Here are two tips, one is from Tracy Austin. She is a two time US Open Champion and Tennis Hall of Fame member. Notice what she says about footwork and hitting the ball deep in the court. Please notice this as this is something I've stressed from moment one last year.
Think the yellow rope line I'd use in many of our drills and games. Everyone has to hit the ball with more depth. I see too many balls hit short and usually near the service line. I saw this all to often in the challenge matches. I say this constantly as we're practicing volleys. Remember we are constructing a tennis match and our necessary skills, not deconstructing it and our skills without thought.
Please take notice of the detailed picture of the tennis court. 90% of the balls you hit, from near or a bit behind the baseline should not land in, "no man's land." This is a bad shot for all of singles play and most of your doubles play.
If its a shot that your opponent hits, by all means step into the court and hit for angle to pull your opponent wide or attack it. In singles play you should hit an approach shot down the line, moreover in doubles play hit the same short ball deeper cross court or down the line but out of the reach of the net person. This should set you or your partner up for an easier shot or volley.
Your either going forward(net) or backwards(basline) from no man's land in both doubles or singles. Think net first. See how its looks like a sandy color in the picture. Pretend from here out that it is quicksand.
I feel and know that many of you don't hit with enough depth. Hitting the ball deep is the cornerstone for any strategy you'd want to use on the tennis court to force you opponent to make a mistake or give you an easier shot to attack or create angle.
The second is simple tip involving score of the game and strategy.
Good Luck tomorrow, I will get there at 445, per our normal Wednesday practice schedule. You may have a scrimmage, if so AD Mr Mitchell has all the necessities and the line-up. If not, Mr Mitchell will have it announced before noontime. If Holy Cross has a busing issue and can't come, we'll start our normal practice at 445 and go to 615pm. See you tomorrow. Someone pray to the rain gods to help us get through this mess, as I feel we are at the same place we were at last year.
