Tip of the Month

 

 

July 2008

PLAYING TENNIS IN COLOR! (Part One of a 2-part article)

  • Tennis is a very challenging game. Physical agility is a big factor in winning,
    as well as the tools you have in your toolbox (your repertoire of shots). Yet it is often the decisions you make while playing that will determine whether you
    win or your lose.  The factors influencing these decisions are: 1) the score,
    2) what type of shot your opponent gives you, and, 3) what part of the court
    or “zone” you are in. 
  • We’re going to make use of the colors or “zones” of RED, YELLOW, GREEN
    to help determine how you make decisions during a match. The result will be more success on the courts! Each color will have a significant meaning or code behind it. RED means stop, play defensively, hit the ball high to buy some time.  YELLOW means play steady, keep the ball in play, play carefully, keep the ball deep. GREEN means go for it, hit the winner, attack the net. 
  • The RED zone is the area deep behind the baseline, 3-8 feet behind the baseline.  This is the area where you defend your opponent’s big power shots, i.e. the return of first serve. It is also where you will lob off their attacking corner shots.  Playing the ball high to buy time is key in this situation. Good foot speed and a defensive mind-set is essential.  The lob is your favorite shot here. Maximum ball clearance is key.
  • The YELLOW zone is the area just behind the baseline, 2-3 feet back. Keep the ball in play and play steady. Keeping your shots 2-3 feet over the net will neutralize your opponent’s offense. 
  • The GREEN zone is the area of the court inside the baseline, predominantly 3/4 quarter court and shorter.  If you play your shots deep to the corners, you can anticipate a “short ball” --- one that lands inside the service line.  This gives you a “green light” to attack the shot as an approach shot and come to net.  Some players today look to actually put this shot away as an outright winner.  Ball clearance here is not as important as hit the ball hard or keep the shot low and deep, causing weak returns from the opponent that you can easily put away with a volley or smash. 

     START PLAYING TENNIS IN COLOR FOR MORE SUCCESS ON THE COURT!

June 2008

Words of Wisdom from the Sages of Tennis         

  • In doubles, Billie Jean King used to say, “The only ball that bounces is the return of serve.  Get to the net and put the ball away.”
  • In doubles, Chris Evert use to say, “You don’t hit the ball up the middle unless you want to be poached. Use the alleys as much as possible.”
  • “The Ole Indian” a.k.a. Big Daddy remembers a couple of other wise words for  all of us:
    • Don’t take a ten dollar swing on a two cent shot.
    • Be efficient with your strokes.  Don’t take more swing than is necessary to win the point.
    • When you are positioned up at net in doubles and the shot comes to you, don’t let it bounce before you hit it.  Move up on the shot and put the ball away with your volley.
    • When returning a fast shot like a serve, shorten your swing and just chip or punch the ball back in play.  Don’t try to beat (outhit) the big serve, just meet it.

USE YOUR HEAD AND PUT THE ODDS IN YOUR FAVOR FOR MORE
POINTS ON THE COURT!

 

May 2008
           
Tennis is a game!

Games are made up of strategies and tactics and tennis is but a game. This means you need to think and make deliberate decisions about your tactics and your strategies before you step onto the court.

Your strategy is your overall game plan. Your tactics are the tools you will use to achieve your strategy, for example, hitting high topspin shots to keep the ball in play, or incorporating chip shots to take the offensive and attack the net.

There are, however, even more factors that can influence your tactical decisions. If your overall strategy is to keep the ball in play using high topspin groundstrokes, you may have to approach the net if your opponent hits a ball inside the service line. Another example of needed flexibility is when your opponent hits a high ball, pushing you back behind the baseline.  You must respond with a high lob back. Become flexible and ready to change your strategy when necessary.

Another factor influencing your tactics will be the score.  15-30 is a different tactical scenario than 30-15.  Being tied at 5-all in the third set and deuce --- this is a huge point in the match.  Smart players will have a plan in advance.  For many players, 5-all deuce in the third will be played “steady” --- get the first serve in, make the return of serve, keep the ball in play. If you can’t afford to lose the point, then keep the ball in play and let the opponent be the first one to make an error. 

Tennis is the “king” of the racket sports and a great individual sport. The game encompasses offense, defense, physical stamina and strength, problem solving, stress management, equipment monitoring, weather condition awareness, and sportsmanship.  It takes years of experience and training to become an accomplished competitive tennis player. 

If your tactics and strategies need a spring tune-up, schedule a lesson with our tennis staff soon. Results are guaranteed. And remember, tennis may be just a game, but it is a grand one!