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Tóm tắt nội dung (trích từ tài liệu gốc): TENNIS Skills & Drills JOEY RIVE SCOTT C. WILLIAMS HUMAN KINETICS Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Rive, Joey. Tennis skills & drills / Joey Rive, Scott C. Williams. p. cm. ISBN-13: 978-0-7360-8308-9 (soft cover) ISBN-10: 0-7360-8308-1 (soft cover) 1. Tennis--Training. I. Williams, Scott C. II. Title. GV1002.9.T7R58 2012 796.342--dc23 2011027132 ISBN-10: 0-7360-8308-1 (print) ISBN-13: 978-0-7360-8308-9 (print) Copyright � 2012 by Joey Rive and Scott C. Williams All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any
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TENNIS
Skills & Drills
JOEY RIVE
SCOTT C. WILLIAMS
HUMAN KINETICS
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Rive, Joey.
Tennis skills & drills / Joey Rive, Scott C. Williams.
p. cm.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7360-8308-9 (soft cover)
ISBN-10: 0-7360-8308-1 (soft cover)
1. Tennis--Training. I. Williams, Scott C. II. Title.
GV1002.9.T7R58 2012
796.342--dc23
2011027132
ISBN-10: 0-7360-8308-1 (print)
ISBN-13: 978-0-7360-8308-9 (print)
Copyright � 2012 by Joey Rive and Scott C. Williams
All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any
electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying,
and recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission
of the publisher.
Acquisitions Editor: Laurel Plotzke Garcia; Developmental Editor: Heather Healy; Assistant Editor:
Claire Marty; Copyeditor: Joanna Hatzopoulos; Permission Manager: Martha Gullo; Graphic Designer:
Keri Evans; Graphic Artist: Tara Welsch; Cover Designer: Keith Blomberg; Photographer (cover): Clive
Brunskill/Getty Images; Photographer (interior): Neil Bernstein; Visual Production Assistant: Joyce Brum-
field; Photo Production Manager: Jason Allen; Art Manager: Kelly Hendren; Associate Art Manager:
Alan L. Wilborn; Illustrations: � Human Kinetics; Printer: Versa Press
We thank T Bar M Racquet Club in Dallas, Texas, for assistance in providing the location for the photo shoot
for this book.
Human Kinetics books are available at special discounts for bulk purchase. Special editions or book excerpts
can also be created to specification. For details, contact the Special Sales Manager at Human Kinetics.
Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
The paper in this book is certified under a sustainable forestry program.
Human Kinetics
Website: www.HumanKinetics.com
United States: Human Kinetics Australia: Human Kinetics
P.O. Box 5076 57A Price Avenue
Champaign, IL 61825-5076 Lower Mitcham, South Australia 5062
800-747-4457 08 8372 0999
e-mail: humank@hkusa.com e-mail: info@hkaustralia.com
Canada: Human Kinetics New Zealand: Human Kinetics
475 Devonshire Road Unit 100 P.O. Box 80
Windsor, ON N8Y 2L5 Torrens Park, South Australia 5062
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Europe: Human Kinetics E4810
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Leeds LS28 6AT, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 113 255 5665
e-mail: hk@hkeurope.com
To my father, Julio, and my mother, Gail, for inspiring me, and to my sons Zan and
Cameron for inspiring me as well.
--Joey Rive
To my wife, Candace, and our children, Jasmine and Jaden Williams. To coach
Jack Bailey for 20 plus years of service to Scots tennis.
--Scott Williams
Contents
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Key to Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Chapter 1 Forehand Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 2 Backhand Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chapter 3 Forehand and Backhand Drills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Chapter 4 Serve Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Chapter 5 Return Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Chapter 6 Serve and Return Drills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
iv
Contents
Chapter 7 Net Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Chapter 8 Specialty Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Chapter 9 Net and Specialty Drills. . . . . . . . . . . 167
Chapter 10 Singles Strategy and Drills. . . . . . . . 187
Chapter 11 Doubles Strategy and Drills . . . . . . . 219
Drill Finder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
About the Authors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263
v
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank T BAR M Racquet Club and the entire staff for being so patient with
me through this process, especially Glen Agritelly, Darren Boyd, Chris Wade, and Doug
Kruger.
Thanks to Bobby Bernstein, Dave Licker, Greg Alexander, and Doug Kruger for their
technical help.
Thanks to Laurel Plotzke Garcia, Heather Healy, and all the folks at Human Kinetics
for giving me a chance.
Thanks to Scott Williams for his help and for the opportunity to collaborate with
him through the final stages of the book. Finally, I would like to thank all my friends and
coaching buddies for their interest in the book and their continued support throughout.
--Joey Rive
Thank you to Joey Rive, Laurel Plotzke Garcia, and Heather Healy for making this book
special. A special thanks goes to Cindy Newman and coach Jack Bailey.
--Scott Williams
vi
Key to diagrams
X Any player
S Server
SP Server's partner
R Returner
RP Returner's partner
K King
CO Coach
Path of player
Path of ball
1 Shot number
� Bounce
Cone
E4810/Rive/KTD/419096/alw/R2-ke
vii
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1chapter
Forehand
Skills
2 tennis Skills & Drills
The forehand has become the weapon of choice for most tennis players today.
How well a player hits this shot forecasts the style of play. The forehand is often
central to the game plan for both sides of a match; a player can build a game
plan around using it or combating it. A good forehand has power, consistency,
accuracy, and variety. It enables a player to overpower an opponent, go from defense
to offense with a single shot, or put an opponent on the defensive in order to transition
to the net. Players with a strong forehand include Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, Rafael
Nadal, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams.
The forehand plays a large part in the process of a balanced groundstroke attack.
Depending on individual strengths and weaknesses, a player can use it offensively to
stay in a point until the right opportunity comes around or even to play a strong defense.
An effective forehand is not only about power, it is also about the way the player uses it,
such as to set up net play or a killer backhand down the line.
Over the last 40 years the forehand has evolved from the classic Continental grip into
more choices such as the Eastern, semi-Western, and full Western grips. Players have
used classic forehand styles within an attack style strategy--flat balls or balls hit on the
rise--but they focused on placement and finesse. Today the way players strike the ball is
considerably different. Racket technology and advances in proper technique have made
hitting the forehand more of a full-body workout designed to deliver a striking blow. This
is apparent in the professionals and young juniors of today. The modern-day forehand
strategy is more aggressive and designed to hit a winner from the backcourt or take time
away from an opponent in an effort to control play.
Today's forehand also depends on a big serve. Modern tennis could be called the
serve-and-forehand era. When technology and sport science advanced greatly from the
mid- 1980s through the 1990s, the conventional ways of winning points, such as the
serve-and-volley, or the Swedish way, of outlasting an opponent on the court, became
less effective. The return came back faster and the ball was struck with greater velocity.
Thus, the forehand became a weapon. Instead of a chess match, tennis became a power
game and, consequently, the emphasis changed toward the first strike.
This chapter covers offensive and defensive styles as they relate to the forehand, the
various forehand shots, the technique for those shots, and the characteristics of a good
forehand. Chapter 3 provides drills needed for developing a great forehand weapon.
Choosing a Forehand
Today's game is ruled by the forehand first. Even if a player's most powerful weapon is the
backhand, the forehand must be strong. The player needs to develop the forehand well in
order to counter the opponent's forehand long enough to use the backhand effectively.
The quality of the forehand shot determines the player's offensive and defensive
nature and provides the player with the basis for the resulting game style and plan. So,
when learning or reviewing technique, it is vital that the player stay current. The goal is
to have great technique for every shot, so the player should constantly try to improve.
All players must be able to execute a variety of both offensive and defensive forehands.
Technique is important in a player's development, and it dictates what the player's
better shots will be. A player should choose a grip, stance, and stroke (swing path) that
correspond to the goals for the forehand and can help the player develop to the highest
levels.
There are five types of forehands: the Eastern forehand, the semi-Western forehand,
the Western forehand, Continental forehand, and the slice forehand. Each shot is charac-
terized by its grip and has a different technique for its use. The player should first choose
the most comfortable grip, which in turn dictates the type of forehand and the technique
3 ForehanD SkillS
for hitting it. Still, it is important to master multiple grips in order to shift between fore-
hands, such as the defensive slice versus an offensive winner or a forehand rally shot.
The Eastern and semi-Western forehand grips are the most versatile. The Continental
and Western forehand grips are used less often because they have limitations in hitting
certain shots, such as high and low balls. The Western grip can be used aggressively on
higher bouncing surfaces such as clay or hard court. A person using the Western grip has
to be proficient at quickly changing to other grips for certain shots, such as from a West-
ern forehand to an Eastern backhand grip on a one-handed backhand (see Forehands
and Grips, p. 5).
Footwork and Body Position
No matter what forehand technique a player chooses, the player needs to use proper
footwork and body position to get set to hit the ball. Knowing how to move quickly and
efficiently results in greater choices for controlling the ball.
Movement
Movement to the forehand side is vital to the success of the shot. The player should keep
the feet moving at all times when the ball is in play and split step when the opponent hits
the ball. A split step is jumping an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) off the ground and landing
on the balls of the feet, ready to move (see figure 1.1). For balls hit to the right side, the
player should step out with the right foot (see figure 1.2) and try to line up the right foot
behind the incoming ball. For balls hit to the left side, the player should step out with the
left foot and line it up behind the incoming ball. Once lined up on the ball, enough weight
should be loaded on the leg and foot to establish balance as the player begins to push off
and transfer weight into the shot. In other words, the first step gets the player to the ball
quickly and efficiently, making the execution of the whole shot easier.
Figure 1.1 Split step. Figure 1.2 Step to the right after split step.
4 tennis Skills & Drills Stances
Figure 1.3 Open stance. Three types of stances are used in tennis: open, semi-
Figure 1.4 Semi-open stance. open, and closed. A player's stance is dictated by the shot
being hit and by personal preference. The player should
use a stance that creates the best platform for the player's
legs to push off and hit a powerful shot. As long as a player
knows the proper technique for the different stances, all
three can be effective.
Open Stance
In an open stance (figure 1.3), the player uses the back leg
to load and set the feet in a manner that keeps the body
relaxed, balanced, and open to the shot. A player should
experiment with the open stance to see what feels the most
comfortable for control and power. The grips and strings
used today are based on topspin and allowing the arm the
maximum ability to swing freely. The degree to which a
player uses an open stance depends on shots hit by oppo-
nents. Strong, high-bouncing shots hit out of the player's
strike zone may require more of an open stance because of
the lack of time to prepare and to line up the feet on the ball.
Windy conditions, playing left-handed servers who swing
wide, or playing great right-handed kick serves on the ad
side of the court can require an open stance as well.
Players can use the open stance on all of the forehand
shots. It can be used on shots hit directly to the player or
on tougher balls that require stretching. The open stance
gives the player the advantage of getting to more balls and
hitting them aggressively. It gives the arm ample space
to strike the ball and swing freely, especially on those
tougher, higher balls. Drawbacks of hitting with an open
stance relate to the amount of power a player achieves
through the hitting zone. A shot hit from an open stance
relies on angular momentum (created by rotation only),
which produces less power compared with a square
stance that combines linear and angular momentum.
Semi-Open Stance
The semi-open (also known as semi-closed) stance,
shown in figure 1.4, is a form of the open stance and is used
regularly when players move around their backhand to hit
a forehand. Some players like to hit with an open stance
regardless of the oncoming ball but others prefer to use
a semi-open stance for a shot that is hit directly to them,
giving them the option to hit through the shot more by
using linear and angular momentum. This stance is espe-
cially useful on shots where the player is pulled away from
the center of the court and needs balance through con-
tact. The back leg loads as it does with the open stance,
but the front leg comes a little more in front and to the
side. A player can use this stance on all forehand shots.
5 ForehanD SkillS
Closed Stance
When using the closed stance (figure 1.5), a player sets
the back leg in the loaded position but brings the front leg
directly in front of the back leg to effectively close the hips
and shoulders to the net. It is also known as the square
stance. The use of this stance depends on a player's prefer-
ence and how quickly the player moves to the ball. If a player
can get to the ball in plenty of time and prefers to set both
legs (one in front of the other), the closed stance is more
powerful. A closed stance is best used on shots that are hit
directly to the player. It becomes increasingly difficult to hit
a closed stance when stretching out for wide shots.
Forehands and Grips
Figure 1.6 shows a view of the bottom octagon of a racket Figure 1.5 Closed stance.
and, for the purposes of grip discussion, numbers each of
the bevels of the racket handle. All of the grips are based
on how a player positions the bottom knuckle of the index
finger, or the index knuckle (see figure 1.7), on the bevels.
Figures 1.8a and b on page 6 show the placement for the
index knuckle for a right-handed and a left-handed player
for all of the forehand grips.
1 2
8 3
7
6 4
5
Figure 1.6 The eight bevels of the racket. Figure 1.7 The index knuckle.
6 tennis Skills & Drills
-- Continental Continental --
-- Eastern Eastern --
-- Semi-Western Semi-Western --
| |
Western Western
A B
Figure 1.8 The location of the index knuckle on the racket for (a) right-handed players and (b) left-
handed players using the forehand grips.
All current grips can be traced back to the Conti-
nental grip shown in figure 1.9. Tennis pioneers used
the Continental grip because the game was originally
played on grass, where the ball bounced low. This
grip is now primarily used for slice forehands, back-
hands, the serve, forehand and backhand volleys, and
the overhead. The Continental grip is a great grip for
low balls and balls hit at hip level. To find this grip, the
player puts the dominant hand flat on the strings and
moves the hand down to the grip. The top part of the
grip is in the V between the thumb and forefinger, and
the index knuckle is on bevel 2 of the racket handle for
right-handed players and bevel 8 for left-handed play-
ers (refer to figures 1.6 and 1.8).
One limitation of hitting with this grip is that it can
be difficult to combat the heavy topspin that most
players use. Rather than having to switch grips to cope
with various ball heights and spins, most players tran-
sition to using the Eastern or semi-Western forehand
grips, which can be used to play any forehand. Using
a hybrid grip (somewhere between the Eastern and
semi-Western grips) is an option that allows players to
tailor their grip to match their swing.
Figure 1.9 Continental grip.
7 ForehanD SkillS
Eastern Forehand and Grip
The Eastern forehand (see figure 1.10) is one of the most Figure 1.10 Eastern grip.
versatile grips in modern-day tennis. For the Eastern fore-
hand grip, the index knuckle is on bevel 3 of the racket
handle for right-handed players and bevel 7 for left-handed
players (refer to figures 1.6 and 1.8). As shown in figure
1.10, the racket begins to close if the player holds the arm
in front of the body.
The use of this grip depends on the player's swing and
how much topspin the player wants to put on the ball. The
Eastern grip does not automatically create as much top-
spin as the semi-Western grip. A player needs to develop
strong wrists and a higher loop (to sweep under the ball
more) to achieve the same topspin with the Eastern grip
that is already built into the semi-Western grip. The East-
ern forehand grip is popular with players who like to drive
their forehands (flat) as well as use topspin.
The main disadvantage of the Eastern grip is the reduced
ability to counter (defend) against a ball that bounces high.
The Eastern grip has a slightly more closed face on the
takeback, so to use this grip for countering high-bouncing
balls, a player needs accurate timing and strong wrists to
be able to impart topspin back to the opponent.
Semi-Western Forehand and Grip
The semi-Western forehand (see figure 1.11) is the most
popular forehand technique in today's game. Top profes-
sionals, such as Rafael Nadal and Venus Williams, as well
as juniors use the semi-Western forehand grip. For right-
handed players, the index knuckle is placed on bevel 4 and
bevel 6 for left-handers (refer to figures 1.6 and 1.8). The
racket face if you were to hold the racket in front of you
would be slightly more closed than the Eastern forehand.
The semi-Western grip is designed for players who are
trying to produce a lot of topspin on their shots. Because
the racket face is slightly more closed than in the Eastern
forehand, it allows the player more flexibility to counter an
opponent's high-bouncing shot. The main disadvantage of
this grip occurs when countering a low or slice shot. If a
player is not properly loaded and low enough to accept the
oncoming shot, then it is a struggle to get under the shot in
an appropriate fashion.
Figure 1.11 Semi-Western grip.
8 tennis Skills & Drills
Western Forehand and Grip
The Western forehand technique uses a grip that is
more extreme than the Continental, Eastern, and
semi-Western forehands as shown in figure 1.12. For
this grip, both right-handed and left-handed play-
ers place the index knuckle on bevel 5 of the racket
handle (refer to figures 1.6 on page 5 and 1.8 on page
6). This grip puts the palm of the hand completely
under the racket handle.
The main advantage of the Western forehand grip
is the amount of topspin it can generate. This grip is
the choice for a player who wants to hit the ball with a
lot more topspin (especially on higher balls) than the
other two more modern grips. Players who play on
clay courts or slow, hard courts may gravitate toward
this forehand grip. Usually the player who uses it is
used to slower-paced or higher-bouncing shots. If the
Figure 1.12 With the Western grip, when the racket player exclusively uses slower surfaces against the
is turned over to playing position, the palm will be same types of opponents, then perfecting the West-
completely under the racket. ern forehand could be an advantage.
Unfortunately, the disadvantages of this grip can be
numerous, especially for players who play on various surfaces. A player using this grip is
susceptible to lower shots and slices from an opponent, which, if played on a faster surface,
can present a challenge. On a faster surface the ball doesn't bounce as high, so a player has
to make different swing adjustments. It is more prudent to develop a stroke that can adapt
to all surfaces. Also, because of the many grip changes that can occur during a point, the
extreme nature of the grip makes it harder to switch to other grips.
In addition, the technique required to hit a Western forehand can be too extreme. The
grip causes the wrist to lay back more than with the semi-Western or Eastern forehand. This
makes it difficult to extend the wrist through the point of contact. Because the grip is so far
under the racket handle, the elbow bends more and becomes almost in line with the bottom
of the butt cap of the racket. This sometimes causes swing problems for a player, such as
dragging the racket head, and hampers the player's ability to smooth out the swing.
Forehand and Styles of Play
Tennis has five styles of play: aggressive baseline play, all-court play, serve-and-volley
play, rallying baseline play, and defensive play. Aggressive baseline play and all-court
play are considered offensive and are built around the forehand. Serve-and-volley play-
ers build their games around their serve and attacking style, but they can still use the
forehand as a weapon. Rallying baseline play and defensive baseline play use the fore-
hand as a rally ball or in a defensive manner.
A player's style is based on what forehands are the player's favorites, the technique
for those shots, overall on-court personality, and the player's aggressive or defensive
nature. A player can change or improve playing style by adding shots to the repertoire
and improving technique. A player should try to establish one particular forehand shot
as a weapon, then add and develop other shots to complement the particular style. One
of the main goals of choosing a grip is to use one that corresponds with the player's style
of play. Table 1.1 shows the type of forehand technique that players can use in each style
of play based on grip choices.
9 ForehanD SkillS
Table 1.1 Techniques for Styles of Play
Type of Aggressive All-court Style of play Rallying Defensive
technique baseline baseline baseline
X Serve-and-
Eastern X volley X X
forehand grip
Semi-Western X X X
forehand grip
X X X X X
Western
forehand grip X With good use of X
Continental
forehand grip different grips
X
Points of Contact and Strike Zones
Players should know the correct contact point and strike zone for the shots they want
to execute. Their court position, movement, and racket preparation should match that
contact point. Three points of contact are possible: attack, rally, and defensive. They fall
in a horizontal plane (see figure 1.13). Although players must address each individual
ball in a groundstroke, the style of play sets the tone for the types of shots they want
A B C
Figure 1.13 The points of contact include the (a) attack, (b) rally, and (c) defensive.
10 tennis Skills & Drills
to execute. For example, aggressive baseline players predominantly want their contact
points in front to maintain the attacking style of play. The strength of the opponent's shot
also dictates a player's contact points. A player needs to use shot selection and contact
points together to keep a rally going and to help establish control of a point.
The attack point of contact is in front of the body or in front of the front foot. The
attack point of contact is usually a crosscourt shot or any shot that is played from a
position of strength in the court. This position is usually inside the baseline. For example,
a down-the-line forehand may be contacted a little late, but it is attacking if the court
position is inside the baseline. However, a player can possess a weapon that is hit with an
early contact point but from deeper in the court; as long as the success rate stays high,
it is attacking.
The rally point of contact is between the hips and is offensive if a player hits with
heavy topspin. The later contact point allows for maximum load to be drawn from the
legs in the execution of the shot. A rally point of contact is used to neutralize a player and
increase the chance to get a better opportunity later in the rally. Rally shots are usually
played crosscourt or as a high, heavy down-the-line shot, and they are usually executed
from the baseline or just behind it.
The defensive point of contact is in line with or behind the back hip and is usually
played as a high, heavy shot to get back into the point or a ball hit with a higher trajectory.
This contact point suggests a good shot from an opponent or possibly poor movement
to a shot. Players usually use a defensive contact point when they are behind the base-
line and playing defensively.
The three strike zones--lower-level, midlevel, and upper-level--fall in a vertical plane
(see figure 1.14). Great players can hit winners from all three strike zones. The mid- and
lower-level strike zones are especially preferred for hitting topspin. Most players should
attempt to meet the ball in the ideal, midlevel strike zone.
A B C
Figure 1.14 The strike zones include the (a) lower-level, (b) midlevel, and (c) upper-level.
11 ForehanD SkillS
The upper-level strike zone is at shoulder level or higher. Usually a ball hit from this
strike zone is hit with heavy topspin or a higher trajectory. In today's game, a common
offensive strategy is to step back from a high-bouncing shot to let it come down farther
into the preferred strike zone so the player can answer with an effective shot. Players
from earlier generations may have scoffed at this idea; they would have taken this ball
earlier to prevent giving up court position. Ultimately, though, a player's goal when hitting
in the upper-level strike zone is to execute a quality shot that gives a better opportunity
on the next shot.
The mid-level strike zone is between the shoulder and the knee (as is the strike zone
in baseball), and it is used for shots with a rallying type trajectory that gives the player
depth on the shot. Because most shots can be executed well in this strike zone, players
need to be able to move and play in a court position that allows them to hit as many shots
as possible in it. An aggressive player who moves well can do this. An opponent who hits
high-bouncing and penetrating shots to a player near the baseline can make hitting balls
in the midlevel strike zone difficult because they can force a player backward in the court.
The lower-level strike zone is below the knee and down to the ground. This strike zone
is usually used for a low ball from the opponent or a ball that a player is late getting in
position for. It can still be aggressive if the player attacks the ball with power from the
legs and takes it early. A player who perpetually hits balls in this zone is usually relegated
to playing defensively. A player who tries to be aggressive from a defensive position is
playing low-percentage tennis.
The strike zone depends on where a player feels most comfortable executing a shot,
the depth of an opponent's shot, and the potential bounce of an opponent's shot. Players
who do not like to hit high-level shots around shoulder level must learn to take the ball
earlier in their preferred strike zone. The styles of play also influence strike zones. Play-
ers using aggressive baseline and all-court styles need to be able to attack from all three
strike zones. Because of the nature of the transitioning style, players using the serve-and-
volley style must be able to aggressively hit balls low in the strike zone because many of
their shots are taken on the rise. Rallying baseline players are more comfortable hitting
balls in a midlevel strike zone, and defensive players hit shots from a mid- to lower-level
strike zone because of their defensive nature or poor movement to the ball.
Stroke Technique
After choosing a grip to suit individual game style and goals, the player is ready to take
a closer look at the technique needed throughout the stroke pattern. The following text
breaks down the different actions that make up the phases of the forehand stroke: prep-
aration and backswing, forward swing and contact, and follow-through. The breakdown
presents the technique and chain of events for executing a successful Eastern forehand.
Two of the other forehands, semi-Western and Western, require some slight modifi-
cations to accommodate their grips but otherwise follow the same pattern. The stroke-
specific modifications are noted. The fourth type of forehand, the slice forehand, can
actually be executed with two different grips (Continental and Eastern, though most
commonly Continental) and requires a bit more modification. The counterattacking slice
approach is addressed in Playing the Forehand on page 27.
12 tennis Skills & Drills
Preparation and Backswing
In the ready position (between shots), the arm is comfortably to the side with the elbow
bent and placed midway between the waist and shoulders. The racket head is up and
pointing slightly backward with the wrist taut. The core of the player is low and comfort-
able and getting ready to rotate for loading. As the ball approaches, the shoulders and
trunk begin the unit turn and loading process. The player makes a half turn of the shoul-
ders backward (see figure 1.15) for a rally ball or a quarter turn (45 degrees) for a ball hit
deep or if the player is in a hurry (that is, in open stance).
As the shoulders and trunk rotate, the wrist and racket face also begin to pull back-
ward and loop in a high-to-low fashion. The player must comfortably bend the elbow
behind the body to allow a fluid full swing that loops under the ball to create the desired
low-to-high movement (see figure 1.16). The racket head is up and the face of the racket
is outward. The racket should set in the same direction of the back leg that is loading for
the shot.
As the shoulders and racket pull back, the front arm goes forward to provide balance
and to track the oncoming ball. How far in front to pull the arm depends on the player's
comfort and balance. The arm can be held out straight in front or a little farther back, but
no farther than the potential contact point. At the same time, the player's weight starts
to shift easily backward; the back leg bends. The player should keep the body weight
toward the back foot and with the knees bent until the loop begins.
Players should experiment with the grip to find the proper amount of loading for the
legs. They should find a comfortable core position that provides the desired power and
topspin. It is helpful to think of the load in terms of how much power and topspin the
player is trying to generate. Too much loading of the legs followed by an upward unload-
ing of the legs creates topspin and not as much power. Loading lightly on the legs to push
upward and outward to the target area produces a more powerful shot.
Figure 1.15 Unit turn. Figure 1.16 Preparation and backswing.
---
[Cuối tài liệu]
Drill Forehand
Backhand
Serve
Return
Net skills
Specialty skills
Singles
Doubles
Page #
Lob volley X X 178
179
Drop volley X X 179
179
Low volley X 180
180
Half volley X X X X 180
180
Quick hands X 181
and quick feet 181
X X 182
volley 182
182
Deuce-ad 182
volley game 183
Volley target X X 259
Live volley X
Power X X
overhead
X X
Scissor kick
overhead X X
Backhand X
smash
X
Overhead
target X X
Live overhead X X
Drop shot
target
Drop shot to
drop shot
Drill Forehand
Backhand
Serve
Return
Net skills
Specialty skills
Singles
Doubles
Page #
Drop shot X X 183
technique
X 183
Forward
running shot X 184
Tweener shot
Slap shot X 184
Double X 184
desperation
shot
Approach,
volley, and X X X 185
overhead
Approach and X X X 185
pass
Volley and lob X X X 185
No winners X 186
Coach
Williams X X X X 186
special
Chapter 10: Singles Strategy and Drills
Three-quarter X 202
court drill
Alley drill X 203
Walk-in drill X 204
Running the X 205
opponent
260
Drill Forehand
Backhand
First strike
Hitting shots Serve
Return
to set up Net skills
strengths Specialty skills
Deflate and Singles
inflate or Doubles
inflate and Page #
deflate X 206
Offensive
inflation X 207
versus X 208
defensive
deflation X 209
Chapter 11: Doubles Strategy and Drills
Switch game
X 236
Hot seat
X 238
Champs up
the middle X 239
Hands X 240
Kings X 241
Best of seven X 243
Dip, rip, angle, X 245
or lob
X 245
Four square
X 246
Offense and
defense
261
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About the authors
Joey Rive played on the ATP Tour for 8 years,
competing in each of the 4 Grand Slams, and
achieved a top 60 player ranking in singles and
top 50 ranking in doubles. Rive also played
Davis Cup tennis for Puerto Rico and practiced
with the U.S. Davis Cup team. He was recently
inducted into the hall of fame in Puerto Rico.
Rive has been inducted into the Hall of Fame
at Florida State University, where he won MVP
honors for his team and conference as a player.
He also received Tennis magazine's Sportsman
of the Year Award.
After his successful playing career, Rive
coached at Florida State University, the Univer-
sity of Alabama, and Texas Christian University.
He produced multiple All-Americans, two con-
ference titles, and one NCAA final four finish.
During his tenure as a college coach, he was voted PTR College Coach of the Year. Rive
also spent three years as a USTA national coach, working with Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish,
Taylor Dent, Robby Ginepri, and Alex Bogomolov.
Rive is a USPTA, PTR, and USTA certified high-performance and sports coach. Cur-
rently, he is a teaching professional at T Bar M Racquet Club in Dallas, Texas.
For almost three decades, Scott Williams has
been an internationally renowned coach work-
ing with players such as No. 2 ATP Tour player
Tommy Haas and No. 1 ATP Tour doubles player
Max Mirnyi. Williams is the author of Serious
Tennis (Human Kinetics) and author and pro-
ducer of the recently released Spiritually Tough
Tennis DVD. He is president of Match Point Min-
istries and was voted the 2009 and 2011 Coach
of the Year, receiving the Ace Excellence Award
for his work with upcoming junior tennis players.
In 2011 he led the Lady Scots to win the Florida
State high school championships. Coach Wil-
liams was awarded coach of the year by the Flor-
ida Dairy Farmers, Sun Sentinel, and the Palm
Beach Post.
Williams is currently the tennis director at Saint
Andrew's School in Boca Raton, Florida. He is certified as a USTA high-performance coach,
USPTA level 1 professional, and PSIA level III instructor.
Williams has been ranked nationally in both tennis and skiing and has played profes-
sional satellite and challenger events in Europe, South America, and the United States.
He has won a total of 19 state championships in both tennis and skiing in Florida and
Washington.
263
You'll find other outstanding tennis resources at
www.HumanKinetics.com/tennis
In the U.S. call 1-800-747-4457
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