How to Work on Getting the Ball Over the Net

Joe Dinoffer: Let's start with the tip for the youngest players. For two to six year olds to quickly feel the racket and how it guides the ball. Try starting with a hand racket or something similar and foam balls, since there is no grip to worry about with that racket and the balls are easy and friendly to use. The racket literally becomes an extension of the hand. More success is guaranteed and this keeps them coming back for more. To transition or start beginners with a regular racket, try some of the following exercises depending on the age and skill of the new player. Remember, that you are building skills to move them into the fast lane of tennis. Sitting down immediately gives a feel and understanding that an open racket face creates arc to get the ball over the net. If needed with an adult, just use a chair for fun try balloons and then move on to beach balls and then foam balls or slow-bouncing tennis balls. Streamers tail balls can also be helpful. Keep it interesting while skills are developing and there is little chance that boredom can set in. I am sure you also notice that Colindy(ph) was hitting both forehands and backhands. At this stage don't worry about giving shots names, however, focus on the concept of the open racket face and point of contact. After sitting down for a few minutes, nearly all beginners will easily transition to standing and controlling the racket. You will also notice that Colindy is hitting a one-handed backhand. Since, all better players must hit one-handed backhands at least some of the time, let these beginners start their control drills one-handed. We are also using high-bouncing foam balls. They are slower, colorful and safe and at this stage or as quickly is possible, be sure to introduce the self bounce and hit. This is an essential skill that allows them to play with their friends. By now, you have probably noticed that Colindy has close to a Continental or a Hammer grip. The interesting part is that, in Colindy's case, she automatically move to that grip as a result of the exercises we performs with minimal verbal instructions on how to hold the racket. In other words the grip follows the racket angle. The last issue for good contact is spin. You have probably noticed that most of Colindy's balls had backspin, an essential skill for long term development and improvement. The good news is that an open racket face automatically creates backspin. Just watch it happen, no words needed. Afterwards if you are helping someone along, just ask a few questions to help the new players understand what has taken place, it unfolds like this. What kind of spin did you just hit, Colindy? Colindy: Backspin. Joe Dinoffer: You are aware. Hey, that's the one that goes backwards, right? Colindy: Yeah. Joe Dinoffer: Did you ever noticed when you hit backspin that the ball after it bounces kind a stop short. You know what that's called in tennis when you hit a short ball with backspin? Colindy: A drop shot. Joe Dinoffer: You got it. You know in the Pros, they work really hard to get drop shots, and you just hit so. So you are going to win a lot of points and you just master that skill. What do you think of that? Colindy: Pretty cool.