Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – from an excellent camera angle
One of our best coaches once described simply 4 keys to hitting the ball
- Early preparation
- Quick light steps
- Contact in front
- Finish on balance
And though this is an intentional oversimplification – use your eyes to capture how Tsonga seems to dance to the ball, make consistent contact, and how balanced he appears throughout
7 Comments
Eugenio Ovalle
January 21, 2020Jim
Thanks for your continuous teaching on helping players with their game
What is your definition of early preparation
I am curious to know this
Eugene
moustafa
February 6, 2020early preparation ist the early direction anticipation of the incoming ball from opponent (reading the ball), estimating where ball shall bounce and getting there in power position earlier than the ball.
Jim McLennan
February 6, 2020Moustafa – well said, but perhaps a simpler version is – turn the shoulders and find the back foot – sometimes I feel we overcomplicate things tennis wise – best Jim
Moustafa Hamed
February 8, 2020I startet tennis 4 years ago. I am now 75 years old. You are right Jim. I doen’t have much more time and I should start to uncomplicate to achive more.
Jim McLennan
February 8, 2020Thanks for the note – and no matter what one’s age – uncomplicated is the secret
Jim
Donald McDonald
January 21, 2020I will never forget a table tennis match I played. I had a bad back so I had no intention of playing but was going out later. I got bored so I decided to play and ended up playing the State champion who I could not touch normally. I could not bend at all and reaching forward for the ball was terrifying. I won easily. In the first game I got off to an 18-3 lead as we were both shell shocked. So I shy away from geography and time. I try to let the ball come to me. But balance, light movement and intention are the keys. Great lesson.
Jim McLennan
January 21, 2020Don – once I had a similar experience in Florida – my back was stiff and somehow keeping my back absolutely straight (or nearly so) I seemed to play better – thanks foe your notes
Jim
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