DOC'S TIP OF THE DAY -- STRING TENSION

Remember these key adages that relate to strings in a tennis racquet:

a. tighter strings give you less power and more control.
b. looser strings give you more power and less control
c. string gauge does not affect power. (15g,16g,17g)
d. string tension has little effect on ball spin. dd

DOC'S TIP OF THE DAY -- WIDE FOREHAND

Remember these points when playing a wide forehand safely back into the court.

1. run at an angle behind the bounce of the ball. this will give you time to take a fuller swing at the ball.
2. try to contact around the outside of the ball.
3. try to aim back down the middle of the court and higher over the net IF your opponent is NOT approaching the net. (If your opponent is approaching you have two choices, one is to go for the heroic winner and really buggy whip it or hit a HIGH LOB.)
4. recover quickly. dd

Doc's Tip of the Day -- Hydration

Drink 6 - 12 oz of water or electrolyte enhanced carbohydrate fluid every 15 - 20 minutes as tolerated DURING practice or matchplay.
Drink 14 - 22 oz of water or electrolyte enhanced sports drink TWO HOURS BEFORE practice or matchplay.
Drink approximately 20 oz of electrolyte enhanced sport drink PER POUND OF BODY WEIGHT LOST within a two hour period AFTER practice or a match.

DOC'S TIP OF THE EVENING: SERVE SWING

When in the loaded position prior to extending the arm and elbow straight up to contact, you must first externally rotate the shoulder and drop the racquet down behind your back before you start to extend up to contact the ball. dd