Carlo Lesson Nov. 2 2011

Worked on Mini; backhand, backhand prep, backhand more solid stance, reading right left wide, reading 1,2,3 depth, aiming for window 2 over net, volley, 2 kinds, finish and building, same stroke but 2 speeds, also aim for window one or two, serve, fix left foot step: Think: " Stay, pinpoint, land on front" --
Relax through stroke, take ball a bit earlier on forehand. Early read is key to successful shots. *My ultra short prep seems to work.

Finishing long through both forehand and backhand was nice today, especially while blending it with my natural feeling stroke and being fully relaxed.,

Don't take "getting set" to extreme by setting too early. Going to the ball should be smooth.

Check strokes with cam to avoid injury.


SHould I not be able to make a scratch should on the second serve? Mike can make me dive bomb the ball with big kick by changes to swing path.

Why do I mishit in matches, why do i often hit frame on backhand.

My problems are not technical at this stage; it's more about planning, efficient practice, plodding forward with small execution victories during matches. I'm not "Just do it" enough.

Depth is all about the long stroke while being relaxed which is about seing ball early enough to go through it long (and at angles which I dont see well yet). Go get the short ball, never wait for it to drop.

Figure out how to solve the deep ball footwork or hitting early problem also figure out the slow ball dropping through strike zone problem. Figure out exactly when I can choose the big hip snap so I can go fore it wheneven possible. IT is one of the biggest forehands in the city.

Take more lessons with mike for the stuff mike is good at.

Figure out how to go from ready position with just a wrist cock to the early backhand preparation.

Front facing forehand is great for lining up face, hand low and hight, and stilling going long thought the ball.

PLAN and EXECUTE ~ technique will come in droves. I will have huge game if I follow the plan.

Try to spin 2nd. serve fast through window 2, not way up high.

I forget the rest, must take notes right after lesson!

Pain in arm both top and bottom and shoulder after playing. Not after lesson though. Pain in lower back later in the evening. No hip pain.

Played against florence, many double faults, losing 5-3. Every time i get an easy shot, I seem to hit long or in the net, especially on backhand. Suspect I'm over hitting or looking up just before striking, but it's surely mental as the same tasks are performed with great success during lesson. The solution is probably much more simple than I think,,,, more time just feeling what i feel in lessons.

Trouble rallying with Paul, seem to work way too hard for just a rally. Can't handle high bouncing or deep balls during rallys. Backhand often misfiring and causing pain. Serve is hurting my shoulder somehow, probably bad tosses, or impacting too low?