A Thread of Order is a tennis newsletter that covers technique, strategy, psychology, motor learning, match analysis, and more. I use gifs and images to highlight important aspects of the game so you can better understand why players win (and lose).
Most pieces are driven by the question: What really moves the needle on performance?
Why Subscribe?
Writers often focus on the character and emotions of tennis players rather than provide a deeper account of the game itself. Good writers can get away with this. I don’t know much about writing, but I do have experience in tennis, and through A Thread of Order, I aim to cover details that mainstream coverage mostly ignores.
Here’s a sample of what you can expect:
How Alcaraz adjusted his movement to his forehand in his win over Djokovic in the 2023 Wimbledon final.
Why Federer’s use of reactive brakes made him a beautiful mover.
And how your grips influence hand dominance and hip turn on a two-hand backhand.
What’s up with the title?
The title is inspired by a quote from Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian:
“The man who believes that the secrets of the world are forever hidden lives in mystery and fear. Superstition will drag him down. The rain will erode the deeds of his life. But that man who sets himself the task of singling out the thread of order from the tapestry will by the decision alone have taken charge of the world and it is only by such taking charge that he will effect a way to dictate the terms of his own fate.”
In this spirit, A Thread of Order looks for answers. Great performance has a signal.
Who writes this?
A Thread of Order is written by me (Hugh Clarke). I’ve been playing tennis since I was six years old (three if you count Totem Tennis). I played college tennis for Pepperdine from 2009-2012 and have been coaching, watching, and obsessively thinking about the game ever since. I recently completed my Masters in Sports Psychology at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. My thesis involved interviewing a host of top-30 ATP coaches to better understand their coaching practices and beliefs. About me:
One-handed backhand
Hates stepping on lines
Weapon of choice: Dunlop CX 200 Tour
ATP Spirit Player: Dan Evans
You can find me on Twitter here.
Email: athreadoforder@gmail.com
What subscribers say:
“Hugh’s tactical and biomechanical analyses are really sharp; a must read for tennis coaches.”
— Fred Fontang, coach of Felix Auger-Aliassime
“I’m a fanboy… I’ve become a fan of all of his breakdowns of these matches.”
— Jim Courier, for Tennis Channel
“Hugh’s newsletter is my go-to after every big tournament. He breaks down tennis in the most simple and clear way. I always learn something new.”
— Kevin Konfederak, former coach of Francisco Cerundolo and currently part of team Norrie
“I just love the way you break down tactics and technique and pair it with match analysis along with longer form player career and trend analysis.”
— Neal
“Great job with the work you’ve done. It’s many levels higher than the standard news reporting, and the analysis is great for a student of the game or an avid fan.”
— K Lee
“This is exactly the kind of tennis writing and analysis I can’t find anywhere else. Football, basketball, soccer and baseball all get this level of coverage and detail, producing a higher level of discussion and conversation around the games. Please write more.”
— Peter Short
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