Optimistic Outcomes in Racquetball
Well-meaning Coach, “Well, I don’t agree with everything you teach.” Me, “Okay-what do you not agree with?” WMC, Well, not everybody can execute what you teach. Me, “Of course they cannot, they have to work toward it.” WMC, “Well, why not give people something they can do immediately?” Me, “Like what?” WMC, “Like dropping the […]
Racquetball Analytics
This email got my attention a few days ago. The question to me was, “Do you use a charting system when you coach matches?” By charting system I think they meant a nice excel sheet with codes for short serves, unforced errors, etc. I have had many friends try to explain to me their charting […]
Don’t Eat the Cheese!!
This post just crossed my desk. It is a quote by Sean Payton, the head coach of the Denver Broncos. This quote was featured in Coaches Journal, a blog I highly recommend. The quote was titled, “Don’t Eat the Cheese!” “The minute you feel like you’ve arrived or your skill set is done, you have […]
How, Not What!
The “how” of racquetball is more important than the “what”. I can say, hit the ball down the line but when my athlete does not, I can say, “they do not listen to me.” or “Try it again!” Or… I can teach “how” to hit the ball down the line with proper footwork (not stepping […]
Salute to Fran
Above: Coach W and Fran talking Coaching Salute to Fran Davis. The year was..well a long time ago in the wayback machine. Yours truly got a message from an old friend in Pennsylvania and he asked me if I could help this one wall paddleball player from New York City. He knew she had talent […]
UnClog the Blocker
This one drifted across my desk-again will paraphrase to protect the innocent; but this occurs all over the world on racquetball courts frequently. “My opponent never kills the ball but hits it so I have to move through him or around him to get to a shot. After he hits a shot he slides slightly […]
Practice and Think Stink!
The matches are over. The club is quiet but still open. Down on court 8, way in the back is the ole ball coach and one of his athletes. We are putting in an after hours session working on footwork and return of serve. Motivated athlete wants extra work during the tournament and motivated […]
Get a Grip!
Backhand check list- For reference: https://buff.ly/ecnbWQc Talking backhand grip-V formation of the thumb and forefinger for right-handers should rotate to 11 to 9 o’clock. That roughly translates to Eastern to modified western grips. Why do I not teach one grip? As someone told me last summer, “Coach you teach the wrong backhand grip.” My response? […]
Ref Rules
Ten signs of poor reffing! In fairness to all players out there it is tough reffing and even more tough when you are reffing against good players. Here are ten signs of ref change needed! 1. The ref tries to be part of the action. You know the drill. The ref has a flair for […]
Whoa-Slow Down Phenom!
Overheard from well-meaning fans and some young coaches. “My athlete is national ranked junior champion and they are a great player.” I am thinking “Poor junior player-all you hear is how great you are from everyone. I hope you do not listen.” Here’s me also thinking , “You are not that good-you must learn your […]