TENNIS.com - Instruction

Using the Drop Volley

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:27:21 GMT

When a slow moving ball comes your way at net, don’t assume that it has to be returned with additional pace. Hitting a drop volley will surprise your opponent and enable you to get into position for an easy winner.

Novak Djokovic's Kick Serve

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:53:34 GMT

How the Serb hits one of the nastiest kickers in the game. By Paul Annacone 1 For many club players, the toss is the biggest challenge on a kick serve. It must be to your left (if you are righthanded, like

Novak Djokovic's Kick Serve

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:03:23 GMT

How To: Get in Position for a Low Volley

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:52:29 GMT

Keep an extra ball up your sleeve to guide you. By Keith Swindoll Few shots are as challenging as the low volley. You have to hit the ball up so it clears the net, but not hit it so weakly

A New Footwork Manifesto

Tue, 12 May 2009 21:25:27 GMT

Much of what you’ve heard about moving on a tennis court is wrong. Here are the real keys to footwork in the modern game. By Jose Higueras How many times have you heard the following phrases “don’t give any ground”

Venus Williams' Swinging Volley

Thu, 14 May 2009 19:07:22 GMT

Catch and Throw with Rick Macci

Wed, 06 May 2009 21:20:00 GMT

Improve your speed and quickness with Rick Macci's "Catch and Throw" drill. It's a challenging but fun exercise which tests your athleticism and agility. You won't need a racquet during this drill, but when you head to the court for your

Serve and Volley

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:57:06 GMT

All you need to improve your net rushing game is a basket. Yes, a basket. By Dave Gary The best way to sharpen your serve and volley technique is to practice it in matches or with a partner. But here’s

Chip Shot

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:45:09 GMT

When returning serve in doubles, sometimes touch trumps power. By Paula Scheb In doubles, if the opposing server doesn’t rush the net, try attacking off your return of serve with a chip. On the forehand (shown here), hold your racquet

Michael Llodra's High Backhand Volley

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:20:08 GMT

The Frenchman makes the most difficult stroke in the game look like nothing at all. By Lynne Rolley 1. There are many challenges to the high backhand volley, so it pays to prepare quickly. Llodra shows us the perfect way

How To: Hit a Closed-Stance Forehand

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:52:38 GMT

By Katrina Adams These days, almost everyone hits ground strokes with an open stance, from Roger Federer to the 7 year old beginner. There’s room, however, for an old school weapon in your arsenal the closed stance forehand. If you

Rafael Nadal's Backhand

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:53:58 GMT

By Paul Annacone Core Nadal’s bulging biceps and calf muscles get the most attention, but it’s his midsection that makes all his strokes, and especially this stretched out, open stance backhand on clay, so phenomenal. Any other player attempting to

How To: Change the Direction of the Ball

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:30:21 GMT

End a crosscourt rally with a backhand down the line. By Ken DeHart Crosscourt rallies are a safe way to play, but there are three times when it’s a good idea to change the direction of the ball and rip

The Kick Serve with Katrina Adams

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:39:56 GMT

One of the most overlooked parts of a well rounded game is the second serve. Your first serves aren't always going to stay in, so you'll often need to rely on your second serve to start off the point. But

The High Backhand of Caroline Wozniacki

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:48:27 GMT

The young Danish player's two hander has the look and feel of a left handed forehand. By Mary Joe Fernandez 1. Wozniacki uses a Continental grip with her dominant right hand, but it's her left hand that merits attention. She

How To: Make Your Slice Bite

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:30:16 GMT

Transform your soft, floating underspin backhand into a penetrating weapon. By Elke Juul 1. Turn your shoulders and bring the racquet back with the face slightly open. Your off hand should remain on the throat of the racquet to steady

Gael Monfils' Forehand

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:21:54 GMT

There's the modern forehand, and there's the Monfils forehand. by Tracy Austin 1. Shoulders This is one of the most extreme forehands you’ll see. There’s so much rotation in Monfils’ shoulders that you would think he has ball bearings in

Learning from Dinara Safina

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:57:44 GMT

Now that she's no longer in the shadow of her older brother, Safina can teach us a lot about tactics and confidence. By Paul Annacone 1. Take control If you want to master the art of putting your opponent on

Richard Gasquet's One-Handed Backhand

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:59:58 GMT

From start to finish, the Frenchman's one hander is a thing of beauty. By Leif ShirasPhotos by Manuela Davies Doublexposure 1. Gasquet’s first move is to get his upper body into position. His high take back makes for a full

Small Steps to Success

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:17:03 GMT

Improving your footwork will make you a more consistent player. By Jeff HawesPROBLEM When you move to the ball, you take long steps and tend to lunge at the last second. At the point of contact, you’re off balance and

Novak Djokovic's Drop Shot

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:10:44 GMT

The world’s No. 3 player takes a break from pounding two handed backhands to hit a delicate one handed drop shot. By Mary Joe Fernandez 1. Players who hit two handed backhands usually don’t find the one handed backhand drop

Learning from Maria Sharapova

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:50:32 GMT

The 21 year old Russian’s intensity and tactics can teach you how to win consistently. By Paul Annacone 1. Discipline, discipline, discipline Sharapova has a lot of interests outside tennis, from fashion to art, but she always puts tennis first.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's Forehand

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:36:03 GMT

A relaxed, efficient motion makes this Frenchman’s forehand one of the most lethal weapons in the game. By Paul RoetertPhotos by David Kenas 1. Tsonga moves so well that his footwork often looks casual, but he wastes no time preparing

Learning from Serena Williams' Determination

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 05:18:22 GMT

Photo by Al Bello Getty Images1. Intimidate with attitude Since winning the 2007 Australian Open, Serena Williams has improved her conditioning and returned to the top of the game. But the most important part of her resurgence, I believe, is

Anna Chakvetadze's Backhand

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:35:59 GMT

1 Chakvetadze is about to receive a slow, high bouncing ball (look at where her eyes are focusing), but she’s not wasting time with her preparation. Her racquet is all the way back and ready

Lessons from Andy Roddick

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:10:00 GMT

The hard serving American may claim to be a dumb jock, but he’s a high percentage player. By Paul Annacone 1. Be steady Everyone wants to talk about Andy Roddick’s serve, and for good reason It’s among the biggest weapons

The Serves of Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:44:30 GMT

These two all time greats came up in different eras, but their deliveries have a lot in common. By Brenda Schultz McCarthy 1. EXTENSION Williams is hitting a ﬂ atter, harder serve with just a little topspin. Navratilova is hitting

Modern Classic - Roger Federer's Forehand

Thu, 08 May 2008 21:32:54 GMT

Roger Federer’s forehand is the most beautiful, versatile, and powerful weapon in pro tennis. It may also be the most misunderstood. We’ll dissect four major elements of this superb stroke. By John Yandell 1. GRIP Many people think Roger Federer

Lessons from Ana Ivanovic

Tue, 06 May 2008 16:26:22 GMT

The 20 year old Serb’s work ethic will make her a Slam contender for years to come. By Paul Annacone 1. Find yourself Pete Sampras likes to say that he lucked himself into the U.S. Open ﬁ nal at age

Mikhail Youzhny's Slice Backhand

Tue, 06 May 2008 16:16:43 GMT

The stylish Russian digs in and hits a forceful defensive shot while he's on the run. By Rick Macci1. love the way Youzhny digs in with his feet. He has a lot of ﬂex in his left knee and is

Learning from Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:10:11 GMT

Tsonga isn't afraid to move forward, or use touch shots once he gets into the forecourt. The Aussie Open ﬁ nalist isn’t all power. There’s a subtlety to

Rafael Nadal’s Drop Volley

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:02:04 GMT

The world No. 2 hits ground strokes with the best of them. But volleys? Yes, he has those, too. His backhand drop volley is a beauty. By Robert Lansdorp 1. The drop volley—I prefer “stop” volley—is a shot that isn’t

Rafael Nadal's Forehand

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:55:56 GMT

By John Yandell When people talk about Rafael Nadal's forehand they often notice his spectacular over the head finishes, which many coaches call the reverse follow through, a term invented by legendary coach Robert Lansdorp. But there is another finish

The Art of Poaching

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:30:38 GMT

To poach, move diagonally toward the net just as you opponent strikes the ball. Hone your skills in four easy steps. By Hank Pfister Poaching may be the scariest move you’ll

Learning from David Ferrer

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:20:44 GMT

He doesn't have the most powerful strokes, but Ferrer is opportunistic with them. Fast feet and unrelenting energy have earned the Spaniard a place among

The Backhand of Agnes Szavay

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:45:18 GMT

This 19-year-old Hungarian rocketed almost 200 spots up the rankings last season, thanks in large part to her bruising two-hander. By Tracy Austin 1. Szavay’s preparation is excellent. I like her grip—her right hand is a little over from a Continental, almost like a one-handed backhand grip. This helps kee

Drills for a Topspin Serve

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:38:33 GMT

These four exercises will wire your musceles to hit up on the ball. The key to putting topspin on your serve. By Debbie Graham Shaffer 1. HIT THE STRINGS Step up to the baseline as you would on a serve.

Kick Off

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:24:56 GMT

Have you always wanted to own a kick serve? Let us show you how to get started. By Debbie Graham Shaffer For recreational players, the kick serve is a defi ning stroke. With it, you have a reliable second serve

The One-Handed Backhand: Myths and Models

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:22:53 GMT

By John Yandell If you look at competitive junior tennis, it is predominantly, almost exclusively, two handed backhands. But look at the pro tour, and you find players like Roger Federer, Ivan Ljubicic, James Blake, Tommy Robredo, Fernando Gonzales, Tommy

Learning from Tim Henman

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:38:00 GMT

The retired British star got the most out of his game. You can, too. By Paul Annacone 1. Know your strengths. When I started working with Tim Henman before the Paris Masters in 2003, I asked him, “Why don’t you tell me what you think your assets are?” While it might sound odd to say something like th

The Serves of John Isner and Goran Ivanisevic

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:43:18 GMT

Like Ivanisevic two decades ago, Isner has served his way into the spotlight. Here’s what you can learn from two of the most potent deliveries tennis has ever seen. By Rick Macci John Isner 1. TOSSING ARM Today you see

The Sampras Serve: The Heaviest and the Greatest?

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:39:29 GMT

By John Yandell Editor, Tennisplayer.net If you watched any of the recent exhibitions between all-time greats Roger Federer and Pete Sampras you were probably amazed at the effectiveness of Sampras’ serve. The fast courts were to Sampras’ advantage, but it was obvious th

Three Elements of Justine Henin

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:01:12 GMT

The Forehand of Venus Williams

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:55:06 GMT

Learning from Federer defeating Djokovic

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:30:32 GMT

Lessons from Federer

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:21:07 GMT

How to Beat a Lefty

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:25:59 GMT

Dominating Your Opponent

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:16:43 GMT

Learning from the Bryan Brothers

Tue, 12 May 2009 14:36:35 GMT

Two-Handed Backhand of Novak Djokovic

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:41:15 GMT

The Forehand of Maria Sharapova

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:23:49 GMT

Cooling Down a Hot Opponent

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 05:39:09 GMT

Keep Your Volleys Out of the Net

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 05:21:56 GMT

Learning from Daniela Hantuchova

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 05:03:50 GMT

The Backhand Lob of Justine Henin

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 04:53:21 GMT

Practicing with Rod Laver

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 23:17:21 GMT

Learning from Novak Djokovic

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 19:18:40 GMT

The Forehand of Roger Federer

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 19:04:23 GMT

Learning from Justine Henin

Tue, 08 May 2007 20:28:44 GMT

Strategy for Return of Serve in Doubles

Mon, 07 May 2007 22:02:22 GMT

Learning from Svetlana Kuznetsova

Mon, 07 May 2007 21:37:17 GMT

Backhand Approach of Amelie Mauresmo

Mon, 14 May 2007 15:18:14 GMT

Cut Your Unforced Errors in Half

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:15:59 GMT

Learning from James Blake

Mon, 07 May 2007 22:48:42 GMT

The Forehand of Dinara Safina

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:24:19 GMT

Web special: Exaggerate Your Abilities

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 19:51:55 GMT

Learning from Nikolay Davydenko

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 23:08:27 GMT

Taking Control of Points

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:50:55 GMT

Slice Backhands of Rosewall and Henman

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:27:44 GMT

Add Touch to Your Game

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:46:16 GMT

Learning from Elena Dementieva

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:16:24 GMT

Jelena Jankovic’s Backhand

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 18:21:38 GMT

Lessons from Isaac Newton

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 19:22:37 GMT

Learning from Marcos Baghdatis

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 19:00:09 GMT

The Forehand of Rafael Nadal

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 18:38:47 GMT

Making the Most of Your Second Serve

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 16:56:36 GMT

Pointers from the Federer vs. Roddick Showdown

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 16:43:57 GMT

Learning from Rafael Nadal

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 18:25:01 GMT

Martina Hingis’ Drop Shot

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 18:15:28 GMT

Playing with a Lead

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:36:10 GMT

Learning from Ivan Ljubicic

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:37:45 GMT

Andy Murray’s Serve

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:40:01 GMT

Make the Most of Your Volleys

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 19:18:22 GMT

Learning from Nadia Petrova

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 23:36:41 GMT

Roger Federer’s Backhand

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 15:51:46 GMT

Do Not Approach Down the Line

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:08:49 GMT

Do Not Approach Down the Line

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:06:32 GMT

Learning from Fernando Gonzalez

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 23:58:17 GMT

Get More Depth on Your Forehand

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 23:58:38 GMT

Do Not Overcook Your Overheads

Wed, 24 May 2006 07:02:33 GMT

Setting Up the Short Ball

Wed, 24 May 2006 06:54:50 GMT

Setting Up the Short Ball

Wed, 24 May 2006 06:53:25 GMT

The Team Approach to Holding Serve

Mon, 22 May 2006 20:01:29 GMT

Learning from Martina Hingis

Mon, 22 May 2006 19:35:16 GMT

Develop Soft Hands at Net

Mon, 22 May 2006 19:25:42 GMT

Learning Curve

Sun, 21 May 2006 07:13:54 GMT

Spanish Gold: 5 Clay-Court Lessons

Sat, 20 May 2006 21:54:58 GMT

Go Shoulder to Shoulder

Sat, 20 May 2006 21:31:02 GMT

Perfect Your Passing Shot

Sat, 20 May 2006 21:27:00 GMT

Perfect Your Passing Shot

Sat, 20 May 2006 21:25:16 GMT