The Frontón México playing hall in Mexico City. Inset: Hardbat star AJ Carney (by Larry Hodges) Mark three dates on your calendar and make your plans for Austin, Westchester, and Mexico City . . . and leave the sponge behind! Yes, it’s the US Classic Nationals, US Hardbat and Sandpaper Championships, and the Classic World […]

(by Larry Hodges) I think you’ll find these 20 general tips useful. Many are covered in other Tips, but now they are compiled in one listing! If your opponent hits the ball aggressively at your crossover point between your forehand and backhand (where your playing elbow is), return it mostly with your backhand if you […]

(by Larry Hodges) There’s a famous song, “Dumb Ways to Die,” that one of our top juniors use to play endlessly as a fun way to relax, often before a big match. (Years later and I still can’t get it out of my head.) Maybe someone should do a song, “Dumb Ways to Lose”? Over […]

(by Larry Hodges) How can you best prepare for a tournament on the day before? Here are some ten tips. Practice. Younger and athletic players recover faster and so should train more the day before. Older or less athletic players should practice if possible, both to get used to the tournament conditions and to fine-tune […]

(by Larry Hodges) Technically, a match begins with the umpire tossing a coin to see who serves first. In reality, most matches aren’t umpired, and so they “hide the ball” under the table, and the other player chooses. Whoever wins gets the choice of either serving first, receiving first, or choice of side. (Once you […]