Why Approach Up the Line?

In most of my clinics the players can tell me that approach shots should be hit up the line. However, their answers are always muddled on this pivotal question.

The answer is what makes the pattern successful. We go up the line because of positioning.

We will be in a better position quicker by going up the line. If we choose the path that every tennis pro we've ever had has taught us, we will go up the line and cut off the angles by moving almost straight ahead into a position to cover the down the line and cut off the cross court. Shorter distance to move, movement in a forward direction and a great ability to cover the angles.

When the approach is made cross court, the player must run further to get to the center of the angles, run across the court instead of forward and is opening up the angles for his/her opponent (by pushing the other player wide). Check out the illustration on my web site.

When you (X) hit up the line, the passing shots are represented by green lines from opponent (O), cross court passing shots are represented by the light blue lines. Notice how the cross court approach opens up the angles and forces you to run further to get into correct position. I know it's a lot of lines, I hope it helps to illustrate why your pros wisdom will help you become a better attacker.

Tennis Members Go Hollywood

Two of the members at Sport Fit Bowie have gone Hollywood.

Well, almost, they're on my computer screen in a tennis reality show for mixed doubles teams. This is a competition put together as a promotion by the USTA and Lever 2000. The idea is that you audition interesting doubles teams. Put them up against each other in matches across the country. Throw in Murphy Jensen, Mary Jo Fernandez, and some great production and you've go a very cool mix.

So check out David Barnes and Tammy Peyton in their bid to play the final match in front of thousands at the National Tennis Center during the U.S. Open!

Show them your support by leaving comments at the end of this post.