A summary of technical areas for further development

Introduction

1. Groundstrokes

• Footwork: The most important element is the split step when the opponent hits the ball. This must ALWAYS be in place; everything else follows. Keep the feet light and active between shots to reach the best position before contact.

• Ready position: Arms slightly out and away from the body, lifted and not hanging by the sides. Wide stance – about one racket’s width between the feet.

• Early preparation: Recognize forehand vs. backhand early. Begin the unit turn/swing in advance to be ready at contact and generate more control and power.

• Forehand and backhand: Make contact well in front of the body, not only to the side. Engage hip and shoulder but avoid excessive hip turn in the preparation. Finish high and around the body.

2. Serve

• Racket position in backswing: The racket face should point down (not up toward the sky) – imagine holding a bottle by the buttom and pouring water out.

• Ball toss: Toss with a straight arm and open palm. Keep the tossing arm extended much longer.

• Knee bend and height: Bend the knees deeply, toss higher, and make contact at a higher point.

• Body rotation: Use hip and shoulder rotation to generate pace and spin. The body should be coiled like a spring that releases – not a full torso twist. Stop the rotation when the chest faces the net.

3. Volleys and Net Play

• Quick reactions: Split step and fast adjustment steps when moving forward.

• Short swing: Push with the legs and keep the stroke compact instead of taking a big swing.

4. Tactics and Game Understanding

• Placement: Focus on ball placement, not just power. Use angles and depth.

• Variation: Mix short and deep shots, add slice and higher balls to break the opponent’s rhythm.

• Analysis: Try to read the opponent and adapt during the match.

5. Further Development

• Strength training for legs and knees to allow deeper knee bend in rallies, creating a lower, more stable base and stronger hip rotation.