Tennis Coaching

Read Your Opponent - Be Successful

Six things to look for in your opponents.

1. Tendencies - Do they often hit shots to the same place. If so, make a mental note. Under pressure, they will hit to that same spot where they are most comfortable.

2. High Balls - Be sure to check if an opponent can hit high balls. Don’t try to out-hit an opponent who loves pace when high balls might beat them.

3. Low Balls - Do they like to bend their knees? Be sure to test and see how they handle low balls.

4. Serving - Learn their patterns on serving. Most players like to stick to a certain pattern of where they place their serves. If you can read this pattern, you have a tremendous advantage.

5. What don’t they do? - Be sure to analyze what your opponents show as well as what they do not show. Often the weaknesses are not what they do, but what they don’t do. Good players develop ways to hide their weaknesses.

6. Passing Shots - Memorize where their passing shots go. You must memorize this in order to make higher percentage guesses.

Momentum: Talk about it! Recognize it! Learn to control it!

When players are fairly equal in skill and playing ability, the difference in winning and losing is often determined by who controls the momentum in the match. Here are some suggestions on how to do so:

1. Talk to your players about how momentum is important and how it is not luck that controls it. Find examples among your own team’s matches or tournament matches on television.

2. Teach your players to learn to recognize it when they are playing. There are several things to watch for. Usually when players are constantly talking, they are losing the momentum. When players hit a winner or finish a long point, they have the opportunity to gain momentum. When players show anger or frustration, they may be shifting momentum to the opponent. The speed at which players play often dictates or controls momentum. Be aware of speed and know when to play faster and when to slow down.

3. Controlling momentum is difficult, but here is one simple solution: During a match try to win three points in a row as often as possible and deny your opponent from doing the same. You should try this in practice. The discovery I have made is that this increases concentration on the present and provides a very short- term goal. The believe is that any one point can be luck and that two in a row requires a certain amount of skill. But the true champion does not become satisfied at two points and let up. Instead, the true champion will bear down after winning two points and try to win the third in order to control the momentum.

Read Your Opponent Like a Pro

This is probably the best tennis tip I know, but I am amazed at how few people know how to use it. The top professionals are all able to hit every type of shot. However, under pressure they will always tend to hit the one they are most comfortable hitting. At the pro level it is not so easy to tell what this shot is. However for the average player it is much easier. Your job in a match is to figure out where your opponent will hit the ball when it is 4-4 in the third set.

For instance, if I come to the net and get passed crosscourt three times, it is probably safe to say that I was not paying attention because, by the third pass, I should have been standing on the crosscourt side. This is very true with service placement at the club level. Players are more comfortable on either one side or the other. Figure out this and you will find yourself waiting in the ball and always in the winner’s circle.

In The Heat - 10 Things To Do To Beat It!

Play Your Best Even In The Heat!

1. Always bring water and drink a little more then you think you will need. Avoid sugar which might give you a temporary high and then a crash.

2. Use a towel; often placing cold water on the towel and cooling your forehead and back of neck will help reduce your body temperature.

3. Be sure to eat properly! Not only the day of the match but also the nights before and after.

4. Take your time; cool down and fully recover between points.

5. Wear proper attire; Do not wear dark clothes which attract and hold heat.
6. Listen to your body; if you do not feel; well, pay attention to the signs of heat exhaustion and stop before it is too late.

7. Pack an extra shirt and pair of socks for long three set matches.

8. Use a hat and always wear sunscreen.

9. Never focus your mind on how hot it is, simply try not to think about it.

10. Remember you can use the heat to your advantage: move that opponent with every shot. Reduce unforced errors watch your opponent surrender to the heat!

Panicking Never Wins

Here’s what to do instead:

1. Act more confident that ever! Your opponents love to see you panic; don’t let them.

2. Determine why your opponent is playing well. Do the shots you are presenting suit your opponent’s game? If so, adjust the game style. Is it because your opponent is grooved in a certain rhythm? If so, break the rhythm.

3. Concentrate on the three basics:

• A. Footwork
• B. Watching the ball.
• C. Keeping the ball in play.

4. Momentum can change like the wind! Be ready when it changes in your direction!

Court Decorum

It is very important how players present themselves on the court. Those who walk and carry their rackets with confidence will command more respect on the court. Since a large part of the match is mental, having your opponent think you are good before the first point is played can give you a tremendous advantage. Here are some hints for creating a positive image:

Posture:

• Enter the court with good body posture.
• Keep your head up.
• Do not look nervous or scared.

Dress:

• Dress nicely.
• Wear a shirt from a prestigious tournament whether you played in it or not. This may suggest to your opponent that you are a big time player.
• Wearing matching brands

Equipment:

• Look and act prepared.
• Carry at least 2 rackets in a bag.
• Bring your own water.

Starting the match:

• If you win the racket spin, state very emphatically that “I will serve.”
• This positive statement will exude confidence.

Calling the score:

• Call the score confidently and assuredly.