Comments on: Technique Adjustment For Playing Mini Tennis With Feel

By: Tomaz

Tomaz — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 07:42:48 +0000

In reply to Joel. Hi Joel, When we have to create pace on our own, we usually muscle the ball too much and then technique breaks down. Your first step when dealing with slow balls is to start hitting them with usual pace and making sure your technique is the same. Don't think about finishing points but about maintaining fluid and correct technique. Then gradually start increasing power and see at what "level" it starts to break down. Follow the same principle outlined in the Proper Path to Power article.

By: Joel

Joel — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 12:43:19 +0000

Hi Tomaz,

I very much enjoy these video lessons. I really appreciate not only your ideas but teaching approach is unmatched.

This lesson got me thinking about my approach to playing against a softer/slower hitter. I find that it is not the matches against a stronger, harder, more creative (4.0 ) hitters that I struggle. It is against a basic player (often 3.0 or 3.5 level players) where I must create all my pace against consistently “dinky” but accurate shots. In these matches I not only struggle to say mentally engaged but my footwork timing and stroke size get totally out of sink. Perhaps this mini tennis approach holds a key here.

I also have noticed that most of my practice time is put toward being able to hit harder, more dynamic shots with consistency (my two best buddies I consistently hit with are 4.5 players). I almost never practice with my approach to a pusher. Perhaps this fact resembles how seriously I take this approach. I am close to turning down any match against a player who seems content to just push shots back at me as I have not found a successful way to enjoy and/or improve my game in the matches.

Please advise.

Thanks,

Joel

By: Cari

Cari — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 00:02:45 +0000

This video is so helpful! I’ve always felt puzzled by mini tennis because the technique has never been properly explained. Intuitively it just felt wrong to be using the baseline technique at the service line, and as a result hitting the ball felt really constrained. This is a great explanation! You’re a genius at breaking it all down and presenting things so clearly. Thank you!!

By: iffat

iffat — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 20:33:52 +0000

In reply to Tomaz. Okay thankyou!

By: Tomaz

Tomaz — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:54:57 +0000

In reply to iffat.

Thanks, Iffat.

You can’t really counter Roger’s tactic of taking the returns that early since you don’t know when he is going to do it.

If you knew, you would aim at his body or wide so that he couldn’t cover the net well after his approach.

By: iffat

iffat — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 07:54:01 +0000

Thank you Tomaz, this was extremely helpful!
I was wondering what is your view of the extremely talked about ‘sabr’ used by roger federer? And how would one counter it tactically?

By: Tomaz

Tomaz — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 18:54:20 +0000

In reply to Ralph. Yes, Ralph, this would apply to the return too.

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 02:53:17 +0000

This is so effective. I have found that doing this ties in with other strokes that require minimal back swing and a quick turn and good follow through, like service returns and some situations for half volleys and taking it early. Warming up the way you teach hear helped me ‘warm up’ for those situations as well!

By: Ralph

Ralph — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 15:52:45 +0000

Do you think the pushing the racquet forward concept could also apply to the return of serve. My biggest problem is being late on the return.

By: Henry

Henry — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 06:56:48 +0000

Hi Tomaz,

Many thanks your lesson for mini court warm up, I just did that this morning training with easy short back swing, before I had done with full swing with difficult control. Now, I changed.

Regards
Henry