It's the week before the Australian Open, and Andy Murray is happy. As well as securing the Brisbane Invitational title, he has a new coach. Eight times Grand Slam winner Ivan Lendl is now in Murray's corner. Murray has brought Lendl in for one thing. To help him win match-defining points in Grand Slam semis and finals. And thus major titles.
Lendl is an interesting choice. He runs a junior tennis academy. Yet no portfolio of successful stars to show his coaching credentials to Murray. But he has know-how. Insight. And most importantly, very cool 'robotic' emotions. Andy Murray has seemed to fail in the big matches, when his game is put under the severest examination. Not technically. But mentally. And emotionally. Lendl is hired, to help Murray tap into the mental and emotional development commensurate of champions.
Getting to the net is so much more that physically reaching that line. It is that mental preparation; it is following through; and it is the key to winning points quickly. The mental preparation is important. You have to switch your mindset from the defensive posture of the base line to the offensive posture of net play. Add in a little patience and restraint to the mix and you can become a very large presence at the net. Patience will allow you to stick in the point long enough to either get that one ball to end the point or to get your opponents so out of position or readiness that any ball will do. Restraint is learning that ending the point doesn't always equate to swinging for the hills.
It is essential that you keep an eye on the spin of the ball to determine where it will land and which direction it will bounce to, and you can gauge the direction and hang time by watching the way your opponent hits it.
Now, with the presence of Lendl in his corner, Murray will both have someone to look up to, and absorb some of the champion essence that Lendl has cultivated. Instead of having to battle the forces of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic, Murray will feel that it is him and Lendl combining strengths.
Personally, I have finally learned to love the play at the net. I can clear my mind and allow my reactions to take control. I have learned to trust my reactions and the muscle memory I have developed over time and practice. I am still finding myself occasionally stuck on the service line. But, I am recognizing the issue and making my corrections quickly. I hopefully will never suffer from the Service Line Blues again. It is all in the chant!
Debra Gehrlein is owner and editor of Club Tennis Magazine. Dedicated to covering tennis at the club tennis level. We are an online tennis magazine focusing on what is important to the Club Tennis Player both on and off the court.
Lendl is an interesting choice. He runs a junior tennis academy. Yet no portfolio of successful stars to show his coaching credentials to Murray. But he has know-how. Insight. And most importantly, very cool 'robotic' emotions. Andy Murray has seemed to fail in the big matches, when his game is put under the severest examination. Not technically. But mentally. And emotionally. Lendl is hired, to help Murray tap into the mental and emotional development commensurate of champions.
Getting to the net is so much more that physically reaching that line. It is that mental preparation; it is following through; and it is the key to winning points quickly. The mental preparation is important. You have to switch your mindset from the defensive posture of the base line to the offensive posture of net play. Add in a little patience and restraint to the mix and you can become a very large presence at the net. Patience will allow you to stick in the point long enough to either get that one ball to end the point or to get your opponents so out of position or readiness that any ball will do. Restraint is learning that ending the point doesn't always equate to swinging for the hills.
It is essential that you keep an eye on the spin of the ball to determine where it will land and which direction it will bounce to, and you can gauge the direction and hang time by watching the way your opponent hits it.
Now, with the presence of Lendl in his corner, Murray will both have someone to look up to, and absorb some of the champion essence that Lendl has cultivated. Instead of having to battle the forces of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic, Murray will feel that it is him and Lendl combining strengths.
Personally, I have finally learned to love the play at the net. I can clear my mind and allow my reactions to take control. I have learned to trust my reactions and the muscle memory I have developed over time and practice. I am still finding myself occasionally stuck on the service line. But, I am recognizing the issue and making my corrections quickly. I hopefully will never suffer from the Service Line Blues again. It is all in the chant!
Debra Gehrlein is owner and editor of Club Tennis Magazine. Dedicated to covering tennis at the club tennis level. We are an online tennis magazine focusing on what is important to the Club Tennis Player both on and off the court.
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