Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

There has been much talk about how we can safely return to the courts. The reality is a successful return for THE game of tennis and YOUR game of tennis will require teamwork.

I have no doubt the community of tennis players will responsibly follow the USTA protocols. We will be relying on each other more than ever to be a good teammate.

What is the plan for YOUR game? Consider this time of no competitive play as your

off-season. There is freedom when the competitive pressure is gone to improve and enhance your skills for the next competitive season.

It's the perfect time to:

• Develop a slice approach shot

• Improve the accuracy of your serve

• Master your lob

• Get comfortable at the net

• Learn to drop shot

• Build your consistency

• Get fit

Find a practice partner who will be your training teammate. Before each practice session create a specific practice plan. I like to work on ball control because...without ball control strategy is irrelevant!

My favorite ball control practice session:

Consistency

From the baseline players hit 50 groundstrokes in a row crosscourt both deuce and ad court

From the baseline players hit 20 balls straight ahead within the alley

From the net players hit 20 volleys in a row crosscourt both deuce and ad court

Changing Direction of the Ball

*Hit 20 in a row then players switch the direction they are hitting

From the baseline one player hits down the line their partner returns crosscourt

From the net one player volleys straight ahead their partner returns crosscourt

Changing the Pace of the Ball

*Switch positions after 5 minutes

From the baseline one player lobs deep to the middle of the court their partner drives it back

One player at the net hits overheads their partner at the baseline lobs back

Fitness-Serve and Chase

*Only one player at a time will be on the court to ensure social distancing

• Serve

• Run to the other side of the court

• Pick up your ball

• Serve

• Run to the other side of the court

• Repeat until you get 20 serves in the box

If your ball goes in to the net pick it up and still switch ends of the court

Compete-Get the Point Started

Play a set with the following rules. You get one serve. If you miss your serve you lose the game. If your serve goes in and your partner misses their return they lose the game. The goal is to get the point started. No free points for our opponents!!

No mystery why this man is the G.O.A.T.

Have a great week!!

Barb