Flex league postponed

Due to unusual amount of heavy rain in October and November, injuries and outbreak of swine flu, we have decided to cancel Fall Flex League.  The league will resume on Spring of 2010.  All the played results will be reset.

Flex League starting this week.

We postponed the Flex League play off by few weeks due to weather and also the players requested for few extra weeks to get back into their game. We are expected to start this weekend.

Fall 2009 season Flyer

Our Fall season is here!  Here is the promotional flyer (PDF) with all the details about Fall 2009 Season activities.  Please print it and post it in a appropriate location or forward this flyer to anyone who might be interested in joining us. See you all at Godwin High school this Saturday (Sept 26) @ 08:00 AM.

FTC Richmond Men's Single 3.0 Flex League Rules for Fall 2009 season

Fall 2009 Men's Single Flex League season will take place from September 26 ~ November 22.  A maximum of 12 players can participate per league (first come first serve basis so please sign up soon).  Each player is required to play against all other players within these 8 weeks.  $30 league registration  fee required (free for Fajr Tennis Club members). If we have 16 players or more signed up, then we will divide into 2 Flex leagues one for beginners (NTRP 1.0 ~ 2.5) and another one for advance beginners (NTRP 3.0).

Official time for flex league will be Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM and 10 AM in our official court in West End of Richmond.  However the players may schedule a match on their own at their mutually agreed location and time. Please note that some of our players have tight schedule and they may not be available outside the official time.  We strongly urge all participants to finish up as many games possible within the first 4 weeks due to weather change, player availability etc. Our system is designed to reward those who play (even if they lose a match) versus those who default.

The format of the game in the league will be 1 set match.  A player wins a set by winning at least six games and at least two games more than the opponent.  In case of a tie (6-6) tie breaker (10 points) will determine the winner.

Points Rewarded:

• 3 points for every match won
• 1 point for every lost match
• 0 point for no play
  

 Once a match is over please email your result to the league administrator.  Please include (cc) your opponent’s email so that all parties are informed.  The League results and standings will be complied in this doucment.

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Tennis stringing machine purchased

We just purchased a drop weight Tennis stringing machine from Klipper USA. This starter machine is easy to operate with little training. We have already strung 4 rackets so far and results are great.

The club will offer two kind of cheap stringing services.

We will sting your Racquet for $10 + price of the strings.

OR

Club members can try "do it yourself stringing" at our club office. Renting of the machine will cost $5.  Khan and Ahmed will teach you how to string.  It can take anywhere between 2 ~ 4 hours if you are new!

FTC Fall Season Preview September 26 ~ November 22

Fajr Tennis Club Fall 2009 Season Preview
(September 26th ~ Nov 22nd)
The biggest attraction for fall season will be introduction of a point based single's league.

Other fun activities will be:

• Extensive Drills (serve, volley, lob, Net play)
• Cardio Tennis
• Doubles Tournament
• New equipments (Scoreboard, Balls, etc)
• New members
• Cooler weather
• New Time (from 8:00 am instead of 6:00 am)
  
• NTRP Exam
• Game strategy (net player, pusher, baseline, all court)
• Tennis specific conditioning

Equipment list for next season.

The following equipments are needed for our next season.

1. Heavy Duty Tennis balls Qty x 100 (Wilson brand)
2. Tennis score board / score keeper Qty x 2 (any brand)
3. Hi-Rise 75 Tennis Ball Hopper Qty x 2 (any brand)

Summer Tennis Tournament 2009, Richmond, Virigina.

Fajr Tennis Club of Richmond held its first weekend tournament on July 12th.  The tournament lasted till August 16th.  There were 12 participants.  Matches were held at Godwin high school between 6:00 AM ~ 10:00 AM.  The format was best of 3 set (with tie breaker). Most participants had an average of 3 months of Tennis experience.  Average match lasted around 1 hour 30 min. The longest match was during semi final between Moiz and Hossain.  It lasted 3 hours 50 min and Moiz won by 6-4, 6-7, 6-1

The final was yet another epic 3 hour match between Khadar and Moiz.  Kader won the Fajr Tennis Club Summer 09 Tournament (7-5, 2-6, 3-6).  A trophy and a little prize money was awarded.

We got a lot of positive feedback from the participants.  The tournament motivated and increased interest among the casual players.  Thanks to all those involved and participated in this event. We are all looking forward to our next tournament in 2010.

USTA National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP)

Here is a link to a PDF that describes in detail how to self rate your Tennis. I have color printed version. Please let me know if you need a hard copy. Most of us are probably around 2.5 ~ 3.0 .


Link to National Tennis Rating Program (PDF)

PURPOSE
The primary goal of the program is to help all tennis players enjoy the game by providing a method of classifying skill levels for more compatible matches, group lessons, league play, tournaments and other programs.

NTRP classifies players in a certain skill level. The NTRP provides a simple, self-placement method to group individuals of similar ability for league play, tournaments, group lessons, social matches and club or community programs. Ratings is from 1.0 (beginner) to 7.0 (professional).

NTRP Website 

Find your tennis rating using National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) categories. This is the most accurate rating system available and was developed by the U.S. Tennis Association in 1979. Player levels are based on a scale from 1.0 to 7.0. Detailed National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP in PDF)

1.0	This player is Just starting to play tennis.      has never played a set of tennis      does not know how to keep score      has problems making contact with the ball      hits the ball over the fence      has the wrong grips      prepares a year late on all shots      has erratic body movement      has no control of the racquet head      has poor feet, hand and eye coordination      attempts to hit the ball when it is passed their body      misses the ball more often then making contact
1.5	Has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play.      has never played a full tennis match      has the wrong grips      prepares and sets up a month late on all shots      Can get the ball in play, but it looks bad
2.0	Needs on-court experience. Has obvious stroke weaknesses but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play.     can get most low-paced balls hit close by, in play     has played a few matches     Is looking for the right feel and control of the racquet head     Is learning to be in the right position to hit the ball     prepares and sets up two weeks late     is starting to look for the open court
2.5	Learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.     starting to play on a regular basis, at least twice a month     starting to develop and favoring a more dependable side     starting to realize his strike zone     starting to think about hitting the ball harder, but rarely does so     prepares a week late on all shots
3.0	Fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up and one-back.      has found his strike zone     will hit most balls back that are in the strike zone, standing still     is starting to compete     is starting to compare his or her game with others     will push a high percentage of 1st serve in play with little power     plays at least once a week
3.5	Has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Starting to exhibit more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage and is developing teamwork in doubles.     maneuvering the body\racquet to hit the ball in his\her strike zone     starting to go for more, takes more chances     starting to develop pace and spin     plays at least twice a week     will be consistent against others in the same level or slightly higher     prepares and sets up 3 days late
4.0	Has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. Occasionally forces errors when serving and teamwork in doubles is evident. Rallies may be lost due to impatience.      is less worried about getting the ball in play      attempts to hit all the required shots      has shots that he\she will get in almost every time      covers the court well      attempts to cover his weaknesses      can not generate power or spin outside the strike zone or on the run
4.5	Starting to master the use of power and spins and beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. Can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. Tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.     does not self destruct against others of the same level     can compete with higher level players and may even win     knows his strike zone     has one or two good shots that are very reliable     moves well and gets a lot of balls back
5.0	Has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or exceptional consistency around which a game may be structured. Can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys and overhead smashes and has good depth and spin on most second serves.     is always looking to hit his\her favorite shots     has the potential to go in the zone for a little while     can return any shot that's hit close by     can retrieve almost all hard shots that are anticipated     can hit winners off short balls and balls that are in the strike zone     prepares an hour late
5.5	Has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. Can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation.     has one or two shots that provides dividends against almost any player     has one or two strategies that works against almost any player     wins more than he loses
6.0	Generally do not need NTRP ratings. Rankings or past rankings will speak for themselves. The 6.0 player has obtained a sectional and /or national ranking.       can and has played some satellite events      can be a good competing teaching head pro
6.5	The 6.5 player has extensive satellite tournament experience.     has won on the satellite tour     can compete with world class players
7.0	The 7.0 player makes his living from tournament prize money      can be as high as number 50 in the world

Public Tennis Courts in Richmond (Glen Allen) Virginia VA, West End of Henrico

Here is a partial compiled list of public Tennis courts in Richmond, VA particularly near short pump area in Glen Allen. Please follow all the Henrico country regulations when using these courts.

Freeman High School
Number of Courts:  7
Court Type: Hard
Public Hours: 4:00 PM ~ 11:00 PM
Lighted: YES
Address:
8701 Three Chopt Rd, Henrico, VA 23229
Note: Due to ongoing renovation some or all of the courts might be closed.

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Deep Run High School
Number of Courts: 6
Court Type: Hard
Public Hours: 4:00 PM ~ 11:00 PM
Lighted: YES
Address:
4801 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, Virginia 23059

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Mills E. Godwin High School
Number of Courts: 6
Court Type: Hard
Public Hours: 4:00 PM ~ 11:00 PM
Lighted: YES
Address:
2101 Pump Rd, Richmond, Virginia 23238

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Hungary Creek Middle School
Number of Courts: 4
Court Type: Hard
Public Hours: 4:00 PM ~ Sunset
Lighted: NO
Address:
4909 Francistown Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060-2836, USA

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Hermitage High School
Number of Courts:8
Court Type: Hard
Public Hours: 4:00 PM ~11:00 PM
Lighted: YES
Address:
8301 Hungary Spring Rd. Henrico, 23228, USA

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Tennis in Richmond Virginia (VA)

Here are some additional information for those seeking more info beyond Fajr Tennis Club.

General Information:

Public and private tennis courts are everywhere in Richmond, VA. Most middle schools and high schools have courts that are accessible for public after 4:00 pm. School may reserve these courts after 4:00 pm when they have tournament. Most high school courts are lighted as well. Some public parks like Byrd park, park also have tennis courts. Majority of apartment complexes in West End (Henrico) have Tennis courts available for tenants use. Majority of the Tennis courts in Richmond are on hard surface. Peak Tennis season is between April and September. Public courts are most crowded between 7:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm on weekday.

Tennis Partner
If you are looking for a Tennis partner in Richmond there are two great options. Richmond Tennis meetup group is very active. You can also join USTA and their find a partner program is a great way to get connected with local tennis player in your area.

Tennis instructor
Low cost group Tennis clinics (instructions) are provided through Henrico county's Park and Recreation department during spring time. Private Tennis clubs and other also offers private instructors and they usually cost around $60 / hour. Here is a list of instructor from Richmond Tennis Association.

Adult Competitive Tennis
The best way to get into adult competitive Tennis is by enrolling in a private Tennis club. Two of the well known clubs (with indoor courts) in Richmond are Raintree Swim and Racquet and ACAC Fitness. These clubs have many teams (at all levels) that participate in Mid Atlantic Richmond USTA leagues and tournaments (USTA membership is required to participate in the league).

Tennis Store
From our experience, Plaid Racquets (9756 Gayton Rd, Richmond, VA 23238-4907. Telephone (804) 750-1760) is one of the best dedicated Tennis store in town.

External Links

United States Professional Tennis Association

Tennis Schedule: Aug 10 ~ Aug 16 th

Day: Monday
Time: 9:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Place: Apartment Tennis Courts @ Gaskin / Patterson
Note: Practice
Contact: Khan

Day: Tuesday
Time:
Place:
Note:
Contact:

Day: Wednesday
Time:8:45 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Place: Godwin High School
Note: Practice
Contact: Khan

Day: Thursday
Time:
Note:
Contact:

Day: Friday
Time: 6:00 pm ~ 7:30 pm
Place: Hungary Creek Middle School
Note: Drill, Light practice
Contact: Hossain

Day: Saturday
Time: 6:30 am ~ 8:30 am
Place: Godwin High School
Note: Practice + Tournament Final
Contact: Ahmed

Day: Sunday
Time: 6:30 am ~ 8:30 am
Place: Godwin High School
Note: Practice
Contact: Ahmed

Tennis Schedule : Monday Aug 03 ~ Sunday Aug 09

Day: Monday
Time: 9:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Place: Apartment Tennis Courts @ Gaskin / Patterson
Note: Practice
Contact: Khan

Day: Tuesday
Time:
Place:
Note:
Contact:

Day: Wednesday
Time:8:45 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Place: Godwin High School
Note: Practice
Contact: Ahmed

Day: Thursday
Time: 5:45 pm ~ 7:30 pm
Place: Hungary Creek Middle School
Note: Practice
Contact: Ahmed

Day: Friday
Time: 6:00 pm ~ 7:30 pm
Place: Hungary Creek Middle School
Note: Drill, Light practice
Contact: Hossain

Day: Saturday
Time: 6:30 am ~ 8:30 am
Place: Godwin High School
Note: Practice + Tournament Semi Final
Contact: Khan

Day: Sunday
Time: 6:30 am ~ 8:30 am
Place: Godwin High School
Note: Practice + Tournament Semi Final
Contact: Ahmed

Tennis schedule : Monday July 27 ~ Sunday Aug 2

Day: Monday
Time: 9:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Place: Private
Note: Practice
Contact: Khan

Day: Tuesday
Time:
Place:
Note:
Contact:

Day: Wednesday
Time:9:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Place: Godwin High School
Note: Practice
Contact: Ahmed

Day: Thursday
Time: 5:45 pm ~ 7:30 pm
Place: Hungary Creek Middle School
Note: Practice
Contact: Ahmed

Day: Friday
Time: 6:00 pm ~ 7:30 pm
Place: Hungary Creek Middle School
Note: Drill, Light practice
Contact: Hossain

Day: Saturday
Time: 6:30 am ~ 8:30 am
Place: Godwin High School
Note: Practice + Tournament Quarter Final
Contact: Ahmed

Day: Sunday
Time: 6:30 am ~ 8:30 am
Place: Godwin High School
Note: Practice + Tournament Quarter Final
Contact: Ahmed

Tennis in Amercia article

As American’s we are never satisfied being second best or even worse than that. Our desire to be number one is overwhelming and it is ingrained in our heads from a very early age. Being number one is a lofty goal and one that we should always aspire to but we need to realize that there is only one number one tennis player in the world and it can’t always be an American...Please read rest of this great article by Eric T. Coursey at http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art49110.asp

History of Fajr Tennis Club

Fajr Tennis Club of Richmond, Virginia is a men’s Tennis club founded on June of 2009.  It was started by four individual Tennis enthusiast, Khan, Ahmed, Hossain, and Haz. 

In 2007 the four wanted a physical fitness program that would fit into their schedule.  Years of sedative lifestyle (working behind a desk all day) was taking toll on their health. All four had a very busy work schedule and couldn’t commit to a regular hour activity.  The only time available for them was after Morning Prayer service on weekends.  They started to meet regularly to play Tennis on Saturday and Sunday morning and played till 7:00 am at a private Tennis court near Broad Street and Gaskin in Glen Allen. The private court was facing the sun and made is impossible to play after 7:00 AM. Tennis activity on that year stopped as weather got cold.

Tennis was not played in 2008.  In April 2009 the group restarted Tennis practices at the same private court.  The group grew quickly from 4 to 10 players and the private court couldn’t accommodate so many. Hungary Creek middle school’s public Tennis court in Richmond (Henrico) was picked as the official place for practice.  Since sun was not an issue, the practice went from 6:00 AM ~ 9:00 AM.  When the rainy season arrived it became impossible to play at the Hungary Creed Middle school. The court construction was very poor.  Puddle of water was all over the place.  The team decided to move and choose Miller E Godwin High school as the official place of practice

In June of 2009 the group decided to be more organized and named it self as “Fajr Tennis Club of Richmond, Virginia”.  The name reflected its humble beginning and the odd time the group plays Tennis.  The official website of the club was lunched during the same month.

In July the club hosted its first men's single Tournament and had 12 participants.  The Mattress place of Virginia sponsored the event partially. The club is working to launch Men's Single Flex League during Fall of 2009 in Richmond Virgina.