Improving your backhand slice

Click Video Highlight:
Know your numbers

Description: Check out USPTA Master Professional Emilio Sanchez demonstrating a backhand slice drill. The focus is on improving the backhand slice in defensive situations while transferring weight properly.

Tip:

Even though today’s game is mostly played from the baseline using powerful groundstrokes, the underspin is still an important tool to have available, especially on the backhand side. The backhand slice is a shot that every player should have in their arsenal. The slice can be used to change the pace of the rally, defend on very wide shots, or come in on the return and force the opponent to hit up. A good backhand slice will also help with the backhand drop shot and backhand volley as the technique fundamentals are very similar.

Today’s tip features Emilio Sanchez with a drill that works on improving the backhand slice when in defensive situations. He emphasizes the importance of balance, weight transfer and racquet control.

Watch more videos on the slice on TennisResources.com. Simply type “backhand slice” into the “Search Bar” or choose filters to narrow down the results. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road. #GetYour6

---

View on TennisResources.com

Watch more drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner to select Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

Know your numbers

Click Video Highlight:
Know your numbers

Description: Check out USPTA Elite Professional and former French Open doubles winner Hank Pfister talking about the importance of shot tolerance.

Tip:

Many times we see our players lose important matches, and not because their opponents are better, but because the implemented tactics were ineffective, or no real tactics were used at all.

Shot tolerance or the number of balls a player is willing to hit in order to win the point is an extremely important aspect in tennis. Every player has a number and that number will depend on his or her style of play. If you are an aggressive baseliner or a serve and volleyer, your shot tolerance is probably not as high as that of a counterpuncher.

While every player needs to know his own number, he also needs to be able to recognize the opponent’s style of play and shot tolerance early in the match in order to apply the right patterns and tactics that will help him win the match.

Watch more videos on tactics and strategy on TennisResources.com. Simply type “tactics” into the “Search Bar” or choose filters to narrow down the results. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road. #GetYour6

---

View on TennisResources.com

Watch more drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner to select Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

Capture the net drill

Click Video Highlight:
Capture the net drill

Description: Here is a three-on-three drill from USPTA Elite Professional Michele Krause emphasizing volleys and communication.

---

Tip:

Looking for more drills to use in your clinics and lessons? Here is a three-on-three drill from USPTA Elite Professional Michele Krause emphasizing volleys and communication. Get more than four players on the court and get them moving.

This drill is designed for three vs. three play. The players start at the baseline and run up to the net to begin the game by feeding a bounce-hit that needs to go behind the service line. The point is played out with three players at the net and three at the baseline. If the net team wins the point, they get to stay at the net. If the net team loses, they retreat to the baseline to allow the other team to come up and start the next point at the net.

Watch more videos on volleys on TennisResources.com. Simply type “volley” into the “Search Bar” or choose filters to narrow down the results. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road. #GetYour6

---

View on TennisResources.com

Watch more drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner to select Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

Taking your backhand down the line

Click Video Highlight:
Taking your backhand down the line

Description: Check out USPTA Elite Professional Craig O’Shannessy talking about the key aspects of taking the backhand down the line.

---

Tip:

Crosscourt rallies are the bread and butter of tennis. However, a high percentage of the errors we see are when players try to change the direction of the ball, and more frequently, change from crosscourt to down the line.

This week’s tip features USPTA Elite Professional Craig O’Shannessy with a few tips on taking the backhand down the line. He emphasizes using topspin, keeping the racquet face on the path of the target longer, as well as being on balance and inside the baseline when changing the direction of the ball.

Watch more videos on specific shots on TennisResources.com. Simply type “backhand” into the “Search Bar” or choose filters to narrow down the results. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road. #GetYour6

---

View on TennisResources.com

Watch more drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner to select Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

Reference points for the passing shots

Click Video Highlight:
Reference points for the passing shots

Description: Here is USPTA Master Professional Emilio Sanchez with a couple of tips on having reference points when going for the passing shots.

---

Tip:

Often times we see our players hesitate or not know what to do when facing an opponent that tends to come in to the net on important points. The passing shots can be challenging, especially from a psychological point of view. The opponent applies pressure by coming in and the baseline player can feel intimidated, as if the court has shrunk and there is not much room to hit into.

Having some reference points when going for the passing shot can facilitate the shot selection. USPTA Master Professional and former Spain’s Davis Cup captain Emilio Sanchez shares two reference points that helped him throughout his career. Check them out!

And remember, just like with any other shots in tennis – the passing shots must be repeated in practice over and over in order to be successfully executed during matches.

Watch more videos from Emilio Sanchez on TennisResources.com. Simply type “Emilio” into the “Search Bar” or choose filters to narrow down the results on a particular topic. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road. #GetYour6

---

View on TennisResources.com

Watch more drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner to select Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

Controlling the court with the forehand

Click Video Highlight:
Controlling the court with the forehand

Description: Check out former top 10 WTA player Chanda Rubin with a few tips on implementing patterns of play successfully by controlling the middle of the court with the forehand.

---

Tip:

The forehand is one of the biggest weapons in today’s game. It is the shot that dominates the baseline play at the competitive level as we watch players running around the backhand, covering about 75 percent of the court with the forehand.

Players at any level can use the forehand as a weapon. A player can use the forehand to move the opponent side to side and open up the court, as well as apply pressure by taking the ball on the rise, including hitting inside out and inside in. Good footwork, balance and proper weight transfer are just a few key aspects in making your shots effective and aggressive.

This week’s tip features former No. 6 WTA player Chanda Rubin with more tips on how to control the court with the forehand.

Watch more videos on the forehand on TennisResources.com. Simply type “forehand” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner and select “Forehand” under the Specialty Shots category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

---

View on TennisResources.com

Watch more drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner to select Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

Zig zag cone drill

Click Video Highlight:
Zig zag cone drill

Description: Check out this footwork drill with Mark Kovacs, Ph.D., that emphasizes adjustment steps and the development of quicker feet.

---

Tip:

Tennis involves lots of movement and footwork as we constantly need to get in position for the incoming ball. Aside from the large steps that take us to the ball, we also need the small steps that help us adjust and get set for the optimal strike zone. Many times we see players doing all the right things in preparation to the ball, but simply being one or two steps too far or too close to the optimal contact point causes them to mis-hit the ball. Maintaining balance while moving and adjusting the feet is an important aspect of effective stroke production.

This week’s tip features Mark Kovacs, Ph.D., with a drill that will help players improve their adjustment steps and get quicker feet.

Watch more videos on volleys on TennisResources.com. Simply type “footwork” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner and select “Footwork” under the Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

---

View on TennisResources.com

Watch more drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner to select Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

Doubles tip with Gigi Fernandez – The server calls the shots

Click Video Highlight:
Doubles tip with Gigi Fernandez – The server calls the shots

Description: Here is former world no.1 doubles player Gigi Fernandez with a tip on communication in doubles.

---

Tip:

One of the most important components of a successful doubles team is effective communication. Many times the communication may involve simple eye contact, a high-five, exchanging a few words, or simply telling your partner where you are going to serve next.

This week’s tip features 17 time doubles Grand Slam winner Gigi Fernandez discussing the importance of communication when serving. Gigi encourages servers to be the ones deciding the type and location of their next serve, especially during tight scores.

Watch more videos on volleys on TennisResources.com. Simply type “doubles” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner and select Doubles under the Demographics category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

---

View on TennisResources.com

Watch more drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner to select Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

Volley Tip-Use of nondominant hand

Click Video Highlight:
Volley Tip-Use of nondominant hand

Description: Check out a few tips on the importance of the nondominant hand on the volley from USPTA Elite Professional Craig O’Shannessy.

---

Tip:

The use of the nondominant hand tends to be neglected when executing volleys. It is very common to see players focus mostly on the hitting arm and disregard the opposite side when at the net. This week’s tip features USPTA Elite Professional Craig O’Shannessy discussing five important roles the nondominant hand plays on the volley:

• Gets the racquet away from the body
• Keeps the racquet head up
• Opens the racquet face
• Holds the weight of the racquet
• Helps with preparation

Have your players consider these things next time they’re out there practicing to help their volleys become more effective.

Watch more videos on volleys on TennisResources.com. Simply type “volley” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner and select Volley under the Specific Shots category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

---

View on TennisResources.com

Watch more drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner to select Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

Cardio Tennis Game – Triples

Click Video Highlight:
Cardio Tennis Game – Triples

Description: Check out USPTA Elite Professional Michele Krause with a cardio game emphasizing groundstrokes, volleys, movement and lots of fun.

---

Tip:

Looking for more drills and games to use in your practice? Here is a fun cardio game from Michele Krause emphasizing groundstrokes, volleys and lots of movement.

This game is played 3-on-3 with two players on the baseline and one player at the net. After every point, the players rotate positions in a circle. If you have more than six players on the court, have them do cardio blasts (jumping jacks, lunges, squads, shadow hitting, etc.) while waiting. The balls are fed rapidly, forcing the players to move and rotate quickly. The drill is intended to get everyone moving and hitting as much as possible within the drill time.

Watch more fitness drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner and select the Drill /Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.

---

View on TennisResources.com

Watch more drills on TennisResources.com. Simply type “drill” in the Quick Search or choose the Advanced Search on the upper left-hand corner to select Drill/Lesson category. Watch tips, lessons and drills on your computer, laptop or iPhone whether you are at home, on the court or on the road.