Marty Godwin Tennis Media Center

I chose these pictures of preparation on the forehand and backhand tennis swing because I feel that preparation for ground strokes is one of the biggest things amateurs could look to add to their game. Most amateurs arrive to the ball ready to get ready to hit their shot. These pros are fantastic examples of preparation and all the work is done well before the ball arrives. This is what makes the tennis pros look so relaxed and comfortable and why it looks so easy for them when we watch them play.

On these forehands and backhands look at how the elbow is during the swing! Low for topspin and high for slice. I didn't use many pics of two-handed shots because of the basic simplicity of the preparation and shot. You should take note however of the few I placed and see how the racket head is low for topspin like the one-hander.

I chose these pics of doubles tennis for examples of team, support, energy and enthusiasm. Max and Serena had never played together before but won the mixed doubles at the US Open that year! They also gave each other a high five before and after every point whether they won or lost the previous point!!! If you look closely at the men's match seven out of the eight feet are off the ground! Only Goran Ivanisevic's lead or front foot is planted, ready to hit his two handed backhand. I like this picture for it's example of footwork in doubles.

Overall we shouldn't try and copy all the things the tennis pros are doing. For one, mostly because we just don't have the time to put in the amount of hours and repetitions necessary to hit like them! BUT we should all copy certain things and make PREPARATION a priority! Everyone can look to reach a very high level of play on their ground strokes by using this basic fundamental. The most common example on all these shots is the impact and placement of the elbow on the ground strokes! Notice how it's bent during the take back on both sides. If your arm is straight it's difficult to get much racket speed and you will have trouble swinging and keeping your shot in front of you. Also fast balls will give you trouble. Bend your arm and prepare. Play like the tennis pros! Book some lesson time with myself or any of my staff if you need any help understanding or working on your preparation!

See you on the courts, Marty

Tennis Pros in these pictures are Steffi Graf , Gabriella Sabatini , Cara Black , Martina Hingus, Goran Ivanisevic, Andrew Ilie, Mary Pierce, Rita Grande, Serena Williams, Max Mirnyi. Locations are Manhattan Beach Country Club, Riviera Country Club, UCLA, US Open. All phographs taken by Marty Godwin