Watch the ball

Why do they keep saying watch the ball?  I am watching the ball.

This is the most overused term in tennis.  Of course, you’re watching the ball.  You swung at it didn’t you.  This term is overused because most instructors don’t take the time to develop their vocabulary or describe specifically what the student is doing.

When I was working with Peter Burwash, we were forbidden to use this term.  We had to be more observant and describe what was really happening.  This is the only way the student can understand what they are doing wrong.

Let’s start by looking at hand-eye coordination.  This can be developed with some simple exercises like catching a ball (in the air and off the ground); then bouncing a ball on the racket to get a feel for the length of the racket and that the racket is an extension of the hand; then finally walking around bouncing the ball in the air and off the ground

Now putting that to use in your tennis stroke you need to consider a couple other elements.  First, look at what is happening with the swing.  If generally the swing path is ok, then it is more about awareness.  What?

Let me explain.  First, you must have good hand-eye coordination (as discussed above).  Second, you need movement awareness.  Now that you understand how far from you the racket needs to be to make contact with the ball, you need to move into a proper position on the court that will allow you to make contact.  That comes from: identifying how high the ball will bounce; how fast it is moving; and what direction it is coming from.  Third, you need to be aware of your opponent’s position on the court to determine what direction you want to hit the ball.

Now you’re ready to fine tune your game by developing awareness of all three elements.