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Basics

There are seven basic strokes which should be learned. Why have efficient Strokes? The number one reason is to help reduce the occurrence of injuries.
The second reason is to improve performance. Not only do efficient strokes help you conserve energy but also it helps with timing, enabling you to have a long hitting zone so that no matter if you are early or late you are still able to contact the ball in the contact zone.

The Foreground Groundstroke

Learn the basic fundamentals of the foreground ground stroke. What is the ideal grip? Understand why  the shape of the swing should match the shape of the court, which is less then 20 degrees wide; and why the body should be lifting, the center of gravity.

The One Handed Backhand Groundstroke

An eastern backhand grip (1) should be used. A lot of players move the grip over closer to (8) for more topspin, but the drawback of this is on the return of serve. You are able to hit both topspin and under-spin (slice) with one grip – the grip in the right side of 1 (Left side of 1 for lefty’s).

The Two Handed Backhand Groundstroke

The art is in where you start. It’s important to remember the basics when it comes to stroke production. There are three components to consider when working on strokes: the grip, the swing and the body.

The Forehand Volley

The grip – the most controversial point  The preferred grip for the forehand volley is with the grip on 3 for a young child or the grip between 2 and 3. In the 60’s is was known as the Australian grip. It’s been around for a long time, but the most commonly taught grip today is the continental or 2 grip.

One-handed backhand volley

Understanding the different stages of development. A young kid who is learning the game or an adult who is still building their strength should learn to volley with two-hands on the backhand side. It is interesting to note that Pete Sampras volleyed with two-hands as a kid. Once he had developed the strength and correct arm position he switched over to a one-handed backhand volley.

Two-handed backhand volley

The right-hand is on the right side of 1 (left side of 1 for lefty’s) exactly like the one-handed volley. The left, non-dominant, hand in on the middle of L3. You push more with the non-dominant hand. The swing path is a straight line like you are pushing the ball. You want to eliminate the backswing then push forward through the contact point, using your body momentum and the pace of the incoming ball are your power sources.

The Serve

You should use a continental (2) grip. The base knuckle and heal pad should be on 2. Beginners struggle with this grip as they swing directly at their target and do not pronate. So as a result the ball goes directly towards the side fence. The swing is a throwing motion which resembles a figure of eight. But usually when you put a racquet in someone’s hand, it resembles anything but a throw.
A lot of players are taught to scratch their back which is in fact a myth which will really inhibits ones serve development.

The Overhead

The overhead is an abbreviated serve. Most people are afraid to come to net because they either don’t trust their volleys or they don’t want to be lobbed. In order to be comfortable at the net it’s important to have an efficient reliable overhead.

Hitting the ball Inside Out

Videos illustrating how to correctly hit the ball inside out. (Forehand and Backhand) The hand should go away from the body.

Open versus Closed

Videos illustrating the similarities and differences between the open stance and closed stance forehand ground strokes. The anchor foot and the adjustment foot. And the distance between the body and the upper arm.

Elite Portfolio

The Forehand

Instructional video at regular and slow motion speed (featuring Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur) illustrating the grip and step by step sequence on how to hit the forehand ground stroke.

Backhand - One Handed

Instructional video at regular and slow motion speed (featuring Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur) illustrating the grip and step by step sequence on how to hit the one handed backhand.

Backhand - Two Handed

Instructional video  at regular and slow motion speed (featuring Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur)  illustrating the grip and step by step sequence on how to hit the two handed backhand.

Forehand Volley

Instructional video at regular and slow motion speed (featuring Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur) illustrating the grip and step by step sequence on how to hit the Forehand volley.

Backhand Volley - One handed

Instructional video at regular and slow motion speed (featuring Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur) illustrating the grip and step by step sequence on how to hit the one handed backhand volley.

Backhand Volley - Two handed

Instructional video at regular and slow motion speed (featuring Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur) illustrating the grip and step by step sequence on how to hit the two handed backhand volley.

The Serve

Instructional video at regular and slow motion speed (featuring Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur) illustrating the grip and step by step sequence on how to hit the serve.

The Overhead

Instructional video at regular and slow motion speed (featuring Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur) illustrating the grip and step by step sequence on how to hit the overhead.

The Seven Singles' Concepts

Instructional tactics and strategy video narrated by Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur introducing the seven singles’ concepts:
1) Red Yellow Green
2) Defensive Neutral Offensive
3) Percentage Posts
4) Percentage Lines
5) Good Volley Position
6) Short Ball Range
7) Hold The Line

Concept No 1 - Red Yellow Green

Instructional tactics and strategy video narrated by Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur. This concept comes from the traffic light dividing the court in three zones. Red means wait. Yellow means proceed with caution. Green means go.

Concept No 2 - Defensive Neutral Offensive

Instructional tactics and strategy video narrated by Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur. The Red zone is divided into three areas: Defensive area, Neutral area and Offensive area. Learn what strategy you should use in each area.

Concept No 3 - Percentage Posts

Instructional tactics and strategy video narrated by Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur. There are four percentage posts located three feet from the singles sideline and three feet from the base line. Learn what strategy and tactics you should use by using the percentage posts and the dimensions of the court.

Concept No 4 - Percentage Lines

Instructional tactics and strategy video narrated by Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur. There are two percentage lines connecting the percentage posts, ( 3 feet in from the singles’ side lines) and running parallel to the length of the court. They are are emotional anchors that give you margin for error. Learn what strategy and tactics you should use by using the percentage lines and the dimensions of the court.

Concept No 5 - Good Volley Position

Instructional tactics and strategy video narrated by Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur. GVP stands for Good Volley Position. When you come to the net you want to get to approximately half way between the net and the service line.   Learn what strategy and tactics you should use by using GVP. Where you should stand at the net and where you should hit the ball to take time and space away from your opponent.

Concept No 6 - Short Ball Range

Instructional tactics and strategy video narrated by Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur. Short Ball Range is the amount of steps it takes to get to GVP (Good Volley Position). Learn what strategy and tactics to use when you get a short ball.

Concept No 7 - Hold The Line

Instructional tactics and strategy video narrated by Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur. Hold the Line means to hold the line at the ball. Learn what to do at the net if you get a ball that’s below the level of the net, and when you get a ball that  is cross court low.

8 Practical Drills to improve your Game

Video narrated by Tennis Pro Gregg le Sueur showing 8 fundamental drills to improve your overall game.

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