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Dennis Van der Meer President of the U.S.P.T.R. Participating in sports such as basketball,
football, baseball, soccer, track and field etc. develop athletic skills
from early childhood. Some of these skills are complementary to tennis
and are naturally integrated into the development of a players game.
However, there are certain specific tennis skills that must override the
instinctive reaction of a player. These skills can be learned by
observation and imitation, or they can be learned in a step-by-step
manner.
The Serve
Instinctive Skill: Approximately 80% of
people playing tennis have mediocre serves because the instinct is to
grip the racket in such a way that the racket face is square to the net
as it is approaching the ball. Acquired Skill: To join that elite 20% group of tennis players, it is essential to hold the racket
with a continental
grip -- This grip is similar to holding a hammer. With the continental grip the racket approaches the ball on edge then the arm pronates inward to meet the ball square on for a flat serve. Skilled players can also manipulate the exact angle of impact to impart various spins to the ball.
Racket Preparation
Instinctive Skill: The instinct is to face the
net and draw the racket down towards the ground in a scooping motion
(left). Acquired Skill: The first move should be an instantaneous
"unit turn" with the shoulders, hips, upper body and the
racket turning sideways together. From this ready position, the racket
is taken back in a continuous loop throughout the forward swing into the
ball. By lowering the racket below the height of the ball, a topspin stroke
can be played -- or if the racket comes from above the height of the
ball, underspin can be imparted. But the initial move remains the
same.
The Overhead Smash
Instinctive Skill: As a kind of a joke shot,
Pete Sampras has led a score of players in facing the net on a short lob
and then jumping straight up in the sky. Acquired Skill: To handle lobs, the first
move a player makes is to turn sideways, then side step backwards if the
lob is not too deep. When a deep lob comes, the player must acquire the
habit of stepping forward with the left foot and then use cross over
steps and finish the smash with a jump and a scissors kick.
The Volley
Instinctive Skill: The instinct is to start
moving from a stationary position, and then to swat at the ball with a
loose wrist (left). Acquired Skill: All good volleyers have acquired the skill to be on the balls of their feet and make a split step just as the opponent is about to hit the ball, and then to start moving as soon as the opponent hits the ball. The volleyer immediately sets the hand and either blocks the ball or pushes through the ball with a firm wrist.
High Backhands
Instinctive Skill: Once the player has
instinctively discovered how far to be from the ball on a waist-high
backhand, a solid stroke can be played. However, when the ball rebounds high, the
player is too close to the ball and has to break the wrist (left), which
results in a weak stroke. Acquired Skill: The player has to acquire the skill to be father away from a high bouncing ball in order to hit a backhand with a firm wrist.
Judging the Rebound of the Ball.
Instinctive skill: The instinct of a player is
to rush to the spot where the ball has bounced. The result is a hurried
stroke (left). Acquired Skill: An experienced player has acquired the skill to visualize the flight of the ball from the moment the opponent has made the stroke. The player judges where the first bounce is likely to be and, as soon as the ball bounces, visualizes where the second bounce will be and immediately tries to adjust to meet the ball at the optimum point of contact.
Playing A Deep Ball
Instinctive Skill: The instinct is to run
backwards, perhaps all the way to the back fence, to retrieve a deep
ball. Acquired Skill: To play a higher level, it is
important not to give up too much territory behind the baseline because
this puts the player in a defensive position. The player must acquire
the skill of moving forward on the high, deep ball and play it while it
is on the rise. From these few examples, it should be clear that Tennis Specific
Skill Acquisition is essential to reach a higher level of play. Dennis Van der Meer, voted U.S. Olympic Development Coach of the
Year, has taught more people to play and teach tennis than anyone in the
history of the game. Dennis Van der Meer and his staff can be reached in the USA by
phoning 1-800-845-6138 or faxing (843) 785-7032. From outside the United
States, dial 001-843-785-8388 and fax 001-843-785-7032. |
Design by Narong Rattanaya
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