Today, we demonstrate topspin angles. This is an excellent shot to do when you receive a short, wide ball. Because you want an angle and not depth, you need an excessive amount of topspin to allow the ball to elevate up over the net, and down into the court. Remember, set your racquet low by…
Did you ever hear the expression, if you don’t know where you are going, you may not get there? Now that we have practiced the pre-serve motion, it is time to follow the serve to the net. After contact, you should have advanced forward, without yet knowing if the serve landed in the service box. …
Pre-shot rituals or routines are common in many sports. Players that shoot a free throw, hit a golf shot, kick a penalty shot or field goal, and perform a triple axle all have something in common with the server in tennis – a pre-shot routine or ritual. The idea is that you repeat the routine…
For the next two days, the focus will be on the ritual or routine that you use before the serve. Today, Judy suggests the following progression. First, determine your target, where are you going to serve the ball (wide, jam or T). Secondly, see it with your eyes and your brain. Once you have stored…
Today, we try a little finesse on the court, using drop shots. The drop shot is an effective shot in singles and doubles, especially against a player who is positioned toward the baseline. Women have a more difficult time than men, running up and back, because of their center of gravity. Also, players who use…
Today, we take the Judy Murray challenge. For those of you who don’t know, Judy is the mother of ATP players, Andy and Jamie. She is an excellent coach and one of our favorite clinicians. You can always count on her to share a creative drill. This is the 13 step head to toe racket…
Today, we thought we would transfer the concepts of yesterday’s lesson to the tennis courts. Judy repeats topspin (Mr. Top), leading with the top edge and brushing up on the ball. Cos continues using backspin/underspin (Ms. Bottom), leading with the lower edge. Remember that the topspin balls bounces toward the receiver and the backspin/underspin…
Understanding how to put spin on the ball can be confusing. To hit topspin, the top of the racquet should approach below the ball and on underspin or backspin, the bottom of the racquet should approach from above the contact height. Just remember – the top of the racquet leads on topsin (from below) and…
We revisit some racquet and rally drills today. Remember to use a continental grip. Mix it up – count and improve your numbers or extend time intervals. You can do all forehands, backhands or alternating on the self and partner rally drills. Move your feet and have fun. Judy’s granddaughter is director of Camp I…
Today, we introduce the final presentation from Dr. Jim Loehr’s Dealing With Adversity series. We are in a forced – pause mode, or time – out, if you want to relate it to sports. He challenges us to identify several things such as: our mission in life, what we value and devote energy to, character…