TENNIS NOTES

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2345, 22 October 1921, Page 3

TENNIS NOTES

(By More-poke.)

Tennis players as. a rule are gen* erally good sports, and our recent visistors from Bulls are the best of the very best in every sense. Last year, tennis was very dead here, and only once during the season did a team travel away for a match. Now, although it was our turn to go to Bulls, they volunteei’ed to come here and give us a good start this season; and when we consider that when we were bn visiting terms before, we won two out of the three games played, it boils down to this, that Bulls players have come here to help us take the Newman Cup away from them. Although they were unable to bring their best team, Bulls had a decided win, but notwithstanding, our players put up a good fight, and many of the sets were won by very narrow margins. In several games our players were no doubt the best players, but the Bulls players won by sheer determination and pluck, and our people could benefit by taking a lesson by this. A game is never lost or won until the last ball is played. As no doubt our players would like to .know where they could improve their play, I will make a few friendly criticisms of each player, and I hope they will accept same in the spirit in which it is given—that is, to improve the standard of play in Foxton.

LADIES,

Mrs McMurray: A most reliable player in both singles and doubles. Good on both fore and back hand, but keeps at the back of the courts too much; should volley more. Appeared not to take her opponent seriously enough, and allowed her to play the game that suited her. Miss P. McMurray: When in form, a very brilliant player; has splendid cross-court drives, but makes the mistake of frying to drive when a placement would suit better, Should volley more; runs back too much. The only ball to run back to is a lob; the attack is always the best defence. Should concentrate on the game more, and the winning of every point. Throws points away, intending to make up later, but finds it too late.

Miss McCormick': A very solid player, and enthusiastic. Safe on cither hand, but plays too much at the back of the courts; should practice volleying and placing, and so vary the game more. Allows opponent to dictate the game to be played, instead of forcing her own game. Has plenty of determination, but to a certain extent gets discouraged if opponent gets in the lead. Is capable, and should be more forceful. Miss G. Robinson: Has some wonderful strokes on both the fore and back hand, and with practice would make a tip-top player, but is given to over-estimate her opponent, whereas, if she went at the game, would win easily. Needs to watch the ball closer, would then find she could get many balls that she now allows to go by. A little more vim would make her good enough to play among champions anywhere. Miss D. Hawke: Goes at the game in the right spirit! never gets dig/ heartened no matter who her opponent is, and xvins by bheer pluck when many players woo'd have given up hope. Is very sound on both fore and back hand, and tries for everything, no matter how difficult, and generally gets it. Is not a fast player, but makes up in generalship. Loses many points by hitting balls that are going out—which comes of the habit of being a “sport” in practice. Should never do this, no matter what the game is. Miss Beard: Has good style, and will be a player to be reckoned with. Has the strength to stand up to the hardest game. Is a trier for everything, and, like the foregoing player, never gives up. Her main fault is that she does not take enough trouble with her service; if the first is at fault, does not give herself time to readjust the error. When serving, should first of all select the spot with the eye where the ball is to land, and when throwing the ball up, must keep the eye on the ball. Tries to drive often too close up to the net, from where a drive is impossible.

GENTS.

C. Bryant : Has an eye “like a hawk,” and is a brilliant singles player, and good enough for any company in New Zealand. Often gets beaten in doubles by a weaker team through getting out of position (see scores of matches)., Does not rely sufficiently on his partner; it is hardly poaching, but restricts bis partner’s field of play. When at. the net, stands too near the centre of the court, with the result that he interferes with his partner’s service, and allows many points to be scored down, the side line. E. Jackson: A real good sport; has beautiful drives, and very hard services; but plays too much on the /'back line. Should get up to the net on every possible opportunity. Tilden says: “There are only twq spaces from which to hit a ball the net and the back line.” M. Mandl: A much improved player, and his match play is much better than his practice play. He very agreeably surprised everyone with the games he put up against more experienced players. Would have won two games, but got nervous just at the critical moment. This will wear off, and to fight against this he should be deaf to what spectators say by concentrat-

ing on the game. R. Shaw: Has come on wonderfully this season. Should practice more hack-hand work, and also should remember that a racquet is not a long-handled shovel, to take Jjjyo haiffis to.

Brophy: Only a young player, but shapes exceedingly well, and what is better, plays with his head. Should practice a more flexible swing, and not play so stiffly. . . McDonnell: Also a young player, but very keen, and will improve quickly with practice.

All these four players should make more use of their height in serving. The higher the ball is when hit, the greater the certainty of the service being good. All players should watch Bryant, as often more can be learnt by looking on than playing. Nearly all our players are too keen to win practice matches, whereas these should be simply games for trying new. strokes and theories.