Archive for the ‘Tennis Tips’ Category
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“I” Receiving Formation – Both Back
**This UDF works well at club level play, USTA league play, junior and high school matches as well as college matches. This (UDF) Unusual Doubles Receiving Formation puts the receiver and partner on the same side of the court. The receiver (let’s say – deuce court) is in regular receiving position. The receiver’s partner is [...]
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“I” Serving Formation – Both Back
**This UDF works well at club level play, USTA league play, junior and high school matches as well as college matches.. This (UDF) Unusual Doubles Formation puts the server in the center of the court to serve like a singles player. Their partner is standing directly behind them. The serving team decides if the server [...]
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Begin with the End in Mind
When you begin a point, you need to start with the end in mind…. where do you want the ball to go? You have to select a target. Once you have selected a target…down the line, down the center, cross court or an angle, you can begin to choose the spin and the speed you [...]
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Ken’s Tournament Preparation Blog
It is tournament time again for me. As a tennis teaching professional, I seldom have time to really prepare for a tournament like the pros – of course, I don’t and never have played like them. So when I planned to play in the USPTA Nationals on Marco Island, Florida this September I had a [...]
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The 3 Parts of a Ground Stroke – “TTF”
What are the basic parts of a forehand or a backhand ground stroke? Many factors may go into the essentials of successfully beginning and completing either ground stroke. Footwork & positioning of the feet and the body for the stroke Grip tension Tracking of the ball Intended target and direction of the ball Desired spin [...]
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Winning the Warming Up – in The Warm Up
When you go to the court to play your next doubles match, take control of the match from the beginning. Introduce yourselves to your opponents. Spin the racquet before beginning the warm up so you will be on the correct side when warming up and know the serving order as to who will serve first, [...]
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Where does Power come from?
What are the secrets of power? – Not trying but let it flow…. 1. Just the thought of hitting “hard” will make you tense up and grip the racquet tightly. This does the exact opposite or what you are trying to achieve – it takes away your power. 2. Tension (level 4 or 5 on [...]
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What to do when things go bad?
My forehand/backhand keeps missing wide? Select a target rather than just cross court. Select a safer target 2-3 feet inside the lines. Keep you eyes still until you see the blur of your racquet go past your eyes – looking up re-directs your shot. Align your feet to get better position so your swing is [...]
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Present Yourself for the Win – Posture and Attitude
Whenever we enter into a competition, our greatest opponent can be ourselves. We will misguide ourselves into thinking we are doing something we aren’t. For many, when faced with the realization that this is happening, will bridge the gap and improve greatly as an athlete and player. The one thing that is vital for finding [...]
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The Value of Tennis Rituals in Serving
Rituals are automatic responses to a situation. In life we have rituals for getting up, driving our cars, eating and sleeping. In tennis we have rituals as well when we serve that help us to operate on an “automatic” or non-thinking level. The value of rituals in serving are many, here are 7: They remind [...]
