Doc's Tip of the Evening -- Core Strength

If you want your core and back to get as strong as a donkeykong, first learn how to properly do a back squat. Then, build up to a working set of 20 (twenty) back squats where your quadriceps are parallel to the floor (minimum) at the bottom of the movement AND your heels are on the ground. Now, the kicker is to be able to squat 1.25X (times)your BODYWEIGHT twenty times in perfect form. lgwp

Doc's Tip of the Evening -- Double Hop Approach

When attacking a short low ball to transition to the net learn to use the double hop method as a component to keep your body momentum moving forward. The double hop method is when you step into the ball with your front foot whilst still on balance but after you hit the ball you hop or skip forward on your front foot (same foot) then continue moving into the service box area to do the split step. The two things you must do well to make this method work are balance when stepping into the ball and staying turned with your shoulders when contacting the ball. Also, this transition method will probably be done only on low balls. afdd

Doc's Tip of the Evening -- Modern Forehand

In general, if you want to get more power out of your forehand remember to reach back and away from your body with your racquet hand when turning in the preparation phase. More specifically, the distance from your back hip to your hand or racquet handle could be in excess of 24 - 30 inches*^. That is a great distance. Tip to remember, try not to reach straight back behind your hip/body, reach more away from your body and that distance may be over 14 - 18 inches*. So, just turning your body will not necessary guarantee you to be totally prepared, you must remember reach back and away with the racquet as well. *limb length will vary. ^excludes the full western donkey grip. afdd

Doc's Double Header Tip of the Evening -- Overhead/Smash

If you truly want a sensational Smash or Overhead, practice hitting overhead smashes without moving your feet. You must obviously get into position first with your feet and establish balance. When hitting the Smash, you are only allowed to rotate your shoulders at contact. You mustn't fall or lose your balance even AFTER the ball crosses the net. Remember to turn your shoulders and position your feet parallel to the center line on the court. Hint: Hold your weight on the back leg and keep the non dominant arm straight up. Also, contact the side of ball like you would a slice serve. The greatest overdonkey I have ever seen was Richard Stockton's. He would practice hitting smashes exactly as described above. civs

Doc's Tip of the Evening -- BH Volley

Whether you are learning or trying to improve the backhand volley, put the non dominant arm BEHIND your back and practice hitting the shot. Remember to turn both feet parallel to the center line and reach across your body with the racquet and hand in front of the hip. Keep your feet still and wait for the ball to come to your racquet. Make sure you have an extended (locked wrist) and the bottom edge of the racquet face open. ajkyd

Doc's Tip of the Evening -- BH

If you have a two handed backhand, always practice hitting forehands with your non dominant hand. This is especially important when you are in the learning stages as well as the developmental stage too. The two handed backhand is predominately a non dominate dominated shot, so you must practice hitting forehands to develop the spin and power. The grip should be close to a semi western grip when practicing these forehands. bkd

Doc's Tip of the Day -- Body Balance

If you are having difficulty controlling your groundstrokes, try keeping your body and feet completely still when practicing a few shots. Literally, keep both feet on the ground and turn your body and take the racquet back then swing at a slow to medium pace. A large number of players do not keep their body quiet or still when hitting their groundstrokes. I mean they are falling forward or backwards, jumping or leaning doing everything but staying still when hitting the ball. Try putting your hand on your hip or head when hitting a ground stroke and see if it helps. afdd