I just got back from a junior tournament with one of my students, a girl who is playing the 18-and-under category. I had a chance to watch a few of the top girls in the country play and what struck me was how similar they all play.

It is safe to say that more than 90 percent of the girls play the same exact style, a one-dimensional attacking baseline game with a 2-handed backhand and a semi-western forehand. It is rare to see a girl with a one-handed backhand, a slice, a decent volley or a drop shot. Serving and volleying is not even in their vocabulary, and the only time they come to the net is if they have no choice -- a very short ball -- or to shake hands at the end of the game.

This leads to matches and points that look the same, long rallies between 2 girls that hit the ball very hard and very accurately until someone puts the ball away or misses. The girls that I watched were all very good hitters and atheletes and could easily be taught how to hit a decent volley or a slice.

It is the fault of their coaches that they don't posses more weapons. For this reason most
of them will end up in college or in low-level pro events playing against similar-type players.

When I work with my junior players in my academy I try to work on a variety of shots from an early age and practically force them to come to the net, use the slice and work on "special shots" such as a drop shot and the short angle. It is not very popular and many times the kids are reluctant to learn the new stuff, but I find that the effort will pay off later on in their careers.

Posted by Gilad Bloom at 05:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The mental side of tennis is very important in tennis, it being an individual sport that does not allow coaching. The player is on his/her own out there and can't rely on anyone else but himself/herself to win.

Playing a match is almost like playing chess against your opponent; you must always be on guard for your opponent's next move and can never show your emotions or lose your composure.

Being mentally strong means being under control throughout the match. Positive body language is very important too. In my career I realized that fighting for every point regardless of the score without showing signs of giving up will break down opponents many times.

In the high levels all players are technically sound and more or less equal. It's the mental ability to perform under pressure that separates the good from the great.

Posted by Gilad Bloom at 04:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It is ideal to hit for 30-45 minutes before a tennis match -- 5 minutes for a physical warmup, 20 minutes for groundstrokes, 10 minutes for volleys and overheads, 5 minutes for serving and 5-10 minutes for playing a few points to simulate a real match situation.

In general, the exercises should be short but intense; you want to wake your body up and keep it alert for the match but you don't want to get too tired. 

Posted by Gilad Bloom at 04:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There is a lot you can learn by watching Roger Federer. He has every shot in the book and uses a wide variety of shots to beat players. He is living proof that even with the changes in the game over the last 30 years, the classic all-around game that combines solid groundstrokes with the ability to come to the net is still the best way to win.

Also, his use of the backhand slice is unique in today's game. His ability to change the pace and keep the ball low gives him an edge on his opponents. One of the things that are overlooked -- because of his great shot-making ability -- is his movement and court coverage. Federer is moving effortlessly and covers the court like a tiger. This allows him to get back into points from defensive situations.

But the most important thing that distinguishes Federer from other players is his mental ability, his calmness and focus under pressure, his composure and self control.

Posted by Gilad Bloom at 02:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)