Coaching Corner
This is the first of my postings for coaches Corner.
It has been suggested that we offer suggestions to the members to help enhance their game and give them something to think about next time they are playing.
I Play for 45 Mins
Really? Not from where I'm standing!
Recently with the upsurge in playing (Its the main season) I have noticed many players (Tony, Bernie, Paul, Tom, John) coming straight onto court without a warm-up.
The match is arranged for 5.40 say, a quick tie of the laces at 5.41 and away! 5 or sometimes longer minutes spent hitting the ball back and forth. 5 minutes being stiff, slow and un-coordinated unable to bend or stretch properly to the ball. Both of you know its a poor start and vow to do something better in the future.
Think this is 25% of your time wasted on the warm up.
Always Warm up before the match
Get to the courts 10 mins early it has many benefits.
1. Less risk of injury
2. Better quality of play from the off.
3. You've paid 100% of the fee-Play for 100% of the time.
4. You could be 25% fitter?
5. Its a good time to catch up and chat, too.
Think 5.20 for a 5.40 game. You know it makes sense.
The Pre-Match Ball Warmer
The ball should be struck back to yourself by rule of thumb no more than 3 or 4 times.
The real warm up should have already been done before you get onto court.
It is considered to be rude and selfish if the ball is struck back oneself more than 3 or 4 times-and in quick succession too.
The replies need to be snappy to allow each party to warm up properly.
Next time you are on court think 3 or 4 and no more!!!!
Let of Stroke?
Very few people enjoy making those all important decisions when the player looks up and asks 'Let please'?
The following
let/stroke diagram
will help you decide when to award a 'Let', 'Stroke' or 'No Let' following interference between the players on court.
Note that in the let/stroke diagram, the term interference also refers to the situation where the receiving player has appealed due to the fact that they think their opponent is in their line of target to the front wall. In this case the decision boxes 3 and 9 should be evaluated to determine if a 'Let, 'Stoke' or 'No Let' should be awarded.
The Reference should also award a 'Let' in the following situations:-
1. The Ball Breaks
2. The Receiver is not ready and has made no attempt to hit the ball
3. The Ball Hits an object on court (In theory no bags etc should be bought onto the court)
4. The player asks for the Let due to a reasonable fear of hitting the opponent with their swing.
5. A distraction off court
6. The Referee is undecided.
