I know, I know. Sounds silly. But where your belly button is pointing definitely has an impact on how you hit your volleys. Watch this short video to find out more.
We've made it inside the service line, but where do we go now? Left? Right? Stay put? Your approach shot will help determine how you position yourself horizontally. Your horizontal position will help you prepare to hit a good, clean volley. Check it out.
Too many times we hear "watch the ball" and we do just that. Yes, we need to watch the ball as it comes in, but once it has left our racquet, we need to focus our eyes on something else - the other player. Check out the video for more.
The simplest way to play solid, winning tennis is to know what's going on on the court. This is where the Read and React model that I teach comes in. If you can READ what is going on with your game and the game of your opponent, then you can REACT accordingly, giving you a head start on the next shot. Check it out. I think you'll dig it. Coach Tom
When going in, what is your mindset? What did you do to affect your opponent? You need to know this in order to get prepared for the next shot...
Often times when going to the net, we get tentative or fearful and don't get inside the service line. This can lead to indecision and uncertainty when hitting our next shot, not to mention giving away the advantage we have created in going to the net in the first place.
But Coach Tom... I don't understand. Why don't I just hit the volley for a winner right away? Seems a lot easier than dealing with all of this transition stuff... Well... Watch the video and find out.
What is the difference between an approach shot and an approach volley? Why would you ever hit an approach volley? Take a look and find out.
When you're going to the net, you need to understand what your approach shot has done to your opponent. Have you pushed him back? Moved her out wide? What type of shot are they likely to hit? Knowing this will help you to understand whether you are offensive, defensive or neutral as you go in to the net, which will help determine where you set up for your next shot.
You have to stop! You can't just go barreling in to the net and hope to hit a good, controlled volley. Just stop already.
Once you've hit your approach shot, and you have an idea of what type of shot your opponent is about to hit, you need to know where to go, where to set up. Are you in an offensive or defensive position? Should you be tight to the net or hovering back just inside the service line? Check out the video to find out... Coach Tom
Before you can hit a volley, you need to know what you've done with your approach shot. Did you push your opponent off balance? Is your opponent about to rip a ball at your face? Knowing this means you know what type of volley to expect.