The Directionals

Paul Wardlaw logged these axioms as the Directionals. There are doubles and singles directionals. Here are the singles:

Picture the singles court split into thirds running vertical. So if you are standing at the center slash mark you are in the middle of the center third, flanked by a backhand third (lefty forehand), and a forehand third (lefty backhand).

The system says that hitting a ball on the outer thirds (outside shots) should go cross-court. Inside balls (shots you run around to hit the alternative side, i.e. a run-around forehand (avoiding the backhand to hit a forehand). These run around shots are best hit down the line Both outside and inside shots placements allow for natural rotation of the hips and control the center of the court. Hence, they are the most percentage to hit. Outside shots that you hit down the line are called anti-directional. Only go anti-directional when you think you can force your opponent to error and you are set up for it; perhaps when your inside the baseline and you are balanced to strike a hurtful ball.

This is just a short overview of the system. Enjoy.

Coach "K"