Wait A Second, Is That Me Out There?

I wish playing tennis was like riding a bike. After two years of not riding on a bike, I can hop back on and ride just fine. Unfortunately, after two months of not playing tennis, my game seems to need some serious fine tuning. I decided to emerge from my isolation this weekend and go hit some balls. It was a picture perfect Minnesota spring day and I was so happy to be on the court...until I started hitting. Shanking might be a better word. I have been on a tennis court nearly everyday for 50 years and it felt like I had never held a racquet. I literally hit a serve that bounced on my side of the court before it crossed over the net. Let's suffice to say it wasn't pretty.

I have come back from multiple injuries and for me this seems harder. All of my Tiger King watching, nacho eating, couch sitting, forced isolation days have deconditioned me in a way injuries never did. Add to that, I no longer have the comfort of my regular games, drills or teams to help me get moving again. Getting back to form will be a unique challenge for many of us.

When you go out for your first hit you may feel like your game is gone. Trust me your game is not gone, but it's going to be rusty. Be patient on the court and know that your tennis skills will eventually come back. Timing, touch and instinct are all things that will be lacking when you return, below are some drills to help you get those back. A few good practice sessions is all you need to start looking like the tennis player you were before you put the racquet down.

Split-Bounce-Hit Baseline Rally Drill

*It's important to say split, bounce, hit out loud

• Split step and say split when your partner hits the ball

• Say bounce when the ball bounces are your side of the net

• Say hit when you hit the ball

Backboard Volley Drill

*The closer you stand to the wall the harder this drill will be

• Hit 50 volleys in a row forehand

• Hit 50 volleys in a row backhand

• Hit 50 volleys in a row alternating forehand and backhand

Mini tennis game

• Rally back and forth in one service box

• You may only hit slice

• Start with an underhand feed

• You must let the ball bounce

• You can not hit the ball down or hard

• Play game to 11

Good Hands Game

• Volley back and forth in one service box

• Start with an underhand feed

• Ball may not bounce

• You may not hit hard

• You may lob the ball, but your opponent may not smash it back

• Play game to 11

Play Practice Sets

• Focus on consistency over power and speed

• Rally crosscourt from the baseline

• Approach down the line and deep on short balls

• When in doubt lob

• Get your first serve in you may have to take some pace off

• Get your returns back in play

Have a great week!!

Barb