| I've coached nearly 20 seasons of high school tennis. | | | | same time you contact the ball. The theory is that if |
| I've been to many clinics, watched many videos, and | | | | you are saying "two" as you are hitting the ball your |
| had conversations with many coaches. Most would | | | | eyes are on the ball as close to contact point as |
| agree that, "keeping your eye on the ball, keeping your | | | | humanly possible, and you will probably "keep your eye |
| head down, and keeping your head still" is good advice. | | | | on where the ball was" for as long as it takes you to |
| I believe I've discovered an unique way to break this | | | | say "two", which is probably long enough. High school |
| down to the basic level as it relates to the contact | | | | athletes may view the one / two method as more |
| point. | | | | age appropriate. |
| What I have been drilling into my players relentlessly is: | | | | I'll then encourage players to say this under their breath |
| "Keep your eye on where the ball was." Just for a | | | | every time they hit a tennis ball. And when they miss |
| moment, of course, after you make contact. Federer | | | | an easy ball, I'll ask: "Were you saying one / two under |
| has been held up as the best example of this by | | | | your breath or in your mind's eye?" |
| people far more knowledgeable about tennis than me. | | | | Look at it this way on the serve. When a player hits |
| And if you watch him (or better yet) view still photos | | | | the ball into the net, I'll ask: "Did you see it hit the net?" |
| of him, he is no doubt the master at this. | | | | They will almost always answer, "Yes." |
| What kind of drills can be used to reinforce this? | | | | "Well, you didn't keep your eye on where the ball was |
| Gallwey's bonce / hit would probably be the best. I | | | | long enough," I'll reply. |
| have adapted this to one / two. Say one "one" the | | | | After this kind of feedback, all I've have to say |
| bounce as the ball comes to you and "two" at the | | | | eventually, "Tell me what you did wrong." And they will. |