The Play! Tennis Blog

Becoming a tennis umpire is an exciting journey that combines a passion for the sport with the responsibility of ensuring fair play during matches. Umpires play a crucial role in tennis, overseeing the flow of the game, making critical decisions, and maintaining the integrity of the competition.

The drop volley, a nuanced and sophisticated shot in the game of tennis, presents an elegant yet deadly tactic when executed correctly. It requires a combination of touch, finesse, and timing to effectively execute the shot. In this blog, I will break down the mechanics and strategies of mastering the drop volley in tennis.

Tennis is an engaging game that requires players to master different skills, serving being one of them. However, not all tennis players have the ability to serve like the professionals do, and that's okay. Overhand serving can be challenging to execute at times, especially if you are a beginner, and that's where the underhand serve comes into play.

Tennis players are often focused on the power and speed of their swing. One common question is whether a longer backswing can help increase power and improve their overall game. While some players may think a longer backswing is the key to success, it's important to note that a longer backswing can also lead to timing issues and slower reaction time.

The running forehand in tennis can be a challenging shot to hit, but with the right technique, it becomes a valuable addition to your game. This shot allows you to reach balls that are outside of your comfortable hitting zone, turning defence into offence.

Mastering the perfect tennis swing is a blend of science and art, a meticulous merging of technique, timing, and power. Every tennis player, from the amateurs to the pros, continually works on refining their swing to achieve that elusive yet satisfying 'swoosh' of the racket, leading to a powerful, precise shot.

When it comes to mastering the art of tennis, an essential skill is knowing how to use your racket effectively. This doesn't merely involve raw power or strength, but rather, it's about understanding and leveraging the mechanics of this essential piece of sports equipment.

Tennis is a sport that’s respected for its fair play and sportsmanship. However, whether you’re playing in a tournament or just having a casual match with friends, you may come across a situation where your opponent tries to gain an unfair advantage by cheating. The most common form of cheating in tennis is calling a ball out when it's clearly in.

If you have ever watched a tennis match, you may have noticed that the player who hits the ball will apologise when the ball strikes the net but still lands on the opponent's side of the court. This is a common practice in the game of tennis that players follow, but have you ever wondered why they do it?

Tennis lessons are an excellent way to learn the sport or improve your game. Regardless of your experience in tennis, there is always room for growth and development. As a beginner tennis player, you may wonder if you should take private or group tennis classes. In this blog post, I will discuss the differences between private and group lessons and help you determine which one is right for you.

Tennis, a game of agility and skill, is as much about avoiding errors as it is about hitting winning shots. Even experienced players can sometimes find themselves slipping up with some common and avoidable mistakes. I will take you through 10 of the most frequently encountered tennis mistakes and provide advice to help you avoid these common pitfalls and elevate your game.

Have you been wanting to start playing tennis but feel intimidated by the sport? Don't worry, you're not alone. Tennis can seem daunting to beginners with all the rules, techniques and strategies involved. However, with the right mindset and practice, anyone can learn how to play tennis quickly.

Tennis players know that maintaining balance, speed, and agility are key to playing a good game. One of the tactics that separates beginners from pros is their use of the split step. As a dynamic movement that helps players prepare for the next shot, the split step is crucial to master.

When it comes to tennis, the serve is everything. It sets the tone for the game and can give a player a significant advantage if executed correctly. If the ball is served without sufficient pace, it can easily be returned, but a fast serve can put a lot of pressure on the opponent and even result in an ace.

One of the most important aspects of playing tennis is understanding the terminology associated with the game. In particular, understanding what constitutes a fault in tennis is critical for any player. This blog post aims to help you understand what a fault is and how it impacts your game.

In the Wimbledon semi-final against Jannik Sinner yesterday, Novak Djokovic made a loud and extended grunt whilst returning a ball. The chair umpire called out Djokovic for hindrance and awarded the point to Sinner. Out of all the rules, the hindrance rule is perhaps the most tricky to grasp. Simply put, hindrance means any kind of distraction that prevents the player from playing their shot.

In tennis, it’s easy to get caught up in mastering the perfect swing, developing your strong serve or perfecting your backhand. However, one aspect of the game that is often overlooked but is crucial in enhancing your tennis skills is your footwork. As an athlete, it’s important to understand that your feet are the foundation of your game and that investing time and effort to improve your footwork is a game-changing move.

Tennis is an enjoyable sport to watch and play. It's a physical game that requires strategic thinking and great coordination. Whether it's for fun or competition, knowing how to play it properly can be rewarding. One of the most important things to consider when hitting a tennis ball is where you should be looking.