Have a Question for Me?

[johnyandell]

You mean the video? Two of the music video segments are on the site. The rest only exists on VHS. I have a few copies.

[chuck62]

McEnroe Instructional Series

Yes I was looking for the video work you did with him in the 80s. I thought you might have found a way to put it on the site. Kind of the same thing you did with the Pancho G series.

[johnyandell]

Yeah I could. The two music videos are there.

[chuck62]

McEnroe Instructional Series

Saw the videos and really enjoyed those. If you get the chance putting more of the instructional series on the site as well would be really nice. I just really enjoy watching the McEnroe all court game and seem to learn so much from just watching the guy.

[johnyandell]

Request Noted!

[stotty]

Mini Tennis

What is your teaching system in mini tennis (5 - 7 years), regarding a child's stance on the forehand? Do you teach a semi-open or closed stance?

I couldn't find anything on the website re the subject. I teach closed stance and racket straight back, no loop. I notice Rick Macci seems to get kids hitting open stance at an early age, but does he teach it from day one, and with kids of lesser ability?

Any light shed on the matter would be great.

[johnyandell]

I don't actually teach mini tennis since I don't have an ongoing young kids program--although I did have a big one with little courts and sponge balls years ago and we taught neutral stance.

I think we actually need to do something on Quick Start on the site.

Anyone else know the Quick Start answer?

[stotty]

Closed/neutral

I've tried teaching semi open stance with youngsters but it really doesn't work for me/or them. It's too complicated because they have to consciously think about turning their shoulders whereas with a closed stance turning the shoulders is more automatic...a byproduct.

I know some coaches teach semi-open stance. I just wondered how they make it work.

This website has most things, but perhaps coaching mini tennis is one of the few things that is missing. After all, it's where tennis starts!

[johnyandell]

I agree with you on the stance. I guess if you can find a way to get a full body turn it's can work. Kerry Mitchell swears by it. And yeah mini tennis is in the future somewhere for Tennisplayer.

[stotty]

Mini Tennis

Just to be clear, do you have mini tennis red, orange, and green over there in the US? If so, are kids locked into each stage of progression determined by age as they are here? For example, a kid of seven cannot progress to mini orange until they are eight, regardless of ability and physique.

Here in the UK, the LTA have spent millions rolling out mini tennis, and they strictly control the division of age groups in the mini tennis competitive structure. It's hugely controversial amongst coaches. Many feel gifted kids are held back by not being to compete in the age group above, especially if they romp thru their own age group virtually unchallenged.

Just wondered how it works over the pond?

[johnyandell]

Yeah good questions and I don't have the answers. There are different age groups and ball sizes...but since I don't do it I am unclear--until I do that article anyway...

Somebody else with more knowledge--can you help me out here???

[uspta146749877]

You should put your question in a different section as well

Just to be clear, do you have mini tennis red, orange, and green over there in the US? If so, are kids locked into each stage of progression determined by age as they are here? For example, a kid of seven cannot progress to mini orange until they are eight, regardless of ability and physique.

Here in the UK, the LTA have spent millions rolling out mini tennis, and they strictly control the division of age groups in the mini tennis competitive structure. It's hugely controversial amongst coaches. Many feel gifted kids are held back by not being to compete in the age group above, especially if they romp thru their own age group virtually unchallenged.

Just wondered how it works over the pond?

you should put your question in a different section of a forum as well

[uspta2117313286]

Volley - Racquet differences

I think this is a great site. Keep up the good work.
I need your advise on my Volleys.
I really enjoy my 11.2oz, oversize and about 3 points Head light racquet
on groundstrokes,serves, and return except on Volleys.
Although it's very maneuverable, I have hard time hitting good forehand volley. I tend to hit the net a lot.
I also have a 12oz, 98 sq. inch, 6 points head light racquet that I enjoy using on the net. Although less maneuverable (340 swingweight), I find it more effective on my forehand volleys.
I'm using continental grip on my volleys and I step in to my volleys as well as using open stance. My difficulties usually occurs about a foot or 2 inside the service line and like I mentioned, during doubles volley exchanges.
Is it just the Racquet or my technique ?
Thanks for your time.
Lito

If you have something specific to ask me, this is the place! I will try to respond to all posts.

I want to know what you think of the site and what you think I should do more of, less of, or differently. If you really like it, I won't mind hearing that either. I get a lot of my best ideas by listening, so start talking...

If you have technical questions, you can ask and I'll do my best to help. BUT as it says in the overview of Your Strokes, I'm not sure that this type of detailed, purely verbal technical discussion is always productive. In fact, I'm concerned that pontificating at length in response to written questions is often--or even usually--counterproductive.

Why? Because I believe that seeing is the basis for understanding when it comes to tennis. So don't be too upset if I express my honest reluctance to answer at length when I'm not really sure what I am talking about. That's why we created Your Strokes in the first place--so myself and the rest of the staff can actually see what you guys are talking about.

We're starting off with one subscriber stroke a month in Your Strokes. If it really takes off, we can always expand that--we can also post images here in the Forum if people make them available in the right format and size.

I hope we'll get a lot of other knowledgable people commenting as well!

[johnyandell]

Really almost impossible to say anything without seeing the actual volleys. I am assuming you looked at the volley articles in the advanced tennis section, but to try to differentiate between technique and racket weight without seeing what is actually happening is flying blind. I could make something up but I'd rather have some evidence. Send in some video or post it online and I will give you an opinion.

[kendalh]

John,
I like the site content but think that you could 'refresh' the presentation a bit.

1) Rework the Website design and search functions

2) Integrate the site to have ipod functionality

Content:
I like the 'your strokes' section because this integrate the visual learning process- I can imagine it gets boring from your end repeating the same fundamental concepts- but this section works

I would like to have a 'forum' section where the teachers have a 'debate' regarding technique. Some of the stuff in the lessons sections can be confusing because two teachers are saying different things- it may help to have short discussion lessons amongst pros.

Expand sections regarding development of 'pattern play'

The site works because of your passion and clear writing style.