Happy New Year

A Holly, Jolly greeting to everyone.

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season and that you were on Santa's good list and got lots of goodies.  And that you were able to enjoy time with your families and loved ones.  

A big shout out of appreciation and gratitude to everyone for welcoming us with open arms to ORC.  You had helped us make an incredibly smooth transition into our new home and country which otherwise could have been very challenging.  Your kindness is much appreciated.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I would like to congratulate the progress and achievement that our players made on court in the last few months and to all the parents for your sacrifices.  It has been an incredible adjustment made by everyone involved in the Elite program to my coaching style and mindset. I am deeply touched that you have bestowed your kid in our care knowing you have other options. So, thank you for your trust.

Having traveled worldwide and visited numerous academies of various sizes and status, I am tickled by the group of girls and boys at ORC of their gentle characters and the will to learn.  We've had our tough and intense times on the court but through all the demands and hardships I am amazed of the tenacity our young athletes exhibited thus far.   I am certain with time, all their hard work and their will to learn will bring much victories beyond the tennis courts. I am very proud to be included on their journey.  We are going to have a fantastic 2016!

For those who took time off during the holiday season, good for you.  Don't worry too much about your tennis.  Once the training resumes, you will get back in no time.  

In closing, I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy & Safe New Year.

Weekly Plan #12 - Plan + Christmas Camp

Happy December and Happy Holidays to everyone.

This week's training we will pay special attention on developing heavy weight serves and keep working on our transition game.  Due to the nature of shorter points in indoor tennis, we need to make sure our tennis endurance remains in tip top shape.  We will return to our beloved spinning bikes and possibly outside if we are lucky to have warmer temperature.  

This Thursday is the last day of training before the break.  For those who are interested in continuing their training, Mike will be running a Christmas camp on December 21st to 23rd with two sessions per day.  Be sure to book your spot soon with Mike so you won't be disappointed.  Please email Mike at  

mike.pietras@gmail.com.

Enjoy the season.

Weekly Plan #11 - Serves, Returns, & Third Ball

Happy December everyone!!!  This week we are going to explore the Third shot charm.

All points start with a serve or a return.  Men's tennis have always been dependent on the big serves whereas women's tennis was more dependent on the big returns although that has changed in the last 10 years with the influence of the Williams sisters artillery serves.

As the returns have become more lethal, the servers often find themselves on the defense. To counter successfully against big returns, servers have to serve and be ready to cover and neutralize with the third shot.

On this week's training plan, we will continue to work with building a solid foundation of rhythm, transition to the net with interceptions, serves & returns with a third shot. Points play format will be rewarded to points won by first serves and points won by returning 2nd serves to encourage big first serves and big second serve returns, and the third shot.

Have a great week.