Muse back!
May 08, 2008 / Thursday
Tennis Basics
It's been interesting, working out the rust. I don't look like a n00b out there; I look very obviously rusty. My swings have decent form, but bad timing. I have the right idea behind my shots, but can't quite execute. It's amazing how many simple things I have to relearn.
The biggest thing is that I can't expect to be able to do what I used to. Last week, I figured out that I had to hit everything at partial strength; full strength would just launch the ball over the baseline. Patience, me, patience.
Last Saturday, after watching me rip a bunch of backhands into the net, Carolyn noted that my racquet face was closed. Well, whaddaya know, I was aiming the ball into the net. Go figure. Too much racquet turn getting into the backhand grip. I opened the racquet face up a bit and all of a sudden the ball started landing in the court. Thanks, Carolyn!
Today, after about half an hour of hitting with my coworker, I figured out that I should be making contact with the ball ahead of my body on ground strokes. Suddenly, my forehands had more pace, spin, and accuracy. Now, to get the timing and footwork down so I can actually hit the ball when it's in the right place.
I have to keep reminding myself to keep my eye on the ball. I'm particularly bad about it at the net, which more often than not leads to pathetic volleys. It's sad, really, given how much I loved volleying. I hope to love it again someday.
I'm glad I'm actually using my impulse buy tennis racquet. :)
Comments
if you need rusty person to hit with, let me know :-)
Posted by: -april at May 9, 2008 07:34 AM
Oh yes, I definitely do. Let's play!
Posted by: Viv at May 9, 2008 09:15 AM