I want to stress that tennis racquet is a multi-purpose tool. It is used to generate power and apply finesse, to generate different spins and hit the ball flatter, to direct the ball to the right or to the left, to keep the ball lower over the net or to elevate the ball to a desired degree. The rational ways of how tennis racquet works to make all those miraculous shots are disguised even for the experienced players and teachers. On top of that, intuitiveness and athleticism form that mental trust allowing players to use the racquet successfully in the extremely random situations without any thinking. It is my position to suggest “THE way” of using the racquet rationally. This is my vision based on what I have gone through teaching tennis for over 30 years as many coaches did. Most of them will have their vision as well, since there is no such thing as the same two Forehands or Backhands, period, and especially during the competitive play.

“THE way” I believe in is the rational production of Under Spin or Top Spin that combines power and placement control. Ideally and in theory only, this production should remain the same when the tool of a human body uses the tool of a tennis racquet. In reality, the point and purpose of efficient technique is for the player to stay rational as long as possible in diverse circumstances of the tennis play, regardless of how difficult the ball is. This requires certain degree of fitness ability, as well. That’s why human body is a tool, too, and unique one for each player. The best coaches I have been around understand that and keep looking for the teaching and learning progressions that are simplified for the early stages, but at the same time conceptualized for the long term growth and progress.

Beginner players typically are very insecure. Beginner players will unintentionally trust the very first things that start to work for them. It is extremely important, in my opinion, to have new players to attempt to do certain simple, yet specific things from the very first day or as early as possible. As coaches we need to guide them to build the foundation for their future progress.

So when teaching the beginners I get much more success explaining what to do with the racquet to make solid contacts with the ball rather then how to look when playing tennis.