The Real Spin on Tennis: The Real Spin on Tennis:
This excerpt is from the later chapters of the book where Broudy writes about gaining mastery over the tennis intangibles--in this case, rhythm, balance, and timing. He titles this chapter, "Flow With the Game."
The book (250 pages) is recently released by JWB Tennis Publications, Leucadia, CA and is priced at $14.00 in paperback. The book can be found at several popular book stores, including Barnes and Noble. To order the book call 1-619-753-4119. ISBN#: 0-9654872-0-2
Most of the people in the tennis world will tell you that the only way to develop the intangibles of tennis--that is, the tennis nuances such as timing and anticipation--is to play more tennis. To some degree, that's true. However, there are definitely some ways in which you can accelerate your learning curve.
Getting into the rhythm of the game means learning to get into the "flow" with respect to the movement of the ball, your opponent, and the game itself. By finding just the right rhythm, you'll move and hit more effortlessly and with more fluidity. A lack of rhythm, on the other hand, will prevent you from getting to the ball on time, forcing you to rush shots or hit balls with unnecessary effort. You just won't feel like you're really in the game.
By Getting into the Rhythm of the Game, You'll:
Talk the Ball Into Your Racquet
"Back, bounce, hit!" This method helps you develop a rhythm with the ball while hitting your groundstrokes. It is a series of commands that, verbalized at the appropriate times, can help you hit with greater ease and fluidity and actually help you to see the ball better.
Here's how it works: The moment your opponent makes contact with the ball, you say to yourself, "Back." This command is your cue to react and turn your body immediately. Just as the ball bounces on your side of the court, you say, "Bounce," and at that point you plant your feet. Ideally, at this moment, all movement stops. Then, as your racquet comes forward and actually makes contact with the ball, you say to yourself, "Hit."
The important thing to remember is that you say these commands just as they happen. Don't say "back" and take your racquet back a second later. That defeats the whole purpose. The command must be spoken silently or aloud at the actual moment of contact. This technique helps you to accomplish two things: First, it forces you to glue your eyes to the ball from the moment it hits your opponent's racquet to the time it hits yours. In addition, this method helps you move your feet, prepare early, and get into a rhythm that's in sync with your opponent's. This technique is especially useful during your pre-game warm-ups.
You'll find that every opponent you play has a definite and distinct rhythm that you'll lock into with this method. A rhythmic pattem will develop, which will help you anticipate better, move to the ball with more time to spare, and feel as if you're in control of the pace of the match. You'll develop a more centered and calm relationship with the ball. The rhythm will remain fairly constant with each person you play; therefore, you'll feel more at one with the ball and the game as a whole. Some players prefer to only say the "bounce-hit" part. Do what works.
Hit at Three-Quarter Speed
Another technique is to hit at three-quarter speed. Many players who feel fatigued or who are under pressure will resort to either over-hitting or "pushing." It's important to develop a speed that you can rely on that is consistent, accurate, and efficient--that can get the job done. Three-quarters of your fastest speed is the optimal pace. It's fast enough to pass your opponent, and it's controllable so you can keep the ball in play.
This speed is especially useful when you're beginning a match. It helps you get into the rhythm and flow of the game, while keeping the pressure on your opponent.
Rhythm on the Return of Serve
A variation on "back, bounce, hit" is "toss, hit, bounce, hit" on the return of serve. Just as your opponent throws the ball up on the serve, you say, "Toss." As your opponent makes contact with the ball, you say, "Hit." Then when the ball lands in the serving box, you say, "Bounce." Finally, when you hit the ball, you say, 'Hit!" This method helps give you the rhythm that you need to feel comfortable returning a serve. In addition, it will help you prepare early, by focusing in on, and moving to, the ball.
You should use this method every time you go to return a serve, and especially when someone has a fast or difficult-to-return serve. It will help you feel more comfortable on the court and get into the flow of the match.
Rhythm at the Net
There's a definite rhythm that's called for when it comes to playing a good net game. Why is it that some people get to net and immediately become either victims of lobs and passing shots, or virtual targets? On the other hand, why is it that other players are so good at net that their opponents can't seem to get a ball past them? Nine times out of ten, the great players at net are the ones who have good rhythm on their "split steps," which gives them good timing when moving to their volleys and overheads.
While playing net, tell yourself to "split" when your opponent hits the ball, and "step" as you go to hit the volley. "Split-step, split-step." This will help get your rhythm going with respect to your footwork at net.
- end of Part 3 -
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