S class (beginner) Wrapping it UP!

It is the 4th week for the term which means for the S class beginners we review our shots and include the serve. I'd like to share some of the few tips we used in todays video which outlines a few important points about mechanics, preparation, position, and footwork in our tennis shots. 

EMPHASIS ON SPACE BETWEEN ELBOW AND BODY BACKHAND SIDE 

With the backhand in this video we emphasised on the space between our body and ball particularly our elbow position. Without following through we tried to moving our racket head towards the net as much as possible to get the elbow and arm moving away from our body. 

EMPHASIS ON SPACE BETWEEN ELBOW AND BODY ON FOREHAND SIDE 

Similar with the forehand allowing space between the elbow and arm for ease of swing making sure to get the racket away from the body towards the target. 

VOLLEY: SPLIT STEP & FOOTWORK 

The volley today we emphasised on the initial split step and into our footwork. 

Racket in 'ready position.' The split step is just a slight hop off the ground with both feet. Timing the split is the important part watching when the opponent just before making contact with the ball. The footwork we emphasised on stepping out diagonally with the racket then stepping forward with the opposite leg.

SMASH: TROPHY POSITION NON DOMINANT HAND POSITION

For the smash we went over the 'trophy position.' Making sure we turn our body to the side allow just the front shoulder to face the net getting the racket in good position with the non dominant hand higher than the shoulder.

EXTERNAL ROTATION OF SHOULDER  ON SERVE WITH SHORTER GRIP

With the serve today we worked on choking up on the grip focusing on hitting out and away from our racket shoulder. Many people think that swinging directly from back to front is ideal but actually the shoulder mechanics works quite differently. We started from the service line to emphasis control over power.


1/2 SERVE FROM THE BASELINE USING FULL LENGTH OF RACKET 

Finally from the baseline, we went back to the full length of grip still working from the 1/2 serve.

We had a very fun lesson today ending with doubles champion challenger with serve. When playing point in this class, using the softer stage 1 compression ball is ideal for keeping the points fun! Stay tuned for more advice in the near future!

Staff Introduction:

　 Shinichi George Kidera  APF ACADEMIES COACH

"Week 4 Everyone! How are we progressing!?" 

Back into the swing of things in 2014! My goal is to definitely learn more Thai this year, play more tennis, get into great shape, and as always inspire those who want to become better tennis players. Have a great start everyone to your new year and keep your goals alive and in-line.