Tennis Tip: Going to the Net

Brad Reed's Balanced Attack

Here's a great photo of Columbia Lakes Country Club tennis star Brad Reed hitting a backhand approach shot. Brad normally hits a two handed backhand but in this situation the ball landed short in the court and Brad has moved up and is heading toward the net. The slight open tilt of Brad's racquet face suggests that he is using an underspin slice shot. Underspin approach shots bounce lower, creating a more difficult passing shot for one's opponent.

Notice he is keeping his head down watching the ball even as the ball has already left his strings. His left hand is moving in the opposite direction of his right hand for balance. These are two key elements of a well hit backhand approach shot.

Brad Reed is one of the top junior players in Brazoria County. He is a sophomore at West Columbia High School and is qualified for championship boys 16 singles in USTA Texas Section rankings. This photo was taken at the Columbia Lakes Christmas Camp under the Direction of USPTA Professional Samuel R Chadwell.

Serving: Practice Make Perfect...!

Jill Moss Understands the Importance of Practicing Her Serve

The Serve is the most complex tennis shot there is, yet it is the one shot a person can practice on by themselves. Every other tennis shot pretty much requires interaction with another human being but a partner isn't required for serving practice.

If you interview any good player, nearly all of them will admit they put in lots of practice time working on their serves. One good tip for an aspiring player working on their serve is to strive for consistency first, not power.

To many players want a very hard, fast serve right away, but if that fast serve hardly ever goes in what good is it...?

The best approach is to get the ball in play first, then start making adjustments to increase power a little at a time. I recommend that a player practice their serve from very close to the net initially, and gradually move back towards the baseline until they are in a proper serving position. This technique works for all skill levels. Even top players have found this method helpful while adjusting and making various corrections to their swing, toss, and timing.

I also recommend the use of target practice while working on your serve. Targets sharpen one's focus. And of course, it doesn't hurt to seek professional help occasionally. A good coach should be able to take a look at your serve and give you a critique and homework in a matter of minutes. Pros and Coaches certified by the United States Tennis Professional Association (USPTA) are recommended.


The player in the photo above is Jill Moss of Columbia Lakes Country Club. Jill has a good serve because she takes time to practice it. This photo of Jill was taken last October at John Newcombe's Tennis Ranch when Jill participated on the HPTA Gran Prix Team from Houston.