As well as great programming and fabulous facilities, Kiawah’s rankings can be put down to consistency – teaching consistency.
“In the instructional program on Kiawah Island, we try to complement the pupil’s past instructional concepts and not contradict them,” says Barth. Since tennis is a reflection of one’s individuality, there are many unique and successful ways of hitting a tennis ball. Just watch the top professionals in the worlds, and you’ll notice many different styles and techniques. What we try to do is to emphasize the things that all good players do properly – no matter what type of grip they use or their style of play.
All of Kiawah’s professionals are trained by Barth to teach the same way, and adhere to a variety of “common denominators.”
One such denominator: Everyone knows that you are supposed to watch the ball when you play tennis. Not many players, however, know when you should not watch the ball.
According to Barth, the most common error in tennis is to look up to see where the ball is going the instant impact is made between the ball and the strings. It’s almost as if your chin is attached to the racquet heard by a string causing your head to move as the racquet head is moving.
“Cut this imaginary string and follow through towards your intended target without moving your eyes,” says Barth. “Do not try to follow the ball off the strings immediately after impact. Pulling your head up instantly after impact causes your follow through to pull up on your groundstrokes, thus causing you to mis-hit the ball or hit it out.”
Volley
Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced player, the following concepts are important to hitting a more advanced and efficient volley:
Hit the ball way out in front of you, eliminating any back swing.
Keep your wrist cocked up and back, with the racquet face slightly open. The open face gives under spin on the volley, making the ball bounce low to the ground. Also, the degree of the open face angle determines the depth of the volley.
Line up the butt of the racquet, not the racquet head, with the on-coming ball. This will allow you to volley the ball down and away.
Then employ a hammer motion with your arm and hand, like a karate chop, to hit the shot - directing the ball with the bottom edge of your hand. If you merely align the racquet face with the ball, you'll only block the ball back and lose pace and control. The hammer motion allows you to hit angle volleys away from your opponent.
Keep the body low to the net with your hands in ready position above the net - don't stand straight. This allows you to spring into the volley.
Overhead
If you have confidence in your overhead, you will automatically improve your volley. That is because you will be able to get closer to the net without fear of the lob. The key tips in hitting a successful overhead are as follows:
Ready position at the net should be low.
When the lob goes up, turn sideways to the net with your knees bent. Your tossing arm should point up at the ball, and to the right and in front of you (for right-handers; opposite for left-handers).
Place your racquet in a cocked position using a relaxed grip.
Line up the ball, so you will be able to catch the ball with your tossing hand in front of you and to the right.
Spring up toward the overhead using your legs.
Hit the ball at the highest point you can reach with your racquet head, as in the serving motion.
Keep your eyes up at the point of impact, as you follow through, out and down. The ball will go in the court by itself because of your overhead motion.
In private lessons, daily clinics and mini-camps, all Kiawah’s professionals emphasize certain concepts are unique and helpful in automatically improving a player’s game. Many of the tips relate to concepts that will improve control first, based on Barth’s belief that a player must first master control before attempting to increase power.
To book your court time, to arrange for a lesson or inquire about pricing, call East Beach Tennis Club at extension 82838 or West Beach Tennis Club at extension 82820.
In the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant you can dine and relax in the tradition of the post house, wayside inns where travelers stopped for good food and friendly conversation. The beautifully restored building dates from the 1800’s, but the food and service are up to the moment with the famous Maverick touch.
Surrounded by the beautiful beaches of the South Carolina coast, Seabrook Island offers a peaceful seclusion rarely disturbed by the outsider world. Premier resort amenities indulge your every desire. Tennis, horseback riding and a kids club are just a few of the experiences that may be yours. Discover your own private island.
Christopher Rose Architects comprises several native South Carolinians who bring personal knowledge and experience of the state’s architectural history and landscape to each design. Raised and educated in SC, we retain the influences of our youth combined with the studies and travels of adulthood. We approach architecture with an awareness of tradition.
Hit the ball way out in front of you, eliminating any back swing.
In the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant you can dine and relax in the tradition of the post house, wayside inns where travelers stopped for good food and friendly conversation. The beautifully restored building dates from the 1800’s, but the food and service are up to the moment with the famous Maverick touch.
Surrounded by the beautiful beaches of the South Carolina coast, Seabrook Island offers a peaceful seclusion rarely disturbed by the outsider world. Premier resort amenities indulge your every desire. Tennis, horseback riding and a kids club are just a few of the experiences that may be yours. Discover your own private island.
Christopher Rose Architects comprises several native South Carolinians who bring personal knowledge and experience of the state’s architectural history and landscape to each design. Raised and educated in SC, we retain the influences of our youth combined with the studies and travels of adulthood. We approach architecture with an awareness of tradition.
