Residence: Rockland County, NY
First memory of tennis? Playing with the old wood rackets. Maybe six or seven years old at the time.
Tennis inspiration(s)? You could say that I’m the current caretaker for two-racket tennis – increasingly becoming known as the Two Racket Guy. So when I hear from someone I’ve introduced to the two-racket game and they tell me how much they enjoy playing two-racket tennis, well that is quite a thrill. I’ve received many compliments in this regard. I’m also the inventor of the Whip-Grip. A device, which could revolutionize the tennis serve – by adding significant mph to the serve along with greater flexibility in the wrist for easier slice across the ball. I’m now starting to get feedback from players who have tried the Whip-Grip and have stated that they might add the Whip-Grip to their tennis arsenal, so to speak.
Greatest tennis moment? When the New York Times wrote the story about two-racket tennis, introducing the world to the physics professor with his sideline in daffy showmanship in the persona of Doctor Bones.
Most painful tennis moment? I suppose it would be having to fight with the USTA over the concept of two-racket tennis. I see the two-racket game as a fully-functional and exciting way to play tennis and the USTA hierarchy claims that two-racket tennis is not tennis.
Funny tennis memory? Playing the world’s first four-racket doubles at Huntington Indoor Tennis on Long Island in September of 2011. By the way, no one was injured and no attorneys were required. Ha, Ha.
Embarrassing tennis memory? Going for an overhead smash in a poorly lighted tennis facility, missing the ball and losing the racket during the follow-through.
Strangest match? Playing two-racket tennis against two one-racket players. In other words, I played on one side of the court with two rackets and my opposition featured a duo of one-racket players. I actually played pretty well against my two opponents. Served several aces.
Favorites players to watch? Over the years I’ve watched replays of historic tennis matches and have a growing list of favorite players. In no particular order of approval: Ken Rosewall, Arthur Ashe, Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl and Rod Laver to name a few.
Favorite tennis book? The Physics and Technology of Tennis (Howard Brody, Rod Cross and Crawford Lindsey 2004).
Why do you love playing tennis? Good exercise without the drudgery of exercising. I prefer the two-racket form of tennis as it provides for a truly full-body workout. In using both arms pretty much equally during two-racket tennis, I don’t wear myself out so much. Consequently, I can play more often. Burning more calories with two-racket tennis. Try it, you’ll like it or your money back. Hmm, sounds like a TV commercial.
No tags
Scoop Malinowski · December 29, 2011 at 3:55 pm
I tried the two racket tennis game with Don and it’s an interesting and enjoyable alternative, instead of the same old same old. You never know if it can catch on. I hear they are playing triples in FL so you never know. I’d recommend anyone to try it. When you try to hit the forehand with your opposite arm you get that feeling back of how it feels like to be a beginner. That’s a humbling feeling for sure 🙂
Gans · December 29, 2011 at 6:06 pm
That’s a very interesting idea. Coming to think of it, when I first started to play tennis on a regular basis during summer of 2008, I used to switch hands to hit a ‘backhand’, so it was a FH of my left arm!
My friends used to laugh. It wasn’t that bad for a beginner at all because I was able to put the ball in court- pure reflex.
I used to wonder why pros can’t or won’t do that. Well, for that matter except Tsonga we don’t see anyone else switching between a 1-hander and a 2-hander, so switcing arms is too much to ask!
Interesting concept and I am willing to try!
Scoop Malinowski · December 29, 2011 at 7:34 pm
Gans; Think about how imbalanced your body becomes if you are Federer and only using the one arm for years and years. Two racket tennis offers perfect balance. Also playing sometimes with the opposite arm – requires relearning your skills like a total beginner – offers balance too. Dan and I did that a couple of times and actually had some enjoyable matches doing that, we played lefty against each other in Delray at his mom’s apartment courts. I just played a guy the other day lefty, he was just starting tennis, only played about four years sporadically, so I played him a set lefty which was fun. (I won 6-1). It’s good to play lefty because then when you go back to playing righty you feel so comfortable and natural that you feel you can’t miss. Something to think about having your son try Gans.
Gans · December 29, 2011 at 8:13 pm
I am a sporadic player like the guy you played against, but better than a beginner though. I was hoping that one day when we meet, I could play a set against you with you playing lefty and win, but now you have cast some serious doubt in my mind! 🙂
Yeah, it’s a great idea Scoop. I am going to try it right away. After all, I was hitting my backhands with my left arm for a while when I first started. Thanks.
Steve · January 4, 2012 at 6:25 pm
This idea is ugly, ridiculous and disgusting.
Dr. Don R. Mueller · January 6, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Steve says: This idea is ugly, ridiculous and disgusting.
From the Two Racket Guy:
Steve you sound like a real “genius.” Ha, Ha. Fortunately, truly intelligent people beg to differ. The two-racket game has clear advantages over traditional tennis. The “Steve’s” of the world (and tennis has far too many of these people) simply don’t have what it takes to play this game, so they come up with lame comments. Fortunately for you Steve, you can cower in anonymity on the internet. By contrast, I create. I have no fear in revealing myself and my ideas to the public because I have both the talent and the intellect to see things through.
The only way to deal with the Steve’s of the Tennis World is to quote from Proverbs 14:7
“Go from the presence of the foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.”
In other words, don’t waste your time arguing with an idiot.
Steve · January 8, 2012 at 12:54 pm
“Steve says: This idea is ugly, ridiculous and disgusting.”
You have not disproved my statement. I think you also protest too much.
You can email me directly at discheadz at yahoo dot com
and if the nets are still up you can give me an in-person demonstration in my town of Oradell or maybe in Emerson. I’d be open to it.
Dr. Don R. Mueller · July 25, 2012 at 2:12 am
Two-racket Tennis Returns:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjbJW5ZY5w