Mark your calendars for the final grand slam of the year, the US Open in New York, held Aug 28-Sept 10. The pros are preparing right now on the hard courts in the US Open series.
Because the hard courts are a fast surface, we need good foot speed, agility, quick eyes and hands, great serves and service returns. So I thought I would focus on return of serve – the rituals and techniques that are key to a great return!
The best returners in the game do a few important moves:
#1 They take a walking step forward right before they split step. This move gives them forward movement before they split on their toes.
#2 Their split step happens as the server makes contact with the ball and helps the returner track and react to the serve.
#3 After the split step, their next (lead) step is with the foot closet to the incoming ball, followed by their other foot stepping in with the hit – efficient and balanced.
#4 A short backswing when returning a fast serve creates a more consistent, clean, early hit and may surprise an over-confident server.
Here are a few of the best returners in the game, past and present…Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Andre Agassi, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray.
I hope you get a chance to watch some US Open matches – watch the pros return serve and work on it with your game!!! Contact Mindy Oki to work on your service return!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our summer tennis program. We had a great time! Both the little kids and big kids classes had amazing kids participate. 
I know I liked Color Me Mine. Can’t wait to see the cool mug I painted. 
I really enjoyed working with everyone this summer and am super excited as we move into the fall schedule! Thanks for the heads up on classes and if your child will be participating in team tennis. I will see you all at the NUTTS (or before).
