Tip of the Week: Hit Your Spots
Even though the game of tennis has gotten faster and faster with players hitting the ball harder and harder, there is no substitute for good ball placement. A player who can target their opponent’s weaker shot, hit the ball to the open part of the court, and use the change of direction when the player is expecting something else, will be extremely hard to beat.
When watching the pros, notice how well they hit their spots. This is very evident when they are serving. Since the serve is the only shot that you have total control over, it is extremely important to be able to hit it short and wide, deep and directly at the opponent, and close to the “T”. By mixing up these serves and using good speed, with even better accuracy, you can really frustrate the player on the other side of the net.
The best players can do this during the rallies as well, pinpointing their shots so that they can open up the court and take advantage of the weaker replies when their opponent is on the run. Focus on a circular target that is about two feet in diameter. This will give you a specific area to land the ball, but also a good enough margin for error so that a less than perfect shot is still effective.
Hit your spots more often than the other player and you will likely come out on top at the end of the match.
Steve Annacone, USPTA Elite Pro, is the Director of Annacone Tennis, www.annaconetennis.com and MyHamptonsPro, www.myhamptonspro.com throughout the Hamptons, NY. In addition, Steve, Phil Lepisto, and Gill Gross run the ACT (Advanced Competition Team) program at the Tucson Jewish Community Center (Tucson, AZ) for high level players ages 8-18. Please contact Steve at sannacone@tucsonjcc.org or 865-300-7323
