By Marcus J. Hurtig, Owner, Oz Tennis Academy
We are NOW into the season … I’m sure you’ve had some challenges with scheduling matches, or maybe a tough time fielding all five lines weekly, or maybe you’re on fire and your team hasn’t lost a match. Well, let’s dive into some more information that’s going to help you get through whatever situation you and your team might be in.
Communication with opposing captain
If you are the HOME team, communication skills must be developed in the first part of the week. Reach out to your opposing captains and keep them informed on how many courts you have; let them know times to start so all can be on the same page. This helps me when I am the home team so I can plan accordingly with whatever obstacles I might face come match day.
Weather updates
Look ahead to match day and keep a close eye on the weather. If it looks like rain will ruin match day play, ask the opposition to play early (follow the ALTA Rules available online at altatennis.org/ResourceAndCalendars/Documents.aspx). Remember, as the HOME team captain, to be courteous of others who are driving from a far distance and try and give them plenty of heads up. As we all know, make-ups at all levels are tough to do with kids, travel, work, etc. My advice is to get it in so this doesn’t drag out!
If the courts can be dried, then get ALL players from both teams to help as it’s a TEAM match. Opponents, you can be a part of this as we all have the same goal: playing the tennis match.
Dealing with holidays
Yes, holidays can be tough when planning so think ahead. Reach out to your opposing captain and see what arrangements can be made. I advise my teams to get ahead of it and try and plan the match before it is too late. I encourage you to work with your teammates and opponents to play all matches, as we don’t want a default/forfeit for the reason of not being prepared or organized.
Your TEAM
Start seeing who is playing well with whom — and make the necessary adjustments to get up in your division. The best part of TEAM play is there are so many options. The two best players on your team may not be the best together. Their styles might be totally different; their energies may not mesh, or perhaps even their availability is incongruous. I like to see team/player moves being made halfway through the season if needed. This will give you and your team time to adjust and also could be advantageous against your next opponents.
Be creative and have fun with new partnerships! Mix it up! Get yourself in a position that can help your team become playoff contenders.
Marcus Hurtig is an ALTA ambassador, AA1 Captain (ITA Atlanta), Doubles specialist, TCAV (Level 1/2/3), and owner/operator of OZ Tennis Academy (oztennisacademy.com).
