There is no one “best” way to play tennis. Some players win by keeping the ball in play and running down as many shots as possible. Others have big weapons like their serve or forehand, and can use those shots to get their opponent in trouble or win the point. There are players who are…
I have always thought my math skills were pretty good. My grades in every math related class I ever took were A’s; except for geometry (C). Ironically, one of the best things I do on the tennis court is to use angles to win the point…weird. Tennis is really all about math. If you…
Tennis professionals and coaches all have their own way of communicating. However, there are many words of wisdom coming from your instructors that have been repeated so many times, they get taken for granted and are often overlooked in a match situation. These can be your most helpful ideas out on the court when…
The recent rise of popularity in tennis is a positive sign for the future of the sport. As interest in the game increases, our main role as facilitators (parent or coach) is to create a welcoming environment that promotes life-long participation and enjoyment at both competitive and recreational levels. In order to spark engagement…
What happens when you show up to take a tennis lesson? Typically the pro will ask you what you want to work on. Being eager to improve your game you tell the coach that your backhand was off in your last league match. “Can you help me figure out what I am doing wrong…
At the beginning of this year, USPTA Eastern ushered in a new era in the organization’s history as Michael Smookler was named its new President. While Smookler is new to the role of President, he takes over the position with a wealth of experience on USPTA boards dating back to 2005. “Our goal is…
Tennis has changed. The balls are traveling much faster than ever before. Even at the club level, it is difficult to sustain a longer rally due to the lack of time in between shots. This change means that players need to be able to hit their shots from many different positions on the court….
This article is Part Two in a 10-part series from Dr. Tom Ferraro. Click Here to read Part One. Over the years I have learned a key intervention that helps tennis players in their effort to win is anticipating any and all problems that will occur during an event and preparing a reaction to it….
One of the biggest challenges of a tennis player is to compete at a high level in an official tournament match. Often there is a big drop, and the things that looked simple in practice at the local club all-week become harder. It seems to be more difficult when you play a Friday night…
Sometimes stating the obvious doesn’t seem as important as some complicated strategy or game plan that the experts promote. In Brad Gilbert’s Winning Ugly, he basically encourages the player to make shots, especially at the beginning of the match. Most players are not at 100 percent mentally or physically until they get in the heat…