Here’s How Nadal Plays Tennis Like A Chess Grandmaster

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Rafa dictates patterns of play in 5-8 shot rallies

The perfect storm in a tennis match is Rafael Nadal hitting either three of four balls into the court.

Not more. Not less. 

Just three or four moves is all it takes for the Spaniard to lure his opponents into checkmate.

An Infosys ATP Beyond The Numbers analysis shows that Nadal is in a class of his own in mid-length rallies of 5-8 shots. The data set is comprised of players who competed in a minimum of 20 matches at ATP events on Hawk Eye courts from the beginning of the 2018 season.

The three rally lengths commonly measured in tennis are:

•0-4 Shots (First Strike)
•5-8 Shots (Patterns Of Play)
•9+ Shots (Extended Rallies)

It’s important to note that rally length in our sport is predicated by the ball landing in the court, not hitting the strings. So a “three-shot” rally is a serve in, a return in, and a winner, while a “two-shot” rally is a serve in, a return in, and an error. That explains a “zero-shot” rally, which is a double fault. The ball simply didn’t land in the court.

The inner workings of Nadal’s formidable game can be best understood when it’s dissected by how many shots he ideally desires to win a point. It highlights efficiency and intent.

Nadal won a head-turning 59.7 per cent (652/1092) of points in the 5-8 shot range from 33 matches. Next best is Diego Schwartzman at 55.9 per cent (547/978), putting the Spaniard almost four percentage points higher than his closest rival. Novak Djokovic sits in third place, having won 55.5 per cent (1043/1879) in 5-8 shot rallies.

Source: ATP Tour

Updates to Tennis Community Play Guidelines

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Following on from the most recent easing of restrictions on the 15 May, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank our tennis family in acknowledging and implementing the recommended guidelines and your continued observance to the public health orders.

We’re also pleased to hear that the resources provided have been well received and that they are assisting you as you re-open or plan to re-open your venues and welcome players back to our sport.

To access the resources available to you please click here.

Ahead of the further easing of restrictions on 1 June, Tennis NSW are pleased to issue a revised set of guidelines in accordance with the planned changes. Please note that we are still awaiting the final Public Health Orders, so these published guidelines may be subject to small changes and revisions once these are released.

Significant updates to the Guidelines include:
* Lifting of restrictions on coaching ratios
* Clubhouses re-opening
Link to the updated guidelines is included below.

With the resumption of regional travel, we acknowledge that there will be questions asked in regards to the staging of tournaments. With respect to the resumption of TA sanctioned tournaments (AMT’s, JT’s and JDS), until all borders are open and the ranking system can operate freely, there is currently no date for the resumption of these level of tournaments. In the interim, Tennis NSW intends to provide alternative competitive opportunities across the State and we are working towards providing an update in the next week.

In regards to the Country Championships, the Tournament Committee are meeting this week to consider the options available to the staging of the tournament. We intend to communicate the decision week commencing 8 June.
 
The Return to Tennis Roadmap that was available on the Tennis NSW website and which was provided to you in the last email you received from us, has been removed and is no longer applicable due to the direction of the changes from the NSW Government. 

All of our collective actions in the past few weeks have led us to a point whereby we are able to resume our sport far quicker than what many of us envisaged a month or so ago.

May I thank you again for your support and assistance in helping the tennis community in NSW achieve this.

Stay safe and please continue to play by the rules.
Regards,
Lawrence		 
COVID-19-Community-Tennis-Guidelines-for-Continued-Play-LEVEL-2-as-at-1st-June-2020Download

Thursday Ladies Badge Competition – Recommencement

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In response to our previous announcement regarding the Badge Competition re-commencing on Saturday 6th June, we are happy to provide further detail on the Thursday Competition. Please see information below.

COMMENCEMENT:

·         Thursday Ladies Competition will commence play on Thursday, 11th June.

PLAYING DATES:

·         The revised competition will be played over 16 weeks. (15 rounds + Grand Final) Please click to view the Revised Fact Sheet.

REVISED DRAW:

·         Due to the loss of teams, the previous Thursday draw has been removed and a revised draw published on Match Centre. Please check the draw and advise by return email if you have any scheduling concerns by 10am, Thursday 28th May. We will advise once the draw is finalised.

GRADING:

·         Please see attached the team grading for the revised competition. The panel have tried to remain as close to original grading as possible to promote strong standards of competition. We understand that due to the recent events, the revised Sydney Badge Competition will be different compared to previous years, however we are proud to offer an opportunity for Badge teams to participate and get back on court, and we appreciate your understanding and support of the competition. Please note, no grading appeals will be considered.

SOCIAL DISTANCING & HYGIENE:

·         TNSW encourages all clubs and venues to manage social distancing and good hygiene protocols in line with the TNSW guidelines for Community Play. Please note, Captain communication prior to each round will be critical in ensuring appropriate measures are taken. A revised captains list will be sent prior to the competition encouraging Captain communication prior to each round.

Thank-you all again for your continued support and assistance.

Kind Regards

TNSW Competitions Team.

MTC Wednesday Night Competition Starts May 27

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Entries are now open for a limited six (6) week competition starting Wednesday May 27.

Play starts May 27. Entries close midday Monday May 25.

Click here to enter online.

MTC Ladies Competitions Start Tuesday May 26

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Entries are now open for a limited six (6) week competition starting the week of May 25.

Competition is limited to six (6) teams. Tuesday Play starts May 26, Friday May 29. Entries close Friday May 22.

Click here to enter online.

Coronavirus Testing Basics

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You’ve probably heard a lot about coronavirus testing recently. There are two different types of tests –diagnostic tests and antibody tests. A diagnostic test can show if you have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others. An antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by the immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus.

Learn more about the different types of tests and the steps involved.

RETURN OF BADGE

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Good news for all our members with Badge to begin on June 6 and continue each Saturday with no breaks. Finals day will be September 19.

There are restrictions with no socializing afterwards and other safety measures. Hopefully before June 6 restrictions maybe eased a little more.  All Badge players are asked to comply fully. Any breach will reflect badly on our club.

There will be two courts available for Social play each Saturday from 1130AM to 230pm.  By early June we should have a procedure in place again to manage Saturday Social.

In the meantime Badge Teams are encouraged to practise together so we are all ready for a flying start.  
All bookings are still to be made through Scott and Tennis Centre until Badge begins on June 6. 

Please remember social distancing when arriving and leaving the courts.  On arrival please wait on the grass or in the grandstand whilst maintaining your 1.5 metres and don’t wait around near the office. Also please exit by the gate on Court 4.

We are all in this together and will all exit quicker together if compliant.

Enjoy your tennis
Denis Crowley
Manly Lawn Tennis Club Captain 

Sydney Badge Recommences June 6

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Due to recent announcements from Government and in line with the new Guidelines for community play released by Tennis NSW, we are pleased to announce the recommencement of the Sydney Badge Competition to commence on SATURDAY, 6th JUNE.

The details of the competition will be as follows:

  • 16-week competition, commencing on SATURDAY, 6th JUNE with finals to be played on 19th SEPTEMBER. Play will continue during school holidays and long weekends.
    Revised Saturday Badge – Fact Sheet
  • Thursday Competition will re-commence on THURSDAY, 11th JUNE.
  • Play & Go procedures to be enforced at all venues. All players should only attend the centre to play their match and should leave the centre immediately following the completed match. (EG: Spectators, Afternoon Tea’s, etc are not allowed)
    Community Tennis Guidelines – 13th May

The next steps:

  • TNSW Competitions Team will be in touch with each Badge Delegate to ascertain which teams are ready to ‘Opt In’ to the recommencement of the competition.

a. Teams would be accepting to play in the current competition setup, and abiding by the above regulations.

b. No grading requests will be considered

c. Any team member changes should be managed by the Badge Delegate through League Manager.

d. Further details on the Thursday Competition to be considered once team responses are confirmed.

  • Once the complete field of available teams is finalised the draw will be communicated to all participants through Match Centre.

a. Please note: some re-grading may be necessary to ensure competitive divisions. This will be carried out by the Sydney Badge Panel. No appeals regarding these changes will be considered.

  • Pending any schedule change requests, we hope to provide a revised draw by MONDAY, 1st JUNE.

Please note all Badge enquiries should be sent to your Badge Delegate in the first instance. We thank-you for your support in the Sydney Badge Competition and our staff members will be in-touch with Badge Delegates shortly to assist you with your competition entry.

Kind Regards.
TNSW Competitions Team

Limited Doubles Play Starts Saturday 16 May

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Dear Members,

As of this Friday, 15th May, the New South Wales government have advised that a number of restrictions will be lifted in regards to social gathering and outdoor recreation. Core to this is the allowing of outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people. Please note that we are still awaiting the final Public Health Orders, so these published guidelines may be subject to small changes and revisions once these are released.

The Club has received the advice from Tennis NSW which is summarised below. You can access the updated Community Play guidelines here. 

1. Stay at home if you:

  • Have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • Have been overseas or exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • Have flu-like symptoms

If you are in a high risk health category, then you should not be administering or playing tennis at any time during this period. The Federal Government have listed the following as high-risk categories:

  • Persons with weakened immune systems
  • Any person aged over 70 (over 60 for people with pre-existing medical conditions, or over 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people with pre-existing medical conditions)
  •  Persons with diagnosed chronic medical conditions (such as lung conditions and kidney failure)
  •  People with diabetes
  •  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Very young children (Under 5) and babies

 2. Social distancing
The rule of keeping 1.5 metres away from other people is still in place
 
3. Play

  • The number of players per court is now a maximum of 4 people. Therefore Doubles play can now recommence.
  • No off court social gatherings before or after play. Get in – Play – Get out is still the rule.
  • Court side seating will be reopened – – users should continue to adhere to social distancing measures
  • No shared equipment such as racket, balls and drink fountains.

 4. The Clubhouse will remain closed
Showers and change rooms to be closed. Toilets are for emergencies only

New Arrangements at MLTC

THIS IS NOT A RESUMPTION OF NORMAL PLAYING ARRANGEMENTS

The following rules and guidelines will apply. 
 
Any breaches by Members or court hirers will be severely dealt with, as the Club is open to serious fines if Government guidelines are not adhered to.

1. Members must book courts for Members’ play times (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) through the Manly Tennis Centre (MTC) – Play will be singles and Doubles  (4 persons per court max.).
 
As a reminder, here are Member Court times. These may vary somewhat under the current arrangements but provide a reminder to members of roughly when they can book.
 
2. The Clubhouse will remain closed.
  
3. Court time is limited. One hour per booking.
 
4. Players must bring their own balls.
 
5. Players must leave the club surrounds as soon as they have completed their match. Entry will be via the front gate on Raglan St and exit via the gate on Court 4.
 
6. Players cannot come down the court in hope of finding a hitting partner. All matches must be organised beforehand. Any infractions by members in this regard will be severely dealt with as the Club is open to serious fines if Government guidelines are not adhered to.
 
7. Players must bring their own water bottle.
 
8. Players are responsible for their own hygiene etiquette, and must comply with ALL COVID 19 rules and regulations.
 
9. Court opening times are determined by the MTC and may be shorter than usual.
 
10. Members play must be booked.

  • Bookings for Saturday are available from 12pm to 5pm. Bookings can be made via the website (click here) or by calling MTC up until 11am on member playing days
  • Bookings for week days need to be booked by 11am on the day of play, otherwise the court may be booked out to non members.

11. No visitors are allowed during Members’ playing time.
 
12. Players can play outside of Members’ time but the normal rules of the Club will apply (click here for court policy). If Members want to book a court outside of club hours so they can guarantee a time of play, they will need to hire the court. If you are playing with a non-Club member you will also need to hire the court.
 
13. You must always check with Scott (MTC) before playing at any time.

Craig Withell
President
Manly Lawn Tennis Club
mob. 0409-116-220
[email protected]

Tennis NSW Updated Guidelines May 13

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Firstly, we would like to thank you all for your commitment to ensuring our tennis community has remained safe and healthy during this challenging period. Our commitment to our guidelines and the Public Health Orders has allowed tennis to continue, albeit in a limited form, and this has been recognised by our Government partners.

As of this Friday, the New South Wales government have advised that a number of restrictions will be lifted in regards to social gathering and outdoor recreation. Core to this is the allowing of outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people. Please note that we are still awaiting the final Public Health Orders, so these published guidelines may be subject to small changes and revisions once these are released.

Ahead of the new legislation being released, Tennis NSW are pleased to issue an updated set of guidelines for tennis clubs and venues that will be effective from 11.59pm on Thursday 14 May. You can access the updated Community Play guidelines here. 

You will note that we are recommending a resumption of doubles play but also allowing group coaching in small numbers and the resumption of intra & inter-club competition all assuming that the Public Health Orders can continue to be observed.

In regards to coaching, our recommendation is for a maximum of 4 students to each coach per court (or half court in the case of red ball coaching). This has been set deliberately below the 10 persons per court position to ensure venues can still comfortably adhere to social distancing protocols when we factor in the attendance of parents and guardians. We ask that you give this strong consideration when considering the resumption of your group coaching activities.

As we start on the road back, the team here at Tennis NSW have compiled a wide range of resources and tools to assist you and your club to plan for your re-opening or expansion of activities across social play, competition and coaching. These resources include the following and can all be found on our website:

Our ongoing commitment to these guidelines and to operating our clubs and venues in a safe and considered manner will be critical as we make our way back from this situation. Your support will be key to ensure tennis can return stronger than before.

If you have any questions regarding the changes we are making, the updated guidelines or just need help in getting your club or venue open again, then please don’t hesitate to contact your Tennis NSW Club Development Officer or contact us directly at [email protected]. 

Thank you again for all you have done so far, we are truly appreciative.

Regards,
Lawrence   

Roadmap to COVIDSafe Australia

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Three-step pathway for easing restrictions.

covid-safe-australia-roadmapDownload

AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport – Summary

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High level descriptors of three levels (Levels A, B, C) of activities and associated hygiene measures are recommended. Detailed descriptions of recommended sport specific activities at each level are outlined in Appendices A and B.

Tennis Level A: Running/aerobic/agility training (solo), resistance training (solo), skills training (solo) — e.g. serving only, hitting with ball machine.

Tennis Level B: Full training on court, singles or doubles.

Tennis Level C: Full training and competition

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