Message from the Coach

THE 3 FUNDAMENTALS OF THE GAME

1. Contact – The ball must be hit in the centre of the strings (the ‘sweet-spot’) at all times.

2. Balance – As in all sports balance is key. A tennis player must be well balanced with their head still at the point of contact with the ball.

3. Racquet Head Control – The angle of the racquet face must be controlled at all times: with the left (or non-racquet) hand during preparation, and by keeping the right (or racquet-hand) wrist firm through the forward swing.

THE 5 FOUNDATIONS OF THE GAME

(In descending order of importance)

1.     Play the ball in the court

2.     Play the ball deep

3.     Play the ball with direction

4.     Play the ball with spin

5.     Play the ball with power

The first lesson is spent demonstrating the importance of the ‘3 Fundamentals’ to every tennis player from the beginner right through to the professional game. These fundamentals underpin all the teaching on this course and provide simple reference points which the students can recall and implement whenever they are playing after they leave this course.

Every new technique taught or shot worked on is done so with reference to the ‘3 Fundamentals’ and implemented through instruction and drills that ease the students through the ‘5 Foundations’ for that particular shot. This method works on the logic that when a student is able to hit a shot (i.e. backhand, volley, serve etc.) in the court, with depth, direction and spin, they are ready to try and hit that shot with power and still have a good chance of controlling the ball.

Teaching is carried out through verbal instruction, demonstration and individual close attention and correction. Each technique is habituated using fun games or challenging and competitive drills. We also understand that students have individual strengths and weaknesses in their game, so close observation by our coaches ensures that one-on-one guidance can be provided whenever necessary.

Each day has one central theme around which all the teaching, drills, games and competition for that day will be centred.

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