September 2010

THE AUSTRALIAN FORMATION – A “DOWN UNDER” VICTORY EVERY TIME!

The Australian Formation is a unique doubles team formation. Use of this formation can result in more points won in your matches.  The serving team’s add court poacher moves to left of the center service line slightly in front of the service line.  The server, instead of positioning 3-5 feet to the left of the center marker, positions himself just  left of the service marker (as if serving for singles).  The purpose of the Australian Formation is many-fold.  By going “Aussie” the serving team forces the opponent to make a difficult down the line return instead of the easier cross court return. This usually generates more errors on the return of serve. Another advantage of the Australian formation: the server’s forehand groundstroke opportunity is enhanced --- which often sets up the poacher’s forehand volley --- a winning combination!   

Going “down under” with the Aussie formation is a good strategic move for teams that know each other well.  Try practicing the Australian Formation with your favorite partner.  Learn to incorporate this strategy into your game plan. For more tips on how to add this winning formation to your arsenal, consult your USPTA certified  teaching professionals here at Great Hills Country Club.

SEE YOU ON THE COURTS!

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September USTA Rules Scenario

In a doubles match, a player on Team A calls a ball out.  Their partner immediately calls the ball in and successfully lobs the ball deep into Team B’s court.  Team B stops play and says the point is theirs since Team A’s players disagreed on the call.  Team A says since they returned the ball, the point should be replayed.  Who is correct?

Team A is correct.  USTA CodeItem 12 states: “If a player mistakenly calls a ball “out” and then realizes it was good, the point shall be replayed if the player returned the ball within the proper court.  Nonetheless, if the player’s return of the ball results in a “weak sitter”, the player should give the opponent the point.  If the player failed to make the return, the opponent wins the point.  If the mistake was made on the second serve, the server is entitled to two serves.”

August 2010

Playing GREAT Tennis

Playing GREAT tennis includes a commitment to playing assertive, yet high percentage tennis --- rather than aggressive, yet low percentage tennis. 

• Assertive high percentage tennis includes making a high percentage of first serves, hit with precision and spin.
• Assertive high percentage tennis includes returning a high percentage of first serves --- getting the ball in play, using a chip or block return if need be.
• Assertive high percentage singles tennis includes keeping your ground strokes deep --- stressing cross court play --- and selectively using the down the line or inside out shot to move and tire the opponent. 
• Assertive high percentage doubles tennis regularly includes lobbing the net man.
• Aggressive, low percentage tennis means hitting the first serve flat as hard as you can all the time, but getting only 20-40 percent in play. 
• Aggressive, low percentage tennis means trying to hit a winner off of every return of serve.
• Aggressive, low percentage doubles play can include rushing the net on every ball and getting lobbed over regularly. 
• Aggressive, low percentage tennis includes never lobbing when the opponent comes to net, always trying to pass.
  
  Book a lesson with your GREAT HILLS Professional Tennis Staff to learn more about playing GREAT Tennis here at Great Hills Country Club!

August USTA Rules Scenario

At 6-6 in a match, Team A mistakenly begins a standard game and wins 2 points before either team realizes they should be playing a Tie-Break.  Does Team A retain its 2 points in the tie break or must the teams start over?

Neither.  Rule Number 27g of USTA “The Rules of Tennis”states, “the set will continue as an “Advantage set” until the score reaches 8 games all (or a higher even number), when a tie-break game shall be played.”  This means that the 2 teams will continue playing standard games until one team is ahead by 2 games and wins the set, or the score is even, at which time a tie-break begins.  While the “Rules of Tennis” states 8 games all or higher, “Tennis Magazine”, when asked this question, stated that a tie-break could be played at 7 games all.

SEE YOU ON THE COURTS!