The afternoon session on Monday of week 8 began with Charlie Shin speaking in front of his coaches and peers about the success he had in a recent ITF in Canada. Charlie worked his way through 2 rounds of qualifying to earn a main draw spot. He then fought for a first round win before finally going down to the number 1 seed.

Charlie talked about how every player their was very good, and there wasn't an easy match the entire tournament.

Charlie, flanked by Coach Newman on his left and Coach Davis on his right, tells the group about the experience overall.

Next, Coach Newman and Coach Davis talked about the agenda and goals for practice. Coach D explained the concept of balance, as it applies to the game of tennis. He explained how a player should have balance between forehand to backhand, or forehand volley to backhand volley. Meaning, if you have a strong forehand, the racquet position and swing shape on the backhand should reflect, and be balanced with, the stronger shot. In other words, a player can improve a weakness simply by mimicking the strengths of a better stroke.

Here, Coach Davis talked about Claire Cahill's backhand, and how she extends her follow-through after contact so well. He explained that she should learn from that, and do the same on the forehand side.

Here, Coach D talked about balance in terms of a players ready position, or preparation for a shot. He explained that the arms and shoulders should remain level and balanced and level in the ready position. He brought the group inside to see a video of Roger Federer doing exactly what he was explaining, and then went outside to have each kid show him what they saw.

The group then moved on the court to put it into action.

Rob Steinwedell connects with a backhand in a practice match versus Andrew Parks.