I want her to show up.

To physically show up and sign in.  Without her I have no game, no match - there is no 'sport' without the opposition. 

Then I want her to show up fit and ready with her full effort, her full range of skills, her full competitive ability.  I want and expect her to fight like hell against me.  

That's the only way I can measure myself today, because I want to be tested, examined and challenged.  And when I'm tested, examined and challenged, that's where I learn, that's where the value and enjoyment is found because I love the battle.

A superb effort by Everyball's Amelie Brooks who won through to the finals of the Girls 12&U National Championships in Bournemouth today.

7th seed Amelie beat 2nd seed Abby Kelliher 2-6 6-2 6-1 in the semi-final to avenge two earlier losses this year to Abby in a show of determined power hitting and brave defending.

Amelie will play top seed Mingge Xu in tomorrow's final at 11.30am at the West Hants Club.

Fantastic job Amelie.  

Always a good debate this.  Defining tactics and strategy.

This from David Epstein's new book Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World (a book by the way I recommend for all coaches, teachers and parents):

There is a saying that 'chess is 99 percent tactics.' Tactics are short combinations of moves that players use to get an immediate advantage on the board.  When players study all those patterns, they are mastering tactics.  Bigger-picture planning in chess - how to manage the little battles to win the war - is called strategy.

What shall we do with the kids this week?!!! Don't worry, we've got you, sign them up for one of our Everyball Tennis camps for sporty tots, minis and juniors players of all levels!  This pesky weather won't stop play either with our indoor courts at Halton Tennis Centre!