RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics

HCATL Women's 3.0 Winter Match Schedule

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Home Court Advantage Tennis Leagues

Winter Women's 3.0 Doubles League

Schedule:

Sweet Shots-VS- RJ Tennis 01/10/2012 09:30 PM 4S

Toss-Ups-VS- RJ Tennis 01/13/2012 08:00 PM 4S

RJ Tennis -VS- Game Set Match 01/17/2012 09:00 PM SL

RJ Tennis -VS- Toe The Line 01/19/2012 09:00 PM SL

RJ Tennis -VS- Ms. Hits 01/24/2012 09:00 PM FRC

TNT -VS- RJ Tennis 01/30/2012 09:00 PM SL

Sweet Shots-VS- RJ Tennis 02/05/2012 01:00 PM FRC

Toe TheLine -VS- RJ Tennis 02/17/2012 09:30 PM 4S

RJ Tennis -VS- Toss-Ups 02/21/2012 09:30 PM WG

Ms. Hits-VS- RJ Tennis 02/26/2012 08:30 AM FRC

Game SetMatch -VS- RJ Tennis 03/02/2012 07:30 PM WWCC

RJ Tennis -VS- TNT 03/06/2012 09:30 PM WG

Toss-Ups-VS- RJ Tennis 03/11/2012 09:00 PM 4S

RJ Tennis -VS- Toe The Line 03/18/2012 01:00 PM FRC

RJ Tennis -VS- Ms. Hits 03/23/2012 09:30 PM WG

Not MyFault -VS- RJ Tennis 03/29/2012 09:00 PM ANN

4S = Four Seasons Tennis Club
ANN = Annandale Sport & Health Club
WWCC = Westwood Country Club
BP = Bready Park
FRC = Fairfax Racquet Club
SL = Skyline Sport & Health Club

If you're interested in playing on the team, please contact Borka at kostovab@gmail.com or Rob at rjtennis@rjtennis.com

Some basic guidelines to help things to run smoothly:

Please don't plan on playing any match until you receive an e-mail confirmation from me
All facilities can be found at http://www.homecourttennis.com/facilities.html
Winter league is doubles play only
If you prefer to play with someone, please let me know and remind me often:)
There is a $15 per person per match fee
If you commit to playing a match and something comes up, you're responsible to find a sub (I can help if you give me enough notice)
If you can't find a sub and we forfeit a match, you are responsible for court fees for that match which is $60
If you are 15 minutes late, we forfeit the match and you are responsible for the court fees for that match which is $60
If you commit to playing a match and you show up on time, the captain can relax and enjoy playing her match. Please show up ten to fifteen minutes early and everyone will have a great night

HCATL / NOVA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DOUBLES

LEAGUE RULES

MATCH FORMAT: When matches are scheduled at Four Seasons, each team has to field 4doubles pairs (8 players), unless otherwise indicated (3 courts) on theschedule. All Four Season matches will be played in the bubble. When matches are scheduled for anyother location, each team has to field 3 doubles pairs (6 players).

SCORING: Thesame rules for scoring that we used for USA league tennis this pastsummer. Detailed rules can befound at www.homecourttennis.com under“Individual Scoring”. Tosummarize…2 out of 3 sets (regular scoring), with a 3^rd set MATCHtiebreaker in lieu of the 3^rd set.

LOCAL LEAGUERULE. 2nd Set Incomplete: Thefollowing are all valid second sets: 4-0, 4-1, 4-2, 5-0, 5-1, 5-2 and 5-3. Any other second set score is invalid. If there is no valid second set, thematch goes to the winner of the first set.

Basically, 4-1 is now a valid set.

REPORTING SCORES: Winning and/or losing team should reportthe scores to ingrid@homecourttennis.com. Individual scores are notnecessary. Results will bee-mailed to captains approximately every 3 weeks. As a courtesy, pleasecc the opposing captain. Please report any DEFAULTS that have occurred in anyof the positions.

BALLS: Ballswill be located in the cans at each facility. Please place used balls back in the can. These used balls go to schools andteaching pros in our area.

MATCH LENGTH: 1.5 Hours. Warm-up period should not exceed 5 minutes. Latenesspenalties can be enforced by either team and can be found on the HCTL websiteunder ‘Rules & Regs’.

MATCH FEES: AtFour Seasons, the team fee is $120.00 per team and all other facilities theteam fee will be $90.00 per team ($15.00 per match per person). IN CASE OF A DEFAULT, THE DEFAULTING TEAMSHOULD PAY “HCATL” THE FULL AMOUNT TO COVER THE ENTIRE DEFAULT FEE AT THE TIMEOF THE MATCH. Please make one team check payable to “HCATL” withyour team name and playing level in the “memo” line and place into theenvelope in the tin can or bucket. Defaults in this “fun league” should be avoided at all times. If you are short players, contact thecaptains at your level and most of the time they will be able to help you fieldan entire line-up. Please help out your fellow teammates by avoidingdefaults!!!!!

HOME TEAMS vs. AWAY TEAMS: Home teams are always listed first on the schedule.

HCATL Women's 4.0 Winter Match Schedule

2012-01-13T06:59:00.000-08:00

Home Court Advantage Tennis Leagues

Winter Women's 4.0 Doubles League

Schedule:
RJ Tennis-VS- Night Owls 01/13/201209:30 PM WG

Cannandales(3.5) –VS- RJ Tennis (4.0) 01/15/2012 08:30 AM FRC

RJ Tennis -VS- Ball Crushing Chicks 01/21/2012 07:30 PM BP

RJ Tennis –VS- Strings United 01/25/201209:00 PM ANN

StringsUnited -VS- RJ Tennis 01/31/201208:00 PM 4S

RacquetChicks -VS- RJ Tennis 02/08/201209:00 PM 4S

RJ Tennis -VS- Courting Disaster 02/17/2012 09:30PM WG

RJ Tennis -VS- Netsetters 02/24/2012 09:30PM WG

RJ Tennis -VS- Tennis Aces 03/03/201208:30 PM 4S*(3 courts)

Love Hurts-VS- RJ Tennis 03/10/201206:00 PM BP

East Pearl-VS- RJ Tennis 03/19/201209:00 PM ANN

Netchix-VS- RJ Tennis 03/25/201208:30 PM FRC

CourtingDisaster –VS- RJ Tennis 03/27/201209:00 PM FRC

RJ Tennis –VS- Love Hurts 04/10/201209:00 PM FRC

Netchix –VS- RJ Tennis 04/12/2012 09:30 PM WG

4S= Four Seasons Tennis Club

ANN= Annandale Sport & Health

WWCC= Westwood Country Club

BP= Bready Park

WG= Worldgate Sport & Health

FRC= Fairfax Racquet Club

Please contact Yoshie if you're interested in playing on the team. She will let you know if there is space available on the team: ytnahmens@gmail.com

Some basic guidelines to help things to run smoothly:

Please don't plan on playing any match until you receive an e-mail confirmation from me
All facilities can be found at http://www.homecourttennis.com/facilities.html
Winter league is doubles play only
If you prefer to play with someone, please let me know and remind me often:)
There is a $15 per person per match fee
If you commit to playing a match and something comes up, you're responsible to find a sub (I can help if you give me enough notice)
If you can't find a sub and we forfeit a match, you are responsible for court fees for that match which is $60
If you are 15 minutes late, we forfeit the match and you are responsible for the court fees for that match which is $60
If you commit to playing a match and you show up on time, the captain can relax and enjoy playing her match. Please show up ten to fifteen minutes early and everyone will have a great night

HCATL / NOVA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DOUBLES

LEAGUE RULES

Basically, 4-1 is now a valid set.

BALLS: Ballswill be located in the cans at each facility. Please place used balls back in the can. These used balls go to schools andteaching pros in our area.

MATCH LENGTH: 1.5 Hours. Warm-up period should not exceed 5 minutes. Latenesspenalties can be enforced by either team and can be found on the HCTL websiteunder ‘Rules & Regs’.

HOME TEAMS vs. AWAY TEAMS: Home teams are always listed first on the schedule.

HCATL - Men's 4.0 Winter Match Schedule

2012-01-13T06:11:00.000-08:00

Home Court Advantage Tennis Leagues

Winter Men's 4.0 Doubles League

Schedule:

RJ Tennis-VS- Racqueteers 01/14/2012 07:00PM 4S*(3 courts)

Z’s LastChance Saloon -VS- RJ Tennis 01/19/2012 09:30PM 4S

SkylineCourtmasters -VS- RJ Tennis 01/25/201209:30 PM WG

RJ Tennis -VS- Big Shots 02/02/2012 09:30PM 4S

NetDefiance -VS- RJ Tennis 02/09/2012 08:00PM 4S

RJ Tennis -VS- Net Defiance 02/14/2012 09:00PM ANN

RJ Tennis -VS- Skyline Courtmasters 02/20/201209:00 PM ANN

RJ Tennis-VS- Z’s Last Chance Saloon 02/26/2012 07:30PM WWCC

Big Shots-VS- RJ Tennis 03/03/2012 07:30PM WWCC

Racqueteers-VS- RJ Tennis 03/07/2012 09:00PM SL

RJ Tennis -VS- Racqueteers 03/12/2012 09:30PM WG

Z’s LastChance Saloon -VS- RJ Tennis 03/18/2012 07:30PM 4S

SkylineCourtmasters -VS- RJ Tennis 03/24/2012 08:30 PM 4S*(3courts)

RJ Tennis -VS- Big Shots 04/01/2012 07:30PM 4S

NetDefiance -VS- RJ Tennis 04/10/2012 09:30PM WG

RJ Tennis –VS- NetDefiance 04/13/2012 06:30PM 4S

RJ Tennis-VS- Racqueteers 01/14/2012 07:00 PM 4S (3 courts)

Z’s LastChance Saloon -VS- RJ Tennis 01/19/2012 09:30PM 4S

SkylineCourtmasters -VS- RJ Tennis 01/25/201209:30 PM WG

RJ Tennis-VS- Big Shots 02/02/2012 09:30PM 4S

NetDefiance -VS- RJ Tennis 02/09/2012 08:00PM 4S

RJ Tennis-VS- Skyline Courtmasters 02/20/201209:00 PM ANN

RJ Tennis-VS- Z’s Last Chance Saloon 02/26/2012 07:30PM WWCC

Big Shots-VS- RJ Tennis 03/03/2012 07:30PM WWCC

4S= Four Seasons Tennis Club

ANN= Annandale Sport & Health

WWCC= Westwood Country Club

BP= Bready Park

WG= Worldgate Sport & Health

FRC= Fairfax Racquet Club

Please contact Hsin if you're interested in playing on the team: hyen@i1.com

Some basic guidelines to help things to run smoothly:

Please don't plan on playing any match until you receive an e-mail confirmation from me
All facilities can be found at http://www.homecourttennis.com/facilities.html
Winter league is doubles play only
If you prefer to play with someone, please let me know and remind me often:)
There is a $15 per person per match fee
If you commit to playing a match and something comes up, you're responsible to find a sub (I can help if you give me enough notice)
If you can't find a sub and we forfeit a match, you are responsible for court fees for that match which is $60
If you are 15 minutes late, we forfeit the match and you are responsible for the court fees for that match which is $60
If you commit to playing a match and you show up on time, the captain can relax and enjoy playing his match. Please show up ten to fifteen minutes early and everyone will have a great night

HCATL / NOVA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DOUBLES

LEAGUE RULES

Basically, 4-1 is now a valid set.

BALLS: Ballswill be located in the cans at each facility. Please place used balls back in the can. These used balls go to schools andteaching pros in our area.

MATCH LENGTH: 1.5 Hours. Warm-up period should not exceed 5 minutes. Latenesspenalties can be enforced by either team and can be found on the HCTL websiteunder ‘Rules & Regs’.

HOME TEAMS vs. AWAY TEAMS: Home teams are always listed first on the schedule.

HCATL Men's 3.5 Winter Match Schedule

2012-01-12T22:54:00.000-08:00

Home Court Advantage Tennis Leagues
Winter Men's 3.5 Doubles League

Revised Schedule:

RJ Tennis 2-VS- Unstrung Heroes 2 01/11/2012 09:00PM 4S

UnstrungHeroes 2 -VS- RJ Tennis 1 01/17/2012 09:30PM 4S

UnstrungHeroes 1 -VS- RJ Tennis 2 01/21/2012 06:00PM BP

RJ Tennis 1-VS- RJ Tennis 2 01/27/2012 06:30 PM 4S

RJ Tennis 2-VS- Skyline Courtmasters 02/01/2012 09:00PM 4S

RJ Tennis 1-VS- Unstrung Heroes 1 02/04/2012 07:30PM WWCC

SkylineCourtmasters -VS- RJ Tennis 1 02/07/201209:30 PM WG

UnstrungHeroes 2 -VS- RJ Tennis 2 02/11/2012 09:00PM BP

RJ Tennis 1-VS- Unstrung Heroes 2 02/16/2012 09:30PM 4S

RJ Tennis 2-VS- Unstrung Heroes 1 02/19/2012 07:30PM WWCC

RJ Tennis 2-VS- RJ Tennis 1 02/25/2012 07:30 PM BP

SkylineCourtmasters -VS- RJ Tennis 2 03/02/201208:00 PM 4S

UnstrungHeroes 1 -VS- RJ Tennis 1 03/04/2012 08:30 AM FRC

RJ Tennis 1-VS- Skyline Courtmasters 03/08/2012 08:00PM 4S

RJ Tennis 2-VS- Unstrung Heroes 2 03/11/2012 01:00PM FRC

UnstrungHeroes 2 -VS- RJ Tennis 1 03/17/2012 06:00PM BP

UnstrungHeroes 1 -VS- RJ Tennis 2 03/19/2012 09:30PM WG

RJ Tennis 1-VS- RJ Tennis 2 03/25/2012 07:30 PM 4S

RJ Tennis 2-VS- Skyline Courtmasters 03/31/2012 07:30PM BP

RJ Tennis 1-VS- Unstrung Heroes 1 04/03/2012 09:00PM SL

Skyline Courtmasters-VS- RJ Tennis 1 04/09/2012 09:30PM WG

4S* =The Four Seasons Tennis Club

All matches at 4S are 4 doubles pairs (8players) unless otherwise indicated

(4S*(3 courts)). All matches at 4S are played in thebubble. All other locations are 3doubles pairs (6 players).

SL =Skyline Sport & Health

ANN =Annandale Sport & Health

FRC =Fairfax Racquet Club

BP =Bready Park

WG =Worldgate Sport & Health

WWCC= Westwood Country Club

Please contact Rob if you're interested in playing on the team: rjtennis@rjtennis.com

Some basic guidelines to help things to run smoothly:

Please don't plan on playing any match until you receive an e-mail confirmation from me
All facilities can be found at http://www.homecourttennis.com/facilities.html
Winter league is doubles play only
If you prefer to play with someone, please let me know and remind me often:)
There is a $15 per person per match fee
If you commit to playing a match and something comes up, you're responsible to find a sub (I can help if you give me enough notice)
If you can't find a sub and we forfeit a match, you are responsible for court fees for that match which is $60
If you are 15 minutes late, we forfeit the match and you are responsible for the court fees for that match which is $60
If you commit to playing a match and you show up on time, the captain can relax and enjoy playing his match. Please show up ten to fifteen minutes early and everyone will have a great night

HCATL / NOVA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DOUBLES

LEAGUE RULES

Basically, 4-1 is now a valid set.

BALLS: Ballswill be located in the cans at each facility. Please place used balls back in the can. These used balls go to schools andteaching pros in our area.

MATCH LENGTH: 1.5 Hours. Warm-up period should not exceed 5 minutes. Latenesspenalties can be enforced by either team and can be found on the HCTL websiteunder ‘Rules & Regs’.

HOME TEAMS vs. AWAY TEAMS: Home teams are always listed first on the schedule.

HCATL Women's 3.5 Winter Match Schedule

2012-01-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

HOMECOURT ADVANTAGE TENNIS LEAGUES

WINTERWOMEN’S 3.5 DOUBLES LEAGUE

Schedule:

RJ TennisTwo -VS- Not My Fault 01/12/2012 09:30 PM WG

Cannandales (3.5) –VS- RJTennis One (4.0) 01/15/2012 08:30 AM FRC

RJ TennisOne -VS- Hit or Miss 01/16/2012 09:00 PM SL

VictoriousSecret -VS- RJ Tennis Two 01/17/2012 09:30 PM WG

Tennis Aces (4.0) –VS- RJTennis 1 (3.5) 01/19/2012 09:30 PM WG

Slice Girls-VS- RJ Tennis One 01/22/2012 07:30 PM 4S

RJ TennisTwo -VS- Tenez 01/23/2012 09:00 PM ANN

RJ TennisTwo -VS- RJ TennisOne 01/29/201201:00 PM FRC

Hit or Miss-VS- RJ Tennis Two 02/04/2012 07:00 PM 4S* (3 courts)

RJ TennisOne -VS- Not My Fault 02/05/2012 07:30 PM 4S

RJ TennisTwo -VS- Hot Shots 02/10/2012 09:30 PM WG

RJ TennisOne -VS- On The Line 02/12/2012 07:30 PM WWCC

RJ TennisTwo -VS- Great Expectations 02/17/2012 08:00 PM 4S

Lobs ofLove -VS- RJ TennisOne 02/19/201201:00 PM FRC

Slice Girls-VS- RJ TennisTwo 02/21/2012 09:00 PM ANN

Cannandales-VS- RJ TennisOne 02/25/2012 08:30 PM 4S* (3courts)

Racqueteers-VS- RJ TennisTwo 02/28/2012 08:00 PM 4S

RJ TennisTwo (3.5) –VS-Netchix (4.0) 03/02/2012 06:30 PM 4S

RJ TennisOne -VS- Tenez 03/04/2012 07:30 PM WWCC

RJ TennisTwo -VS- Tennis Aces 03/06/2012 08:00 PM 4S

RJ TennisOne -VS- Hot Shots 03/09/2012 08:00 PM 4S

Lucky Stars-VS- RJ TennisTwo 03/12/2012 09:00 PM ANN

Racqueteers-VS- RJ TennisOne 03/15/2012 09:30 PM 4S

On The Line-VS- RJ TennisTwo 03/18/2012 09:00 PM 4S

Tennis Aces-VS- RJ TennisOne 03/23/2012 09:30 PM 4S

RJ TennisTwo -VS- Cannandales 03/25/2012 01:00 PM FRC

VictoriousSecret -VS- RJ TennisOne 03/31/2012 06:00 PM BP

Lobs ofLove -VS- RJ TennisTwo 03/31/2012 09:00 PM BP

RJ TennisOne -VS- Lucky Stars 04/05/2012 09:00 PM SL

RJ TennisOne -VS- Great Expectations 04/10/2012 09:00 PM ANN

4S= Four Seasons Tennis Club

ANN= Annandale Sport & Health

WWCC= Westwood Country Club

BP= Bready Park

WG= Worldgate Sport & Health

FRC= Fairfax Racquet Club
SL = Skyline Sport & Health Club

Please contact Maria for RJ Tennis One if you're interested in playing on the team: mariafleet@gmail.com
Please contact Rob for RJ Tennis Two if you're interested in playing on the team: rjtennis@rjtennis.com

Some basic guidelines to help things to run smoothly:

Please don't plan on playing any match until you receive an e-mail confirmation from me
All facilities can be found at http://www.homecourttennis.com/facilities.html
Winter league is doubles play only
If you prefer to play with someone, please let me know and remind me often:)
There is a $15 per person per match fee
If you commit to playing a match and something comes up, you're responsible to find a sub (I can help if you give me enough notice)
If you can't find a sub and we forfeit a match, you are responsible for court fees for that match which is $60
If you are 15 minutes late, we forfeit the match and you are responsible for the court fees for that match which is $60
If you commit to playing a match and you show up on time, the captain can relax and enjoy playing her match. Please show up ten to fifteen minutes early and everyone will have a great night

HCATL / NOVA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DOUBLES

LEAGUE RULES

Basically, 4-1 is now a valid set.

BALLS: Ballswill be located in the cans at each facility. Please place used balls back in the can. These used balls go to schools andteaching pros in our area.

MATCH LENGTH: 1.5 Hours. Warm-up period should not exceed 5 minutes. Latenesspenalties can be enforced by either team and can be found on the HCTL websiteunder ‘Rules & Regs’.

HOME TEAMS vs. AWAY TEAMS: Home teams are always listed first on the schedule.

Private Lessons are available with RJ Tennis Coach - Dave Emery

2012-01-12T06:26:00.000-08:00

Private Lessons are available with RJ Tennis Coach - Dave Emery
Dave has a distinguished playing career, but more importantly, he has a way of coaching the game in a way that you and I can understand. All of my RJ Tennis clients who have worked with him have had nothing but praise for his passion and professionalism towards teaching the game. If you have been thinking about working on your game, I recommend Dave wholeheartedly. Please contact him at sdavidemery@yahoo.com and get a series of private lessons set up.

Dave Emery's Bio:
#1 ranked junior in Mid-Atlantic in 2000 (Va, Md, DC)
Top 35 Nationally in singles in 2001, and #5 Nationally (with fellow RJ Coach Andy Iriarte!) in doubles
#1 in Singles and Doubles for JMU in 2004 and 2005, and 2 year Captain
First Team all CAA in singles, and 3rd team in doubles in 2005.

Assistant Womens Coach at University of Illinois 2006-2009
NCAA Midwest Assistant Coach of the Year 2009
Head Womens Coach Miami Univerrsity 2009-2010
Travel Coach/Hitting Partner for Katie Ruckert (WTA ranked 375) and Liezel Huber (7 time grand slam champion and #1 ranked WTA Doubles player)
Achieved ATP World Ranking in 2011 after just 3 tournaments played.

Dave's Availability:
Friday, January 13 through Friday, January 20. Getting court time at night is a little bit challenging, but possible. If you're interested in a night time or weekend clinic, please let Dave know and he will check to see if he can find court time at the club.

Friday, January 13
8-9am, 12-2pm

Monday 1/16 - Federal Holiday so contact Dave today so he can reserve court time today.
7-9am
9am-2pm

Tuesday 1/17
8am-2pm

Wednesday 1/18
All morning - 3pm

Thursday 1/19
7-9am
2-3pm

Friday 1/20
7-9am

Hourly rate:
$88 for weekday mornings and early afternoons
$98 for weeknights and weekends

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlUrOLB9SbQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ogcpk8OrB8

Openings that are still available for the Winter Tennis

2012-01-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Looking for players for the following

RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics

Winter Season @ The Four Seasons Tennis Club

Sunday afternoons

2:00 to 3:30 PM 3.0 level of play, 1 opening available

Monday mornings

9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.0/3.5 level of play - 1 opening available
7:00 to 8:30 PM - 3.5 level of play - 1 opening available

Tuesday mornings

9:30 to 11:00 AM - 2.5/3.0 level of play - 4 openings available
9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.5 level of play - 3 openings available

Wednesday mornings

9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.0/3.5 level of play - 3 openings available

Thursday mornings

9:00 to 10:30 - 3.5 level of play - 4 openings available

Friday mornings

7:30 to 9:00 AM - 4.0+ level of play - 4 openings available
7:30 to 9:00 AM - 2.5/3.0 level of play - 4 openings available
9:00 to 10:30 AM - 2.5/3.0 level of play - 4 openings available
10:30 to 12:00 Noon - 2.5/3.0 level of play - 3 openings available
10:30 to 12:00 Noon - 3.5 level of play - 1 opening available

Jeanne Baily's Mixed Double's Team is looking for 3.5/4.0 men players

2012-01-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Jeanne Baily, from 7.0 Degrees of Separation Mixed Doubles Team, is looking for 4.0 men and women or 3.5/3.5 combination teams. The season runs from January to April and is played nights and weekends. If you're interested, please contact her at jeanne@thebailys.com.

Update as of 1/5/12: It seems as if Jeanne has enough women players. The team now needs guys. If you're interested, please send Jeanne an e-mail. Thank you.

Rob's Perspective on The RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills And Live Ball Clinics - Learning To Make The Most of Your Clinics

2011-12-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Rob at the RJ Tennis Command Center,

Thank you for your participation in the RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics. Without you, this program is nothing. I fully recognize you can go anywhere in Northern Virginia for a tennis clinic. That is why I am truly humbled by the response that the RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics continues to receive. If posting a "Cardio Tennis" sign was all that was required to have a successful tennis program, then all of the tennis clubs in the Northern Virginia area would be beating back the people, but that's just not the case. With hundreds of different clients I have seen hundreds of different approaches to the clinics. No matter what the level of play the clients are all who have improved their tennis games have demonstrated uniquely similar approach to the clinics. With the exception of a handful of clients, I have found that just about 98% of the RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics clients are participating in the clinics because they want to seriously improve their tennis game. So this blog post is just a few thoughts from my perspective from both my observations and from my coaching philosophy. Again, this blog post is for those athletes who have made a commitment to themselves to dedicate themselves to working as hard as they can to be the best they can.

The RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics is way more than just cardio tennis. It's about life. That tennis ball is life and I am always encouraging, yelling, and screaming for you to attack it. Go after it. That's why you're there on the tennis courts. I don't want you to wait for the ball to get to you. Once you're at the ball I am yelling for you to, "HIT THAT BALL." Why tap it when you have the potential to do so much more to the tennis ball. Why dink the tennis ball when you can stretch way beyond your imagination and personal limits and grow as an athlete?

It kills me to see so many of my clients work so hard to run down the impossible tennis ball and once there tap that ball over the net. You're killing me! You just ran a hundred miles an hour and gave your absolute best efforts to reach after the impossible tennis ball and you get there with so much time to do anything and everything with that tennis ball that your heart desires. However, once there you downshift to first gear and tap the ball because you're afraid you might lose the point if you continue to actually give all you have to give? So what you're trying to tell me is that if you actually continue to give it all you have to give and put your heart and soul on the line and crack that tennis ball with all you have and hit it out or into the net, that you're going to be upset and disappointed with yourself?
Really?

"But if I hit the ball hard, it's going to go out?" Okay, so the ball goes out. So what. You're trying to tell me that you don't want to try to push yourself beyond your present physical and emotional limits because you're afraid you're going to fail? Let me make this perfectly clear right now. The chances are pretty good that you're going to hit that ball to the fence or directly into the bottom of the net. Again, so what. Sadly, where you see failure, I have a vision for your best. Where you have sown doubt, I am trying my best to sow seeds for a new and stronger tennis game. Where you have allowed your emotions to get the best of you, I am working to get you strive to do so much more. That's what the clinics are all about. They're for you to work on parts of your game that you wouldn't even think of doing in a match.

It amazes me to see the people who dink (when I say dink or tap I am making reference to anything short of your best efforts. Since I have been coaching for a long time, it's pretty easy for me to determine the level of intensity in which you are swinging at the ball. If it's not at your best efforts, I am calling you out on it.) the tennis ball somehow expect to come up with a great, brilliant, forceful, and penetrating, passing shot to somehow miraculously happen without ever practicing with that high level of intensity. (Please don't take this personally. We're all guilty of this. That's why we're not on tv playing tennis.) Do you think the tennis pros that you see on tv tell their coaches, "I don't want to hit the ball hard because I am afraid it's going to go out?" The only way these tennis pros come up with these great ground strokes is because they practice them at the highest level of intensity day in and day out. Once they get to that high level of intensity they can learn to harness the power and bring their games under control. The Laws of Excellence are the same for everyone. Those of you who are willing to put yourselves on the line and truly give of your best efforts when you're training are going to be the ones who seriously improve your games.

When I say that the RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Balls Clinics is more than just hitting a bunch of tennis balls, I mean it. It's about learning and striving to put your life and heart into truly and genuinely hitting every tennis ball you hit. Lest you get confused, I never give any of my clients permission nor the impression that it's alright to get sloppy with their form. I still want and expect great form every time you put that tennis racquet into motion.

Now let's talk about the agility course. Do you think if I desire the absolute best efforts from all of my clients, that I am going to be alright with any of my clients walking pass the agility course? It breaks my heart to see when group members give themselves permission to go down to the lowest common denominator. How is that inspiring and challenging to you? Ironically, it's these same athletes who say, "I want to be in a group with better players because I play better when I am in a group of stronger players." Isn't it funny how the "Better and stronger" players are the ones with better footwork? Do you think that improved footwork comes through walking pass the agility courses? Under most circumstances I normally never have to tell the better and stronger players to work the agility courses. They know it's in their best interests to be working the courses. The American Idol wannabes give me all sorts of excuses as they walk back to the end of the line. The bottom line in athletics is this: Average efforts yields average results. This is true in all aspects of life.

If your desire is to get better, and I mean, if you're heart's desire is that you really want to improve, then the RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics can help you achieve your tennis goals and beyond. Here is a short note I sent to a client:

"It's awesome to watch when someone gets what the clinics are all about. These clinics are to help each and every person be as great as great a tennis player as they want to be. The more they give into the clinics, the more they get out of them. It's that simple. And you get it. That's why you have done an amazing job! I am humbled by the tremendous progress you have experienced. Keep up the great work!"

Rob the tennis coach

And my client's reply:

"Thank you for seeing so much in me and providing me the opportunity to play and to learn. There is so much more to the classes than just playing tennis. I do get that, and I'm glad that it shows. I wish others could get as much out of the clinics as I do. You do demonstrate that you want each player to learn to take their game to the next level and to enjoy the game. But it's up to each individual to make the effort as well. You also make me feel that my progress is important to you. I'm not just a number, despite being only one of the many, many clients you have. All I know is, I would not want to be responsible for the scheduling you have to do to keep your operation running smoothly."

Some of you may remember this e-mail (this e-mail received the most positive comments out of all of my e-mails):

"I grew up in northern Minnesota, in a house on the edge of the Superior National Forest. It was filled with bear, moose and timberwolves, and I thought nothing of cutting through the woods a mile to get to the hockey rink, where I played center for two hours a night. In the summer, my brother would drop me in the water on one ski where the moose would be shoulder deep, and not throttle the boat back up until the moose headed toward me. I grew up racing downhill skiing with him, playing boys ice hockey, racing cross-country skiing, and slalom water-skiing. All by way of saying I can take tough, so thanks for the push. It feels good to have that again. My brother's name is Rob, so it all feels like normal again. So long as I don't see a bear on the court, I'm good."

She (that's correct, she) wrote me another e-mail later on in the fall program that ended with the following:

"Let me end this long note by telling you, that this week I had three people tell me I was not the same player as I was a month ago. So that compliment is as much for you, as directed to me. If I hear that, I am sure all the others do as well. We get to hear the compliment, which is much like being handed a flower. If all of your students brought you all of the "flowers" they've been handed, you would be looking at a very large garden."

I wholeheartedly believe in the RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics in all that the clinics can do for your tennis game. Clients write me telling me about their victories on and off the tennis courts. Opponents of my clients have written me and have wanted to join the clinics. People have shared with me of how the clinics have helped them to lose a lot of weight. Some have told me that they're in the best shape they have ever been in their lives. Many tell me the clinics are the highlight of their weeks. These clinics are way more than standing in line and hitting a series of tennis balls and then running through some agility courses. You can do that anywhere. There is only one RJ Tennis. Although we work hard to make each clinic motivating, challenging, and fun, I know we don't always hit the mark. But please know that is our aim. We want to do what we can to help make this the best RJ Tennis experience possible. You are important to us and we will continue to do all we can to serve you to the best of our abilities.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for your participation in the clinics and for making this the most exciting and most popular adult tennis program in the Metropolitan Area.

Rob the tennis coach

--
Rob Carvajal, Jr.
The Tennis Coach, The Springboard Dive Coach and Life Coach
Sent from the RJ Tennis Command Center

RJ Tennis Client Brooke Hargrove Gets Bumped Up To 4.5

2011-12-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

Brooke Hargrove amasses a 24 wins 1 loss record at 4.0.

"The impact your Boot Camp program is having on the Northern Virginia area is really quite remarkable. When I went with my 4.0 Singles team to Districts early this month the waiting area reminded me of being at The Four Seasons Tennis Club just before one of your classes. Everywhere I turned I saw RJ Tennis Boot Camp clients! I later found out that ten of the twenty five women’s teams were from Northern Virginia. The 3.0 team which won is almost entirely made up of avid Boot Campers. They took the Championship with confidence and authority just as you teach us to do. The 3.5 Finalist was also an area team and the captain is one of your clients. Our team went undefeated in our flight but we were edged out in the finals in a 7-10 third court match tiebreaker. We were hit with several untimely injuries which put a heavy load on the few healthy players that were left.

There is no doubt in my mind that your RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills program is a big part of the reason these teams had such a strong showing. I personally want to thank you for helping me become strong, fit and mentally tough. For showing me how to demand more of myself to achieve a higher level of play. I know for certain if I had not found your program I would still be a weak 4.0 player. I committed to your program wholeheartedly. I dropped all my other instruction, court time and groups in order to concentrate on doing as many Boot Camps as I could each week. I remember joking with you last winter about ratings. I said “You’ve got one year to make me a 4.5.” We both laughed but then you said with this calm confidence “It will happen, you will be better than you ever thought possible.” I am ecstatic to say I have just become a 4.5 player. This would not have happened without the Boot Camp Drills program. Now I will work even harder because of what you have taught me. I still have this burning desire to be better. I don’t just want to be at this level, I want to compete and win here. Thank you for developing a program that joins together life lessons, tennis lessons and fun. For all your encouragement, support and belief"

Brooke Hargrove

Congratulations, Brooke. Your hard work truly paid off. You dedicated yourself to giving your best efforts in the clinics day in and day out. When you could have walked by the agility course and given me an excuse, you chose not to give an excuse and work that agility course. You were able to see that every part of the Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics was designed to help improve every part of your game. Again, there were numerous times you could have pretended to go through the motions and tapped and dinked your way through the clinics, but you didn't. You committed to pouring your energies into your shots and into the agility courses. It's not a wonder that you have an incredible singles season of 24 wins and 1 loss. Wow! That is amazing and inspiring. Keep up the great work.

I think it should be mentioned here that Brooke didn't always play in the 4.0/4.5 clinics. Sometimes her schedule didn't allow her to do all of the 4.0/4.5 clinics that she would have liked to have done. So she would drop in on some 3.0 and 3.5 clinics. What does this say to those athletes who think they can only improve by playing with people who are better then them? How was it that Brooke was able to get bumped up to 4.5 by playing with 3.0 and 3.5 players? It was because she recognized that it wasn't the other players on the court that was going to determine the level of success she was going to achieve. She was committed to training and playing her best at all of the clinics. When Brooke played her best at the 3.0 and 3.5 clinics it made everyone else step up their games. Brooke's pride didn't get in the way of making her dreams come true. Most average athletes would have been insulted at the thought of playing down. Ironically, most great athletes look at life as an opportunity and strive to make the best of every moment.

Rob the tennis coach

Julia Kurtz's Mixed Doubles Team - "You Cannot Be Serious" Finishes 10 - 2 For The Season

2011-12-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

"We finished off the season strong last night with a 2-1 victory over the third place Terminetters! Congratulations to Clayton and Jeanne, Yoshie and Rob, and Steve and I (who played another married couple that bickered the entire time, which was very fun to watch :-). We had a FABULOUS season ending with a 10-2 record overall! We are not completely out of contention yet as we finished in sole possession of second place. If Net Force One, by some miracle, losses two of their last three matches, then we still have a shot. Unlikely but not impossible. As I said, we have the best second place team ever. Congratulations to all of you!

GREAT SEASON EVERYONE and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!"

Julia Kurtz

"Once again, Julia, you have been an awesome Captain! Thanks so much for everything!"

Jeanne

"Big racquet tap to Captain Kurtz! Thanks for all your efforts on behalf of the team."

Jamie

"Way to go team! It has been such a fun season and Julia you are the best!!!"

Suzanne

"Thanks and Congrats Julia - great Captaining"

Gregg

"I'd like to Thank Steve who clearly was the quiet leader. Behind every successful captain there is a Steve ( Julia's husband)."

Clayton Mascarenhas

"Fun season! Thanks for doing such a fantastic job captaining."
Penny

"Best captain ever, Julia! Way to go everyone...it's always fun teaming up with all of you...especially crazy Clayton. ;-)"
Michelle

"Thank you brother Clayton. I actually did nothing - except show up when Captain Kurtz required. I would also like to thank Julia especially for unleashing the fury last night. Some of you may remember a cheating episode last year that kept us out of districts. Well, the "alleged" perpetrators were our opponents last night. Captain Kurtz ordered up a massive shock and awe bombardment. The horror."
Steve

Weekly Drop In/Make Up Openings Available - Updated Tuesday, February 19 - 12: 04 AM

2011-12-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

RJ Tennis Live Ball Only
Drop In Openings Available
Sunday, February 19 through Friday, February 24
@ The Four Seasons Tennis Club - in the bubble

RJ Tennis Live Ball Only Clinics

At The Four Seasons Tennis Club

Sunday, February 19*

6:00 to 7:30 PM - 3.0 level of play, 4 openings available
6:00 to 7:30 PM - 3.5 level of play, 1 opening available
6:00 to 7:30 PM - 4.0 level of play, 3 openings available

Monday, February 20* - George Washington's Birthday

9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.0 level of play, 5 openings available
11:00 to 12:30 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play, 2 openings available
12:30 to 2:00 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play, 1 opening1 available

Tuesday, February 21

12:30 to 2:00 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play, 7 openings available

Wednesday, February 22

12:30 to 2:00 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play, 2 openings available

Friday, February 24

12:00 to 1:30 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play, CLASS IS FULL
12:00 to 1:30 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play, 7 openings available

*The Sunday and Monday RJ Tennis Live Ball Clinics are not part of the regularly scheduled winter season and may not be used for a make up clinic.

Cost to drop in on Live Ball Clinics: $35 please bring exact cash or a check payable to RJ Tennis. Please don't plan on attending any clinic until you first receive an e-mail confirmation from me. A 24 hours notice is required to cancel your participation. Thank you! Rob

RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills
& Live Ball Clinics
Drop In/Make Up Opportunities Available
Tuesday, February 21 through Friday, February 24
(Check out the RJ Tennis Live Ball video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLWyERZJqic&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Cost to Drop In: $35 per person/per clinic. Please e-mail me, Rob, at rjtennis@rjtennis.com to reserve your place. Please don't plan on attending any clinics until you receive an e-mail confirmation from me. Thank you! You will be billed and charged as having participated if you reserve a place in one of the RJ Tennis Clinics and then cancel with less than a 24 hours and no make up clinic will be offered. I do everything I can to extend every professional courtesy to you and ask for the same in return. Thank you, Rob

RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics

At The Four Seasons Tennis Club
Drop In/Make Up Openings Available

Tuesday, February 21

9:30 to 11:00 AM - 2.5/3.0 level of play, 4 openings available
9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.5 level of play, 3 openings available
11:00 to 12:30 Noon - 3.5/4.0 level of play, 1 opening available

Wednesday, February 22

9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.0/3.5 level of play, 3 openings available
9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.5/4.0 level of play, 3 openings available
11:00 to 12:30 Noon - 3.5/4.0 level of play, 1 opening available
7:30 to 9:00 PM - 3.0/3.5 level of play, 2 openings available

Thursday, February 9

9:00 to 10:30 AM - 3.5 level of play, 5 openings available
9:00 to 10:30 AM - 4.0 level of play, 2 opening available

Friday, February 10

7:30 to 9:00 AM - 4.0 level of play, 2 openings available
9:00 to 10:30 AM - 2.5 level of play, 4 openings available
9:00 to 10:30 AM - 3.0 level of play, 4 opening available
10:30 to 12:00 Noon - 2.5/3.0 level of play, 2 openings available

Jeanne Baily's Team - "Virginia's 40-Lovers," Wins District Championship

2011-12-20T18:05:00.000-08:00

"Rob, We (all RJ Tennis Clients) won at Districts and many thanks goes to you, your staff and your boot camps! We often have people come to us and say "Wow! You hit with such power!" We definitely attribute this to you! Our level was a level above all of the teams at Districts. We came away with the win and an undefeated record! Thanks so much again for all your help!

Jeanne Baily
Captain - "VA's 40-Lovers"
http://www.jewelrybyjeannie.com
http://www.1stRateOC.com/

"I just wanted to thank you for contributing to the success of our singles team this year. We made it to Districts and all five of us that represented our team in Norfolk are boot camp devotees. This proved a huge advantage for us against the competition. Up until the finals, we played outside and the conditions were absolutely horrible. Distractions everywhere. The wind gusts were 30-35 miles per hour. Debris was flying on the courts. The stadium music came on in the middle of a match. I really struggled to focus. But then I remembered your advice for staying calm and balanced and picturing a good tennis shot. Dig deep. Hit the ball. Move the feet. Don't give up. Play good tennis. And you know, it worked! Despite the distractions, we kept hitting the ball hard, pulling our opponents out of position, and controlling the pace. Believe it or not, we made it to the finals and then won all three courts! Thanks again for all the great coaching--it has been an amazing year of tennis!"

(In the picture is Iko Dimond, Suzanne Pitkin, Jeanne Baily, Michelle Lucas, and Julia Kurtz)

Julia Kurtz - Team member and RJ Tennis Boot Camper

Rob's Raw Blueberry Italian Ice & Summer Time In Winter Time - Awesome Tasting Raw Fruit Salad

2011-12-17T21:15:00.000-08:00

"Rob's Raw Blueberry Italian Ice"
Go to Trader Joes and get a bag of frozen organic blueberries and raw organic agave nector or raw honey. Empty the bag of frozen blueberries into a food processor and pour some raw organic agave nector on top of the blueberries. (In time, the more you eat raw food, the less agave nector you will need to use, because your taste buds will learn to adapt to the change.) Blend frozen blueberries until all are grounded up. Scoop out into a bowl and enjoy a great tasting, refreshing, and loaded up with antioxidants, dessert. Of course, you can use any frozen fruit.

"Summer Time In Winter - Awesome Tasting Raw Fruit Salad"
Go to Trader Joes and get one bag each of frozen mangoes, frozen organic strawberries, and 2 bags of frozen organic wild blueberries. Empty all of the bags into one large bowl. Let thaw and mix up from time to time. Let all of the juices mix together. When completely thawed you can put in the refrigerator and snack at will. It is one heck of a great treat. Absolutely no agave nector or honey is required for this treat.

Try these out and let me know what you think.

Yuka Soule Gets Coaching Job At Burke Racquet & Swim Club

2011-12-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that Yuka Soule, an RJ Tennis Coach, has been hired to be one of the new tennis coaches at The Burke Swim & Racquet Club: www.burkeclub.com I am thrilled for Yuka over this new venture. She is a class act and of high character, integrity, and very passionate about giving her absolute best efforts in coaching. I know she is going to do a great job. However, not to worry. She will still be coaching the outdoor junior schedule spring and summer schedules with RJ Tennis. Come January she will be starting with the winter junior tennis. If you're interested in participating in any of the junior clinics please contact Yuka at showmetennis@gmail.com or call her at 571-309-5647. Yuka also has a website at WWW.SHOWMETENNIS.COM

Again, I am thrilled for Yuka and I wish her all the best. I hope your children will be able to participate in her clinics. Good luck to you, Yuka! I know the whole RJ TENNIS community wishes you well.

Rob the tennis coach

I Am Looking For Players For The NOVA Winter Men's & Women's Doubles League Starting Approximately January 15

2011-12-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

Ingrid Clark, the Director of the USTA Adult league play for Northern Virginia, organizes the NOVA Winter Men's & Women's Doubles League. This doubles league is low key and no U.S.T.A. membership is required to participate. This winter season I will be helping to field men's 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 teams and 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 women's teams. If you have any interest at all in playing, please e-mail me at RJTENNIS@RJTENNIS.COM There is a $15 per person, per match fee required to participate. Again, this league is low key and is designed to be used as good practice to get match tough for the U.S.T.A. season starting up in April. You are allowed to be on as many different teams as you would like to play on in this league. Matches are played at various indoor facilities in the area: http://www.homecourttennis.com/facilities.html

Looking ahead to the spring season, I captain men's and women's teams ranging from 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 levels of play. The USTA league play starts in the middle of April with the team registrations starting in February. I am always looking for players to play on my RJ Tennis USTA teams. Right now I am putting a list together of names of people who want to play. If you want to play, I will do my absolute best to get you on one of my teams. U.S.T.A. membership is required to participate.

Thank you.

Rob the tennis coach

Marketing The Good Old Fashion Way - RJ Tennis Free Clinics Update

2011-12-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

For years there has been a block of unused court time at the club. Although I have tried to offer weekday midday clinics, I was never successful in being able to get a group together. I knew the people were out there and available to play during the midday, but I just couldn't figure out how to smoke the people out. This past week, December 10 through the 16, I tried my hand with a traditional approach to marketing: FREE CLINICS! I gave away close to 100 free Drop In clinics to new people who wanted to give the clinics a try. It was one heck of a week at the RJ Tennis Command Center taking care of all of the communication with the potential new clients and coordinating the days and times of the clinics. Once that was set we had to do our best to win the new people over on the tennis courts with the RJ Tennis Experience.

For some there was some immediate confusion when I yelled out to everyone to take their two warm up laps around the two tennis courts. "Run two laps?" some thought. I had to remind them this was the Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics. There was still more confusion when warming up. It was all such a new and unique experience to almost everyone. Many were not used to the always changing drills and understandably so. Many had never done a clinic like this before. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zyXO2UalnQ As some looked down and walked by the agility ladder, rings, hurdles and dots, they thought, "I wonder what those things are for?" It didn't take long for people to catch on what the RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics were all about. Thankfully, there was a lot of good energy in the air and smiles on the faces of people participating in the clinics. Many of the new people had great things to say as I tried my best to thank each one of them for giving the clinics a try.

Marketing the good old fashion way is doing your best to offer a great service and then humbly asking your clients to tell others about your business. Thank you to all of you for helping to get the word out about the free clinics. Thank you for personally contacting your tennis friends and encouraging them to give the clinics a try. Some of you worked hard behind the scenes to help find the day and time that would work for your friends. You didn't have to go through all of that effort, but you did. I can't thank you enough. Many of the new people were genuinely excited about the great time they had in the clinics, so much so, that they have signed up for the winter season. Some of the new people have already told their friends about the clinics. If you know of anyone who may find these clinics to be what they're looking for, please e-mail me at rjtennis@rjtennis.com for the winter schedule and find out what openings are available. Again, thank you to all of you for helping make this possible.

Thank you,

Rob the tennis coach

Heidi Pommer's GWTA B3 Team Goes Undefeated

2011-12-17T09:53:00.001-08:00

"I am thankful to report the team I was captaining in the GWTA League - B3, had an undefeated season. The smashing success the team experienced was due to the fierce talent of women on the team. They were super amazing! On top of that was their improved conditioning that my players have developed attending Rob's Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics. I have encouraged all the players to join the clinics to help elevate their games to their full potential. Ladies, thank you for a great season! You were fantastic! I can't wait for the new season to start.....GWTA, here we come!"

Heidi Pommer
www.modusvivendistudio.com

4th Annual Rally For The Cure Update

2011-12-17T09:45:00.001-08:00

The 4^th Annual Rally for the Cure, which was heldat The Four Season Tennis Club on Tuesday, October 25^th,was well attended by many generous tennis players. The event raised $2500 in just onewonderful afternoon. The winners ofthe tournament were Charlene Berry and Allison Broadbent. The second place winners werePenny Markham and Holly Bandel. Semi-finalists were Heide Billenstein, Patty Eller, Jahki Nielson, andLeanne Alsono. There is definitelya connection here; RJ Tennis Boot Campers and finalist/semi-finalists. Speaking of winners, the RJ Tennis BootCamp Gift Certificates were the highest bid auction items! Thanks to R.J. Tennis for yourgenerous contribution!

Maureen Tilliard - Four Seasons Tennis Club

Wheels To Africa Update

2011-12-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

"Changing Lives One Bike At A Time"

Thank you to all of you who were able to help out with the Wheels to Africa project. Ryan, an RJ Tennis student and high school student at W.T. Woodson, volunteered to help with the Wheels to Africa project in Fairfax. He sent me a letter to let me know how things went. Please feel free to visit their website: http://www.wheels-to-africa.org/

Hi Rob,

Thank you for your help advertising this event. I was not able to shake everyone's hand as we had our hands full. Overall, we collected about 140 bikes and just over $800 in donations to help with shipping costs.

Appreciate your assistance!

Thanks, Ryan

Thank you, Ryan, and all of you RJ Tennis clients who helped.

Rob the tennis coach

RJ TENNIS Client Jenny Oaks Baker Receives Grammy Nomination

2011-12-17T07:19:00.000-08:00

Jenny, her husband, and children, have been taking tennis lessons with RJ Tennis for a number of years. Jenny is currently participating in the 2011/2012 RJ Tennis Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics. You can imagine my surprise when I learned she was a world renown violinist. "Wish Upon a Star" was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Instrumental Pop Category. They announce the winners on a show on CBS Sunday Feb 12. Here is the link to her website:

http://www.jennyoaksbaker.com/

A brief interview on WTOP news radio:
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=893&sid=2654313

And a Washington Post Interview:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-state-of-nova/post/annandale-violinist-nominated-for-pop-grammy/2011/12/04/gIQAPrFeVO_blog.html
Good luck to you, Jenny. We're all pulling for you!
Rob the tennis coach

Rob's Perspective - Excellence In Action On The Tennis Courts

2011-12-17T05:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpDQJnI4OhU

Haveyou ever heard of the U2 song, “One?” That is an incredibly amazing song. I can listen toit over and over again. Each time I hear the song it elicits different anddeeper emotions . It reminds me of the saying, “Onecan’t help but to admire excellence in action.” Have you heard Mary J. Blige’s remake ofthe song, “One?” “Wow!” is all I can say. I know this remake has been aroundfor a long time, but it became pertinent to me as I was thinking aboutwhat to write in today’s letter. Each tennis player is trying to do their best rendition of the various strokes of the game that have beendone a hundred million times by the greatest players of the game.

A song is just a song until an artist can make it their own. When I listen to Mary J. Blige’s version of, "One," it is absolutely clear that you canhear her heart and soul throughout the entire song. I close my eyes and I can see her in thestudio giving it her absolute best efforts. I can see her reaching down intothe depths of her being and working to bring her best to the surface. As aresult, we, the listeners, are the ones who benefit. The amazing thing is thatlong after her song is over it still resonates within my being. This is trulyexcellence in action.

Your tennis game is no different. A forehand is just a forehand until you can make it your own. You’re on the tennis courts working to show your interpretation and renditions of the various strokes of the game. In signing there are basic fundamentals that have to be adhered to. We have all seen the American Idol wannabes who ignore the fundamentals of singing and can't carry a tune. Likewise, in tennis, there is no use in trying to reinvent the wheel. Thereare no surprises in what it takes to make something great happen on the tennis court. You have to decide that youwant it. You then have to work hard to reach deep into the depths of your being and then bring it to the tennis courts. If all you’re doing is hoping something great is goingto happen, then it’s never going to happen. When Mary J. Blige went into thestudio to sing that song I would be willing to wager she possessed a vision for exactly what she wanted to do with that songfrom beginning, middle, and end. She had a specific plan for each and every note. It continuesto surprise me how the tennis players allow their bodies to go every which way with no specific plan of action. Excellence requires clarity and vision when you step up onto the tennis courts. Although good technique is a great starting place for working on your tennis game, there is so much more to excellence than perfunctory efforts.

The reason I am writing this post is because I am still moved by Mary J Blige's interpretation of U2's song because she has separated herself from her peers by pouring her heart and soul into all of her efforts. Yes, excellencein action is a deliberate execution of finely tuned mechanics, but there is still more to it than that. It's about heart. It's about passion. It's about intensity. It's about pouring your life into your efforts. Many of you have heard me yell, "Hit the ball!" I yell that at you because I can see how much of your life you're putting into your efforts. If I know you have more of yourself that you can give me, then I am going to call you out on it. When a client can temporarily put aside their fears of failure and pour all of their energies into their efforts it's amazing to see what can happen. Even the others on the tennis courts applaud their efforts. When I am yelling at you, I am not being mean to you. I just want your absolute best efforts so that I know you have not left anything in the reserve tanks when you leave the tennis courts.

My desire is your best tennis and it always will be. Everything I do will have that goal in mind. Likewise when I am coaching, I work to reach into the depths of mybeing because doing just enough to get by has never worked for me and it never will. And doingenough to get by should never be enough for you.

"But I just want to have fun..." That's for another post:)

Working to change your tennis world,

Rob the tennis coach

Winter 2012 Adult Tennis Schedule of Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics

2011-12-14T20:32:00.001-08:00

WWW.RJTENNIS.COM

THE RJ TENNIS BOOT CAMP DRILLS

& LIVE BALL CLINICS

WINTER 2012 SCHEDULE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yi2gfsaZrs

Due to the popularity of the clinics, not all clinics have openings available for participation. Please e-mail Rob at RJTENNIS@RJTENNIS.com to confirm availability. Please don’t plan on attending any clinic until you first receive an e-mail confirmation from Rob.

(The Following Clinics Will Be Starting The Week of January 2, 2012

& Will Be Held Inside the Main Building.)

The Boot Camp Drills program is an intense experience. As with all aggressive physical activity, be sure to check with your doctor to be cleared to participate.

Tuesday Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics -

January 3 through April 24* - 16 Week Winter Program

7:30 to 9:00 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
9:30 to 11:00 PM - 4.0/4.5 level of play - - Class is full - Thank you!

*No clinics on April 2

Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

Wednesday Night Drills & Live Ball Clinics -

January 4 through April 25* - 16 Week Winter Program

9:30 to 11:00 PM - 4.0/4.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
9:30 to 11:00 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play - 1 opening available

*No clinics on April 4

Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

Thursday Night Drills & Live Ball Clinics -
January 5 through April 26* - 16 Week Winter Program

9:00 to 10:30 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!

*No clinics on April 5

Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

Saturday Afternoon Drills & Live Ball Clinics -
January 7 through April 28* - 16 Week Winter Program

12:30 to 2:00 - 2.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!

*No clinics on April 7

Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

Sunday Afternoon Drills & Live Ball Clinics -
January 8 though April 29* - 16 Week Winter Program

12:00 to 1:30 PM - 3.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
12:30 to 2:00 PM - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
12:30 to 2:00 PM - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
1:30 to 3:00 PM - 4.0/4.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
2:00 to 3:30 PM - 3.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
2:00 to 3:30 PM - 3.0/3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!

*No clinics on April 8

Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

Sunday Night Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics
January 8 though April 29* - 15 Week Winter Program

8:00 to 9:30 PM - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
8:00 to 9:30 PM - 4.0/4.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
8:00 to 9:30 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
8:30 to 10:00 PM - Strong 4.0/4.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!

*No clinics on February 5, & April 8

Winter Program Cost: $450 Member/$510 Non-member

(The Following Clinics Will Be Held Inside the Bubble Located Behind The Main Building.)

Monday Morning Drills & Live Ball Clinics -
January 2 through April 23* - 14 Week Winter Program

9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.5 level of play - 1 opening available
9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.0/3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
11:00 to 12:30 Noon - 3.5/4.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
11:00 to 12:30 Noon - 3.5/4.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
NEW RJ TENNIS LIVE BALL ONLY CLASS BEING ADDED
12:30 to 2:00 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play - 7 openings available

*No clinics on January 16, February 20 April 2

Winter Program Cost: $420 Member/$476 Non-member

Monday Night Boot Camp Drills & Live Ball Clinics

January 2 through April 23* - 16 Week Winter Program

7:00 to 8:30 PM - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
7:00 to 8:30 PM - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
7:00 to 8:30 PM - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
7:00 to 8:30 PM - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
8:30 to 10:00 PM - 4.0/4.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
8:30 to 10:00 PM - 4.0/4.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
8:30 to 10:00 PM - 4.0/4.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
8:30 to 10:00 PM - 3.0 Team Practice - Class is full - Thank you!

*No clinics on April 2

Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

Tuesday Morning Drills & Live Ball Clinics -
January 3 through April 24* - 16 Week Winter Program

9:30 to 11:00 2.5/3.0 level of play - 4 openings available
9:30 to 11:00 3.5 level of play - 3 openings available
11:00 to 12:30 Noon - 3.5/4.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
11:00 to 12:30 Noon - 3.5/4.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
NEW LIVE BALL ONLY CLASS BEING ADDED
12:30 to 2:00 - 3.5/4.0 level of play - 7 openings available

*No clinics on April 3
Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

Wednesday Morning Drills & Live Ball Clinics -
January 4 through April 25* - 16 Week Winter Program

9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
9:30 to 11:00 AM - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
11:00 to 12:30 Noon - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
11:00 to 12:30 Noon - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
NEW LIVE BALL ONLY CLASS BEING ADDED
12:30 to 2:00 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play - 4 openings available

*No clinics on April 4

Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

Wednesday Night Drills & Live Ball Clinics -
January 4 through April 25* - 16 Week Winter Program

7:30 to 9:00 PM - 2.5/3.0 level of play - 1 openings available
7:30 to 9:00 PM - 3.0/3.5 level of play - 1 opening available
7:30 to 9:00 PM - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
7:30 to 9:00 PM - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!

*No clinics on April 4

Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

Thursday Morning Drills & Live Ball Clinics -
January 5 through April 26* - 16 Week Winter Program

9:00 to 10:30 AM - 3.0/3.5 level of play - 4 openings available
9:00 to 10:30 AM - 3.5 level of play - 2 openings available
9:00 to 10:30 AM - 4.0+ level of play - 1 opening available
10:30 to 12:00 Noon - 3.5/4.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
10:30 to 12:00 Noon - 3.5/4.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!

*No clinics on April 5
Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

Friday Morning Drills & Live Ball Clinics -
January 6 through April 27* - 16 Week Winter Program

7:30 to 9:00 AM - 2.5/3.0 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
7:30 to 9:00 AM - 4.0 level of play - 4 openings available
9:00 to 10:30 AM - 2.5 level of play - 3 openings available
9:00 to 10:30 AM - 3.0 level of play - 4 openings available
10:30 to 12:00 Noon - 2.5/3.0 level of play - 2 openings available
10:30 to 12:00 Noon - 3.0/3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
10:30 to 12:00 Noon - 3.5 level of play - Class is full - Thank you!
NEW LIVE BALL ONLY CLASS BEING ADDED

12:00 to 1:30 PM - 3.5/4.0 level of play - 7 openings available

*No clinics on April 6
Winter Program Cost: $480 Member/$544 Non-member

“DROP IN” GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE

I am working to change your tennis world.

Thank you for the opportunity of serving you,

Rob the tennis coach

WWW.RJTENNIS.COM