The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible. Thank you for visiting, Frank Giampaolo
Assuming that Tennis Speed is ONLY Foot Speed is a Mistake
Have you heard of anticipatory speed?
Tennis specific speed-training requires a combination of foot speed and anticipatory speed. Heredity plays an important role in your child’s muscle type. Simply put, some humans are born with more fast-twitch muscle fibers. Parents and coaches can’t improve the genetic predisposition of an athlete, but they can nurture both their foot speed and anticipatory speed. The path to better court coverage lies in avoiding hesitation and anticipating situations.
Anticipatory speed is greatly increased by understanding and rehearsing the art of vision control. Here’s a sports myth “keep your eye on the ball.” I suggest shifting focus from narrow vision (watching an incoming ball) to broad vision. Broad vision is picking up visual clues as the ball travels toward the opponent.
Your child doesn’t have to be the fastest runner on the court if they develop their anticipatory skills. Just ask one of my all- time favorites, former #1 Lindsey Davenport.
Court Zones
Divide your side of the court (39 feet) into three even zones. The zone (location) in which your opponent’s incoming ball lands will dictate your shot selection. The high percentage players simply match their shots intentions with the landing zone.
The Three Court Zone choices are:
- The Grinding Zone is located from the baseline inwards 13’
- The Torment Zone is located from the Grinding Zone (13’ inside the court) to approximately 26’ from the baseline.
- The Obliterate Zone is located from the Torment zone (26’) to the net.
Note: Advanced players should apply the same zonal warfare on the opponent’s side. Simply put, the location your shot lands on the opponent’s side dictates their shot selection options. Playing Zonal Tennis greatly increases your anticipatory speed, court coverage and shot variations.
FUN FACT: Zonal tennis warfare has been applied successfully for decades. It was known in the 1970’s by: offensive, neutral, defense zones. In the 1980’s it was popular to call the zones: defend, attack, kill. Last decades catch phrases were: control, hurt, and finish zones.
In the spirit of evolution, let’s coin our own phrases: Grind, Torment, Obliterate Zones. Incorporate zonal tennis into your tactical play and you’ll have a house full of trophies.
Thank you for visiting, Frank Giampaolo
Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
www.maximixingtennispotential.com
