Open Secrets

admin — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 15:34:49 +0000

Whether it’s your first time or your 21st, our insider tips will help make your trip to Flushing Meadows memorable–and manageable

1.В Watch the Qualies: Attending the 256-player (128 men, 128 women) qualifying event is standard procedure for experienced Open-goers. You see a diverse group of players, and the action is free, close-up, and as uncrowded as it gets. The event begins on Aug. 22, the Tuesday before the Open kicks off, and ends on Friday.

2.В Get Do-It-Yourself Draw Sheets: The night before you trek out to Flushing Meadows, go online and print out these three items: the men’s draw, the women’s draw, and the schedule of play. You won’t have to cough up the $3 that it costs on the grounds.

3.В Hit the Ground Running: Speed to the best court by checking out the scoreboards after you enter the East Plaza Gate. The area usually isn’t crowded, and you don’t have to walk past good matches on the sidecourts to find the big scoreboard in the middle of the grounds.

4.В Plan Your Outer-Court Route: During early rounds, you’ll need to navigate the outer-court maze. Some guidelines: (1) Always walk between two sidecourts you haven’t checked recently; (2) if you find a good match and you have a decent spot, stay put–you can’t be sure you’ll have as good a seat on another court; (3) estimate which matches might be up on other courts based on schedule and rankings–two similarly ranked players often means a longer match, while high-low means a shorter one; (4) whenever you go by the central fountain, check the big scoreboard and update your program; (5) the crowd is never wrong–follow big applause and you’ll find a good match.

5.В Get the Best Seats in the House: The Grandstand has always been a great place to watch tennis. It got even better a few years ago when seats were installed in the prime real estate that a restaurant had occupied. During the first week, this is the best spot at the Open. You see top players, you’re close to the action, the seats have backs (unlike the rest of the Grandstand), and they’re protected from the midday sun. If you’re going to stay in one place all afternoon, this is it.

6.В Watch the Pros Practice: Instead of elbowing your way to the fence that surrounds the main practice courts, get a nice above-ground view from the bleachers on Court 4. Also, keep your eyes peeled for players on the grounds during their off days. Last year Justine Henin-Hardenne was seen practicing all the way out on Court 11, where there were plenty of open bleacher seats.

7.В Go on a Loose-Bell Hunt: Even the pros send balls sailing. As you scout the outer courts, try scouring the bushes that surround them For any U.S. Open balls. These were hit by the pros–and lost by them, too.

8.В Eat Well: The food is expensive at the Open, but it’s also much better than typical ballpark fare. Recommendation: Wander through the Food village in front of Armstrong Stadium to find a BBQ chicken wrap or the seasoned waffle fries.

9.В Mingle: Between the day and night sessions, leave the courts and have a beer at the Red Star CafГ© As you sit at the bar, the sun will set to your right, and there will be people from all parts of the country who want to talk tennis. It’s a built-in opening line–what more can you ask for?

By: Chung, Christopher, Tennis, Sep2006

Positive Parenting

admin — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 17:32:01 +0000

Tennis can help any parent-child relationship. But the line separating a supportive parent from a pushy one is fuzzy. Follow this checklist to stay on the right side.Keep tennis in perspective. Where does tennis fit in with your child’s overall life? Does he want to be a pro, play for the high school team, or merely do something fun on weekends? Understanding your child’s motives for playing and his or her ultimate goals can help you direct their activities and manage your expectations and attitude.It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Take the long view. Recognize that it’s all a process where your child’s talents will emerge overtime. Results today don’t necessarily have anything to do with what’s possible tomorrow.

Be a “three-goal” parent. Winning is, of course, important. But only one player can win the performance game, while both players can win the learning and enjoyment games. Elite athletes and coaches know that in order to be successful a balance is required between these three interrelated goals with clear, realistic objectives set in each area.

Empower your child. Let your child make his own choices when and where appropriate. This means everything from carrying his own bags and checking himself in at tournaments to setting up his own practice matches and facing the consequences for his tantrums on court. This develops a child’s self-reliance.

Encourage and praise. Help your child discover her strengths. Find the most positive aspects of your child’s game and constantly remind her of these traits or skills. Be specific and truthful. Avoid phrases like “you’re a great tennis player” or “you played well today.” Instead say things like “you’re very quick to the ball” or “I’m proud of your effort today and how you stayed tough when you were behind.” Speaking positively about them in front of others is even more powerful.

Don’t criticize. The question tennis parents have asked me most frequently over the years is, “I know what my son is doing wrong, why won’t he listen to me when I tell him?” The simple answer is that no one likes to be criticized or told what to do. Kids will especially resist feedback if parents are not seen as knowledgeable experts. Also, be careful not to unload on your child in the guise of analyzing a match.

Ask questions. Instead of telling your child what he did wrong during a match, let him discover for himself. The easiest way to get through to kids is to ask questions and offer suggestions. What was your goal today? Were you successful? What could you do differently next time? Questions are far less judgmental and you’ll usually be met with little or no resistance.

Don’t take your child’s tennis personally. Every kid needs a push sometimes. But when your efforts meet resistance, you need to question whether you’re really helping your child or just trying to fulfill your own needs or dreams. A clear sign that your child’s tennis means too much to you is if you get frustrated or angry after he or she loses.

Love them to pieces. The best article I’ve ever read on tennis parenting was “The Tennis-Parent Trap,” by Allen Fox, in the September 2005 issue of TENNIS. As a sports psychologist, Fox never thought he’d become a pushy father, but then his own son, Charlie, took up the game. Fox describes how he struggled while watching Charlie play. In the end he realized the need to let go and remember what’s most important–having an excellent relationship with his son–win or lose. A powerful lesson for all parents.

By Brawley, Sean, Tennis, 2006

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Open Secrets

Positive Parenting