How Players Improve

A tennis player has to hit hundreds of balls every week in order to improve their technique and to  “groove their swing”.  At Cy-Ridge Tennis we utilize multiple feeding drills, peer coaching techniques, and a progressive system that isolates targeted muscle memory techniques.

If you were to observe a Cy-Ridge tennis practice, you would see the following:

  • Fundamentals are always a focus.
  • Specialized drills and weekly skill development is foundational in the Cy-Ridge Tennis program.
  • Although less skilled players need more court time, fitness and cardio training is an emphasis for all players.

 

A Progressive System Isolating Target Muscle Memory

Most tennis players and tennis training programs do not teach proper muscle memory technique.

The brain can only learn so much and only at a certain pace. When a new skill is introduced to a player, most of the time the player wants to try to incorporate the new skill right away during match play or even during practice points. This is incorrect.

Tennis is a technical sport. In order for a player to learn proper technique and for it to “stick”, we must slow down considerably the rate at which a player adapts the new skill.

Phase 1: We incorporate “shadow swings” to isolate the problem area or the new skill that is being learned.

Phase 2: Depending on the drill or skill, players will “self feed” a ball and practice the new skill again with high repetition.

Phase 3: A hitting partner or peer will feed balls to the player to further develop the new skill.

Phase 4: The coach or a ball machine will gently feed balls to the player.

Phase 5: The player will drill with a hitting partner by hitting live balls, but in a smaller court area at first – working up to a full court area and playing real points.

 

Drills

Some of the more common drills we are currently utilizing at Cy-Ridge are as follows:

  • Swing fundamental drills and mechanics – we break every element of a proper swing down into very small parts. Once we master the first movement, we then progress to the next in the kinetic chain.
  • The Door Knob Drill – players are forced to learn the topspin motion by hitting a short ball close to the net.
  • The Recovery Drill – players are required to recover quickly after being fed an unpredictable ball. This drill is great for footwork and balance.
  • The 5 ball Drill – players are given a variety of balls including ground strokes, an approach shot, 2 volleys and an overhead. This requires players to put together various shots.
  • The Impossible Drill – this drill is impossible! Players have to hit hard to reach shots alternating from each doubles alley. Great for cardio, balance and footwork.
  • Serving Drills – Players learn the technique required to hit powerful first serves and dependable topspin second serves.
  • Doubles strategy – Players are put in a variety of situations to learn doubles movement and strategy.
  • Hitting Stations – 10 minute rotations between ground stroke work, volleys, serves and drill stations keep players on their toes and exposed to a variety of shots during each practice.
  • Challenge Matches – Fostering competition and respect within the tennis squad itself, challenge matches establish the “ladder of play” and give the players real match practice in between tournaments and tennis meets.
  • A variety of shoulder turn drills, footwork technique, sharpening reaction time, and timing shots are currently being incorporated as well.

 

EXTRA DRILLS and TOUNAMENTS!

Although the Cy-Ridge Tennis program will improve your tennis technique and skill level, becoming a great tennis player requires individual instruction with high repetition of fundamentals. Players are strongly encouraged to do extra drill work and play in tournaments outside of class and scheduled practices.

King’s Court Tennis Academy located on Mueschke Rd. offers year round programs for extra drill work and practice.

Kluge tennis ranch offers weekly  lessons and competition.

 King Daddy Sports offers multiple sites for tennis drill work. 

 USTA is the best way to compete in tournaments all year long. All Cy-Ridge Tennis Players are strongly encouraged to become USTA members and participate in extra tournaments on the weekends.