Submit your questions to Bill Mountford here
Q: I was in a match the other day and it was a very bright sunny day. When it came time for me to serve I tossed the ball up and I was looking directly into the sun. I tried tossing the ball into different locations but I was unable to avoid looking into the sun. Is there a technique for serving when the sun is shining directly into your eyes?
Walt – Duncansville, PA
This is a difficult challenge that players need to cope with when practicing or competing outdoors. These are some options:
- Wear a hat. The brim blocks some of the glare.
- Wear sunglasses. They help a lot, although some players surprisingly still feel uncomfortable wearing shades, even one designed for sports, in competition.
- Modify the height or location of your toss (usually this means tossing the ball slightly lower). This will compromise your swing, but at least you will be able to see the ball.
- Adjust the position of your feet slightly. By closing (more of you back toward the net) or opening (facing the net earlier) your stance, it will allow you to maintain a more normal swing at the ball.
- Swing at the toss with your eyes closed. Just kidding. (Although I have seen players try this… unsuccessfully).
- Bill
Q: I was wondering if age 13 is too late to start playing tennis (to become good for college or professional). Anyway, I was wondering if 13 is as good as starting at age 8 or 9, and if I do become good in the future, what are the steps in becoming a professional?
Ulric – Edison, NJ
It is never too late! Get cracking though. Try to practice with a purpose every single day, enter many tournaments to gain competitive experience, read all you can about techniques, tactics, training, etc.
Most of the players on the tour did get an earlier start than you, but if you possess enough talent, then anything is possible. Good luck!
- Bill
Q: Bill, I am a budding tennis fan who just recently got into the sport. I've always loved to watch professionals but now I play too. Almost every time my opponent comes to the net, I find the lob shot to be the most effective counter. I realize this is mostly because I lack the ability to rip passing shots like the pros on tour. However, even the best players have trouble with the pass and sometimes let their opponent change the course of a match because they are unable to hit these precise shots. Why don't more pro players use the lob? It is hardly ever used. Can you answer for me?
Joe – Pittsburgh, PA
For an advanced player, especially a professional athlete, the overhead is a reasonably easy shot. The loft of the lob allows a quick player ample time to get underneath the ball and the height of the shot allows the player to hit down forcefully. Covering offensive lobs (which are typically hit with disguise and extreme topspin) are more difficult to defend against- but they are also more difficult shots to execute.
Of course against less experienced players, you are absolutely correct, the lob is a tantalizing weapon. Whenever you are forced into an awkward or defensive position, hitting the lob can/should be your saving grace.
- Bill
Q: What tips or drills might you have in order to improve breathing? I know I hold my breath, which does two things, tires me out, and tightens me up.
Help!
Greg – Davie, FL
Practice exhaling every time you make contact with the ball. Several professional players are loud grunters, although that is unnecessary. It will take some practice before you become comfortable breathing out during contact. Begin immediately and continue every time you are on the court until it becomes a good habit.
You are correct, by the way. Holding your breath will keep you from being able to relax when you are hitting or playing. It will also assure that you get tired earlier than you should.
- Bill
Q: How can I hit a serve to make that curve the way Roger Federer's second serve does?
G.K. – Ashburn, VA
Swing fast. To get considerable rotation (spin) on the ball, which will create movement, you need to really swing hard. Understand that advanced players swing every bit as hard for second serves as they do for first serves. The difference is that most- but not all- first serves are flatter and most second serves are hit with more spin.
- Bill
Q: There's a guy in our group that bothers me when I serve to his partner. He stands right by the service line and sways right-to-left and back again as I serve. Is this legal? It is distracting. He says it helps him be ready to go either way. He doesn't move his feet, but I tend to see his movement and miss my first serve.
Bill – Atlanta, GA
You actually see this scenario often in both recreational and competitive doubles matches. If a player is doing this solely to distract an opponent, then it is a total bush league move. It is gamesmanship and inappropriate. If they are doing it to gain position, which is debatable at best, then that is another story.
If an opponent chooses to jump around and claims innocence, then you do have some recourse. Three responses come to mind:
- Aim a flat, hard serve directly at him/her (or, better yet, a little to their outside because they usually hop or sway back into position when the serve is hit). This is the equivalent of a brush-back pitch in baseball, and is an extreme measure. Understand that if you choose to “send a message” like this, that hostilities will likely escalate. Be prepared.
- Give them the same treatment when they are serving. They will not appreciate it either.
- The best answer, however, is to concentrate entirely on executing your serve and placing it accurately, knowing full well that your opponent MUST get out of the way.
- Bill
Additional thoughts for the week:
Congratulations to Russia and Argentina. They have reached the finals of the Davis Cup by beating the two most decorated nations in tennis history: the United States and Australia, respectively. The Russians had too much depth for the Americans, as three separate players won singles rubbers (Marat Safin, Mikhael Youzhny, and Dimitry Tursunov). In fact, their top-ranking player, Nikolay Davydenko (#5 in the world) did not even play during the tie. David Nalbandian was the hero/villain for Argentina, as he instigated the frenzied Buenos Aires crowd with his taunting tactics. He will not likely be well received when he travels down-under for the Australian Open next January. The Russians will host the Argentines from December 1st-3rd in Moscow, and expect them to choose a lightning quick surface to give them a decided edge.
It was great to see the name of the respective countries worn on the full back of the participating players. Argentina, Australia, and Russia embraced this concept, but the Americans did not. Perhaps this is due to contractual obligations with clothing manufacturers. However, here is hoping that Pat Mac’s Boys decide to follow the sensible lead of their competitors and wear “USA” on their “uniforms” during the 2007 campaign. It just looks great and makes the Davis Cup ties all the more special.
The 2007 Davis Cup draw will take place in Rome on Thursday. The Americans have had some good runs, reaching one final and two semis over the past five years. The US is always among the favorites, but a favorable draw would surely help next season. By the way, Switzerland qualified for the World Group last weekend and they have a decent #1 man on their squad.
There are some great men’s and women’s collegiate tournaments all over the country this fall. Go out and support these events and enjoy the finest amateur tennis in our country. Visit
www.itatennis.com for the schedule and information about tournaments in your region of the country.