[tennisbiz] Putting away short balls, etc

 
I think that what is missing in the whole conversation about putting
away short balls, is that the focus is more on what we teach rather
than on what the student learns.

The best way for kids to learn to put away short balls, in my opinion,
is to have a lot of drills where they put away short balls.

Most of the learning takes place by the student teaching him/her
self. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of muscular and other
phsiological adjustments that take place. They are subtle and
subconscious or unconscious.

Granted, the coach can have some input in how these shots are
made, but primarily the student should be aware of what happened
when they made the shot, and what should have happened, and to
close up the gap between the two.

In other words, it is more important for the coach to let his student
know such things as don't let the ball bounce before you hit it, try to
hit it down the line or crosscourt (as the case may be) hit it deeper,
hit it harder.

Every person will make the adjustment to accomplish that task in a
slightly different and personal way. If they can't, then perhaps it is
time for the coach or instructor to step in and offer more specific
guidance.

I think a similar point can be made about the controversy here about
swinging volleys. I brought the issue up to a very highly regarding
high performance coach in our area. He said, simply, "a player can
hit the ball anyway they want to."

In other words, if it works, then do it. If it doesn't, then either
practice the shot more or don't make the shot.

I think sometimes, instructors, perhaps for their own hidden
agendas, interfere far too much with the development of a player. A
junior has to learn how to be an active participant in their own
development, not simply hand there career over to someone else.

Bob Rosenblum
Director of Tennis

Schenectady Racquet & Fitness
http://www.schenectadyracquet.com
info_at_schenectadyracquet.com
fax: 518-356-4797

 
Received on Mon Apr 29 2002 - 01:35:36 CDT