What is Power Tennis?
I once asked a college coach at a prominent university what kind of players he was recruiting. He said we are looking for “Hitters and Movers”. Jack Conrad Power Tennis is committed to developing “Hitters and Movers”. The speed of the game is constantly increasing with new advances in conditioning techniques, and no limit in sight for racket and string technology. How do I impress the college coaches and become a “Hitter and Mover”?
1. Develop Biomechanically Efficient Strokes
Learn how to play from your “toenails to your fingernails” by using your body as a linked system. Power starts from the ground. Legs, hips, trunk, shoulder, arms and hands mush move in the correct order. Stroke hitches and incorrect footwork patterns rob you of power.
2. GRIP AND RIP IT!
If you want to “Play Big” you can’t be afraid to miss. Develop the mentality that your are going to play to win rather than not to lose. You win matches at a advanced level by forcing your opponent into mistakes. Hit the ball aggressively, move inside the court when you can, and move the ball around the court to knock your opponent off balance. Use your serve and forehand as weapons!
3. RUN
Tennis is a sprinting sport in which you are constantly changing direction while utilizing sprinting and shuffling skills. Movement starts with the mind. Make a commitment to get to every ball. The service box counts. Get to that ball is lesson number 1.
Look at the commitment of Djokovic, Nadal, Murray and Federer. These guys have taken it to another level. Grand Slam Finals matches can take up to 5 hours to finish. Commit to a training program that includes the following:
• Foot drills
• Interval Sprints
• Strength and Power Training
• Plyometrics
• Flexibility
• Nutrition
• Recovery
Having the speed, stamina, strength and ability to recover between matches is what will give you the confidence you crave.
See you on the courts!
Jack