Tennis Tips
Zeke's tips for tennis players.
Early Season
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Be sure to start off slowly and work up progressively. |
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Incorporate a regular stretching routine before, during and after your workout. |
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Cross training is a must! Ride your bike, hike, swim, soccer, basketball etc. |
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Be strong and stay strong via weights, yoga, pilates, stationary bike, physioball, balance boards, etc. |
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Practice seriously. Use a hopper of balls and find someone who likes to drill. Attend clinics, private lessons, and camps. Use a ball machine and backboard. |
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Recover your footwork and balance. Perform lateral movements that will enhance mobility. Use sports cords, ladders, cones etc. Go to www.oncourtoffcourt.com for ordering info. |
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Go back to fundamentals. Set goals for the season and stick to them: Physical, mental, and emotional. (Keep them achievable yet beyond normal expectations). |
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Practice reading and taking the ball early to improve angles, pressure, and getting to short balls quickly. |
Early Season | Technique | Tactics | Mental
Technique
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Shorten backswing. (Keep compact) |
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Footwork: Big early steps to cover court then shorten near ball for balance. Front cross, shuffle to recover to center. |
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To improve footwork, anticipation, timing, power, consistency and accuracy. Use a split-step: read, move, bounce- hit rhythm, balance, recover. Incorporate this formula into your game for guaranteed success. |
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Learn proper grips for certain strokes, spins, shots. |
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Topspin: close racquet face and head below ball. |
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Slice: open racquet face and head above ball. Use continental grip and bring shoulder up to chin. Finish high and sideways. Racquet bevel determines amount of backspin. |
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Forehand: Semi open stance. Load up back leg and move forward into shot for power and spin. |
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Serve: Proper grip is a must, toss consistently, allow contact to be at full extension. Change speed, spin and location for effectiveness. |
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Volley: Keep racquet head above wrist, keep hand and wrist firm at impact. Regulate grip pressure to change pace. |
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Overhead: Move into position early, left hand must track ball, swing early to assure full extensive at contact. |
Early Season | Technique | Tactics | Mental
Tactics
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Read shots early. |
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Crosscourt is the highest percentage shot. Go down the line to approach, pass and surprise. |
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Exploit opponents weaknesses. |
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Get first serve in 50-70% of the time. |
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Be sure unforced errors are fewer than points lost to winners. |
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Get to the net in doubles whenever possible. |
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Communicate effectively with partner |
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Move, poach, cut, and switch in doubles to keep opponents constantly off guard. |
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Always support your partner. |
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Good self talk, avoid negative talk. |
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Never say die. Fight for every point regardless of score. |
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Eat well, stay hydrated, and stretch. |
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Always use good sportsmanship: good line calls, eye contact, good handshake. |
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Be prepared for your matches: eat proper foods, hydrate, arrive early, bring your bag with everything you'll need, warm-up properly. |
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Love the game! |
Early Season | Technique | Tactics | Mental
Mental
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Work on all parts of your game. Be an effective all court player. |
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Identify and practice your weaknesses. |
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Focus on your opponents weaknesses and patterns and exploit them. |
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Chart your progress: practice time weekly, match record won/loss, first serve percentage, return percentage. Use a coach, friend or family member to assist. |
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Keep your sessions focused and fun! |
Early Season | Technique | Tactics | Mental
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