Not the Enemy!
So I see a podcast a friend sent me titled “Coaching Millennials” and Generation Z. The fact that I should listen to this podcast is a subtle hint for me that I should change how I coach for the new generations. Before I listened to it I had to tell my well-meaning friend that this […]
Be Where Your Feet Are
t seems like a simple thing but it is not. Keep your upper body over your lower body. Say what? Okay–you should not be bending forward at the waist to get to a shot. This puts you off balance. Arch your lower back, stay straight and centered. Your movement will be much better. How in […]
Upset Alert
How do you pull off the upset? You are playing the league champ. The league champ thinks they are all that and a bag of fritos. Somehow you have to break through that facade and get to the champ. They have won 8 leagues in a row and now you are playing them. Here are […]
Work Arounds for Limitations
I get athletes from time to time with all sorts of limiting injuries. Arthritis, knee replacements, hip replacements, fused wrists, neck limitations, and even auto-immune disorders! I approach these athletes like this. 1. As much as possible I try to connect with the doctor, physical therapist, or their trainer. I do not want to be […]
Call TO!
Keep your opponent under pressure! Time outs in Racquetball are an art form. Scenario-you are winning and your opponent calls a timeout to regroup. Time is now in and we are ready to continue and you are serving. This is an opportunity to put your opponent away. If you can win these next rallies it […]
Rule 1-There is no Rule…But
Another day in the life of Coach Winterton– I am going over video with one of my athletes and the topic of shot selection comes up. I am noticing something at crucial points in the match. Now stay with me out there in racquetball land because this is important. The left corner pinch is attempted […]
End It!!
End it-do not extend it! This is a mantra I use a lot with professional and top open players . When you get your shot, end the rally. How do I end the rally? Killing the ball? Well yes, but not always because a good pass shot will win also. You do not have to […]
Goin’ All Bobby Knight
I remember years ago I got roped into coaching high school tennis. The kids were drilled and schooled and looked great in warmups and practice. In the match however, when the going got tough, they went South. One particular match I had had enough. They played a team that was favored over us. That team […]
Camp Geezer
Got this message yesterday. “Dear Coach, would you do a camp just for old people, ages 60 plus?” Signed Senior Splatshot Dear SS, This is a great idea and one that I might explore someday. I find that senior players need junior or younger players to emulate. This idea is not just racquetball. As a […]
Phi Slamma Jamma
Copycat racquetball? Several years ago I had the luxury of talking racquetball with the Godfather of racquetball, Dr. Bud, (RIP) and another champion, Charlie Brumfield (RIP). Both of them echoed the same thing, they saw a lack of creativity in the modern game. I took that to heart and began experimenting with serves and then […]