Jared,
Without actually seeing your strokes here is the best answer I can give. If you are hitting most of the balls into the net it sounds like your racquet is not getting below the ball before contact. To get a “loopier” forehand you must make sure your racquet gets below the ball before contact and then your finish if up high across your body. Giving your non-hitting hand a job like catching your racquet on the follow through will help this finish.
The other difference in the stroke will be your contact point. To hit with a semi-western or even a western forehand grip you must make sure your contact point is well in front of your body. Mix this with the new racquet head drop and your forehand should become “loopier”.

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Ques:
I am trying to switch to a two-handed backhand, however, I am forever either driving the ball short into the net or hitting the fence. Any thoughts on what I could do to keep it in the court? Erica from Hillside, NY

Erica,
Since you are use to hitting one-handed when you swing with two hands the hand that is pushing the racquet forward on the swing is your dominant hand (for an example let’s say you are right handed.) Your two-handed backhand is really just a left-handed forehand. The right hand is there for support, and to help guide the racquet but should not provide any of the swing. Concentrate on making your two-handed swing fluid with a strong push through the stroke with your left hand and full follow-through across your body. The two-handed backhand should have a nice hip and shoulder turn in the stroke, whereas the one-handed stroke has no hip or shoulder turn.

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Ques:
What is the general strategy for protecting the line in doubles? Do you stand closer or further away depending upon whether your side is serving or receiving? Kyle from New Rochelle, NY

Kyle,
Firstly the positioning of the net person depending on your team serving or receiving. If your team is serving the net person should be about half way between the service line and the net and about two steps away from the center service line. This way in one step you can cover the line and you are also in a good position to poach balls through the middle.
If your team is receiving the net person should be at the service line and about one step away from the center service line. This position on the court is called the “hot seat.” The net person on the receiver’s side should be watching the other net person. This way if the opponent’s net person poaches the “hot seat” player has a little more time to react. If the “hot seat” player sees his opponent stay still during the return then the “hot seat” player becomes activated and can close in to the net.
As for a general strategy for guarding the line it is my belief that you shouldn’t worry about the return up the line until your opponents prove they can make that shot. Then once they prove they can “keep you honest” by hitting up the line you can take a step towards the line to cover it a little better.

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Ques:
I use a semi-western grip on my groundstrokes. Should I be changing my grip when coming into the net to volley? If so, does the grip change depend upon what kind of shot I anticipate hitting next? Dan from Bayside, NY

Dan,
You must only use a semi-western grip on your forehand stroke, and for high balls at the net that grip is fine. Once the ball gets below the level of the net then you must either change your grip to a backhand grip or rotate your wrist so your strings are facing up enabling the ball to get over the net. The answer to your question is “no” you do not need to change your grip but for comfort of your wrist you may want to change your grip on the low volleys, so the grip change can depend on the type of shot you anticipate hitting.

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Ques:
I noticed that the players always change after the first game of a match, but don’t take a break, what is the rule for switching and taking breaks ? Jeff from Manhattan
Jeff,
This is a relatively new rule. It used to be that a break was taken after the first game of a match but it makes sense that the breaks begin after the 3rd game and not the 1st. After only one game, there is not a need for the players to sit down and take a break. After the 1st game, the breaks and changes continue as in the past after every odd game in the set.

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Ques:
I really enjoy reading the questions and answers in your column. I was watching some doubles at the US Open this year and noticed that some teams use the I-formation when serving. Do you recommend this for club level players ? Eddie from Parsipinny, NJ
Eddie,
The I-formation can be used effectively by club level players but the roles and responsibilities must be well understood. The key to effective teamwork is communication and both the server and his/her partner at the net must practice this formation so that they are confident in making it work. One of the advantages for club level players is that not a lot of their opponents will not have experience in returning against the I-formation. This alone will be an advantage. One of the very best resources for doubles players on how to play effectively, including the I-formation, is a video available through Human Kinetics called Doubles Tennis Tactics Video. You can order it by calling 800-747-4457.

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Ques: I noticed that Serena Williams grunts out loud when hitting a ball. Does this help her swing faster ? Alissa from Rego Park

Alissa,
It is important, in all sports, during the exertion phase that an aggressive exhalation occurs. This is often accompanied by some verbal expression. Some players overdo the grunt and there is debate as to when this is a distraction to their opponent(s). We recommend to our players that they practice effective breathing patterns that include a strong emphasis on breathing out during the hitting phase but we do not want them to overdo the sound effects.

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Ques:
When hitting a slice backhand, what are a few of the key things one should keep in mind to execute the shot properly ? Ted from Boca Raton, Fla

Ted,
One of the keys to hitting an effective baseline slice is to stabilize the hitting plane. This usually necessitates a grip change. Whether the forehand or backhand is being used, most players prefer a hand position on the racquet that approximates a continental grip. I like to have players visualize the swing pattern as a “banana”. This insures that they swing through the ball vs chopping down. If you pay attention to players that slice on the backhand, you will notice much less body rotation than on a topspin drive. The hips and shoulders stay sideways through the hitting phase.

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Ques:
I am an avid 4.5 player and notice that when the pros hit a ball on the backhand or forehand they seem to finish by rotating their bodies around so that they are square to the net. Is this done consciously or is it just a proper follow through on hitting the shot correctly ? Rick from Somersett, NJ

Rick,
Your observation is fairly astute. I have a few comments. As much as 80% of the forehands hit by touring pros are hit from an open stance. They load up on the outside foot so that they can push-off during the hitting phase. This stance allows them to “torque” the upper body, which increases their power. The times that players step through on the forehand is when they have started their hitting action in a square stance. The drive off the back leg carries the hitting side forward. Though the open stance has gained some popularity on the backhand, especially by the two-handers on the return of serve, we notice more players beginning their baseline backhand in a square stance and then stepping through with the back foot during the hitting phase. In answer to your question, it is the application of sound bio-mechanical principles that has the players facing the net at the end of most groundstrokes, especially those involving a lot of force. Another feature that favors ending the stroke with both feet facing the net is that recovery after the shot is facilitated from this position.

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Ques:
I am only 5 feet 4 inches tall and I have a hard time serving. Am I better off trying to jump up while serving the ball ? Matthew from Coram, LI

Matthew,
Though size has come to be an advantage for certain game styles, some shorter players have had tremendous success. Remark that the #1 player in the world, Lleyton Hewitt, is not a tall player. Amanda Coetzer, who I trained for many years, was ranked in the top 10 in the world and she was just over 5 feet tall. I think it is possible for you to develop an effective serve by combining placement and spin to help give you advantages. Sjeng Schalken, a top 20 ATP tour player and semi-finalist at the US Open, does not hit his serve with much power despite his height (6’3”). He gains all his advantage through placement and spin.
You may develop a serve that has you leave the ground but it should not be a conscious jump. It should be a result of the push against the ground to get an effective drive that gets transferred through the bodies “linked system” which eventually translates into more power. Note: Schalken has very little knee bend and leg drive which is probably a contributing factor to his less powerful serve.

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Ques:
My racket seems to always twist out of my hind when hitting a forehand. Should I be squeezing the racket when contacting the ball ?Jeff from Farmingdale, LI

Jeff,
A firm grip without consciously squeezing the racquet is a good habit to develop, but your problem really stems from off-center contact. Using your forehand grip held relatively relaxed, have someone hold the tip of your racquet. Have them then hit the racquet in the “sweet spot” with a ball held in their hand. You will notice that, even with a relatively loose grip, the racquet will not rotate in your hand. Now, set up the same situation except this time hit the racquet off-center. You will notice that with the loose grip the racquet slipped in your hand. Do the same thing with a very firm grip and close your eyes. This time have the other person hit the racquet face off center without telling you if they are going to hit on the topside or the bottom side away from the “sweet spot”. You will notice that the racquet will have a very strong tendency to twist. Can you imagine the rotational forces that are created by an off center hit when a ball is travelling 60, 70 or 80 miles an hour?

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Ques:
I constantly miss easy volleys at the net. Are there any good hand-eye coordination drills you could recommend so that I can improve in this area ? Mike from Buffalo, NY

Mike,
Your misses could be caused by a variety of factors. One thing I would suggest is to simplify your movement and insure that the racquet is set early and ahead of the body. The next thing I would do is to insure that you volley first with your feet before using your racquet. By moving through the ball, there is a better chance that your racquet face will remain stable and you will make better contact. Try to keep your action simple and you should notice a remarked improvement.

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Ques:
I use a semi-western grip on my forehand. Should I always switch to a continental grip when approaching the net to make either a backhand or forehand volley.David from Great Neck, NY

David,
Effective volleyers are very good at adapting their volley action to the situation. They execute a drop volley very differently to a swing volley. It is usually the action that dictates the hand position. High volleys down the line will many times involve a grip that is more similar to a forehand grip whereas a short cross-court volley on a low ball will surely favor a continental grip. My suggestion is that you move to the net with a continental grip and then make grip variations on a need basis from the continental grip. That way you are always prepared to handle low volleys and generally you will have more time to change grips for high volleys or swing volleys.

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Ques:
I play recreational doubles. My question is when you poach a shot should you continue moving to the side of the court you are poaching on or move back to your original postion assuming your poach shot was not hit for a winner ? Thanks. Arlene from Manhattan

Arlene,
Generally, I would advise continuing your movement to the other side. If you are poaching by signal or command, your partner is expecting you to move and he or she will cover behind you. As such, they are expecting you to cover the other side. In the case that you poach by reaction and not by signal/command, then you may feel more responsible to cover back if you did not hit a winner.

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Ques:
What kind of grip should I be using to return serve ? Ted from Hicksville

Ted,
You may want to begin with a continental grip. This will facilitate a slice return off either side in the case of a difficult return. At the same time, a continental grip necessitates a smaller grip change to either your forehand or backhand. Your usual drive or topspin grip will dictate the degree of change that you will have to make.

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Ques:
I keep hearing that early racquet preparation is important, however, when I watch most professional matches on TV, rarely do I see the pros executing early racquet preparation. Instead, they mostly seem to bring their racquets back after the ball has crossed the net and later in certain cases. Thanks in advance for your answer. Troy from Huntington.

Troy,
The key is an early shoulder turn. After that, the player should adapt the backswing to create a rhythmical, well timed stroke. The timing of the backswing changes depending on the speed of the ball being received. For instance, on the return of serve the shoulder turn and backswing occur simultaneously whereas in a ground stroke exchange, a player may turn and take a few steps before the backswing begins.
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Ques:
I watch Venus and Serena Williams hitting completely open forehand and backhands. Is this only recommended for someone with their power, or is it the “new” way to play. Susan from Stony Brook

Susan,
Open stance strokes have been around for some time but today most top players forehands are hit from an open stance. It is really of function of your level, the situation and your grip. A baseline player hitting a forehand with a semi-western grip will gain a number of advantages by using an open stance. Without being overly technical, the open stance forehand provides for better upper body rotation and recovery. Meanwhile, the backhand open stance is often utilized by two-handers on a serve return or on a shot that does not allow for a lot of preparation. Usually, we recommend building better leg and upper body strength to maximize the potential of the open stance.
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Ques:
When do you know it is the right time to come to the net to volley. Mike from Great Neck

Mike,
A player may or may not come to the net by design. All-court players usually look for situations that will allow them to move to the net to gain the advantage. Most of the time this will be in response to a short ball. At other times, the all-court player will anticipate an opponent’s weak return off a wide angle to the backhand. They will sneak in and try to set up for a winning volley. By developing your transition skills, such as approach shots, you will recognize the opportunities to come to the net.
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Ques:  
How do you watch a match to get the most out of it? Linda from Hauppauge.

Linda,
The best place to watch a match is from an elevated position behind the baseline. As well, it is easiest to focus on the player at your end of the court. Have a structure for your match analysis or you will become a spectator. You should learn to watch the player and not the ball. So much of what is important occurs while the ball is coming towards your player or after it has left their racquet. Here is an example of a structure for the return of serve. Study the rituals, preparatory footwork & split step, movement to the ball, shoulder turn, racquet preparation, timing, balance at impact, shot selection, return patterns and recovery. It is also good to watch the players between points. This will tell you a lot about their mental state.
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Ques:
I hit with a two-handed backhand, yet I never seem to hit the ball cleanly with the power that I would like. What can you suggest? Robbie from Melville

Robbie,
Good timing is an essential element of good strokes. I would suggest a progression that starts with good balance at contact. With a very short backswing, try to generate racquet head speed from the shoulders and arms while keeping your head in good alignment. Gradually increase the amount of backswing by adding more shoulder rotation and extending the arms back. Start with easier balls that allow you to set up and give you a chance to hit the ball cleanly. Make sure you add appropriate topspin so that you control your power.
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Ques:
In doubles, when the players are about to start a point, why is it that the two net players are at different distances from the net? Mitchell from Bayside

Mitchell,
The partner of the server starts nearer the net because he/she has an opportunity to cut-off/poach any weak return. The receiver’s partner plays further back and to the middle to protect against the net player. This position, called the “hotseat”, is not a fixed position. Once the return gets past the opposing net player, the hotseat player moves in to assume a more offensive net position and the opposing net player recovers back to the middle. Each time the ball gets past the net player, there should be a positional adjustment of the players at the net.
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Ques:
In singles is the proper recovery position always the center of the baseline for every shot? Nicholas from Rocky Point

Nicholas,
The only time you should recover to the middle of the baseline on a baseline exchange is if you hit the ball down the middle. The rest of the time you should return to the point on the baseline that bisects the possible angle of return. This assumes that there is no reason to overplay a weakness or strength. Here is the logic. If your opponent has hit a ball to your forehand and you return the ball cross-court, your opponent could return down the line or that could hit it back cross-court. Assuming the cross-court return could follow a diagonal line that would pass slightly outside of the doubles sideline and the extended baseline, the mid-point of this angle is about 3 feet to the near side of the center mark. If you watch good players in a baseline exchange, you will remark a lot more cross-court shots in the pattern. It is this shorter recovery that is one of the most important stimulants to hit the ball cross-court.
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Ques:
I recently became intrigued with doubles. My question is, what are they always talking to each other about after every point. Michelle from Trumbull, Ct.

Michelle,
A good doubles team communicates effectively. The player deepest in the court is always looking for ways to make their partner more effective at the net. Likewise, the net player is looking for every opportunity to cutoff or poach a return. Players can poach by command, signal, or reaction/anticipation. When the players poach by command, they must meet to confirm their intention. Players have found that a planned, well-communicated strategy/tactic is more likely to occur and both players want to confirm their intentions. Also, players feel that mutual positive comments are important in their success together.
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Ques:
When I am in a singles rally with my opponent, hitting balls crosscourt to each other, how do I know when it is the right time to change it up and go down the line? Thanks. Byron from Little Neck.

Byron,
The key to a strong baseline game is being able to hit a consistent, deep, cross-court shot. In the event that your opponent hits a weak, shorter return, he has given you an opportunity to take the offensive and hit to the open court. By moving in and taking the ball at its highest point, you increase your chances of hitting a ball that your opponent cannot return. Of course, on occasion, you will want to hit a drop shot, a short cross-court angle or “wrong foot” your opponent with a deep cross-court drive.
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Ques:
Are the women taught to hit the ball differently from the men because we have less power? Tanya from Ozone Park

Tanya,
There is very little gender differentiation in today’s training methodology. The women’s game has shown incredible advances in power. We have a number of young girls in our Academy that hit the ball very hard. It is all a function of training along with racquet technology. Sound technique and advances in physical training are the keys to generating power.
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Ques:
Whenever I see my opponent at the net I have a tendency to want to lob over his head. When do you know it’s the right time to lob as opposed to trying to pass him either cross-court or down the line? Rob from Great Neck

Rob,
If your opponent is at the net and you can not make an effective passing shot, it is best to throw up a defensive lob. On the other hand, if you are well balanced and your opponent is not crowding the net, you may elect to hit a counter attacking shot that may be a passing shot or a topspin lob. More passing shots are hit down the line than cross-court. The cross-court pass requires more touch and a better control of spin. The topspin lob is most effective when your opponent is committed to the forecourt. We will always advise you to force your opponent to volley or hit an overhead to beat you. In other words, hit your passing shots or lobs under control and in the court.