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Comment by Amy on March 3, 2008 at 9:50pm

Even if I have to go alone, I am going over to the courts tomorrow to practice what you two have shared with me. Of course, I will be taking my notes along. I'll let you know how it works out! Thank you!

Comment by BigMike on March 3, 2008 at 8:00pm

the easiest way to explain the topspin grip is this way..drop your racket flat on the ground,then pick it up. you will be in the "semi-western" grip. if you hold the racket out to the side of you, the top will be tilted FORWARD. Then like mark said, focus on hitting the bottom part of the ball and "brush" up low to high..But make sure you dont swing up too fast..If you look at the net, you see how it goes from 3ft high in the middle to 3ft6 on the outsides..It raises slowly, like your follow through will.I tell my lttle kids, that i want them to follow through like an airplane takes off going up slowly, not like a helicopter that goes straight up. If you go up too fast you will hit the bottom part of the frame a lot. Try standing just a couple of feet away from the net, drop the ball and brush up as you hit. if you hit the net with the ball your swinging too flat.

Comment by Amy on March 3, 2008 at 7:33pm

I appreciate the advice sooooo much! I have so much to practice! Okay, question for you....what is this topspin grip you speak of? I am trying to read about the different types of grips but there are quite a few.
Is it just trial and error? Thanks!

Comment by Mark / The Mayor on March 3, 2008 at 6:44pm

Great blog -
It's true about the follow thru. Isn't it great that you are getting "professional" advice... litereally.
All I can add is just keep at it. don't be afraid to it out, just use that topspin grip and practice brushing up on the back of the ball and ending your swing high. it'sll feel weird at first, but keeping grinding away and the stroke will smooth out.
M

Comment by Amy on March 3, 2008 at 5:46pm

I think you might have nailed it on the head about the follow through. I guess I do not understand the mechanics of how that works, but I will certainly try!
I would go over to the courts right now, but I cannot find anyone to hit with at this moment! :(

Comment by BigMike on March 3, 2008 at 1:56pm

you can control the height of the ball with the height of your follow through. Make sure you have a complete follow through first. A lot of beginners are afraid to hit it out so they stop short on the follow through.but this backfires and it will give you too much height and NO control.If this is not the case,then you need to ad topspin to your shots. Topspin allows you to hit it harder while keping it low. Expirament with the topsping grip.

Comment by Amy on March 3, 2008 at 1:30pm

Thanks Mike! My biggest problem right now is that I send most of my hits higher than I want/need too. I am trying everything to adjust that, but I am not having much luck. Any thoughts on this?

Comment by BigMike on March 3, 2008 at 10:48am

Hi Amy, thats good news about your game..Tennis is so much about confidence.Confident in your shot selection and confident in your shot production is HUGE!! As you progress past the beginner stage you focus more on where to hit your shots instead of how to hit them, and it really makes the game easier. At the end of your matches, ask yourself "was i out of control and running all over the place today, or was i split stepped and waiting for the ball to be returned and then attacking the open court?"