As Early As Possible. Yes, go out after your volley. Do not wait for it to come to you.
This does a few things.
Firstly it gets you moving forward to the volley. With your body momentum going forward you will use your body weight as the main power in the volley. Most people who stand very flat footed tens to swip and slap at their volleys in an attempt to generate power.
Secondly, it forces you to take an attacking approach to the volley which really threatens the opponent.
Thirdly, the earlier you hit the ball the higher over the net the ball is at contact. The longer you let the ball come to you, the lower your volley will be hit. So, with a lower volley you will then need to hit up on the ball to clear the net and are forced to play a softer shot.
Forth, with your momentum going forward you will continue to get closer to the net on the next volley – therefore closing out the point at the net.
Fifth, you will naturally hit the ball out in front of your body which is essential for good volleys.
Wow – all these results just by thinking about hitting it as early as possible !
Volley positive, go forward and close the point out.
Michael
It happens all too often. Before we know it we are about to serve a second serve. What happened to the first one? Did we just throw it away? Is it because we have a second chance that we treat the first serve with less respect? We might just have a slap at it, go for a big hard flat serve and not really think about it. Then, if it goes in, well that is a bonus.
If you look at the statistics of elite level matches usually the winner has a higher first server percentage. Is this just a coincidence OR are we looking at something obvious here?
Lets think about it. In theory, when you are service your first serve you are in a stronger position than the returner. They do not know how conservative you are going to be, in actual fact they expect you to be attacking your first serve. Therefore most of the time the receiver in defensive mode, just trying to hit a decent return to neutralise your server – then you both can fight for the point.
Now the interesting thing, on the second server the attitude changes. As the server, you must get this one in. You are more conservative. The returner is more attacking than what they were on the first serve.
The receiver steps up into the court and is ready to attack your potentially weaker second serve. The receiver is more positive and more prepared, which you do not want.
The point is that you have so much more advantage on the first serve than the second serve. Treat it with respect. How?
Work hard to increase your first serve percentage by really thinking about it before you hit it. Treat the first serve like you do not have a second serve. Maybe back the pace off a bit from 95% to 85% and add a little spin to increase the margin for error.
The first server already has ‘natural pressure’ associated with it. Let the natural pressure of the first serve work in your favor!
A great way to practice this is play a set only using a single server per point. Pretend second serves do not exist. Sounds scary doesnt it !! Yep, miss the first serve, its the oppontnets point. As I write this t makes me nervous !!
Look forward to your serve !! Until tomorrow !
Michael
Wristbands, they sometimes are a little forgotten. Well here is an insight, they are not a fashion accessory – they are a performance enhancing tool !! Ok, why?
They are used to do a few things. Firstly, to wipe your forehead to stop sweat dripping into your eyes and secondly to stop sweat running down your arm, hand and onto your grip.
Remember in a previous article I talked about keeping a loose grip for more power?. I also talked about keeping your grips fresh and moisture free to keep the grip sticky.
Getting the picture? Yep, wristbands increase the life of your grips, keep moisture away from your hand and grip, therefore allowing you to continue to grip the racquet lightly!
Most people would never think of wristbands having an effect on their strokes – but indirectly they do !!
Having said all that – some top players dont wear them. See the articles pictures. You can now make up your own mind if they will help you!!
Exciting news readers !! All I will say is check out The Tennis Times. http://thetennistimes.com
More on that tomorrow !!!
Michael
