DOC'S TIP OF THE DAY -- GROUNDSTROKE TECHNIQUE

As a general tenet, if you hit a groundstroke when the ball is above the top of the net (ie, at the top of the bounce), try to limit the amount of travel the racquet moves upward on the follow through. It is imperative you stay on on the same plane on the follow through and wrap around. AND you can actually follow through slightly downwards, the higher the contact point is above the net. ay

Doc's Tip of the Evening -- FH Volley

Whenever you hit a forehand volley try to keep the elbow close to the side of your body for the most effective leverage when hitting the shot.
Of course, there will be times when this is not possible, but try to move your feet into the best position to make it possible.
High balls and fast wide balls will preclude you from keeping the elbow in but try to position your feet so you can do it for all other forehand volleys.
And always try to keep a firm wrist on all your volleys. oi

Doc's Tip of the Evening -- Technical / FH BH

When preparing for either a forehand or backhand ground stroke, remember to reach away from you with your hand/hands. So, when preparing on a forehand, try to keep your racket hand on the side of your body and away from your hip when turning and taking the racket back.
On the backhand, reach away from you with the non dominant hand and reach straight back with the racket hand. goy

Doc's Tip of the Evening -- Doubles Tips

Remember these tips in doubles:
- always communicate with your partner and know where they are going to hit the first serve.
- learn to lob the return of serve.
- get to the net when the ball is hit to your partner and you are in the backcourt.
- always call the overhead if you have the stronger shot.
- hit the return right at the net player if that person is crossing a lot.
- play the aussie formation when one of your opponents is returning extremely well.
- hit the ball at the weaker volleyer at net. (know which one it is)
- move well inside the service line when your partner is returning a second serve. (halfway)
- OK to stay back when your partner is returning serve, especially the first serve. goy

Doc's Tip of the Evening -- Return of Serve

When returning serve, try to maintain your balance after split stepping. Once you have adjusted your feet to get behind the ball, try not to lean forward with your body or lunge forward to hit the return of serve. It is OK to wait for the ball to come to you as long as you have judged the ball to still be close to the top of the bounce or just below the top of the bounce.
Again, after split stepping, the next movement should be to turn your body in preparation in conjunction with footwork adjustment. ay

Doc's Tip of the Evening -- Volley

When you hit your volleys in general the ball should have backspin coming off your racquet. This is important as it imparts more control when you are placing your volley. The ball should drop faster once it loses speed.
Remember volleys are often used to set up an easier volley or to force your opponent into making a weak reply or just to simply force an error.
So, make sure you have a proper grip and that the racquet face is angled open and you also have a firm wrist and you should see that nappy backspin automatically. goy

Doc's Tip of the Day -- Movement/Balance

If you are having trouble sliding on a Clay court, one tip to remember is to point the toe of your shoe in the direction of your slide. So, for example if you are sliding out to hit an open stance forehand and you are right handed then you would try to point your right foot toe in the direction of your slide. kd