Rushing into a game of tennis can be a big mistake when you haven’t seen a racket in years. I include both static and dynamic warm ups in my coaching in Ireland.This is to ensure your body is fully primed before stepping on court. A warm up of progressive intensity and appropriate exercises will elicit a number of physiological changes that will enhance performance on the day and minimise the aches and pains the day after playing.
So often when I coach I hear players ask me how to put spin on the ball.
Without an understanding of why spin is needed during a tennis match they just want to know how to do it.
Surprisingly they forget that topspin is only one type of spin they can put on the ball and do not think about
underspin or slice as it is more commonly called. I will discuss slice in a later article but in this edition i would like to talk about topspin.
Part of my role as a tennis coach is observing players. Strategy is of vital importance in any tennis match and depending on how the match is unfolding a change of tactics may be required. Here I would like to discuss some basic single strategy Concepts which may be of use to players of all levels. read more
Too many tennis players practice static volleys. I believe that dynamic volley practice is essential for improvement. If you ever examine the technique of the pros like Roger Federer he is never static when he gets to the net for a volley, always on his toes. Its essential when you approach the net to keep your eyes on the ball and have your racquet in front of you ready to pounce on the ball. Don’t think just because your at the net that the point is yours, there is still alot of work to be done before you outwit your opponent.
When a player arrives on my court for a lesson there are certain things i look for right away. The movement of the player is very important and is one of the first issues to be addressed. In my opinion good footwork is crucial to developing any stroke including the serve. A player with good footwork will have the following in a tennis point;
Frank has been playing the game of tennis since 7 years old. Winner of two All Ireland Tennis medals and numerous singles titles both as a junior and an adult.
Franks enthusiasm of tennis can be seen as he travels widely around the country to attend numerous workshops and tennis conference held throughout the year.