Thursday, December 25, 2014

Ten Points to Better Singles


There are many helpful reminders for the game of singles. Here's a few that I've found to be true in my own game. These ten pointers will get you to the next level for sure. Competitive matches require you to keep your head if your going to win.

1. Serve with an intention, i.e., serve wide to pull the opponent off court. Serve inside to keep the rally down the middle. This one's going at the body because I haven't shown this yet. On my second serve I'm going to keep my racquet speed fast and drive my serve to locations, using some spin to improve my consistency, but; I'm not going to give my opponent batting practice.

2. Return with an intention, i.e., if the ball is served to the T side I'm going down the the line. If the ball is served wide I'm going cross court. I'm going to get myself in front of the ball and drive it back with a drive return deep, because he has been teeing off on my lack luster returns.

3. During wide cross court rallies hit solid deep shots cross court. How you hit it cross court is your game style. I like to launch solid drives to the corners as this gives my opponent less time to react and more likely to keep the rally at least neutral. I don't like being yanked around the court like a puppet on a string. The deeper and faster the ball the less likely this is to happen.

4. Return deep middle balls to the side that feels right. This means you can go to either wing of your opponent. If possible launch your weapon shot (if you have one) to the weaker side or the side which is most available.

5. Short balls management: either dish them cross court if they are low and untenable, or pound it to the most pressure location if the shot is above the net. You must master the attack of short balls on both your wings. Players are too good no not to take advantage of them. You should practice them as much as serves and returns which are the two most important shots of the game. Following the "shorty" to the net depends on your game style, size, volley ability, opponent's passing ability, and how much distress you've caused your opponent. There's a lot of material there. A general rule to follow for most players is--"go to the net to finish a point, not start one." That means if you approach to a closed court with your opponent standing there, you'd better have some great stuff on your shot and a great net game. A good opponent is going to make you play. Going to the net to finish a point is more of an open court situation where you have given your opponent a difficult shot to handle and a weak return is likely, or that you are making them run a long distance to hit a difficult passing shot.

6.When an opponent is at the net, pass with a dipping shot to get them volley up, if you are inside the baseline and balanced. If those two requirements are not met, then you should lob and make it a good one. Practice defense often. If you can score on defense, it's like forcing a fumble. It produces changes of momentum.

7. Against a heavy hitter (one with pace, spin or both) back up in the court to create space for yourself and give yourself time to get ready to leverage the shot. You may have to lengthen your follow-through to stay on line with the ball and respect its power line. Don't get creative with a power hitter. Hit clean yourself and don't give them short stuff to pound on. Most power players (good ones, are consistent too). Focus on getting in great position and hit your corners. Don't be afraid of big shots. Standing up closer to counter punch is another idea (sending the ball back quick giving your opponent less reaction time). If you can be successful shortening up and timing that, then do it. Personally, I'm not so inclined.

8. Take easy balls early. Take away your opponent's reaction time. Anytime you get an easy shot with or without height, get to it early, take it on the rise (above the net for higher balls) and punish it and or place it. Attack when given the chance. Don't push. You will loose for sure against great players. Practice for playing great players not poor ones.

9. Don't get creative. Stick to the fundamental strategies of the game.  If you are not winning, try to improve execution. This could be mental, getting the body into a relaxed state of performance, Stick to your style. Be true to yourself. Don't try new strokes that you haven't had the chance to own. Don't start serving and volleying if your a baseline player. Change your tactics not your style. If you feel you can play better, get better timing, improve your returns and serve, then that could be all it takes to get competitive. Once your competing, you then can make other adjustments. The more you get in those situations the better you will handle them.

10. Practice with intensity. Hit hard, deep, with direction. Train with someone who delivers power and spin as well. See how many hard drives you can keep going. Train in all areas of your game with focus and intensity. Serves, returns, rallying, approach shots, volleys, overheads, lobs, passing shots, drop shots, and angles, etc. Also strive to improve your techniques, timing, and court coverage ability. Obviously you cant do everything everyday. I think its important to a least do a cordial warm-up (all shots) right away (ten minutes). Request a few practice shots of one area of your game. Your practice partner may want this as well. Then rally practice: start by keeping the ball deep and easy and develop timing and build the pace up to as high as you can while still maintaining consistency. Then play points (serve five each, play tie-breaks, or games.) There are many drill games also. I like playing real points because I feel the pressure adds to the competition. If you don't have pressure then you are not training to play up for higher levels. Pressure is good. Take care of all the little things really well. Practice agility, strength training for tennis, stretch, eat and sleep well. If you prepare well you will be prepared for higher levels of competition. I think playing three out of five sets is great training once in a while because you get plenty of stamina work in and your body will be used to the demands of tournament play. Any practice is better than no practice. Practice and train as much as you can. Do what works best for you.




Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Ten Points To Better Doubles

1. Get your first serve in because it sets up your partner for a possible poach.
2. Return the serve cross court, well.
3. Rally Cross Court, well.
4. After every shot transition to the net or behind the baseline and split-step.
5. Make easy volleys. Don't get greedy or to creative.
6. When you and your partner are at the net, and have a high easy ball, go to the short side, not deep.
7. Hit passing shots down the middle, most of the time.
8. If you are deep behind the baseline and both players are at the net, lob.
9. The secret sauce of the game is poaching diagonally at the net and cutting off baseline shots and 
    volleys.
10. Communicate: up, back, you, me, switch, go, and poaching signals.


Merry Christmas.

Tomorrow, ten basic points of singles.