Today, we add some fun racquet and footwork drills. The first two racquet drills are challenging, as you can only use the edge of your racquet frame to make contact. You can practice ups and downs. Start with letting the ball bounce between hits and then progress to volleys. Next, do ups/volleys, but try to…
The local tennis community is very sad to learn of the passing of Betty Thompson, 90, formerly of Plainsboro. Betty was an avid tennis player and received many awards and recognition for her 32 years of service, as a tennis umpire for local, college and professional tournaments. Judy and Cos, along with many captains, enjoyed…
Today, we add moving forward after the contact on the return of serve. If you return cross court, this move enables you to continue to transition through contact and arrive around the service line (nonballside home in doubles). Keep your head and eyes still at contact. On the backhand, use a carioca or grapevine step…
In Episode 41, we discussed the footwork for the serve and volley. In the next two episodes, we will focus on the footwork for the receiver. In the first exercise, Judy requests that Cos follows her ready steps with a split step. The overall goal for today’s exercise is to practice moving immediately after the…
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…
We are sorry to announce that on April 24, Carol Lessler passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease coupled with complications cause by Covid-19 virus. We send our love and thoughts to Carol’s daughter, Elisa Cohen and her family. Carol was a long time player and friend of so many women at the…
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…