Bad News...

Bad news! This is my second day in a row to not hit any tennis balls.

For me, this is a big deal. I love to hit tennis balls. God blessed me with an athletic body and a love for tennis. Tennis is an amazing sport and I love improving my skills while getting in shape in the Florida sun. But, for two days in a row now I haven't hit. I want to. Why haven't I hit? Tropical storm Alberto cruised through giving Florida some much needed rain.

The last few years I haven't been able to train for tennis as much as I would have liked. Why? Well, I had a few injuries that came outta nowhere, and I was busy growing the International Christian Tennis Association from a dream in my head to a reality reaching the tennis world. But, now I can hit! And I love hitting tennis balls!

My personal tennis workouts are tough. Most of my students have a difficult time keeping up with my training routine. Recently, a young stud junior lasted only about 3 days training with me before he needed a couple days off. I was just getting warmed up!

I'm in my late 30's and fortunately I still have the ability to get strong quickly. I don't think I've lost much of my quickness from my days in college football workouts, but I'm not in as good of shape. One of my goals for this year is to get into the best physical shape of my life. I think it's possible because in my late teens and early 20's, while I was very athletic and in great shape, I wasn't in the best shape my body could possibly be in. So, I think my best possible shape at nearly 40 can be better than the great physical shape I was in during high school and college.

A few days ago I began my workout by walking a mile, then riding my mountain bike for a mile. After a stomach workout and stretches, I drove my Jeep to the tennis facility and hit 1700 balls on the outdoor racketball court. Then, for two hours I worked on the backhand of an up and coming WTA player. She and I blasted the ball at each other! High balls, low balls , heavy topspin, flat, sidespin, dropshots... you name it... we hit it! I love hitting with my students whether they come to train with me for an hour or for an entire year! Her already incredible backhand improved and I had another great time teaching tennis in sunny Florida.

The weather is supposed to be back to normal tomorrow. I hope so. I'm ready to hit and to spend some time playing the greatest sport in the world!

God bless and happy hitting!

Scott Paschal