The principle of gripping tightly with the pinkies while keeping the rest of the fingers looser, as practiced in Japanese swordsmanship, can be transferred to tennis serves in a way that significantly improves power, control, and fluidity.
In swordsmanship, the pinkies provide a stable base for control and power, while the looser grip from the other fingers allows for smooth, fluid motions. This same concept can be applied to your tennis serve, resulting in a more efficient and effective technique.
Here’s how this soft hands concept can be applied to serving:
1. Power Generation
Just like in swordsmanship, the pinky and ring fingers play a key role in generating power for your tennis serve. A firm grip with the pinkies allows you to channel strength from your arm and core into the racket, ensuring a solid transfer of energy during contact with the ball.
– How to Apply: Focus on gripping the racket tighter with your pinky and ring fingers while preparing for the serve. This grip stabilizes the racket, helping generate more power when you accelerate through the ball. This becomes particularly effective during the wind-up and contact phases of the serve.
2. Fluidity and Wrist Snap
The loose grip in the index and middle fingers promotes flexibility in the wrist, essential for generating spin and allowing the racket to move smoothly through the contact zone. A tight grip throughout all the fingers would limit wrist movement, reducing both spin and racket head speed.
– How to Apply: Keep your index and middle fingers relaxed during the serve motion, allowing your wrist to snap freely through contact. This helps generate topspin, slice, or any desired spin more effectively, while keeping your motion fluid.
3. Control and Accuracy
Gripping tightly with the pinkies while keeping the upper fingers looser provides a strong base for control while allowing for subtle adjustments in the racket’s angle. This combination ensures accuracy without the risk of over-gripping, which can lead to tension and inconsistent serves.
– How to Apply: Focus on keeping a looser grip in the upper fingers during the toss and as you bring the racket through the hitting zone. This allows for fine-tuning of the racket face, helping with better ball placement, especially in crucial moments like second serves where precision is key.
4. Serving Rhythm
A balanced grip helps promote a relaxed, natural rhythm in your serve. The firm pinky grip stabilizes the racket, while the looser upper fingers facilitate a smooth, rhythmic swing, preventing muscle tension and enabling consistent timing.
– How to Apply: Practice serving while focusing on the balance between a tight pinky grip and relaxed upper fingers. This allows you to maintain a calm, relaxed rhythm through the entire serve motion, leading to more consistent contact and timing.
5. Spin and Variations
The wrist flexibility gained from the looser grip allows players to execute a variety of serves—whether it’s adding extra topspin, slice, or kick. The relaxed grip in the upper fingers enhances your ability to control the ball’s trajectory and spin, making your serves more versatile and unpredictable.
– How to Apply: For spin serves, focus on keeping your wrist flexible by maintaining a looser grip with the upper fingers. This will help you impart more spin on the ball, allowing you to execute slice or topspin serves with ease, and make your serve harder to read for your opponent.
By incorporating the principle of gripping tightly with the pinkies while keeping the rest of the fingers loose, you can significantly improve your serve. This soft hands grip helps generate power, enhances wrist fluidity for spin, and increases control and precision.
Applying these tips will lead to a more effective, consistent, and versatile serve, helping elevate your overall game performance.
Take a close look at Karlovic’s grip on his serve, captured during his match against Thommo at the French Open a few years ago. It almost resembles a two-finger grip, reminiscent of the way Gonzales used to serve! Photo credit: Tony Reynolds
17°C
Manly Seaside
/in Tournaments/by RobNelson Bay Seniors
/in Tournaments/by RobThe Dave Matthews Seniors Tournament hosted by Nelson Bay Tennis Club is being held 29 Nov – 01 Dec 24 Inclusive.
Mastering the Pinky Grip: Elevating Your Tennis Serve
/in Ask the Pro, Whisperer/by RobThe principle of gripping tightly with the pinkies while keeping the rest of the fingers looser, as practiced in Japanese swordsmanship, can be transferred to tennis serves in a way that significantly improves power, control, and fluidity.
In swordsmanship, the pinkies provide a stable base for control and power, while the looser grip from the other fingers allows for smooth, fluid motions. This same concept can be applied to your tennis serve, resulting in a more efficient and effective technique.
Here’s how this soft hands concept can be applied to serving:
1. Power Generation
Just like in swordsmanship, the pinky and ring fingers play a key role in generating power for your tennis serve. A firm grip with the pinkies allows you to channel strength from your arm and core into the racket, ensuring a solid transfer of energy during contact with the ball.
– How to Apply: Focus on gripping the racket tighter with your pinky and ring fingers while preparing for the serve. This grip stabilizes the racket, helping generate more power when you accelerate through the ball. This becomes particularly effective during the wind-up and contact phases of the serve.
2. Fluidity and Wrist Snap
The loose grip in the index and middle fingers promotes flexibility in the wrist, essential for generating spin and allowing the racket to move smoothly through the contact zone. A tight grip throughout all the fingers would limit wrist movement, reducing both spin and racket head speed.
– How to Apply: Keep your index and middle fingers relaxed during the serve motion, allowing your wrist to snap freely through contact. This helps generate topspin, slice, or any desired spin more effectively, while keeping your motion fluid.
3. Control and Accuracy
Gripping tightly with the pinkies while keeping the upper fingers looser provides a strong base for control while allowing for subtle adjustments in the racket’s angle. This combination ensures accuracy without the risk of over-gripping, which can lead to tension and inconsistent serves.
– How to Apply: Focus on keeping a looser grip in the upper fingers during the toss and as you bring the racket through the hitting zone. This allows for fine-tuning of the racket face, helping with better ball placement, especially in crucial moments like second serves where precision is key.
4. Serving Rhythm
A balanced grip helps promote a relaxed, natural rhythm in your serve. The firm pinky grip stabilizes the racket, while the looser upper fingers facilitate a smooth, rhythmic swing, preventing muscle tension and enabling consistent timing.
– How to Apply: Practice serving while focusing on the balance between a tight pinky grip and relaxed upper fingers. This allows you to maintain a calm, relaxed rhythm through the entire serve motion, leading to more consistent contact and timing.
5. Spin and Variations
The wrist flexibility gained from the looser grip allows players to execute a variety of serves—whether it’s adding extra topspin, slice, or kick. The relaxed grip in the upper fingers enhances your ability to control the ball’s trajectory and spin, making your serves more versatile and unpredictable.
– How to Apply: For spin serves, focus on keeping your wrist flexible by maintaining a looser grip with the upper fingers. This will help you impart more spin on the ball, allowing you to execute slice or topspin serves with ease, and make your serve harder to read for your opponent.
By incorporating the principle of gripping tightly with the pinkies while keeping the rest of the fingers loose, you can significantly improve your serve. This soft hands grip helps generate power, enhances wrist fluidity for spin, and increases control and precision.
Applying these tips will lead to a more effective, consistent, and versatile serve, helping elevate your overall game performance.
Take a close look at Karlovic’s grip on his serve, captured during his match against Thommo at the French Open a few years ago. It almost resembles a two-finger grip, reminiscent of the way Gonzales used to serve! Photo credit: Tony Reynolds
Staying Focused During Matches
/in Ask the Pro, Whisperer/by RobSmooth Pursuit Tracking: Key to Improving Visual Performance
/in Ask the Pro/by RobEye Exercises to Improve Smooth Pursuit Tracking for Tennis:
Racket Tracking Exercise
Vertical Racket Tracking
Diagonal Ball Toss
Circular Racket Tracking
Tennis Ball Bounce Drill
Serve Tracking
Tips for Tennis Players:
Why UTR Ratings Hinder Junior Tennis Development
/in Ask the Pro, Whisperer/by RobThe Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) has gained widespread use as a ranking system for players at all levels, including juniors. While it offers a global platform for tracking performance, it also presents challenges that may negatively impact the development of young players.
Here’s why UTRs are counterproductive for junior tennis development:
1. Shifts Focus from Development to Winning
UTR often encourages players to prioritize winning matches over improving their overall game. To protect or boost their ratings, juniors may shy away from working on weaker areas and instead focus on strategies that yield immediate results. This short-term mindset can hinder the long-term growth needed to develop into a complete player.
2. Selective Competition and Match Avoidance
Some juniors strategically avoid playing against opponents with lower UTRs to prevent a drop in their rating. This results in fewer competitive opportunities and less match experience. By limiting who they compete against, young players miss out on valuable learning moments and the chance to adapt to different styles of play.
3. Increased Pressure and Burnout
UTR can create unnecessary pressure on juniors to consistently perform at a high level to maintain or improve their rating. This constant need for high performance may lead to anxiety, stress, and even burnout. Tennis at the junior level should be about development and enjoyment, not about feeling like every match is a high-stakes rating game.
4. Winning Over Skill Development
To maximize their UTR, juniors may rely on winning rather than focusing on building a well-rounded skill set. This early emphasis on results can lead to over-reliance on specific strategies, like heavy baseline play or big serves, at the expense of mastering other important aspects of the game, such as net play, variety in shot selection, and mental toughness.
5. Overemphasis on Rankings at a Young Age
UTR puts rankings front and center, which can cause players, parents, and coaches to fixate on ratings rather than on actual progress. Development is not a straight line—there will be setbacks and breakthroughs. Focusing too much on rankings overlooks the importance of long-term growth, resilience, and skill acquisition that doesn’t always reflect immediately in match outcomes.
6. Discourages Late Developers and Young Players
Juniors who are just starting to compete may struggle with a low UTR, making it difficult to participate in higher-level events. This can demotivate players who might otherwise flourish, particularly those who develop later. It can create a discouraging environment for young players if they feel their rating limits their opportunities.
7. Stifles Match Experimentation
To truly develop, juniors need to experiment with different strategies and techniques during matches. However, the fear of losing UTR points can lead players to adopt a cautious, risk-averse style of play, limiting their tactical and technical growth. Matches should be seen as opportunities for learning and development, not just preserving a ranking.
While UTR offers a structured rating system, its application in junior tennis can create an environment focused more on results than on growth.
For young players, the emphasis MUST be on improving skills, gaining experience, and enjoying the process.
Tennis is a long journey, and juniors need the freedom to experiment, take risks, and develop at their own pace—without the constant pressure of protecting a rating.
Reducing the focus on UTR in junior tennis could foster a more supportive and balanced approach to long-term player development.
NSW Junior State Championships
/in /by RobWant to Win More Second-Serve Return Points? Here’s How!
/in Ask the Pro/by RobAs returners, we don’t win many points against first serves—especially at the professional level. At the 2024 US Open, men won just 28% of first serve return points, and women fared slightly better at 36%.
But when the second serve comes into play, everything changes! Men’s return points won on second serves jumped to 51%, and women dominated with 54%.
So, how does this compare to the average player?
These statistics underscore the importance of developing both a reliable first serve to avoid giving opponents easy chances on the second, and a strong return game to capitalize on weaker second serves.
So, how can you boost your chances of winning those key second-serve return points? Here are three strategies:
1. Technique: Early Positioning & Footwork
Positioning and footwork are key. Stand inside the baseline, ready to attack the weaker second serve. Execute a quick cross-over step and focus on dynamic movements to get to the ball. An explosive first step can give you the edge, allowing you to take control of the point early.
2. Plan: Attack the Return with Purpose
Approach the point with a clear plan. Target the server’s weaker side—often the backhand—or go down the middle to cut off angles. Consider stepping around and using your forehand, especially if it’s your stronger shot. Mix up your returns—sometimes go aggressive, other times aim deep to extend the rally. Varying your placement keeps the server guessing.
3. Percentages: Play Smart with Controlled Aggression
While it’s tempting to go for a return winner, often a high-percentage shot (like a deep, controlled return) can force errors or set up the next point. Play the percentages—returning deep to the middle reduces the server’s angles. Extending rallies with solid returns can shift the momentum in your favor.
Get your footwork and positioning dialed in, plan your returns smartly, and aim to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm. Start winning those second-serve return points!
Alcaraz Beats Sinner in Beijing Final. Tennis’ Evolving Net Play Strategy
/in Ask the Pro, Whisperer/by RobControl the Match by Owning Your Rhythm of Play
/in Ask the Pro, Whisperer/by RobUsing your personal rhythm of play is one of the most effective ways to stay mentally strong and avoid getting thrown off by an opponent’s disruptive tactics.
Your rhythm is like your personal pace or flow of how you move through a match, both mentally and physically.
Here’s how it can help you handle distractions:
1. Establish Your Tempo Early
From the moment the match starts, set a consistent tempo that works for you. Whether it’s how you serve, how quickly you prepare between points, or even the way you walk back to the baseline, keep things steady. This rhythm helps you stay focused, no matter what the opponent is doing to disrupt you.
For example, if your opponent is trying to rush you or slow down play, don’t let it affect your natural rhythm. Take your time when you need it. Bounce the ball a few extra times, walk slowly between points, and stick to your routine. This sends a message that you’re in control, not them.
2. Use Your Routine Between Points
Your rhythm includes what you do between points. This could be fixing your strings, wiping your face with a towel, or simply taking a few deep breaths. By following a consistent routine, you stay grounded and block out distractions.
If your opponent is arguing calls, rushing you, or trying to throw off your focus, your routine acts as a mental reset. It helps you refocus on the next point instead of dwelling on the last one or whatever your opponent is doing.
3. Don’t Let Them Disrupt Your Flow
Some opponents will try to change the pace of the match by taking extra time or arguing about line calls. They want to disrupt your flow and throw you out of your comfort zone. When this happens, stay calm and stick to your rhythm.
If they delay the game, take deep breaths and stay loose. Don’t let their behavior rush or slow you down. You are in control of how you play and how you respond.
4. Control the Pace of Play
When possible, use your rhythm to control the pace of the match. If you prefer a faster game, keep points short, serve quickly, and keep the pressure on your opponent. If you like to take your time, make sure you’re deliberate in how you move between points, giving yourself time to reset mentally.
If your opponent is trying to disrupt this, don’t speed up or slow down to match their pace. Stick to your natural flow.
5. Reset After Every Point
Regardless of whether you win or lose a point, go through your personal reset routine. This might involve taking a few extra breaths, adjusting your strings, or bouncing the ball before you serve. This rhythm helps you leave the last point behind and focus on the next one.
The key is consistency. The more you stick to your rhythm, the less power your opponent has to disrupt you. You’ll feel more in control and mentally focused throughout the match, making it harder for them to break your concentration.
In summary:
– Personal rhythm keeps you focused and blocks out distractions.
– Stick to your routine between points to stay mentally grounded.
– Don’t let your opponent control the pace—you set the tempo.
– Use your rhythm as a mental reset after every point.
By owning your rhythm of play, you take control of the match, no matter what tactics your opponent uses to try to throw you off your game.
Key Traits of Aging Role Models: Lessons in Purpose, Resilience, and Vitality
/in Tennis4Life/by RobPlaying the Cheater
/in Ask the Pro, Whisperer/by RobDealing with an opponent who consistently cheats can be extremely frustrating, but it’s important to keep your cool and stay focused on your game.
Bottom line: Don’t let the cheater win by throwing you off your game. Keep your head, stay focused, and remember—you’re stronger than their attempts to cheat!
Here are some ways to handle the situation without letting it ruin your performance:
1. Stay Calm and Control Your Emotions
Cheating can get under your skin, but losing your temper only helps your opponent. Take deep breaths (4-7-8 breathing) , stick to your routines between points, and focus on what you can control—your game, your effort, and your mindset. When you keep your emotions in check, you maintain your ability to think clearly and play your best tennis.
2. Use Sportsmanship to Your Advantage
Politely question the calls in a calm, respectful way. You could say something like, “Are you sure about that call?” Often, this can make the opponent think twice before making another unfair call. If they continue, calmly request a line judge or umpire if it’s a tournament or match that allows it.
3. Don’t Let Their Cheating Affect Your Game
The cheater is trying to distract you and take you out of your game. Don’t give them the satisfaction of losing focus. Stick to your strategy, keep hitting your shots, and play smart. Remember, they’re cheating because they don’t trust their game enough to beat you fairly.
4. Play Aggressively and Take Charge
Cheating is easier when points are close. By being more aggressive and dominating the points, you leave less room for your opponent to make unfair calls. Focus on winning points decisively—force clear errors and hit winners that your opponent can’t dispute.
5. Focus on the Big Picture
Yes, cheating is frustrating, but remember that you’re not just playing to win this match—you’re playing to improve your skills and mental toughness. Cheaters come and go, but the ability to stay composed under pressure will help you in every match you play — you are developing a life skill. Use this experience to build mental strength, knowing that you can rise above the frustration.
6. Seek Help When Necessary
If the cheating persists and there are officials present, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can request a referee or umpire to monitor the match. If there’s no official available, calmly bring the situation to the attention of a coach or tournament director after the match.
Stay strong and don’t let the cheater throw you off your game. Keep your cool, stay focused, and remember—you’re more smarter then their mind games!
Check back later for another post on “Mind Games”.
Developing an All-Court Game is the Key to Winning More Matches
/in Ask the Pro, Whisperer/by RobThe 2024 US Open stats give us a clear picture of how today’s tennis leans heavily toward baseline play, but also the immense opportunities that exist at the net.
Let’s start with the numbers from this year’s tournament:
Category
Points Played
Win Percentage
These numbers reveal a striking contrast—while the majority of points are played from the baseline, players who approach the net have a significantly higher chance of winning. Yet, the game seems overly focused on baseline rallies, with many relying too much on grinding from the back of the court. Clearly, we’ve moved away from a more balanced approach that was once common, where “All-Court” players dominated.
In the past, an “All-Court” player was comfortable attacking from the baseline and seamlessly transitioning to the net, something that’s become rare today. But why should we limit ourselves to the baseline when the stats show the net offers a much higher chance of winning points? The net is where opportunities lie, especially in modern tennis, where baseline play is so prevalent.
Becoming an “All-Court” player requires the ability to move up to the net, execute strong volleys, and blend baseline play with effective approaches. As tennis players mature, developing a well-rounded game is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Playing strictly from the baseline limits your options, but working on your net game opens up new ways to win, particularly as physical endurance and reflex speed evolve with age.
So, take time to work on your approach shots, develop reliable volley techniques, and practice transitioning to the net smoothly. Mastering these elements allows you to capitalize on those higher win percentages at the net, giving you a dynamic, versatile game that can outplay the one-dimensional baseliners you often face.
The conclusion is clear: as you progress in your tennis journey, the goal should be to develop an all-around game. It’s about moving beyond just baseline strategies and learning to exploit opportunities at the net to give yourself the best chance of success at all levels of the game.
USPTA Rebrands To RSPA, Expands To Support All Racquet Sports
/in Ask the Pro, News/by RobOrganization Broadens Focus to Industry Career Support
The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) – the leading trade organization for tennis professionals since 1927, announced today that it has rebranded to the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA). This change positions the RSPA to elevate and support a broad spectrum of careers across the entire racquet sports industry.
As the RSPA, the organization continues to expand its teaching certification programs to train professionals in numerous racquet sports including tennis, pickleball, padel, squash and platform tennis. In addition to certification programs, the RSPA will offer a full spectrum of career advancement support for all racquet sports professionals, both on and off the court.
“The change from USPTA to RSPA is about staying on the cutting edge of our industry and leading change by providing the highest level of value possible to our members,” said RSPA CEO Brian Dillman. “Our racquet sports are dynamic—constantly growing and adapting—and as our industry moves forward, we are doing the same. The decision to rebrand and realign our values was fueled by our members. We listened closely to feedback, and the consensus was clear: we needed to expand our support to all racquet sports, both on and off the court.”
RSPA members now have access to certifications in five different racquet sports under one unified association. All USPTA memberships are now considered RSPA memberships, and members certified in any racquet sport can get certified in another by attending one of the RSPA’s nationally available workshops. Teaching professionals who want to get certified by the RSPA for the first time can join the association through any of RSPA’s available racquet sport certification programs: tennis, pickleball, padel, platform and squash. The organization is also rolling out future-focused, personalized training programs that blend on-court expertise with off-court skills like business management and leadership, personal development and more.
“We’re elevating the prestige of a racquet sports career with advanced personal and professional development. We know that racquet sports are made up of many different people who contribute to a community to enjoy, teach, watch, support and advance the sports we love,” said Dillman. “There is a wide world of opportunities for anyone who is passionate to help grow the racquet sports industry, and the RSPA, like a true ally, empowers our professionals by helping them reach their full potential—both on and off the court.”
Managing Match Pressures: Why Teen Tennis Players Struggle and How to Help Them
/in Ask the Pro, Psychology, Whisperer/by RobBack in 2004, Carolyn Anderson was fresh out of university as a psychologist when she competed in taekwondo at the Athens Olympics. She admits now that she was totally unprepared for the intensity of it all. Fast forward twenty years, and she returned to the Olympics, this time as the Australian team psychologist.
Since that time, sports psychology has evolved dramatically.
“At that time, the advice was, ‘You should feel confident, calm, and relaxed,’” Anderson recalls. “But I didn’t feel any of those things. I wasn’t aware of impostor syndrome back then. I’d find myself walking through the Olympic Village thinking, ‘What am I even doing here?’” She believed she had to push those feelings aside. Now, she teaches athletes to make space for them.
“These feelings aren’t bad,” she explains. “We’re human, and they’re going to happen. What’s important is how we deal with them. It’s not about replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. That’s not how it works. It’s more about how we respond to those thoughts.”
Anderson often talks to athletes about the fight-or-flight response. “It’s a reaction that shows up in life-or-death situations, but it also happens at the Olympics. No one’s in danger, but the brain doesn’t know that—it sees it as an emotional threat, not a physical one.”
She adds that it’s pretty common for athletes to feel so anxious before competition that they’re almost sick to their stomachs. “But once you understand what’s going on in your body, you can see it’s actually helping you. It boosts your energy, sharpens your focus, and turns off non-essential systems like digestion.”
“When you start to view these physical reactions as something that’s making you faster, stronger and more efficient, it can be a game-changer.”
Strategies for Teen Tennis Players Inspired by Anderson’s Insights:
1. Embrace the Nerves:
Key Idea: Instead of trying to get rid of prematch anxiety, recognize it as a natural part of competition.
Nerves are a sign that you’re ready. Use practice matches to recreate that pressure, and practice rituals, mindfulness and deep breathing to handle your jitters.
2. Understand Fight-or-Flight:
Key Idea: The body’s fight-or-flight response is preparing itself for competition, it is not something to be feared.
When you notice your heart pounding or your muscles tensing, you should realize it’s your body gearing up for peak performance. Practice 4-7-8 breathing and visualization to change your mindset when under pressure.
3. Respond to Thoughts, Don’t Replace Them:
Key Idea: It’s okay to have negative thoughts. The goal is to manage them, not block them out.
During practice, acknowledge doubts like “I’m playing badly” and try to respond with “find a way” to adjust your performance with the parts of your game that are working for you on the day.
4. Build a PreMatch Routine:
Key Idea: Create a consistent routine that includes visualization to mentally prepare for tough matches.
Visualize yourself handling different scenarios on court, while also using warm-up exercises to ease yourself into the right headspace before competition.
5. Reframe Physical Reactions:
Key Idea: Understand that sensations like a racing heart or sweaty palms are signs you’re ready to perform, not signs of weakness!
Try to simulate match-day conditions in training, and recognize that your feelings can be viewed as helpful rather than stressful.
6. Combine Mental and Physical Training:
Key Idea: Mental calmness is important, but so is physical readiness, especially through agility and balance.
Perform drills like side shuffles and moving drills to help you keep your feet moving. Consistent footwork training can make sure you remain balanced even in high-pressure moments.
7. Build Mental Resilience by Facing Pressure:
Key Idea: The more players get used to handling pressure in practice, the better they’ll deal with it in real matches.
Practice challenging situations (e.g., tie breaker points, half-court quadrants) to simulate the stress you’ll face during actual competition.
These strategies address both the mental and physical challenges of competitive tennis, helping you become more resilient and adaptable under match pressure.
Precursor article: Handling Stress on the Court: Why Teenage Tennis Players Struggle and How to Help