Archive for July, 2009

COACHING TIPS - DO NOT NEGLECT THE SERVE

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

It is very easy to neglect the serve during a practise or hitting session, especially if you have endured a hefty session hitting of the ground. Players often only hit a few token serves at the end of a practise session without too much focus. Make time to practise the serve, start off some sessions hitting serves or devote a full session to serving.  Practise hitting a full basket with a goal for each serve.  Do not make it too complicated or you may lose your rythm. Work on 1 point at a time :-

1. Improving the height of contact - Try to make contact at the top of  the ball toss, often players let the ball drop too low and therefore hit it too late.  Try and hit the ball at the top of the ball toss just as it is about to stop.  This should also help you avoid an excessively high ball toss and should  encourage you to generate good racquet head speed.

When the above becomes natural you could try point 2

2. Try working on more of a knee bend, bending your knees as you get ready to strike the ball,  then push up with your legs as you go up to swing thus directing all your bodys energy upwards and explode up towards the ball.

Good luck

WIMBLEDON 2009

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

MENS SEMI-FINALS -

Andy Murray Vs Andy Roddick  & Roger Federer Vs Tommy Haas

If the match is played under the roof it would probably help Murray as the slower indoor conditions would take some of the pace off Roddicks serve.  While Murrays serve does not have the speed of Roddicks, it has so far this Wimbledon been a weapon on his run into the semi-final. Murray is arguably the best returner on the mens tour but Roddick has twice been in the final losing in 2004-2005 to Roger Federer so he definitely has more experience.  Murray has more all-round variety on court than the American so hopefully the Centre Court crowd will pull him through!

Federer remains in pursuit of that record 15th Grand Slam title, and his performances so far this year have suggested that onlyan outstanding Scottish player, perhaps can stop him !!

Good luck also to Jamie Murray in the Semi-Finals of the Mixed.