Here in 2020, how do we best arrange our 10 best players to win four individual matches in each team match?
We have lost three starting players from last year's squad, leaving us with only seven players with extensive varsity experience. There are a few also who played occasionally, but not enough to gain any match experience.
So I have two questions:
1. if you were not one of those seven, what are your plans for this season?
2. What have you done to prepare?
But you don't want to fall into it because no one else is available: you want to take it because you can compete. I know for a fact that many of you have played in the off-season and that some of you have even taken lessons. But if history is any indication—and it always is—some of you have not picked up a racket in seven months, and probably won't until March. (If you were a musician and didn't pick up your instrument for seven months, do you know what you would be? Yes, not a musician.)
I don't think I have to tell you that putting inexperienced players into varsity matches doesn't work out very well. So again, what have you done to prepare?
There are still some opportunities. Remember, for $5.00 you can hit around indoors at Newington every Friday afternoon from 4:00 to 5:30. Here are the details:
...or only eleven weeks away. It depends on your point of view. But I've told you before, the way you play on March 21 is the best indication of how you'll play throughout April and May. Sorry, it's just true. Those daily practices will help you improve, but most of the work has to have been done by then. You still have time.
If you want to make states, win the conference, win the state tournament, pick up an all-conference award, there's still time to get a head start.
Remember, any questions, email me at chuckr2@comcast.net or raddac@plainvilleschools.org.