The Wiltshire 14U Boys County Cup team competed in the Stage 1 event at Sutton, winning their group and then qualified for the National Finals at Nottingham.
Please see a selection of Blogs from the players:
GILES HUSSEY'S BLOG
Hi, my name is Giles Hussey and this is my blog about the u14’s County Cup which was held at Sutton Tennis Academy. I am going to write about the routine that we kept very similar over the 3 days, and also about the battles that we had to encounter.
DAY 1
On Friday we left from the Delta centre at about 2 and the trip had started. We arrived at the Premier Inn and had a few minutes to leave our stuff in our rooms and then we were off to check out the venue and have a hit to prepare for the day ahead. We did our warm up and hit for 28 minutes, we couldn’t get courts outside so we made do with the indoor courts. Once we were happy, we went back to the hotel and got showered, and then went out for supper at an Italian.
DAY 2
On Saturday I got up at 6:46 and got showered and then got ready, my bag was already packed so that we had a good night’s sleep because there was nothing to worry about. Breakfast at the hotel was continental and we all had similar breakfasts. We left the hotel as promptly as we could so that we could get warmed up and have a hit. The warm up and hit again lasted 28 minutes and we were now all feeling good and ready for our matches to come. We showered and the number 3 and 4 singles went on. We were playing Avon and were all hoping to get a win. We started well as Juan and Michael both picked up wins. Ross and I now went on and were hoping to follow suit. We both got off to a flat start as I lost the first set 7-5 and Ross lost his 6-0, although we showed more positive signs as we both picked up the second sets, taking it to a third and final, deciding set. I was playing well now and won the third 6-0, I then came off and showered and went to cheer Ross on. After a long third set, Ross just got pipped, losing it 6-4. We were looking good at 3 rubbers to 1 after singles. Juan and Michael won their doubles comfortably and Ross and I followed fashion. A good day of tennis having won 5-1 in rubbers, was followed by 4 X 200m of sprinting, which although was unexpected, made us feel quite good about ourselves and showed us that we had more in the tank than we thought. Again we went back and showered and went out for supper at a pizza express.
DAY 3
On Sunday I, again awoke at 6:46 and did exactly the same preparation as Saturday, the breakfast, we tried to keep similar and tried to have the same length warm up. The number 3 and 4 went out first again and both pulled out good performances and they both won in straight sets. I was not on form and lost 6-3 6-4, which meant that the last singles was going to be important. Having lost the first set, Ross pulled out a great second set, but unfortunately could not keep it up as he lost the final set. This meant that it was 2-2 going into the doubles, with everything to play for. Juan and Michael were strong again and won in two sets. I was rested for the doubles as Taylan came in and paired with Ross. They were unfortunately beaten in straight sets, which meant that it went down to sets count back, seeing as we were tied at 3-3 in matches. Thankfully, Ross’s set paid off as we won the match against Norfolk 7-6 in sets. We continued our pattern and went back to the hotel and got showered. We then went out to supper to the same Italian that we went to on the first night.
DAY 4
Monday, exactly the same preparation as on Saturday and Sunday, all except that we had to have our suitcases packed as we were leaving. We lead the group after 2 days and we were trailed by Kent, Avon, then Norfolk. So it was all down to today as we were playing Kent. We looked at the score sheet and realised that we had to win at least 3 rubbers to win. Juan and Michael both got off to a bad start as they both lost their first sets 6-2, however they both showed great fight and managed to pull out huge comebacks and we found ourselves 2 rubbers up. Ross and I went on at similar times, Ross managed to get a great win of 6-1 6-1. I lost the first set 6-4, but like Michael and Juan fought back and got a victory of 6-4 in the third set. This confirmed victory and we now went into doubles. Taylan came in to rest Ross. Juan and Michael were yet again strong and won in two close sets. Taylan and I lost 6-2 6-3 but had our chances. We won the match 5-1 in rubbers and were very satisfied. We again did running but instead of the 200m, we did the Chang drill. We set off for the Delta, but got caught in heavy traffic. We were all very tired but elated to have got through. We now head to Nottingham in a weeks’ time to see how we do against the other winning counties. Thankyou both for taking me
TAYLAN OZDEMIR'S BLOG
14's county cup weekend away
Introduction - I was very happy that i had been selected for the u14s county cup. I was a bit annoyed when i found out that i wasnt playing singles but i eventually understood, everyone else was older than me, And had more experience.
Routine - I found routine quite funny watching lewis and catherine eating exactly the same everyday. Lewis' theory was if we won one day we had to do everything the next day exactly the same e.g food, the time we woke up, warm up partners, etc.
Accountability - I found the accountability very good because we had to always be selfish and think about ourselves before anything else on the universe.
Attention to detail - I was finding it hard to keep up with the attention to detail, i enjoyed the attention to detail quiz although i came last. In the quiz we had to answer things like what was lewis wearing at the start of the day, and what colour was our name on the score board, and how long was the coach ride from the "premier" inn untill we arrived to the sutton tennis centre.
Preparation - I found the preparation very easy because im used to always preparing for everything i do.
Fitness - I didnt mind doing the fitness although everyone else hated it, i just thought to myself this is helping my tennis game and improving my fitness.
Ice bath/hot shower/stretching - Lewis and Catherine gave us the experience of some stretching excercises followed by an ice bath then a warm shower. I loved doing it, it was pain at first then afterwards all my muscles were so relaxed. it was the first time ive ever done something like that and i would like to do it again.
Conclusion - I really ejoyed the weekend and thought lewis and Catherine were very dedicated coaches, they made sure we ate properly and prepared For every match...this might be why we came away winners. Cant wait for the county finals in Nottingham....maybe this time Lewis and Catherine might give me chance at singles so i can feel like i played a part with the team! Thanks catherine and lewis; i had a great experience, and found all your tips useful.
MICHAEL BARRY'S BLOG
Michael Barry – 14 & Under Squad
I’ve learned a lot from Lewis and Catherine and feel that a lot of it will really help me with my tennis. One of the main things I’ve learned is the importance of preparation including:
- Getting enough sleep and eating healthily.
- Packing my bag the night before.
- Finding out about the venue – court surface, food, showers etc…
- Always keeping track of the time.
- Importance of drinking lots of water.
- Not sitting in the sun for too long or watching too much tennis as it is very tiring and is a waste of energy.
- Warming up.
Once on the court, I also now understand and see the importance of:
- Routine.
- Staying focussed
- Keeping the game simple.
- Making myself the Number One priority.
- Trying to be mentally stronger than the opposition to give myself a 60/40 advantage.
- To concentrate on my game and not be side-tracked by the opponent.
In relation to Team Tennis, I have also learned that we are all playing for our team mates, coaches, county & clubs and have a responsibility to all of those people to perform to the best of our ability. I’m really glad I decided to play at Stage 2 in Nottingham – I think it was the right thing to do and I really enjoyed playing alongside such good players! Thank you very much to Lewis and Catherine – I feel much more confident about my tennis and thinkl that I have really improved after the squad sessions and two week-ends away.