[tennisbiz2] Instructional questions

I have a couple/few questions to pose.

1. Have you come across or experienced a teaching approach which would
have the student practice tennis swings and movement off the court,
without hitting a ball, and sometimes without a racquet. I am wondering
about the results that would come from having someone learn the swings
first (practicing, maybe a few weeks, until the swings and movement feel
natural and can be consistantly reproduced), and then applying on the
tennis court. I'm considering conducting such an experiment. Wondering
if it's been done.

2. Is there a specific name used to describe the swing that loops (in
constrast to the swing that goes back and forth (like a pendulum)? The
loop is the modern swing that all top players use on the forehand, and
to some degree on the backhand. Just wondering about a term to use,
rather that "loop" swing.

3. Do you have any suggestions or recommended reading/video which helps
bridge the gap between learning technique and playing without thinking?
The student is so often inhibited from really learning because they will
think too much about what they are trying to do. This is often set up
by the teacher overinstructing, something I do to often, or it may be
the student learns most things in an overthinking manner.
It's complicated by students coming for lessons, but not practicing
between lessons.
Sometimes I think it might work best to just put on some music and say
"dance and swing at the ball like you don't care where it goes."

4. I have student, who uses a semi-western grip, but doesn't hit the
ball out in front, but more to the side. I believe Steffi Graff did
this with obvious success on her forehand. Nadal may hit his extreme
top spin from the side of his body. Would you recommend a new player
change their habit and make contact out in front of their body.

That should do. Might stimulate some discussion of issues that effect
many teachers. Thanks.

Ron Rudin
Carrboro, NC


 

Received on Mon Oct 02 2006 - 12:08:13 CDT