August 22. 2009
Save Your Court and Your Budget
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Absorbing Power – Borrowing Pace – Returning Jim McLennan At every possible level, there are many ways to play this game. And many points of light in between. Seeing the court, seeing the ball. Moving and hitting. Hitting and moving (recovery). Mastering spin, as both the sender and the receiver. But lately, with the confluence of the the “Roddick Rebound” and the rise of Andy Murray to the second position in the ATP rankings, we see more and more instances where players absorb power from an opponent. And by extension, more and more opportunities where we can accept the opponent’s penetrating shots and go with the flow, as it were. Reading the excellent interview of Larry Stefanki, by Paul Fein (in this issue), I note the following phrases and more as regards his coaching efforts with Andy Roddick. – "We’ve focused a lot on his return of serve." And more so than with any of the work of his previous coaches, Andy is, in fact, playing smarter, more balanced, and once, again making a serious run at another Grand Slam title. Aikido Well, as regards to absorbing power and, in effect, deflecting an opponent’s offense, an interesting parallel can be drawn with Aikido. This martial art is performed by blending with the force and motion of an opponent and redirecting, rather than opposing, the attack head-on – essentially blending with an attacker's movements using minimal effort in order to control his actions. And (it seems to me), more than anyone else in the modern game, the above reference to Aikido is as apt a description of the art and genius of Andy Murray as there is. Always deflecting an attack, disrupting rhythm, using an opponent’s game against himself, Murray plays as the consummate martial artist. Minimum effort. Redirecting. Blending.
Take-aways OK, now to your doubles game, and specifically to your return of an opponent’s big first serve. The most common error at our club, in nearly all divisions, occurs when the receiver takes a big round house swing at the incoming first serve. He or she rarely gets this ball in play, and, in the process, the errant return builds the confidence of the server. For, from the server’s perspective, it certainly is a darn site easier to hold serve when the ball doesn't come back in play.
To cure this, take a page from Andy Murray, the Martial Artist, and the following is as much, if not more, mental than physical or technical. Absorb the incoming ball. Redirect it rather than meet it head on. Position yourself and time the stroke to truly “borrow” the incoming pace. For whether absorbing (Stefanki) or borrowing (Tom Stow – who coincidentally coached Stefanki) the phrase or script tells the whole story. Practice the Return Find a practice partner willing to trade serves and returns. No rallying. No keeping score. Simply 50 serves and 50 returns, then trade positions. Most players over practice rallying skills and overlook the importance of the first touch in a point (either the serve or return). This type of practice in itself will redirect your energies in a positive direction.
Now, to the nuts and bolts. When receiving, position yourself on the baseline; not behind it. Commit to early shoulder turns on both the forehand and backhand sides, with minimal racquet movement. Said another way, do not take the racquet back, that promotes big swings. Simply turn to one side or the other. And, as the ball is coming to you up off the ground, move ever so slightly to and through the hit. Rebounding it more than ripping the cover off the ball. Reviewing Stefanki’s prompts for Roddick – take the ball early, absorb the power, and your confidence will definitely grow. Then commit to one practice session per week where all you do is work on your return of the incoming first serve...and watch your stats go up! As always, we would love to hear from you! Questions, comments, personal experiences all create helpful dialogue for everyone! Please click here to send us your email.
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