Coach Kevin McClure Answers Your Tennis Questions

Two weeks ago, we asked readers to submit their tennis questions to coach Kevin McClure of The Tennis Podcast.

Kevin McClure, the host of The Tennis Podcast, is the director of tennis for Sport Fit Bowie Racquet in Bowie, Md.

“How important is the type of racket to new players of tennis? What would be the minimum specs one should look for in purchasing a racket? Is there much difference if the person is old or a teenager?” – Stewpot

First, new tennis players, as in just getting started or a beginner should simply purchase a standard length racquet (27”) with strings in it. A $20 racquet would be fine. Let’s find out if one enjoys the game before investing in an expensive racquet.

Second, after mastering the basic skills of contacting the ball and keeping a rally, the player will begin to develop strength and coordination. This will allow the player to notice the difference between a light-weight racquet with loose strings and a solid graphite racquet with tighter strings. Perhaps a mid-plus to oversized graphite frame would be appropriate (as long as it isn’t too heavy).

Third, once the player is developing hand strength and hence controlled racquet head speed, they will appreciate a little more weight and a few more “feel” technologies found in the more expensive frames.

One’s age will affect strength and racquet swing length. Therefore, many older players fork over the extra dough for a more powerful racquet. Power is greater with longer string length, wider body racquets and greater weight. Most “power racquets” are lighter but have a very wide-body design (the frame thickness) to allow the frame to feel solid without the extra weight.

This, by the way, is why the “power racquets” cost more. The larger the frame and thinner the materials (to keep it light), the higher the quality of the graphite/carbon used to keep the racquet from breaking.

“As a beginner, what drills should I be doing to improve my tennis game.” – Lael

Beginners should use foam balls or low-compression balls and hit from inside the service line. As your skills develop, go more with the low-compression balls inside of a 60 foot court (new baseline about half-way between the service line and the original baseline). You’ll find that your games will be more fun and your rallies longer. Therefore, you’ll improve faster.

Beginners should play as many fun games as possible with friends. Enjoy the game! If you find a friend that wants to improve as quickly as possible, try to develop consistency, then control over direction, then increased power. Anytime a drill goal creates too many errors, simplify in order to increase the number of hits per series. Slow down the pace of the ball or simplify ball direction or create a larger target area.

“How do you get a good forehand?” – Bradley

Bradley,

Wow, that might be a whole book on its own!

Most coaches agree on some basic principles:
*The grip should be a semi-western. Although not followed stringently.
*The player should learn the open-stance as a primary set-up position for striking the ball. Although, the player should know and utilize the other stances when appropriate. I teach at least 5 footwork patterns, 3 right away.
*The racquet should start about shoulder height and drop into a swinging arc that rises up through the contact point.
*The player should develop power from the legs and the midsection pulling the racquet through to contact.
*The follow-through should continue up and over to the left finishing near the left shoulder.

Beyond that, work on controlling the racquet head while learning to increase racquet head speed. This just takes practice. Check out Dr. Ray Brown’s site for more on power forehands at www.theeasiacademy.com.

“I’m 55 years old and have lived a sedentary life. Where should I start when learning to play tennis.” - Gwen

Gwen,

Hmmm. Hopefully, tennis will help you get out more.

Check out my answer to Lael’s question about beginner drills as well.

If you’re just learning tennis, be sure to find a class or pro that is interested in teaching you with fun in mind and a solid foundation on technique. It’s best to find a pro that has a PTR or USPTA professional certification.

Also, the Cardio Tennis classes are a lot of fun and a great way to get fit. I recommend getting a heart monitor wrist watch like the ones from Polar to insure that you are not overworking yourself and that you stay in your optimum heart beat range (65-85% of maximum). Maximum heart beat is calculated by taking 220 and subtracting your age.

Be sure to develop from closer in to the net and work your way back. Start simple and gradually you will be able move back, hit harder and move quicker. There are a couple places that have systems of development that are very simple to get started with — www.ez-tennis.com or www.revolutionarytennis.com.

You can also check out my podcast and blog with its instruction at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=279149933.

Thank you Kevin and all the readers who submitted questions!

This article is part of On the Baseline’s Tennis 101 series. Please click here to find the rest of the series.