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Meridian Tennis Group
News from the Pros
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January 2013
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Meridian Tennis
858.754.1160
  

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Winners Tennis Club  
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550 Via de la Valle
Solana Beach, CA 92075
 

 

 

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Hello  : 

 

Happy New Year 2013! Tennis is back!

 

For all of us who have missed watching live tennis, great news, the Australian Open is here! On the men's side of the draw the top players continue to show why they are the best. Novak Djokovic has reached the final and surviving a 4th round thrilling 5-set encounter against Stanislas Wawrinka (probably the best match Wawrinka has ever played), then advanced past David Ferrer in his semifinal match.

 

On the other half of the draw Andy Murray finally beat Roger Federer at a Grand Slam. The U.S. Open champion beat the 17-time major winner in his semifinal match 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-2. This has set up a repeat of last year's US Open final where Murray won in a thrilling 5-set match against Djokovic. As a tennis fan, what better way to start the new season than to watch another great match (probably the best men's matchup) with titles and records on the line.

 

On the women's side of the draw the top four players in the world were continuing where they left off. World number one Victoria Azarenka reached the final after a somewhat controversial victory over Sloane Stephens. This young American had her best tournament of her career with her quarterfinal win over Serena Williams in a tough 3-set match. With all her potential, it will be exciting to watch her grow. The bottom half of the draw had Maria Sharapova cruising all the way to the semifinals with no real trouble. However, in her semifinal match she faced a resurgent Li Na, who knocked out Agnieszka Radwanska in her previous round. Na's superior form continued and she won handily over Sharapova to reach the finals.

 

The player to watch this year is Andy Murray. This year he has already won a title in Brisbane, Australia and has reached the semifinals of the Australian Open. Last year he was in the semifinals or better of every Grand Slam, so he is off to a good start this year.

 

All this live tennis can help to energize recreational tennis players. As we enter the new year both the men's and women's teams come back to defend their titles from previous seasons. The boys' high school season is starts back in less than a month with many players preparing for tryouts and their seasons. Good luck to everyone!

 

 

See you on the courts!  mattreturnzacreturncraigreturnguestguest1   

max 
 

matt new 
Greetings from Matt

Opinion: Rules Change?

At this year's Australian Open semifinal match between Victoria Azarenka...(read more) 

 

  

Greetings from Joel joel

Offense vs. Defense

Over the past few years, it has become apparent how important... (read more)


landon2

Greetings from Landon

TV: CSI Episode

This past week, an episode of the CBS crime drama series, CSI... (read more) 

 

 

  

dean
Greetings from Dean

How to Hit a Dropshot

A dropshot is a shot that is used when your opponents are not... (read more

 

 

 

todd headshot

Special Columnist

Dr. Todd Plutchok, DC, CCWP

Recovery Foods

Recovery is as important as training when it comes to performance...(read more)

 

 

 

 

 

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We look forward to seeing you on the courts!
  
Sincerely,

Matt . Dean . Joel . Landon . Steven
Meridian Tennis Group

 

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       New Clinic Schedule          
(as of 01/01/12)   

 

          Please call to confirm (858.754.1160)
                   (www.meridiantennis.com)

 

                                   . Adults .
Mon      8:30-10:00am     Adult clinic
Mon      10:00-10:30am   Adult mini-clinic *
Tues     6:30-8:00pm      Adult workout
Thurs    8:30-10:00am     Adult clinic
      Fri        8:30-10:00am     Adult clinic
            
* mini-clinics will focus on different
 strokes every week
            (modified schedule due to tennis leagues) 
TBD  Beginners clinics 
Additional clinics can be added upon request!

 

 Note: Adult clinics will be theme-based, rotating from week to week with topics such as doubles strategy, mixed doubles clinic,
 serve & volley training, etc.)
 

   Minis . Juniors . High School . Tournament 
Mon.Wed.Fri   3:30-4:30pm      Minis
Mon.Wed.Fri   4:30-6:00pm      Juniors 
Tue.Thurs      4:00-5:30pm      HS.Tournament *
Sat               3:00-4:30pm      HS.Tournament *
Sun              10:00-11:00am    Minis

 

* 30-minute conditioning following each session

 
 
Additional clinics can be added upon request!

As always, we are available for individual or small group lessons. Please call us to book (858.754.1160)
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matt 

Greetings from Matt

 

 

Opinion:  Rules Change?

 

At this year's Australian Open semifinal match between Victoria Azarenka and Sloane Stephens, Azarenka gave up five match points in their second set and appeared to feel the pressure of closing out the match to advance to the finals. She started experiencing problems breathing and at 5-4 up, took an injury timeout to have her back worked on, left the court for 10 minutes, and upon her return was able to win the next game to close out the match. Did she really have a legitimate reason to leave the court, while leaving Stephens to wait (and cool down) during the 10 minute break? During her on-court interview Azarenka made no mention of her injury but rather, stated, "I almost did the choke of the year." Only later did she say that she had chest pain and couldn't breathe, dodging her own mention of the choking.

 

This incident raises the question of what is judged to be an injury and why tournament officials would have allowed any time off court. It appeared that Azarenka took time off court because of nerves, to settle down and to regroup so that she could advance to the finals. For those reasons, leaving the court for any amount of time is unacceptable. Many have questioned whether she had a true injury or if nerves and gamesmanship were involved. Azarenka's past history of these types of antics, along with her post match on-court interview and reference to choking, did not help her in the opinion polls. If she was truly injured, no one would have judged her. Unfortunately, at this point, there are many who question her sincerity.

 

This incident has brought into question what constitutes an injury timeout and further off court attention. If injury timeouts can be used by a player as a strategic way of dealing with adversity by creating a time delay to gather oneself, then this has to be addressed and better defined. Fans enjoy watching tennis to witness the true competition between players; fairness is a huge part of the emotional draw to our sport. Let's hope that tennis has the integrity to stop this from happening again in the future. 

 

  
Thanks again for all your continued support.

 

 

zac
joel in action
Greetings from Joel
   

 

 

Offense vs. Defense

Over the last few years, it has become apparent how important the defensive side of tennis has become. Where once offensive players ruled the top of the men's game, the new blood has developed more impressive defensive skills than ever before.

Whether it is the slowing of the courts or the physical abilities of the players to hang in rallies, you are simply not a Grand Slam contender unless you can defend from the back of the court. Obviously to be able to put opponents away you need to be able to step in and attack, BUT everyone can do that in today's game!

The Australian open is a perfect example of the development of men's tennis. All 4 top seeds advanced to the semifinals. Djokovic, Murray, Ferrer, and Federer all possess the best defensive skills in the game. Federer is more offensive than defensive (but still incredible on D), Ferrer is more defensive than offensive (the reason he hasn't broken into his first Slam final), Murray is more defensive but over the last year has improved his offense immensely, and Djokovic seems to be able to turn defense into offense at any moment in a rally! This is truly a Golden Age for tennis, as players are improving to eliminate their weaknesses on both ends.

Heading into the final of the Aussie I believe it will be a very tough match, but as Djokovic is a fair bit fresher and has the edge on offense, (defensively he and Murray are very similar) I believe Djokovic will take home the trophy.

But it's a Grand Slam final and you never know. Have fun watching the final!

 

See you soon, mates!   

 

 

Joel Myers
Tennis Director
Manchester Grand Hyatt
Sheraton Harbor Island
(949) 485-8679

 
 
 
dean 
hoops
Greetings from Dean

 

 

How to Hit a Dropshot

 

A dropshot is a shot that is used when your opponents are not in position or not ready for a short shot to be hit. The best time to use a dropshot is when you are playing at the net and the players from the baseline are not moving forward.

 

Typically a dropshot should bounce a few times before exiting the service box on the opposite side of the court. The best spin to put on a dropshot is underspin because it keeps the ball closer to where it has been hit, as opposed to bouncing further into the court.

 

A slice is used for dropshots, using a continental grip and leading the shot with the lower bevel of the racquet. It is also best to disguise your dropshot as a regular groundstroke, if possible from mid court or the baseline. 

 

Look forward to seeing you on the courts!

 

 

Dean Hodsman 

landon

 broncos
Greetings from Landon
 

 

TV: CSI episode

 

This past week, an episode of the CBS crime drama series, CSI, featured Hall of Fame Chris Evert, three-time Grand Slam champion Lindsay Davenport, and two-time mixed doubles champion Justin Gimelstob. They all played themselves, alongside stars Ted Danson and Elisabeth Shue. The episode was filmed at the Calabasas Tennis Club where the CSI investigators interrogate the former tennis stars while investigating the murder of a professional female tennis player. The episode is titled "Double Fault" and can be viewed online at http://www.cbs.com/shows/csi/.

 

  

Good luck!

See you on the courts!
 
Landon Hilker


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Recovery Foods

 

Recovery is as important as training when it comes to performance. During any long endurance event, you break your body down and deplete your body of nutrients and reserves. To avoid deficits, and sub-optimal performance, follow the following recovery food list to help rebuild your body, detox from oxidation, boost your immunity, lubricate your joints, and extinguish inflammation.   

 

POST RACE RECOVERY FOODS

Increase Protein
Greek Yogurt
Grass Fed Beef
Omega-3 Eggs

 

Increase Fats
Almond Butter
Fish Oil (Omega-3) Flax if your vegetarian
Macadamia Nuts

 

Increase Anti-oxidants
Frozen Berries-Blueberries
Greens Supplements, Tart Cherry Juice, and Non Alcoholic Beer???
Kale & Chard
Sweet Potatoes & Yams
Dark Chocolate

 

Increase Electrolytes
Coconut Water
Electrolyte Drinks

 

Increase Immune System
Pro-biotics (Whole Foods/Sprouts) **Multiple strains
Whey Protein

 

Muscle Soreness
Magnesium Supplement (Calm is a good one)
Arnica
Tumeric Capsule or Yellow Curry

 

Dr. Todd's Recovery Drink
Coconut Water-Whey Protein-Blueberry-Banana-Flax-Dark Chocolate-Ice-Greek Yogurt

 

Happy New Year!

 

Stay well, stay strong! 

 

Dr. Todd Plutchok, DC, CCWP

 

Dr. Plutchok is one of the Sports Rehab Practitioners at The League Sports Rehab & Chiropractic Clinic, specializing in Active Release Techniques (ART) biomechanics, and full sports chiropractic treatment.

 

 

Active Release Technique Provider

 

 

www.TheSportsAndWellnessDC.com

 

Twitter: DoctorPlu

 

Office: (858) 452-3734

Fax: (858) 452-6666

 

The League Sports Injury Rehab

4510 Executive Dr. Plaza 5

San Diego, CA 92121

www.TheLeagueRehab.com

 

 

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