Tennis: The Baseline Rally
Thinking fast on his feet is second nature to VideoJug's lighting rod tennis coach Fabián Nuñez Seixa. In this film he rockets you through the baseline rally and really improves your tennis game.
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Step 1:
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Reach the ball
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Ensure you can get to every ball in a rally by keeping your feet in constant motion. When you are moving, you can quickly shift in any direction. If you are static, it takes a lot of energy to get your body moving, and you will not have time to react, overcome your inertia, and reach the ball. Use long strides to get close to the ball, then fine-tune your position taking shorter steps. Watch the VideoJug film "side and cross steps" for some FAB advice on how to improve your footwork.
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Step 2:
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Prepare for your shot
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It is very important to run with your racquet back. If you are moving to play a forehand shot, run with your racquet back and in line with ball. Then play the shot as described in the VideoJug film "the forehand". Run towards a backhand shot with your racquet back and in the correct grip. Your left hand stays close, standing by to support the base of the racquet head once you are in position for the shot. See "the one-handed backhand grip" for more details.
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Step 3:
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Recovery
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Your recovery period depends on the length of the rally, but even a short rally may leave you a little out of breath. It is vital that you regain your composure in readiness for the next point. The rules of tennis allow twenty seconds recovery time between points. Use this time to take some long, deep breaths, pacing around near the back of the court. This should be enough to calm your breathing and allow you to recover your powers for the following point. Applying the twenty second rule during training can help you build up stamina for matches.