| I have coached many tennis players and recently I | | | | 8. A slice serve can be a huge weapon on grass |
| played my first match on grass. Here are a few | | | | because it can force your opponent to return a wide |
| observations and tips for winning on this surface. | | | | and low ball. |
| These tips should be of interest to players with varying | | | | 9. When setting up to serve, find a spot on the grass |
| levels of skill and expertise. | | | | which will give you a reliable bounce for your pre shot |
| 1. Take the ball early. | | | | routine. |
| 2. Shorten the points. | | | | 10. Come in whenever you can. |
| 3. Shorten your backswing to compensate for the | | | | 11. Chip and charge returns of service. |
| speed of the surface. | | | | 12. A low soft drop shot when used properly can be a |
| 4. Practice getting down low to get those low shots. | | | | killer shot on the green stuff. |
| 5. Think of grass as being the opposite of playing on | | | | 13. Wear sneakers that will give you good traction on |
| clay or on hard turf. The ball will not sit up for you. It will | | | | grass. |
| stay down. | | | | 14. Practice volleys, swinging volleys and overheads. |
| 6. Develop a good slice to keep the ball low and | | | | 15. Take the ball in the air often, so the odd bounces |
| accommodate the grass surface. | | | | which you get on grass will not hurt your ability to win |
| 7. A short serve can be a weapon on grass because | | | | points and games. |
| it can force your opponent to move in and be off | | | | 16. Watch the bounce very carefully and read the ball's |
| balance. | | | | direction, spin, height and pace early on. |