Back To The Basics
There are some basic fundamentals of tennis that lead to optimal performance.
Although very important, these key areas of focus are most often overlooked and/or taken for granted.
The 3 Basic Fundamentals of Tennis Are:
1) Move Your Feet
2) Watch The Ball
3) Swing The Racquet
I know you are thinking “Really? Are you serious?”
Let me expound on each fundamental in an attempt to halt your laughter. With a peg on the reference to “optimal”, which was eluded to in the opening statement, let’s perform a visualization drill and answer the following questions one focal point at a time.
1. “How many times are you in perfect position to strike a ball when there is plenty of time to get to it?”
Our CTTA juniors execute proper footwork 4 of 10 balls on average; we can assume that the older you are this percentage would decrease.
There is a major difference between getting to the ball and utilizing proper footwork. To be in perfect position requires a turn in either direction and a step into the ball. If we are currently getting our feet in perfect position at a rate of 40%, I’m sure we all agree that there is room for improvement with regards to this basic elemental.
2. How many times have you actually seen the ball hit the strings?
I propose that our junior players excel at watching the ball at a far less rate than moving their feet. These quotes may put this in better perspective:
“I have never seen the ball hit the strings.”
“I didn’t know I was supposed to see the ball hit the strings.”
“Watching the ball hit the strings does make a difference.”
We all must see the ball to hit it. However, watching the ball make contact with the strings on every stroke is more in line with your coach’s expectation when mentioned.
We novelist tend to lift our heads at contact in order to see the result of the shot. This bad habit tends to limit the ability to hit the racquet’s sweet spot which deters optimum shot productivity.
3. How does it feel to create maximum racquet head speed on every full stroke?
No one I’ve come in contact with has ever attempted this and I am too out of shape to try it now that I’ve learned of its importance.
This doesn’t mean that one must hit the ball as hard as possible. The science behind the theory states that when the racquet speed increases so does the ability to control the ball.
Most amateur players tend to slow the racquet head speed down in pressure situations in an attempt to gain control. This notion is a myth which may induce comfort but negatively impacts the ability to control the ball. Your teaching pro may refer to this action as “Pushing”.
On some level, we’ve all been exposed to these concepts. The way in which we interpret them usually depends on how hard one is willing to work.
Now that you are equipped with the true meaning of the three basic fundamentals of tennis, how you continue to think of and implement them is a personal preference.
I extend the offer to each reader to at least make an attempt at “optimal performance”.
Be sure to only try one fundamental per practice session and ensure that someone who cares is present.
The mental and physical fortitude that this requires is not easy.
Now….
Move Your Feet
Watch The Ball
Swing The Racquet
"Chip and Charge, The Volley is a Powerful Thing"
Coach Ken Blakely
Metroplex Tennis Association
FROM THE PRO
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For more information, contact CTTA at (512) 280-5800
