Return of Serve: Flexibility, Shot Selection, Split Step
Bill Tym
Flexibility is a key return principle.
In the first article in this series we looked at the first 3 components in developing a great return. (Click Here). These are consistency combined with accuracy, the position of the racquet head, and watching the ball properly.
Flexibility
Now let's move on to 3 more principles, starting with flexibility. Flexibility is a critical component in my overall teaching philosophy. And, as with all strokes, flexibility and the ability to adjust are important components of the return.
So a few general words about flexibility. Tennis is a very difficult and complex game. It requires a myriad of skills and responses.
My goal is to give my students a complete toolbox by mastering all of the shots and different styles of play. A complete toolbox enables a player to choose what strategy and tactics work best against a particular opponent and to have multiple game plans if your first game plan is not working.
Bill Tym, a USPTA Master Professional and past USPTA national president, has been involved in tennis as a coach, player and administrator for half a century. He coached the Vanderbilt University men's tennis team to its first NCAA tournament. As a player, Tym was a Southeastern Conference singles champion at the University of Florida. He also competed on the international tour and won 10 national and international titles.
As executive director of USPTA, Tym helped create a standardized certification test. Tym was named USPTA Professional of the Year in 1982, College Coach of the Year in 1989, and Touring Coach of the Year in 1997 and 2002. He also received the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award from the USPTA in 2001 and the International Tennis Hall of Fame Tennis Educational Merit Award in 1981.
Bill wishes to acknowledge Tennisplayer founding investor Ed Weiss’s help in preparing this article.
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