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Q: I have major issues with service return. I am a 3.5 rated player and no matter what speed the server uses I still frame it or put it into the net or out of bounds. Our USTA coach tells us not to take a big back swing and hit almost like a volley. Do you have any advice on this?
Nolan - Louisville, KY
Your coach’s advice is sound. Prioritize getting the return in play at all costs. It is easy to get mesmerized when we observe professional players hit a brilliant winner on the return, but the vast majority of time they are simply getting that first ball back into play. Missing a return of serve is tantamount to double faulting; it gives you NO chance to win the point.
If you are having trouble reacting to fast serves, then move further back. If you are mis-hitting the ball, shorten your backswing (as you were advised) and keep your head perfectly still. Lastly, keep your target area toward the middle-third of your opponent’s court until your consistency improves on the return. This way if you are early (or late) on your swing, the ball will still land in play.
- Bill
Q: I have repeatedly heard or read that players with full western grips and semi-western grips will have a very difficult time in higher levels of tennis. There are exceptions like Andre Agassi who uses a semi-western grip. I have two boys who just entered their teens and it appears they would like to compete at the Division 1 (Pac 10) college level. The question is would it be wise for me to encourage them to change their grip? Or is this a myth that the eastern grip is far more useful at the highest levels of tennis?
Chuck - Tucson, AZ
First of all, there are plenty of players on the Tours who use semi-western or western grips on their forehands. Since you have boys, I will offer some players on the ATP Tour: Roddick, Nadal, Hewitt, Safin.
Step back a little and imagine the style of game that you would like to see them play (and that they WILL be capable of playing) when they are 20 years old, and then build toward that. If you believe that a more extreme forehand grip will limit their development, then adjust this while they are still in their formative stages. Frankly, those grips are becoming far more mainstream, so it might not be much of a concern.
If you expect that your boys will develop into net-rushing players, then you might alter their grips at an early age. It is rare to find players with extreme grips growing into competent volleyers. Lastly, before making any changes, evaluate their personalities and make sure that there is synergy between that and the style-of-game that they are developing.
- Bill
Q: What is the difference between head light and head heavy racket specifications? Which is better for a 9-year-old, competitive player (9.4 oz weight)?
Jimmy - Dallas, TX
Racquets that are head light are easier to maneuver through the air. Traditionally, net-rushing players favored racquets with this balance because it was easier to get the racquet in position quickly for volleys. A head heavy model was always considered better for players seeking more stability from their frame, especially groundstrokers. Over the years, racquets have gotten increasingly light but the distribution of the weight will have a considerable impact on the “swing weight” of a racquet. For example, even a light racquet might feel “heavy” if it is balanced toward the head.
Be careful about choosing a racquet that is too light, even for a nine-year-old. Opt to use the heaviest model racquet that you can comfortably manage. The additional weight will take care of more “work” for you, and put less stress on your arm (and body). Do not use a racquet that feels too heavy though. If you are not sure, get a racquet that feels a little too light and then add lead tape until it is just right. How do you determine what is best? The most ideal way that I know is through “trial and error.” Good luck.
- Bill
Q: I'm just starting to play tennis for the first time. I'm in 10th grade, is it to late to become a great player before the season starts in spring 2006.
Whitney - Surrency, GA
Well, “great” is a relative term... I have heard some former professional tour players refer to themselves as “below-average players” and I have listened to club-players tell me how they could compete in the US Open (“with just a little more practice”).
When you are new to the game, which you are, improvement can be rapid. In fact, I expect that you can make a 100% improvement to your overall game in three months. Is that good enough?
How can you get better? Practice, Whitney, practice. There are no shortcuts. Hit a LOT of balls and play a LOT of matches. With patience, you will make progress. Enjoy the process.
- Bill
Q: I am resending this question… How do you break a triple tie or two way tie in a round robin format of tournament?
Gerry - Philippines
Sorry for not responding immediately to your question. Prior to scheduling a round-robin competition, make sure that you have established some tie-breaking rules. For example: in the event of a tie:
- Refer to head-to-head results in a tie. If that doesn’t work, then:
- Use the number of sets won (or percentage of winning sets) as the determining factor.
- Or… use the total number of games won (or percentage of games won) as the determining factor.
- If that doesn’t work, and there is no time left… then how about an old-fashioned flip of the coin. I hope that one the tie-breakers WILL work though.
- Bill
Q: I started playing tennis on a regular basis (3-4 times per week) about 3 years ago. I have enjoyed playing better than I ever have in my life. I would like to continue to improve my game and to be able to compete in tournaments.
My problem is my knees. I saw a doctor about a year ago and he was not sure what the problem was with my knee. The problem then was after a long day of tennis the next day my knee was swollen and it was hard to walk. After four months of rest I gradually went back to tennis but the knee has never been the same. I wear a knee brace when I play tennis or go hiking. Any suggestions? I am aching to play tennis!
Paul - Sherman Oaks, CA
First of all, consult with a doctor who has experience in dealing with sports injuries. If the injury does not require surgery, then the doctor might likely prescribe some physical therapy.
I had arthroscopic knee surgery last September, so I can relate to your troubles. Be diligent about wearing proper tennis shoes that are not worn down, warming up properly, stretching after you are done, and then icing for about fifteen minutes. All of this takes discipline and, frankly, can be a pain. In the end, it is worth the effort though.
- Bill
Q: I was a club professional for about ten years and then dropped out for awhile. When did this rallying from the service line to warm up before playing start, who started it and why?
And unless there is a really valid reason for doing so... how can we do away with this current day custom. I really can't imagine Agassi and Federer doing this as part of their pre-match routine. PLEASE STOP THE INSANITY!
Gary - Kingwood, TX
This is a pretty funny note. I am not sure exactly where it started, but I remember seeing European players doing it in the mid-to-late 1980’s and thinking that it was useless. Later, I would play these players and they always seemed to be so comfortable in handling soft, mid-court balls- so I realized that there was some practical benefits to the short-court warm-up. Frankly, I believe that a lot of players do things, such as a short-court warm-up, because they had been advised to do so, with little thought about whether it actually helps their game.
Boris Becker would always play short-court shots for a while when he arrived on a practice court. His premise is/was that it took his big body a long while to warm up, so he would start particularly slowly before progressing to “full” hits. On the other side of the coin, when I see Andy Roddick and/or Andre Agassi practice, I am amazed at their pace of shot from the very first ball. They literally hit at near 100% immediately. It can startle a player who is not accustomed to practicing with them. I asked Brad Gilbert, who of course has coached both of these players, about this. Gilbert indicated that the short-court warm-up is more Euro-centric, and that Roddick and Agassi warm-up before walking on the court and then let it fly immediately. To each his own…
- Bill
Additional thought of the week…
I enjoyed the great Davis Cup coverage this weekend on the Outdoor Life Network and, of course, on the Tennis Channel. Andrei Pavel showed tremendous grit in coming from two sets and match point down to beat Andy Roddick on Friday. After the third-set tiebreaker, Roddick’s health seemed to get progressively worse, although he was able to muster a late charge in the fifth set. It was definitely a compelling match, and full marks should go to the Romanian veteran for hanging in there and getting the job done. There was little drama after that as the Americans did not lose another set the whole weekend. I was disappointed that the doubles was reduced to a walk-over (injury) after merely one set on Saturday. I planned my whole day around watching that match, and then it was over in less than a half-hour. Imagine how the crowd felt, as doubles on the middle Saturday is the only “show.” The McEnroe brothers (Captain Patrick and announcer John) took on the Bryan Brothers in an exhibition match to satisfy the paying customers. Anyone want to venture a guess as to who won that “exo”?
By the way, John McEnroe continues to distinguish himself as an announcer. He remains on a crusade to elevate the importance of Davis Cup and his insights during the matches were exceptional. He makes gutsy comments because, frankly, he can. It will be fascinating to see how he does in San Jose this week, where he is playing doubles with Jonas Bjorkman. They play against jet-lagged Wayne Arthurs and reigning Wimbledon champion Stephen Huss in the first round. I am guessing that this will be a short-lived (one match!) comeback for the soon to be 47-year-old, but it will be compelling.
Anyone who has read this column knows the pantheon where I have placed Roger Federer. It was touching to see our sport’s greatest player so moved after winning the Australian Open when all-time great Rod Laver handed him the trophy. The press marveled at his appreciation of the rich history of our sport. However, Federer’s decision to not play Davis Cup flies in the face of that analysis. When he opted out of the first round tie, against Australia no less, it was terrible form. He cannot have it both ways. Lleyton Hewitt, who is often the whipping boy of the press, also missed the tie. However, judging by his results thus far in 2006 (four wins in seven matches), there is every reason to believe that he IS actually recovering from an injury. Federer, on the other hand, was plenty fit enough to win the season’s first major and this first round tie was contested at home in Switzerland. The Swiss fans must feel jilted. Am I the only one who feels this way? Australia won, by the way, 3-2 when Chris Guccione beat George Bastl in the fifth rubber.
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