Tennis tip: choke up on the forehand

Don't get me wrong, I'm a fabulous coach but sometimes even I can learn how to fine tune my coaching. The other day, I had the privilege of receiving an interesting tip on teaching forehands from esteemed coach Hector Henry. He saw my kids struggling to hit forehands and advised me to have the kids choke up in the racquet and put their fingers through the neck of it, he told me that it was easier for them to grip the racquet that way. He also pointed out that I should tell them to hit the ball over his head in order to get them to hit under the ball with topspin. I tried this suggestion with my kids and low and behold, they were able to connect with the ball, hit the ball out in front and over the net. Coach Henry told me that I should also then have them gradually move their hand down the racquet as they got more comfortable hitting the ball. This was way I had never considered actually telling my students though intuitively I knew beginner students had more success when they gripped the racquet higher up. 

Kids Beginners Watching the US Open

The US Open is in full swing this week. Across the country, parents and children are found sitting at the edge of their seats watching sensations like Roddick, Williams,Davenport, play tennis. At this very moment, I'm witnessing LIndsay Davenport stage a comeback against Marion Bartoli. The underlying question that comes to my mind is what can children who are just starting to play tennis stand to gain from watching professionals. How can a kid learn about tennis from watching the game? One of the ways kids can learn about tennis is by watching the foot movement and shoulder movement of the professionals. The camera often focuses on the feet and shoulders. Kids should look at how the players turn their shoulders while preparing for shots. Kids should also notice the players moving their feet and leaning from one side to another side. Sound shoulder and turns and footwork can bolster even a beginners game

In addition, kids should listen for the umpires announcing the scores. Kids need to learn how to compete and one of the essential aspects of competing. Kids should also look at the scoreboards that flash on the screens.