Sample Tennis Tips from Absolute Tennis by Marty Smith

Sample Tip #1

A strong and reliable stroke starts with establishing good balance - keeping your back reasonably straight, shoulders level, and head upright as you play the shot. (Chapter 1 - Balance)

Sample Tip #2

Good balance helps you control the racquet and push more forcefully from the ground for increased power. (Chapter 1 - Balance)

Sample Tip #3

Learn to move your arms in opposite directions and widen and narrow your stance to enhance your balance. (Chapter 1 - Balance)

Sample Tip #4

Many strokes involve grounding one leg for stability and pivoting the other leg for balance. (Chapter 1 - Balance)

Sample Tip #5

The kinetic chain reimagines the body as a system of chain links, whereby the energy generated by the legs is transferred and increased up the body, culminating in an end point power surge. (Chapter 2 - Kinetic Chain)

Sample Tip #6

Using the kinetic chain correctly improves stroke power and consistency and reduces stress on the body. (Chapter 2 - Kinetic Chain)

Sample Tip #7

Setting a wide, strong base allows you to maximize the kinetic chain's benefits. (Chapter 2 - Kinetic Chain)

Sample Tip #8

You must be responsive to the circumstances and use the right amount of body movement during your swing. (Chapter 2 - Kinetic Chain)

Sample Tip #9

A good split step quickens your reaction time and adds power to your first step. (Chapter 3 - Movement)

Sample Tip #10

Following the split step, lower your body and lean and pivot your feet in the direction you need to move. (Chapter 3 - Movement)

Sample Tip #11

The crossover step is an important movement to learn to speed your recovery back to the middle of the court. (Chapter 3 - Movement)

Sample Tip #12

Control of the racquet should come mostly from the palm of the hand, not from excessive squeezing pressure of the fingers. (Chapter 4 - Grips)

Sample Tip #13

The formula for kinetic energy results in the doubling of velocity(racquet speed) having a much larger effect on the energy delivered to the ball than doubling the mass. (Chapter 4 - Grips)

Sample Tip #14

Because the continental grip is used on many shots it is important to learn - use ball tap exercises and the wall to master it. (Chapter 4 - Grips)

Sample Tip #15

The platform serve is the favored stance at the recreational level. It has the advantages of simplicity as well as good body stability and leg push. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #16

The pinpoint serve is a common stance on the pro tour. It has the advantages of strong forward momentum and fast hip rotation. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #17

There are three main types of serving backswings (pendulum, waist-high, and abbreviated) and which one you choose depends largely on swing tempo and ball toss height. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #18

On the ball toss, the left hand moves down slightly, then lifts smoothly pointing towards the right net post before releasing the ball slightly above head level. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #19

Toss the ball about two feet above contact and forward into the court. This allows time for a full build up of energy in the legs and will tilt the body forward at contact for added power. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #20

Setting a wide, strong base allows you to maximize the kinetic chain's benefits. (Chapter 2 - Kinetic Chain) In the trophy position, bend your knees and tilt your shoulders upward to create a body position that will spring you up and forward powerfully to the ball. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #21

Following the trophy position, the legs straighten, the hips rotate, and the elbow lifts as the racquet drops down the back. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #22

A deep racquet drop stretches the shoulder muscles, lengthens the swing, and lags the racquet to add power to the serve. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #23

Following the racquet drop, the hitting elbow continues to lift and the shoulders cartwheel to help maximize contact height. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #24

At the top of the serving swing, the edge of the racquet leads before the wrist pronates and squares up the strings to the ball at contact. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #25

The flat serve is important for delivering power, and the slice, slice-topspin, and kick serves add variety and consistency to your serve. Each serve requires a different ball toss location. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #26

The strings brush the ball in different ways to create the different serving spins. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #27

On the slice serve, the leading edge of the racquet moves toward the right post as the strings brush around the two o' clock part of the ball. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #28

The topspin on the kick serve is created by the racquet moving up from a horizontal(left) to 45 degree angle(right) at contact. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #29

The shoulders turn more to begin the kick serve(left) than on other serves(right). (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #30

Think before serving on how you can keep your opponent off rhythm by mixing up the spin and placement on your serve, and aim to get at least 60% of your first serve in. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #31

The serve is a very important shot that should be given a high priority during your practice sessions. Use targets to improve your serving accuracy and practice responding to your opponents return of serve. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #32

Learn the four key stages of the serve - power position, racquet lag, body positioning at contact, and follow through. (Chapter 5 - Serve)

Sample Tip #33

A good return serve begins with a strong split step and anticipating your opponent's serve through their ball toss location and body alignment. (Chapter 6 - Return of Serve)

Sample Tip #34

When returning a fast serve, lower and shorten your backswing and make contact in front of the body. (Chapter 6 - Return of Serve)

Sample Tip #35

When returning a fast serve, aiming the return deep down the middle of the court provides a big target for greater consistency and limits your opponent's angles. (Chapter 6 - Return of Serve)

Sample Tip #36

Returning serve with the forehand on the deuce side and with the backhand on the ad side speeds up your recovery to the middle of the court. (Chapter 6 - Return of Serve)

Sample Tip #37

On the return of serve, position yourself forward if adopting an aggressive strategy or move back if lengthening the point works in your favor. (Chapter 6 - Return of Serve)

Sample Tip #38

For many recreational players, the second serve is the easiest ball received during the point so plan ahead and take full advantage of its helpful characteristics. (Chapter 6 - Return of Serve)

Sample Tip #39

The return of serve is not just another groundstroke because the serve bounces higher, is usually faster, and can curve right or left and therefore is a shot that needs to be practiced diligently. (Chapter 6 - Return of Serve)

Sample Tip #40

The first four shots, including the serve and return, are by far the most important segment of the point. You may think the rally is just getting started, but it is often already over. (Chapter 6 - Return of Serve)

Sample Tip #41

A great forehand begins with good positioning, and to obtain this you must utilize the best stance for the circumstances and align your legs to provide balance and power in the least amount of time. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #42

The open stances are used when receiving high and fast balls and have the advantages of quick execution and strong power generated from the legs pushing from the ground and swiveling of the hips and shoulders. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #43

The semi open stance is used on balls received above the waist when positioned in the middle part of the court. It has the same advantages as the open stance but with superior forward momentum and hip rotation. It is the stance that complements the most devastating shot from the baseline - the inside forehand. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #44

The neutral stance is used on lower balls and it has the advantages simple weight transfer and straighter and longer racquet extension through contact. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #45

On the neutral stance, the front foot hits the ground a moment before contact to secure forward momentum while the back foot pivots to the right to allow the hips to rotate fluently and expedite the recovery process. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #46

Hop steps, where one foot pushes from the ground and hops through contact, while the other foot lifts in different directions to balance out the body, are used in various situations when time is limited. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #47

Begin the forehand by turning your body as a unit. That is, keeping your arms relatively still while pivoting your right foot, lifting your left heel, and turning your shoulders with your left hand holding the throat of the racquet. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #48

Keeping your non-dominant hand on the throat of the racquet during the unit turn helps turn the shoulders, set the grip, and guide the racquet into the correct swing path during the backswing. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #49

As the racquet goes back in a circular fashion, it should stay to the right or to the “outside”. When compared to longer "inside” backswings, the outside backswing speeds up execution and improves shot accuracy due to its straighter path to contact. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #50

At the end of the backswing establish the power position by loading the legs, straightening the left arm, and pointing the racquet towards the right side of the back fence with the strings above the wrist and facing down. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #51

Straightening the non-hitting arm in the power position provides counterpoint strength for the hitting arm and activates the oblique muscles preparing them for the hip rotation that follows. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #52

After establishing the power position, the hips rotate to lag the racquet and stretch the shoulder and arm muscles adding “sling shot” acceleration to the forward swing. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #53

Following the racquet lag, the racquet head drops below the ball and the racquet butt cap moves forward pointing towards the ball. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #54

After the racquet butt cap moves forward, the racquet head moves closer to the body and then away, or inside-to-outside to the contact point. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #55

It’s natural to think because the ball moves in linear fashion that the forehand should be a linear type swing. However to maximize kinesthetic power, the forehand swing should arc up on the backswing and then curve forward to meet the ball. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #56

As the racquet moves toward the ball the wrist moves forward to add racquet speed and square up the racquet face to the target. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #57

From a front view when hitting a topspin forehand, the racquet head should be at an eight o’clock angle and below the ball before making contact. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #58

The windshield wiper motion often sees the racquet rotate over 180 degrees. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #59

It is important to make contact in front of your body where your physical strength, swing momentum, and vision is best served. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #60

Great forehand players use good extension whereby their racquet drives “through” the ball and moves parallel to the target following contact. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #61

Keeping the head stationary at contact holds the chest still for a longer extension and straighter racquet path towards the target. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #62

On the flat forehand, the racquet finishes behind the head and the hitting elbow ends at shoulder height pointing towards the target. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #63

On the topspin forehand, the racquet fans across the body and finishes in a horizontal fashion below shoulder height. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #64

The inside forehand is the most dangerous shot from the baseline - it’s a stroke that players with powerful forehands should use frequently. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #65

There are five types of topspin forehands(arc, drive, loop, angle and kill) and having the ability to do all five allows players to use the most effective tactical response to a variety of different styled opponents. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #66

The slice forehand’s compact nature makes it is an important defensive shot on very wide and low balls. (Chapter 7 - Forehand)

Sample Tip #67

The one-handed and two-handed backhands have different advantages and disadvantages and which one a player uses depends largely on degree of physical strength and natural proclivity. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #68

The different advantages of the one-handed and two-handed backhand raise an interesting question: could the game evolve such that we see some players begin to use the two-handed backhand to handle the speed of the serve on the return and then the extra racquet speed and variety of the one-handed backhand after the return? (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #69

The closed stance is the most powerful stance on the backhand because it creates a large, strong forward step and aligns the hips in a good position to swing the racquet in a powerful inside-outside path towards the ball. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #70

The cross court backhand(left) sees the front foot less turned and back foot less behind the body than on the down-the-line backhand(right). (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #71

To expedite the recovery process, swing the left foot around to finish level with the right foot while completing the follow through. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #72

For two-handed backhand players, sometimes the open stance is needed on the high or wide balls. The open stance technique sees the player planting the outside leg and transfering body weight to the inside leg as they swing the racquet. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #73

The banana backswing sees the player drop the hands below the waist before raising them again at the end of backswing. This backswing has the advantages of efficiency and good topspin. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #74

The loop backswing sees the player circling the racquet back into the power position. This backswing generates power through a long movement of the arms and hips and produces a flatter shot than the banana backswing. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #75

Ground the right foot at the end of the backswing to secure the forward momentum and then swing the racquet forward from low-to-high. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #76

At contact, keep the head still, shoulders level, and hit the ball in front of the body. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #77

Immediately following contact, the left arm straightens and the racquet continues to move forward parallel to the target. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #78

The one-handed topspin backhand begins with the shoulders turning, the elbows bent and relaxed, and the racquet head tilted up. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #79

At the end of the backswing, the right foot secures the forward momentum and the hitting arm straightens and stays close to the body. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #80

Keeping the elbow low and close to the body produces a powerful inside-to-outside swing and helps add topspin to the stroke. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #81

Make contact well in front of the body with the head still and keep the racquet moving forward parallel to the target well after contact. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #82

The best one-handed backhands are long sweeping motions where the hitting arm finishes the stroke high and fully extended. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #83

Unlike the topspin backhand, a good slice backhand can still be hit well with little to no forward momentum making it an essential defensive shot. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #84

The slice backhand begins by turning shoulders and setting the racquet face open and positioned around head-high. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #85

Drive the racquet forward with the shoulder by straightening the arm and keeping the wrist firm. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #86

The racquet face that was open on the backswing, squares up for contact. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #87

On the slice backhand the racquet follows a hammock-shaped path - don’t chop down too sharply on the ball. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #88

Finish the slice backhand with the left arm behind the body and the racquet open, shoulder-high, and pointing towards the target. (Chapter 8 - Backhand)

Sample Tip #89

The drop shot can prey on an opponent’s movement as well as draw a defensive baseline player out of their comfort zone and up to the net. (Chapter 9 - Drop Shot and Lob)

Sample Tip #90

The drop shot should be played with a light forward step and a short, sharp downward swing. (Chapter 9 - Drop Shot and Lob)

Sample Tip #91

The drop shot is best hit when you receive a waist-to-chest high ball while positioned around the service line area of the court. (Chapter 9 - Drop Shot and Lob)

Sample Tip #92

Besides presenting your opponent with a difficult overhead or a scramble to run the ball down, good lobbing can also lead to less aggressive net positioning from your opponent. (Chapter 9 - Drop Shot and Lob)

Sample Tip #93

The height of the lob will depend on the situation. If positioned very wide of the court, the high lob will allow time to recover. (Chapter 9 - Drop Shot and Lob)

Sample Tip #94

The slice approach shot can be performed quickly so it often makes sense when time is limited. (Chapter 10 - Approach Shot)

Sample Tip #95

The approach shot should be hit deep and to the opponent’s weaker groundstroke or to the side that forces your opponent to run the greatest distance. (Chapter 10 - Approach Shot)

Sample Tip #96

The forward hop step is often used on the approach shot to speed a players movement to the net. (Chapter 10 - Approach Shot)

Sample Tip #97

When attacking the net, establish positioning in the mid-point of your opponents passing shot angles by favoring the approach shots side of the court. (Chapter 10 - Approach Shot)

Sample Tip #98

Playing the net is an adrenalized and athletic situation where winning or losing the point can happen in an instant. Your mentality at net must reflect this and playing volleys should be executed with a feisty and assertive attitude. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #99

In the ready position at net, lower your body, establish a wide stance, and keep your hands up and well in front of the body. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #100

Due to the limited time at net, the continental grip should be used on both the forehand and backhand volleys. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #101

The legs play a crucial role in providing the power, balance, and court positioning for winning at the net. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #102

Widening the stance and bending the knees on low volleys will help the shoulders stay level and head upright for better racquet control. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #103

Following the split step, pivot the right foot to assist fast movement to the right to play a forehand volley. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #104

On most volleys the front foot should land an instant after making contact with the ball. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #105

There are three main steps with the front foot on the volley - straight(left), lunge(middle), and away(right). (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #106

On the forehand volley, prepare for the shot by making a U-shape formation with the racquet and arm. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #108

On the forehand volley, open and set the racquet above the ball and move it forward on a gentle high-to-low gradient. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #109

After contact finish with the racquet on the side of the body and facing roughly parallel to the target. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #110

On most backhand volleys, the racquet head should line up level with the left shoulder at the end of the backswing. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #111

On the backhand volley, set the racquet head above the ball with the elbow slightly bent and then straighten the elbow as the racquet moves forward to meet the ball. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #112

It's important to make contact in front of the body on the backhand volley. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #113

The left arm moves backwards for balance and helps the racquet move in a straight path towards the target. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #114

The swinging volley uses a regular groundstroke swing and is typically hit from the middle of the court when receiving a high, slow moving ball. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #115

The control needed for a drop volley necessitates a technique in which the racquet moves very little making the wrist the primary body link on this shot. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #116

Like the drop shot, the drop volley should be played when you have a reasonable amount of time and good balance. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #117

On the half volley, lower the body, place the racquet behind the expected bounce of the ball, and use a short, low-to-high swing. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #118

On the overhead, try to position yourself deep enough in the court to ensure you can push off the back foot and transfer your body weight forward into the shot. (Chapter 11 - Volleys)

Sample Tip #119

If the forehand is a physically stronger motion and permits a longer reach when compared to the backhand, could replacing the backhand with a forehand done by the non-dominant arm be a common method of play in the future? (Chapter 12 - Future Strokes)

Sample Tip #120

For dual forehand players I recommend the overlapping grip which allows each hand to start low in the grip for added power and reach when using this method of play. (Chapter 12 - Future Strokes)

Sample Tip #121

The key to learning a motor skill well, especially a new one, is to slow things down and increase the difficulty gradually. (Chapter 12 - Future Strokes)

Sample Tip #122

The reverse serve sees the player brushing the left side of the ball creating a left-handed type spin for right-handed players making their serve more dangerous and unpredictable. (Chapter 12 - Future Strokes)

Sample Tip #123

The step forward by the front foot during the backswing of the volleyball serve adds power and raises the contact point on the serve. (Chapter 12 - Future Strokes)

Sample Tip #124

Drawing the correct strategic conclusions during a match requires not only a thorough knowledge of tennis, but also an awareness of your strengths and weaknesses and being observant to those same qualities in your opponent. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #125

To shift sensibly between the offensive, neutral, and defensive phases you sometimes need to be patient and resolute while at other times alert and ready to pounce. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #126

The inside-out forehand is a key shot when looking to take charge of the point in the offensive phase. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #127

During the neutral phase mixing up the spin, speed, and height of shot to disrupt the opponent's timing should be a prime focus. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #128

The purpose of your shot will vary depending on your court positioning. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #129

If your opponent is scrambling, move forward to steal time and rush them on their next shot. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #130

When receiving a high ball during a baseline rally, it often makes sense to drop back and hit the ball at a more comfortable height. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #131

After hitting a cross court shot, position yourself slightly on the same side as where you hit the ball from. This will place you in the midpoint of your opponent’s angles. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #132

Recreational players, like champion players, must develop shot patterns that make best use of their strongest strokes. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #133

Every opponent has a favorite side to hit their groundstrokes; use this knowledge to help “funnel” the rally into a shot pattern you enjoy. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #134

Due to its shorter distance, the down-the-line groundstroke can be an effective offensive shot when positioned inside the baseline. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #135

To reduce errors, play with good net clearance and hit well inside the sidelines especially if you are not controlling the point. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #136

Hitting deep gives your opponent less time to set up for their shots increasing the likelihood they will mistime their swing and make an error. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #137

If you can execute a game plan that gives you a small edge, you should win. Winning 55% of the points allows you to win 99% of the time. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #138

Sit down with a pen and paper and write out your strengths and weaknesses. It is only through self-awareness that you can know how to play your matches intelligently. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #139

Attacking the net can be an effective tactic against a defensive player. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #140

Hitting slice groundstrokes to a power hitter lowers their strike zone and reduces their speed of shot. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #141

The frequent use of the inside forehand has made the down-the-line backhand an important shot in the modern era. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #142

Champion players have a keen sensitivity to all the objective variables (court speed, weather) and subjective variables (emotions, confidence) a tennis match brings. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #143

Attacking an opponent’s weak shot repeatedly will go one of two ways; the stroke will crumble or the repetition will help it. You must decide whether it is best to stay relentless or mix up your shots more. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #144

Play practice matches against a variety of playing styles, including aggressive net rushers, all-court players, and defensive baseline players. Mixing up your style of opponent will help you learn what shot patterns work best against different types of players. (Chapter 13 - Singles Strategy)

Sample Tip #145

Serving down the center line towards the “T” is a great way to get your partner at net involved in the point. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #146

Mix up the placement and spin on your serve to keep your opponent off rhythm and aim to get a very high percentage of your first serves in. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #147

Talk with your partner about where you are going to serve so they can be ready to shift to the best position to react to the opponents return. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #148

Your serve’s location will influence where to split step (see SS1 and SS2) when you serve and volley. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #149

A set of doubles is played in four game rotations; at the end of each game, players change their role and responsibilities. The more you and your partner do each of your “jobs” well, the more likely you will perform as a cohesive and successful team. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #150

The server's partner at net should be in motion and moving forward immediately after hearing the serve being struck. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #151

The “I” formation can cause problems for opponents on their return because they don’t know which way the net player will move after the serve. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #152

The compact nature of the slice backhand swing makes it a good doubles shot to use on the return serve before attacking the net. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #153

The receiver's partner should be facing the opposing net player. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #154

If your partner hits a good return, move forward and look to intercept your opponents defensive reply. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #155

If your partner attempts a down-the-line shot, shift to the middle of the court to cover your opponents shot through the center. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #156

With the receiver’s partner positioned at the baseline(right background), the serving team doesn’t have an easy target to volley through. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #157

When playing the net as a team follow the ball right and left to best cover your opponent’s angles. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #158

Moving forward off the baseline to establish the net as a team places pressure on the opposing to hit the ball lower and faster. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #159

Have your weight forward as you split step at net and be ready to move forward to hit the volley. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #160

If you sense your opponents are in trouble or rushed on their shot, move forward and look to attack their reply as close to the net as possible. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #161

Following a defensive volley, shift backwards and prepare to defend against your opponent’s aggressive shot. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #162

The staggered formation at the net(foreground) leads to more aggressive poaching, improved lob coverage, and better communication on balls hit down the middle. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #163

During the cross court rally the server’s partner(SP) should move to the left when the ball is hit to the left(R1) and move right when the ball is hit to the middle of the court(R2). (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #164

If you sense your partner at the baseline is in trouble, look back to see the quality and placement of their shot. This will help you get a head start on your next court positioning move. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #165

When the returner (R) moves forward from “A” to “B”, the server’s partner (SP) should move backwards from “A” to “B”. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #166

Poaching is a great way to hit winning volleys and disarm opponents by forcing them to hit their shots lower, faster, and wider to avoid a poaching net player. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #167

The deeper player must communicate and direct their poaching team mate to either stay or switch to the other side court. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #168

Forward diagonal movement reduces the time available for your opponents to react to your shot, allows you to hit the ball at a greater height, and creates better angles. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #169

Hitting the poached shot towards the opposing net player gives that player very little time to respond to your shot. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #170

Hitting the ball low(left) through the middle of the court(center), or at the body(right) are three effective shots against the opposing team both at net. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #171

When playing the net, the area behind the opposing net player represents a prime location(or “gold mine”) to hit winners. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #172

Low volleys should be placed away from the opposing net player and to the deeper-positioned doubles opponent. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #173

Unless the opponents lob is very deep, overheads should be directed to the closer opponent’s side of the court. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #174

Attacking the net produces pressure and rhythm of play that defensive doubles teams often dislike. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #175

If you are playing with a weaker partner, take more chances with your poaching and look to dominate the middle of the court. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #176

Discussing strategy before the point leads to quicker court position shifts and more assertive shot decisions. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #177

Always stay positive when talking with your partner and convey through your body language that you are excited and eager to play. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #178

Which side of the court you decide to receive serve in doubles depends partly on which direction you prefer to hit your strongest groundstroke. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #179

Good doubles partners share the blame and deflect the praise. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #180

If you get along well with your doubles partner, you will practice together more and understand each other’s game better. (Chapter 14 - Doubles Strategy)

Sample Tip #181

In tennis you need to be both mentally strong to stay determined and mentally positive so you compete in an emotionally elevated and energetic manner. (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #182

The messages spoken by your inner voice are energy impulses that affect how your brain processes the match. You can be winning but feel flat, or you can be losing but still be energized, all by the messages sent through the mind. (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #183

Train yourself so that when a negative thought enters your mind, you recognize it, dismiss it, and replace it with a positive thought. (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #184

Rituals such as straightening your strings can relax and clear the mind after a frustrating point. (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #185

Dwelling on your previously missed shot only reinforces that mistake in your mind and increases the likelihood of making the same mistake again. (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #186

Focus on the process, not the result. Agassi once wrote, “Freed from the thoughts of winning, I instantly play better. My shots become a half-second quicker, my decisions become the product of instinct rather than logic.” (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #187

Arthur Ashe once said, “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #188

Anxiety’s effect on your level of play is largely based on your perception. Embrace a mindset that you are lucky to be healthy playing a sport you enjoy, and view your tennis career as an evolving process of learning, adventure, and self-discovery. (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #189

Ironically, it is by letting go slightly that your nerves recede and you play better. You will play your best when you trust your swing and have the confidence that your body will do the right thing. (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #190

When things are not going your way take a five second pause and walk away from the action. A step back can help you see a problem from a new perspective and increase your ability to control your emotions. (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #191

Acknowledging an opponent's good shot will help you put the point behind you and keep your mind in a positive state. (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #192

In a pressured situation, a smile can help you defuse negative feelings and keep your energy level elevated. (Chapter 15 - Psychology)

Sample Tip #193

Tennis is a uniquely athletic sport and fitness underpins every aspect of the game. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tip #194

There have been many examples on the pro tour of players devoting themselves to fitness and seeing their best results quickly follow. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tip #195

Improving your flexibility will add power to your stroke and improve your balance on difficult wide and low balls. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tip #196

Flexibility reduces the likelihood of muscle tears and pulls by lengthening the muscles and providing a good framework for strengthening the joints of the body that experience extreme motions. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tip #197

Stretching after your match or practice sessions will reduce inflammation and leave you feeling less sore and stiff the following day. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tip #198

In tennis, you must be agile to stop and start quickly after moving in a variety of directions all while maintaining balance to hit the ball effectively. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tip #199

Improving foot speed will extend more points and increase the time you have to set up for the stroke leading to more powerful and accurate shot making. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tip #200

Strengthening the core muscles will add power to your strokes and improve your movement to the ball as well as speed up the recovery process. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tip #201

Resistance band exercises are low impact, good for warming up the muscles, and can be easily used to mimic the tennis strokes. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tip #202

Superior cardiovascular endurance allows the body to recover quickly and be ready for the next point. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tip #203

Eating and drinking correctly can mean the difference between feeling strong and energetic for the entire match or feeling sluggish throughout and faltering at the end. (Chapter 16 - Fitness)

Sample Tips

Here are a sample of photos and summarized tips from Absolute Tennis