Real Tennis Players - Like You! - Asking For, and Offering, Advice on the Sport They Love
Player to Player is USTA.com’s regular feature in which everyday tennis players are given a forum to ask advice on the sport they love – and their fellow players will dish out advice. We’ll post a number of the best responses we receive to our question of the week.
-------------------------------------------------------------
SEND YOUR TIPS TODAY
This week's question from Paul:
I'm 64 and play with other seniors. A fair number have mobility problems. In doubles they tend to plant themselves in the middle of no man's land, where they can move back for a lob and wait for most everything else. They may take a step or two forward but seldom venture into the forecourt.
I can still move around the court, however, and am not sure where to position myself. Do I stay parallel with my partner, as some advice? That leaves me in no-man's land and the forecourt uncovered. Do I ignore my partner's position and move up and back, avoiding no-man's land, as taught? Do I attempt to compensate for his lack of mobility and cover more of the court than I normally would? Should I chase down lobs that under normal circumstances would be his?
Please share your thoughts with Paul by e-mailing Player@USTA.comand include your name and hometown.
Got a question of your own? Send that along, too!
--------------------------------------------------------------
READ OTHER PLAYERS' ADVICE
Last week’s question from Danny:
(Please note: There's no need to send additional responses to this question)
I need advice on implementing good footwork drills into match play situations. I coach 12-year-old juniors and they perform footwork drills very well in practice but when playing points, they just don't seem to step up to that level as performed in the drill? For any of your coaches out there, can you kindly advice what method you implement to solve this? Thank you for your advice!
Player Responses:
From John, The Tennis Doctor, Riverside, CA:
If your pupils perform well during practice but not in game situations no foot drill will help.
When I teach anything in tennis I require that they get the shot correct, including small details (preparation, follow through, etc), seven out of ten times before they move on. If they fold in a game situation they will only practice that one thing only until it becomes second nature.
From Kenny S., Highland Park, IL:
You have to want it out there on the court. Practice how you play is what they say, but as an individual on the court they can choose to play 100% or 50%. I teach people to stay on there toes, hit the ball in the hitting zone as much as possible. Rest between points, so you can give your all during the point. Also take the minute and a half break on changeovers, then come out 100%, going for every ball you can, not just moving side to side, but in and back so you can hit the ball in the hitting zone. Come to the net on a great approach shot, then do a split step, and run for the lob that goes over your head, or the drop shot. You do have to want it though, even going to a left handed forehand when you can't reach the ball on your backhand, or diving for a ball, the shots that separate the good from the great.
From Coach Poppie, Palm Bay, FL:
Danny, think “Minus the T-Ball. At twelve kids have plenty on there plate just to play well. Good footwork comes with practice. There are many drills and routines to help footwork. However, what is more important; are your players on balance moving to the ball, while setting up, through the contact and during recovery? I believe getting balanced will be the key to their success.
During practice, it is important that your players understand step progression. Take large steps then small adjusting steps. Kids generally take a few baby steps to get started then run and then a large step trying to get set up. When in actuality, get to the ball with large steps then adjust with many small adjusting step and only stop adjusting when sure you’re in position to execute the shot. (Perfect World/ Blue Sky Tennis)
Place 6 balls on the court as markers. Place then at different distances as to sequence a six ball point. Have each player accelerate and decelerate to each ball in the shot sequence using large then small adjusting steps. Each player is to stop and swing to the point of contact and hold it on balance. Their racket (although above) should align with the back of the ball. Once you give the nod, they are to follow through remaining balanced, after next the nod they can move on. Once you have passed each player on the first ball; roam amongst them observing and assisting them until they all have made two passes. Want 30 seconds and repeat 5X.
Follow this with a 3 ball dead feed (hit to a target) and increase the difficulty as they progress by adding live balls (hit it a player keeping the point alive for 3 balls) then competition balls (hit to a player and earn the point).
You will be amazed. Think about it, setting up on a stationary object first then, a moving object.
Sounds like “Minus the T-Ball” to me and we all know what T-ball has done for baseball.
*Please note that any advice given out in this forum should in no way be confused with actual medical advice. Before starting any new exercise regimen or altering your existing one, we strongly urge you to consult with your regular physician.