Movement

[eaglesburg]

I move really well within short distances when I'm not playing tennis. My short area quickness is very good (probably because I'm short). If running suicides I will typically do well compared to other kids my ages. I won't win 100m, but I'll lead the first 20m. My acceleration deceleration and change of direction are especially good. (Although if I'm just running around and I have a bit worn out shoes I slip sometimes when I try to make make a quick change in my movement.)

However, this does not seem to translate onto the tennis court for me. I just feel slower compared to the people I know I would beat in a race of a suicide or three. I have no idea why.

Your thoughts on improving in this regard? I feel like I have the movement ability I'm just not letting it out on court for some reason. What to do, what to do?

[curiosity]

Eaglesburg: Do you think you "see the ball" as early as others? I would guess training your reflex, your speed to first step, is the only thing standing in your way. Does that make any sense?

I can remember at one time not realizing that I didn't load my legs at the right time, split step at the right time and in the right way...in order to be able to react as fast as possible to the ball's direction. I'm too old to attain blazing speed to the ball. I don't think, though, that it is all about natural gifts. I bet you can train yourself to pick up the ball's direction earlier and spring to it faster. No?

[johnyandell]

Eagle,
Look at the Etcheberry system in physical training. Also Roetert and Mark Kovacs. The oncourt movement drills. Training for tennis movement with drills that simulate reality has a huge effect--seen it many times. You will feel way stronger and faster.

[eaglesburg]

Eaglesburg: Do you think you "see the ball" as early as others? I would guess training your reflex, your speed to first step, is the only thing standing in your way. Does that make any sense?

I can remember at one time not realizing that I didn't load my legs at the right time, split step at the right time and in the right way...in order to be able to react as fast as possible to the ball's direction. I'm too old to attain blazing speed to the ball. I don't think, though, that it is all about natural gifts. I bet you can train yourself to pick up the ball's direction earlier and spring to it faster. No?

I do not think I see the ball as early as others. You may be right; it could be a reflex problem not necessarily a physical movement problem.

Eagle,
Look at the Etcheberry system in physical training. Also Roetert and Mark Kovacs. The oncourt movement drills. Training for tennis movement with drills that simulate reality has a huge effect--seen it many times. You will feel way stronger and faster.

I will definitely start doing some of those. Many I can even do in my house or my backyard.

On a side note, just to improve movement in general: are agility ladders effective for improving footwork and agility for tennis?

[johnyandell]

Yes!

[eaglesburg]

Yes!

How about jump rope?

[johnyandell]

Sure. But more just aerobic than anything else.

[nickw]

Hey, would love you to try R-S-B, and let us know if it helped at all.

Stands for Racket-Split-Ball, in greater detail: Eyes on opponents Racket, then time your Split step when you see the racket starting the forward swing, then immediately turn your eyes to the Ball. Your eyes should already be on the ball during mid split step, so the first instance that ball starts coming back to you, not only is your split timed great, but you will be able to react at the earliest moment.

I find this is a good way to awaken players who are going through the motions for whatever reason, but also to train players to time their split better and see the ball earlier. It's hard work though (more mentally), would be interested to hear back as I've only recently been using this.

[eaglesburg]

There is always room for improvement, but the agility ladder and the racket split ball tip have helped me greatly. Thanks for the advice!

[nickw]

Thanks for the feedback eaglesburg, delighted the tips have helped. Keep working hard!