Below is the initial Roster of players who have indicated interest to play SLOG.  This will be updated once we have a confirmed list of sign ups.   We apologize in advance to anyone who is offended by the tips and descriptions found below. Although most of them are true, use the skewering remarks as a tool to learn mental toughness.

Kirk- Damn good.  Not many strategies are going to work to your advantage so just play, have fun and prepare to lose.

Morris- Might have bodies buried in his backyard. Needs To lighten up on the court as his intensity far exceeds his ability.  Slaps his FH for periodic winners but mostly overplays the shots, stay in long rallies and beat him with patience.

Speer- Voted most improved player.  Mid court half volleys on serve and volley come back to you so be ready.  Aboriginal Aussie style of tennis still under development as he has not perfected boomerang racket toss yet.

Neil- Lefty with a strong serve and strong return. He is determined to win, solid all around but he can doze off and is your chance to snag a couple of games.  He likes low balls that come to him medium pace about knee high. 

Brad- Be prepared for 3 hours of 20 ball rallies.  Eat 3 square meals the day before your match and get at least 8 hours of sleep.  Suggest having your medic on call the day of your match. Be patient in the rally but know when to shoot your shot for a winner to end the long rally, or if you just get tired at least give up at the right time and not on big points.

Russo- He gets skewered so much by everyone, cut him some slack, besides he is cooking our food and he is connected to the underworld. Thinking player, groundstrokes can get on a roll. Likes to make passing shots so make sure your approach shots are penetrating. He likes to go for low percentage shots when he is out of court but when he makes one It boosts his belief and puts him on a roll. When that happens back off play counterpunch and lob and he will self destruct.

Swifty- Can get on a roll. Take chances on his 2nd serve for easy points.Get him talking and distract him so he will not focus while he plays but be careful to maintain your focus while he carries on so that the tactic does not backfire on you.

Dr. Dave- Prepare for a fitness test. Serve is improving forcing you to bunt returns which will be countered with bunting shots resulting in long frustrating rallies as balls come back you are not expecting. Don’t let Your mental game fall apart, stay in the grind, enjoy the workout, win or lose it will be a long set.

Charles- Lots of talent but can be unsteady creating an opening. If he focuses he will likely win and should but that can also be his undoing as He thinks he should win and puts too much pressure on himself. Flashes Of great shots can discourage you but stay in the fight and force him to beat you however be prepared to be smoked.

Chip- Overall solid player. Believes he is better than he really is and trys to talk you out of the match.  Ignore this tactic and search to crack an opening so you can roll momentum. Attack the 2nd serve But don’t be reckless giving away easy points. Move your serve around but mostly attack his backhand. If you bring him to the net, fire the passing shots at his right hip and if the return comes back use either a lob over his back hand side or fire pace to his right hip.

Rick Slott- Lefty with touch. Solid player and fit as he plays soccer so you will be pysched out before the match starts. Remember 7 out of 10 matches are pre determined so if you don’t’ think you are going to win you already lost. Lefty with crafty shots and steady. Nice guy but he is dying to beat you so do not show up unprepared.

 

Peter Moore- Peter has just arrived in I'On from Pittsburgh, as he found the tennis competition too soft up there in Canada.  Looking for a grittier game on the clay here.  Don't let him step inside the baseline, as his crosscourt reply will just nick the sideline on its way into the next court.  Or county.