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Wizard
Nine
Winter Tennis
Winter is definitely here and gone are all the wishes that warm
weather will stay longer than ever before. Even though it gets dark
earlier and it gets cold outside there is still things you can do to
keep playing.
Here are some suggestions:
Play
outside if it’s not too cold.
It’s not so bad playing in temperature over 40 degrees. There will
be plenty of days of weather near 50 degrees. Have a friend or group
of friends ready to play if the weather gets warm enough so you can
go to your local courts and play. Most schools and parks keep nets
up in the winter. If no nets are up you can always use a volley ball
net or a rope tied to each post.
Playing in cold weather is not that uncommon.
Weather below 40 is cold but if you wear layers and use fingerless
gloves you can still have a good time. I’ve met a lot of top level
players from our area and in cold countries overseas. Everyone I’ve
met who has played outside in winter weather. Sure it’s not for
every one but think of all the open courts. Keep in mind that balls
don’t bounce as well at cold temperatures. This actually helps you
develop better ball control.
Rent
indoor time.
You don’t have to sign up for lessons just to play tennis. If you
live near a club that doesn’t require membership you can rent courts
as a group. Get a group of 4 or 5 players together and rent 1
½ or 2 hours of court time. It costs less per person and you can
still have a good time. Set up a rotation so everyone plays just
like we do in the SCJTL Summer and Indian Summer League.
Some clubs have rules posted that allow only up to 4 players on a
court. If so, one player can wait in the lobby while the others play
then rotate in. You can go out afterward and get a bite to eat, go
to a movie, or do whatever as a group. Suggestion: if your parents
leave you at the club on your own remember to act responsibly and
follow club rules so you don’t get hassled when you do this again.
No
one to play with; USE THE WALL!
Here’s a good routine to follow:
Back
board drill:
Draw a
line 3’6” across the wall.
Warm up
hitting slow paced shots at least 3 feet high about the line. Focus
on the ball and your movement while warming up.
Try to
hit minimum of 35 to 50 shots without interruption.
Drill:
Series of
specific drill each with a minimum goal of 25 shots without
interruption. If you miss before your goal do it over again but
attempt only 3 times.
Forehands
Backhands
Intervals:
These
should be done continuously:
3 forehands > 3 backhands <- 10 times
2
forehands > 2 backhands <- 10 times
1 forehand > 1 backhand <- 10 times
Do the
same with volleys.
Serve
and first shot drill:
Serve the
ball and play first shot (directional of course) to a target on the
wall.
Try
standing closer every time you easily meet your goal.
You can
even try serve and volley this way.
Variations:
Focus on
one type of spin at a time or even mixing it up in increments.
3 basic
shots:
Topspin
Backspin
High looping shot
This
should take about an hour and your racquet control should improve
dramatically.
The main goal is to play as much as possible. The more time you
spend on the court the more likely you will improve your game when
the warm weather returns and the outdoor season starts.
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