Coaching Girls and Women February 27, 2012 After open heart surgery, two back surgeries and a hip replacement, I was beginning to get straightened out (2001). My good friend and Athletic Director, Alan White, called me into his office, “Tom, you’re looking much better, and by the way you’re adding the Women’s team to your job next fall.” Good friend, did I say? Actually I’ve taught women or girls all my career. The tennis boom (late ‘60s) hit when I first started teaching and in Wilson, NC alone I taught three generations of girls, women, mammas and grandmas. But…I’d never coached the college women’s team. Thirty-seven years of men’s tennis, now they let me coach the girls. What bothered me wasn’t all I’d observed about the women. (There …show more content…
“I’ve watched teams for forty years, I know where the points are, and I’ll tell you.” From then on they called me the Easter Bunny. When I’d see them execute a point I’d advised them on, I’d whisper “bunny point”. Other men coaches contended: “They’ll practice all week on something I’ve taught them, but come to match time they forget it.” I’d smile to myself every time I got to say “Bunny point.” This test was given to all team members. Richard Dutton always won. “EASTER BUNNY TEST” Here are some “hidden points”. Fill out and return. Limit your answers to 35 words or less except for numbers 3, 12, 13, 39, and 40. Best papers, men and women, will be rewarded. The page numbers in parentheses indicate where the question is answered in “Play is Where Life Is”. Several, questions 20, 22 and 36, are explained on the test. Answer in 35 words or less, based on fall practice: • “Hone your return” (page 296) • “Churn and Burn” (page 213) • 7 volley spots (page 313) • Use your legs to volley (overhead) (page 313) • “Recoil” (page 313) • “On the rise” (page 315) • “Andy Moll” Drill (page 328) • “2 and in” (pages 276 and 314) • “Shank” target (pages 226 and 276) • going in (pages 226 and 276) • backing up (pages 226 and …show more content…
Don’t change the “line of the ball” (page 295) 28. Who serves first for us in doubles? (The server who gives our team the best chance to win. This may not be the best server.) 29. Double faults are: (page 297) 30. Know when to “pull the trigger” (page 330) 31. “The harder they hit it, the… ” (Easier you swing…page 313) 32. “Z” shaped return (page 332) 33. Compare the “hit spot” for a backhand two-hander to a one-handed backhand slice (page 311) 34. “Pulling the top spin backhand” (page 327) 35. “Learn the court” team policy on dropping a questionable ball (pages 332 and 333) 36. Two rally suggestions: (1. Hit ground strokes off the first bounce only. Second bounce hits are not legal, plus make you hustle to the ball and hit some awkward shots. 2. There is no need to hit balls that are out of bounds. Just knock them down, or let them go, and start a new in-bounds rally.) 37. Recommended technique on backhand overheads (page 329) 38. High volley – down and at an angle (pages 324, 329 and 358) Low volleys – straight and deep and they get to hit it one more time 39. List what helped you this fall. 40. List what you need work on and how you plan to work on it. Some observations, suggestions, dilemmas and drills (on coaching