Team Practice Day

Got the opportunity to watch all eight teams put in their final moments of practice before tomorrow's quarterfinal matches. Very interesting in how the differing coaches prepared their teams. Some were very scripted practices, some very intense point play, but others had a much lighter atmosphere. I am looking forwrd to seeing how the different approaches play out in match play.

Individually, the Teams looked like they were full of talented players. Fitness did not appear to better, if at all, than your Kohawks, but in general the racquet skill was a step up. By this I mean, the "ease" in which the players were able to produce quality shots. Another factor that was readily apparent, was the "completeness" of game. Each player was at least "solid" on serve, return, and on both wings of the groundstrokes. Underspin BH's were practiced all day, and even the volleys, while not of great technique, were all put into play. Power was there, but selectively used on all shots, and as a matter of fact, an across the board willingness to "just" hit the ball back in the court was very easy to see.

We will see how this all holds up once we start keeping score in the morning matches!