The server can hit the first serve in any direction, with varying amounts of spin, and at any speed they want, on any given serve. Too often, a player hits the first serve very hard and flat and either out wide or down the “T”. This tends to produce a low percentage of first…
If you watch and listen to professional tennis on television you will often hear “serve plus one or return of serve plus one” mentioned. Today’s best players focus on and try to execute a good serve or a good return of serve as well as a good first shot following the serve or…
Almost every player has been told by their coach or tennis professional to “watch the ball”. This sounds like such a basic and easy instruction to follow, yet many of us still struggle to execute it. One of the problems is that seeing the ball actually make contact with the racquet is not likely,…
There is not one specific spot you should stand in to return serve. Each player has a certain area that they feel most comfortable returning serve from. Some players stand right on or inside the baseline. Many stand just behind the baseline and some even stand far behind the baseline. Players also adjust to…
Even though the newest racquet and string technology has enabled players to hit the ball with more speed and spin than ever, it has become increasingly difficult to hit a shot through your opponent. The modern player has learned how to take a few steps back from the baseline and turn defense into offense….
One of the most difficult tasks a player faces on the court is executing their “regular” shots and “normal” swings regardless of the type of ball that is hit to them. Using the swing that you have practiced and repeated over and over in previous matches will give you the best chance to hit…
Holding serve in the modern game of tennis has become more and more difficult. Players can now return serve more often and even use the speed of the serve to add to the offensive nature of their return. Holding serve now requires a one two punch on most points-a good serve and a good…
We have all heard the advice about hitting the ball to the middle in doubles whenever you are not sure where to go. This is very sound advice and usually works well. Another idea is to always go towards the baseline player (if there is one) to set up the point or if you…
Tennis players, coaches, and observers often speak about finishing or closing out a match. Some players seem to have great success in this situation and others struggle. The players who handle this scenario best tend to play “their game” despite the pressure. This means approaching each point the way they do throughout the match…
Many players who are trying to improve their game go out on a daily basis and hit balls–literally, they just hit tennis balls. This type of practice can be helpful when trying to develop muscle memory, time and rhythm, and, basically, to groove your strokes. There is a place for this but if you…