Playing at the net requires different technical habits to playing at the baseline. At the net, a player has to keep a compact backswing to be able to play in front of the body and control the power of the incoming ball.
Hitting the ball out of the air opens up a great opportunity to win more points but to achieve control of the shot, players have to make sure they are hitting the ball in front of their body.
Building any habit is a process based on repetitions. Players have to consistently perform a new action to ensure the movements become automatic. It is important to understand that at the beginning it is easier to control the racket and the body without hitting the ball so imitations should be incorporated to let the player focus on crucial aspects and accelerate the process of acquiring new skills.
Wimbledon arrives at the end of June and the grass court swing transforms how the game is played. Low bounces, slippery footing, and rewards for forward play demand a different tactical mindset. Here is how to coach it.
With Roland Garros centre stage in May, clay court tennis demands a different toolkit: controlled sliding, longer rallies, and patient point construction. Here is how to coach the surface that humbles power players and rewards craft.
The slice backhand is experiencing a renaissance in modern tennis, valued for its ability to change pace, create approach opportunities, and neutralise powerful opponents. This guide breaks down the technique, tactical applications, and training progressions coaches need to develop this essential shot at every level.
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