Tennis Tips Blog | WebTennis24 - the all-in-one platform for players, coaches and tennis parents

Easy Way to Teach the Volley / Fun Tennis Lesson

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Tips Blog | 0 comments

The volley is my favourite tennis stroke to teach, and that’s because I follow a progression that is both educational and fun for my students to learn.

It all begins by presenting the volley as a “catch” and imagining that the racquet is an extension of the player’s hand.

Here are the steps that I follow (see the video below for visual demonstration):

1. I toss a few balls towards my student’s dominant side and ask them to catch. While they do that, I emphasize the fact that they do not take the hand back before catching the ball, nor do they follow through after catching it. So the volley should not have a backswing or a follow-through.
It is a catch and a push. The pushing should come from stepping forward toward the ball or getting the body weight into it.

2. After getting comfortable catching the ball (by the way, to take some pressure away you can use soft balls such as kids’ balls for the student to not be afraid of being hit in the face), proceed to catching the ball using the racquet.
Help the player imagine that the racquet is a bigger hand and that they should attempt to once again catch the balls, this time on the strings. Tell them that they should not be swinging, just tapping the ball so that it goes over the net (by the way, the player should be no more than 6 feet away from the net, at this stage; later on, we’ll show them where to position and how to cover the court).

3. Continue the same drill while the player slides, gradually, the hand lower towards the bottom of the grip. All this time, the student is taught to hold the racquet with a “hammer” grip (like they would be hammering a nail with the edge of it).

4. Once the player feels more comfortable catching and tapping the ball with the strings holding the racquet with a hammer grip, the next step would be to learn the basic footwork. Explain to them that power, when volleying, comes from catching the ball out in front and moving the body weight into it.
For that, as they prepare to catch the ball on the strings, they have to take a step in the direction of the ball.
(Note: Keep in mind that we are at the beginning stages of learning the volley, therefore the footwork that the player learns is a basic one, keeping it simple and not overwhelming them with too much information. Later on, we’ll add the more complex movement that requires covering the court and getting to the ball in balance).

Some of the technical aspects, that a coach should pay attention to:

don’t let the racquet head drop below the hand level; keep the racquet cocked so that there is a 90 degrees angle between the forearm and handle;
no backswing – racquet stays in front of the line of shoulders;
no follow-through – after catching the ball, the racquet comes to a stop and is brought back to the ready position;
remind the player that power comes from catching the ball early and stepping into the shot;
the racquet head is slightly open (facing up) so that later on, combined with a high to low push (or punch), it will create an under-spin which is essential to control the ball.

For a visual presentation of this lesson, see the video below.

To learn how to teach tennis to children or any beginning player, visit the My Daddy / My Coach section or 10 Lesson Plans / How to Teach Beginning Tennis Players from WebTennis24.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Check out my work at WebTennis24 where I share with you my best video tennis lessons, drills and tips for players, coaches and tennis parents.

How to Choose a Racquet for Your Child

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Tips Blog | 0 comments

One of the questions I frequently receive from tennis parents is: “What racquet should I buy for my son/daughter?”

Before we dive into the details of choosing a tennis racquet, I would like to mention that there are certain recommended racquet specs according to a child’s age. But that does not mean children and parents should strictly follow those recommendations…

We know that children develop differently – some (let’s say) seven-year-olds are taller, some are shorter; some are stronger…

If a child is ready to play with a heavier racquet than the standard recommended, they can do so.

Having said that, here are the recommended racquet lengths according to the children’s age:

21” racquet would be best for 4-5 year olds;
23” long racquet can be used by children of 6-8 years;
25” long racquet would be preferred by 9-10 year olds;
26” racquets are recommended for 10-11 years;
27” can be used by any child that is 12 and older.

My suggestion for children who are ready to move up to a 27” adult racquet is to choose a light version, under 10 ounces.

But again, if a child is strong and ready to benefit from a heavier racquet (more power, control) while avoiding injuries, they can demo/try and eventually purchase one that is above the standard recommendations.

I would like to present in the following a few details that not only children but adults as well should consider when choosing a new tennis racquet.

Being the most important piece of equipment for any tennis player, the racquet should be carefully analyzed so that it matches the player’s style of play and/or level of performance:

1. Racquet Weight – should be chosen according to the child’s strength.
There is an easy exercise you can do with your child: have them hold the racquet by the handle, take it behind their back with the elbow bent over the dominant shoulder; from there on ask them to swing up like they would be serving; observe how hard it is for them to do that; if it is too heavy, their face will tell you; if it is too light, they’ll also tell you.
Find a racquet that they feel is not too heavy but not too light. If the player should be in doubt, always opt for a slightly heavier frame than a lighter. More weight will help in absorbing the shock that is created at the contact with the ball, thus saving the arm.

2. Grip Size – the child should be able to wrap their hand around the handle (gently) and there should be space enough to put the index finger (of the non-dominant hand) between the fingers tips and heel of the dominant palm; if it is too small or too large they’ll grip it too hard to not lose the racquet from their hand.

3. Racquet Head – this is a debatable subject because some coaches say that a small head (somewhere around 95-98 square inches) forces the child to make a clean contact with the ball, while others suggest that a larger head (105-110) can help the player achieve good contact with the ball easier, thus making it easy to learn or practice their skills.
In my opinion, a racquet that has a circumference of 100 square inches is just about right for most players.

4. Racquet Strings – they’re the most important element of every tennis racquet. That does not mean the others are not important, it is just that no matter how good the racquet is, the strings must be suited to the player’s style of play.
Therefore, here are a few factors related to strings tension, composition, and thickness:

Tension – if you want more power, opt for a lower tension; for more control, string it tighter; you can find the specifications of the recommended string tension on the side of the racquet.
String composition – can be nylon, polyester, or natural gut – the nylon is the cheapest, the gut is more expensive – you might think that the more expensive the string the better feel; you are not far from the truth but it all depends on what you need: if you break strings a lot you might be ok with playing with thick nylon, for more feel and control you can find some good polyester strings (my favorite choice), or if you can afford to spend more then go for natural gut.
There is also the consideration of the thickness of the string: the thinner it is the more it bites into the ball, favoring spin and control, but it breaks sooner.

As you can see, there are quite a few factors you should consider when settling for a particular racquet. But the important part is that the racquet is only as good as the string (composition, tension) you put on.

My recommendation would be to either experiment with a few racquets by enrolling in your nearest pro shop demo program (even online tennis stores have demo programs through which they send you racquets to try before you decide to buy one) or ask a coach’s help in choosing one. A tennis professional stringer can take a look at your swing and style of play before advising you on which path to take in choosing your new tennis racquet.

I wish there would be an easy way, but in fact, the racquet is the most important piece of tennis equipment you will have. That’s why you should not make this decision in a hurry.

For a video presentation of this material (how to choose a tennis racquet for your child) visit the My Daddy / My Coach section or the 10 Lesson Plans program for teaching tennis to beginner players.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Check out my work at WebTennis24 where I share with you my best video tennis lessons, drills and tips for players, coaches and tennis parents.

How to Hit More Serves In… Under Pressure

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Tips Blog | 0 comments

I’ve always considered that a high percentage who serve deliverability, especially under pressure, depends on… the player’s mental strength.

As a player prepares to hit the second serve, thoughts of “I’m going to hit it into the net”, “My opponent will attack me” or “I’m going to miss it” often distract and impede them from hitting it with confidence.

You see, when a player gets ready for the first serve, there is very little pressure involved other than the desire to go for a winner or place it strategically (e.g. to the opponent’s weak side).

But when the second serve is about to be delivered, that’s when our thoughts begin to challenge us.

One must understand that the serve is very sensitive to negative thinking: your racquet “becomes” heavy, the arm too tense, the whole body gets shaky…

To avoid these feelings before you are about to serve (second serves in particular) practice the following:

Think positive thoughts (“I know I can”, “I have confidence”, “I can do this”).
Visualize positive outcomes (“see” the ball going over the net and inside the desired service box).
Have a ritual (bounce the ball a certain number of times, etc.).
Relax your body (exhale slowly).
Take your time… Position your feet, adjust the grip, and hold the racquet in your most comfortable way. Take one more look toward your opponent’s position and at the service box you are about to send the ball to.

“If you believe you can, you might. If you know you can, you will.” ― Steve Maraboli

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Check out my work at WebTennis24 where I share with you my best video tennis lessons, drills and tips for players, coaches and tennis parents.

What Should Coaches Teach in the First Tennis Lesson

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Tips Blog | 2 comments

As a tennis coach, the first lesson with a new student is crucial for establishing a connection and setting the tone for future lessons.

I have found that incorporating a mix of fun and technique-based activities in the first lesson helps to engage the student and lay a strong foundation for their future progress.

Before beginning the lesson, take the time to get to know your new student. Ask questions such as:

Why do they want to learn tennis?
What do they already know about tennis?
Have they ever played tennis before?
Do they have a favorite pro player?

The answers to these questions will provide insight into the student’s motivation and level of experience and will help you tailor the lesson accordingly.

When introducing yourself to the student, keep it simple but enthusiastic.
Let them know your name and how long you have been playing and teaching tennis.
Express how excited you are to have the opportunity to introduce them to this sport.

To structure the lesson, here are a few key elements to include:

Court dimensions and line names
It is important for new players to learn the names of the lines, such as the baseline, singles side lines, and service lines. This will help them navigate the court and follow instructions.
Racquet basics
Explain the different parts of the racquet, including the head, neck, and handle. You can also introduce basic grips without getting into too much detail.
Hand-eye coordination drills
These will test the student’s physical skills and help them become more comfortable with the racquet.
Forehand groundstroke technique
This is one of the most basic strokes in tennis and is a good starting point for beginners. Demonstrate the proper technique and then have the student practice the stroke through drills and fun games.

Throughout the lesson, it is important to keep it fun and engaging while also focusing on technique.
Encourage your student, regardless of age, and praise their efforts.

For children, consider providing a small gift at the end of the lesson, such as stickers or candy, to show your appreciation and encourage them to continue coming to lessons.
For adults, pay attention to their needs and interests, and incorporate drills that challenge them and provide a good workout.

By focusing on both technique and fun in the first lesson, you can establish a strong connection with your new student and set them on a path toward success in the sport of tennis.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Check out my work at WebTennis24 where I share with you my best video tennis lessons, drills and tips for players, coaches and tennis parents.

Easiest Way to Win in Doubles

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Tips Blog | 0 comments

When I was asked to express my opinion about which doubles formation is the best and which is the least effective at winning points quickly, I did not hesitate with my answer: both players at the net (both up) would be my favorite, while the two players at the baseline (both back) to be the defensive one and taking longer to finish/win points.

Here is my argument about why you should consider playing at the net more often:

But before I get into the details I want to point out that my analysis is done as a general guide and, when assessing one team’s best tactics and strategies, we should consider each player’s technical skills, experience, and their capability to work and communicate as a team.

I believe that the best doubles formation is… both-up.

When the two players manage to get to the net, they will be in the best position to put pressure on their opponents, cover the court and finish the points in the quickest way possible.

When the team is at the net, the best chance for the opponents to pass them is using the backcourt by sending the ball over their heads (lobs).

The both-up formation has the following advantages:

It puts pressure on the opposing team (which is defending), giving them less time to prepare for the shot.
They can cover a lot more court and there is almost no opening for the opponents to pass (except when using the lob which, if not executed properly, can be a “smash” opportunity).
The ability to put the balls away (finish points) is greater at the net due to the many angle opportunities and the fact that they can contact the ball above net level.

But let’s not rule out the reasons why some players or teams prefer to play from the baseline, in doubles…

The case for both players staying back can be understood considering the following aspects:

Both players are not comfortable playing at the net but they possess reliable ground-strokes.
The team is receiving against a strong server – in this case, it is wise to begin the point with both players on the baseline and advance after the return is safely made.
The team’s serves are being aggressively attacked by the opposing team (example: if the serve is not powerful or deep enough, the returner attacks the net player; in such situation, it is a good idea for the server’s partner to begin the point further back, close to the baseline).

Disadvantages of playing both-back formation:

Many angle openings for the opposing team to put the ball away.
Hard to cover the forecourt (against drop-shots or short angles etc.).
Difficulty in finishing the points – they wait for the opposing team to make mistakes.

Any committed doubles player should strive to improve the net skills (volleys and overheads) and most importantly transitioning to the net which for most part can set them up for a comfortable play at the net if executed properly.

For more detailed analysis of how to play and win in doubles, sign up for the Training membership to learn how to play against different doubles formations, how to communicate with your doubles partner, how to cover the court and get to the ball quicker – watch easy to follow graphics and detailed information for beginning and advanced players.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Check out my work at WebTennis24 where I share with you my best video tennis lessons, drills and tips for players, coaches and tennis parents.

Aggressive Doubles Strategy – The Lob

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Tips Blog | 0 comments

Many recreational tennis players think that the lob is a “cheap” shot and its main purpose is to “annoy” the opponents. But the best players know that it can be used as an aggressive tactic to take over the net and set themselves up for a winner. Here’s how:

As you see in the attached diagram, lobbing the net player can greatly affect the defending team (the one being lobbed: BP-NP) which has to change positions to retrieve the lob:

The net player (NP) must switch sides and back up (anticipating an eventual overhead from the opposing team);
The baseline player (BP) has to also switch sides to return the lob.
Both players from the defending team will be on the run to play the next ball, which makes it difficult to continue the point.

On the other side, the attacking team (OBP – opposing baseline player, and ONP – opposing net player) following the lob will take position at the net with a high chance to finish the point with an overhead or a high volley.

Important:
For a lob to be considered an aggressive shot, it should have lots of topspin (to begin with) and be placed deep, well beyond the service line.

Use the lob to give your team time to move up to the net and make your opponents play defensive.

For more doubles winning tactics visit the Training membership section (lessons, drills, and tips for singles and doubles tennis players) at WebTennis24.