Dave Forman: Why did I miss that shot?

That's the question I am asked most often.

There are many possible causes — preparation, backswing, footwork, contact point and follow through. However, the simple answer is that it all relates to how the racquet hits the ball.

David Forman

There are three factors you must coordinate in order for the ball go in the desired direction and travel the desired distance: the ANGLE of the racquet, the DIRECTION in which the racquet is heading and the SPEED of the racquet head at impact. To help you remember these factors, think ADS (Angle, Direction, and Speed). The combination of these factors can get very complicated but for now, let’s keep it simple.

For ground strokes, the angle of the racquet head should be vertical or straight up and down. The direction of the racquet is moving towards the target in a low to high arc. This low to high direction produces topspin, which lifts the ball over the net and causes it to drop into the court. The speed of the racquet head should be greater the further away you are from the net. Higher speed is produced by increasing the length of your swing (9 to 12 feet) and accelerating the racquet head throughout the motion, even after contact is made. This combination should be used most often with your groundstrokes.

For volleys, the racquet head is angled such that the top is leaning toward the rear of the court and is moving in the direction toward the intended target. The racquet moves in a moderate arc from high to low. Note that this is not so severe as to produce a chopping motion. The speed of the racquet head is much less than the groundstroke with a much shorter swing. This combination gives you the time to react and the precision to place the ball where you want.

A lengthier discussion is needed to more properly describe the impact of each of the ADS factors. Stay tuned for the next installment when we go into more detail about the ANGLE of the racquet at impact.

Head Demo Day is now Wednesday, July 9

G.T.C. has rescheduled a demo day for Head racquets. Head is introducing new Airflows with new technology called “crossbow.”

Demo day will be Wednesday, July 9 from 11 to 11:45 p.m. Best of all, the event it is free. Please call if interested in attending the event.

QuickStart Tournament will be Aug. 3

QuickStart Tournament will be held at Green Tennis Club on August 3. It’s a tournament for 10 and under and 8 and under. Pizza will be provided. The courts are age appropriate and the scoring will follow the QuickStart format. The cost is $10 per player. Singles and doubles divisions will be offered. If you have any questions, call Keith at 330-699-5028.

Rookie Net Tournament

G.T.C will host two Rookie Net Non-Elimination Tournaments for unranked/novice players. This is a fun-filled and exciting tournament for unranked tennis players to test their skills in a tournament without worrying about being eliminated. The first is for Boys 12 and Girls 12 and under division. It will be Aug. 10. The second is the Boys 14 and Girls 14 and under division. It will be held Aug. 17. If you have any questions, free feel to call Keith at 330-699-5028

Any Interest in an Adult Tournament?

If so, call the desk at 330-699-5028 and let us know.

July Tournaments

Junior Tournament
July 17-20
Shady Hollow Country Club
Deadline: July 13
Note: non-sanctioned tournament.
Recommended by Keith Ginnetti

Akron Open Championship -Adult Tournament
July 31
Deadline is July 24
Recommended by Keith Ginnetti
Tournament ID # 856401008

See the Men’s Tournament in Cincinnati

The Green Tennis Club is collaborating with Shady Hollow Country Club again this year to organize a trip to Mason, Ohio, for the Master Series on Tuesday July 29. If interested, please call Keith for details.

Dickerhoof Excels in Tournaments

Congratulations to Mark Dickerhoof (right) for being in both finals of the SpringSide Junior Championship and the Paramount Summer Fest Junior Open in the Boys-12-and-Under Division.

Mark beat the Nos. 2 and 3 seeds to reach the finals of the SpringSide Tournament. G.T.C is proud of Mark’s accomplishments. Keep up the good work!

Mark and his family attend our Cardio Tennis drills every Tuesday and Saturday.

Summer Camps Drawing Youths from All Over

We are half way through our tennis camps this summer. We were encouraged to have so many juniors from so many different areas. Green, Hoover, Ellet, Manchester, Hoban, Wadsworth, Tallmadge, Norton, Hoban, St.Vincent/ St Mary were represented.

Meet the Topspins: The Topspin Lob

By Keith Ginnetti

Keith Ginnetti

Last month, I talked about the loop topspin. The loop ball travels 6 to 9 feet above the net and pushes the opponent back away from the baseline.

The topspin shot is hit higher than the loop. It is hit about 12 to 16 feet above the net. It’s an offensive shot. The aim is to force the opponent into a weak return. It’s a great way to keep the net person guessing. It also keeps the net person off the net and away from picking off easy volleys. Great baseliners will conceal their topspin lob from being revealed.

Quote of the Month

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal — a commitment to excellence — that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”

Mario Andretti