November 16, 2004
The Ball Toss by Michael Starke
The ball toss is a seemingly insignificant part of one's arsenal, and a frequently ignored facet of basic instruction. Just because the toss lacks the glamour and sexiness of other shots does not mean it should be overlooked. The toss is a key component of the serve. Much of the success of your serve will be dictated by the accuracy of your toss.
I break down the placement of your toss into 3 categories, height, distance forward or backward, and the distance the ball travels to the left or right of your body. Not that I am a geometry whiz, but a 3D XYZ graph could easily illustrate what I will attempt to put into words. I will work on one, but until I do, you should probably read on.
Our mystery guest Jeff Swails is illustrating a low or incorrect point of contact. For height, one simply wants the toss to be as high as the outstretched arm. Reach your racquet arm up as high as you can so you feel your ribs stretch, then look up at your racquet. You want your toss that high, landing on the center of your strings. Ideally, you want to meet the ball as it sits still in space, neither on the way up or down. That is the easiest place to time the ball. It's a pretty cool concept if you think about it.
Jeff, showing rapid improvement, correctly illustrates the height of contact. Next, you want your toss to be slightly forward of your body for a 1st serve. There is an easy test to perform that tells no lies. Enter into your service motion and toss the ball, but do not swing. Watch where your toss lands. If it lands in front of the baseline, within a foot or so, you have done your job. If it lands somewhere behind the baseline, you are leaning back to adjust to your toss, not really a good thing. A 2nd serve or spin serve is different. Toss the ball slightly behind and to the left ofyour body for your 2nd serve. This will enable you to arch your back and kick your body upward into the serve. Leftys must do the opposite. Again, take the toss test. It is harmless and tells the tale.
Finally, and I hate to get technical here, you must control your toss left or right in relation to your body. Generally speaking, you want your toss to be just to the right of your head, near your ear, where your natural arm motion travels. Like throwing a ball, you want to release just off to one side as opposed to behind your head or sidearm. Instructors tell students to toss the ball at 1 pm, 11 am for leftys.
Aside from where to toss the ball, there is the question of how to toss the ball. I will not really address that here. You've already had enough to digest in one reading. Instead, I refer you to the picture in our lobby of John McEnroe, taken in the early 80's at the season-ending Masters Tournament then held at Madison Square Garden. Notice how high John's tossing arm has reached before he released the ball. Perfection. Note also the open palm, how the ball has been lofted out of his hand as opposed to being tossed or thrown. Leftys please note that I have used one of you as the example.
For those of you who change your toss for serve placement, my suggestion is to control your serve placement with your wrist, not your toss. However, that is another tip for another time. In closing, while the above are general tips, the control of your toss is very important. The more accurate you are with your toss, the less your service arm has to adjust, making your serve more accurate and efficient.
November 15, 2004
Junior Player of the Month
Adam Rosenwach is our November Junior Player of the Month. Adam has greatly improved, and he attributes his recent success to his decision to play in tournaments. Adam has been venturing to Syracuse to compete in ETA Level 11 tournaments this fall. Adams biggest weapon is his forehand, which when on, is explosive and deadly. Adam is working hard, like so many of our juniors.
Adam is 15, and attends Vestal High School. He has been playing tennis since he was 4. Inside look at Adam:
Favorite Movie: Office Space
Favorite music group: Cold Play
Favorite Touring Pro: Andy Roddick
Favorite Actress: not quite there yet
Favorite Shot: Any forehand
Favorite local club: BTC
Goals/Dream: To play Division 1 tennis
Quote "My game has improved recently, but it still has a long way to go".
Congratulations Adam.
November 14, 2004
The road of paradise
It may have been a long time coming, but the road leading to our building has finally been completed and now is navigable by any respectable vehicle. The process unfolded in layers, and as with all good things, took time. The goal was two-fold: build a quality lasting road that can handle the ever increasing traffic on our hilltop, then turn the road over to the Town of Binghamton once and for all.
To achieve this goal, we hired large road machines from Vestal Asphalt - the likes of which we are not likely to see on our road again any time soon - to grind, level and create 12 inches of base. Even the largest of potholes were no match for these road-chomping monsters. Two coats of oil and stone were then added for stability and cosmetic touch. Drainage pipes were laid in, the type that are commonly used on 21st century roads - the kind that actually work in pushing water from points A to B in an impressive, efficient fashion. We also constructed a plow truck turnaround, which can double as additional parking space most days. I don't think I am going out on a limb by saying the road is better than ever. A prime road, built to last, like those Toyotas, whose reputations were surely tested on our old road. Fenders and tires no longer have to fear our entrance way. Mercedes need not cringe upon rounding that last turn on Mill St. as they approach our stop sign.
Our new road. Not the most exciting picture to make our website, but a pricey piece of real estate
Now that the road is complete, one would think our job might be done. Not exactly. While the road was built to Town of Binghamton specifications, due to legalities and politics, the road has not yet been accepted by the Town. The road is still our responsibility to plow and maintain. While this does not directly affect you the customer, we are all better off if the Town does take the road over. They are professionals at road maintenance and upkeep, and are better equipped to do the job. Increased traffic to and from our club, as well nearby development, warrant this being a town road. To make this a town road makes sense.
I will continue my efforts to turn this road over to the town. Patience they tell me, patience.....The good news is Mercedes Benz and Lexus vehicles no longer have to fear our approach. Zip and zoom is the order of the day. I might even have to install speed limit signs! Eee Gads!
November 13, 2004
Pro Tennis Tournament
While it is only November, plans are already underway for the 12th Annual Binghamton Professional Tennis Tournament. The tournament committee has been busy since last August, and there is plenty of news to report. The Board of Directors has expanded and now meets monthly. They have elected Mary Jane Nugent and Carole Hillis as Co-Chairs. They also have created a fundraising committee in charge of selling sponsorships. In particular, the addition of Mary Jane Nugent & Leo O'Connor to both the board and fundraising committee has helped give the committee new vision and ideas.
Noam Okun of Israel, 2004 winner during the finals The tournament has already secured $45,000 in advertising to showcase next year's event. The sponsorship packages have been streamlined and are pleasing to the eye. More importantly, they contain added value and exposure for sponsors. The YMCA will once again run its Saturday night charity event. The Discovery Center is coming aboard as an additional charity, and will run a dinner event on site, as well as maintain an on-site presence. A recent sponsorship appreciation/kickoff celebration was held at Zazou, where many of our corporate sponsors were treated to a great evening, which included a highlight video of the tournament. Many thanks to Jeff Hirst for his web/video/computer mastery in piecing together a telling and well done video. And special kudos to Mary Jane Nugent, for orchestrating and executing a wonderful and special tournament evening at Zazou. As you can see, we've already generated quite a buzz regarding our event.
Vico Certa of Italy enjoying a view from his box seat perch during the Ace with Pace competitionWhile the tournament is gaining momentum and energy as we enter our 12th year, obstacles lie ahead. We still do not have a title sponsor. While the USTA has approved Recreation Park as a site next year, the park's courts and facility will have to be upgraded in order for us to remain there in future years. The tournament has been running at a deficit the past few years, and additional funds must be raised to keep it alive. Unlike the Ross Park Zoo, we do not have access to county funds or newspaper headlines to assist our efforts.
The USTA has given us a December 12 deadline by which to raise "committed" funds totaling $35,000. If we do not , we lose our event. While the fundraising committee has done a great job thus far, we are only half way to our goal. We are in need of new sponsors and individual committments.
BTC has placed sponsorhsip packets and VIP Patron ticket literature at our counter. We are now soliciting VIP or Patron ticket sales. If you purchase by Dec 12, you will receive a 5% discount off the package price of a VIP ticket or any sponsorship package. If you sign up for a sponsorship package or VIP ticket by filling out a committment form before Dec 12, you can still pay by the normal deadline (next June I think). Any funds we either collect or commit by Dec 12 will count toward our USTA mandate. As you can see, the Dec 12 deadline is an important one for us - very important.
I have always maintained that this tournament is vital to our tennis community. This tournament is part of our identity, part of our local tennis culture. Lose this tournament, and we lose a part of us. Pardon the old adage, but it is time to step up to the plate. If you do not want to lose this event and you have the means to help financially in any way, now is the time to do so. There are so many of you who have lived and breathed life into event. You, as well as every spectator who has ever attended, deserve to see this event grow and thrive. Many pieces are in place. If we can get past our looming deadline, I think our event will enter a new era. Here's to hoping...and caring
November 12, 2004
Girls State Qualifer
The Girl's High School State Qualfier was held this past October 22 & 23 right here at BTC. As usual, there was some very good tennis, and spectators were treated to the best of the Southern Tier. Many of our BTC juniors competed and fared well. The top 3 finishers in both singles and doubles advanced to the States held at East Side Tennis Club in Syracuse.
runner up Carly Smith, BCHS junior
Lucy Mehrabyan of Ithaca won the singles title, defeating BTC veteran Carly Smith of BCHS in 3 sets. Lucy was a surprise winner, and is only in 7th grade. I am sure we will see more of Lucy in the future. Vanessa Rumpel (SCC) & edged out Jen Kucko, (CF) for 3rd place. Jen is an up and coming familiar face at BTC.
Doubles runner ups Brittney Williams & Alex Moore, advanced to the states.
Doubles winners were Kate Doyle & Taryn Lindquist (Elmira Notre Dame) who defeated Brittney Williams and Alex Moore,(Chenango Valley) two more BTC proteges. 3rd place went to the BCHS pair of Brett Lane (BTC frequenter) & Danielle Kashou. Special thanks to Carole Bramante, Section 1V co-ordinator for her efforts in running the event. Her expertise and easy going manner always help make the event a good one.
November 09, 2004
US Open
Tim Henman, courtesy of MNJ Once again a BTC entourage invaded NYC for the US Open on August 31. We survived the Big Apple and arrived home none the worse for wear. It was a perfect day by all accounts, once we awoke our bus driver.
Our driver made up for lost time. We actually arrived in time to see the first ball struck, and hear the national anthem, a first in all my US Open trips. The weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cool, with a gentle breeze tailor made to order. Though the Republican convention was in town, we cruised through the GW bridge in record time. The heck with politics, we had an appointment to watch some serious tennis.
Martin Safin enroute to a 1st round loss to Thomas Enquist, as viewed from the Wilson Court Side Box. Some saw Tim Henman defeat Ivo Karlovic. Others witnessed Safin lose in an uninspired effort to Enquist. Many watched Lindsay Daveport, displaying great form, cruise to victory in what could be one of her very last US Open appearances. Some of our bus trip veterans who know the lay of the land in Flushing Meadows, made their way to the back courts, where they were treated to great matches; little known names providing big time drama. The highlight for some was seeing Agassi & Roddick practice, bare chest and all to the delight of our female constituents. We all shared one element; paying too much for food.
Andy Roddick, no explantion needed
One of the great attractions of the US Open is the expanse and variety of entertainment. The person sitting on the bus next to you could have a different but equally satisfying experience than you, seeing matches you did not and visa versa. You need a lot of note comparisons to gain a full sense of the action the day provided. Wandering in the brand new kids interactive arena was an event in itself. Once inside, the world of high tech interacitve mania sucks you in. Fast serve and return of serve contest, video instruction, cartoon network tennis court, video tennis games and computer trivia, enough stimulation to boggle the mind for days. I think some kids are still there. The land of tennis Oz for sure.
Barb Jones & myself, in a heated debate over who saw the best tennis match. This was not the only beer Barb consumed. She won the debate. And as always, our post match tailgate party in the Shea Stadium parking lot was a fitting end to the day. A Wilson tennis bag was raffled off courtesy of Joel Conybear and Wilson Racquet Sports. The lucky winner was Padmini Sagar. Reviewing the days' highlights soon evolved into jovial conversation and good times, and all too soon the bus drivers announced it was time for departure. All in all, another great day at the Open. We are fortunate to be so close to such a great event.
November 08, 2004
USTA League Wrap UP
Leo O'Connor & Bill Mirch receiving captain awards from Adult League Co-ordinator Dickey Sopchak. I think they captained 3 different teams. Laurie Bowen, tournament director of the Binghamton Professional Tournament looks on with a nod of approval. Tim Saunders lurks in the background.
Now that all of our USTA leagues are finished, below is a recap of league play.
Adult League winners:
Women 2.5 Brenda Story
Women 3.0 Sue McNamara Men 3.0 Gary Crowley
Women 3.5 Jones/Starke Men 3.5 Orville Wright
Women 4.0 Babs Hoesel Men 4.0 Bob deVente
Senior Winners
Women 3.0 Arline Kutz
Womens 3.5 Lou Ann Rauber Men 3.5 Dick Hoesel
Super Senior Winners
Women 6.0 Marilyn Stine
Women 7.0 Kay Bertrand Men 7.0 Dick Pastore
The regional level of play proved difficult for our adult league teams. The only team to advance to Buffalo for the Sectionals was Orville Wright's 3.5 team. In super senior competition, Marlyin Stine's team once again advanced to the sectionals held in New Rochelle at the prestigious New Rochelle Tennis Club, where they ran into some "young chics" who were barnstormers.
Under the tent was the happening place at our season end USTA party this past July
All in all, over 400 players participated in the Mixed, Adult, Senior & Super Senior leagues. The league hopes to build on this strong base, and field even more competitive teams next year. It is never to early to start planning and practicing for next year.
Mixed Doubles leagues will begin right after the 1st of the year. We will use the month of December to form and set up leagues. If you are not currently on a team, you may sign up at the desk, or call Reeta. We will attempt to run leagues in the 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0 divisions. Leauges will run January through early April. Matches will be Friday night, Sat night and Sunday afternoon. Start planning now on getting ready for winter Mixed Doubles!
Lisa Kelly makes her presence known at our party. Everyone takes note. A light moment to say the leastSpecial thanks to our USTA league committee Tim Saunders, Reeta Hayes and Dickey Sopchak for doing a great job. This was the best year ever for USTA leagues. USTA Adult league tennis is thriving in Binghamton.
November 07, 2004
Women's Competitive Doubles League
SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL - 8:30-10:00am. WOMEN'S COMPETITIVE DOUBLES LEAGUE - $63/player (includes balls) Limited to 8 teams each at 2.5-3.0 level and 3.5-4.0 level
Matches will be scheduled every other week beginning January 2nd. Total of seven matches per team. Scoring will be best two of three sets, 10 point tie-break for split sets.
Sign up at the desk today!
November Pro Shop News
If you haven't had a chance to stop in the Pro Shop and check out what's new, now is the time!
NEW THIS FALL:
Tail lines include, Tail Tech in Racing Blue and Cranberry and Pink, Tail Swirl in Grey, Red and Black.
Fila , A new fitness line in Mink, Grape and Violet
KaelinCross Training wear in great colors and comfy fabrics! Be sure to check this out as it won't be around much longer! Also, Dark Olive and Khaki in great woven fabrics, great for fall and winter!
New Thorlo SocksThorlo is now making a new line of Tennis Socks that have different levels of thickness and added coolmax to keep your feet comfortable, so now you can choose exactly what you need!
New Hand knit scarfs!We now have beautifully HandKnit Scarfs for sale for the winter, wonderful colors and different styles, make sure you check them out, we are getting new ones in every week!
CLOSEOUT PLEATED SKIRT SALE!
If you haven't seen them, they are displayed in front of the Pro Shop.
Just $10 for a pleated skirt! Take advantage while they last!
Great new clothing for Men from Fila and Wilson coming soon!
NEW RACQUETS!
If your in the market for a racquet, we have plenty to try.
New from Wilson: ncodes!
New - n6
In stock now include the n1 and n5, and just in the n6!
New from HEAD: The Liquidmetal 5 is the newest addition to Head's Liquidmetal collection! Also, coming soon it the Protector Racquet which contains the state-of-the-art Technology for Tennis Elbow Protection!
Holiday Racquet Special: Best Price anywhere! Liquidmetal 4 $159.95, Liquidmetal 8 $199.95, special pricing now through Dec 31st!
For a complete list of Racquets and prices go to the Pro Shop:Racquet section which has just been updated!
Coming for the Holidays we have new lines of clothing from Kaelin, Wilson, Fila and Bolle. Make sure to stop in and check out what's new!
Don't forget our Annual Holiday Pro Shop Sale Starting Just after Thanksgiving! See you for the Holidays!
Midnight Madness/Thanksgiving
For those of you who believe that engaging in some form of exercise on Thanskgiving lessens your guilt, and justifies overstuffing at your annual Thanksgiving feast, good news: BTC will be open on Thanskgiving Day! We will be operating fom 8am-1pm. Being open on Thanksgiving has been a BTC tradition, and is a great way for families to enjoy a healthy get together as well as staying clear of the chef in the kitchen as they create their turkey masterpiece.
Court fee is $25/hour. Just call to reserve. Yours truly will be working the desk.
Midnight Madness
For all you night owls, Midnighte Madness is back. Midnight Madness will run Monday through Thursday form 9:30 - 11:30 pm. 2 hours of tennis for $32. 1 1/2 hours for $26. You can book up to one week in advance. Participants must be members