Time to Rally: Listen to the Real Experts

April 21, 2020 | By Steven Kaplan
Halep
Photo Credit: Brian Coleman/NY Tennis Magazine

 

We can’t let the cure be worse than the problem itself, and no, I’m not talking about sheltering-at home.

With so many tennis pros unable to instruct live, many have turned to making “instructional videos”. And while they give information, many are devoid of valuable insight and wisdom.

In my anecdotal study of 10 random videos (which by the way passes as settled science for many these days), 100 percent of these videos talked about what they were going to talk about, talked about why they were going to talk about it, gave a brief demonstration and then provided a recap. 

“The volley, it’s what you hit when you are up at net. Good volleys help you finish a point. Here’s a volley. See how I stepped in. Practice your volley and you will win more. See you on the court!”

I have maintained for many years that one of the most valuable resources all tennis players have is the availability to study high-resolution slow motion video of top players.

Why pay attention to interpretations of experts when you can learn directly from experts?

 


Steven Kaplan

Steven Kaplan is the owner and managing director of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as director emeritus of Lacoste Academy for New York City Parks Foundation and executive director and founder of Serve & Return Inc. Steve has coached more than 1,100 nationally-ranked junior players, 16 New York State high school champions, two NCAA Division 1 Singles Champions, and numerous highly-ranked touring professionals. Many of the students Steve has closely mentored have gone to achieve great success as prominent members of the New York financial community, and in other prestigious professions. In 2017, Steve was awarded the Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award by the USTA. He may be reached by e-mail at StevenJKaplan@aol.com.

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