happens everyday. I look at every opportunity with a player, on or off the court as one to improve their mental health. Showing you care as a coach through your actions and words is important for establishing relationships with your players where you can be a positive influence. Being positive, enthusiastic, and encouraging to your players and creating an environment on the court that is fun, supportive and energetic is important for their mental health and their enjoyment of the sport.

Ma: To me, I attempt to instill the theories, attitudes from positive psychology and other psychological literatures to the players I work with in order to help them be more intrinsically motivated, believing in the

2023 LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

Coaches Roundtable Discussion value of internal focus of control. I do my best to be more encouraging and positive to the players and hope they can always make the most in any given situation. In fact, I published a few mental health academic papers and the most recent one was last year in August, the topic is about how resilience can help people to thrive from anxiety and depression.

Montesi: It's all about health and wellness. Communication is key and not only with the students but also with the parents/guardians. Creating a safe place at practice, that is judgment free and caring for each individual, allows students and coaches to feel comfortable about sharing their feelings. It is extremely important to understand what's going on in our student's life to properly coach them. I regularly talk to my students and parents before or after practice.

Passarelli: It is very important for us as tennis coaches to engage with our players regularly on this topic, both on

and off the court. Having open communication by creating a safe and supportive environment where our players feel comfortable discussing their mental well-being. Regular oneon-one discussions can help us understand any challenges they may be facing. Being active listeners with our players as well as paying attention to their emotions and body language and in my opinion the most important which is to encourage self-care.

Gamesmanship and cheating are always controversial topics at the junior level. How do we begin to try and eliminate those sorts of things from the game?

Gaudio: It starts with the values that are instilled within the player within their family and on the court with their coaches. Cheating and gamesmanship are always going to be a part of the sport and while there may be rules, umpires and technology that can

mitigate it, the core of the matter is what is intrinsic to the player. As coaches, we should emphasize values like sportsmanship, respect, and humility so that our players have great character, not just great tennis skills.

The more players out there with great character, the less cheating and gamesmanship there will be.

Nisenson: Tennis is the only youth sport that is officiated by the players.

At young ages players can feel internal, parental, and coaching pressures that can create that win at all costs mentality which can turn into cheating. We are trying to get more kids involved in the sport of tennis but a bad experience unfortunately can be a deterrent to new players and they may choose another sport to play.

When I was in high school I officiated youth sports as a job. Why doesn’t the USTA hire high school age kids to be on the courts to eleviate this problem?

I’m not saying they should officiate the whole match but having someone on court through the match to help on

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2023 LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

Coaches Roundtable Discussion disputes would definitely help these situations.

Passarelli: I believe we can start eliminating all of this by first, establishing a strong ethical foundation within the sport. This begins by educating young players about the importance of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship. We also need to encourage our professional players and coaches to serve as positive role models for our juniors by showcasing the right way to play and approach the game. Our juniors look up to these athletes and if they do it, our juniors will follow that trend. Let's encourage players to speak up and express their concerns and receive

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guidance when needed. Lastly, we should involve the parents by engaging them in the education process so that they can help us develop great sportsmanship values with the next generation of talent.

Stoerback: To reduce gamesmanship and cheating in junior tennis, it's essential to prioritize education on sportsmanship, instill a clear code of conduct, and lead by example.

Coaches, parents, and authorities should emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity over winning.

Clear rules and consistent enforcement are crucial, while character development programs can instill values like respect and responsibility.

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

Positive reinforcement for good sportsmanship will motivate junior players to uphold ethical standards.

Creating this culture will help maintain the integrity of the game and allow young athletes to develop not just as players but as individuals with strong moral values.

What is the current state of tennis on Long Island? How do we continue growing and improving?

Lee: Tennis on Long Island has been growing every year. I believe it is important for the current pro’s to continue their education and learning

2023 LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

Coaches Roundtable Discussion to provide the best knowledge for players. On top of that, more trained professionals are needed to keep the players engaged in lessons, groups, adult or junior clinics and tournaments.

This can provide players with new ideas and different methods and philosophies to the game.

Ma: I think the tennis environment on Long Island is good and many tennis venues are doing well! But perhaps we can invest in a few things that may help to grow the sport. We could continually bring in more high level players (including international kids) to train here on Long Island or bring some professional tennis tournaments here in order to showcase our facilities, passions and abilities to govern/grow the industry of tennis. So more kids can witness firsthand the passion for the game from many good players and role models.

Marks: I think again, as I have said for the past few years, tennis is booming. I see it at the parks, the high schools and the clubs all around...courts are full! I often take a walk around local parks with our daughter and there was a lot of tennis being played which is a great sign!

Our courts are filled at Carefree with a large junior and adult development program and leagues are as busy as ever. All these are great signs for tennis! We definitely have to keep offerings fresh and accessible to compete with the other racquet sports that are also rapidly growing in the area such as pickleball and padel but we are not seeing a drop off in our tennis participation which is great.

Wass: Tennis on Long Island seems to be booming. Courts are full on private and public courts alike. With the

colder weather around the corner though, are there opportunities for casual players to keep playing the game while indoors? For some sure, but for others maybe not. Like anything, it is important to keep the current players happy and playing while also continuing to introduce tennis to new players in grassroots ways. Making tennis more accessible to lower income areas and in places where tennis is not as popular. In addition, I would like to see a more developmental approach to middle school and JV tennis teams; there are many more players playing school tennis compared to those playing tournament level tennis.

Where do you stand on players overly celebrating points/being animated and showing emotions during matches?

Becker: I've got no problem with somebody showing emotion at the proper time during a match. I have even less of a problem when players I'm coaching against overly celebrate early in a match, off of an error or on points that aren't particularly important. This shows me that they are lacking inner confidence and are getting fired up unnecessarily because they know they might lose.

Kaplan: There is no reason to provide more motivation or information to your opponent by demonstrating negative emotions or by celebrating in a disrespectful manner.

While discrete displays of positive emotion can be helpful and motivating , negative displays of emotion can alter how we feel because behavior influences emotion often as much as

emotions influence behaviors.

Ma: I always encourage players to celebrate/show positive enforcement like firmly expressing "COME ON, LET'S GO" and with positive physical postures such as a strong fist pump .

But I don't like "overly" because it is not TOO sportsmanlike and is not classy. I prefer showing more positive emotions but if the kids are not playing well and get frustrated, I will suggest they could quickly, firmly snap their tights, or yell "let's go” or “right now" to bring back the focus on the present moment and planning for the next point.

Marks: I think it all depends on the situation and the environment you are in. In team tennis I think it is much more acceptable, but I still think there are respectful and disrespectful ways of celebrating. In college I will admit I often wasn't thinking about anything but my team and our goal when playing my matches, just like my opponents were too, and that would come across at times as being overly animated, but such was the environment. Players at times are expected to be these emotionless robots and are targeted when they show any kind of joy/anger/frustration which is perhaps not great for our sports survival. We want to be entertained and connect with the stars of our sport, and players wearing their emotions on their sleeves helps us to make those connections.

What do you find most rewarding about being a tennis coach?

Krass: I find tennis coaching very

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2023 LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

Coaches Roundtable Discussion rewarding in these areas: Being able to help a player learn more about the game of tennis and also in the game of life. AND being able to give my energy of life to players through my sheer enthusiasm for them as people and players!

Montesi: Coaching is extremely rewarding. You get to help, develop, teach and educate a student. I still admire many of my coaches growing up. They were great role models and taught me more than just tennis. I love to be in the position where I can impact someone and truly help them with the sport. I’ve become good friends with my students, seeing them grow and become adults has been fulfilling.

Volman: The most rewarding aspect of being a tennis coach is witnessing the growth of my students from their 1st step on the tennis court. It's fulfilling to see them develop their skills, gain confidence, and achieve their goals on the court. Building strong relationships and sharing my passion for the sport also brings me great satisfaction.

There has been a surge in popularity of other racquet sports in recent years. What are the pros and cons of how this affects tennis?

Becker: I think it's great for the public

that they are finding other racquet sports which have their distinct advantages. I also think it's good for some tennis pros who want to pivot and pick up additional lessons as well as tennis clubs who can make more money converting courts to pickleball.

It's also good for the tennis apparel industry. Overall though between the noise of hitting a wiffleball, tennis courts being converted to pickleball courts, and some tennis players leaving for pickleball, I do think it's a negative for tennis.

Nisenson: As long as people have racquets in their hands and staying active I think that is a positive thing. I think tennis clubs have to be flexible

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Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

2023 LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

Coaches Roundtable Discussion for the benefits of the business like putting down the pickleball lines like we did at Point Set. The tennis players need to get used to some more noise but I think that’s the way now. The pickleball boom makes sense to me tennis is a difficult sport to play whereas pickle anyone can jump in and start to play.

Stoerback: The surge in popularity of other racquet sports has both positive and negative effects on tennis. On the positive side, it can raise awareness, introduce fresh talent, stimulate innovation, and enhance competition.

However, it also poses challenges by competing for players, potentially reallocating resources, influencing player demographics, and sparking resistance to change within the traditional tennis community. Tennis must adapt while preserving its core values to thrive amidst these dynamics, benefitting from the exposure and opportunities while addressing the competition and evolving landscape head-on.

Volman: The surge in popularity of other racquet sports can introduce healthy competition and encourage innovation in tennis, from equipment and coaching techniques to events and tournament play. However, it may also lead to a smaller talent pool and competition for participants, potentially affecting tennis's growth and resources.

Tennis must adapt to these changes to thrive in this evolving landscape.

What fundamental beliefs about tennis technique have you questioned or changed over time?

Kaplan: 1: The wrist does not snap.

It extends and reduces to a fixed position through contact. 2: We don't bend our knees, we hinge our hips. 3: The ball does not always go where we point the racket and in the direction we swing because of physical forces like friction. 4: We should not always swing "low to high." Most balls are struck at a diagonal and high balls are often hit "high to low." 5: Balance is zero acceleration. The goal of a hit is to momentarily lose racket balance by accelerating and to regain body balance with stability and smooth movement. 6: The goal of a swing is not extension, it is momentary velocity and acceleration at impact.

Krass: About 33 years ago, I questioned if the traditional serving motion-- the full backswing down, around and back-- was the best and most efficient way to serve? My answer came in 1990 when I produced a video called the Biomechanically Efficient Serving Technique, aka B.E.S.T SERVE. I am credited, by many in the Tennis Industry, as being the innovator of the ABBREVIATED SERVE that Andy Roddick and others use to their advantage!

Lewit: As a technician, I think about this a lot. There are many areas of technique that have changed. First, groundstrokes need to be more elastic and players can load and explode— leaving the ground and going airborne. Second, topspin is a huge part of the modern technical game.

Third, open stances are the norm now.

Fourth, jumping on the serve is standard. Fifth—follow-throughs on the forehand are typically no longer around the neck and more wrist is involved in the swing. All these areas were technical taboos in the past.

Unfortunately many coaches still teach old-school technique and still see these areas as taboo—which is crazy!

Wass: Tennis is always evolving, and yes, there have been some significant shifts in techniques. I would say the way we deliver technical instruction is what has adjusted the most in recent years. Not long ago many techniques were delivered with a one size fits all approach. Today's athlete needs to understand why technical aspects of their game are important and how skills fit into their style of play, body type, etc. Constant feedback from the player is required to deliver techniques properly. Reflective practices are necessary tool for coaches to use in making adjustments to any player.

What is something you think you can improve on as a coach?

Carmo: I am always looking for ways to improve as a tennis coach.

Coaching is an art and there is not only one way of doing it. Players learn in different ways and players need different perspectives. I learn from other coaches and players daily. I still need to improve and observe in players how much they need to be pushed and how far I can push them mentally.

Pinho: To maintain the same level of enthusiasm when working with groups or a demographic that I normally don't work with. As I value the personal connection that is developed with the players that I work with regularly, at times it can be more challenging to work on groups where there's less of that.

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2023 LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

Coaches Roundtable Discussion Stoerback: When coaching adult players, I recognize the need to improve communication, individualize training plans, and set realistic goals tailored to their objectives and time constraints. Motivating them and helping with time management is vital.

Additionally, focusing on mental resilience, stress management, and building confidence is important due to the potential pressures they may face. Guidance on nutrition, fitness, and recovery is valuable for overall well-being. Encouraging a lifelong love for the game and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement will help adult players enjoy their tennis journey and reach their goals, all while balancing the demands of adulthood.

Volman: As a coach, I try to continually work on enhancing my ability to tailor instruction to individual players' needs. It's crucial to recognize that every student is unique in terms of skill level, learning style, and goals. By refining my adaptability and communication skills, I can better serve each player's development.

What advice would you give a former player who has desires to go into coaching?

Kaplan: Coaching is a passion and a business driven by soft skills so learn the personality, attitudes and habits of your targeted market to predict their behavior and what makes them tick.

Don't overestimate your strengths and underestimate your weaknesses. Use all your resources, opportunities don't wait for you. As an entrepreneur get used to rejection and don't rely on being told what to do. Finally be realistic and reliable. Being interested 30

is better than being interesting, being respectful is better than being respected.

doesn’t want to answer questions, I think that’s a red flag for any player or parent.

Lewit: Be humble. I have trained many young coaches. Sometimes a former player—if they were very good—think they know a lot because they played at a high level. While that does give them an edge, there is a still A LOT to learn about teaching and junior development. Be humble and seek out good mentors. Learn the art of coaching. Never rest on your laurels. Mentors, for me, are the most important key to becoming a great coach. Education is also crucial. Keep learning and try to get better every day!

Marks: As long as it's done respectfully I actively encourage questions! It makes me a better coach and holds me accountable. I don’t want players to just blindly go along with everything I say and ask. I want them to think for themselves and challenge things that don’t make sense or they don’t understand. Healthy conversation is a great thing and we can all learn a lot from each other whether you are the coach or the student.

Pinho: To invest in him/herself from an education perspective and gain knowledge and expertise from others who have been in the industry for a long time. Additionally, to ensure that they go into a club that can help them to develop a multitude of skills and support their continuing education efforts.

How do you feel about students who question you?

Lewit: Some coaches rule with an iron fist and discourage questioning. I have learned that questions from students reveal their thoughts and can help create trust and rapport between the coach and the student. The coach should answer in an intelligent way and explain himself or herself. The student will appreciate the honest response and this will build trust in the relationship. I try to listen carefully to the concerns of my students and answer them as honestly as I can and to the best of my ability. If a coach

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

Montesi: I like having good open communication with my students, they should feel comfortable asking questions. If they question the next exercise or routine as a coach I have to take the time to reinforce the benefits of it and I do enjoy explaining further the reasons behind any activity.

There always has to be mutual respect between coaches and students Can and should junior players have more than one coach?

Lee: The game isn’t played one way, and each coach brings something different to the game. The key is communication, so each coach can focus on their own area of expertise.

Wass: This is definitely a case by case basis. At different phases of development different areas may need to be addressed, expecting one person to have all the answers is often unrealistic. However, many players do benefit from one voice relaying the message, a voice they trust. The best advice I can give is to make sure that

2023 LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE’S

Coaches Roundtable Discussion your "team", which includes parents, coaches and player have a plan and are able to understand the responsibility of each person on the "team".

Who do you look at on the pro tour currently as a role model for your students? Why? Carmo: I know that Novak Djokovic is not everyone's favorite player. But we need to respect and learn from him. His flexibility, his technique, his enthusiasm to compete after all these years and most importantly, his mental strength makes Novak a role model for other students.

Gaudio: Carlos Alcaraz, because of both his character and his playing style. He shows respect and sportsmanship to his opponents, is gracious to the praise he receives and remains humble about his ability and achievements. He has a fighting spirit that is evident in the way he perseveres in his matches. These are all character traits that a tennis player should follow. His all court game and all around skill set are also a great model for junior players. He combines great defense with great offense. He has a wide variety of shots and tactics he can use and knows when to use them.

Krass: Role models, on the Men's tour for my students, could be Carlos Alcaraz, for his all-court, versatile Singles game, Max Cressy for his relentless serve-and-volley Singles game and American Davis Cuppers, Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram, for their relentless commitment to Serveand-Volley Doubles play. On the Women's Side, I like Iga Swiatek for

her pursuit of greatness through her disciplined shot selection, shot placement and net play!

Nisenson: There are many young players on tour that I like but I still have to go with Rafa Nadal when it comes to a role model for young players. I have a tremendous amount of respect for his humility, competitive spirit, work ethic, on court behavior and his no excuse attitude. I am hoping he can get back out on court for one more run!!! Vamos Rafa.

Passarelli: Rafael Nadal is the player I use as the role model and example for my student athletes. He is an exceptional player with a strong work ethic and his determination is unmatched. He displays sportsmanship both on and off the court and he possesses remarkable mental strength and resilience. He maintains a positive attitude in the face of defeat, and he never gives up which are all qualities that we instill and demand from our players. He treats everyone with respect and kindness and with the topics discussed in these questions, Rafael Nadal for me will always be the example on my court.

near future and it has the potential to be a great help to how effectively coaches can elevate students. The key is recognizing that it is a collaborative tool, not a substitute for knowledge , experience and understanding of the sport. As with all tools it can be used to serve us and AI can provide an enormous amount of information and analytics to give us greater insight. It also has the potential for abuse and can dumb us down with laziness, complacency, misinformation and a sense of false competence . Coaching should exercise caution with AI because it is so powerful and with great power comes great responsibility.

Lee: The continued development of AI will help coaches and programs to better understand their clients needs by analyzing date on their clients performance. AI will help coaches to personalize their own coaching to meet each individuals needs.

How will the continued development of AI change the coaching landscape as we go forward?

Becker: AI in general stinks. Can we just be content being humans? But in all seriousness, I'm sure players and coaches will depend on it for technique more and more and strategically with data at the higher levels as well.

Kaplan: AI is going to continue to infiltrate tennis coaching in the very LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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40-Love: After 40 Years of Growth, Future Stars Still Maintains Its Values

By Brian Coleman

H

ere in New York, parents have an abundance of options on where they choose to send their children for camp each summer, and that abundance includes an array of tennisspecific camps.

Because of this, standing out amongst the pack is imperative for any camp.

For the last several decades, Future Stars Camps has done just that, establishing a culture that has not only been successful in terms of developing great tennis players, but also in creating a family-like environment that keeps generations of people coming back each year.

Future Stars has been around for more than 40 years, and began with one single camp at Manhattanville College, with only about a dozen campers that first year. The following year, global soccer star Pele ran a soccer camp at the same location which attracted

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hundreds of kids, but he did not run the camp the following year, which was when Future Stars picked up the mantle. The rest is history, and now Future Stars operates nearly 30 different programs at seven locations throughout New York.

No matter how large Future Stars has become, the relationships between the staff and the campers and their families remains at the heart of what makes Future Stars successful.

Whether it’s the directors, the counselors or the campers themselves, they all rave about the welcoming nature of Future Stars,

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

Photo courtesy of USTA

and how that breeds familiarity and comfortability year-afteryear. At the core of that is Camp Director Pablo Montesi, who has been at the healm for nearly two decades.

“For me, it all actually starts with owner Charlie VanDercook, who trained many of the coaches and counselors, including myself,” said Montesi. “I worked with him closely, and then began running the camp myself. I think having the same director here helps with establishing a standard and maintaining consistency.”

That standard and consistency has been at the core of Future Star’s success, as despite its massive growth and numerous locations, it has not abandoned the values that make it what it is. That is evident when you look at those who attended the camp, many of whom move on to become counselors in training and then counselors when they become old

enough. By establishing essentially a pathway from camper to counselor, that consistency remains intact.

“I had such good relationships with the counselors when I was younger and coming here as a camper,” said Ava Azulei, who is 15-years-old and is now a counselor.

“Even ones that don’t work here anymore, I still stay in touch with them, and I’m very close with all the counselors here, and those relationships are very special to me.”

For Azulei, the transition of moving from a camper to a counselor was made easy because of the staff there.

“I feel like it was a seamless transition. I saw how my counselors did it when I was a camper, and I used that to help me prepare to become a counselor and follow in their footsteps,” she added. “The campers here are also really wellbehaved and nice, very respectful, and it makes it such a great experience.”

The Future Stars staff is comprised of people from all over the world which helps foster a diverse environment where everybody’s

voice is heard, and that goes a long way in developing a report with its clientele. This collection of talented staff bring their own attributes and strengths to the table, and when they come together under the Future Stars umbrella, a truly supportive environment is formed.

“For a lot of us as international students, we come here to play college tennis and are used to being a part of a vast mix of people, and working together as a team” said Tjasa Jerse, one of the directors under Montesi. “We all come with different personalities and speak different languages, but

we come here to work for the same goal. That comes from the top down and Pablo really sets that example. We share the same values and have the same goals, and everybody is able to bring their own piece to the puzzle. Even though we have a large number of kids across so many different locations, we maintain that personal connection to our campers, we know their names and their parents’ names, and I think that goes a long way towards families trusting us with their kids.”

That environment has proven to be successful both in terms of developing top tennis players but also in bringing tennis to their campers in a way that makes them want to continue playing for years to come.

Nine-year-old Lucas added: “I’ve been playing tennis since I was about three-years-old. My favorite shot to hit is the drop shot.

Coach Lucas is my favorite here, he speaks Portuguese like I do.”

“It’s not only our job to teach forehands and backhands, but really help these kids develop and create a connection to the sport of tennis they continued on page 36

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40-love: after 40 years of growth... continued from page 35

can use for a lifetime,” said Jimmy Merah. “They are able to make friends and that’s important, because it makes the campers want to continue coming back year-afteryear, and also leads to the campers eventually wanting to become counselors and counselors-intraining. They enjoyed it so much that it’s an environment they want to work in when they get older, and that helps maintain our values here at Future Stars.”

Between the top level of instruction but also the family-like atmosphere, Future Stars has a stellar reputation which has existed for nearly half a century. While Montesi and his staff maintain a standard and consistency, they are always looking to evolve and improve as times

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change, something they do well.

Just this last summer, they began running UTR tournaments at their facilities, and are planning on doing more as we head into the winter months. Future Stars also hosts parent-child tournaments multiple times throughout the course of camp, and launched its own singles tournaments for its campers.

One of its winners, James Crespi, a six-year-old, said: “The tournaments are my favorite part of camp,” he said. “If I could play one person in the world it would be Novak Djokovic. I think I could beat him.”

That confidence is an important aspect of tennis development, and its these sorts of memories that Future Stars helps create for its

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campers, and that they plan on continue doing for years to come.

“We’re excited about what we have been able to build here, and look forward to maintaining that consistency as we move forward,” Montesi added. “We are always adjusting and trying to see what’s new to give our campers the best possible experience. We aren’t dead set in our ways, we’re always evolving and innovating, and always trying different ways to help our staffers accommodate different levels of players, and give them an unforgettable summer camp experience, and provide them a positive connection to tennis.”

Brian Coleman is the Senior Editor for Long Island Tennis Magazine. He may be reached at brianc@usptennis.com.

Momentum in Tennis

By Adam Lee

M

omentum in tennis means that a player benefits from a psychological and/or physiological boost. A psychological boost is a positive change in cognition whereas a physiological boost is a positive change in behavior. Momentum is influenced by a variety of factors, including the score, the quality of play, and the emotions of the players.

Momentum can be a powerful force in tennis; when a player has momentum, they feel confident and in control. They are more likely to hit winners and make fewer mistakes feeling confident.

Their opponent, on the other hand, may feel discouraged and deflated.

They may be more likely to make mistakes and play defensively.

Paying attention to momentum can give you a significant advantage in a tennis match. If you’re aware when the momentum is in your favor, you should look to capitalize on it by playing more aggressively, show a lot of energy and possibly play faster between points. On the other, if you’re aware when the momentum is against you, you should really take the time to slow the game down by taking more time in between points as well as maintaining good

body language.

It can help you make better decisions.

When you know which player has the momentum, you can make more informed decisions about your tactics.

For example, if you have the momentum, you may want to be more aggressive and go for winners. If it is against you, you may want to be more defensive and try to avoid making mistakes.

Below are a few ways that paying close attention to momentum can help you win matches.

1. It can help you stay focused. It can be easy to lose focus in a tennis match, especially if you are losing, due to your emotional behavior.

However, if you are aware of the momentum, you can use it to help you stay focused on the next point.

For example, if you have the momentum, you can try to keep your focus and not get complacent. If the momentum is against you, you can try to use it to motivate yourself and stay positive.

2. It can help you demoralize your opponent. When you can consistently win points and games, it

can be demoralizing for your opponent. This can give you a mental edge and make it more difficult for them to come back and win the match.

3. Be aware of your own emotional state. When you are feeling confident and in control, you are more likely to have momentum.

Conversely, when you are feeling discouraged and deflated, you are more likely to lose momentum.

4. Be aware of your opponent's emotional state. If you can see that your opponent is feeling frustrated or discouraged, you can try to capitalize on it by playing more aggressively and taking more risks.

5. Use your momentum to your advantage. When you have the momentum, try to play your best tennis and put pressure on your opponent. Don't give them a chance to catch up.

6. Do not give up if you lose momentum. Momentum can shift quickly in a tennis match. Even if you are trailing in the score or losing a set, it is still possible to come back and win. Stay focused and keep fighting until the very end.

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USTA Eastern Long Island Region LI Council Hosts Awards Dinner

T

he USTA Long Island Region’s 33rd Annual Awards Dinner is in the books, and a wonderful evening was had by all. Honorees, their families and friends attended the event at the Sea Cliff Manor, where local volunteers, players and others involved in the tennis community were recognized for their achievements on and off the court.

Awards were given in categories including Lifetime Achievement, Pro of the Year, Junior Team Tennis Team of the Year and also recognizing sportsmanship, facilities, league play, high school achievements and more.

A complete list of awardees can be found at www.longisland.usta.com Award highlights included: Adam Kolenberg received the Vitas Gerulaitis “For the Love of Tennis” Award, which honors someone who demonstrates their love of the game through volunteering, supporting tennis programs and helping grow tennis throughout Long Island. For many years, Adam has been bringing together a group of personalities from different backgrounds and ages, driven only by his love of tennis. His contact list of tennis players is endless, and Adam has captained teams from lower NTRP rating levels to 4.5 level teams. He runs an organized indoor doubles game during the winter and plans doubles games all year long.

The Charles Karp Memorial Award for Overcoming Adversity is given to a tennis player who has overcome a serious medical condition, disability or other adversity. This year the award went to the Roslyn High School Boys Tennis Team. While celebrating winning the biggest match of their season, tragedy struck the team with the tragic passing of two of their players. After some time to regroup, they made the decision to continue and complete their regular season and compete in the Large School Team playoffs and the Individual Nassau County tournament. Even though they lost in the Semifinals to their rival Syosset, the Roslyn boys came down as a team to root on Syosset in the Nassau County finals and in the State tournament.

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Dealing with the tragic loss of two of her team’s players, Kerriann Janotte-Hinckley, Roslyn tennis coach, was a source of great comfort to her team and the Roslyn community. She supported, guided and rallied her team to continue their season in memory of their teammates. She also worked diligently to keep the team together and playing beyond the regular season to provide a safe space for them to help them work through their grief. For this she received the Good Samaritan Award, given to an individual or organization who has done something above and beyond to help a tennis player, facility or the general tennis community.

Community Service has always been an important part of the USTA Long Island Region’s charter, and past president Daniel Burgess was known for giving of himself to support tennis across our communities. The Daniel Burgess, Sr. Community Service Award is given in memory of Burgess, a longtime USTA volunteer and LI Director who was passionate about tennis. He shared that passion with his community, the kids he taught and

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

USTA Eastern Long Island Region the people he met. The Long Island Region honors him by giving this award to an individual, group or organization whose dedication to serving the tennis community is outstanding and unique. The award was presented by Burgess’ widow, Agnes, to the Nassau County Police Activity League. PAL tennis was dear to Daniel’s heart and the Nassau County PAL added tennis for the first time because of the positive health and social benefits that the game can provide to their participants, many of whom come from underserved communities.

Recognizing outstanding tennis facilities, the Outdoor Tennis Site of the Year, given to a public or private tennis facility that has demonstrated its support for growing the game, was presented to Hofstra University.

After having their courts refurbished with a Facility Assistance Grant from the USTA, Hofstra opened their facilities and hosted the Boys’ Nassau County Small

Schools and Large Schools Championships and the Boys Long Island Small Schools and Large Schools Championships last spring. They will do the same for the Girls season this fall.

Grants for High School Tennis

T

he USTA is offering grants to high school tennis programs looking to increase tennis participation and enhance team support. Funding can go toward improving program development, supporting additional coaching needs and/or improving junior varsity programs.

Schools that can apply should be within the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, PSAL High School teams or the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. New teams, coaches currently developing a high school team or teams that support a no-cut policy are

also eligible to apply. This grant cannot be used for transportation, memberships or registration fees. The maximum grant amount is $500 and the final date to submit applications is November 20, 2023. https://www.usta.com/en/home/coach-organize/tennissupport/grants-assistance/eastern/growing-tennis-together-gr ant.html The USTA Long Island Region also has $500 grants available (not exclusive to high schools). For information, email ustaonlongisland@gmail.com

Long Island Regional Council Executive Committee Mike Pavlides, Regional Director Jonathan Klee, Past Regional Director Sunny Fishkind Tito Perez Jason Wass Randi Wilkins Neil Thakur, Manager, Schools Tennis and Long Island & Metro Region CTC Becky Bellino, USTA Eastern Leagues Coordinator, bellino@eastern.usta.com Facebook: Play Tennis Long Island • Instagram: USTA Eastern LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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U S TA E A S T E R N L O N G I S L A N D R E G I O N

33Rd ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER JOURNAL

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S to All Award Winners from The USTA Eastern Long Island Region’s 33rd Annual Awards Ceremony

Congratulations to Point Set’s Lori Sarnelli, one of the hardest-working and dedicated people in our community.

Well-deserved.

Long Island Tennis Magazine

Congratulations, Rachel Neuman!

We’re incredibly proud of your remarkable community service.

With all our love, Mom and Dad

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Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

U S TA E A S T E R N L O N G I S L A N D R E G I O N

33Rd ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER JOURNAL

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S to All Award Winners from The USTA Eastern Long Island Region’s 33rd Annual Awards Ceremony

Congratulations to To a great Student and Athlete: Congratulations Paige Wygodzki!

Bethpage Park Tennis Center

Lori Sarnelli

on your Excellence Award

Birdie Tarulli League Captain Sportsmanship Award Your co-workers, team members, friends and family are proud of you and your dedication to tennis.

To a longstanding member of the LI Tennis Community.

Congratulations Rich Rottkamp on this amazing honor, and here’s to more great years ahead.

To the

Roslyn Boys’ Tennis Team, your courage and toughness in the wake of tragedy is a lesson to us all.

Always keep them in your hearts.

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Get Out Of Your Own Way

By Tonny Van De Pieterman

A

t the end of a challenging tennis lesson my client asked me if it was normal that she felt like she was getting worse after having enjoyed much improvement in the recent past. Looking back, I wish I had just said yes, and explained about the four stages of development. Instead, I told her this: “Who told you that you have improved?”

I answered her question with a question! How impolite of me.

With a surprised look on her face, she countered: “So I haven’t improved?”

“Is that what you heard me say?” was my snarky reply.

“I told myself that I have improved”, she admitted.

“Exactly”, I started, “and that’s just a story you told yourself that you are now trying to live up to. Thinking that you have gotten better brings expectations along that will interfere as soon as you miss a few shots today.

My point is, it doesn’t matter what you think your level is, what matters is to have a quality session right now, at this moment.” (Sigh) That last sigh was my own. I often get tired of hearing myself talking like that. Did I mention that it had been a challenging lesson? That was meant for me! My client had been constantly critical of herself during the lesson, and when her internal voice is busy, it leaves little room for me to help out.

Sure, I tried to make a few jokes to lighten the mood. I offered a few drills to break down some technical 42

difficulties with her forehand, but overall, I could not help her get out of her own way. I tried, and I failed. I hate failing, so when she asked me an honest question my Ego saw its chance and delivered a lecture.

The following is my do-over, meant as an apology and to be helpful: “Yes, Daniella, it is quite normal to experience setbacks on your way of progress. Let me explain the four phases of development, so you can discover where you are and where the frustration comes from:” Phase One: Unconscious Incompetence You just started playing this great sport. You have no idea about technique, strategy, or anything. But that doesn’t matter. It is so much fun to run around and to hit the ball. Every good shot is a miracle, and every bad shot is hilarious. This is a blissful state to be in.

Phase Two: Conscious Incompetence You start to look around and see how much there is to learn. You are absorbing information about grips, swing paths, contact points, footwork, and we haven’t even discussed strategy and competition. The blissful

feelings are gone, but challenging work and the enjoyment of steady progress sustains you.

Phase Three: Conscious Competence You have learned a lot by now. You are starting to piece things together, but to do so you must spend a lot of brainpower. Some days are amazing, but you don’t know why, so the next day can be awful. This is the least rewarding state because even though your desire is great, the confidence is fickle.

Phase Four: Unconscious Competence The return to the blissful state! Your body has been trained to operate separately from the mind. You trust your strokes and compete as a way for honest self-expression.

Most players quickly run through the first two phases only to get stuck in the third. This phase offers seemingly random positive and negative reinforcements; it’s what makes tennis so addicting.

How to get to Phase Four? Get out of your own way!

I am still working on that part myself…

Tonny van de Pieterman is a tennis professional at Point Set Indoor Racquet Club in Oceanside, N.Y.. In his long coaching career, he was honored with the USTA Tennis Professional of the Year for the USTA Eastern Long Island Region. He may be reached by phone at (516) 536-2323 or e-mail Tonny@PointSetTennis.com.

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

Tennis Association of Farmingdale Holds Another Successful Season

T

he Tennis Association of Farmingdale (TAF) is an adult (18 and over) tennis league that provides its members the opportunity to play outdoor competitive tennis during the months of April through October.

A member of the USTA Community Tennis Association, the TAF is made up of seven individual sections (ladders).

At the time of this publication, these are the top three finishers in each of the league’s seven ladders. Be sure to check LITennisMag.com for a full season recap later this winter: Men’s Singles Adam Waterhouse Alvaro Amato Gary Simeone Women’s Singles Shirley Ng Lily Tang Margie Tanner Men’s Doubles Gary Simeone/Larry Pleener Joe Krebs/Scott Wiss Adam Waterhouse/Rich Hume Women’s Doubles Kitty Anderson Galvez/Zabeeda DeSouza Aki Bowman/Kathy Rzonca LaDonna Tousha/Wendy Wagner Men’s Senior Singles Robert Santoro Rich Gucciardo Vladimir Galatsky Women’s Senior Singles Claudia Cala Rosa Montoya Barbara Canton Mixed Doubles Cari Solomon/Larry Pleener

Christine Wiss/Scott Wiss Angel Pipitone/Lewis Sigelakis The TAF was formed in 1976, so the league is celebrating its 48th year in 2023.

“The intent of the founding members was to create a community based, grass roots organization to afford its members the opportunity to enjoy and grow the game they love. The significance of the “Farmingdale” in the name of TAF is simply that most of the founding members came from the Farmingdale area,” said Rich Hume, President of the TAF. “Today, the TAF includes members throughout the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, and even a few hardy souls from Queens and Brooklyn. The ladder is made up of a wide variety of players, both in age

and experience.”

The current membership is over 200 players, with 90 of those individuals joining for the first time in 2023. That influx of new members is reflective of the resurgence of interest in tennis that we’ve seen in the last few years both regionally and nationally.

In addition to the 2,000 matches that have been played to date this year through all the various ladders, the league also runs annual group events – a Kich Off in April, which is basically a meet and greet and play tennis to introduce new members to the TAF, and an annual picnic in June which includes lots of fun doubles play.

The league is always looking to add new members, and anyone who is interested in obtaining more information about the TAF can visit www.taftennis.org.

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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In the

Kitchen An in-depth look at Pickleball on Long Island

Long Islanders Taking Viking Athletics to New Heights

A

t the height of the COVID-19 global pandemic a couple of years ago, two Long Island natives in search of a business opportunity decided to buy Viking Athletics, which at the time was a company dedicated to platform tennis.

In the years since taking over, Viking Athletic has branched into other sports as well, and this past spring, it officially launched the

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pickleball part of the business.

“The goal when we took over was to take Viking from strictly a platform tennis company and build it into a multi-sport racquet brand, and that’s been our bigger vision as we move forward,” said Matt Wierzel. “Over the last 18 months or so we have spent a lot of time on pickleball, and we went to market with our pickleball line back in May. We’re players ourselves, so

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

we know what the market wants, what the market needs and what we need to do to expand.”

That “we” refers to Wierzel and Alex Bancila, who purchased Viking Athletics from a private equity firm back in the beginning of 2021. The two have known each other dating back to their time on Long Island when they met while working at the Cherry Valley Club in Garden City, when Wierzel worked underneath Bancila.

Wierzel was a late bloomer to tennis, only beginning to play when he and his family moved to Long Island when he was in eighth grade.

“On the new block we moved to, everyone there played tennis,” recalled Wierzel. “I was a baseball player at that time, but I decided to try out tennis. I picked it up fairly quickly without a ton of lessons or instruction, and was able to make the JV team at Chaminade as a freshman.

Because of the work ethic instilled in him by his parents, Wierzel began working around this time as well, and landed a job at the Cherry Valley Club, where Bancila was the assistant director. It was there that he really developed as a tennis player, as in between Bancila’s own lessons, he would give instruction to Wierzel, and spent hours hitting against a wall at the club.

“I give a lot of credit to Alex and the other pros that worked there,” he recalls. “If they didn’t have lessons going on, they would spend time with me and helping to train me just out of good will.”

So the two would continue to get to know each other over the years working together at Cherry Valley, and what started out as a boss-

employee relationship developed into a lifelong friendship.

Wierzel would go on to play college tennis at Holy Cross where he competed at the top of the Crusaders’ lineup, before moving to Chicago after graduation to become an options trader. But he and Bancila always kept in touch, and Bancila got a job working for Viking Athletics, where held a multitude of responsibilities.

Because Bancila had such an intimate knowledge of the day-today operations of Viking, the private equity firm that owned the brand went to him first when they decided to put it up for sale.

Intrigued by the idea, he contacted Wierzel as the two were in search of a business opportunity to venture into together.

“It was a part of the firm’s portfolio and they really didn’t know a lot about the sport or the brand, so they went to Alex first,” said Wierzel. “That’s when he approached me, and the situation and timing worked out nicely. It was in a space where Alex had 20-plus years of experience, and I had been a teaching pro with business experience. We said to each other, it’s a business we know and are passionate about. We have complimentary skill sets that make

for a successful business relationship.”

And for the last two years, the pair has helped grow Viking Athletics beyond simply a platform tennis brand into what Wierzel calls a “three-headed monster”, adding padel tennis and pickleball to its repertoire. After overcoming some early challenges caused by the pandemic, including supply chain and manufacturing issues, Wierzel and Bancila have used their wealth of experience and knowledge as players themselves to provide their customers with exactly what they need.

The company has expanded to feature a bigger staff which has allowed them to expand into other sports. As the growth of racquet and paddle sports continues to grow both nationwide and globally, the Viking team is excited for what lies ahead.

“There is a ton of competition in the space, and that’s something we welcome,” added Wierzel.

“Competition is good, it forces everyone to be better, innovate and create, which in turn helps grow the overall market. Pickleball was the big venture we wanted to get into when we first bought the company, and we are intrigued to watch that side of our business continue to grow.”

Fully indoors and climate controlled • Parties & Events • Birthdays • Professional Development • Team Building • Fundraisers 525 Eagle Ave (516) 550-5700

West Hempstead, N.Y. www.pickleballplusLLC.com LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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in the kitchen continued from page 00

Pickleball Plus Hosting Parties Bringing People Together

O

ne of the most appealing and attractive aspects of pickleball is the social component that comes along with it.

While on-court play can get competitive and intense, there is a unique aspect to pickleball that brings people together, no matter the cause.

Pickleball Plus in West Hempstead has embraced that fact and since its inception more than two years ago has hosted an array of different parties, fundraisers and charity

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events, using pickleball as a way to bring people together, and has done so successfully.

“I would highly recommend Pickleball Plus for parties, events, leagues and open play. All the staff there is friendly, helpful and a pleasure to deal with.” That sentiment was shared by Breina Lampert, who earlier this year celebrated what she called a “big birthday” at Pickleball Plus. Her goal was to have a birthday party that involved doing something she loved, which is

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

playing pickleball, and also something that would be open and accessible to all ages.

“Pickleball Plus made that happen,” Lampert said. “I was able to use 10 courts, two were designated for lessons with one of their pros, for people who had never played before, while the other courts featured games and minitournaments with another one of the club’s pros. After everyone played, we gathered in the party room for a delicious dinner. The party coordinators helped set up and clean up the party room; it was such an easy way to enjoy pickleball and an evening of fun for all levels.”

Colleen Cluess wanted to honor her mother’s memory, and found the perfect way to do so. Her mother, Mary Ann Cluess, grew up playing at West Hempstead Tennis Center, which is now Pickleball Plus, and was an avid tennis and pickleball player. In fact, she was also the 1981 World Champion in women’s racquet ball, so playing paddle and racquet sports was something she had done throughout her entire life.

So her daughter Colleen wanted to honor that legacy and also help raise money for cancer research, and did so with a fundraiser at Pickleball Plus.

“My mom was always known for bringing people together, making lasting memories, and of course she was known for her loving-yetcompetitive nature,” said Cluess.

“Pickleball Plus allowed my mom to do what she loved with people that she loved. She passed away in 2022 and left behind a legacy of

love and competitiveness after a long battle with breast cancer.

About a year after she passed away, I knew the perfect way to honor her memory was a pickleball tournament at Pickleball Plus. I knew she would want the people she loved playing a sport she loved,

and enjoying each other’s company and that is exactly what we did.”

And so Cluess got to honor her mom’s memory while also raising money for a good cause, one that is near and dear to her family and that they plan to maintain for years to come.

“The facility is immaculate and allows for both players and spectators to have an enjoyable experience,” she added. “We were completely taken care of by the staff before, during and after the event…It was truly an unforgettable experience that we hope to continue each year in my mom’s honor.”

With the social aspect of pickleball being a key reason for the sport’s rapid growth, Pickleball Plus had made a conscious effort to use its facility to help bring people together. Whether it’s celebrating a birthday or honoring a loved one’s memory, pickleball is the chosen activity of many.

Long Island Pickleball Challenge Hits Sportime Hempstead Lake “We were doing a good job of communicating during matches, and we just recently started stacking which has helped our communication,” added Butzgy. “It really comes down to trust. I trust her to control the net when she has to and she does a great job of that.”

Beiner added: “Talking to your partner and adjusting from Mixed Doubles Champions Nicole Beiner & Louis Butzgy Women’s Doubles Champions Emilie Katz & opponent-to-opponent is Aleksandra Mally really important, and we were able to do that. The he Long Island Pickleball which kept the event fun and lively. tournament was really well-run, Challenge hit the pickleball “Long Island Tennis Magazine they told you everything courts of Sportime Hempstead and Sportime do such a great job beforehand, how the playoffs Lake as doubles teams competed with these events,” said Louis would work and everything, and across three different divisions.

Butzgy, who partnered with Nicole that is really helpful to stay ready The teams battled it out in roundBeiner to win the Mixed Doubles and focused.” robin play which fed into the 3.5-4.0 division. “I know they run In the Women’s Doubles 3.5-4.0 knockout rounds, with intense a lot of tournaments, so we’re division, the pairing of Emilie Katz competition on court coupled with excited to just keep it going.” & Aleksandra Mally developed an catered continental breakfast Butzgy & Beiner defeated Ira spread, adult beverages and a Rosmarin & Jolie Weintraub in the continued on page 48 social atmosphere off the court Mixed Doubles Championship.

T

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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in the kitchen continued from page 47

Men’s Doubles Champions Harlan Rappaport & Alex Ricciuti on-court chemistry as the tournament progressed which proved to be the difference as they captured the Gold Medal.

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The duo defeated Diann Starcke & Renee Lemmerman in the championship match.

“We never competed in pickleball together but we had practiced before which definitely helped,” said Katz. “The first match in group play we got used to each other and then after that we clicked, and it all came together.”

A key factor was being able to find the right times to be aggressive.

“We got better as we played more matches, and were able to change up the pace of points, going from dinking to being more aggressive at times,” Mally added. “We figured out who should be getting the middle balls and that helped us play much more offensively.”

The Men’s Doubles 4.0-4.5

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

division came down to a championship battle in which Harlan Rappaport & Alex Ricciuti took on Nick Stone & C.J. Shank. In the end, Rappaport & Ricciuti would come away victorious.

“We made the smart plays,” Ricciuti said of their key to success.

“We started well in the group stage although we got kind of tight towards the end of those matches, but once we got into the playoffs we got back to playing our game. We put the pressure on them when we needed to and executed our shots.”

Rappaport gave his thoughts on the event overall.

“This was great. A lot of tournaments you are waiting an hour in between matches, but this kept everyone moving and playing,

and that’s huge. I actually played a tournament recently where I played a total of seven games total in six hours. So this was perfect.”

The Long Island Pickleball Challenge was another installment of the Long Island Tennis Magazine Summer Series as we continue to

make a strong push to provide fun racquet sport events for the local community.

“We were proud to once again put on a professionally-run pickleball event. The entire tournament ran smoothly and we had some great competition,” said co-tournament Director David Sickmen. “We would like to thank our sponsors adidas Pickleball, Halftime Chiller, OSIM USA, Sportime and Viking Athletics.

Sportime Hempstead Lake and its 10 pickleball courts (six dedicated, four hybrid) was the perfect host facility. We’re excited to continue our involvement within the pickleball community, and help to further the sport’s growth by running more special events like this moving forward.”

Full Results Men’s Doubles Champions • Gold – Harlan Rappaport & Alex Ricciuti • Silver – Nick Stone & CJ Shank • Bronze – Ryan McCabe & Andy Rousseau Women’s Doubles Champions • Gold – Emilie Katz & Aleksandra Mally • Silver – Diann Starcke & Renee Lemmerman • Bronze – Lisa Goldberg & Darlene Pergola Mixed Doubles Champions • Gold – Louis Butzgy & Nicole Beiner • Silver – Ira Rosmarin & Jolie Weintraub • Bronze – Natesh Shanmuga & Dina Devoe

Pickleball Padel Product Review: adipower Carbon Team ATTK

L

ooking to take your pickleball game to the next level? Well, adidas has you covered.

The new Adipower Carbon Team ATTK is the latest innovation from adidas pickleball and is the perfect paddle for you to raise your level and dominate the pickleball court this summer. The new adidas adipower CARBON Team ATTK Pickleball Paddle will bring everything you need in your game.

Its 3K Carbon construction will make power to be on your side in every moment.

The paddle shape and Low Density Polypropylene Honeycomb LD Core

will allow you to experience a pure sensation of comfort. Now with Structural Reinforcement Technology, which creates tortional rigidity and durability from edge to edge providing a solid and stable hitting surface across the entire paddle.

Newly added Spin Blade + technology has a durable sand blasted surface for increased spin and ball control.

Specifications: • Sport: Pickleball • Paddle Width: 7.5 • Length: 16.5 • Weight: Approx. 7.9 oz

• Player Type: Intermediate-Advanced • Colors: Multicolor (Orange, Yellow,Aqua Blue)/Black • Composition/Construction: Spin Blade + Surface, Low Density Polypropylene Honeycomb LD Core/3K Carbon Construction • Core Thickness: 16 mm • Technology: adidas Spin Blade + (3D relief for more spin), Structural Reinforcement (Perimeter reinforcements around the paddle) • Grip Circumference: 4 ¼ • Grip Length: 5.5 • Shape: ATTK • Misc: USA Pickleball Approved • Sweet Spot: Top

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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Pickleball Plus Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

A

s Pickleball Plus celebrates its second anniversary, its 12 indoor pickleball courts are filled with players of all levels, abilities, ages and backgrounds. The club offers a full range of pickleball programs and events including: Junior Development Pickleball Academy: Pickleball Plus is the area’s first to focus on kids’ pickleball, with its thriving Junior Pickleball Academy. Children ages 4-17 converge on the club for instruction and competition, and numerous groups have held introductory pickleball events at the club including local PALs, libraries, schools, summer camps and more. Recently the club held a free Introduction to Pickleball program for the Town of Hempstead.

Fifty children ages five-12 learned pickleball basics from the club’s fully certified instructional staff. For more information on junior programming email jacki@pickleballplusllc.com League Play: The club’s wide range of league play options include competitive match play nearly every day of the week at all levels – beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate and advanced intermediate. Leagues are offered in 11-week sessions and include opportunities for full share, half share and substitute participation. All leagues have a certified pro coordinator on court to ensure everything is well organized. The club’s newest option is its Learn-andLeague, which combines instructor-led drills and competitive match play for two hours in a nine-week program.

For more information on league play email leagues@pickleballplusllc.com Lessons: The club’s fully certified pros are available for private, semiprivate and small group lessons plus 50

“Learn-and-Play” sessions for groups of four to six players and eight-week group lesson series offered for beginner, advanced beginner and intermediate players. Absolute Beginner Clinics -- one-hour sessions designed to provide the basics for those who have never played before.

For more information on lessons email info@pickleballplusllc.com Parties, events and fundraisers: Pickleball players or newbies celebrating birthdays, organizing corporate team building, hosting fundraisers and more love the many options available at Pickleball Plus for fun, bonding, learning and competition. Events can include court time, guided tournament play, instruction, food in the club’s party room and much more. For more information on parties and events, email jacki@pickleballplusllc.com Tournaments and Events: Due to popular demand, the club offers competitive tournaments and social play events regularly. Recent events include the Fall Classic Tournament for men’s, women’s and mixed doubles teams, October Biergarten Tournament and Boo Bash, with couples and singles play divisions. Coming up is Knit One, Dink One combining

Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

knitting and pickleball instruction. For more information, email tournamentevent@pickleballplusllc.com Open and Social Play: Two-hour sessions are offered daily at specific levels for Open Play and all levels for Social Play. Pickleball Plus limits the number of bye players to a maximum of 4 byes per 24 players so there is never a long wait time. Also offered are Educators’ Only Social Play sessions and corporate open play for specific companies. For more information on open and social play, email info@pickleballplusllc.com Designed by and for pickleball players, the club’s courts are both tournament-sized and sanctioned and feature high ceilings, special lighting, court surfaces and other amenities that pickleball players deserve. A vibrant gathering spot for both experienced and new players, the club is open seven days with expanded hours, and conveniently located across the street from the LIRR Lakeview Station.

For more information on Pickleball Plus LLC and its programs, please visit www.pickleballplusllc.com, or Facebook: Pickleball Plus LLC or Instagram: pickleballplus_li Pickleball Plus LLC is located at 525 Eagle Ave., West Hempstead (516) 550-5700.

Big Data, Big Deal?

By Steve Kaplan “What happens in matches, and what the numbers say can be very different.”

- Andy Murray.

Big data using quantitative and qualitative analysis to uncover tennis play patterns has become a big deal in the tennis world. Can these analytics really help us to develop and use better tactics and strategies?

Of course we can look at data derived from matches and learn a lot about what happened by recognizing patterns, but is such knowledge useful to guide us on what to do to get the best results in future matches?

Let's start with the idea that for such analytics to be useful they must be predictive, and to be predictive, they must be precise or repeatable and representative or accurate.

To understand the answer to the above questions here are a few definitions that are relevant to addressing this complex concept.

1. Chaos Theory is a part of math that deals with the complex systems in which behavior is highly sensitive to conditions which make it move from order to disorder. Mike Tyson described it well when he said, “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”

2. The Butterfly Effect is a part of chaos theory in which a tiny local change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. So if I come to the net eight times in a match and win six points, I win 75 percent of those points and that's great, so maybe I should come in more? Well, the Butterfly Effect would suggest that by even coming in just 16 times total I change the dynamics in such a way that now my opponent is ready for my new strategy and thus I win only four of the 16 points, or 25 percent.

3. Game Theory is that part of math

focused on analysis of strategies in competitive situations where the outcome of one participant's actions depends greatly on the actions of the other participants. Tennis can be seen as one big game of Rock, Paper, Scissors in which we formalize If/Then statements.

So data can get skewed easily and that's just a part of this issue because what transforms data into analytics is interpretation, which is highly subjective and only as good as the coach performing the process. Still, a good coach can find value in numbers, but as the old saying goes, “statistics are like a bikini: what they reveal is important, but what they conceal is vital.”

So to put all this together let's consider the song by One Direction, “You Don't Know You’re Beautiful”. The

lyrics tell a girl “you don't know you’re beautiful, that's what makes you beautiful.” Of course if she believes what is told to her, she now knows she is beautiful and according to the lyrics, this self awareness makes her no longer beautiful. And since she now knows she can no longer be beautiful, she is thus beautiful again in this never ending cycle of interdependent cause and effect.

We can simplify big data as a popular website, Brain Game Tennis, attempts to do as it tries to find play patterns with profound meaning in chaos. However, without recognizing the principles of causation, the conclusions we reach are too simple to solve the complex issue of how to predict future patterns and prepare with a better plan of action.

I think that Andy Murray is right that the numbers don't always reflect play because they don’t travel in only one direction.

Steve Kaplan is the owner and managing director of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as director emeritus of Lacoste Academy for New York City Parks Foundation, executive director and founder of Serve & Return Inc. and co-director of The City Classic Junior Tennis Academy. Steve has coached more than 1,100 nationally- ranked junior players, 16 New York State high school champions, two NCAA Division 1 Singles Champions, and numerous highly-ranked touring professionals. Many of the students Steve has closely mentored have gone on to achieve great success as prominent members of the New York financial community, and in other prestigious professions. He may be reached by e-mail at StevenJKaplan@aol.com.

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Tennis Posts & Nets • Court Accessories Windscreen • Netting & Hardware (631) 427-5904 velvetop.com

1455 New York Ave Huntington Station, NY LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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Racquet Sport

Report presented by

adidas Pickleball

P

adel is following in the footsteps of pickleball and growing in the United States with new players discovering the sport on a daily basis.

Padel is a sport which combines action with fun and social interaction. It's a great sport for all ages and skills, usually played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by walls of glass and steel mesh.

Whitney Kraft of All Racquet Sports has teamed up with Jose Manuel Delgado of AFP Courts of Spain to construct an adidas branded showcase padel and pickleball court at the Brook Bound Inn in the picturesque town of Wilmington, Vermont.

Hotel guests and members can enjoy these brand new courts and sample the adidas branded surfaces and paddles.

The aluminum courts with AFP turf are state of the art and create an incredible environment to play in alongside the new pickleball court also using the latest paint and sealing products.

If you are considering a court of your own come see the showcase court. Please contact Whitney Kraft at wkraft@brookboundinnvt.com for more information or to schedule a visit.

Lessons, clinics and private instruction available by appointment, Brookboundinnvt.com for hotel reservations or call 802430-2001.

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Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

A Tale of Two Tennis Teams

By Barbara Wyatt

I

experienced the highs and lows of tennis teams in a single weekend.

During the same Sectionals weekend, I played on both a competitive team and a team with more of a social focus. The difference in team dynamics was as diverse as an ace versus an unforced error.

On the competitive team, our captain was all about partner development. Most players understood and accepted that the final lineup was about the skill and performance that partnerships developed during league play. We zoomed to the number one ranking and headed to Sectionals.

Then, a player suggested all players should play the same number of matches at Sectionals. My heart sank.

It was like suggesting that a top seed and a Wild Card have equal court time in a Grand Slam.

Why toss a competitive team to the curb? You know why. The suggestion came from a weaker player who knew they would most likely compete in one match at Sectionals, while stronger partnerships play two or three.

The captain held her ground. She continued to organize practices to assess skills and match performance objectively. Team unity came from the shared goal of winning.

On my second team, the social team, it was a different story. No practices during league; no recommended partnerships to develop. A few days before a competitive match, the captain haphazardly assigned names on the courts. This team received a slot at Sectionals—through the Wildcard system.

Not many members of our team opted to go. The strongest players feigned conflicts to avoid paying travel costs. They believed court partners would again be random placement,

and sometimes relegated to “show up dressed to play at warmups and if’s there’s an injury, you can sub in.”

It was disheartening to see our team's potential go to waste.

At the first match at Sectionals with the “social team”, my partner and I lost our match in a tiebreak. Partially because we had to answer the most basic questions, including, “Do you prefer to play deuce or ad?”

Looking back, I can't help but appreciate the fairness and competitiveness of the first team.

Playing against the strongest opponents in regular practice made me a better tennis player. The social team taught me about the fun of camaraderie but at the expense of competitiveness. It was enjoyable on a personal level, but it didn't help me grow as a player.

The end of the story? Neither team made it to Nationals.

The competitive team lost in the finals yet walked off the courts thrilled with the memories. We enjoyed the thrill of pursuing victory. A post-Sectional celebration is in the works. Players are gearing up for the next season.

The social team ended dead last; every match lost. We shared a casual weekend hit, without the thrill of the chase. With no goals and switching partners arbitrarily, the weekend ended in deafening silence. There will be no celebration.

Striking the right balance between competitiveness and camaraderie is essential. It's a fine balance, but when done right, a tennis team with a competitive goal thrives both on and off the court.

Will you see me on another team?

Absolutely! I’ll be a competitive player, with a smile on my face, honing my tennis skills and building friendships off the court.

Barbara Wyatt is a Writer, Photographer, USTA Official, and Mobile App Developer of iKnowTennis!, the tennis rules app. Her poem, Ode to Tennis, an amusing poem on the joys and frustrations when learning tennis, is available at Amazon. She can be reached by email at BarbaraW@iKnowTennis.com

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 40 Love Lifestyle

39 Plandome Rd. • Manhasset, NY 11030 •(516) 570-0781 Instagram: @40LoveLifestyle

Tennis inspired fine jewelry locally designed in New York by female Designer and tennis mom, the Yasmine Collection New York is the perfect gift for the tennis lover in your life this holday season.

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Available now, these one of a kind Diamond Tennis racquet & ball necklaces in 14K yellow or rose gold, featuring pink sapphires and 0.25 carats of diamonds.

Necklaces are 17” with additional loops for wearing at adjustable lengths.

Custom orders available by request!

Come stop by 40 Love Lifestyle to learn more about our tennis-inspired jewelry and find the ideal gift. 40 Love features an array of tennis, pickleball, racquet ball and golf apparel, accessories, bags and more, including niche items that will help you style up your game.

Visit 40LoveLifestyle.com to see more!

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Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

40LoveLifestyle.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE adidas Pickleball info@allracquetsports.com

A Racket Tailored to Your Needs The new ESSNOVA CARBON CTRL HD will give a new dimension to your game. The 3K CARBON composition alongside the POLYPROPYLENE HONEYCOMB CORE will give you the power you demand. Its CTRL format will endow absolute precision that will make you dominate the game at will.

Power Its 3K CARBON composition and Hi-Density POLYPROPYLENE HONEYCOMB Core provides excellent power.

Comfort Its CTRL format and the materials used provide excellent comfort.

Materials Essnova Carbon Frame: Carbon Reinforcement Surface: Carbon 3K Core: High Density Polypropylene Honeycomb Specifications Dimensions: 16 x 8” Weight: 7.7-8.2 oz Thickness: 14.28 mm Sweet Spot: Center Grip Size: 4 1/8 Grip Length: 4 3/4

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Halftime Chiller

info@halftimechiller.com • Instagram: @Halftime_Chiller

The Rolling Cooler Have you been searching for the perfect cooler that not only holds and keeps your drinks cold, but also doubles a storage unit for your racquet sport needs?

Well, Halftime Chiller has you covered.

Inspired by a vintage oak whiskey barrel, the Halftime Chiller is a one-of-a-kind product, that has both an aesthetically-pleasing design that has everything you need.

The innovative 4-in-1 design allows it to function as a cooler, seat, and dual portable storage unit.

Features include: Pressure lock system • Fill the bottom half with ice, drinks & snacks • Holds 24 bottles and cans • Stays cold for hours

Hidden compartment under the lid • Keeps personal belongings secure and easily accessible • Removable tray

No chairs? No problem • Standard stool height • Comfortable padded, sturdy seat • Telescoping handle makes it light and easy to pull • Imprinted wood grain design for visual appeal

Mesh back pocket for extra storage space • Perfect for clothing, towels, equipment, books, games, supplies, etc.

• Two halves stack inside one another to save space when being stored

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE inPhorm NYC

inPhorm, known for its “simple elegance and classic” outfits for tennis, pickle ball and golf, is introducing vibrant colors of green and purple with deep blue to its holiday collection.

We asked the creative director, Saad Hajidin, what inspired his color palettes this season?

We called the two collections ‘Ivy & Imperial.’ This is a nod to Wimbledon. We’ve had the privilege of designing outfits for the members of the All England Tennis and Croquet Club (Wimbledon), and I have attended the Grand Slam tournament with a VIP pass. The club and the grounds were so mesmerizing that it stayed with me. When I designed the collections for this holiday, I wanted to elevate our tennis and golf looks with the green and purple colors that are inspired from my trip to Wimbledon. The styling for the collection is traditional and classic with a modern twist - - staying true to the DNA that inPhorm’s customers have come to expect from us.

“I was very careful when I used color block in some of the pieces to make sure that each color variation blends and compliments the others tastefully. In addition to the Ivy and Imperial, we also offer white in our classic collection that work well on their own or pair with the new collection.” “inPhorm’s Holiday 2023 collection is replete with styles that translate from the daytime court or course to the evening’s activities — stylish tennis, pickle ball and golf looks that easily blend in at any occasion.

“In the last few months, inPhorm’s team has been engaged in conversations with its customers, gathering reviews of products, fits and functionality. We like to say that by listening to our customers, we Stay inPhormed,” Saad notes.

You can learn more about inPhorm by visiting its website, www.inphormnyc.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Inside the Zone Pickleball

By Author Rob Polishook Facebook.com/InsideTheZone • rob@insidethezone.com When you play pickleball, would you like to be able to: • Adapt and adjust when your opponent dinks?

• Bounce back effortlessly after losing a game?

• Manage adversity after missing that third shot drop?

• Avoid getting emotionally down and overthinking after losing a lead?

• Stay focused in the moment, not the past point or future game?

• Compete like a champion despite who your opponent or partner is?

• Focus on what you can control and let go of what you cannot?

Now you can!

Pickleball Inside the Zone: 32 Mental Training Workouts for Champions is the first book of its kind that allows you to be the player, coach and champion of your own game! It inspires, empowers and guides you to look deep inside yourself to play and be your best.

The highly interactive format offers individualized mental training articles, quotes, stories and exercises which encourage you to reflect, highlight, and journal your personal experiences in drills, practice and competitive situations.

Then, ultimately, creating your best mental practices specific to you which will help you compete and be the best version of yourself.

You are a Whole Human Athlete-Person First. Get ready to bring who you are to what you do.

Get ready to unlock your potential in ways you never thought possible!

The book is out this December and will be available on Amazon!

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE OSIM USA

2039-630 Old Country Road • Garden City, NY 11530 online@osim.com • +1 (626) 528-7339

For more than 40 years, the OSIM brand has been committed to pleasing its customers and inspiring well-being. 2023 marks the 44th anniversary of this mission, with 11 stores across North America and OSIM continues to be at the forefront and the global leader in well-being and healthy lifestyle products.

While OSIM’s products are universal in their need, tennis players and racquet sports players benefit greatly from the usage of them, primarily the OSIM uLove3 wellbeing chair. It’s the perfect gift this holiday season!

OSIM uLove3 isn’t simply a massage chair, but features the array of innovative technology that OSIM prides itself on, including: AI stress analysis technology, measuring heart rate and respiratory rate, personalized body tension program, specialized lifestyle programs for everyone in the family – can focus on the sports recovery program here for tennis players, patented massage techniques – 4-hand and V-hand massage Sports recovery is a crucial aspect of athletic performance and overall wellbeing, especially for tennis players and racquet sports players like you. After engaging in matches in court, your body needs time to reset and repair. Not only recovery helps in preventing injuries and reducing muscle soreness, it also improves flexibility and enhance overall fitness. OSIM uLove3 wellbeing chair offers the sports recovery massage program, with the massage techniques like kneading, rolling, and tapping to improve circulation and aid in the body’s natural healing process.

For Long Island and New York residents, there is a convenient location at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City. At the location, customers can test out a variety of products and learn which ones are the best fits for them.

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Sassy Li

Lili@sassyli.com • Instagram: @SassyLi.tennis

Pickleball Bag/Travel Bag: Machine washable, large compartments, Removable pouch padded, Crossbody strap, cell phone pocket, water bottle holder.

This bag is large enough to carry six pickleball paddles, and is made of a special light weight and durable material, and comes in fuschia and black colors.

The main compartment offers more than enough space for pickleballs, golf shoes, tennis shoes, etc as well as built-in pockets for keys, cell phones, and the side water bottle holder.

The adjustable strap allows you to wear the bag tight or loose.

• Hold up to 6 paddles • Adjustable shoulder straps • Built in cell phone, key storage • Side water bottle holder • Machine washable • Holds tennis shoes, golf shoes, pickleball shoes.

For more information and to see more bags, visit SassyLi.com, or contact lili@sassyli.com or 888-808-3664

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Viking Athletics

1071 Olmsted Drive • Lake Forest, IL 60045 • (827) 227-1002

Although the allure of being warm and comfortable on the couch seems very enticing as we get closer and closer to winter, keep in mind that your pickle partners are probably working on their volleys in their own house.

Put down the popcorn, set aside your blankets, and grab your Shield pickleball paddles. If you want to rule the court next summer, then you better get started now! The beauty of the sport that has grasped the attention of the nation is you never truly have to stop playing. Just because your mind has entered the state of hibernation doesn’t mean that you can’t burn a few calories here and there. With all the new indoor pickleball facilities popping up in the Long Island area, why not go show off your new Shield paddle.

This paddle truly makes you feel like a pro. The fine layer of grit makes you spin it like Rafa at Roland Garros, apparently dinking is as effortless as Federer’s footwork, and can we talk about how sweet the design is! Everything about this paddle will help you improve your game and take home all the trophies next year... including the LITM Pickleball Challenge.

Head over to vikingathletics.com and check out the paddles! The best part about the Shield pickleball paddle, is that you don’t have to break the bank to feel like a pro. Hopefully this will give you the boost of energy to get back on the court.

LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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More Than an Athlete Six Keys to Coaching the Person First ...

Every Time!

By Rob Polishook

W

hy is it that whenever a player in any sport wins a tournament, they are usually in a good place off the court? James Blake, in his book Breaking Back, said “My greatest professional successes occurred after I had faced my most personal challenges. I used to think this was ironic; now I realize that success flows directly from having cleared those hurdles.”

Fast-forward to the winners box. We have all watched a player win a big tournament and turn to their box and thank them. Have you ever wondered how the team is working together to help create an environment where a player is able to excel? This article will highlight six keys that a coach and team can use to help create a strong foundation built on trust and unconditional support when working with their players. Utilizing these techniques will create a stronger

relationship between student, coach and the team.

Coach the person first and then the athlete Take extra time to listen and understand your players off the court.

Learn what other interests they have and the pressures they face. Begin each practice with the simple question “How was your day?” or “What’s something that happened today that you could share?” Often times, peak performance cannot happen until a player gets past the pressures they face off the court (i.e. school, tests, friends). By establishing a relationship and an outlet for them, your players will know you care about not only their game, but them as an individual as well. Your genuine interest and concern will go a long way in terms of your player’s dedication, loyalty, work

ethic, and most importantly, trust.

Remember, more often than not, poor performance comes from the player bringing something onto the court that’s distracting to them.

Coach “The Big Why,” the key to success Take the time to explore and understand what drives and motivates your players. Ask them, “What do you love about the game?” or “What is one reason you play that has nothing to do with winning and losing?” All great champions have their own reason for competing. Pete Sampras said, “I just wanted to see how good I could be.” What a great reason to play! Others love the competition or being with friends. Once you understand what drives a player, you can figure out how to best motivate them. It is also helpful to remember:

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Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

What’s your big why for coaching?

This is the reason you come back to the court day after day. It can serve to drive your inner motivation.

Coach the process and the winning will take care of itself Guide your players to become aware of and focused on the process while letting the outcome (results) take care of itself. This will keep them focused on what they can control. Ask any player what their goal is and they will all say, “To win!” The next question to ask is: “What will it take?” Often times, there is silence. The true champion focuses on what they need to do to make the result happen. An example might be to manage their emotions during adversity in a match, or play to their strengths and use their forehand to dictate points early in points. The key is to understand the steps. Often times, I say “Focus on the path, not the peak.” It’s the only way to get to the peak without tripping!

Coach “getting comfortable being uncomfortable” Encourage the players to experiment, risk and explore the things that may be outside of their comfort zone. Ask them to identify one thing they are currently uncomfortable doing, but were they to develop, would benefit their game. When players understand that it is okay to explore the game and spend time on weaknesses, they may be surprised by the positive results.

Furthermore, they will have more faith in your advice to attempt and stick with ideas or techniques that do not feel easy or natural to them right away. For example, this might include coming to the net to finish a volley when pulling the opponent across the court, or staying in the point an extra shot or two before they pull the trigger on a big shot.

simple “Yes” or “No.” Additionally, they facilitate a conversation and eliminate a player from checking out mentally. For example, “What do you think we should work on today? How will that help you in match play?” Or, “What did you think of that drill? How could we make it better? What didn’t you like about it? What do you think that is telling you?” Players can even make self-discoveries about their effort level or stamina via questions such as “How was your energy level? What energy level do you need in a match?

What’s stopping you from providing that energy today?”

Coach what can be controlled Too often, players are focused on what they cannot control … things such as the opponent, conditions, and the most common, the outcome of the match. This thought process is the quickest path to failure. Focusing on what cannot be controlled creates anxiety. Why? Because the player has no control over it! However, dialing back and focusing on what they can

control—such as staying patient in a point, staying true to their rituals, and managing adversity under pressure— will all lead to the best result. Focusing on what can be controlled doesn’t always guarantee a win, but it puts the player in the best position to win. It also empowers the player to establish a game plan and take the responsibility to follow it.

In summary, these six steps outlined above began with the individual person. All players are unique people who will have a unique process and a unique performance. There is no cookie-cutter way to develop players or even a one-size-fits-all program. Great players don’t try to hit the perfect shot, rather, they hit their shots. Developing a mutual trust between yourself and the player allows the player to grow with complete faith in their process. It allows and teaches the player to realize that if they lost it, it’s not because they are not good enough (as a person), but rather, their game was not good enough on that particular day. Big difference … person first, every time.

Rob Polishook, MA, CPC is the founder of Inside the Zone Sports Performance Group. As a mental training coach, he works with the whole human athlete helping them to unleash their mental edge (heart.energy.spirit) through mindfulness, somatic psychology, animal wisdom and mental training skills. Rob is author of 2 best-selling books: Tennis Inside the Zone and Baseball Inside the Zone: Mental Training Workouts for Champions. He can be reached by phone at (973) 723-0314, by e-mail rob@insidethezone.com, by visiting insidethezone.com, following on Instagram @insidethezone

Coach empowerment and self-responsibility by asking questions Open-ended questions stimulate the mind and make a person think. These questions cannot be answered with a LITennisMag.com • November/December 2023 • Long Island Tennis Magazine

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COMING IN JANUARY

Distribution scheduled for 01/02/24 This edition will feature: • Guide to the Top Tennis Clubs/Programs • Australian Open Preview • Girls’ High School Recap • Look Ahead to 2024 • Mental Tennis Roundtable • And Much More!

Print distribution across New York at 300+ locations.

Digital distribution across website and social media pages, and the e-Edition will be e-mailed out to our full data base.

Don’t miss the advertising opportunities in the next edition of Long Island Tennis Magazine January/February 2024!

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Submissions for both advertising and editorial are due by December 1, 2023 For more information, please call 516-409-4444 or e-mail Advertise@LITennisMag.com Long Island Tennis Magazine • November/December 2023 • LITennisMag.com

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