Open Tennis Court Rates

When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth

By Steven Kaplan
Back in the day, men's tennis was ruled for a time by big-mouthed boors who railed against the injustices and perceived slights inflicted by the tennis establishment. The irony, of course, is that these rebels without a clue rarely played by the rules of sportsmen-like behavior. Some of these...Read more

Tips From The Pro: Go After Every Ball

By Steve Annacone
Challenge yourself to go after every ball. Many times during a point, it is natural to watch your opponent's shot and try to figure out whether you can get to it or not. By the time you have decided, it is too late. Instead, focus on turning your shoulders and taking your first step to the ball...Read more

Tips From The Pro:Dealing with Uncertain Conditions

By Steve Annacone
With the spring weather still a little unpredictable, remind yourself to use your feet and early preparation to help allow for some adjustments if the ball does not do what you expected. Adding to this issue is the fact that many people have been playing indoor tennis with very little change in...Read more

Walking From Memphis

By Steven Kaplan
The Memphis Open, the only indoor ATP tournament in the U.S., is leaving after 41 years and relocating to The Nassau Coliseum next February. Remember when pro tennis was scheduled to come to Long Island last year at Hempstead Lake State Park? That "event" folded before it got started, but this is...Read more

Tips From The Pro: Serve & Volley Basics

By Steve Annacone
Toss the ball a little more forward when deciding to serve and volley. It should feel as if you naturally need to take a few steps into the court after making contact with the ball. Continue in until your opponent is just about to start their forward swing. Just prior to their shot (regardless of...Read more

Tips From The Pro: The Drop Shot

By Steve Annacone
Many of us are geared towards hitting the ball through our opponent with power and depth. Using the drop shot in addition to this idea can make the court seem very big and difficult for your opponent to cover. The key to the drop shot is aligning the head of the racket with the ball, turning the...Read more

Tips From The Pro: Hit The Ball Early

By Steve Annacone
Watch the ball come off of your opponent's racquet, turn your shoulders for a forehand or a backhand, and get your feet moving to the ball. Try to make contact just out in front of your body and once you finish the shot, get ready for the ball to come back. There are several reasons to hit the ball...Read more

The Immortals

By Steven Kaplan
Roger Federer won the BNP Paribas Open last week after a recent six-month injury layoff. At the ripe age of 35, he is rewriting the record books, seemingly defying the laws of physics and human biology. With both Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray struggling, it's reasonable to pencil Roger in as an...Read more

Making Beating Adversity a Habit

By Emilio Sanchez-Vicario
I’m writing from the terrace of the players’ lounge at the Indian Wells event, where the view is incredible, and the desert mountains in the background resemble a postcard. Fernando Verdasco just finished his match, as the hot temperature reached its peak around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It was a...Read more

Tips From The Pro: Focus On The Serve and The Return

By Steve Annacone
The serve and return of serve are the two most important shots in tennis. These shots usually determine who will take control of the point. A high percentage of first serves hit three-quarters speed will produce better results than a low percentage of first serves hit at maximum speed. In doubles,...Read more

Tips From The Pro: Always Have a Game Plan

By Steve Annacone
It is so important to walk onto the court with a plan. A game plan may be as simple as hitting two or three crosscourt (or diagonal in doubles) groundstrokes and being patient at the baseline. Another basic plan can be to serve and volley on all first serves and work your way into the net gradually...Read more

Tips From The Pro: Get The Point Started

By Steve Annacone
If you are playing a match and you thought you had a great plan and strategy for success, but you find yourself struggling, go back to the basics. All points start with the serve and the return of serve. If you are not getting enough first serves in, make sure your idea is to hit the serve towards...Read more
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