(Gary Larson Far Side)
You are returning serve against a slow or a kick server and want to take the ball early and then move to the net. But your timing is all off. The reason? You put your shoes on before your pants! Continue reading
John Newcombe (Munson photo)
We all know players who CRUSH their first serve (and usually don’t get it in) and then they poke their second serve in at half that speed. Those players need to practice improving their second serve; and here is a drill from John Newcombe to do just that. Continue reading
RP= Returner’s Partner
Using the “Australian formation” (having the server’s net man stand on the same side of the court as the server) is a great tactic to break up the returner’s strong cross court game. But, what do you do if you are the receiving doubles team? Continue reading
Bob Wilkie and I were having one of our regular New Hampshire practice sessions and I was hitting overheads, when he commented, “I don’t think I have ever seen you hit a better series of solid overheads than just now!” And it was thanks to my 9-year-old grandson Jayson. Continue reading
Hank Irvine serving (Crootof pic)
TV coverage rarely comments on it, but the coin/racquet toss choice can impact the start and structure of a tennis match. This reader question focuses the issue … Continue reading
Rick Barletta
Are you concerned about your ability to play steady and keep the ball in play until a good, offensive opportunity opens up and you can then go for the winner — but do it under control? Well, here is a new drill to work on those skills. Continue reading
Dick Valentine and Matt Davie
What is the role of the “net man” when being the partner of the player serving? Too many times, they are just a passive ornament on the court as the ball gets put into play. But they can be much more. Continue reading
There is a believed bad call against a player and they just can’t seem to let it go. They carry on in their minds, or to the referee, or to the other player, or to their “team”… and they lose focus. Continue reading
In doubles, it is usually the smartest shot to hit up the middle; but you have to sometimes change that strategy to prevent your opponents from totally clogging the middle. So, what do you do? Continue reading
If you watch films of the tennis legends, they all used the slice forehand – especially as an approach shot. But in today’s game of extreme forehand grips, that shot has almost disappeared. But should it be in your arsenal? Continue reading
You are serving in a doubles match in the deuce court and the returner hits a ball over the middle that lands just beyond the tee on your side of the court. Should your net man have taken the shot … or is it the incoming server’s ball to take? (The incoming server is lower-right in the picture). Continue reading
You ever notice how some players (both pros and club players) ask to have the same ball they just won the point with to hit next? Or, intentionally change balls after losing a point? Continue reading
You work hard during a return game to finally get that critical break point … but then you blow it on a bad choice of shots. What should you really do instead? Continue reading
After our doubles victory at The Meadow’s tournament in February, I asked my partner Hank Irvine what was “the #1 thing I should work on” to further improve my tennis game. His answer was interesting. Continue reading
With Roy Emerson
If you never miss a return of serve, is that a good thing? Never double fault, a good thing? Maybe NOT. Continue reading