The stance you use when hitting the ball determines the concentration needed concerning your shoulder turn. If you hit in the more conservative closed stance, where there is a turn step and hit, the shoulders will naturally turn sideways because the left leg (if right handed) is pointed toward the net. On the backhand side,…
To improve your level of play a variety of different shots are needed, one of which is the forehand slice. Let’s go over a few tips to help you hit it better, or if you are new at it, get started. Your first question is, I already have a decent topspin forehand why do I…
When playing doubles, we are positioned many times during the match at the service line, or we are attacking forward toward the net, in both cases, we are subject to low, oncoming shots that require us to pick the ball up off a short hop, that’s the half volley. I like to say the half…
Concentrate like anything. Relax and prepare for a long point. Keep the ball in play. Whatever you do, win the first point of every game. It makes it so much easier. Like riding a bike downhill. Once you have the first point under your belt, start concentrating on the second one. Same thing, no let…
If you are taking tennis lessons I hope your pro is explaining why certain ball reactions happen. The best instructors have the ability to teach the same thing by explaining it different ways. I may explain something one way but it is not understood by the pupil, having multiple explanations allows one of them to…
Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972 is celebrating its 40 anniversary. If you are a girl playing tennis, then you should be celebrating too because this legislation is having a profound and positive impact on your life. One study estimates that Title IX has increased female sports participation in high school and college…
It does happen once in a while. Even the best of callers, the most honest citizens, the one who gives the call to his opponent if there is ever a doubt … will be called a cheater or insinuated to be one. Toughen up. Thicken the skin. Stay calm. If you are uncertain of your…
You’re winning. That’s good. You’re composing your victory speech. That’s bad. You can still lose! Think about how devastating it will be to have been winning and then it all disappears. It can happen. It will happen. Unless you are so scared that you still might lose. The fear will keep you focused. Concentrate on…
Wishing, hoping and praying are great in houses of worship … but not on tennis courts. Especially "watching" your shot during play, "hoping and praying" that it stays in or wins the point. This can be very detrimental. The best thing to concentrate on is to keep moving … keep telling yourself, "hit and move."…
You’re down love-40 and your world is coming apart. Not to worry. Try to get temporary amnesia … in other words, forget about it. You only need three points to pull even and then two more to win the game. Play one point at a time, regular points, no going for intentional aces or winners. Just…