[tennisbiz] Re: WTA Doubles

Alan had some great comments on the subject of WTA Doubles, which could be
extended to stlye of play of all juniors. I'll throw some ideas out that I'm
sure not everyone will agree with:

1. Ever since junior tournaments dropped doubles and replaced it with
consolation singles, our juniors have lost the all-court skills that we saw
in American players going back to Kramer, Gonzalez, McKinley, Ralston, Smith,
etc. We gave up on the American all court game and now try to beat the
Europeans and other clay courters at their game. And this, of course,
extends to lack of doubles skills for males and females

2. Juniors have to develop all court skills as young players, and learn to
win with them as juniors. A few years ago, while at Bollitieri's with one of
my players, I saw Jimmy Arias and Aaron Krickstein spend at least 75% of
their practice time working on their net games. But then I would see them
stay on the baseline when they played tournaments. It is extremely hard to
change a winning style, even if it might lead to greter success down the
road.

3. And finally, maybe the most important idea I want to add to this
discussion and getting back to WTA Doubles--a few years ago, I had a doubles
team in Girls 14 that swept all the National Doubles events, although neither
could really volley - or serve, for that matter (they were ranked #1 and 2 in
singles). Why did they win from the baseline?--because in younger age groups
and in women's play, the groundstrokes are stronger and more accurate than
the reach of the players. The Williams sisters win in doubles, with whatever
style they desire to play, because with their size and speed, there are no
openings on the court, whether they play from baseline or net.

Jon Fischer
Travis Pointe Country Club
Ann Arbor, Michigan
 
Received on Wed Jul 31 2002 - 11:59:10 CDT