Tennis: Turned the Corner?

Since the once-a-week Tennis season started against Andrew, I have been losing.

We typically play one full set (i.e. first to win 6 games) and then followed by a half set (first to win 3 games). For the first 7 weeks Andrew won every full set and 2 out of 4 of the half sets. I sucked.

For the first couple weeks, physical conditioning combined with being out of practice was slowing me down. Then my speed improved but Andrew was still schooling me as his rust was shaken off.

My difficulties seemed to be three things:
1) My first serve was being easily handled by Andrew so he continually broke my service and took early leads.

2) My aim on hitting the end of the court was off and a lot of balls were landing out as a result.

3) My backhand sucked.

Last week I felt the aim was improving and my backhand was coming back finally, but I was still losing. I got angry and I started hammering my serves in a way to burn some frustration off.

And what do you know? They landed in. A lot. And suddenly things began to fall into place for me.

We got rained out last week while I was losing 5-3 but I took the lesson to heart and this week I came out blasting my serves. I had traded power for accuracy earlier in this season (and perhaps late last season) but now I brought the effort up the accuracy remained. The upshot is that Andrew had a harder time returning my serves and those he did get back were not the power returns I had to dig for. Suddenly things felt different, better.

Not only did I get more aggressive on the serves, I also added a bit more aggressiveness to my forehands and backhands; now that the rust was shaken off I was able to hit them accurately and low to the net and ground, forcing Andrew to dig more often and give me more opportunity to get a point. The end result was and early lead, maintaining my service, and winning the set 6 to 4.

My new style of play cost me a bit though as I felt noticeably sore in my shoulder in the second half set from all the hard serves in the first full set, and my energy levels were lower than usual. Andrew whipped me quite soundly 3-1 in the half set but we both know all the glory to be had is in the first set.

Next week I'll have to see if I can maintain the pressure and score another victory.

Watching Weight

OK I admit it. I let myself go a bit (a lot) this past winter. Bad habits slowly crept in, watching what I ate on weekends went out the window, and slowly clothes seemed to get a little smaller and tighter. Funny how that happens, eh?

With the birth of the boys and three weeks of no exercise and lots of good rich foods, it really got out of hand.

This past Monday I began the crusade to return to form. Back in Jiu Jitsu, religious counting of points for weight watchers, and tennis with Andrew.

Last night was the first tennis game of the season and I'm sad to say Andrew beat me 7 games to 6. I blame my deplorable physical shape at the moment and plan for next week to better. If I have to hire a goon to take a crowbar to his shoulder on the weekend, so be it.

VICTORY!

Last month I lamented the fact that Andrew really started kicking my ass at tennis after I returned from summer vacation. Well, in the weeks since that post things had continued to be in the losing column for me with some truly nasty lopsided defeats. The only bright spot was that my backhand was getting more comfortable and consistent.

Last week I had a breakthrough as my service returned to somewhat better consistency and I sprinted to a 3-0 lead in the set. Andrew battled back but I still had some fire for a 5-3 lead. Then I lost 4 straight to lose the set 7-5. So frustrating.

Well last night I continued my strong play and we battled back and forth all game. It was the server's games last night for the first 6 to make it 3-3 and then he broke my service and took a 4-3 lead. Uh oh, I thought, this is where it goes south. But I came back and broke his service and we then battled back and forth to 5-5 and then 6-5. Finally I broke his service again to win the set.

Some victories are better than others, that's for sure.

Hockey Hit

Last night in a game against Philadelphia the Senators Daem McAmmond was hit by Steve Downie and left the ice to go to the hospital on a stretcher. Here is a link to video of the hit.

I know in a physical sport like hockey people get hurt, but it really looked like Downie went head hunting on that hit. Thoughts?

Bill's Totally Unqualified NHL Playoff Predictions

I've been following hockey less than ever this year. I just needed a mental break from the insanity that is millionaires playing other millionaires for millions of dollars while people like me sweat over a few thousand dollars required for "real life".

But that doesn't mean I'm any less qualified for making predictions based on nothing at all! Oh no, it means I'm even more qualified to make Unqualified Predictions! I feel like a government employee.

Anywhoo, on with the prognostications.

East:
Buffalo (1) vs. NYI (8) - New York squeaked into the post season over Montreal and Toronto which makes them my Second Favourite Team today. But the Sabres will eat them alive. Buffalo in 4.

New Jersey (2) vs. Tampa Bay (7) - New Jersey fired their coach last week and is being led by the GM. I may have worked previously but I've got a bad feeling about this. Tampa in 6.

Atlanta (3) vs. NYR (6) - Toss up, I say Rangers in 7.

Ottawa (4) vs. Pittsburgh (5) - Ottawa has the playoff experience and if Ray Emery or Martin Gerber can be solid in nets, I give them the advantage over the young Pens. Sens in 5.

West:
Detroit (1) vs. Calgary (8) - Red Wings will be out for blood, I pick them over the Flames in 6.

Anaheim (2) vs. Minnesota (7) - For some reason the Wild call to me, I'm going with them in 7.

Vancouver (3) vs. Dallas (6) - Crystal ball says Canucks sweep the Stars in four straight.

Nashville (4) vs. San Jose (5) - Too close to call, so I'll give it to Nashville in 6.