The Tennis Coach

Bad News Tennis Coach Fans…

thetenniscoach — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:05:29 +0000

Shortly after filming this video (Sunday 10/11/09) I attended tennis practice that Monday, the 12th, and ended up breaking my right wrist. It is uncertain as to whether I will need surgery to repair the damage or not, but I am hoping not, I’m already out long enough. I will do the best I can do get more footage on here but can’t promise anything due to the current nature of my health…

The Trophy Pose and The Cobra Strike

thetenniscoach — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:01:45 +0000

It’s that time, I am finally getting my first video out there. I finally obtained Final Cut Studio 3 and was able to create this…

In this video I will teach you how to incorporate the Trophy Pose and Cobra Strike into your game…these two additions can greatly increase your serve percentage and overall confidence with your game.

The PowerBase Powers Your Shot

thetenniscoach — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:48:02 +0000

Time for another review…this time it is for the PowerBase Tennis Trainer from SKLZ.

This is a handy little addition to go along with your hopper full of tennis balls. Basically the PowerBase is a weighted circle base with a long elastic string attached to a tennis ball. The point of this is to be able to practice your shots and actually have it seem like someone is hitting back to you. For the most part, this is a great tool to work on your backhand and forehand, however serves can prove to be a problem with this. The string is constantly in your way, making it impossible to serve with your proper technique and form. To practice your serves I suggest you stay with your hopper, and just chase the balls down afterwards.

This is a great little tool for practicing volleys and helping you have more touch at the net. I have found that the best way to practice hitting at the net with this is to set the base on the “T” of the service line and hit from there…that way you will have the force of the ball wrapping over the tap and snapping back at you, just as if someone actually hit it to you.

A major problem with this, minus not being able to practice your serve, is the fact that the balls provided are, quite bluntly, crap. They barely bounce and when they do they are only ankle high. I suggest you make your own balls for this PowerBase out of Penn’s, or Wilson’s…Slazenger or Gamma is probably your best bet for this type of usage. Check out YouTube for some tutorials on how to make them.

SKLZ PowerBase

Tourna Grip’s Gripping Review

thetenniscoach — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:48:26 +0000

Recently I have made the switch to the famous purple Tourna Grip. I still keep my amazing Wilson Pro grips in my bag, but with this addition to my bag, everything feels complete.

This grip is really amazing…not only is it tacky in a sense, but when you sweat, this grip knows it. It takes your sweat and uses it to your advantage…making it tackier. No slipping, no spinning in your hand, no worries.

Sure, well over 100 ATP and WTA pros use it…maybe that’s why I decided to try it. Maybe that’s why you should too. Just give it a shot, if you don’t like it, go back to your old reliable. Trust me though, you wont be disappointed. It’s not everyday that I change a big part of my tennis racket, and game play, the grip is a big part of that. So far this is making the cut with no problem.

Tourna Grip

Check it out cheap at www.tennis-warehouse.com

Jim Ramsey

thetenniscoach — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:57:18 +0000

Saturday started the 2009 Jim Ramsey Open in Carrollton, Kentucky. I played singles against Chris Webster and was able to knock him off 8-4 in a pro set. I also played doubles with Justin Franklin in which we won our first match 6-3 6-3. Our second match was not so good, we lost handily to Jeff Woods and Zach Spencer, 6-3 6-0. Jeff and Zach were the #1 seeded doubles team in this tournament. The next day, Sunday, I played my semi-final match against Ed James and beat him 7-6(8-6), 6-7(4-7), 7-6(7-3)…this allowed me to play in the finals against my rival, Jeff Woods. It was a hard fought match between us both but at the end of the day he prevailed, beating me 4-6, 4-6. I’ll take runner up to man of that character. Congratulations Jeff.

Me, Doug Ramsey, Jeff

Bag Check!

thetenniscoach — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:49:12 +0000

My bag check is very simple…no flashy stuff here. I carry a six racket red Babolat Team Line bag and I always have 3 cans of new Penn tennis balls, two towels; one for me, and the other for my grip. Also I carry two of my tennis rackets, Babolat Aero Storm Tour with Babolat Revenge string at 58lbs. I carry extra grips with me, and use Wilson Pro Overgrip (white), along with at least 3 wristbands, because I sweat a lot. I bring two extra shirts, because a quick shirt change gets that heavy sweaty shirt off you, and lets you feel fresh and ready to pound the ball. My shoes never touch the outside of the tennis court, and they are Babolat All-Court III with mesh inserts for good air flow.

Grand Opening

thetenniscoach — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:47:06 +0000

This is the grand opening of The Tennis Coach. plan on attempting to better your understanding of the game and the proper form used in each shot on the tennis court. Along with some advice to mentally prepare yourself for each match. I will attempt to get an instructional video on here each week of a different shot and proper form for each. Including, but not limited to, foot work, arm work, and body movement. I will also try to post breaking tennis news and even reviews on new products.

For my credibility, please check in the “About” page…

Please continue to check back for updated postings and video previews of what is to come. And remember, it’s a game, get out there and play!