1. Hit your target when serving
Look to serve with precision by…
- Deciding where in the service box you will hit your serve.
- Deciding what spin and speed you will hit your serve with.
WHY – To put you in control of the point and set you up to hit your next shot.
2. Attack second serves
Look to attack all second serves when returning by…
- Hitting the ball before it rises above shoulder height.
- Moving around the ball to hunt the forehand.
WHY – To put pressure on your opponents second serves.
3. Strike the ball at the top of the bounce
Look to hit the ball at the top of the bounce by…
- Going forwards to the ball rather than waiting for the ball.
- Preparing early to strike the ball at its peak.
WHY – To take time away from your opponent.
4. Move through the ball
Look to hit through the ball by…
- Overtaking the contact point after your shot by a step or two.
- Driving up as you hit the ball, using the kinetic chain.
WHY – To allow you to hit a more attacking shot, transferring energy into the ball.
5. Create discomfort, then get to the net
Look to move up the court and get to the net by…
- Putting your opponent off-balance.
- Pushing your opponent off the court.
- Putting your opponent under pressure.
- Putting your opponent in a defensive position.
- Taking advantage of short balls, or balls you can move up the court on.
- Following in after hitting an exceptional drop shot.
WHY – To rush your opponent, put them under pressure and to finish the point.
I hope this post was of value to you. I’d love to hear your thoughts, please do send me a message on Instagram (simonjamescoaching).
Thank you for reading.
Simon James
