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Absolute Tennis (Marty Smith, 2017) — Chapter 12 Future Strokes

Source file: 1._Absolute_tennis.pdf.txt

Domain: biomechanics / future-strokes

Tier: reports/tier-1-high-value-gaps

Used in artifact: artifacts/reports/tier-1-high-value-gaps.md

Abstract

Smith proposes three strokes for future generations: Overlapping Dual Forehand, Reverse Serve, Volleyball Serve. Plus Hybrid Backhand. Argument: tennis will become faster, more athletic, and the serve more essential.

Key points

  • Overlapping Dual Forehand — both hands on racket, more power, time, and reach.
  • Reverse Serve — opposite-side serving motion for variety.
  • Volleyball Serve — higher contact point, adds racket speed.
  • Hybrid Backhand — player can switch hands mid-stroke.
  • Tennis will become faster, more athletic, and the serve more essential.

Raw dump (first ~1000 words)

Absolute Tennis Copyright � 2017 by Marty Smith All Rights Reserved. ISBN: 978-1937559748 Published by New Chapter Press, 1175 York Ave, Suite #3s New York, NY 10065 Randy Walker, Managing Partner RWalker@NewChapterMedia.com www.NewChapterMedia.com Distributed by the independent Publishers Group in Chicago (www.IPGBook.com) Follow on Facebook and on Twitter at @TennisAbsolute Follow the author on Twitter at @MartySmithAT For more information, also go to www.absolutetennis.net Copy editing by Jennifer DeLeonardo Design by Kirsten Navin The cover and back cover portrait are courtesy of Chris Nicholson Interior photos are courtesy of Chris Nicholson, Lance Jeffrey, Ron Lopinto, Marty Smith and via Shutterstock and Wiki Images. Illustrations by Sean Flanagan Printed in the United States CONTENTS Foreword Preface Balance Kinetic Chain Movement Grips Serve Return of Serve Forehand Backhand Drop Shot and Lob Approach Shot Volleys Future Strokes Singles Doubles Psychology Fitness Source FOREWORD � � � BY FRED STOLLE Tennis players move up, back, left, and right at varying speeds with different types of footwork. They hit the ball fast or slow, deep or short, high or low, flat or with heavy spin. They play against a variety of opponents whose style of play can range from relentlessly aggressive to incredibly patient. During a match, emotions can quickly swing up and down and concentration may fade in and out. The spectrum of physical and mental skills required in tennis is broad, so when Marty Smith told me about his plan to write a comprehensive tennis instructional book, I thought it was a terrific idea. His book Absolute Tennis appreciates the wide-ranging nature of the sport and is a great read for tennis enthusiasts both new and experienced to the game. Acknowledging the fact that tennis is a very athletic game, Marty starts by discussing balance, the kinetic chain, and movement. Next, he takes you through grips and each phase of every stroke, giving you insights to improve your technique and play your best tennis. At each step, he pairs his instructional text with engaging individual and frame-by-frame photographs of the world's top players to illustrate his explanations. Federer's serve, Nadal's forehand, Djokovic's return, and Murray's backhand are a few of the strokes that are highlighted. Marty discusses not only the strokes of today, but also explores strokes that may be used in the future. Viewing tennis through the prism of the game's increasing speed, athleticism, and serving prowess, he explains how swings could evolve and makes a compelling case for three unconventional shots. Following the chapters on the key athletic principles and the strokes, Marty dedicates the last third of the book to strategy, the mind, and fitness. Successful tennis players "think" well on the court and his chapters on singles and doubles strategy provide tips on how to play smart. Additionally, his extensive chapters on psychology and fitness will teach you how to focus the mind to compete in a more consistent and confident manner as well as how to train your body to move faster and last longer. Back in my day, we did not have access to advice on psychology, stretching, nutrition, etc. that are now such an important part of training for the elite athlete. Marty's goal is absolutely clear. He wants to teach you a tremendous amount, all while entertaining you with his holistic, practical, and forward approach to tennis. So read on to gain a deeper understanding of tennis and learn how to improve different parts of your game. If you put his advice into action, you will have more fun on the court and win more, just as his many students over his decades of coaching have done. PREFACE I was once coaching a determined 11-year-old named Katy, who was frustrated by one particular aspect of her game: her backhand, an awkward shot that often went into the net. "Marty," she told me, "I can't hit backhands." Wanting to lift her spirits and bring back her enjoyment of the game, I taught her a new approach to her baseline game, a shot that I call the Overlapping Dual Forehand. Almost immediately, Katy began to make more solid contact, sending the ball confidently over the net. Today, she considers this new shot her secret weapon, and she's energized by tennis and excited by her growing skill. As I see it, Katy's experience is one to which tennis players of all ages around the world can relate. It's a story of hitting a roadblock and knowing that you are not yet the player you can be. Then, you get get a game-changing in-sight. It could be instruction on how to hit a different type of groundstroke, a new wrist movement or stance on the serve, or advice on how to better understand and refine a traditional stroke. Or your breakthrough could come from a ess obvious angle, like guidance for improving your inner monologue or fitness. We all have the ability to take that step forward, sometimes we just need the right information. I hope this book provides you with it. Absolute Tennis covers a wide range of topics. That's because I believe tennis players who possess a well-rounded knowledge of the game not only understand and appreciate it better, but also are more likely to take the right course of action to improve the fastest. You can read the book cover to cover or use it as a quick reference when needed. So, for example, if you're working on your serve, you can refer to Chapter Five. Or, for a more methodical (and recommended) approach to improving your game, you can work through the book from beginning to end. To help you understand the text, I have included more than 500 narrated photos of the world's best players and numerous side tips I call "Coach's Boxes." I also reference the top pros for learning lessons and provide a list of exercises at the end of each chapter to invigorate your practice sessions or boost your fitness. Setting up for my favorite baseline shot -- the forehand.