Week 13

This week was all about drilling with purpose and seeing real progress in games. Monday started with deep serves and returns with Dru in windy conditions, followed by a variation of skinny singles that gave us game-like intensity with focused repetitions. Tuesday and Thursday were breakthrough game days where everything finally started clicking - the game slowed down, my patience improved, and my shot control felt dialed in for the first time in ages.

Wednesday's drill session with Dru might have been the most productive non-coach session in months. We cranked up the intensity working on speed-ups off the bounce and counters in the transition zone. I discovered I'm still too "jumpy" on my counters and need to stay firm, trust my hands, and lean in. The momentum built throughout the week, with each day feeling better than the last - my drops improved, court positioning sharpened, and I finally found that elusive patience that's been missing from my game.

• Counter Consistency: I'm still too "jumpy" on my counters. Need to focus on staying firm, trusting my hands, and making sure I'm leaning in rather than flinching away. Wednesday's drills exposed this weakness that's holding me back.
• Speed-Ups Off the Bounce: This is a shot I rarely incorporate into my game. Not saying I want to do it constantly, but I need to mix these in strategically to keep opponents guessing and add another dimension to my attack.
• Wind Adaptation: Monday's windy session was a harsh reminder that I need to be more adaptable. Shot selection has to change based on conditions, and I'm still making poor choices when the elements are against me.

Wednesday's Drill Becomes Thursday's Winner

Wednesday's speed-up drill paid immediate dividends. After repping backhand attacks off the bounce for majority of Wednesdays' drilling session, I found myself in a kitchen battle on Thursday when something clicked. My opponent was shading middle, practically begging for the line shot we'd just drilled.

Instead of defaulting to my usual cross-court two-handed dink, I stayed patient, held my backhand position, and ripped it down the line with confidence. The look on his face said it all—complete surprise. That split-second of seeing the training translate directly to a winning shot felt incredible.

The game is starting to slow down just enough that I can actually make these tactical choices instead of just reacting. Small victory, but I'll take it.

Cam's back from his tournament, and if history repeats itself, he's returning with twice the intensity. I've seen that post-tournament fire in his eyes before—time to hydrate and mentally prepare for whatever he's about to throw our way.