Coaching Tips - January 2007

 

PLAY THE RIGHT SHOT AT THE RIGHT TIME

During every point you play, you make split second decision to play one of four shots:- Defensive, Building, Neutral or Offensive. Playing the right shot at the right time goes a long way to determining how successful you will be on the tennis court.

The type of shot you hit depends on 1) the quality of your opponents shot, 2) your position on the court and 3) your style of play.

For example, you receive a weak, short return landing in the mid court, play an offensive drive with power and to the corner to hurt your opponent.

Building shots are designed to put you in control through depth, placement etc..., you might not be perfectly balanced or the ball might not be in your ideal hitting zone so hit it with control. Often when watching junior matches players go for the offensive shot when they should hit a building shot.

If you receive a fast, deep shot forcing you in to trouble, hit a defensive lob and scramble back into court.

Neutral shots are hit in response to a quality shot from your opponent. You should go for a high percentage cross court or down the middle shot but avoid giving your opponent an chance to attack easily.

Playing the right shot at the right time becomes a crucial skill once all th ebasic strokes are mastered.