As a coach, I counsel many families about how much tennis children should train at different ages and whether to cross-train in other sports and it’s a common question on my podcast, The Prodigy Maker Show. The bottom line is that every kid is different. Some can play tennis exclusively from the start while…
In 2013, my article “Get A Grip” examined why poor grips are often “correcting compensations for movement dysfunction” because they offset poorly linked movements. Today I’d like to explore grip changes. You may not want to read further unless you’re brave as grips are the mysterious enigmas of tennis shrouded by esoteric names like…
One of the most important concepts a tennis player will learn is to take control of the point. Obviously, we cannot control everything that goes on in a tennis match. However, if you are able to control the point more often than your opponent, your chances of success greatly increase. Controlling the point can…
One of the quickest ways to elevate your club doubles game is through proper positioning, strategy and tactics. Club members are often out of position and struggling to get to balls and marvel how advanced players seem to know where the ball is going before it is struck by the opponent. Anticipation is the…
The best players in the world repeat a lot of the same ideas over and over again in their matches. This is a building block for consistency. Developing consistency starts with figuring out what is and what is not important for performance. Starting the point well with a good serve or return, and getting…
Coaches can have a positive impact on the lives of junior tennis players and this responsibility is the catalyst to work harder, learn best practices and improve. While true professionals create opportunities for their students, self-important one’s are boasting that they are “High-Performance” coaches by displaying only their student’s rankings. They hope you will…
The game of tennis has moved more and more towards using speed and power to win the point. This has made it more difficult to be successful at the net. Simplifying your volley technique has become extremely important. I have always emphasized very little racquet movement on the volley. Your focus should be on…
Serving and returning serve are the two most important shots in the game. However, just getting these shots in play is not going to be enough to win the match against a good player. The first shot that you hit in a match sets the tone for how the point will be played. It…
Each year, Steve Kaplan and the Bethpage Park Tennis & Education Center host a free clinic that brings together high school and middle school coaches from the Long Island and New York communities. This year, two more clinics were added to the event, which took place just days before the New York Tennis Expo…
The many benefits of physical activity Besides benefits on physical health, engaging in sports and physical activity has well-documented benefits also on the mental health and well-being of children and adults alike. These include decreased depressive symptoms, increased self-esteem, and improved social abilities—and these can be gained from participating in sports, both team and…