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…
The modern forehand at the professional level, especially on the men’s side of the game, is typified by parabolic swing shapes, leg explosion and hip rotation, mid-air ball striking, lower, reversed and inverted finishes—and most of all—elasticity. Looking back at the evolution of tennis technique over the past 30-40 years, the dramatic change is…
The grip when hitting a one-handed backhand should be held so that the “v” formed by your thumb and index finger is on the first bevel to the left of the top of the grip( for a right hander). From the ready position, turn your shoulders and hips, placing your right foot (for right…
It is easy to over analyze what is going on in a tennis match, especially if you are the one competing. Try to start the point with a very simple idea: If you are the server, focus on getting the first serve in. I would recommend serving to the middle of the box initially…
Next week, Bethpage Park Tennis Center will host back-to-back tennis clinics, both of which will be free of charge. First, the club will host an IMG Academy Clinic featuring Nick Bollettieri on Friday, February 7 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. In addition to Bollettieri, the clinic will also feature representatives from IMG Academy, who…