How to Play from the Tennis Baseline

This issue of Fast Lane Tennis should be a reality check. You see, one way to look at tennis as a sport, is to divide all players into two groups. The first group is most concerned about good form, and always looking really perfect.

The second group is much more competitive by nature. For them, playing and competing is their prime directive and motivation. This presents a great paradox for millions of tennis players around the world. The first group gets told they have good looking games and good looking strokes all the time. But they never seem to win any trophies.

The second group often pushes and hacks their way through league play and tournaments and wins regularly. However, this competitive second also gets frustrated as they inevitably get stuck and plateau at a relatively low level of play, since their unorthodox looking strokes have real life shortcomings and limitations.

The solution to this dilemma lies in combining both. Right from the start, we suggest developing solid strokes, but keep them in the context of the game. In this issue, we will cover a series of essential game based baseline skills that all players need to develop.

First let's just observe Collindy (ph) in a baseline point. In particular, notice how much her left or non dominant hand is involved in setting racquet angles for various spins, preparing the racquet head and also to help coil her body. She also uses it for balance throughout each shot and look at her footwork.

Since we started her minimum standards including active footwork, she is now automatically moving well on the court, setting the scene for fast improvement in the months and years to come.

Speaking of coiling, take another quick look at our friend Bijou (ph), who is again getting a bit too wound up when he hears the word, coil.

By now you should be getting a feel for the fact that the fundamentals are simple and sensible unlike Bijou's antiques. Now I would like to discuss, perhaps the most important ingredient to succeeding in comparative tennis, namely consistency. But let's be clear, we are not advocating, pushing the ball into play just to win points like so many young children do and my daughter is 12 and under age division.

More important is to have a long-term view of success. At the same time, Collindy (ph) is starting to play junior tournaments and it's important that she learns how to best control her shots to minimize unforced errors. Here is a quick checklist of tips that apply to all levels of play.

It is commonly known as High Percentage Tennis.