Lob Options

The defensive lob is flat or sliced and is used when pulled out of position and requires a high cross court ball to get back into the point. This placement gives you the most time to recover and the opponent a difficult high deep ball to strike.

The offensive lob is a quick lob that is used as a passing shot that leaves the net player with a defensive shot: if the lob is executed correctly. It is best hit over the backhand and can be hit down the line or cross court.

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease

Australian

S=server, R=receiver, P=partner, O=opponent

The Australian net position is used to cut off difficult returns by the receiver and forces the receiver to consider hitting down the line which is a more difficult return, especially on wide serves: there's not much court there and the net is higher.

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease

Australian Poach

S=server, R=receiver, P=partner, O=opponent

Poaching in the Australian position is easiest when the serve is placed down the middle. The receiver's best options are to a) rip it cross court anticipating a poach, b) hit the down the line anticipating a stay, c) hit a lob over the net player to take them off the net.

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease

Forward Net Position

S=server, R=receiver, P=partner, O=opponent

This graphic demonstrates two net players, the one in front of the ball is in the offensive volley zone, the other is set back in the defensive volley zone and can cover the lob. World class players both move into the offensive zone because of their athletic court coverage abilities.

Also, the third of the court that gives the opponent the hardest shot is left open.

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease

Inside Groundstrokes

An inside groundstroke is when you position yourself in the court so that the flight of the on coming ball does not cross the plane of your body. A ball that crosses in front of you is called an outside shot.

Inside shots give you more natural hip rotation and "leverage the ball easier than outside shots." I would much rather run around a backhand to whip a forehand up the line than play an outside backhand up the line. Changing the direction of a cross court shot is much easier using "inside strokes."

Pros today us inside shots for leverage, controling the center of the court, and disguise (there's no rule saying you have to hit down the line with an inside shot. You can fire right back with no change of direction "inside-out.")

Another benefit of inside shots is that you have to move more to get in position to strike which combates lazy feet and accepting crosscourt predictability for outside shots. This shot should be used on return of serves as well.

All players can benefit from this tennis play!


Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease

Serve and Volley Forehand

S=server, R=receiver, P=partner, O=opponent

This shows the natural directional and depending where the volley is placed will open or close the court.

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease

Serve and Volley Backhand

S=server, R=receiver, P=partner, O=opponent

This shows the natural directional and keeps the court closed!

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease

Singles Approach Down the Line

S=server, R=receiver

Down the line keeps you in front of the angle of return and forces your opponent to react faster to pass you.

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease

Singles Approach Cross Court

S=server, R=receiver

Approaching cross court from the outer third of the court gives your fast opponent too much court for you to cover; not a good idea.

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease

How to beat a retriever

What is a retriever?

This is a player who gets everything back--just like my golden. The ball keeps coming back no matter what I throw them.

Strategy One:

Be patient (without looking like you forgot how to play) and stay with your solid fundamentals: turn, move to the ball with quick adjusting steps, finish, and then recover. When you finally get a short ball work your shot combinations (game style) that finish the point. The less pressure you put on them the longer you must rally. It can be frustrating but you must rally patiently till they offer something to you. Do not get creative! That's exactly what retrievers like to do; take you out of your rythm.

Strategy Two:

Hit a short ball and bring them to the net to open court.
Strategy Three:

Charge the net when the opportunity strikes; be ready, the retriever has great lobs, trust me.