Pro Tip of the Month
                     April 2007
                     Bob deVente
 As most of you are involved in contract play, round robins and USTA league play, here are some thoughts on tennis that will improve your game, your ability to win points without any change in your basis strokes, volleys and serve.  You may have heard some of these before, maybe even many times before, but a reminder can only help with your next game.  These tips relate to movement, position, mental awareness, control and even some facts.  These tips are not listed in any priority order. Just read, let them sink in and enjoy.

  •  Keep your eye on the ball.  Watch the ball all the way to your racquet. (Intensive concentration.)
  • Move your feet to get in the proper balanced position to hit the ball.
  • Do a split step before your opponent hits the ball.  Do a stationary split step when at the net.  The split step gets you on the balls of your feet so that you can move quickly to the ball.
  • “Up the middle solves the riddle.”  If you are a little off balance/out of proper hitting position, hit the ball up the middle.  Do not try a low percentage angle shot. 
  • Use the deep lob to get yourself out of a defensive position and back into the point.  The lob gives you time to regroup.
  • Remember, the ball is neither “in” or “out” its how you call it.  An “out” ball without an immediate “out” call is a good ball, continue play.  You can hit an “out” ball but you must call “out” immediately.
  •  When you are at the net, expect the ball to come to you!  Thus you will not be surprised.
  • When at the net have your racquet up in the ready position, not down at your knees.
  • Hit every ball in a rally as if it were the “first ball hit”.  Do not get eager to end the rally by hitting harder or making a fancy low percentage shot.  Be patient and wait for the right ball to put away.
  • Tennis is a game of percentages.  You can lose some points and still win the game.  Therefore, if you lose a point, shrug it off and concentrate on the next point to be played.  Do not berate yourself with negative thoughts.  This only leads to more lost points.
  • Keep your body language positive at all times during a match.  Showing frustration and anger towards yourself after missing a shot only relaxes your opponent.
  • Be aware of your court location during play so that you do not hit balls that are going way out.
  • When your doubles partner is volleying, what should you be doing? Yes, you should be moving up towards the net! Get into the game!
  • Doubles teams at the net win 65 percent of the points.  Get to the net!
  • Help your partner with line calls.  Especially on serves and deep lobs.
  • During a rally do not look back to watch your partner hit a ball, keep focused on your opponents and their position.
  • Be mindful of “foot faults” when serving.  Remember, it is a rule in tennis just like making proper line calls.  Your foot on the baseline or inside the court before you strike the ball is a “foot fault.”  
  • When playing outside, focus on your game, not on weather conditions   (wind, sun, heat, cold, etc.).  Control only the things that you can control.
  • If your “powerful” first serve is not going in, then change and hit the next few first serves at three quarter power until you get into the groove.  Then, start to “power up” your first serve.  Remember, the receiver is always more confident in hitting your second serve.  So get your first serve “in” even though it’s slightly slower at the start of your match.  
  • Watch how your opponent hits the ball, top spin, slice or flat.  Also listen for balls that are hit off center of the racquet.  Awareness of these items will be helpful toward your getting in better position to make the return.
  • Do not overpower a slow “puffball” return.  Stay calm, in control and hit a medium pace ball to the open court.  Location is better than power.  By incorporating these basic techniques into your game you are bound to get better results.