Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Just about there with the tennis.

Things to do to play tennis well.

Serve:
1. Almost an eastern forehand grip.
2. Toss the ball while doing nothing else. Then raise racquet and take step.
3. Don't worry about getting a ton of spin or jumping up, worry about being very precise. Keep all movements well controlled and worry about getting just the perfect angle.
4. Really try to get the first serve in. Take just a tinsy bit off. Don't try to absolutely kill it. Be precise, With an eastern forehand grip, I'm going to hit it hard without really trying.

Groundstrokes:
1. On return of serve stand facing to the right. This keeps the backhand out in front of the body and at least partially keeps the left foot out in front for forehands.
2. Really try to get turned for the forehand. Left foot way out in front. Can easily hit lots of two hand slice forehand winners as long as I get turned. Use double semi-western grip for slice, drive and flat forehand. Run around the backhand to hit the slice forehand.
3. Try to keep racquet out in front of the body on the backhand. Use semi-western on right hand and eastern forehand going slightly towards continental on left hand.
4. Much better to take long smooth steps than lots of small steps I think...

Cross training:
1. Ride a bike. Way better than running.
2. Do a bit of easy running just to keep back good.
3. Some messing around with a weighted racquet.

Today I was down 3-1 and then won 11 or the next 13 games. Big difference was getting my footwork down. Of course how aggressive and hard hitting my opponent is, plays a role in how good my footwork is.