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The Outer Limits A competitive doubles match can be one of the most enjoyable, rewarding and challenging activities a person can participate in. It involves teamwork, fast-paced action, split-second decision making, high intensity rallies and precise execution.
All of these factors combine to create one phenomenal experience... One that can only be heightened by actually winning the match, which is why I would like to explain to you one of my favorite winning strategies-- Outer Limits tennis.
Pushing the outer limits is simply using the outer limits of the court (particularly singles sidelines and doubles alleys) to create openings, and opportunities to punish your opponents. I consistently stress the importance of “attacking the middle’’ in doubles, and playing outer limits tennis will provide you with numerous opportunities to do just that.
Considering the fact that a good doubles team will always close in on the net during a point, you need to be able to deliver the types of shots that will keep your opponents off balance.
By hitting the ball wide to a singles sideline or within a doubles alley (preferably cross-court), you stretch out the opposing team, forcing them to slide toward one half of the court or the other, which then gives you the option of hitting the ball into the open doubles alley or up the center of the court (or even lobbing in certain scenarios), resulting in a weak return or possibly ending the point (depending upon how well you execute your set-up (outer limits) shots).
This is incredibly important because every step a doubles team takes toward the net puts them into position to hit better shots, as well as cut off most angles that can be created on the court. Which in turn gives them the ability to anticipate the types of shots you and your partner will hit, allowing them to play from a favorable position, while your team scrambles and reacts their shots. However, your use of outer limits tennis will keep you in control of what types of shots are hit and where they are placed.
Once you are able to grasp the concept of Outer Limits tennis, the only thing standing between you and your next victory is the execution of the strategy (which can be achieved by simply practicing). I wish you the best, and good luck exploring the outer limits.
Okay, so you have heard me talk again and again about how good tennis starts with the feet. Preparation is key: from the ready position, to return-of-serve position, take back or hitting position and the appropriate volley position (stance). As well as, how having great footwork and keeping your feet moving for the duration of every point, leads to better body control, balance, weight transfer, stroke control and power. With these notions in mind, I want to briefly focus on how staying ready and emphasizing your preparation will keep you at the top of your game, while enhancing it.
In the same way that your hitting (take back) position prepares you to deliver the perfect groundstroke, your body language and ready position prepare you for every action and reaction that occur within a point. Whether or not you are familiar with this, the larger part of what allows the world's best tennis players to execute and finish those amazing points we see on television is their ability to stay on balance.
It seems obvious but if you are in control of your body, then you are in control of its parts (knees for bending and lifting, hips for turning, arm(s) for pushing, wrist(s) and elbow(s) for pulling and finishing or following through). Which is why it is critical that footwork remains a top priority for any competitive tennis player. We are all fortunate to have this model displayed for us time and time again when we watch our current world #1 Roger Federer play the game.
I hear people commenting almost daily about how seemingly effortless his game is, and how smooth he looks out on the court. If they only knew they were marveling at the result of tremendous discipline and remarkable footwork. The reason that Federer seems as if he isn't even trying, is that he does all of the hard work before beginning to swing at the ball.
Once he uses his perfectly timed adjustment steps to balance himself while getting into proper hitting position, the only things left to worry about are weight transfer, explosion (from knee bend), and the path of the swing-- all of which become very natural, almost even second nature after enough practice.
At its core, the game of tennis is about combining rhythm and timing with acceleration. But like many other things in life, your success will be a direct result of (first) your preparation and (then) your execution. And believe me, when it is time to execute, you will be thankful for your preparation.
Middle Management
If you are a seasoned competitive tennis player, I'm sure you have been confronted a time or two with the dilemma of whether you or your doubles partner should cover the middle portion of your doubles court.
Many great teaching pros have suggested that the player occupying the forehand side of the court should cover the middle, while others have argued it should be the stronger teammate. Both of these suggestions are thoroughly credible, and I agree that if the talent within a doubles team is unequally distributed, then the more capable player should always protect the middle.
However, in light of the fact that we have consistently spoken about my conviction that tennis "starts" with the feet (and footwork), I would have to say that on a seasoned doubles team, the first player to react to the ball should hit it. Once the shot has been returned, each player would then respond appropriately (whether that would mean switching halves of the court or simply closing in on the net).
Now that we have examined how one should defend the middle doubles return, let's discuss the benefits of "attacking the middle." Often times, when competing against an advanced doubles team, the feeling of constant pressure, even a figurative suffocation at times, due to your opponents ability to dominate the net, is common.
If by some turn of events, you find your doubles team in this uncomfortable position, you may feel like you are left with only two responses: lobbing or attempting a winning passing shot? And while both of these tactics are viable options, a simple low return up the middle of the court could not only allow your team to establish neutral court position, but possibly even transition into an offensive position after only a shot or two.
Upon delivering your low middle return, you need to look to move in closer to the net. The effectiveness of your low ball will determine how far you close in toward the net: typically if you hit the ball below your opponent's waist you should move in a couple of steps, and if you get your return below your opponent's knees, then you close in all the way, as quickly as possible.
Your low middle return will force your opponent(s) to hit up on the resulting volley, which you can then attack. Even if your opponent strikes an amazing return, you will still have forward momentum working in your favor and at worst, a fighting chance of winning the point.
So, as you fend your way through the battlefields of competitive and recreational doubles, remember to take advantage of the opportunities that lay within the middle.
So, here it is: 4-5, 30-40 in the first set of your semi-final match. It has been an earth-shattering battle thus far, and you know exactly what kind of fight awaits you if you do not hold serve. You begin to run smoothly through your ball bounce ritual. Visualizing the perfect serve, you are reminded that your out wide serve to the backhand corner has been your best friend this entire match. So what is it going to be… topspin, slice, flat maybe?
Well, you may be surprised to learn that your approach toward the type of serve you hit in this situation will most likely be determined by the style of tennis that you play (generally). For example, if you are looking to serve-and-volley, then a topspin serve would be a great choice because (if hit correctly) it will produce a floating return, allowing you to close quickly and move into position to finish the point. Even if you do not hit an amazing topspin serve, if you take it out wide, it should give you enough time to establish a favorable volley position.
Should you choose a slice serve, as opposed to topspin: then you are most likely seeking a return that will land somewhere near the middle of the three-quarter court (halfway between the service-line and baseline) or shorter, and will not sit up too high or force you to make contact with the ball outside of your power zone (desired ball striking location, in relation to your body). The slice serve is a great choice if your intention is to use your first shot off of the return of serve to put your opponent into a defensive position; possibly even attacking the net after doing so. The slice serve is also a good choice for a serve-and-volley point, just keep in mind that your first volley will probably be lower than that which you would receive from a topspin serve. This is because all good tennis players are taught to extend their arm(s) fully through spin serves (which would apply to a topspin serve, but a good topspin serve should force the returning player to make contact with the ball above his/her power zone), and since slice serves sit lower to the ground, a good ‘returner’ will bend his/her knees and swing through the return.
If a flat serve is your serve of choice in this situation, then your intention is obvious-- domination! A flat serve would command a nearly powerless return, allowing you to move forward and drill a forehand or backhand to either a desired corner, or hard and deep down the middle. You could also move in off of your flat serve and play the returned serve out-of-the-air or just hit a short angle and advance toward the net from wherever you strike the ball. If so inspired, you could even serve-and-volley or attempt a drop shot off of the return of serve. The flat serve, if hit correctly, with appropriate force, affords you the most varied opportunities to manipulate your opponent off of the return of serve.
Regardless of your typical style of play, utilizing these tactical service patterns will expand your game in ways you may have never thought possible. And the more you practice them, the more comfortable you will become using these methods interchangeably. Good luck!
A Little Change of Pace
How many times have you left a tennis match feeling like you hit your biggest shots, played within your ‘groove’ for the entire match and struck the ball as cleanly as you possibly could-- only to add another loss to your record. Unfortunately, too many of us have experienced the feeling of playing amazing, technically sound, losing tennis.
The problem is we often feel as if striking the ball soundly automatically translates into on-court success-- not true. In fact, more often than not we are enabling our opponents to groove their strokes and time themselves to our shots.
Maybe you have been told (as so many of us before) not to attempt to change the direction of a hard-hit ball by any means other than angling the face of your racquet head. This belief holds true because there is a certain rhythm that is maintained when a tennis ball is rallied at a consistent pace. Once a rally has reached the 3 ball mark, opposing players have typically timed themselves to the speed of the point in play. Which means: from this point in the rally, both players could essentially hit the ball with their eyes closed and return it back and forth to one another.
So, if you find yourself in a tennis match in which you are ‘slugging it out’ with your opponent but are unfortunately on the losing end. Try inserting a little change of pace into the rallies. You will find that this tactic will afford you more time to impose your will upon your opponent(s), as well as recover and prepare for the next shot, should you find yourself on the defensive.
A few ways of changing the pace are adding slice to your shot selection, altering the depth of your shots during the point(s) and varying the net clearance of each ball you hit. Try implementing a couple of these tactics and experience first hand how changing the pace can make you a far more versatile and effective tennis player.
O.K., so we have established the fact that it is important to get forward, but how much easier would it be if we were already thinking forward. And when I say “thinking forward,” I don’t mean progressively (as beneficial as that may be), I mean looking to take every bit of recovery time, balance and comfort away from your opponent!
I spoke before about moving into the ball and using your body weight to manipulate your opponent, but today I want to focus on consuming all of the excess court space that remains on your side of the court once you put your opponent into an unfavorable position. Plainly speaking, “closing as quickly and imposingly as possible--” you could even say, closing with abandon. That is the extreme nature with which I want you to close once you have forced your opponent into a desperate position.
“What is a desperate position,” you may ask? A desperate position is any position by which your opponent is forced to hit you a ball that floats (a.k.a. a “floater”). Any time someone hits you a floater, close on the ball as if you were stranded on a deserted island and the ball was a full course meal! And as you close, you will find that if your feet were already moving expectantly, your close will feel like nothing at all.
This brings us to our doubles parallel. Any good doubles player will tell you that your doubles ready position is accompanied by a slight forward lean, almost to one’s “tippy toes.” Some (doubles) players will even return serve with one foot in the forward position and the other in the back, looking to use one step to propel them forward into the return, while the player at the net exercises a more standard ready position, with his/her body weight shifted slightly forward.
This same “forward focus” that is used in doubles competition, should be utilized in singles play whenever you force your opponent into an unfavorable/desperate position. The same aggressiveness with which you attack the net in doubles, should be used to capitalize on an offensive opportunity in singles play. Which means, the same forward footwork and imposing mentality used to dominate the doubles court, should be applied to your singles game when given a chance to truly punish your opponent.
What’s Your Angle
I recently had a chance to attend the Infinite Energy Atlanta Slam tennis exhibition, held in Duluth, Georgia, this past Saturday evening. James Blake was the featured player, along with Sam Querrey, the Brian brothers, and Luke and Murphy Jensen.
The night consisted of an entertaining matchup pitting the Brian brothers against the Jensens, followed by an exhibition match between James Blake (currently ranked # 10 in the world) and Sam Querrey, who recently played his first Davis Cup match.
Amidst an array of charitable gestures in which fans and amateur players were afforded numerous opportunities to rally, and exchange points with the pros; a performance by a former American Idol contestant, and a live band, there were a couple of tennis specific tactical strategies worth noting.
First, all of the doubles players had great footwork and ‘closed’ on the ball as if it were “life and death.” But I would like to focus on the returns (of serve) of the doubles players. Both Mike and Bob Brian, used short quick steps to get forward momentum on their returns (which we all know to be beneficial), but Bob Brian ran around practically every return of serve he saw that night, in dramatic fashion.
This is important because he would position himself near the alley line to return the ball, and then take another three steps to get all the way around the ball to attack the return. Of course, this is a huge risk to take against a good second-serve (mainly because of the ground he had to cover in order to hit these run-around returns, not the use of the run-around return itself) but it paid off big time for Brian on Saturday night.
Another memorable tactic was Sam Querrey’s aggressive defense. By curling (hitting around the outside edge of the ball) his groundstrokes, Querrey (who topped James Blake 7-6, 6-3) used Blake’s power to his own advantage and created countless angles which allowed him to apply pressure to his more powerful opponent.
Once given the chance to come forward, he did, but he devoted most of his efforts toward using angles to keep Blake hitting on the run and giving him very few opportunities to set his feet before hitting.
This strategy, coupled with very precise serving, helped Querrey to overcome the number ten ranked male tennis player in the world and I would strongly advise any competitive tennis player to incorporate the use of defensive angles into your tennis game.
GET FORWARD! First, let me say that I had a wonderful time working with you all when I came back over Christmas break. We got a chance to really hone some strategies, and even put down a little food and some bowling pins! I hope everyone was able to welcome in the New Year with joy and cheer, and you are all off to a great start.
Now, with this article I want to really focus on a particular tactic that we spent quite a while on during our practices: getting forward. I must say that most of you did this pretty well and those that struggled initially, seemed to eventually come to the realization that this tactic (as well as tennis as a whole) starts with the feet. The better your footwork, the better your game-- period.
While attempting to perfect ‘forward tennis,’ we discussed the importance of controlling or “manipulating” your opponent, and different ways to use forward tennis to get the shots that you want or just an opportunity to attack your opponent. And I must say that I was happy to receive feedback from Chrissy that she was able to use forward tennis, in particular, attacking the return of serve, to win her last tournament (congratulations again Big-E).
So, I leave you all with a piece of advice. While the Australian Open is taking place, watch the pros and pay attention to who plays forward tennis and who does not. Also, note the differences that you see in those who play forward tennis, and how and when this affects their, and their opponents' ability to go from defense to offense.
As you are watching, feel free to leave comments and or questions in the ‘Ask Quincy’ section of the Say Yes to Tennis website… good luck.
Question: How do you get to be seeded in a tournament?
Quincy's Answer: Your seeding in a tournament is typically dependent upon your ranking (national, sectional and then district). A seeding is simply the tournament coordinator's belief in which players are most likely to win the tournament. If you ever compete in a tournament in which none of the players are ranked, then you will encounter a situation in which the tournament director must seed based upon who he believes to be the best player(s). As far as obtaining a ranking (which will be necessary if you plan on being seeded in a tournament), you must compete in tournament play and the more tournaments you compete in, and the better your results, the higher your ranking will be.
Question: I'm looking for tennis shoes, what should I be looking for, example: are 'court' shoes, tennis shoes?
Quincy's Answer: In many cases 'court' shoes are considered 'tennis' shoes, however, you should use references such as Tennis Magazine and stores that sell tennis products, to acquire more specific information about each individual shoe... I Hope that helps!Question: Hey Quincy, this is Noah. I was wondering if you knew some good patterns for me to use against my opponents. I try to hit out wide and come up and volley, but I get lobbed and can’t get back to it =)… So do you know of some good patterns for me?
Quincy’s Answer: Noah, try hitting out wide and cheating up, as opposed to trying to go all the way in to the net. And throw in some attempts at hitting behind your opponent after you hit your wide shots, then cheating up and trying to attack. By mixing it up, you can keep your opponent off-guard and he can’t lob you as comfortably.Question: Hi Quincy, this is Chrissy! I am going to be playing in the Qualifier in a couple of weeks, and I haven't played in a tournament in awhile. I am kind of nervous about the big tournament coming up. Do you have any advice to calm my nerves and to help me to be prepared?
Quincy's Answer: Chrissy, you should pick one tennis day to spend just doing fun things that you like to do on the court. I know you have things that you are working on during your scheduled practice time, so if you need to, maybe do this on your own time, outside of practice if necessary (I would advise you to do so within this week, so that you can use the days leading up to the tournament exercising intense focus). Along with this, ofcourse you want to play as many matches as you can-- trying to implement the things you've been working on, under pressure, against different styles of play. Put special emphasis on executing patterns that you are already comfortable using (for those few instances in a match when a particular point is so important to the momentum of the match that you know you have to win it; so you'll have a few things that you know you do well enough to win points against anyone of any ranking), this helps you to believe in yourself and believe you have the capability to beat anyone (which is true because as long as you continue to send the ball back over the net, you have a shot at winning).
Finally, set your goal for the Qualifier right now and tell someone (either Coach Dan, or your parents or someone who can hold you accountable for trying your hardest to reach the goal(s) and can also remind you of the goal if you lose sight of it for a second). Once you have identified your goal, shift your practice mindset toward reaching that goal... Try these things, and if you have any more questions let me know.
Question: Quincy Hi, My name is Diane, smile I would like to know some other Tennis Players, so I can share with my classes and also share with me how to keep score again. I know some but, not always sure. Thanks in advance.
Quincy's Answer: Diane, as far as scoring is concerned: Love=O, 1point=15, 2points=30, 3points=40, 4points=game. You must win each game by a margin of two points, so if the score is 40-30 and the server wins that point, the game is over. If both the server and the receiver have 40 (commonly referred to as "Deuce"), a player must win the next two points consecutively (in a row) in order to win the game. If the server wins the "Deuce point," the score is now Ad-In (server's advantage) and if the server loses the "Deuce point," the score is Ad-out (receiver's advantage). The player who wins the point from the advantage wins the game. You must win 6 games in order to win a set (which also must be won by a margin of two games). If a set reaches the score of 6-6, you then play a "Twelve-Point tiebreaker," in which the first player to win seven points by a margin of two is the winner. Once a player wins 2 out of 3 sets, the match is over. Some names of tennis players are Roger Federer, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, James Blake, Jelena Dokic, Nicole Vaidisova... hopefully this will help you. Question: Hi Quincy, I have been teaching tennis to beginners for over 5 years now. I have a great following of wonderful young students and would like to now go out on my own. I love helping young children to become athletes, physically fit and building self esteem. I currently have been teaching at a fitness center. How can I start on my own teaching hourly lessons or camps to neighborhoods in my area? Do I need to purchase insurance or become a corporation? Any suggestions will be truly appreciated! Thank you, Nancy in Va.
Quincy's Answer: Nancy, It sounds like you already have a great foundation. I would definetely suggest getting insurance, particularly if you are planning on working with children and families that you don't currently have a relationship with. I don't know whether or not you are certified, but the PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) offers insurance along with certification. If you are planning on transitioning into tennis instruction as your full-time profession, then it may be beneficial to incorporate yourself-- depending upon how much control you want to have over what you do and who you work with. However, you do not need to start a corporation in order to help people and be successful. If you begin by letting people know what you've already done for your current students, you should be able to spark interest from others and then you can decide whether or not you need to incorporate.Question: I'm having trouble getting my 2nd serve in. The balls seem to be going mostly long. I am hitting the ball at 1 o'clock but I just can't seem to get enough spin to bring it down often. What can you suggest?
Quincy's Answer: It sounds like you may be tossing the ball a little too close to your head (as opposed to being farther out in front of your body). Now I don't typically tell people to toss their second-serves out into the court, but you are hitting a slice serve and if your balls are going long then you need more room to swing and bring the ball down. So try tossing your second-serve a little farther into the court but keep the toss at the same height; keep your swing exactly the same and don't start to swing downward on your serve just because the toss is out in front (many people do that)... Let me know if these things help.
Question: When I serve, where do I toss the ball? Whenever I serve, I'm not sure where to toss the ball, so I just try and try until I think it's in a good position.
Quincy's Answer: Toss the ball as high as you want to, as long as you are able to go up and hit it at its apex (highest point), before it begins to drop. You also want the toss to be over your right shoulder (left shoulder, for lefties) and out in front of your body. Depending upon the type of serve you are hitting, you may adjust the toss (ie. behind your head for certain types of spin) but for a typical flat serve, keep it out in front so that you can lead with the racquet head.Question: Quincy, my forearm muscle becomes sore after I hit for even a short time, what do you think I may be doing wrong? Sore in Canton.
Quincy's Answer: Without seeing your technique I can't really tell you exactly what caused the problem. It sounds like you may actually be injured. I don't know how many times a week you play, but you might just need to take a couple of days off (maybe a week if the pain is severe). If the pain won't subside after some time off, consult a doctor. As far as playing-- loosening up on your grip could relieve some of the tension, as well as using some sort of heat treatment on your forearm before you play and icing it after play... Keep me updated on your progress, hopefully these things will help. Question: What's your favorite pattern?
Quincy's Answer: My favorite pattern is a kick-serve out wide to the backhand side, followed by an approach shot or a volley-- behind the opponent (as opposed to just hitting to the open court).
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