Aug. 2024

EXTEND, EXTEND, EXTEND

One of our biggest obstacles to success is failure to extend as we hit.   When offering instruction especially to new and inexperienced players I like referring to you tube videos of Nadal’s forehand.   I hear comments from random players at times about Nadal’s “Big Swing”.  From my observation Nadal is far more compact than he appears.   The reason he looks like he has a huge swing is because he has tremendous extension - his arm and racquet finish straight away and fully extended thru the shot.  This is why he hits with tremendous power and topspin and his ball is described as being “Heavy”.   Stopping short is a common occurrence for all of us everyday mortals.  This leads to erratic play, loss of power and can even lead to injuries.  Even tempo with proper extension is critical to successful play!

“Square Up, Stand Tall, Step n Hit”

June 2024

Routine, Routine, Routine

Did I say Routine?! My wife tells me it is good that I am not important enough to be kidnapped because I am VERY habitual - I do and like the same thing every day! I reply that she should be pleased that after nearly 45 years of marriage I like the same thing every day!

Establishing a Routine is in my opinion critical to success on the court…and…our Routine needs to be with “Purpose” - have a goal in mind with every stroke we make, especially on service. Do not strike the ball only intending to strike the ball. We will talk “Strategy” in another discussion but for now establish a GOAL for each stroke, point, game, etc.

“Square Up, Stand Tall, Step n Hit”

May 2024

RELAX & EXTEND - “Stand Tall”

I have a strong dislike for the word “Choke”. “Tension” just sounds better and makes me feel better about myself when I “Choke”!

Even though advanced players experience tension it is usually less pronounced due to the consistent repetition in their swing. For the rest of us it can be a significant obstacle. However, let’s avoid looking at it being totally mental. In my opinion we can incorporate technique that will assist us. Relaxation on the court is a product of a proper swing and a proper swing is not possible without good Extension. Good extension is not possible without “Relaxing” the Body - in other words “Stand Tall” - Head Up for better Vision, allow the arms and body to extend, do not scrunch up so to speak - sometimes even just stepping back for just a moment & taking a deep breath and clearing the mind might help.

“Square Up, Stand Tall, Step n Hit”

How often do we or we see players first move after their opponent strikes the ball as “backpedaling”? The feet get “Happy” or “Stutter” and we fall back in order to play the ball at a “comfortable level”. Once we start backward we have ceded control to our opponent and we generally will hit a weak shot. Then the only way we effectively get back in the point is for our opponent to allow us back in.

STAND YOUR GROUND!

It is ok to back up to reposition ourselves but once your opponent has struck the ball do not fall back. Sometimes our opponent hits a really good ball and we have to scramble but all things being equal do not “Give Up Territory” so to speak without your opponent earning it!

“Square Up, Stand Tall, Step n Hit”

Feb 2024

TECHNIQUE, TECHNIQUE, TECHNIQUE

How many advertisements do we see promoting strings and/or racquets for spin, power, comfort, a cure for tennis elbow, etc. Do not underestimate the power of marketing! For those of you who are old enough to remember Mr Whipple and “Don’t Squeeze the Charmin” he was once voted the most despised man in America but he was one of if not Charmin’s most successful sellers of Charmin Bathroom Tissue. Strings and racquets can certainly assist our efforts but ALWAYS remember that spin, power and being injury free are a direct result of good Technique! No string or racquet can furnish the desired results without it!

“Square Up, Stand Tall, Step n Hit”

Jan 2024

SWING & EXPECT

How many times do we “Hit & Hope”? For many of us this is a regular occurrence - hoping that the ball will go in when we hit it. Can we all relate to that? Advanced players do not do that. They have swings that are built to “Travel”. That means they have consistent and proper technique that is “Repeatable” and competitive no matter where they play. No two players are alike - we all have our personal quirks that are not necessarily negative…but…when those quirks are obstacles to success then we need to consider adjustments. In short, let’s

work toward making a “Repeatable” swing with which we “Expect” Consistent Results. We will discuss technique as we progress but let’s develop a swing with which we are “surprised” that the ball did not go in rather than “relieved” that it did go in!

“Square Up, Stand Tall, Step n Hit”