May 15, 2009 
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Babolat Y Line of Oversize Racquets: Discover Your Next Obsession
Designed for all types of club players, the Babolat Y line includes the following oversize racquets: The Babolat Y112 Limited brings top technology to high-level club players with a medium swing. For others with a medium swing, the Babolat Y112 (standard or Smart Grip) is slightly lighter. With its larger head size, the Babolat Y118 (standard or Smart Grip) delivers big power and total precision to the club player with a short swing. Whether you have a medium or short swing and whether your game is competitive or relaxed, the Babolat Y line was designed with you in mind. Find your Babolat dealer today at www.babolatobsession.com and demo the new racquets. When you find the one that works best for you, you might find yourself getting a bit obsessive about it.
"What's New" Product Video - from Tennis Warehouse - Women's Apparel - Fila Heritage (dresses, capsleeve top,cami tank, jacket/pants)
Jim McLennan This game we play changes and continues to change. In the 1920’s the costumes included long trousers, racquets with wooden handles, and in many instances, semi-western strokes presaged the modern game, albeit at a much slower pace. In the “open era” beginning in the late 60’s, Laver, Smith, Ashe, and more came to the net with slashing groundstrokes and stinging volleys. Things changed again with Borg and Lendl advancing the backcourt advantage, and now in the “modern era” we again see volleying, but not very often, and in many instances, not very skilled. But to this old timer there is an elegance to finishing a point at the net. Much like a knockout punch in boxing, a well-placed volley provides a fitting conclusion to a point, if not game. And when it comes to finishing a match, recall the 1980 US Open final, McEnroe serving at match point to Borg at 40-15, handcuffs the Swede, and when the return floats, Mac charged all the way to the net for his winning crosscourt volley. He was just one step from the net at impact. Exulting in victory, he raised his arms, and then brought his racquet down on the net strap. Volleyers close. They move forward. They take risks, and many times they are passed. The modern game with its pace and heavy, dipping topspin groundies make timing the volley difficult. But in the end, one can move forward to finish. Mac continues to do so. Sampras overwhelms the senior field with his serve and volley. And now I am hoping to see Federer rekindle his net game, as we look forward to Wimbledon, and hopefully, so can you.
But as to technique, I believe many of us mortals are not always familiar with the nuances of grip, spin, and stroke. Further, the volley is often addressed, if not taught, with the student/player very close to the net, such that “down hits” and “punches” succeed. But when it comes to playing the game, there are many opportunities for backcourt if not mid-court volleys, where one must carry through the ball with more of a stroking than punching move, and where any “down” in the hit will immediately send the ball into the net. (Before going further, coaches don’t agree on whether this shot is punched or stroked, and what follows has been written from the “short stroked” side of the street.) Technique Continental grip and underspin. Meet the ball with a slightly open face. Further adjust the position of the hand so the racquet aligns with the forearm. Too often players cock the racquet uncommonly high and are forced into a downward chop. Preparing slightly lower creates more bite, still underspin, but not a chop. As to grip firmness, the common mistake occurs when players prepare with a death grip and then muscle the hit. Henry, the absolute best volleyer (and teacher) in our area, advises a totally relaxed grip, where at the moment of contact one squeezes. Not before and not after. Further, this method makes one watch the ball even closer than normal to feel when to “time the squeeze." Footwork Too often players set their feet when volleying, attempting to come to a complete stop. But close observation of the professionals indicates more of a mid-stride hit. That is, in the clip of Federer he moves both to and through the ball, and if you toggle the cursor back and forth you will see how his dance like footwork times the hit such that he is stepping through at impact. Braden has done similar work, showing that volleyers who stop their feet at impact are prone to much more of a down hit.
Volleying from behind the service will give you a feel for moving through the ball with an open face forward stroke. Not a swing. Not a punch. But a firm short stroke. Further, to get any length on this shot, you must lower the racquet head ever so slightly. A good image is to attempt to prepare the racquet at the level of impact. As you get closer to the net, the finishing volley is generally sharply angled into the open court. Ideally you have the opponent in the corner; they play the ball late and down the line, and you volley niftily crosscourt into the opening. But remember, volleyers are trained to “cover the line.” Meaning, anything crosscourt from a volleyer exposes the down the line winner from the opponent at the baseline. And whenever possible (now we are back to the concept of a stroked volley) you will need some stick on this shot to prevent the down-the-line pass. Well, my hope is that Roger will revisit some of the serve and volley tactics he used in his initial Wimbledon runs. But recall the first set of the Australian Open final, Fed serving to Rafa at 4-2, and 30 love. Fed serves wide; Rafa floats a weak backhand down-the-line; Fed closes quickly and knifes the volley crosscourt for a sure winner. And Rafa somehow converts a lunging half-volley down-the-line pass from an impossible position. Rafa misses, it is 40 love. But this shot turned that game, the first set, and perhaps the entire match on its head. To my mind, Fed, and you and I, in spite of some of these passes, must not get discouraged but continue moving forward and looking to finish at the net. See Jim McLennan's "Essential Tennis Instruction" website. As always, we would love to hear from you! Questions, comments, personal experiences all create helpful dialogue for everyone! Please click here to send us your email.
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Nineteen-year old, Victoria Azarenka is one of many young women on tour challenging the elite players. She is the first of the young guns to crack the top ten and already has amassed three titles this year. Dave Smith is particularly impressed with her forehand – her footwork, stroke pattern, and balance are probably the best among the top women players. In short, Victoria is a great role model and there is a lot here to learn from.
