The following post is an excerpt from The Mental Emotional Work Book: Blunders and Cures. Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo
BLUNDER: Assuming that Tennis Speed is Only Foot Speed
Tennis specific speed training requires a combination of foot speed and anticipatory speed.
And while you can’t improve your genetic predisposition, you can nurture both your foot speed and anticipatory speed. The initial 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 myth, “Keep your eye on the ball.” Instead, shift your 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. You don’t have to be the fastest runner on the court if you develop your anticipatory skills. Just ask one of my all- time favorites, former #1 Lindsey Davenport.
CURE: Broad vision clues are spotting the landing zone of your outgoing ball, noticing the opponent’s court position, incoming strike zone, monitoring the opponent’s swing speed and swing length will help you improve your court speed by increasing your anticipatory skills.
Ask Yourself:
If you can spot an opponent shifting into a defensive situation would it be wise to counter the attack and slip into your offensive mode? After offering up a short ball, do you systemically slide your grip and court position to anticipate an intelligent attack into your weakness? Have you ever simply sat and watched a match at your club while focusing on broad vision clues?
Write down your Personal Action Plan:
Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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