Modern Forehand Fundamentals: Grip, Unit Turn, Contact and Finish
A coach's breakdown of the modern forehand in four checkpoints you can actually feel on court, with the drills that fix each one.
· 7 min read
Tennis coaching, written down
Clear tennis coaching advice for players and parents
Technique that holds up in matches, a serve you can trust, gear chosen for the player you are, and straight answers for parents trying to do right by a child who loves the game.
Browse by topic
Technique
Groundstrokes, volleys, footwork and the fundamentals that hold up under pressure, explained the way a coach would on court.
Serve
Ball toss, stance, rhythm and spin. Everything about the one shot you control completely.
Styles of Play
Aggressive baseliner, counterpuncher, all-courter, serve-and-volleyer. How each style works and how to find yours.
Racquets & Gear
Racquets, strings, shoes and balls, chosen for the player you actually are rather than the one in the advert.
Competing
Tournaments, ratings, match tactics, nerves and the habits that turn practice players into match players.
For Parents
How to manage your child's coaching, choose a coach, spend sensibly and stay the supportive parent rather than the second coach.
Coaching Philosophies
The schools of thought behind modern tennis coaching: Brad Gilbert, Nick Bollettieri, Rick Macci and others, and what players can take from each.
Latest articles
Serve Ball Toss Variations Explained: Flat, Slice and Kick
Where to toss for a flat, slice and kick serve, how platform and pinpoint stances change it, and three drills that make the toss repeatable.
· 7 min read
Styles of Play in Tennis: Aggressive Baseliner, Counterpuncher, All-Courter, Serve-and-Volleyer
The four main styles of play explained, how to work out which one you are, who to watch for each, and why a junior should not pick too early.
· 7 min read
Best Tennis Racquets by Style of Play: Topspin, Flat Power, Counterpunching, All-Court and Net Play
Which racquet specs suit which game, with a recommended frame for topspin baseliners, flat hitters, counterpunchers, all-courters and serve-and-volleyers.
· 6 min read
How to Choose a Junior Tennis Racquet: Sizing by Age and Height, Weight, Strings
A sizing chart for junior racquets from 19 to 26 inches, what weight and balance actually matter, string choices that protect young arms, and when to move up.
· 6 min read
Your First Tennis Tournament: What to Expect and How to Prepare
How entries, draws, warm-ups, scoring and etiquette work at a first junior or club tournament, plus a simple plan for nerves and the drive home.
· 7 min read
Schools of thought
What the coaches who shaped modern tennis actually taught, and which parts a club player or junior can use on Saturday morning.
Brad Gilbert and Winning Ugly: The Tactical School of Tennis Coaching
Who Brad Gilbert is, what Winning Ugly argues, how it shaped Agassi, Roddick, Murray and Gauff, and which ideas a junior or club player can use this weekend.
· 6 min read