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his book is one of the most comprehensive guides to women’s tennis ever written . It is unique because it is the first to separate the tactics used in the women’s game from those used in the men’s game . There are significant differences between the two sexes in the way the game is played today, and the specific requirements for female tennis players now need to be studied in their own right . Women’s Tennis Tactics does exactly this .
Women’s Tennis Tactics will help players, coaches, and parents who are involved in women’s tennis at all levels . It provides fascinating insight into the various tactics that are used by today’s top players, offers tactical solutions to the challenges that all players face during matches, and will help the aspiring player to develop a game style based on her own specific strengths . It also includes numerous coaching tips and drills that can be used to improve the understanding and execution of each tactic.
Each of the five game situations in tennis is studied in a separate chapter (serving, returning, playing from the baseline, approaching and playing at the net, and opposing the net player) .The most commonly used tactics within each of these game situations are discussed, both in singles and doubles, and a relevant practice drill is recommended with each one . Discussion of doubles play is indicated in the text by the double-racket icon . Each chapter also includes suggestions for how to record tactical information to help a player develop her game for the future .
Chapter 1 studies the tactical options for a player when serving . It discusses the key differences between the first and second serve and how these affect a player’s ability to control the game . Crucially, it shows how a player can use an effective serve in a number of winning patterns of play and how she can improve a weaker one and use it to neutralise the potential threat of an opponent .
The return of serve is arguably the most important shot in women’s tennis today, and chapter 2 devotes time to helping a player use this shot to great advantage . Again, the varying tactical options between the first and second serve return are analysed, along with the returner’s choice of second shot with each . The differences between facing a right- and left-handed server are also considered in addition to the key physical and mental skills that are required to return effectively.
Chapter 3 helps a player build an advantage from the baseline, use her best attacking shot to finish the point with, and defend effectively when under pressure .This is done by improving her consistency, accuracy, and variety of shot when playing from the back, as well as developing the best possible court position and a proactive, problem-solving mentality.
The ways female players are approaching and playing at the net have changed in recent years; these methods are discussed in detail in chapter 4 . Crucially, a player will learn how to use the instinctual approach, as well as the more traditional planned approach, when attacking the net . This chapter highlights the various shots players can use with these two tactics, along with the anticipatory skills that are required . It also addresses the volley and smash options available to a player once she is at the net .
Chapter 5 considers the choices a player faces when her opponent plays at the net . Knowing when and where to hit the passing shot is vital, as well as understanding when best to use the aggressive and defensive lob . Helping a player make these tactical decisions is central to this chapter, along with discussing the movement required to play these shots most effectively.
Chapter 6 helps a player build her own game style by progressing through the four key stages of tactical development . This includes highlighting specific patterns of play, as well as making smart tactical decisions and problem-solving effectively. This chapter also suggests ways for coaches and parents to ‘hand over’ more responsibility to a player when the time is right . All of these factors will help a player improve her game significantly
Women’s Tennis Tactics is a comprehensive resource that can be used by anyone involved in the women’s game .It will help the promising junior as much as the seasoned pro, and it offers coaches and parents the insight they need to help their players succeed on their tennis journeys .
