Category: C. COLLEGE TENNIS and INSTRUCTION

Ah–THE FRENCH OPEN and AI (17 )

On By ethomasparhamIn C. COLLEGE TENNIS and INSTRUCTION, D. INTERNATIONALSLeave a comment

(RESEARCH A LA “BARD”)

How many men and women players in the 2023 French Open tennis tournament played American college tennis at some time?

There were a total of 11 men and women players in the 2023 French Open tennis tournament who played American college tennis at some time.

Men:

  • Sebastian Korda (University of Southern California)
  • Jack Sock (University of Nebraska)
  • Taylor Fritz (Texas A&M University)
  • Tommy Paul (University of Georgia)
  • Brandon Nakashima (University of California, Berkeley)
  • Marcos Giron (University of Southern California)
  • Denis Kudla (University of Virginia)
  • Steve Johnson (University of Southern California)
  • Frances Tiafoe (University of Maryland)
  • Michael Mmoh (University of Southern California)

Women:

  • Sloane Stephens (University of Florida)
  • Madison Keys (University of Illinois)
  • Coco Gauff (University of Georgia)
  • Danielle Collins (University of Florida)
  • Alison Riske (University of Florida)
  • Christina McHale (Princeton University)

It is worth noting that some of these players may have only played American college tennis for a short period of time, or may have transferred from another school. Additionally, some of these players may have also played professional tennis before or after their time in college.


HOW MUCH MONEY WAS SPENT ON AMERICAN VARSITY TENNIS TEAMS BY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES 2022/2023?

According to the NCAA, colleges and universities in the United States spent an estimated $135 million on varsity tennis teams during the 2022-2023 academic year. This figure includes expenses for coaching salaries, travel, equipment, and other team-related costs.

The average cost of a varsity tennis team at a Division I school was $1.5 million, while the average cost at a Division II school was $500,000. The cost of a varsity tennis team at a Division III school was significantly lower, at an average of $250,000.

The cost of varsity tennis teams has been increasing in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including the rising cost of coaching salaries, travel, and equipment. Additionally, the popularity of college tennis has been increasing, which has led to more schools investing in their teams.

Despite the rising cost of varsity tennis teams, the sport remains a popular option for college athletes. Tennis is a relatively low-cost sport to participate in, and it can be a great way for students to stay in shape and compete at a high level. Additionally, college tennis can provide students with valuable opportunities to learn about leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs of varsity tennis teams at different levels of competition:

  • Division I: $1.5 million
  • Division II: $500,000
  • Division III: $250,000

These costs are estimates and may vary depending on the specific school and team.thumb_upthumb_downuploadGoogle itmore_vert

DOES THIS INCLUDE SCHOLARSHIPS?

No, the $135 million figure does not include scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to student-athletes based on their academic and athletic achievements. The amount of scholarship money that a student-athlete receives can vary depending on the school, the sport, and the student’s academic and athletic achievements.

The NCAA does not allow schools to use scholarship money to cover the cost of travel, equipment, or other team-related costs. This means that the $135 million figure only includes expenses that are directly related to the operation of the varsity tennis teams.

However, it is important to note that scholarships can help to offset the cost of attending college. This is because scholarships can be used to cover tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. As a result, scholarships can make it possible for student-athletes to attend college without having to take out loans or work full-time.

If you are interested in playing tennis in college, it is important to research the different schools that offer tennis scholarships. You should also contact the coaches of the schools that you are interested in to learn more about their scholarship program.

DESCRIBE THE TRAINING TOGETHER BACKGROUND OF AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYERS TOMMY PAUL , FRANCIS TIAFOE, AND SEBASTIAN KORDA

Tommy Paul, Francis Tiafoe, and Sebastian Korda are three American professional tennis players who have all trained together at the USTA National Training Center in Boca Raton, Florida. They have known each other since they were young kids and have been competing against each other for years.

Paul is the oldest of the three players, born in 1997. He turned professional in 2014 and has reached a career-high ranking of 30 in the world. Tiafoe is the next oldest, born in 1998. He turned professional in 2015 and has reached a career-high ranking of 29 in the world. Korda is the youngest of the three players, born in 2000. He turned professional in 2018 and has reached a career-high ranking of 35 in the world.

All three players have had success on the ATP Tour. Paul has won two ATP Tour titles, Tiafoe has won one ATP Tour title, and Korda has reached the finals of two ATP Tour events. They have also all represented the United States in the Davis Cup.

In 2022, Paul, Tiafoe, and Korda all reached the round of 16 at the US Open. It was the first time that three American men had reached the round of 16 at the US Open since 1999.

The training together background of Tommy Paul, Francis Tiafoe, and Sebastian Korda has helped them to become successful professional tennis players. They have pushed each other to be better and have learned from each other’s experiences. They are all still young and have a lot of potential to achieve great things in the sport of tennis.

Here are some additional details about the training together background of these three players:

  • They all started training at the USTA National Training Center when they were young children.
  • They have all been coached by the same coach, Patrick McEnroe.
  • They have all competed in the same tournaments and have faced off against each other many times.
  • They are all good friends and support each other on and off the court.

The training together background of these three players has been a major factor in their success. They have learned from each other and pushed each other to be better. They are all still young and have a lot of potential to achieve great things in the sport of tennis.

NORTH STATE, NORTH COUNTRY (18 )

On By ethomasparhamIn C. COLLEGE TENNIS and INSTRUCTION, R. PICKLEBALLLeave a comment

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again

****************

Let me make sure I’ve got this right:

I’m watching Jack Sock playing Pickleball, with a full audience in my homestate of North Carolina , on the Tennis Channel ? Am I dreaming or weren’t McEnroe, Aggassi, Roddick, Michael Chang and Steffi Graff on the same channel playing the same game earlier this month ?

Misprint ? My old home town (Wilson, NC) is building a 4 million $ facility with 12 pickleball courts, plus a tournament capable viewing stadium.

Nearby Raleigh NC , the same with about 30 pickleball, 30 tennis. And PADL ball?

Good news—both facilities include a sizable number of new tennis courts too!

FLASHBACK TEN YEARS : “USTA–Buy Pickleball !”

Good News 2—The pressure from Pickleball enthusiam will build more tennis courts the next 10 years than tennis only facilities!

HINT,HINT–The two games are not mutually exclusive.

Bad news for USTA tennis leagues. The audience on TV ,reflected almost totally “Senior” fandom. A considerable % of your base.

Good news 3 –Pickleball , handled properly, can add a new base to the USTA. For years minority kids have been a target for growth. Pickleball is so easy to learn and inexpensive, the opportunity is a DUH? Tennis courts lined for dual use (about 100$ ) At public schools, municipal recreation courts, empty condo developments and other unused courts.

Once kids have fun and realize a tennis court”ain’t a bad place” –wouldn’t tennis garner some recruits?

And let’s face it, if new people never play tennis , won’t new pickleballers be better off. Than Video addicts, other pitfalls? ADULTS TOO?

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don’t stand in the doorway
Don’t block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled

JIM WHO? (21 )

On By ethomasparhamIn C. COLLEGE TENNIS and INSTRUCTIONLeave a comment

From 1973 until 2000 the Governor of North Carolina’s first name was Jim ( HOLSHOUSER, HUNT, MARTIN, HUNT).

One of our football coaches laughingly told me of his eccentric Uncle. Uncle fashioned himself a powerful local politico. He dressed the part (pocket watch, cigar, authentic “harmuph” when speaking (loud, often and detached. ).

Coach said that his Uncle’s opening declaration was “… I was talking with Jim yesterday…”

If lucky,

some unsuspecting local would ask “Jim who”?

Jim Martin the Governor, you dumb son of a bitch! Harumph—the standard reply.

Three “JIMS ” were so helpful to my tennis experiences:

JIM LEIGHTON

JIM VERDIECK

JIM TONEY

JIM POWELL

Thanks, Jims

ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE WOMEN’S TENNIS 2022 (53 )

On By ethomasparhamIn C. COLLEGE TENNIS and INSTRUCTION1 Comment

The April 20th NCAA Division 1 Women’s college team tennis rankings impressed me in several ways.

  1. It is already tournament time!
  2. Three North Carolina teams are ranked in the top 5 (North Carolina-1, NC State-3, and Duke-5.)
  3. Newspapers haven’t mentioned anything about this rare fact.

Also ACC league members Virginia (#7,) and Wake Forest (#23 ) aren’t too bad either.

PARENTING ( 56 )

On By ethomasparhamIn C. COLLEGE TENNIS and INSTRUCTION, E. SPORTS COMMENTARY1 Comment

Recently I saw the Will Smith portrayal of Mr. Williams and family.  Below are articles iI have written, the first in 2007:

KING RICHARD 2007 (from PLAY IS WHERE LIFE IS)

Another factor in American tennis can’t be overlooked. The role of parents. Connors (mother ), McEnroe (father), Evert (father), Aggassi (father, brother), and the Williams’ sisters, are ample proof that the tremendous role of parents in the development of Championship level American players. 

Mr. Williams certainly gets the award for “out of the box” results. To train one child to be #1 in the world is amazing, but #1 and #2 at the same time is un- precedented. And done without normal routes of American Junior play and USTA super-support says a lot. I have to say I was disappointed by the way the Williams sisters were often treated by many in American tennis. 

*********

FEB. 2022

Being a tennis teacher/coach,  the film’s depiction of how this happened was both interesting and historical.    Much theory about tennis has evolved in the last fifty years.  Mr. Williams taught himself from this explosion.   Pronation of the wrist when serving,  open stance forehands,  maximum number of hits and drilling, throwing the racket in service motion, ball can serve targets, etc.

The names of Braden, Macci. many players, country clubs to ghetto,  spot on.

Many have noted tennis at high level is like fighting with rackets  rather than gloves.  How the trainers brought along young boxers was a common part of understanding that losing (particularly singularly ) is tough.  The choice to skip junior tournaments was maybe the most important and unique choice made.  

There was a more important lesson made in the film and in reality.  A bigger lesson.  Richard Williams showed the route to success in American tennis.  Families are our best teachers and coaches and academies.  No one cares like good parents.

Whatever sport , or whether sports, parental leadership works best.

 The Williams family taught a big lesson.  Richards’ father ran from danger.  When Venus was in her darkest moment he ran to her (‘ I have never been more proud of you”).

He risked his life.  He gave his life.  Give him credit.

*********

Patrick Mouratoglon,  Serena Williams’ tennis coach, said it.  The commentators missed a great chance.  Was the USTA listening closely?  His point about Co Co Gault’s win over Venus Williams was, here is another example of where great American tennis players have come from, then and now.  What better example could you want:  From Richard Williams and Venus and Serena, to 2019 Wimbledon and Co Co and her parents.   The Bryan brothers and their dad,  Isner and his mom, all the  way back to Chris Evert and her father.  Connors and mom.  McEnroe/Father.  No one gives their attention to a child like  parents.   There were five American men entered in the 2019 French Open.  Tiafoe, at #32, was the only seeded American male.  Taylor  Fritz won a first round match.  The rest lost.

For the umpteenth time,  all entities sincerely interested in developing quality American tennis players, should demand a reasonable slice of college tennis scholarships for American students.  Parents need help, a carrot at the end.

Former college tennis players
Jack Kramer, Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, John McEnroe, Bob and Mike Bryant, Jim Courier, Brad Gilbert, Bill Tilden, Roscoe Tanner, Jimmy Connors, Dennis Ralston, Dick Stockton, Vitas Gerulaitis, Michael Chang, Malavai Washington, Todd Martin, Bob Lutz, Bill Talbert, Tony Trabert,, Vince Spadea, John Isner, Steve Johnson, MANY MORE.

SOME OLD, SOME NEW, SOME BORROWED…. (81 )

On By ethomasparhamIn C. COLLEGE TENNIS and INSTRUCTION2 Comments

When I really wanted to learn about coaching tennis I began to read a lot of tennis books, and I decided that if I could get one point for my team it was worth reading the book. There are all kinds of ways to learn. Coach Leighton used to say there are vast levels of play. My arena was not Wimbledon or Division 1 but small college tennis (NAIA, Division 2). My first yers in the NAIA I was introduced to players and coaches from all over the world. The Texas and Oklahoma guys seemed to be the closest to us (North Carolinians).

On one of the first days I watched the tournament a big Texas kid made a comment to himself about an errant shot. “Aw birdshit”. I laughed. One kid receiving serve looked long and hard at the mark, looked at his opponent waved him on saying “naw- keep ‘em coming”. Another perplexed Okie making a line call examined the mark closely and said “I’m calling that good but keep it in mind and after the match is over let me know whether it was in or out. i want to know”. Certainly a unique level.

The French Open is just around the corner. The tennis channel allows viewing high level matches on any surface all week long.I think I like the French because you can see the game within the game. 

Many college baseball players used to elect my beginning tennis class. One player said “I love it.  You get to hit all you want to’.

I have watched a lot of tennis in this year of world wide health concern. After 40 years of college coaching I think I can see things that could be improved even among the pros. Ten years ago I predicted the dropshot would more and more exhibit its’ “shattering effect” even on the pro game. Maybe Djokovic confirmed this prediction most impressively. Charlie Owens shattered multitudes in our area with this tactic. Not long ago another time honored skill, the top spin lob was about to become more readily used. I think you’re seeing that now. Watch and see if I’m right. My prediction for 2021 and later comes from the college game. “Before long the best top level women’s doubles players will come from women who have played American college doubles.

One all International college team dominated tennis for years. If you check the scores of their matches very often the final team score would be 4-1. Their coach explained “they have never played doubles, they don’t know how to play doubles, and they don’t want to play doubles. They would just give the doubles point away if I would let them.” In 1965 I was given the job of coaching small college tennis. I did well because so many of the coaches had never been involved in sports and were mainly librarians, financial officers or such. 

That is not the case today. There are now women teams. Both women and men now have excellent coaches and assistants. Many of whom are former fine level college players or even professionals. 

Nobody gives the doubles point away now.

Impressively the tennis channel and NCAA have done a masterful job of filming the NCAA National Championships. Watching the women play I’m more and more impressed with their improving abilities,  particularly in doubles. With great coaching and avid concentration on the all important doubles point women in this arena not only care more about doubles, they practice those unique doubles skills with intense effort. You will never see in any match a player that tries harder than a college player trying to win their match for their team.Thus my 2021 prediction.

Watching the college tournament this year I could see the women utilizing new unique formations and tactics that did not exist when I was coaching. The new coaches are making the players better and better. Teammates will not allow anything different. Enthusiasm is glorious, unmatched at any level. 

THE CIRCLE STINGER PLUS ( 88 )

On By ethomasparhamIn C. COLLEGE TENNIS and INSTRUCTIONLeave a comment

The blog on “The Circle stinger” received more hits than any tennis advice I have written.  I certainly didn’t design the strategy itself (see Mr. Nadal )!

As stated in the article, it’s real effect has been to change the first choice of getting to the net  from serving and volleying, or attacking the short ball down the line. 

It also provided the tactic to make the “swinging volley” a better first choice. 

The complete play that has evolved so effectively follows:

  1. Identify the ball to come in on.  Nadal’s lefty stinger crosscourt to the “weaker” backhand pass is so far the best approach.
  2. Any weak, short or floating return is now a common place for talented, new pros to attack with a full bore swinging volley. Directed away from the opponent.

***3.  I caution teachers and coaches to remember there are levels of ability throughout the whole process.  Beginners of average ability, most high school players, average club and recreational level players should first perfect the standard volley fundamentals, adding the swinger when level and talent make it an advanced, effective tool.

Even at the highest level of pro doubles,  classic volleys are most often best.

HELP! I NEED SOMEBODY (91 )

On By ethomasparhamIn C. COLLEGE TENNIS and INSTRUCTION2 Comments

Ron Smarr is a life-time coach and a life-friend. I asked him to “coach” me on this chapter on coaching. Coach Smarr has coached many players and fellow coaches. Me included. Recently he was a major help in providing “THE LITTLE GREEN BOOK of TENNIS for every high school coach and player in North Carolina.

Currently we are picking the best of the past instruction, and new and additional worthwhile suggestions since the earlier book. Below are shortened comments Ron offered having read this chapter.

  1. Never serve at your opponent’s strength on big points.
  2. Drop shots and topspin lobs are old shots that modern players are revisiting.
  3. Other than football, basketball and perhaps baseball-other college sports may become “club sports”!
  4. Serves and groundstrokes up the middle can take angle away from your opponent. And you run less.
  5. High school coaches and players and teams often are aided greatly by college coaches and local pros and players.
  6. Coaching is not just about winning.
  7. Many players are returning serve from way back. Enter the drop shot?
  8. The closer you are to the net the more you keep the racket head out in front.
  9. Over- night camps make directors much more exposed to liability.
  10. One Jerk will and can make things bad for the whole program.
  11. Movement can make2/3 of the court available to a powerful shot. And avoid weak shots !

******Comment to Coach Smarr: Guess we are now the “old timers”. We should accept improved good changes.

You and I began when the Australians and Californians were the classic models. Borg and other Europeans’ and South Americans added extreme western grips and open footwork. As good or better. Another thing I hear from young pros is the term “swinging volleys”. Maybe they are talking about very high level players. and while these shot are much more powerful, I would suggest that a volley fundamental is placement, or “spot specificity”. And that doubles at any level call for classic styled shortened shots. Watch the pros. Club doubles players, high school kids, and even talented youngsters need fundamental volley technique.