Seniors lounge (over 50) come on in.

[Jake Speeed]

I know people that keep the racket they've had for 20 years with no improvement in their game. Equipment is by far the least important component in determining one's tennis performance.

Keep the racket you enjoy hitting with and won't hurt your arm. You can match to your play style but I'm not sure even that makes a difference. People get better by practicing whether it's with one frame or 100.

However, racket size, grip size, weight, balance, string tension, all this has much to do with how a racket performs. I've played with people and ask, "Can I hit a few balls with your racket?" "Then I say, how can you hit a ball with this thing?" Everyone is different.

J

 

[Dartagnan64]

However, racket size, grip size, weight, balance, string tension, all this has much to do with how a racket performs. I've played with people and ask, "Can I hit a few balls with your racket?" "Then I say, how can you hit a ball with this thing?" Everyone is different.

J

Everyone is different in what they like but I've never seen a good player take any old retail frame and not be able to hit just fine with it. Everyone can get used to anything. Neural plasticity and all. Some people take longer I guess.

I've tried lots of peoples rackets and it's much more common for them to say, "You should play with that racket all the time," than to hear "That's clearly not the frame for you." To this day, two of our better players will tell people that the best doubles they've ever seen me play was with a heavily warped Wilson Don Budge. Once I get a feel for the weight and SW and the power level of the strings, it's just tennis after that.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Keep in mind, every time you hit an angled shot you give your opponent more opportunities.

True enough. So it's a tradeoff between what kinds of opportunities I'm giving vs how much advantage I'm receiving and will my opponent be able to capitalize.

I find myself hitting more balls down the middle these days allowing for less running around.

Agreed again. I think the DTM ball is under-rated and under-utilized.

 

[Jake Speeed]

True enough. So it's a tradeoff between what kinds of opportunities I'm giving vs how much advantage I'm receiving and will my opponent be able to capitalize.



Agreed again. I think the DTM ball is under-rated and under-utilized.

Absolutely! Kudos!!

This is why I teach the DTM shot from wherever you may be on the court.

Learning this technique creates ball and shot placement faster than any drills, and you must know by now how I feel about drills?

Plus, for those who elect to not take time off from playing matches, this is great for you.

I've written plenty about DTM playing.

J

 

[ByeByePoly]

Absolutely! Kudos!!

This is why I teach the DTM shot from wherever you may be on the court.

Learning this technique creates ball and shot placement faster than any drills, and you must know by now how I feel about drills?

Plus, for those who elect to not take time off from playing matches, this is great for you.

I've written plenty about DTM playing.

J

Unless you are playing Kerber ... keep your opponent hitting on the move.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Agreed again. I think the DTM ball is under-rated and under-utilized.

You mean pushing?

I'm not sure DTM is that under-utilized. It's dogma in doubles with a snappy rhyme. It's a pusher's staple. It's certainly the best shot in singles if you are in trouble.

But I agree it's under appreciated. You rarely see a coach setting up targets in the deep middle for players to shoot at in drills.

 

[ByeByePoly]

You mean pushing?

I'm not sure DTM is that under-utilized. It's dogma in doubles with a snappy rhyme. It's a pusher's staple. It's certainly the best shot in singles if you are in trouble.

But I agree it's under appreciated. You rarely see a coach setting up targets in the deep middle for players to shoot at in drills.

I am picturing all tournament players saying "let me get this straight ... you are going to hit it to me all match"? Cool ... can you also hit it to my fh side dtm all match? Thanks.

If your strength is low ue accuracy ... (another way to say a good player) ... seems like having a gun but not loading it. Oh ... forgot you are Canadian ... you guys don't have guns. Go with no arrows in your quiver.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

You mean pushing?

No. Notice I did not mention anything about pace or TS. I could be ripping [relatively] shots DTM.

I'm also thinking about an approach shot in singles: a deep slice DTM is about the simplest shot tactically speaking and it cuts down on opponent angles. Especially handy if my opponent hits mainly flat.

I'm not sure DTM is that under-utilized. It's dogma in doubles with a snappy rhyme. It's a pusher's staple.

I should have been clear that I was thinking singles.

It's certainly the best shot in singles if you are in trouble.

I have a slightly different view: hitting back in the direction the ball came is the most conservative strategy. If you get pulled wide and hit DTM, you might be leaving your opponent gobs of open court.

But I agree it's under appreciated. You rarely see a coach setting up targets in the deep middle for players to shoot at in drills.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Unless you are playing Kerber ... keep your opponent hitting on the move.

Let's see...what did I do the last time I played Kerber? ...

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

This is why I teach the DTM shot from wherever you may be on the court.

If I'm pulled out wide, I try to hit back to where the incoming came from, which is more CC than DTM. Otherwise, I'm probably leaving too much open court in the other direction.

 

[Jake Speeed]

If I'm pulled out wide, I try to hit back to where the incoming came from, which is more CC than DTM. Otherwise, I'm probably leaving too much open court in the other direction.

I can't tell you what to do. But,

I've been pulled wide many times, at the level I used to be, I could hit winners down the line. It was one of my signature shots, and I hit it with a forehand that resembled a two handed backhand. I would take the ball really low.

I'm well beyond the effort for that now. However, I could demonstrate one or two, and I may if I stay in the Forum long enough.

I wouldn't go CC at my age, I'd "drift" a high ball to the center, giving you plenty of time to recover. 8 to 10' over the net.

A couple of things could happen with a shot like this. Your opponent might wait for it but this will require discipline and patients. If he waits for the ball, the bounce will put him well behind the BL, which is exactly what you want to keep doing.

Generally, after hitting a great CC drive, Club level players and above, would like to use the next shot to end the point.

The drifter you just hit, and no one likes drifters, I'll bet he'll attempt to hit the ball on the run and while it's in the air.

A difficult shot for a Club level player. That shot can go a few ways. Winner or looser. If he manages to keep it in play with a shot you can get to, now would be a great time for a really high underspin lob. He won't like this at all because of the effort he just put in.

This technique could put you back in the rally. It doesn't matter if you loose the point eventually because you had control of this guy for a few shots. A good thing.

J

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I've been pulled wide many times, at the level I used to be, I could hit winners down the line. It was one of my signature shots, and I hit it with a forehand that resembled a two handed backhand. I would take the ball really low.

I can hit winners DTL also; just not with enough accuracy that justifies the extra risk. In this defensive situation, I'm typically not thinking about going for winners.

I wouldn't go CC at my age, I'd "drift" a high ball to the center, giving you plenty of time to recover. 8 to 10' over the net.

Comparing CC to drift is apples [CC is a direction] to oranges [drift is pace/spin/net clearance]. I can hit a drifer CC. In fact, the more pressed I am on defense, the more likely my shot will be simply a neutralizing one [and that's if all goes well].

A couple of things could happen with a shot like this. Your opponent might wait for it but this will require discipline and patients. If he waits for the ball, the bounce will put him well behind the BL, which is exactly what you want to keep doing.

Generally, after hitting a great CC drive, Club level players and above, would like to use the next shot to end the point.

The drifter you just hit, and no one likes drifters, I'll bet he'll attempt to hit the ball on the run and while it's in the air.

A difficult shot for a Club level player. That shot can go a few ways. Winner or looser. If he manages to keep it in play with a shot you can get to, now would be a great time for a really high underspin lob. He won't like this at at because of the effort he just took.

This technique could put you back in the rally. It doesn't matter if you loose the point eventually because you had control of this guy for a few shots. A good thing.

J

I don't necessarily disagree per se; it's just that I don't think what you're talking about is in the same context. I'm at a very simple level of where I'm going to hit [CC vs DTM] whereas you are at a much more detailed level.

 

[ByeByePoly]

No. Notice I did not mention anything about pace or TS. I could be ripping [relatively] shots DTM.

I'm also thinking about an approach shot in singles: a deep slice DTM is about the simplest shot tactically speaking and it cuts down on opponent angles. Especially handy if my opponent hits mainly flat.



I should have been clear that I was thinking singles.



I have a slightly different view: hitting back in the direction the ball came is the most conservative strategy. If you get pulled wide and hit DTM, you might be leaving your opponent gobs of open court.

You are adding context to strategy presented without context.

I could think of some context:

- you are a UEfest ... not only aim for middle ... aim for T (aiming is ironic for this one)

- your opponent can't hit two balls back ... yes, no need to risk missing wide

- you hit a Nadal fh hop of the court that your opponent can't deal with even when stationary and hitting a fh ... again, just hit it over

- you are a low UE accurate counterpuncher ... and Mr opponent with the bigger baseline game and low UE is running your a.s..s all over the baseline. DO NOT keep hitting it back to him dtm feeding the beast. Alternate counterpunch baseline shots side to side, some short on sides, lots of bh slice NOT dtm. Opponent is better than you from baseline (I lived this ) ... best you can do from baseline is invite him to the mutual running party, until you can get to the net.

Blanket strategies work for Nadal ... but don't tend to hold up in rec competition. You (and I) might have had a 24x7 goto S&V and C&C strategy ... but s.h..!t happens against different rec opponents ... have to problem solve in some matches.

I think the "reduced angle" is overrated with rec competition. Very few ... say 4.5 will be able to go extra wide from a cc from their bh corner (a few 2hbh 4.5 good with off hand ... but not the norm). Most will be able to go shorter and extra wide on ts fh cc shots. So ... compare that range to how much angle from center rather than from corners. Some range/angle/width difference ... yes ... enough to be more important than the advantage of opponent not allowed to hit stationary from middle ... never for me unless I was playing Kerber.

Approaches ... my go to was always dtl ... but that is kind of one of those Raptors checking for weak spots thing. Find a spot opponent sucks on pass attempt, give it to him for the next 2 hours.

fyi ... the "give it to him for the next 2 hours" thing is why tournament matches are often the least entertaining to play. If you play a practice match against someone with a crap bh, it's pretty boring to not mix it up, I always would. With one of my friends it was obvious serving every serve to bh was the only logical play if best chance of winning was the only criteria, but not fun and frickin obvious.

 

[ByeByePoly]

If I'm pulled out wide, I try to hit back to where the incoming came from, which is more CC than DTM. Otherwise, I'm probably leaving too much open court in the other direction.

Not me ... going dtl most of the time ... both bh and fh.

 

[Jake Speeed]

I can hit winners DTL also; just not with enough accuracy that justifies the extra risk. In this defensive situation, I'm typically not thinking about going for winners.



Comparing CC to drift is apples [CC is a direction] to oranges [drift is pace/spin/net clearance]. I can hit a drifer CC. In fact, the more pressed I am on defense, the more likely my shot will be simply a neutralizing one [and that's if all goes well].



I don't necessarily disagree per se; it's just that I don't think what you're talking about is in the same context. I'm at a very simple level of where I'm going to hit [CC vs DTM] whereas you are at a much more detailed level.

What I explained is hardly high level tennis. Going down the middle keeps you in the match and the "drift" gives you plenty of time to get back into the court. No one likes hitting low energy balls.

I've used this technique to win matches against younger players and hard hitting players. I don't just make my replies up, "Tested in the field."

J

 

[ByeByePoly]

I can't tell you what to do. But,

I've been pulled wide many times, at the level I used to be, I could hit winners down the line. It was one of my signature shots, and I hit it with a forehand that resembled a two handed backhand. I would take the ball really low.

I'm well beyond the effort for that now. However, I could demonstrate one or two, and I may if I stay in the Forum long enough.

I wouldn't go CC at my age, I'd "drift" a high ball to the center, giving you plenty of time to recover. 8 to 10' over the net.

A couple of things could happen with a shot like this. Your opponent might wait for it but this will require discipline and patients. If he waits for the ball, the bounce will put him well behind the BL, which is exactly what you want to keep doing.

Generally, after hitting a great CC drive, Club level players and above, would like to use the next shot to end the point.

The drifter you just hit, and no one likes drifters, I'll bet he'll attempt to hit the ball on the run and while it's in the air.

A difficult shot for a Club level player. That shot can go a few ways. Winner or looser. If he manages to keep it in play with a shot you can get to, now would be a great time for a really high underspin lob. He won't like this at all because of the effort he just put in.

This technique could put you back in the rally. It doesn't matter if you loose the point eventually because you had control of this guy for a few shots. A good thing.

J

No doubt there are times to give it some "air" ... but why dtm? For example ... from fh corner, slow/loopy ts lob cc or off pace short dtl gives time AND makes opponent move.

Offpace fh dtl. When you watch pro matches, and top level rec matches posted here, you will often see this:

player run to fh corner ... he drills a quality dtl shot, but doesn’t bother opponent. You are dead in that situation because it’s bang bang ... no time to recover cc. Hit a bit of loop on that fh dtl, or offpace short and now you can recover from corner. Ironic ... the bigger fh dtl was the better shot (more skill required) ... but hurts you against skilled opponent. @S&V-not_dead_yet this was the scenario you were talking about I assume.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I have a slightly different view: hitting back in the direction the ball came is the most conservative strategy. If you get pulled wide and hit DTM, you might be leaving your opponent gobs of open court.

There is a difference between “being in trouble” and “pulled out wide”. Being in trouble means largely being unable to set up. In those instances the easiest spot to get the ball back to is a the middle.

out wide is a different scenario. My strategy is to go CC if I’m deep and DTL if I’m inside the baseline and slice back DTM if I’m stretched out.

 

[Jake Speeed]

No doubt there are times to give it some "air" ... but why dtm? For example ... from fh corner, slow/loopy ts lob cc or off pace short dtl gives time AND makes opponent move.

Offpace fh dtl. When you watch pro matches, and top level rec matches posted here, you will often see this:

player run to fh corner ... he drills a quality dtl shot, but doesn’t bother opponent. You are dead in that situation because it’s bang bang ... no time to recover cc. Hit a bit of loop on that fh dtl, or offpace short and now you can recover from corner. Ironic ... the bigger fh dtl was the better shot (more skill required) ... but hurts you against skilled opponent. @S&V-not_dead_yet this was the scenario you were talking about I assume.

I've explained the advantages of going DTM many times.

I get in trouble all the time for my replies. When I first came on the Forum I said a few things.

"Why on earth do "most" relate your playing to that of ATP?" Pointless.

"IT instruction offers very little." You cannot talk to these guys, only help them make more money.

No one believes this and it seems I get contradiction long before players go out and attempt my advice.

I always say, go do it!

J

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

No doubt there are times to give it some "air" ... but why dtm? For example ... from fh corner, slow/loopy ts lob cc or off pace short dtl gives time AND makes opponent move.

Offpace fh dtl. When you watch pro matches, and top level rec matches posted here, you will often see this:

player run to fh corner ... he drills a quality dtl shot, but doesn’t bother opponent. You are dead in that situation because it’s bang bang ... no time to recover cc. Hit a bit of loop on that fh dtl, or offpace short and now you can recover from corner. Ironic ... the bigger fh dtl was the better shot (more skill required) ... but hurts you against skilled opponent. @S&V-not_dead_yet this was the scenario you were talking about I assume.

It's one consideration, yes. I was more worried about my errors, though, than my opponent subsequently turning around and hitting a winner. If I go for that DTL shot, it statistically is a tougher shot and my error rate will rise. I'll end up losing more points than if I had played a more conservative shot.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Not me ... going dtl most of the time ... both bh and fh.

I'll stick with Wardlaw and the %s; when I try your way, I'd better be in the zone or else it's Error-ville.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

"Why on earth do "most" relate your playing to that of ATP?" Pointless.

Where did @ByeByePoly mention or even allude to ATP?

"IT instruction offers very little." You cannot talk to these guys, only help them make more money.

I don't see how this relates to the discussion at hand.

And you can talk to "these guys"; you can even take full-on lessons [although I haven't seen any yet that are real-time; at least some of them will review video of your play and provide feedback].

This is worthy of another thread, though; it doesn't add to this thread's discussion.

 

[Jake Speeed]

Where did @ByeByePoly mention or even allude to ATP?



I don't see how this relates to the discussion at hand.

And you can talk to "these guys"; you can even take full-on lessons [although I haven't seen any yet that are real-time; at least some of them will review video of your play and provide feedback].

This is worthy of another thread, though; it doesn't add to this thread's discussion.

"Let's see...what did I do the last time I played Kerber? ... "


You guys just don't want to be serious. You leave me no choice but to Block your words. This is the only way I can separate those that truly what help and a conversation, from those who are "playing" me for a fool.

So be it.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

"Let's see...what did I do the last time I played Kerber? ... "


You guys just don't want to be serious. You leave me no choice but to Block your words. This is the only way I can separate those that truly what help and a conversation, from those who are "playing" me for a fool.

So be it.

Oh, I thought you were referring to his most recent post, not one 13 posts in the past. That's what had me confused. By "Block" I assume you mean "quote". If so, I have no problem with anyone quoting anything I've written.

I believe @ByeByePoly's reference to Kerber was tongue-in-cheek; my response to him certainly was.

So, yes, I was deliberately trying to not be serious [ie make a joke].

 

[Nostradamus]

You guys plan on practicing with Proton ball machines since this virus is killing the doubles game ? i have mine coming soon hopefully.

 

[ByeByePoly]

I'll stick with Wardlaw and the %s; when I try your way, I'd better be in the zone or else it's Error-ville.

I ran into the other side of that risk. I was steady enough from the baseline to win matches from the baseline, but not the top players in the bracket ... AND too many 2+ hour matches in the heat which would take it’s toll trying to advance. A steady, moderate pace baseliner has limited options to introduce offense to flip the script. One was s&v, another chip and charge ... and my 3rd was take CCs and hit most dtl. I don’t ever remember that conscious thought of hit more dtl ... I think it just happened out of necessity given the limited options available for me to generate any form of offense. I think baseline grinding and cc% is great if you were the best at it ... but not great if it put you in the middle of the pack (if your goal is to win tournaments). I ended up with low ue avg pace dtl out of necessity, and would not have succeeded without it. So my risk would have been the so-called % play. In particular the flat 1hbh dtl worked for me. Typical baseline point ... ropa dope counterpunch ... then get the right cc to my bh and bh dtl gained control of point.

Even when s&v was no longer an option... I still played the same from baseline ... a lot of dtl, some cc, almost never in the middle. I bet I have hit fewer dtm shots in singles than anyone here ... and that’s a lot of years.

Everyone has to figure out how they win points ... not the same for everyone and not against every opponent. I relentlessly attacked BHs ... like a heat seeking missile. Hardly ever ran into 1hbh players where that didn’t work, often ran into 2hbh players that made you think “now what ... where was their fh located”.

 

[ByeByePoly]

"Let's see...what did I do the last time I played Kerber? ... "


You guys just don't want to be serious. You leave me no choice but to Block your words. This is the only way I can separate those that truly what help and a conversation, from those who are "playing" me for a fool.

So be it.

Come on ... the Kerber line was ttw comedy gold. That gal is lethal hitting on the run from a corner.

I refuse to take any of us serious.

 

[Happi]

You guys plan on practicing with Proton ball machines since this virus is killing the doubles game ? i have mine coming soon hopefully.

Courts has been closed down in my country

 

[Jake Speeed]

Courts has been closed down in my country

78' apart and then some?

 

[ChaelAZ]

You guys plan on practicing with Proton ball machines since this virus is killing the doubles game ? i have mine coming soon hopefully.

Arizona is still allowing court time, so I have a practice tonight at 5p, then dubs from 6-8p. Gonna keep getting on court as much as possible while I can.

 

[Happi]

78' apart and then some?

??

 

[norcal]

Which country @Happi ? When ours were shut down I was so lucky to be able to use a family friend's court, it saved my sanity (I love my family but being with them 24/7 =

) So far exercise is still allowed here but the lockdowns are getting stricter.

I think the 78' @Jake Speeed is referring to is distance between players (i.e. safe distance).

 

[Dartagnan64]

Arizona is still allowing court time, so I have a practice tonight at 5p, then dubs from 6-8p. Gonna keep getting on court as much as possible while I can.

It's sad that our club closed down doubles and our province averages 700 cases a day. Arizona is getting about 7000 cases a day and still allows doubles.

Granted I'm not saying Arizona is doing it wrong as I think doubles is a safe form of exercise. But it's just funny how different places decide what to shut down and what not to.

But I don't want to get political or the moderators will shut this fine thread down. Glad someone gets to still play some doubles.

 

[Happi]

Which country @Happi ? When ours were shut down I was so lucky to be able to use a family friend's court, it saved my sanity (I love my family but being with them 24/7 =

) So far exercise is still allowed here but the lockdowns are getting stricter.

I think the 78' @Jake Speeed is referring to is distance between players (i.e. safe distance).

I am in Denmark and they closed down all indoor sports facilities including tennis courts - some hybrid clay courts are still open, but it is wet and cold and not very inspiring weather at this moment. We don't have outdoor hard court here.

Never heard about that 78' rule (2 meter), must be hard to play any double.

 

[Jake Speeed]

??

Baseline to baseline.

 

[Happi]

Baseline to baseline.

So if the courts are closed down, I guess that 78' rule does not matter too much

 

[Happi]

It's sad that our club closed down doubles and our province averages 700 cases a day. Arizona is getting about 7000 cases a day and still allows doubles.

Granted I'm not saying Arizona is doing it wrong as I think doubles is a safe form of exercise. But it's just funny how different places decide what to shut down and what not to.

But I don't want to get political or the moderators will shut this fine thread down. Glad someone gets to still play some doubles.

I guess these numbers are always a product of the population and how many is tested. A more interesting number is the % of people getting tested that are positive.

I agree that outdoor tennis including doubles are a safe form of exercise - indoor tennis (or sports) I don't this is as safe.

 

[PhxRacket]

With the exception of Northern Arizona University, there are no indoor courts for Arizonans. We play outside all year long.

 

[Jake Speeed]

I guess these numbers are always a product of the population and how many is tested. A more interesting number is the % of people getting tested that are positive.

I agree that outdoor tennis including doubles are a safe form of exercise - indoor tennis (or sports) I don't this is as safe.

Don't believe the numbers.

 

[Happi]

Don't believe the numbers.

Dont go there Jake......

 

[movdqa]

I'm playing indoors for the first time since Spring. I checked the online reservation system and it looks like nobody has used the courts today - we're the only group scheduled for the whole day as of late this morning. The courts are blocked off in the evening and I'm not sure why that is unless they are going to open the track or basketball court.

The person I'm hitting with is the same person I've been hitting with for several decades. His son is going to be there as well. He lives in Australia but has quarantined here for two weeks. So we should be good. It looks like people are quite reluctant to go to the gym and play tennis though many are maintaining their club memberships so that the club can stay viable until we're all vaccinated.

 

[Jake Speeed]

Dont go there Jake......

Go where?

 

[Happi]

Go where?

Glad you got my point

 

[Jake Speeed]

Glad you got my point

Did you see that long bullet pass?

 

[Dartagnan64]

I know your point and it's not working. I made my point and stand by it.

Are you Forum police?

There are forum police and any thread that gets loaded with COVID misinformation gets deleted. So best not to bring up COVID at all.

 

[Jake Speeed]

There are forum police and any thread that gets loaded with COVID misinformation gets deleted. So best not to bring up COVID at all.

OK,

I'm beginning to understand. Thank you, the both of you.

I could "edit?" Should I do that?

 

[movdqa]

Played 70 minutes indoors. It was so easy hitting indoors which says more about the quality of the outdoor courts in my area.

The other court was empty as was the hockey rink. There were a bunch of pre-school kids in the basketball court and one person walking around the court. I would guess that we were the only players at the club for the whole day.

So I generally felt okay but I sanitized in the car and at home.

 

[Fintft]

It's sad that our club closed down doubles and our province averages 700 cases a day. Arizona is getting about 7000 cases a day and still allows doubles.

Granted I'm not saying Arizona is doing it wrong as I think doubles is a safe form of exercise. But it's just funny how different places decide what to shut down and what not to.

But I don't want to get political or the moderators will shut this fine thread down. Glad someone gets to still play some doubles.

They started to let our members play doubles again, indoor, red clay.

 

[Cage Rattler]

Driving around 500km tomorrow up the coast for a Seniors tourney, drove about 1400km one way for a tourney at high altitude about six weeks ago ... South Africa is a large country and Cape Town is right at the southern part. All hard court, unfortunately missed the clay season in Germany this year due to travel restrictions.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

??

A tennis court is 78' long.

 

[Deleted member 765152]

I am in Denmark and they closed down all indoor sports facilities including tennis courts - some hybrid clay courts are still open, but it is wet and cold and not very inspiring weather at this moment. We don't have outdoor hard court here.

Never heard about that 78' rule (2 meter), must be hard to play any double.

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”