Strokes – How To Consistently Clear The Net With A Two-Handed Backhand

As a coach, I’ve realized that one of the most important things I can do, is remind my students of the basics.  That’s right, the simple stuff, how to clear the net, how to prevent hitting beyond the baseline.  You might be thinking, yeah, but I know the simple stuff, I’ve heard it before, after all, I’ve been playing tennis for years.  However, it’s important for me as your coach to keep reminding you of the simple stuff.  Listed below are some of my reasons for doing so:
1.)  If you are not reminded of the basics you may start to get sloppy, and forget how to get back on track when your game starts to get a little derailed.
2.)  When a player really knows and understands the basics (he or she really owns them) they view them for what they are, valuable knowledge that empowers them ‘to fix’ any problems they may encounter during a match.
3.)  It helps a player come to the realization that all players, Federer included, need to keep reminding themselves of the basics, and when you don’t dismiss the basics as, “Oh man, I’ve heard this before”, but as something valuable, as something that even the top players gladly accept.  Remember, the basics are what helped you establish a solid foundation as a player.  Appreciate them and continue to remind yourself, you’ll be in good company, Federer included.

The above lesson was with a 4.0 player who had been playing tennis for 5 years.