[tennisbiz] Re: Playing styles

There are probably many reasons why the serve and volley is not that
common in pro (or even for that matter, junior) tennis. Doubles is
not high on the priority list in professional and junior tennis now,
so players do not get the chance as often to perfect the net-rushing
skills needed to be successful with this tactic. Generally speaking,
players are a lot more comfortable around the baseline and midcourt,
and less comfortable around the net.
I still incorporate the serve and volley for many players as another
tactic/strategy, as well as encourage the players to play more
doubles.
However, to imply that there is a problem in tennis because there
are not a lot of serve and volleyers would be akin to thinking there
is a problem in basketball because there are not a lot of "set-shot"
shooters. The game of tennis, basketball, etc have evolved and will,
in my opinion, continue to evolve due to but not limited to:
technology and the size, strength and speed of the players.
We as coaches must be able to understand the certain fundamentals of
the respective sport, but be flexible enough in our training methods
to appreciate, encourage and teach those changes.
Junius Chatman, Jr
USA High Performance Coach


 
Received on Wed Apr 02 2003 - 10:11:24 CST