Tennis: Training

TENNIS: TRAINING: HOME

STRATEGY:

Try to anticipate the ball: don't look at the opponent, look at the ball

Make yourself ready to run to corner of the court

Identify opponent's weaknesses

Try to diagnose your mistakes: discuss

Analyze mistakes after match

Stop overhitting, lower ball speed

Wait for the chance to go for a killer shot

Hit with penetrating shots

Aim at sidelines with angle shots

Placing is more important than power

Read your opponent's intentions

Try to get opponent wrong-footed

Get aggressive for closing the match

Avoid serve-and-volley: it is rarely used: it has been abandoned from singles

Use integrated ground strokes: timing is important

Try to give presence at the net

Adjust for different types of opponents: baseliner, volleyer, novice, fitness player, accessory player

Continuous drill can ensure better preparation for a tournament

Tournament experience is better than that obtained from friendly matches

Do not underestimate your opponent

Try scouting the opponent when participating in tournament

Count the points to avoid discussions with the opponent

Try to improve court perception with concentration

PSYCHOLOGY:

Think positive, empty your head, create mood, say jokes in club play

Be patient with frustrated score (unexpected score)

Show happiness when winning important points to encourage yourself

Don't let opponents fans or any noise to distract you

Do not be sentimental during play: otherwise, you will loose the match

Keep attention: it is very important to focus

Do not get overenthusiastic after victory

Do not get sad for defeat: it is an opportunity to correct mistakes

Smile

GRIP:

Use Continental for serve, Western for forehand, extreme grip for topspin

Practice grip variations

Remember to change grip during play

FOOTWORK:

Use small sidesteps, especially when approaching to the ball

Retreat when necessary, especially for high balls

Try always to be in ready position

Anticipate to cover the area and catch the ball

SERVE:

Increase toss when hitting the net often

Keep hitting hand fully extended before impact

Try to reach maximum height

Open like a flower when tossing

Don't forget ball direction after impact

Give power to second serve: otherwise opponent will kill the ball

Give control mode to second serve

Change position so that opponent does not know where you serve

Try to hit straight to opponent's direction

Try to hit the inside line

Try to hit the forehand area and inside area for left-handed opponents from deuce and odd area respectively

RETURN:

Block the ball for strong serves

Direct the ball

Shorten swing for fast serves

FOREHAND:

Enforce complete stoppage when ready to hit the ball

Don't forget the loop (swing)

Use grounds-up shot when hitting the ball under pressure

Try to create momentum before impact

Activate legs during swing

Ensure racket sweetspot during impact

Activate shoulders during follow-through

Ensure coordination between legs and shoulders

Shorten swing if there is wind or your opponent is playing in fast mode (short swing)

Move back before attempting a killer shot (winner) and hit high

Stop completely before hitting high balls

Try to feel the ball as much as possible on your racket

Down-the-line passing shots are very difficult: that area of the net is higher than that in the middle of the net

BACKHAND:

Position early, straighten hands before impact

Use philosophy similar to forehand (grounds-up shot)

TOPSPIN:

Use extreme western grip

Try to brush the ball with top racket area

Use open stance

VOLLEY:

Give inclination to the racket

Use front foot in steady way

BACKHAND VOLLEY:

Turn sideways

Avoid tension

Cradle the racket throat

Take short steps

Maintain balance

Make minute adjustments

Hit deep into opponent's court

Use your legs together with the racket at impact

HALF-VOLLEY:

When the ball reaches you too fast, it is the only solution

Do not overuse this technique because it produces slow shots

SMASH:

Try to guide the course of the incoming ball with finger

Racket must have some inclination

Use racket sweetspot

Try to visualize empty space on opponent's court

DROP SHOT:

Use disguise

Make sure opponent is away from the net

Do not do drop shots from the baseline or when tired

LOB:

Great weapon when your opponent approaches the net

DOUBLES:

Run to the net at first chance

Anticipate to forecast receiver's shot so that you can intercept with volley

Don't make remarks to your partner, try to show that you believe to his ability

Cover the gap when partner goes to opposite direction

If you use I formation, try to safeguard your area

Use half-volley to attack the net

Watch the lines to guide your partner receiving a serve

Use slice or block to keep the ball in court when close to the net: or use grounds-up shot

CODE OF CONDUCT:

Don't interfere to tell the lines: they can assign an umpire if they cannot get in agreement between them

Don't clap your hands on player's mistakes, especially at junior tennis

Don't give consultation during the match (excluded for team leader in Davis Cup)

Be always polite and understanding

Do not comment the player you are not a fan: somebody next to you can hear this

CONDITIONING:

Ensure complete conditioning, try basketball or field & track

Try drills with friend or coach

Convert drills into tactics

BEST PRACTICES:

Learn the ITF regulations

Learn how to count points and how to stand when receiving serve according to the current score

Monitor nutrition: carbohydrates are found in pasta and can give strength

Don't serve if you don't have a second ball: wear a short that has pockets

Sweep the court after use if required

Put your mobile phone to silence

Bring balls, water, coins, extra t-shirt, hat, sports bag: or towel, wristbands, headband, knee support

Bring extra racket (identical to the other racket)

Bring the referee for disputes

Ensure your shoes are not obsolete

Don't play with players that systemically cheat the lines

Don't play if just have eaten or you feel tired

MISC:

Watch important tournaments: Tennis TV

Read magazines: Tennis Magazine

Get advice from coach: take some lessons

Discuss techniques with expert players

Play with expert players

Watch other club players: try to identify mistakes or trace good techniques: do not focus on counting the points

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