Lawn Tennis Tips

Roger Federer Wins Wimbledon Final agianst Andy Roddick.

2009-07-06T00:50:00.006+05:30

Roger Federer beats Andy Roddick to wins his carer 15th Grand slam title and became the only person to do so. He won the match 5-7,7-6,7-6,3-6,16-14 (yeah right 16-14) to win his 15th grand slam beating Andy Roddick in a hard fough match that saw no favorites in front of greats like Borg & Pete samprass. Federer also reclaimed the world number 1 ranking after wining his 15th title.

Stop Thinking About Winning

2009-07-01T02:02:00.000+05:30

By John F. Murray, Ph.DWouldn't it be grand if there were a special world where every player won every match? In this tennis fantasyland, scores would be meaningless since every player would be crowned champion. If this is what you seek, hit the snooze button one more time. When you wake up and smell the Starbucks again, you'll remember that every player eventually loses except the

Rafael Nadal's Backhand

2009-06-29T00:00:00.000+05:30

By Paul AnnaconePhotograph by Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images 1. CoreNadal’s bulging biceps and calf muscles get the most attention, but it’s his midsection that makes all his strokes, and especially this stretched-out, open-stance backhand on clay, so phenomenal. Any other player attempting to hit a ball this far from his body, with such a wide stance, would lunge forward and lose

Target your Heart Rate.

2009-06-25T02:05:00.000+05:30

By Sarah Unke To get the most out of a cardio workout, you need to get your heart rate into your target heart rate zone. However you keep your heart rate elevated—by running, doing intervals on an elliptical machine, on taking a spinning class—the American Heart Association recommends that you do “moderately intense aerobic exercise” for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

Pick the right doubles partner

2009-06-23T13:59:00.000+05:30

It used to be said that the best doubles team in the world was John McEnroe and anybody else. While we can’t all play alongside a ringer, we do have some say in our selection of a partner, and that’s the first step toward playing good doubles. I feel that the best doubles sidekick is one who complements you. For example, if you’re an extrovert, try to find a more introverted partner. Or

Novak Djokovic's Kick Serve

2009-06-21T01:57:00.002+05:30

How the Serb hits one of the nastiest kickers in the game. By Paul AnnaconePhotos by Manuela Davies/Double Exposure 1 For many club players, the toss is the biggest challenge on a kick serve. It must be to your left (if you are righthanded, like Djokovic) and slightly farther back than it is on a flat serve, so you can brush up on the ball to create topspin. Djokovic extends his tossing arm

A New Footwork Manifesto

2009-05-24T13:14:00.001+05:30

Much of what you’ve heard about moving on a tennis court is wrong. Here are the real keys to footwork in the modern game.By Jose Higueras(Tennis Magazine) How many times have you heard the following phrases: “don’t give any ground”; “always move forward for the ball”; “don’t hit off your back foot”? In the United States, “hug the baseline” and “take the ball on the rise” have become

Be your own court Trainer

2009-01-12T02:05:00.000+05:30

Come to your own rescue with these treatments for common on-court injuries. By Dana Sullivan Even a minor injury like a blister can be a major problem on the court. But keeping a few basic first-aid supplies in your racquet bag and knowing how to treat some typical on-court injuries will keep you in the game, or at least get you back on court quickly. Here’s a look at some familiar

Roger Federer's Forehand

2008-07-08T16:29:00.002+05:30

Roger Federer’s forehand is the most beautiful, versatile, and powerful weapon in pro tennis. It may also be the most misunderstood. We’ll dissect four major elements of this superb stroke. By John Yandell 1. GRIPMany people think Roger Federer plays with a semi-Western grip, similar to Andy Roddick’s. In reality, his grip is closer to Pete Sampras’. Federer keeps part of his hand off

4 Serve Rituals

2008-06-04T01:40:00.004+05:30

enjoy ppl my first video tut (not mine but only posted here by me)Do comment good or bad ...

Put It on a Dime

2008-05-10T13:25:00.001+05:30

By Nick SavianoPhotos By Lara TomlinAll the speed and spin in the world won’t matter if you can’t place the serve where you want it. The ability to control the direction of the serve is a critical component to its overall success. Hitting an ace is great. But not everybody can consistently crank the speed needed to blow a ball by an opponent. What’s more important is to set up the

Returning Soft Shots

2007-12-01T19:27:00.000+05:30

Q. I consider myself a solid 3.0 player. I love competing against other 3.0 and 3.5 level players and I do quite well. But when playing against what I would consider 2.5 level players, I usually end up losing the match. My problem is that I cannot seem to speed up their short slow balls. I return anything that comes my way slow with the same intensity that it comes in. If I take a good

Tag-team tennis

2007-10-25T20:06:00.000+05:30

By Pat WhitworthThe best doubles teams play as if they’re a tag-team wresting duo that tries whenever possible to turn points into two-on-one contests. The idea is to isolate and work over one of your opponents until you get the right ball to finish the point. This does three things for you:1) Allows you to hold your position on the court instead of following the ball around as you would

High backhand volleys made simple

2007-10-15T20:08:00.000+05:30

High volleys should be easy, right? Then why do you miss so many on the backhand side? The problem is likely because of your backswing. Players miss volleys long because their backswing was too long and the ball got to their racquet before the racquet face got back forward. Players miss volleys into the net because their backswing was too long, they swung aggressively, and the racquet

Body Blow

2007-10-15T20:05:00.000+05:30

If your opponent is still catching his breath after a long point, consider aiming your next serve directly at his body. A winded receiver will often play the return without taking adjustment steps, which are necessary for returning a body serve. Aiming the ball at your opponent in this situation will often result in a weak reply that allows you to play an aggressive shot on the next ball.

Tag-team tennis

2007-10-02T20:06:00.000+05:30

Two-Handed Backhand of Novak Djokovic

2007-09-29T22:46:00.000+05:30

Extensive hip rotation and a composed upper body make this shot a dependable asset. The great thing about Novak Djokovic’s game is how complete it is. He can do pretty much anything. And while his forehand is a punishing stroke, his backhand might be the more solid of the two shots. Djokovic can hit the ball crosscourt or open up the court with a shot down the line. It’s a big part of his

Keep your grip soft

2007-09-15T22:55:00.001+05:30

Is there any shot more impressive than a feathery drop volley hit off a driving ground stroke? To execute that difﬁcult touch shot, you need “soft hands.” That’s just another way of saying you should use a relaxed grip. To get the feel for it, try the two-ﬁnger volley grip. Rather than holding your racquet like you normally do, grip the handle with only your ring and pinky ﬁngers. Your

The Forehand of Maria Sharapova

2007-09-11T19:29:00.000+05:30

Early preparation and an attacking mind-set have helped the Russian turn this shot into a world-class weapon. When Maria Sharapova stunned tennis fans by winning Wimbledon in 2004, her serve and backhand were her biggest assets. But in the last year, she has molded her forehand into a weapon as well. She’s more aggressive off that wing than ever before, and it’s the shot she relies on most

Cooling Down a Hot Opponent

2007-08-30T22:56:00.000+05:30

Beginners should aim most of their shots toward their opponent's weakest stroke, which is often the backhand. Trying to raise your game isn’t necessarily the best option when you face a player who’s giving you more than you can handle.The ﬁrst thing most players do when they ﬁnd themselves trailing in a match is look for things that will help them raise their level of play. The

Two tips for better doubles

2007-08-25T22:47:00.001+05:30

Bounce for better poaches: If you are going to poach a service return, start to move when the served ball bounces. At that point, your opponent will have his or her racquet back in preparation for a return. Move at an angle simultaneously toward the ball and toward the net for an easy volley. And don’t forget to let your partner know you are going to poach before the point starts! Mirror your

Don’t overdo it

2007-08-14T20:47:00.000+05:30

Have a match coming up against the top player in your league? That guy or gal who beats you every time, even if you start out with a big lead? Take a lesson from last weekend’s Rogers Cup champ, Novak Djokovic, and don’t worry about playing up to your opponent — just be yourself.You’re not unique for wanting to play your absolute best against the best competition. But asking that much of

Practice makes perfect

2007-08-07T21:29:00.000+05:30

Everyone likes to play matches. It’s how you measure yourself against the competition. But it doesn’t necessarily improve your tennis ability. The best way to accomplish that is to pinpoint deficiencies in your game and practice them until they become reliable. Playing matches puts the emphasis on winning, not improving. By removing the pressure of winning, you allow yourself the freedom of

Adjust for high balls

2007-08-05T13:04:00.001+05:30

One of the toughest shots for most recreational players to handle is the high-bouncing ball, especially if it has a lot of topspin on it. But there’s an easy way to improve your success rate in dealing with these pesky shots: Use a higher backswing. Lots of players unwittingly lower their chances of returning high balls effectively by taking their racquet back the same way they do for

Go for seconds

2007-08-05T13:02:00.000+05:30

It’s an old saying, but it’s still true to this day – “you’re only as good as your second serve.”A good first serve is important. A good second serve is crucial. When going for a second serve, too many players tell themselves, ‘I’ve got to get this serve in.’ What they should be telling themselves is that this is another opportunity to hit an effective serve. After swinging with all their

Work on your foot speed

2007-08-03T19:47:00.000+05:30

Tennis players spend a great of time working on their strokes. They will take lots of lessons or practice for hours looking to hone their shots. But a sure way to improve your game without even stepping on a tennis court is to increase your speed and agility. It’s not as glamorous as learning to hit a big forehand or serve, but gaining more foot speed can win you just as many points.Here are some

Approach Shots: Forehand and Backhand

2007-07-28T22:12:00.000+05:30

Q. How do you hit it a forehand and two-handed backhand approach shot while moving forward to the ball at the service line (and making contact just below the net)? Do you slow down and twist? What stance is best?A. In a perfect world, you don’t want to be moving. You want to be stable. If you are moving, try to have a solid foundation and be as still as possible. This is a key to making

The Backhand Lob of Justine Henin

2007-07-26T20:24:00.000+05:30

The Belgian uses perfect disguise for maximum effectiveness.Justine Henin is a big player for such a small woman. I ﬁrst saw her play when she was 10 years old and it was apparent even then that she was tremendously talented. Her signature shot, the one-handed backhand, was well on its way to becoming the beautiful stroke it is today. There’s nothing Henin can’t do with her backhand. In

Maintaining a Lead

2007-07-22T16:38:00.000+05:30

How to keep focus after winning the first set.It was just minutes ago that you won a hard-fought ﬁrst set 6-4. Now you’re down an early break in the second. You’re starting to tighten up, and you feel as if you’re losing the match even though you’re ahead on the scoreboard. The momentum should be on your side, but it’s slipping away. You ask yourself what happened. This scenario plays out

Jump start your warm-up

2007-07-20T16:53:00.000+05:30

We’ve all done it –at the court just minutes before our match starts, do a couple of knee bends, and then think we’re ready to play. After dropping the first three games of the set we scratch our heads, wondering why we’re playing so lifelessly. If you want to come out firing bullets instead of blanks, you’ve got to come on the court warm and excited to play. The best scenario would be to

The 12 Step Program for Tennis

2007-07-15T14:43:00.000+05:30

Whenever our strokes fail most of us assume our swing is to blame. But my observation is that the majority of errors in tennis occur when players stop moving their feet as much as they normally do, forcing them to use their hands in unpracticed ways to compensate for their poor positioning. And all too often the predictable result is a ball that goes into the net or outside the lines. Tennis is a

Lob or Not

2007-07-15T14:24:00.000+05:30

Here’s the scenario. You’re under attack from your opponent at the net. You reach his shot in time to have a choice of whether to lob or go for a passing shot. Which do you chose? For most recreational players the decision should follow a simple rule of thumb: lob if you’re behind the baseline, and go for the passer if you’re in front of it. Why? If you’re standing in back of the baseline and

Andy Roddicks Serve

2007-07-12T21:16:00.000+05:30

High Five: Federer ties Borg with Wimbledon win

2007-07-09T20:12:00.000+05:30

By Kamakshi Tandon Roger Federer won his 5th consecutive Wimbledon title as the weather finally turned bright and clear during the final weekend of the Championships. © Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Wimbledon began with rainy and ragged weather, but it finished with a day of sunshine that bathed the men’s final in a glow never possible until this

Trouble with Topspin?

2007-06-30T21:28:00.000+05:30

Trouble with topspin? Here’s a simple and effective way to learn to hit it. PROBLEMYou have difficulty applying topspin to the ball because you instinctively swing from high to low. It’s particularly common with young beginners who equate the motion with hitting a baseball. The resulting shots are slices or flat balls that you have little control over. For many players, it’s natural to swing

Strategy 101

2007-06-27T20:55:00.000+05:30

Whether you’re just beginning to play matches or you’re already a seasoned veteran, there’s one play that works no matter what your level is. What is this magic formula, you ask? Hit to your opponent’s weaker side. Sure, this is really basic advice but the truth is that many players who should know better ignore it. That’s too bad because directing ball after ball to your opponent’s

Learning from Novak Djokovic

2007-06-19T18:24:00.000+05:30

The Serb has beefed up his game. Here are two ways to help you do the same.1. Take your chances. Novak Djokovic has a lot of the ingredients that make some players superstars. He’s athletic; he can play offensively; he knows how to take the ball early; he’s not afraid to end points at the net; he’s a good competitor; and he can hurt you with both his forehand and his backhand. In other

The Forehand of Roger Federer

2007-06-14T20:13:00.000+05:30

A full shoulder turn, good balance, and tremendous racquet-head speed make this a much-feared weapon. As the Wimbledon approaches near, let us take a look at the 3 time champion Roger Federer. On the list of all-time great forehands, Roger Federer’s should be near the top. It’s struck powerfully and has remarkable variety and adaptability. Of all the shots in his arsenal, it’s his

Learning to Hit Topspin

2007-06-09T20:43:00.000+05:30

PROBLEM You’re a flat-ball hitter. This is a huge disadvantage when you’re trying angled shots, offensive lobs, or safe, high rally balls. You’ve heard the term “brush up the back of the ball” more than you can stand, and you finish your swing up high over your shoulder, but there’s still no topspin. SOLUTION While executing a low-to-high swing, try to hit the ball with the top edge of the

Five Things to Learn from Roger Federer

2007-06-02T19:37:00.000+05:30

Federer Moving ForwardFive things you can learn from Roger Federer’s victory in the 2004 U.S. Open men’s final.1. KICK IT OLD SCHOOLI like to say that Roger Federer has brought the old-school game of tennis to the modern world. He plays with tremendous variety of shot and strategy, and it was all on display in his 6-0, 7-6 (3), 6-0 rout of Lleyton Hewitt, a player whose tenacity usually gives his

The Jump Two-Handed Backhand

2007-05-29T21:03:00.000+05:30

Photo By Al Bello/Getty Images Former world No. 1 Marcelo Rios introduced this technique and Marat Safin and Sebastien Grosjean continue the tradition today. Instead of moving their feet to get into better position on a high backhand, they choose to compensate by jumping off the court to hit the stroke. The technical or strategic advantages are questionable, but you may find that you get

Shoes for different court types.

2007-05-25T20:18:00.000+05:30

Clay courts with slide The new breed in clay / sliding court shoes are sharp edged herring bone that cover the entire sole and even roll up on the side of the shoe to give maximum grip and an "even or measurable" slide characteristic. The idea being that the clay will fall out after each step in order to allow maximum grip on each consecutive step. Sharp Herring bone bite better, but wear out

Backhand Approach of Amelie Mauresmo

2007-05-22T20:02:00.000+05:30

A no-frills motion paves the Frenchwoman’s way to the net. BY Anne Smith, Ph.d Reigning Wimbledon champion Amélie Mauresmo is an all-court player who, unlike most of her peers, regularly attacks the net. And whether she’s coming in off a short ball in a rally or attacking a weak serve, as she is in this sequence, her slice backhand approach is the shot she uses most often to get her to the

Take your time

2007-05-16T20:33:00.000+05:30

One of the greatest things about singles tennis is the individual nature of the sport. But that’s also one of the most challenging aspects of the game, and this becomes most apparent when your adversary, after winning a few tough points or a particularly hard-fought game, begins to gain momentum. Because there is no teammate to offer advice or emotional support, many players get down on

Learning from James Blake

2007-05-10T20:32:00.000+05:30

Blake isn't afraid to go on the offensive with his backhand © Getty Images The American has lifted his game with percentage play. 1.Improve your weaker side. Blake’s backhand has always been a liability, but in recent years he’s done a great job of shoring it up. I don’t think he’s really changed his technique—he may be hitting a little more out in front of his

Winning in the wind

2007-05-06T18:19:00.000+05:30

Playing in the wind is one of the toughest challenges you can face as a tennis player. Nearly every aspect of your game has to be adjusted, and shots that are normally automatic have to be played with care and consideration. But you can lessen the challenge by doing a couple of things. First, you need to gear your ground strokes for consistency. Place more of an emphasis on spin and less

Cut Your Unforced Errors in Half

2007-05-03T14:36:00.000+05:30

Winning matches is as much about limiting your mistakes as it is about hitting powerful shots. Here are 10 simple ways to help you cut down on your errors. 1. USE MORE TOPSPINBy increasing the amount of topspin on your shots, you can hit the ball harder and take a longer swing while minimizing the risk of sending the ball long. Plus, you’ll be able to hit the ball higher, giving you a

Myth and The Truth

2007-04-28T18:21:00.000+05:30

Myth - Bring the racket back as soon as you see the ball coming toward you. Truth - Although on paper this sounds good, the pros do not take the racket back quickly. Are you surprised? Watch the pros and see what you think. In fact, if he were taking a conventional tennis lesson the teaching pro would tell him that he is taking the racket back too slowly! The truth is each pro has his own

Dealing with moonballers

2007-04-22T17:52:00.000+05:30

One of the toughest opponents at the recreational level is the dreaded moonballer—the player who hits everything back high, fairly deep and usually with moderate to heavy topspin. It’s a winning formula because it’s an easy strategy to execute, as long as you’re fit and patient; and it’s very low risk. How do you beat such a player? Generally, most moonballers adopt their style of play

Exaggerate Your Abilities

2007-04-17T20:25:00.000+05:30

Recently I was playing a guy that I normally handle pretty easily. But this time it seemed that every ground stroke I hit was landing barely beyond the service line, allowing him to dictate play. I tried to place the ball deeper in the court but something about the way I was striking it that day kept it short and prevented me from getting any penetration from the baseline. After a few games of

Take it from the bottom for topspin

2007-04-12T19:59:00.000+05:30

Perhaps the most important ingredient in a strong, consistent forehand is the ability to impart topspin on the ball. But for many players this skill is elusive. It needn’t be. To improve topspin on your forehand, pay attention to your backswing and make sure your racquet head is below the intended point of impact as you start your forward swing. A good exercise is to have a partner feed

You’re getting warmer

2007-04-03T20:17:00.000+05:30

Have you ever played a match where your opponent couldn’t—or wouldn’t—keep the ball in play during the warm-up and you were forced to start the match before you felt your strokes were ready?Every tennis player can relate. While the ideal situation is to get a good practice in before your match, busy schedules and limited court time often make that unrealistic. Many of us rely solely on the

Grip Guide - A Grip on Your Game

2007-03-20T21:50:00.000+05:30

Fluid, powerful, and accurate strokes are the combination of many factors. But it all starts with how you hold the racquet. No matter how much time you spend finding the perfect frame to beef up your game, the most important part of your racquet just might be your grip—not what the handle is made of, but how you hold it. Although they’re largely overlooked, grips are the foundation

Roger Federer Volley

2007-03-13T19:52:00.000+05:30

Whether the ball is chest high or around his ankles, Roger Federer maintains ideal form on his volleys. Roger Federer is fundamentally sound in all areas of the court—he can produce great shots either from the baseline or up at net, which contributes to his success on every surface. These photos illustrate the excellent technique he uses on both high and low volleys. The world’s

Practice Your Returns

2007-03-12T18:48:00.000+05:30

With the Super Bowl coming up this Sunday (take the Seahawks and the points) I’ve got football on the brain. I don’t care for either team, but I love the sport so I’ll be glued to my television this weekend. There’s an old football adage that offense sells tickets but defense wins championships. In truth, the best teams have a good balance of both – as do the most effective tennis

Focus on Your Non-Dominant Hand on the Two-Handed Backhand

2007-03-08T18:43:00.000+05:30

For many players, getting the hang of the two-handed backhand can be a challenge. But you can improve it quickly by placing more emphasis on your non-dominant hand. This may seem counterintuitive, but because the right arm is stronger—assuming you’re a righty—most players tend to use it too much on this shot and end up pulling the racquet instead of driving it. Instead, think of the

Adjust for high balls

2007-03-03T20:53:00.000+05:30

Help with service toss

2007-03-01T19:40:00.000+05:30

This one of the question asked to Paul annacone( current coach of Tim henman) and his answer.Q. I'm just starting to play tennis and my service toss is all over the place. How do I fix it?A. Simple – practice. You have to be consistent with your ball toss – find the correct area where you like the ball to be when you make contact, then repeat the motion, letting the ball drop to the court without

Explode to the net

2007-02-20T19:42:00.000+05:30

To get to the net successfully you have to use footwork that’s different from what you use when shuffling side to side at the baseline. In the backcourt, your most explosive steps take place once you see where you opponent has hit the ball and where you need to run. But the tempo of your footwork coming in isn’t like that. Instead, try to slow down as you hit the approach shot and then explode

A big forehand

2007-02-17T21:01:00.000+05:30

A big forehand can help you climb to the top of the club ladder. To hit the runaround forehand, remember to backpedal quickly and keep your racquet up high as you move into position. Once there, be sure to swing out and give the ball a ride.Adding a weapon, no matter what the stroke, can significantly elevate your game. When you have a shot that you can use to dictate points and that your

Don’t hog the alley

2007-02-14T20:01:00.000+05:30

One of the most commonly made mistakes in recreational doubles is for the partner of the server to stand close the singles sideline—some even go so far as to stand in the alley—to prevent the receiver from burning them down the line with the return of serve. While this position certainly reduces the likelihood of that happening, it’s an unwise play for several reasons.Here’s why:

Handling a Grudge Match

2007-02-11T17:12:00.000+05:30

You're enmeshed in a tight match with the hotshot at your club. As the contest progresses your opponent begins to irritate you. Perhaps the way he swaggers after making a good shot grates on your nerves. Or his calls are a little too quick and there's a smug, pleased tone to his voice as he yells, "Out!" In your mind, you have to win because you can't imagine having to smile and shake his hand if

Go Time

2007-02-08T19:14:00.000+05:30

Is your body ready for the rigors of a tournament? Our three-week survival guide will have you primed to compete. Summer is tournament time. So whether it’s your club’s memberguest or the USTA regionals, you’re going to be playing more tennis than you’re used to—hopefully, anyway—in a short amount of time. How can you make sure your body is up to the challenge? We asked Bill Mountford, tennis

Raedy ,Set, Goal

2007-02-06T21:13:00.000+05:30

-from the tennis magazine issueTo raise your game in 2007, start with our four-step battle plan. By John F. Murray Imagine you wanted to construct a house. Would you succeed if you began driving nails into stacks of two-by-fours without a blueprint? Not likely. But that’s how many of us go about our tennis. We want to build better strokes, but when we get on the court we hit balls with little

Don't Hit the Wall

2007-02-02T21:05:00.000+05:30

Perhaps the most frustrating error tennis players make is dumping the ball into the net. Though often caused by ambitious shot selection and balls struck with little margin for error, the transparency of the net is a problem as well. Because you can see through the net to the other side, we often fail to grasp how much of a barrier the net really is. To prevent this visual trickery, imagine

Fix for Cutting Your Swing Short

2007-01-29T21:04:00.000+05:30

Don’t cut your swing short on ground strokes. PROBLEMYou use an abbreviated motion on your ground strokes. You may have a short backswing or follow-through that results in a slapping or blocking motion. Your shots may make it over the net, but they lack power, spin, control, and consistency. SOLUTIONTo get a full swing on your ground strokes, pretend the butt of your racquet is a camera, and

Take a look at your game

2007-01-25T19:50:00.000+05:30

If you’ve ever had your voice recorded—and who hasn’t these days—you’ve probably experienced that slightly unsettling realization that you sound different than you thought you did. The same thing is often true of your tennis game. Many people have mental images of their strokes that differ significantly from the way they really are. But having a good sense of what you’re actually

The Hidden Practice Opportunity

2007-01-23T20:23:00.000+05:30

If you're like most players, whenever you have the chance to be on the tennis court you prefer to play rather than practice. After all, your time is limited and you have a busy schedule, right? Consequently, you don't get as much practice as you should. But there's a way to get a little extra practice in each match that few players take advantage of. What is it? The feed. Think about it. Every

Lessons from Isaac Newton

2007-01-16T19:20:00.000+05:30

A split-step keeps you in continuous motion during a rally. You may have done your best to forget high school physics class, but perhaps you remember one of the key physicists, Isaac Newton, and the three laws that were named after him. What do they have to do with your tennis game, you ask? Everything. When it comes to mastering important concepts and understanding

Rafel Nadal's Forehand

2007-01-08T20:40:00.000+05:30

At the age of 20, Rafael Nadal, a two-time champion at Roland Garros, has already etched his name near the top of the list of the best clay-court players the game has ever seen. But thanks to his monster forehand, he’s a contender on all other surfaces as well. Here’s how he generates so much power and spin with it. 1. Nadal’s preparation for his forehand is outstanding. Here you can see that he

Use your weight for better ground strokes

2007-01-05T20:36:00.000+05:30

One of the most common phrases used by instructors is the admonition for students to put their "weight into their ground strokes"—or, as it’s sometimes said, "step into the ball."There’s no denying this is good advice, but many players appear to have a hard time getting the hang of it. To get a better feel for using your body weight to produce more solid baseline shots, imagine you’re at the

By the Numbers: 10 amazing Roger stats

2006-12-23T20:42:00.000+05:30

As the Mighty Fed heads into the 2007 season, here are some statistics that bear out his greatness. • Only player in the Open era to win 10 or more titles in three consecutive seasons (2004-2006).• His final point total last season in the ATP entry rankings was 8,370 points, 3,900 more than No. 2 Rafael Nadal. If Federer cloned himself and gave his clone his extra points, Federer #2

Return the Kick Serve

2006-12-23T20:40:00.000+05:30

When I was a kid (and some question whether I still am), I was a big fan of the SUPER BALL®. For those who don’t remember, it’s that plum-sized, brightly colored rubber ball, that takes crazy high-hops when you bounce it. It’s nearly impossible to tell which direction the ball will dart, and trying to catch one can make you look foolish and feel uncoordinated.It’s a little like trying to return a

An Effective Backhand Slice

2006-12-19T20:07:00.000+05:30

An effective slice can add some much-needed variety to your game. In today's game, and you see it all the time at the professional leve, players are most comfortable when they’re in a routine of hammering balls back and forth. They like to exchange shots hit from their strike zones, which is between thigh and chest height, and use some degree of topspin on a majority of shots. You can be

Get More Depth on Your Forehand

2006-12-16T20:09:00.000+05:30

Pushing with your dominant shoulder will give your stroke added pop and penetration. PROBLEM Your forehand lacks depth and power. A possible reason for this is that in an effort to increase racquet-head speed you prematurely whip open your front shoulder. This pulls your racquet toward the center of the court and away from the point of contact, compromising the power and

Between the legs shot

2006-12-12T21:50:00.000+05:30

This is the ultimate show-time shot. I don’t generally advocate it because you seldom win the point with it, but returning a lob from between your legs will please any crowd.To familiarize yourself with the technique, practice it while standing still. Hold your racquet with a Continental or Eastern backhand grip to give your wrist ample snapping flexibility and to get more of the strings on the

Stretching: The Truth

2006-12-08T20:55:00.000+05:30

If you're like most tennis players, you've been told that stretching just before you hit the court will help you play better and decrease your chances of injury. So you touch your toes, hold your stretches for counts of 30, and push against the fence or net post until it's ready to fall over. But there's a better way to loosen up. Don't get me wrong, it's essential to stretch before

Go to the Fence for Better Volleys

2006-12-03T18:52:00.000+05:30

One of the most challenging lessons for beginners and intermediates is to avoid taking a big swing on the volley. Since most players learn to hit ground strokes first, they have a tendency to carry that swing over to the volley. But swinging on the volley is a sure way to make errors. A classic corrective measure used by tennis instructors everywhere can help you shorten this swing.

Going With your Gut (String Theory)

2006-11-29T18:34:00.000+05:30

Picking the right string for your game is a feeling-out process. Click here for a list of different string types. Much like finding the right spouse, when it comes to selecting strings, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A string that feels soft and forgiving to one player can seem mushy and dead to another. With so much being left to perception, it would make sense that, just as

Use your warm wisely

2006-11-26T16:29:00.000+05:30

For lots of players the warm-up before a tennis match is just that: an opportunity to get warm and loose before the action begins. Of course, that’s a big part of it, but savvy players know it’s more. In fact, for many good competitors the strategizing begins in the warm up. Try to:Gauge your game – My game is built around my forehand, and I usually know once the warm-up is underway how well I’

Learning from Rafael Nadal

2006-11-19T14:59:00.000+05:30

What the dynamic Spaniard’s game can teach you.1. Don’t play the score. Nadal has become one of my favorite players to watch because of his sensational attitude. Whether he’s up 5-0 or down 0-5, he maintains his intensity. The only thing on his radar screen is winning the next point. If Nadal plays it well and wins a hard-fought exchange, out come the fi st pumps. That’s the greatest approach to

Roger Fedrer's Backhand

2006-11-08T21:40:00.000+05:30

Perfect balance, precise footwork, and an uncanny ability to watch the ball make Federer’s backhand a shot worth emulating. It isn’t just that Roger Federer can masterfully hit any shot in the book—and a few shots that aren’t—but that he makes it look ridiculously easy. One of the keys to Federer’s success, and the principle reason his strokes look so effortless, is his extraordinary balance.

Martina Hingis Drop Shot

2006-11-06T20:02:00.000+05:30

It’s a risky play, but great disguise, excellent footwork, and solid technique make Hingis’ drop shot a winner In a game dominated by power hitters, Martina Hingis’ brand of control-oriented tennis makes her a fan favorite. A genius at geometry, the former world No. 1 uses the whole court to beat her opponents. Not only does she use angles and drives to move them side to side, but she also

Jump start Your Warm Up

2006-11-03T20:59:00.000+05:30

We’ve all done it. We arrive at the court just minutes before our match starts, do a couple of knee bends, and then think we’re ready to play. After dropping the first three games of the set we scratch our heads, wondering why we’re playing so lifelessly. If you want to come out firing bullets instead of blanks, you’ve got to come on the court warm and ready to play.A quick and effective way to

One Handed Backhand fix

2006-10-28T19:54:00.000+05:30

Problem You lack the power you’d like on your one-handed backhand, especially since you seem to swing with plenty of force. Many times this happens because your racquet is accelerating at the wrong time. Instead of speeding up into contact, you’re actually accelerating the racquet after impact. This can lead to an exaggerated and off-balance follow-through. Solution On your backswing, hold

Make the Most of Your Volleys

2006-10-22T11:53:00.000+05:30

"Sensible technique and thoughtful strategy will turn you into a force at net." Without question, the baseline is where today’s players conduct business. At every level, though, I still believe the easiest place to finish a point is at net. You pressure your opponents by taking time away and forcing them to pass you. Even if you’re a solid baseliner, it’s important to get to

Bounce-hit to Stay Sharp

2006-10-18T21:08:00.000+05:30

Whenever you stop playing for a while, or whenever your game goes into a slump, one of the first things to go is your timing. Strokes that felt natural and automatic start to feel like they've been replaced with awkward and forced imitations. And usually, the harder you try to fix the problem, the worse it becomes. But there's an easy solution that you can use any time you need to bring your

Control Your Service Toss

2006-10-13T20:44:00.000+05:30

Start with your weight on your back foot and you'll put the toss in the right spot. PROBLEM (see pic above) Your service toss is hard to control and tends to drift behind your head. This prevents you from getting forward momentum into your swing and makes it difficult to hit the serve with pace and control. SOLUTION(see pic below)When you’re in the set position before you serve,

Returning a Strong serve

2006-10-06T21:20:00.000+05:30

One of the rules of the playground is that you should always stand up to a bully. Show weakness and you’re just asking to be pushed around. You can’t allow yourself to be intimidated on the tennis court, either. If your opponent smells fear coming from your side of the court, his confidence and play will usually soar. One of the more common tormentors in tennis circles is the big-serving bully.

How to Serve

2006-10-02T18:51:00.000+05:30

Andy Murray’s Serve Nineteen-year-old rising star Andy Murray of Scotland has assaulted the rankings in the last two years, moving nearly 500 spots to his current position inside the Top 40. Solid in every aspect of his game, Murray uses his serve to dictate play right from the get-go. And with a few minor changes, he could make it even better.