The Best Tip Ever

Keith with Bill Hager: idol, mentor, partner,friend. When I was a kid I used to watch in awe as Bill Hager, then in his early thirties, moved effortlessly around the court and beat the best players at my local courts, Boyle Park in Mill Valley, California. Aside from his recreational triumphs, Bill did well in local tournaments, appearing in many finals and often winning first place. I admired Bill’s prodigious talent, but I admired him even more because he was nice to me. He took the time to play with me, and he always gave me a thoughtful answer when I asked him about the game. Today, I’m 47 and Bill is in his sixties, but he’s still one of my favorite tennis partners. These days, I teach tennis professionally. I’ve studied the game extensively, but I still look forward to picking Bill’s brain. For example, Bill is a great volleyer, so I once asked him about his philosophy at the net. What goes through his head when he hits a volley? “I imagine that I’m trying to run up and eat the ball,” Bill answered. “I want to get my face right up to it and be aggressive.” It...