Quick Tennis Tips
Forehand
- Make sure your hand is on the butt of the grip, with a western grip
- Racquet needs to back as early as possible. EARLIER. Yes, even EARLIER than that.
- Take the racquet back pointing at the wall behind, slightly raised up.
- The offhand should be pointed straight out, used to track the ball
- Feet should be shoulder length apart, with toes pointing to the right side
- Knees bent, back straight for the most part
- When swinging, make contact in front of your body
- If you plan on hitting flat or top spin, the racquet needs to be completely straight upon Point of Contact
- During the swing, DO NOT let the off arm fall to waist or cross body to “Hug Self”
- Left foot needs to step in during contact*
- After contact, swing hips around so it’s not just a “One arm” swing
- Catch the racquet over shoulder in the off hand in the V of the racquet frame
Backhand (two hander)
- Hands are close on grip, slightly touching. Always check hands, they tend to climb the grip.
- Racquet needs to be taken back early, and resting comfortably away from body
- Common mistake is to hold racquet way too close/far from body
- During swing, squeeze grip
- When making contact, don’t let the left hand lead through the shot.*
- Avoid “windshield wiper” swings. Use trunk of body during swing so you use core of body.
- Finish at 11 O”clock and form Triangle (I can show you this)
- Keep back up, knees bent. Not the other way around
Volleys
- Continental grip. This is huge.
- 0 Backswing, 0 follow-through
- Go after the ball, do not let it come to you. Moving forward as you hit.
- Opposite foot, opposite hand. Sounds easy…yet we all get it backwards.
- Turn head and watch ball hit strings, TRUST ME. Simple, but excellent advice.
- Hit………………and then STOP
- Keep your racquet above your wrist….ALWAYS
- If the ball is low, do a lung. Bending back and keeping legs straight will result in errors or easy put always from opponent.
- Placement > Power
-Yale Reardon
Yale Reardon 