EDIT: NEW PDF IS HERE!
Click here to view.
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2011 is a week away and ITST training camp is in full action. There is a lot to be excited about!
But first, let me thank all the players and hosts that made TS3 SIM tour in 2010 a incredible experience and a "tennis Fix" for all of us. I think we have accomplished what we have set to accomplish with the inception of this tour, despite a few hurdles along the way. If I have any regrets, it is that we didn't not create the SIM tour since day one of TS3.
Now to the fun part! You may have seen them around practice court, maybe even got a chance to hit with them. They are lean, mean and ready to take on a SIM tour. Our new additions to SIM tour are:
FRANK LANG
This lighting fast "slasher" is sure to cause some trouble with his incredible net play and consistent ground strokes. What he lacks in power he more then makes up with finesse and speed. Sure to entertain the crowds with diving volleys, behind the back shots and Federer-like tweeners!
Strengths: Lighting fast. One of the best volley players around. Surprisingly competent baseliner. Solid return game, can put pressure on opponents with mediocre serves.
Weakness: Can be powered off the court at times. Mediocre serve. Fitness could become an issue at later stages of the match.
Game-style: All about the fans. Flashy player who likes to take risks, can and will finish the point when at net.
FABIAN FORTIS
Mr. Clay court himself. Has incredible hands around the net, every spin and shot in the book, and stamina to outlast most players on the opposite side of the court. His is a bit on the short side for today's tennis, but he more then compensates with his tennis IQ and talent.
Strengths: Consistency. No player out there can out-hit this guy from the baseline. Great hands at net. Will hang around long enough to grind out the win. Loves the long points/matches.
Weakness:Serve is more then attack-able. Has no solid return game plan. His height reduces the reach slightly. Can be out-powered at times.
Game-style: Uses serve and return just to get the point started, but that is exactly what one needs to avoid while playing against him. Likes to rally and use lots of angles. Can finish points at net.
WALTER SOBCHAK
Many place their hope with him to bring a much missing SV game to the tour. The best server on the tour with precise serves that put additional pressure on the opponent, as the need to pass him comes into play as he approaches the net. Doesn't have the best hands in front court, but his serve usually provides plenty of free points and easy put-away opportunities.
Strengths: Incredible serve that seems to not slow down a bit with match progression, nerves of steel. Formidable Net play. Surprisingly fast for his size.
Weakness: Takes too many risks in the back court, resulting in large number of unforced errors. Can be overwhelmed on return games and simply "hang around" till tie break to make his move.
Game-style: Classic SV game on his service game, "wait" till opportunity shows up on return games. Doesn't create many opportunities himself, but will take the chance if one is given by opponent.
But wait, that is not all! Some of the current tour players were putting-in the hours in the off-season and have improved in certain areas. After grueling 2 week long ITST training camp, the results of hard work are in! Below are the changes:
Young Grissom and Lorenz grew up a few inches, Fussman developed a great FH, Rogers lost weight and became a third of step slower while improving his strokes greatly and Swatkowski added 3 inches to his height and and became a bit more powerful.
I want to give a special thanks to all the hosts involved in this one and big thanks to Synesthesia70 and Coolhandtexas, our on court coaches for this one. Your help is much appreciated. Thanks to all the hitting partners that provided feedback in the last few days as well.
Here is to another successful SIM year, the 2011!
P.S. - the new PDF will be release by the end of the week.
Anyone's rotation is changing for the new year or you will be using same players?