We had a very important practice yesterday. We worked on serves/returns, and net positioning. Aside from the general importance of those aspects of doubles, it was important to see the breaking point of our guys, the point at which we cease to make progress, get caught up in our own heads, and fail to see opportunity. The drills we did emphasized those things and really either drew guys to their breaking point, or enabled them to bare down. Andrew and I were impressed with how many guys were able to get into the drill and execute rather than internalize failure or make unnecessary adjustments. To me, it showed me the growth in some and the beautiful starting points in others. For those that struggled, it was an important marker and a place to focus.
After those drills, we went into some doubles sets and it was really exciting to watch the overall level and how everyone was able to translate what we just worked on. We're gearing up for the fall ITA tournament the weekend after next and are starting to figure some things out. So far, almost two weeks into the fall, Andrew and I are enjoying the hell out of our time on court working with such a committed and talented group.
After ITA's, our next competition is our season-opener on Feb. 4 at Azusa Pacific, and then the ITA National Indoor Championships, Feb. 24-26 at Gustavus Adolphus College in MN. At Indoors, we drew the overall 5 seed and will play 4 seed Kenyon in the first round. Some may remember that we played Kenyon in the final match at last year's Stag-Hen Invitational, falling 5-4. That was one of the matches that left a very sour taste in our mouths and has been a big motivator thus far this season. We are so excited to be in the Indoor field for the first time in program history and aren't just happy to be there...we want to win.
On Friday, we'll be continuing doubles and doing some match charting and videotaping.
Sincerely,
Ben
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