Coaching

There is a big difference between hitting a tennis ball and playing a point. There is also a big difference between practicing and playing an actual match. When I am working with a player, I do my best to emphasize technique and simple key thoughts while structuring the practice situation to...Read more

I wish someone had given me a simple idea about how I should be playing points earlier in my tennis career. I think I basically hit the ball and waited to see what would happen. This sounds crazy to me now, but I think a lot of players still play like this. Here is my advice on how to play a point...Read more

Volleying is a lost art. There are a handful of players on the ATP and WTA tours that are extremely good at it. The majority of players tend to rely on their hands and the movement of the racquet when they volley. Even though the game has gotten faster, your step should be part of the volley. Keep...Read more

Once or twice a year, a tennis player will walk on the court and everything will go right. The first serve goes in and the placement is perfect. The player is seeing the ball extremely well and the contact is solid and consistent. Strategy seems easy and even the simplest ideas are winning points...Read more

I have been working with students and interacting with parents at many different levels in tennis for more than 20 years. I currently teach group and private lessons, run a program for 25 autistic students and run USTA tournaments. My experience has been with students ranging from the beginner...Read more

This is the second part of Barbara Wyatt's Hindrance Quiz. Click Here to read Part One . The Hindrance Quiz checks your understanding of the ITF and USTA rules of hindrances. Correct answers are the simple quick answers, not burdened with a barrage of what-ifs or embellished with nuances on the...Read more

Most players dread the low reply from their opponent when approaching the net. This is a difficult shot but if you can handle it, your opponent is likely to be surprised and frustrated. This will force them to attempt a clean passing shot which is not a high percentage play for anyone. The key to...Read more

The way you string your tennis racquet can have a dramatic effect on your game. If a racquet is strung very tight (58 pounds or more), the ball will not rebound off the strings as much. This means you will have to swing harder to generate a faster shot. By stringing at a lower tension (52 pounds or...Read more

Playing your sport and being an athlete is a job. You have to prepare, work hard, and ultimately strive to successfully complete a task, which should be to play your best. Below are some skills that are needed to successful at any job or sport. Be prepared One important skill of performing any job...Read more

A document was recently published by a group of doctors stating that tennis is a 1 (on a scale of 1-10) in terms of likelihood of transmitting the COVID-19 disease. This should send a "learn how to play tennis" message out to everyone who is looking for some great exercise, social interaction (from...Read more