How To Improve At Tennis
Want to learn how really start seeing improvements in your tennis game?
Sometimes tennis can be a really frustrating game. I remember when I started out, my instructor never really seemed to help me. I'd do the drills, and try to figure out the concepts, but I just kept on losing.
Really it wasn't until I switched instructors that I found out the secrets to really improving my game, well I don't think secrets is really the right word. But my instructor definitely showed me what makes a good player and a bad.
Really the difference is pretty simple, it's all about the focus of your practice and your play. All you need to focus on is three things :
1. When you prepare to hit that ball!
Preperation to hitting or returning a tennis ball is key, how do you want to hit it? What kind of angle do you want? Where should you stand so you can hit it that way? You'll never ever return a ball if you catch yourself out of position, that's why you must locate the ball, and realize how it's going to come twoards you.
2. Hit it!
The next key is pretty simple, how are you going to hit the ball? I found from experience that learning how to put top spin on a ball made a huge difference for me. You need to use step 1 to judge where the ball is coming from so that you can hit the ball correctly. If you hit it too soon you'll hit the net, and too late and the ball may go flying. Learn where and how you want to hit the ball.
3. Follow through
It took me forever to understand why this one was so important. Follow through is key, you need to follow the swing with your whole body, this will give you more control, and a lot more power. I used to always ignore practicing or focusing on this aspect of tennis, but it really changed my game.
There you go! Three things to focus on! Remember, keep it simple, focusing on these 3 steps is key towards getting a good game.
The only other problem I used to face a lot was my serve, I have on here a bit of information about one of my favorite guys who teaches some great techniques towards perfecting your serve. Check out my review on him here: Improve Your Tennis Serve.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Tips for Playing Tennis in the Heat
Tips for Playing Tennis in the Heat
By Karen Samartha Walker
With summer approaching and temperatures soaring high, the pressure of playing under the intense heat and humid conditions rises to unbearable level. The surface of the courts get really hot that its temperature may range anything between 10 to 20 degrees higher than normally off-court surfaces. In addition, the direct sunlight which is unavoidable also make the entire atmosphere seem like one being placed inside a microwave oven.
In order to maintain a safe and healthy body, along with the joy of playing tennis under the extreme heat, it is necessary to follow some basic essential procedures which are given below:
1. Hydration - The human body use fluids within to get rid of extra heat. When the external temperature rises, the body reacts to the changing status quo through perspiration and other means. However, if the body is under intense physical pressure and exposed to very hot conditions, the chances of getting dehydrated becomes a high probability. This in turn increases the possibilities of experiencing heat cramps, heat stroke and exhaustion which will lead to nausea, vomiting, paleness and dizziness. Furthermore, people who suffers from heat stroke are likely to become unconscious, delirious and even experience seizures.
Naturally, the need to hydrate is of utmost necessity. However, the question is what and how much of drinking fluids are required. Drinking a gallon of water prior to the day of playing is a good and viable suggestion, or the player may find himself in a position where he has to run into the washroom during the matches to relieve himself, now and then. However, it must be remembered that certain sports drink are added to the water so that one does not flush their own bodily electrolytes. Another thing to be kept in mind is to drink steady amounts during the 90-seconds changeovers.
2. Clothing - Clothes and the fabrics with which the outfits are made of is another very important factor that will help handle the pressure of playing in the heat. For many, cotton seems a good option for wearing, however, cotton fabrics pose a problem if one is indulging in a play where sweats literally drench your whole body. The reason is that though cotton t-shirt is cool and relaxing, it absorbs a lot of sweat and becomes heavy in the process. This could be a potential problem in playing tennis where every little issue counts, and must be avoided. Also, bright colours are better choices for uniforms in place of dark colours.
3. Keep hands and grip dry - Holding a sweat soaked grip is a highly challenging task while trying to keep the hands dry. To avoid your grip from getting soggy, the solution is to wear extra wristbands as it will stop the sweat from dripping down from the arm, and also to have dry towels. Another resort is drying the palms on the bottom of one's shoes.
4. Shade - Wearing a hat is a good idea to shield away from the blazing sun rays and hot conditions. Also, players must make the most of the 90-seconds break during changeovers by getting away from direct exposure of the sun for at least a while. All tournaments do offer umbrellas for the player but it there is none, at least put a towel over your head by yourself or try to sit at a corner of the court where there is shade.
5. Miscellaneous - Though players hardly use sunglasses while playing, there is no harm in wearing one. This will protect your eyes from the intense light and heat, and help maintain your eye health in the long run. Another idea, is to keep extra clothes and socks by your side while playing. This is so because the chances of getting drenched is almost a surety, and one cannot go on playing all wet.
Karen Samartha Walker is associated with the leading tennis website TennisEarth. Over the years, http://www.tennisearth.com has been proving instrumental in nurturing grass-root level tennis. TennisEarth has its unique Rating System for professional and amateur players with other revolutionary tennis development and promotion features and tools i.e. Live Tennis Commentary, Tennis Exchange Game and Tennis Learning Programs.
Article Source: Tips for Playing Tennis in the Heat
With summer approaching and temperatures soaring high, the pressure of playing under the intense heat and humid conditions rises to unbearable level. The surface of the courts get really hot that its temperature may range anything between 10 to 20 degrees higher than normally off-court surfaces. In addition, the direct sunlight which is unavoidable also make the entire atmosphere seem like one being placed inside a microwave oven.
In order to maintain a safe and healthy body, along with the joy of playing tennis under the extreme heat, it is necessary to follow some basic essential procedures which are given below:
1. Hydration - The human body use fluids within to get rid of extra heat. When the external temperature rises, the body reacts to the changing status quo through perspiration and other means. However, if the body is under intense physical pressure and exposed to very hot conditions, the chances of getting dehydrated becomes a high probability. This in turn increases the possibilities of experiencing heat cramps, heat stroke and exhaustion which will lead to nausea, vomiting, paleness and dizziness. Furthermore, people who suffers from heat stroke are likely to become unconscious, delirious and even experience seizures.
Naturally, the need to hydrate is of utmost necessity. However, the question is what and how much of drinking fluids are required. Drinking a gallon of water prior to the day of playing is a good and viable suggestion, or the player may find himself in a position where he has to run into the washroom during the matches to relieve himself, now and then. However, it must be remembered that certain sports drink are added to the water so that one does not flush their own bodily electrolytes. Another thing to be kept in mind is to drink steady amounts during the 90-seconds changeovers.
2. Clothing - Clothes and the fabrics with which the outfits are made of is another very important factor that will help handle the pressure of playing in the heat. For many, cotton seems a good option for wearing, however, cotton fabrics pose a problem if one is indulging in a play where sweats literally drench your whole body. The reason is that though cotton t-shirt is cool and relaxing, it absorbs a lot of sweat and becomes heavy in the process. This could be a potential problem in playing tennis where every little issue counts, and must be avoided. Also, bright colours are better choices for uniforms in place of dark colours.
3. Keep hands and grip dry - Holding a sweat soaked grip is a highly challenging task while trying to keep the hands dry. To avoid your grip from getting soggy, the solution is to wear extra wristbands as it will stop the sweat from dripping down from the arm, and also to have dry towels. Another resort is drying the palms on the bottom of one's shoes.
4. Shade - Wearing a hat is a good idea to shield away from the blazing sun rays and hot conditions. Also, players must make the most of the 90-seconds break during changeovers by getting away from direct exposure of the sun for at least a while. All tournaments do offer umbrellas for the player but it there is none, at least put a towel over your head by yourself or try to sit at a corner of the court where there is shade.
5. Miscellaneous - Though players hardly use sunglasses while playing, there is no harm in wearing one. This will protect your eyes from the intense light and heat, and help maintain your eye health in the long run. Another idea, is to keep extra clothes and socks by your side while playing. This is so because the chances of getting drenched is almost a surety, and one cannot go on playing all wet.
Karen Samartha Walker is associated with the leading tennis website TennisEarth. Over the years, http://www.tennisearth.com has been proving instrumental in nurturing grass-root level tennis. TennisEarth has its unique Rating System for professional and amateur players with other revolutionary tennis development and promotion features and tools i.e. Live Tennis Commentary, Tennis Exchange Game and Tennis Learning Programs.
Article Source: Tips for Playing Tennis in the Heat
Private Tennis Lessons Versus Classes
Private Tennis Lessons Verus Classes
By Ron Darien
When someone thinks about playing tennis, the first thing that comes to mind is tennis lessons or classes. The student is thinking instruction and usually in the cheapest means possible. There are two options for every new tennis student: take a beginner private tennis lesson or join a tennis class for newbies.
In a tennis class, the student will travel to the club at the pre-set times and follow the pre-set syllabus for the class. The pace of the class will be dictated by the average progress in the class, and 70% of the time the student will be sitting in line waiting to hit the ball. The amount of time spent watching other students play will generally exceed the total amount of personal playing time.
In a private lesson, the student is able to progress on their own time. The amount of hitting time is maxed out, because the student doesn't have to wait for others to hit the ball before they can be first in line. Additionally, other students who may not be "getting it" will not be slowing down the learning progress of the student.
Tennis requires a lot of patience and practice. It is vital that every student get as many hits on the ball as possible. The more hits each student get, the better the student will become. Unfortunately, the class setting does not provide the dial amount of practice for a newbie without several sessions.
Private lessons typically cost more than classes. They can cost anywhere from $30 per hour to $100 per hour. On the other hand, classes can cost anywhere from $15-60 per hour.
When looking at lessons, you also want to make sure that the instructor not only has tennis playing experience but also has tennis teaching experience. There are several certification agencies such as: PTR and USPTA and USPA. Ask your instructor if they have any of those certifications. Instructors typically pay a fee, take a test, and then instruct in front of an association professional to ensure their skills, effectiveness, and professionalism.
If you do the math, in order to get the same cost per time hitting the ball, the class would have to ensure that at least 50% of the time, the student would be hitting the ball and have individual attention. While the classes may be cheaper, the private lessons are far more effective in getting beginners to master the basics in a timely manner.
The owner is an instructor forTennispronow.com
Article Source: Private Tennis Lessons Verus Classes
 |
| Rafa from Roof Cam |
When someone thinks about playing tennis, the first thing that comes to mind is tennis lessons or classes. The student is thinking instruction and usually in the cheapest means possible. There are two options for every new tennis student: take a beginner private tennis lesson or join a tennis class for newbies.
In a tennis class, the student will travel to the club at the pre-set times and follow the pre-set syllabus for the class. The pace of the class will be dictated by the average progress in the class, and 70% of the time the student will be sitting in line waiting to hit the ball. The amount of time spent watching other students play will generally exceed the total amount of personal playing time.
In a private lesson, the student is able to progress on their own time. The amount of hitting time is maxed out, because the student doesn't have to wait for others to hit the ball before they can be first in line. Additionally, other students who may not be "getting it" will not be slowing down the learning progress of the student.
Tennis requires a lot of patience and practice. It is vital that every student get as many hits on the ball as possible. The more hits each student get, the better the student will become. Unfortunately, the class setting does not provide the dial amount of practice for a newbie without several sessions.
Private lessons typically cost more than classes. They can cost anywhere from $30 per hour to $100 per hour. On the other hand, classes can cost anywhere from $15-60 per hour.
When looking at lessons, you also want to make sure that the instructor not only has tennis playing experience but also has tennis teaching experience. There are several certification agencies such as: PTR and USPTA and USPA. Ask your instructor if they have any of those certifications. Instructors typically pay a fee, take a test, and then instruct in front of an association professional to ensure their skills, effectiveness, and professionalism.
If you do the math, in order to get the same cost per time hitting the ball, the class would have to ensure that at least 50% of the time, the student would be hitting the ball and have individual attention. While the classes may be cheaper, the private lessons are far more effective in getting beginners to master the basics in a timely manner.
The owner is an instructor forTennispronow.com
Article Source: Private Tennis Lessons Verus Classes
Tennis Backhand Techniqe
Want amazing tennis backhand technique?
If so, then you're in the right place. The backhand can be a killer move in the game of tennis, if done correctly it can win you matches.
Likewise if done incorrectly it can become frustrating and cost you a game. Today we are going to go over some tips to help you prevent that from happening.
1. Get a grip!
This is key, what kind of grip are you planning on using? With the backhand there are two main grips, that can drastically change your play style. This is the two handed, and the one handed backhand. The two handed allows for more control, while the one handed may make it easier for you to put a slice on the ball.
Go ahead and test out a little bit, find which one makes you feel more comfortable. The key is to choose one that you want to practice with.
2. When are you hitting it?
A big problem that a lot of people have in tennis is that they hit the ball too soon, or too late. If you keep hitting the net with the ball, try waiting just a little bit longer than normal, or a little bit earlier to make contact with the ball. It'll surprise you how much of a difference it can make.
3. Use you body!
Another problem, generally with beginners, is that they are very stiff. When you hit the ball make sure to use your whole body, it's not just your arms doing the work! In fact, by using your whole body you're going to get a lot more control and power out of your hit. That's one key reason why you should always keep on your toes.
Remember, repetition is key, this sport involves a lot of muscle memory. Keep it simple and keep working, soon enough you'll have a backhand to destroy all other backhands.
Did you like this article? Check out my other one on How to improve your tennis serve.
If so, then you're in the right place. The backhand can be a killer move in the game of tennis, if done correctly it can win you matches.
 |
| Thomas Johansson |
1. Get a grip!
This is key, what kind of grip are you planning on using? With the backhand there are two main grips, that can drastically change your play style. This is the two handed, and the one handed backhand. The two handed allows for more control, while the one handed may make it easier for you to put a slice on the ball.
Go ahead and test out a little bit, find which one makes you feel more comfortable. The key is to choose one that you want to practice with.
2. When are you hitting it?
A big problem that a lot of people have in tennis is that they hit the ball too soon, or too late. If you keep hitting the net with the ball, try waiting just a little bit longer than normal, or a little bit earlier to make contact with the ball. It'll surprise you how much of a difference it can make.
3. Use you body!
Another problem, generally with beginners, is that they are very stiff. When you hit the ball make sure to use your whole body, it's not just your arms doing the work! In fact, by using your whole body you're going to get a lot more control and power out of your hit. That's one key reason why you should always keep on your toes.
Remember, repetition is key, this sport involves a lot of muscle memory. Keep it simple and keep working, soon enough you'll have a backhand to destroy all other backhands.
Did you like this article? Check out my other one on How to improve your tennis serve.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Get A Grip To Improve You Game - Tennis
By Paulo Walsh
Tennis rackets do not have the spherical handle that you would perhaps expect to find. Instead they have an eight sided octagonal shape that aids both grip and comfort. Every player will find their own most preferred grip but it will change constantly throughout the course of a match when different shots are played. There are a number of standard grips that can be used on the 8 sides of the handle and each one of these sides is called a bevel.
The Continental grip is the most basic grip that is suggested and recommended for beginners and allows many of the shots to be played without changing the hand position on the handle of the racket. With the evolution and increased use of top spin this is a grip that is rarely used by the professionals of the modern game, except when serving and volleying. This is also known as the Chopper or Hammer grip due to an axe being held in a similar way for chopping.
There are a number of other grips that allows different types of shot to be played at different speeds and on different surfaces. The grip also has a big influence when a player is attempting to generate different types of spin as the position of the wrist and its ability to twist and follow through is of paramount importance. There are subtle differences in the grips of left and right handed players but both types of player an easily incorporate all the different possibilities into their game with training and practice.
In the professional game today the most popular grip is the Semi-Western grip, as it gives the ability to generate both spin and pace on the forehand and a quick and easy transition to the backhand. The Western grip has become much more prevalent on the clay courts as it can be used to create highly effective top spin that is difficult for an opponent to return successfully.
Serving on the professional tour is primarily carried out with the Eastern backhand grip for top spin serves and the Continental grip for the slice serve. This is potentially the one area that the grip changes most frequently and it is important to be able to master all the different types of service grip to allow variety and an unpredictable nature to the start of each point.
Grip tape and weighting can also be used to further improve the feel of each individual tennis racket and this can be changed as frequently as required to find the perfect combination of weight, comfort and grip.
Racket Reviewer reviews the latest and bestselling tennis rackets. The site also has news, articles and loads of information on tennis, squash and badminton with a real focus on tennis and tennis rackets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paulo_Walsh
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tennis:-Get-a-Grip-To-Improve-Your-Game&id=7677994
Tennis Serve Exercises - Improving Your Speed Without Exercising
By Junior Pswarai
Tennis serve exercises can help you become a stronger player all around, making it harder for your opponent to attack back. There are plenty of exercises that you can do however regardless of what you do you won't be able to add any speed to your serve unless you have the correct form and know what you are doing.
Firstly you will want to make sure that you are in control of your shot. You don't want to add speed to a shot that you can't even keep in, you will want to make sure that you can easily control it and place it in various corners of the court to be a trouble to your opponent otherwise it is going to be worthless which is not what you want.
Once you have got the control under control the next thing you can do is learn how to add more speed into it.
Put the ball further in front
You will want to toss the ball slightly further in front so that you are moving your body more into the shot, with your bodyweight behind this you increase the power and the speed of your shot but you will want to make sure that you follow through as this can add more power and it also gets you into a position where you are ready for the return that may come back.
Don't spin the ball
Many people add spin to put off their opponents but by doing this you are slowing the ball down. If you are finding the spin to be ineffective then don't use the spin and instead replace it with speed that you can place in the main 3 areas of the court (down the middle, wide and at the body of your opponent).
Rotate yourself
Most power will come from the coil and the rotation of your shoulders and your waist. The serve is a full body process and you will want to make sure that you use your while body for this as it can help contribute to the speed and power of the shot.
A heavier racquet
You can purchase a heavier racquet which can add more power to your shot however you need to realise that a heavier racquet is going to put your arm under a lot of pressure as you aren't going to be used to the weight of it. You can also buy lead strips that you can add to your racquet making it heavier to a weight that you can actually keep controlled (make sure that you evenly distribute the weight).
Hitting down the middle
If you hit the ball down the middle, the ball essentially doesn't have to travel a huge distance meaning that you will have a faster and more powerful serve than trying to aim the ball over at the wide areas of the court.
You don't need tennis serve exercises to increase the speed of your serve, all you need to do is know what things you can do to increase the speed such as the ones that are shown above but there are many various things that you can as well.
Tennis serve exercises are important however to keep you healthy and also to keep your strength up in the game but there are alternatives you can go through if you know how (such as shown above). If you want to make your serve more deadly then something you can do is check out this blog where you can find more information on the serve and how you can improve it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Junior_Pswarai
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tennis-Serve-Exercises---Improving-Your-Speed-Without-Exercising&id=7902605
How To Improve Your Tennis Serve
How To Improve Your Tennis Serve
In order to really improve your tennis serves, you're going to need to learn how to hit at least 4 different types of serves. Not only will this allow you to keep your opponents off guard, it will allow you to have a backup plan, in case you're harder serves are giving you some trouble
The four main types of serves are :
- The Kick
- The Top Spin
- The Splice
- The Flat
Let's go through these in detail and show you the differences:
- The Kick
The great thing about the kick is that it's a hard serve to read. The Kick is by far one of the hardest to hit serves, and one of the most rewarding. The goal of this serve is to put a bit of a top spin from the side on the ball. When it hits the ground it will bounce the opposite direction! This is one of the best things to keep in your arsenal.
- The Top Spin
The Top Spin is a classic, if it's hit correctly the spin can make the ball very hard for your opponent to read. Better yet, it can make for an awkward and tough return! The biggest problem with the top spin is a wise opponent may see it coming, if they hit it off the rise they can bring back an extremely strong return, that's why it's good to vary your serves.
- The Slice
One of my personal favorites, with a slice you put a side spin on the ball. This can guide the ball towards or away from your opponent. I like to do a little bit of both in my game, this keeps my opponents on their toes and requires for some awkward returns.
- The Flat
A little bit easier to hit than some other serves, the flat can actually be a secret weapon as well. It's just like it sounds, it's flat and to the point. A really powerful flat serve can be the difference in winning and losing a game, let alone a match! Master the flat and mix it with your other serves to keep your opponents guessing.
There you go! If you want to master these serves I'd suggest watching videos, or following a program to get your serve going well. One of the best ways to learn is to watch, then perform, then watch more, then perform. Some good tennis videos can change your whole game!
If you want to see my favorite serve videos checkout my page on Improve Your Tennis Serve.
In order to really improve your tennis serves, you're going to need to learn how to hit at least 4 different types of serves. Not only will this allow you to keep your opponents off guard, it will allow you to have a backup plan, in case you're harder serves are giving you some trouble
The four main types of serves are :
- The Kick
- The Top Spin
- The Splice
- The Flat
Let's go through these in detail and show you the differences:
- The Kick
The great thing about the kick is that it's a hard serve to read. The Kick is by far one of the hardest to hit serves, and one of the most rewarding. The goal of this serve is to put a bit of a top spin from the side on the ball. When it hits the ground it will bounce the opposite direction! This is one of the best things to keep in your arsenal.
- The Top Spin
The Top Spin is a classic, if it's hit correctly the spin can make the ball very hard for your opponent to read. Better yet, it can make for an awkward and tough return! The biggest problem with the top spin is a wise opponent may see it coming, if they hit it off the rise they can bring back an extremely strong return, that's why it's good to vary your serves.
- The Slice
One of my personal favorites, with a slice you put a side spin on the ball. This can guide the ball towards or away from your opponent. I like to do a little bit of both in my game, this keeps my opponents on their toes and requires for some awkward returns.
- The Flat
A little bit easier to hit than some other serves, the flat can actually be a secret weapon as well. It's just like it sounds, it's flat and to the point. A really powerful flat serve can be the difference in winning and losing a game, let alone a match! Master the flat and mix it with your other serves to keep your opponents guessing.
There you go! If you want to master these serves I'd suggest watching videos, or following a program to get your serve going well. One of the best ways to learn is to watch, then perform, then watch more, then perform. Some good tennis videos can change your whole game!
If you want to see my favorite serve videos checkout my page on Improve Your Tennis Serve.
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