Tennis players use the split step to establish balance before reacting to the opponent’s shot. Both feet come off the ground and then hit the ground simultaneously. In the past, I instructed my students to do this right as the player is hitting the ball. However, the game has gotten faster and faster, with…
Over the years, I’ve found that one of the most difficult ideas to communicate to my students has been the benefit of serving directly at your opponent. Most good returners react extremely well when the serve is hit away from them. They are ready to turn, move and stretch for the serve. By hitting…
It is becoming more and more obvious that starting the point well in a match is really the key to controlling more of the points and hopefully, winning the match. Tennis has changed, with more players than ever capable of playing both offense and defense well. However, the best players still control the point…
This idea is going to sound obvious, but tennis is supposed to be basic. If you are serving, focus on getting the first serve in, then hitting a shot or two (usually crosscourt) to get the opponent moving, and then figure out a way to win the point. When returning serve, get the return…
It is human nature to hope that the shot you have just hit will win the point. Unfortunately, this type of thought during a match will not allow you to recover, prepare, and react if the shot does come back. One of the unique qualities of the best tennis players in the world is…
Sometimes your opponent is just better than you. This does not mean that you cannot win the match. As a matter of fact, it is likely that you have beaten better players if you have played a lot of matches. This is one of the great things about tennis. One of the measures of…
Many players these days hit the ball hard. This has produced a large number of players who actually prefer to play against the hard hitters. If it seems like the better you hit your shot and the faster you hit the ball, the better your opponent responds, it may be time to change things…
As a tennis professional and coach, I would like to think that my skills can guide a player towards success in a match. However, a player must be able to do things for themselves on the court that will increase their chance to play well. A player should pick one or two key technique…
There are obviously many aspects of coaching a tennis player. There are fundamentals, technique, footwork, strategy, sports psychology, etc. When a player is about to play a match, or in matches where coaching is allowed either during play or when players split sets, simple is best. Many times you can help the player by getting…
Balance on the tennis court means having your weight evenly distributed over both feet. Leaning in any direction means you are not balanced. It is important to be balanced as quickly as possible after you hit the ball, as well as just prior to your opponent’s hit. Many times after hitting a ball on…