the lines are still good

Follow the happenings of an animated college tennis coach and his teams in their pursuit of an NCAA National Tennis Championship. It is always the impressive trophy that is displayed for all to admire that gets the attention, but it is the journey to claiming that trophy, the relationships built, the people served and the memories created, that live forever...and what I hope you will find interesting...

Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year...


Always my pleasure to take a few moments to wish my friends, family and all followers of "the lines are still good" a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2011.

Of course, the turning of the calendar year is a time for many things. Some make resolutions. Some party like rock stars. Others like to celebrate traditions with family and friends. As for me, I like to reflect. I like to think about the experiences that I have had this past year and the things that I have learned. Also, as I like to speak of goals quite often, I like to ponder the efforts I have made and the subsequent goals reached. I like to think about my personal and professional relationships and the happiness that has ensued. I like to remember the work, the joy, the many laughs and even the tears. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I like to think about the opportunity to live life and the many good things that are to come. I try to remember that life is a state of continuous improvement and to approach day-to-day living in this way.

This year I will be celebrating New Year's Eve at Peter Pratt's Inn with several friends including my life-long friend since college, former Clipper tennis team member and doubles partner, Douglas O'Connell. I look forward to some good fellowship and a lot of laughs. In addition, a special HNY shout-out to Coach Neil who is traveling with his daughter in Florida for a soccer tournament. Safe traveling and be well.

In any case, I wish you all a 2011 filled with health, happiness, joy, laughter, success, and much love. “One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.” - John Burroughs

Happy New Year everybody!

Nuff said...

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Matt Long...




A long time friend of mine turned me on to this story. If you are looking for a good read, pick up a copy of his book. You will not be able to put it down.


Matt is an NYC fire-fighter and also has ownership of the NYC sports bar Third and Long, which also boasts the presence of Concordia College Clipper "ex-athlete" Curtis Lanton.

no longer will I wish...no longer will I want...from now on...
I will.

Nuff said...

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Ronald Reagan



Nuff said...

Merry Christmas...

I would like to wish all of my friends and family around the world a very Merry Christmas. I especially wish all of my current players a safe and happy holiday season. Travel safely and enjoy your break.

As always, I thank you all for your interest in "the lines are still good" and hope that the spirit of the Christmas season stays with you throughout the entire year.

May God bless you all.

Nuff said...

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

A Wonderful Approach...


I listened to a nice tribute the other day and thought what a wonderful approach to athletics and life in general. Each day "work hard, try to accomplish something, love and always be nice about it."

Nuff said...

Friday, December 10, 2010

A Little Squash...



Good exercise for the hard working coaching staff.

Nuff said...

No Cold Tub For Old Man???

After viewing this piece about athletes and cold tubs I wondered if this would be a good thing for me as I seem to be pretty sore after engaging in some tennis play and other forms of exercise. Of course, this may be due to a lack of regular participation in certain sporting activities, yet I am not sure I will be able to commit to a regimen that will be frequent enough to avoid such delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).


Who knows, I may give it a try after my next rigorous athletic endeavor. However, each time I consider it, I think of the various sensitive areas of the body that are not accustomed to such levels of frosty temperatures. For now, I think it is "No Cold Tub for Old Man".

Nuff said...

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Ice, Ice Baby...


I returned to the tennis court today in an attempt to regain some sort of regular play. I expected to be completely embarrassing as I have not really hit any balls for a good long while. However, it wasn't entirely all that terrible. As a result, I look forward to some more regular training and mixing tennis in with the squash. In addition, there is a nasty rumor that yours truly may make a tournament appearance at the USTA National Tennis Center for this years National Men's Indoor.

The elbow is a little sore but was not as cranky after substantial ice application. I think I am going to become good friends with the nice young gals in the training room at the college. Youth, clearly, is wasted on the young...


I hope Santa brings me a jacuzzi for Christmas :)

Nuff said...

Monday, December 06, 2010

Weekly Winners


Greetings again friends. Not a week goes by without some new and exciting "Winners of the Week."

  • Pietruski Auditorium reserved for Brain Game presentation to be held 2/12/11 @ 11am
  • Individual player meetings scheduled and conducted
  • Additional video footage posted on blog www.concordiaclipperstennis.blogspot.com
  • Coach Dano now “tweeting” on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoachDano
  • Home match vs. FDU scheduled for Friday 2/18/11 @ 2:15pm

Share the good things. Report any winners in the comment section.

Nuff said...

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Service return...


We have been working on the technique for an explosive return of serve through the use of plyometric training. Essentially we are employing a depth jump followed by a directional signal and having the player simulate the stroke.

As most of you know, the service speed has really increased due to an increase in player strength as well as the improved technology in racquet frames and strings. As a result, the returner's time to respond has been markedly reduced. Clearly, on most surfaces, there is a greater need for players to develop an explosive return of serve so as to have a chance to break.

The video clip below demonstrates this. However, there are a few returns shown that are only possible on slow surfaces and in the presence of a slow serve. These show Leyton Hewitt taking multiple steps to the ball.



Below is a nice clip of Li Na demonstrating what we need to do. Notice that even she takes a little positioning step with her right foot which costs her a split second and a fair amount of stored potential energy.



I will post a clip of our plyometric return of serve drill soon.

Nuff said...

Friday, December 03, 2010

It's Coming...


Save the date tennis fans! The Brain Game is coming to Concordia Saturday, February 12th. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Craig O'Shannessy to Bronxville where he will be presenting his Brain Game tennis strategy program.

Craig is an ATP touring coach working with many of the world's top players. His knowledge and years of tennis experience will undoubtedly be of tremendous benefit to tennis players of all levels and ages.

Stay tuned for more information and also how you can reserve your seat for this valuable experience.

Nuff said...

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

"Don't Give Up...Don't Ever Give Up!"

Click here for more information about the foundation.

Coach Jim Valavano was the 1993 recipient of the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. Coach Valvano, in addition to winning an NCAA National Championship, also coached at nearby Iona College for five seasons. See below for his wonderful acceptance speech.



The foundation's motto, and the title of this post, is very special to me and something I hope to instill in all of our players.

Nuff said Jimmy...