5 Handy Tips

When you are involved in a match and need help deciding what to do, look to your hand for the answer.  Make a fist and then follow these simple directions:

P = In Play Stick up the thumb – the most important part of the hand which stands for “Get the ball in Play.

D = Direction With the thumb still up, extend the index finger and point which stands for “Direction” which has 3 options: down the line, cross court or down the center.

D = Depth With the Thumb and first finger still extended, the next and middle finger stands for “Depth” and there are 3 depths: near the baseline, near the service line and near the net. With depth you will add a special ingredient to help you – Height. Height stands for the clearance of  your shot above the net to assist the depth of your shot.

S = Spin The last two fingers are the controlling fingers.  The ring finger stands for “Spin” and spin helps to control the depth of the shot and there are 3 spins: topspin, underspin and sidespin.

S = Speed The last finger is really important.  The little finger has huge importance, it stands for “Speed” and there are 3 speeds: level 3 = as hard as you can hit – without missing, level 2 = a rally speed that enables you to keep a 10-20 ball rally going and level 1 = a loopy-spinny shot that everyone hates to play against.

While coaching may not be allowed on court, you can put the letters P, D, D, S & S on the tips of each of your 5 digits and in the palm of your hand write the word, “coach”.

The coach says, “If you need help, the answer will be in your hand.  There are 5 ways to control a match.  The first 3; in play, direction and depth are managed by the last 2; spin and speed.  Together that provide you with 13 options to solve the problem you are facing in the match.

Play = 1 option – over the net and in the court

Direction = 3 directions to aim the ball

Depth = 3 depths to play

Spin = 3 kinds of spins to impart to the ball

Speed = 3 kinds of speeds to use

You do not need to try all of these at one time. Individually or together they give you options and a focus point in defining a purpose or plan for the defeat of your opponent.

So the next time you are facing a challenging situation in a match, look to your hand for a “Handful of Answers.”

These 5 options make a great lesson plan if you are teaching others the strategy of the game or working on your own game.  If you or your students are unable to perform these 5 options, you now have a great “technical” lesson plan.  Teach and learn “how” to execute the strokes necessary to achieve the 5 strategies in the hand.

For other innovate approaches to playing and teaching “The Game”, go to www.kendeharttennis.com.

Send me questions about your game, training techniques or drills and I will give you weapons to develop a competitive game – regardless of your level.

Photo Credits: 1

• Ken DeHart Presents “Strategy and Tactics of Tennis” at Missouri Valley USPTA USPTA Master Professional, Ken DeHart was the kick-off speaker at the 2009 Missouri Valley USPTA Conference at the Homestead Country Club in Kansas City, Missouri. Ken presented a 4 hour continuing education course on Strategy and Tactics to more than 80 tennis teaching professionals and high school coaches attending......
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