Video Tennis Tip – Dec 20, 2006
Movement on the court…
What’s the “purpose” of our movement on the court? It seems pretty obvious that we need to get around the court to track down our opponents’ shots, but the real “purpose” of your court movement in my mind is much more than being just a retriever.
Start thinking that your movement after you play your shot, to your next court position, is how you challenge your opponent rather than relying on being solely a shotmaker…
Good court movement to me is about your ability to align yourself to the path of your opponent’s incoming shot in such a way that you could efficiently move towards your next desired court position seamlessly as you play your shot.
I don’t mean that you “run through” your shot, but that you move against the incoming ball in such a way that you require less swing (makes your shot making more consistent) and most importantly, you get to arrive at your next court position earlier.
To do this, you need to be able to have good visual contact with the ball at all times, and fitness plays a huge role to increase your skill of seeing a moving tennis ball.
Last week we talked about how to do specific sprints. This week I want you to be aware of trying to maintain a “still” head as you move. If your head is jarring around like a bobble head doll when you move on the court, your ability to visually track a ball is really tough to do.
Think of ballroom dancers. Their deal is to create what appears to be effortless movement. Their head seem to stay at the same height throughout the entire choreography, giving you a feeling of complete control.
So, this week, check out my video tip over at http://www.webtennis.net/nltr-061220.htm and then come on back here and let me know your thoughts by posting your comment.
Thanks and Happy Holidays to you and your family…
Brent
