|
Jorge Capestany and Ken DeHart The 4 Target Areas
The best players do not wing it. Instead they have a pre-set idea of what they want to do on the first and second shot of each point. An easy way to help players learn effective patterns of play and where to hit in the court is the “4 square” concept. Once a player learns the 4 areas as shown in the diagram, they can begin to develop patterns of play. This also allows for a common language between the pro and the coach and the player. One of the common lessons learned by players using this concept is the idea to actually hit into areas 1 & 4 which are the short areas of the court away from the baseline. Once they begin trying this, they realize how effective it is to move players up and back and not just back and forth across the baseline. While every player will have their favorite areas to hit in to, it is important that they develop the ability to hit into all the areas. Once a player has learned to move this opponent into the different areas of the court, the real tennis match can begin where strategy and tactics will become a part of everyday play. Defining and naming the 4 target areas above is the first step in mastering the concepts of pattern of play.
Jorge Capestany - TennisDrills TV Jorge is the Founder of www.tennisdrills.tv - a video based website that shows more than 700 videos of tennis drills and tips. Jorge is one of only nine people world-wide that is a Master Professional with both the USPTA and PTR. Jorge is a 6-time Michigan Pro of the Year a 2-time Midwest Pro of the Year. Jorge has coached hundreds of ranked juniors including 3 national champions. |
Many players have no game plan when they start a singles match. The unfortunate reality is that most players have not even heard of such concepts of developing patterns of play or isolating a weakness. They are in essence, playing “wing it” tennis. Much the like way a football game in the back yard might unfold on a thanksgiving afternoon where the basic play called in the huddle is “go out and get open.