About Joe Rill Expertise Can answer questions related to coaching and playing tennis including stroke production, skill evaluation, group drills, player evaluation, planning and record keeping, mental toughness, first aid and minor health issues, social aspects of club tennis, tennis rules and regulations, and tennis courtesy. I no longer desire to answer questions on "How to become a Pro."
Experience Forty years total playing experience including: 25 years tournament play, three year tennis club tennis director; former racket stringer; Graduate Vandermeer Tennis Univ I; Virginia HS League certified coach; Asst Tournament Director
Expert: Joe Rill Date: 5/13/2008 Subject: What Drills?
Question I am a 12 year old looking to have a career in tennis. I was wondering what drills
would get me better faster? For example, hitting with a ball machine, having one
of my parents hit balls to me from a basket, or actually hiting with someone?
thanks
Answer Hi John,
If your parents are good players, I think you should start by hitting well placed feeds to develop your strokes. That way you get some feed back when you hit well or poorly. In the case of someone who wants to have a career in tennis, I recommend your parents find a certified (USPTA or USPTR) teaching pro to give you regular lessons. The better the pro, the better and faster you will improve. As you improve, you can use the good strokes against the ball machine. This will groove your strokes but you have to ensure that you are hitting the balls correctly or you will be practicing a bad stroke. This can also be done with your parents but the important thing is to practice the things the pro taught you. Finally, it is more fun and less boring to hit with someone. Again, you have to have the goal of hitting the ball correctly rather than simply beating your opponent.
The last step is tournament play. If you are going to have a career in tennis you have to be able to win tournaments. This is the way you earn a ranking and the basis for earning points that get you into the qualifying events. Good Luck, John!
