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Sonoma Valley Tennis Association
Newsletter

November 2009  
 
Issue No. 11

 
cornacopia

Best Wishes to All for a Happy Holiday Season
from the SVTA Board


KIWANIS CONTINUING SUPPORT

SVTA is extremely grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Sonoma Plaza for their generous donation to our Junior Program. 

Their continued support  of the SVTA Juniors allows us to provide free programs to the youth of the community, and in so doing, we are able to give many kids an opportunity to learn a sport, develop self-confidence, and expand their social experience.  We applaud the Kiwanis for their unselfish service to the Sonoma community.
WELCOME
Welcome to our new and/or returning SVTA Members
Riggssays welcome to our most recent new and/or returning
Sheila Chapman, Napa
Diane Barker, Sonoma
Lisa Conner, Sonoma
Betsy Niles, Sonoma
Bud Delauer, Sonoma
Margo James, Sonoma






NEW TENNIS PROGRAM

SVTA  FREE PROGRAM

PLAY WITH THE PRO
 CHALLENGE COURT

Open to all.  Beginning Wednesday, January 6
4:00 - 5:00 PM

SVTA Teaching Pro Brett Stephenson will be one of the team members as you compete in this doubles challenge.

Every Wednesday afternoon - 4:00-5:00 pm at Maxwell

It's fast and everyone gets to partner with the Pro. You'll get tips on strategy and technique.

There is no charge.  This is an SVTA sponsored event.  All levels can participate.

JUNIOR TENNIS
SVTA SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT
Elias Sosa


elias sosa
Elias Sosa, SVTA's Scholarship Student, continues to hone his game  at his weekly private lessons with Coach Brett Stephenson, while also participating in the beginners class with his sister, "Sis".

After two singles matches, Elias's record sits at 1/1.
That's 50%, folks, enough to keep his USTA rating intact.



JUNIOR CLASSES

JUNIOR CLASSES CONTINUE



beginning juniors 909

Beginning Junior and Intermediate Junior classes are continuing through the end of the year.  For more information on schedule and fees, contact

Brett Stephenson, USPTA Teaching Pro
Telephone: 925 683-2460
Email:brettstephenson10s@yahoo.com




 SVTA USTA TEAMS
  2010 SENIOR LEAGUES


USTA

SENIOR LEAGUE UPDATE


Sr Men 3.5A         Bob Benz, Captain
Bob's Boys are currently 3 and 4, with Pavel Yarovenko leading the pack at 6-1.

Sr Men 4.0A         Isaac Raboy, Captain
The 4ohs are 1 and 5, but look to take charge as the second half begins.       

Sr Women 3.5A    Corky Rosengren, Captain
Corky's team has 4 wins and 3 loses so far, and is hovering in the middle of large field at midseason.
Sr Women 4.0A    Sue Smith, Captain 
The Sonoma  ladies are half way through the season, and look to improve on their 2 and 5 record going into the home stretch.


2009 50 MIXED LEAGUE 7.0


USTA
Another Fun Season Ends

50 MIXED LEAGUE 7.0- 2009

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Aftermath -  October Play-off with La Cantera

It's all over, but the shouting.  Bruce Lameroux captained two  2009 7.0 Mixed teams, the A and the B.  Both teams enjoyed a great season of play and camaraderie.  The A team made it to the  October Playoffs, won the first against West County Ragle Ranch, but dropped the second to La Cantera.

2010 USTA MIXED LEAGUE
USTA

UP NEXT!
2010 USTA Mixed Season




USTA 2010 Mixed League teams may now be registered. Rosters open December 7, 2009. 
Season play begins January 4 and concludes April 10, 2009.


SVTA Maxwell 2010 Mixed 8.0 is registered at the SVTA USTA NorCal Tennis site.
Lorna Sheridan,  Captain
Lisa Dierking, Co-captain 
For more info, visit the team website.
2009 USTA NorCal NTRP Grand Prix
USTA

Chair Umps, too!

T
wo teams made up of SVTA members qualified for the 2009 USTA NorCal NTRP Grand Prix Finals in October at Santa Clara University.
.


Cheryl Sweeney and Tamara Krautkramer finished 2009 in 3rd place in USTA 2009 Grand Prix point totals, qualifying for a berth in the Grand Prix Finals Tournament.  Sweeney/Krautkramer lost in the quarterfinals of 3.5 Womens Doubles, losing to the #2 seeded team who went on to win the tournament. 

Harold Zagunis and Tamara Krautkramer finished the year in 6th place to qualify in Mixed Doubles 3.5.  Zagunis/Krautkramer beat the number one seed to make it to the semi-finals, but also lost to the team taking home the big trophy. 


grand prix 1009

The USTA NorCal Grand Prix points are accumulated by winning qualifying matches at USTA NorCal tournaments.  The eight teams in each category with the highest point totals for the year are invited to participate in the Grand Prix Final Tournament.  At the October final, each court has a Chair Umpire and there are parties for players, making it a special finish to a year of tournament tennis. 

For more information:  USTA NorCal Tournaments


 
SONOMA-NAPA-MARIN WOMEN'S TENNIS LEAGUE (SNMWTL)
SNMWTL FALL SEASON CONCLUDES

TEAM UPDATES

A-2:  The A3 team came in second place last year, so elected to move up to A2 this year for more competition.  While they struggled first half, they hope to move up in the ranks in the second half and are enjoying the tougher category.
Darcy Stephens, Capt.  Erin Collins, Co-Capt.
 

B-1:  The ever-enthusiastic B1 ladies finished the first half tied for 8th in a field of 12.  Go get 'em second half!
Sue Vargas, Capt.  Michele Coleman, Co-Capt


B-3:  Judy's team just missed 6th place in a field of 10 for the fall season.  Look out B2 teams in January, these ladies never quit!
Judy Mul
ler, Capt.  Jeanette Barekman, Co-Capt

The Spring 2010 season will commence
January 4, 2010
sue vargas kathy ritchie 1009Riggsdarcy serve 1009





For
additional information about the league, rosters, calendars, and results, check the SNMWTL website.
MAXWELL COURTS FALL CLASS SCHEDULE
2009 FALL TENNIS AT MAXWELL PARK
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
_________________________________________________
 
Tuesday 3:30pm-5pm                  Beginning Juniors
                          
Wednesday 10am-11:30am         Ladies B-1 Team Practice
 
Wednesday 3:30pm-4:30pm        Intermediate Juniors
 
                              
ADULT NTRP TEAM PRACTICES: All practices are leveled by NTRP ratings and team participation. This insures improvement against players of the same level. Classes are open to team members and it is a great way to work on your game. Drills, instruction, and match play critique are the format for these guaranteed game improving practices. Please call if interested in joining teams.
 
JUNIOR PROGRAM: All players must be evaluated before entering class. This is a full service program for tots to advanced ranked/high school players. Please call to schedule evaluation.                             
 
CARDIO TENNIS: New innovative workout that burns fat and builds muscle.  Perfect for all levels! Tennis drills done at a fast pace combined with Pilates and Yoga to get a full body cardio workout. Burn fat, get fit and improve your tennis!
 
PRIVATE LESSONS: The fastest way to improve and learn Tennis! All lessons are booked at your convenience and have an exclusive Game Improvement Guarantee. 
 
GAME FINDING: Brett Stephenson will help arrange games with players of similar NTRP levels. Complimentary.


COMING SOON!!!

FREE - PLAY WITH THE PRO - CHALLENGE COURT - January 2010

Advanced Juniors

Cardio Tennis


Doubles Strategy Clinic  -- (3.0 and above)


Ultimate Doubles - A Championship Series Event for Men
                                                    
LEARN TO PLAY TENNIS: For "Beginners Only". Learn to play Tennis in either four half hour private lessons (booked at your convenience) or six hours of group lessons. Upon graduation match play skills are guaranteed and all players will receive a Complimentary Tennis Racquet! New classes starting each week.
 
JUNIOR MATCH PLAY DAYS: All juniors intermediate and above "show up" and pro will help arrange matches.
 
________________________________

For  information regarding these programs and fees, call:
Brett Stephenson
Telephone: 925 683-2460
Email:brettstephenson10s@yahoo.com

TENNIS TIP - Brett Stephenson USPTA


brett s thumbnail
Maxwell Teaching Pro Brett Stephenson recently participated in the 2009 USPTA Northern California Annual Fall Conference at Napa Valley College.  Brett's presentation was entitled "Tennis for the Health of It".
 "The Final Game" Forehand
Increase Power and Improve Consistency
 
Great players from the past like Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert used The "Conventional" Game Forehand which is slow and stagnant. Players would turn side ways to the net and step across their bodies to make contact with the ball. This style of forehand probably keeps Connors and Evert from being the greatest players ever! Jimmy Connors weak forehand was exposed in his loss to Arthur Ashe at Wimbledon. Connors could not handle the low softer balls played short to his forehand side. Chris Evert could not get enough topspin or power to pass the net rushing more athletic Martina Navratilova.
 
Today's more powerful "Modern" Game Forehand, used by Andy Roddick and Serena Williams, allows players to move faster and generate more topspin.  Players stand facing the net, jump upon contact, and then sling their rackets over their shoulders to follow through. This style of forehand is less consistent, requires much more timing, and players need to be extremely fit. For this reason Roddick and Williams will never completely dominate their sport. Most of today's players get injured from spending extra time on the practice court. Also, with so much timing and fitness involved, if players are having an "off day" they have no chance to win!
 
The "Final" Game Forehand is an integrated technique taking the best of all styles. The open stance of The Modern Game for faster movement and more power, blended with the controlled follow through of The Conventional Game for better placements and more   consistency. The beginning of the stroke is: "Racket Back". The shoulders turn and the racket is placed beside the hip, pointing straight down, before the ball comes over the net. The middle of the stroke is: "Move Your Feet". With an open stance (hips facing the net) the feet move forward to play the ball in front of the body and continue the forward movement for two steps after the ball as been played. This will minimize timing and maximize power. The third and final step is "Follow Through". In all sports, the follow through is the most important technique component. The racket should move from low to high into the ball and finish pointed towards the target. The arm should continue the upward swing until the bicep actually touches the cheek. The follow-through should be held for two seconds or until the ball bounces on the other side. This low to high (hip to cheek) action will lift the ball high over the net and deep into the opponent's court.  A consistent follow through with an open stance will increase power, reduce errors and create confidence to play against any level.
 
 
For more information about The Final Game Forehand contact me at 925 683-2460 or email brettstephenson10s@yahoo.com.

Misc Tennis Goodies
STRING FORUM - Noel Barbulesco, USRSA Certified
Professional Racket Stringer

rackets - old

Over the years most recreational players had their rackets strung with basic "synthetic" strings.  Today's version of the basic string is "synthetic gut."  These strings are readily available and provide the standard for consistent, comfortable, all-around performance.  I carry three versions of "synthetic gut" and each one has its own characteristics (price $25):
 
Prince Synthetic Gut Original 16  - This is a very popular string that provides excellent comfort, control and feel.  The 16 gauge is a thicker string that enhances durability to prevent string breakage.
 
Babolat VS Synthetic Gut 16  - Best known for great control and  feel on touch shots and very precise tension stability.
 
Gamma Synthetic Gut 17 - The lighter 17 gauge is less durable but I love it for its comfortable feel.  This string provides great control and has the highest rating for spin production.
 
In recent years, string manufacturers have introduced many new high tech strings.  One of the best is Wilson's NXT Tour 17.  NXT is a "multifilament" string that gives the closest thing to "natural gut" playability.  This string is rated at the top of almost every category - comfort, power, spin, control and feel.  Due to the more complex manufacturing process the NXT is expensive ($32) but worth it if you want a truly high performance  string.
 
Another popular trend is the use of "hybrid stringing."  Hybrid means that different strings are used on the vertical (main) and horizontal (cross) strings.  Many companies such as Kirschbaum are offering single string hybrid packages (such as Hybrix Power).  In addition, Babolat is promoting a hybrid set-up using their synthetic gut in the mains and a traditional "natural gut" for the crosses.  I recently purchased some Babolat VS Gut 16 and am starting to string with this hybrid combination.  The price is higher ($38) but there isn't anything that compares with the power and feel of natural gut strings.  Give me a call  (707-938-1274) if you want to try it.
 

Racquet Stringing

Noel Barbulesco
(h) 938-1274
(c) 364-9211
(p/u & delivery to Maxwell and Larson)


BNP PARIBAS  - INDIAN WELLS
MARCH 8 -21, 2010


It's almost Thanksgiving -
So Indian Wells 2010nadal indian wells can't be far off


Celebrating its' 35th anniversary, the BNP Paribas Open
(formerly the Pacific Life Open-Indian Wells) is the first major tennis event of the season on U.S. soil. The tournament features more than 300 of the world's best ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tennis players.

The tournament is a Masters 1000 event on the men's tour and is a Premier Mandatory event on the women's tour.

Last year more than 330,000 people attended the open. Tickets are now available for the March 8-21, 2010 event.
For more info go to www.bnpparibasopen.org



2010 SVTA DUES
SVTA Membership Dues for 2010 are due in January 2010.  Invoices will be mailed in late December.

The Board is pleased to announce that the membership fee will remain at $50.00 for 2010.


 
FOR SALE
BEST OFFER

 
TWO WATERBROOMS,  HOSE KADDY and 200 Ft of COMMERCIAL HOSE

SVTA has two L&M 9 Jet Deluxe Water Brooms plus Hose Kaddy with Hose
(click above link for product information)
 
For additional info:  Please contact Swede Thoreson @ 707-935-6833
 
On the Line
IDEAS?

Suggestions for future items or comments about the newsletter are welcome!



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SVTA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2009

Erin Collins, President
Ann Weeks, Vice President
Genevieve Blanchard, Secty-Treas.

Members-at-Large

Noel Barbulesco
Molly Johnston
Mike Kelly
Bruce Lamoreaux
Fred Merrill
Marilyn Mertens
Judy Muller
Darcy Stephens
Barbara Thoreson

 
 

Would you like to write to the
 SVTA Board of Directors?



Know the Rules

Is there a rest break between first and second sets?
-Any player on the court may request a two-minute set break after the first and/or second set.  If the players have agreed to play a full third set, there is an optional ten-minute break, and players may leave the court at this time.  There is no rest period after the first game of any set.
USTA Norcal Regulations 2009
Friend at Court Tennis Rules




Riggs

RECYCLE

Please help us recycle.

The  County advises that its budget does not allow them to help us with a recycling program, but if you will use the recyling bin from the shed for your matches, we'll try to save the planet.




Sonoma-Napa-Marin
Women's Tennis League

USTA NorCal

Maxwell Teams

Find a Team

League Info

Tournament Info



chair umpire


USTA Rules and Regulations

Local League Area Regulations 2009

National Regulations - 2009

Friend at Court 2009

The Code (from Friend at Court)


PASSING SHOTS


Oscar
Ave Caesar! Morituri te salutant!


Watchers


navajos tk 1009
Bringing the English  Language to the Navajo Nation


Paul and Bob


Mike Kelley

 
 
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Sonoma Valley Tennis Association | P.O. Box 766 | El Verano | CA | 95433
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