Latest Articles by Tom Perrotta
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Master Every Stroke: First Serve
There's no better weapon in tennis than a big first serve. You know the basic elements: a Continental grip, full extension and pronation. Pat Dougherty, the serve doctor at Nick Bollettieri’s academy,...
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Master Every Stroke: Return of Serve
Club players give the return of serve too little attention. Mark Bey, the director of Care Academy in Libertyville, IL, and assistant coach for doubles stars Bob and Mike Bryan, would like to change this. Bey tells his students that the return is a weapon, rather than a rally starter. Bey says you should return with a shortened backswing, about 2/3 of your normal swing, as shown above. “If it’s a slow second serve, don’t wait for the ball,” he says. “Better to move closer and hit with a shorter swing. That way the ball gets on top of your opponent right away.”
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Master Every Stroke: One-Handed Slice
The one-handed slice backhand is an essential part of a good player’s arsenal. The slice will help you change the pace of rallies, approach the net and disrupt the rhythm of opponents who are used to reacting to topspin. Katrina Adams, a former WTA pro and a commentator for Tennis Channel, stresses two key elements of the stroke: The racquet head must start out higher than the incoming ball, and the grip must be Continental with a firm wrist. “Early preparation is key,” Adams says. Club players often complain that their slice sits up rather than penetrating the court. Adams says a strong followthrough, with the racquet extending toward the target, will solve this problem. This photo shows how to finish the stroke after the ball has left the racquet.
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Master Every Stroke: Backhand
To hit a great two-handed backhand, says Rick Macci, you have to “feel a pull in your front shoulder.” Macci, who has coached Andy Roddick and the Williams sisters, asks his students to turn until the...
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Master Every Stroke: Forehand
A mere glance at the pro game will tell you that there's more than one way to crush a forehand. Roger Federer's approach is almost classical, with its smooth swing and old-school grip. Rafael Nadal’s ...
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WTA Goes to D.C.
Washington, D.C., will host a women's tennis tournament in 2011, the WTA tour said Friday.