SOLO Tennis
Normally, tennis is a game for two to four players. Occasionally, we see an odd
numbers of participants training together (as in two on one drills) or when a
fourth cannot be found (Canadian doubles). Yet, there seems to be little one can
do when she/he finds himself/herself alone. Well, that just isn't so and here are
some ideas to help in that situation.

THE BACKBOARD AND/OR WALL Ron Waite, USPTR

Although the value of hitting against a wall or backboard has been and is debated, almost every great or
not so great player has spent a good amount of time practicing in such a manner. Poncho Segura spent
many hours as a youth hitting against a wall. John McEnroe is reputed to have developed his legendary
volleys by hitting against a backboard. Like it or not, the wall or backboard is a necessity at times...one
that I believe can be invaluable. In fact, I spend a good number of hours during the winter months (New
England is cold and snowy at this time of year) using a wall in the gymnasium at the college where I
teach or a racquetball court wall in the same facility. I have a friend who has actually marked a net line
on his basement wall. When he is unable to get out, find a partner or time is at a premium, he retreats to
this "underworld" to practice groundies and volleys. Many parks in the U.S. have large walls or
backboards located adjacent to courts. Most clubs will provide a backboard on one or more tennis
courts. Usually racquetball court time is less
expensive than tennis court time during the "indoor
season." Suffice it to say, I'll bet there is a suitable
wall near you...it may even be your garage wall... it
may be the side of a building. The first task is to find
your hitting backboard/wall.
Once this is secured, you will want to have a purpose
to your practice. It rarely, if ever, makes sense to
practice aimlessly. One needs a plan and a focus to
practice effectively. Backboards and walls allow you
to hit many balls in a short period of time. I try to
count the balls I hit. I'll start with 500 groundstrokes.
Here, I will try to direct the ball down the line and
crosscourt on both wings. First, I hit a forehand
straight ahead (down the line). The returning ball is Train Harder. Train Smarter.
hit crosscourt (at an angle). The third ball is a Register Now. IMG Academies.
backhand groundstroke hit straight ahead (down the  
line). The fourth stroke is a backhand crosscourt (at
an angle which will force me to hit a forehand). I keep repeating this "figure eight" cycle over and over.
Actually, I have successfully hit over 1500 of these consecutively without an error (all balls hit the wall
higher than net height and bounce back at a reasonable distance from the wall/backboard...between 10
and 25 feet). This kind of hitting forces me to hit all the key groundstrokes with direction and purpose.
In addition, I can assure you that you will be forced to move during this drill. The benefits of this drill
are control, patience and endurance...the real keys to "grooving" your groundies.

Next, I will hit 200 sliced strokes in the same manner as above. For these, I move a bit closer to the wall
(about 6 to 8 feet closer). The purpose here is to perfect the forehand and backhand slice approach. All
that is lacking is the true approach to the wall since you do not follow the ball in after making contact.
However, I assure you that this drill will help you to hit the slice approach correctly.

Then, I hit 500 volleys from a distance of about 6 to 10 feet from the wall/backboard. Here, I hit more
randomly...the way volleys come at you. At this distance from the wall, you will notice that the hard hit
or "crisp" volleys force you to react quickly. The softer volleys allow you to try for more control...both
essential ingredients in the net game.

Overheads are next. I practice these by hitting the ball at the ground first at such an angle that it bounces,
hits the wall/backboard and comes off this barrier at an upward angle. These are perfect for practicing
the smash. The only real drawback is that you must catch or block each ball after hitting the overhead,
stop and then, begin the process again (unfortunately, it is impossible to hit these without interruption). I
try to hit about 50 of these each practice session.

Finally, I practice serves...off the wall. I hit at least 100 to 150 serves (both first and second) every
session. I make certain the ball strikes the backboard at near net height or higher and bounces within 10
to 15 feet of the wall. In this way, you can be reasonably certain that the serves are "in."

Add all of these together and I hit between 1350 and 1400 balls. It usually takes me about an hour to an
hour and a half to go through the entire ritual. Not bad, when you have limited time to practice.

Hitting on the wall greatly enhances your timing and makes grip changes "automatic." Yes, you do hit
harder against the wall than you do "on court," but this is easily adjusted. First, don't use balls that are
dead or over used. I use new balls (I open a new can)
for every practice session using a backboard or wall.
Second, try to spin some of your shots (both slice and
topspin). By doing this, you will avoid overhitting.
Finally, try to vary the height of your balls as you hit
them. This, too, will help minimize the "power"
effect of wall or backboard hitting.

The clear advantage of hitting in a racquetball court

(using the front wall) is that missed balls never get
too far behind you...thus, you aren't chasing them and
wasting time. The disadvantage to a racquetball court
is the lack of space. You won't run as much and
angles are more difficult to achieve. However, the
lack of length in a racquetball court forces you to hit Play better tennis with TennisMindGame!
with less power (otherwise you'll be backing up into  
the rear wall). This is useful in preventing the
"power" effect of wall practice. Frankly, I try to mix up the locations of my walls...racquetball court,
gym wall, outside wall, on court backboard.

One final tip, if you take a thick board (about 10 feet by 8 feet) and lean it up against a wall at an angle
of 45 to 60 degrees, you will have an excellent volley backboard. Hitting volleys against this type of
backboard greatly enhances the underspin or slice that good volleys have. The balls come off this board
at an upward angle and force you to volley down. Try it...you'll like it. In addition, its easy to set up this
type of volley board in your garage or basement...convenient places to practice!

THE BALL MACHINE

I swear by ball machines! I own a Tennis Tutor II which is battery operated, rechargeable and fits easily
in the trunk of my car. Prince and others make similar machines. I get about 4 to 5 hours out of a full
charge. I can travel to any court (hard, grass or clay) and use it safely.

Again, I have a ritual. I hit about 300 backhand groundstrokes, then, 300 forehand groundstrokes. I
switch the machine to its oscillation mode and hit about 300 alternating forehand/backhand
groundstrokes (on the run...of course). Next, I find myself hitting volleys...usually about 300 to 450 with
the machine in its oscillating mode (thus, I am forced to hit both forehand and backhand volleys). Third,
I shoot up about 100 lobs and practice overheads. As a final step, I always hit at least a hundred serves.

When practicing groundstrokes and volleys, I place targets (usually empty tennis ball containers) around
the key areas of the court. These key areas are: deep in both backcourt corners, deep and in the center of
the backcourt, and inside the service box on both sides near the sideline, These five locations are where
you want to direct most of your shots. I find that by practicing with these targets I can actually imagine
that they are on court during matches. This visualization greatly improves placement when competing.

All in all, I hit about 1200 to 1500 balls in a session. You will want to have a ball hopper because you
will spend a good amount of time picking up balls. My machine can hold 150 balls. Usually, I require 2
hours to finish this workout.

Most clubs have machines that you can rent by the hour. However, I strongly encourage that you make
the investment ($700 to $1000) and get your own. I can truly endorse the Tennis Tutor line. They are
simple to use, very portable and easy to fix when something goes wrong. I have had to change the
battery once in four years...it was easy and the cost was minimal ($75).

Ball machine workouts build consistent strokes, stamina, patience and confidence. Imagine how well
you would compete if all of these aspects of your game improved!

SHADOW PRACTICE

I must give attribution to Dennis Ralston for developing this form of solo practice. Like a boxer who
shadow boxes...you play shadow tennis. You go on court (although any open space is fine) and pretend
to hit a ball with your racquet. You serve, hit groundies, volley, go for smashes, etc...all without a ball.
Now, I know that some of you will say..."won't I look ridiculous?" Well, maybe a little, but I assure you
that this helps your form. If you can really imagine points as you go through all of this feinting, you will
be amazed at the benefits to your game. You will greatly improve footwork and court awareness. Please
don't discount this form of solo practice. Frequently, before a match, I will spend 15 minutes or so doing
shadow tennis as a warm-up. For me, it really gets me ready to play.
THE SERVE

If you had only one half hour to practice tennis, what would you do? Well, if a court is available, I
suggest you go out and practice that serve. This is the single most important stroke in tennis! Yet, I fear
most of us don't practice it regularly and deliberately.

Start by practicing your second serve. This will limber up your arm, and after all, you are only as good
as your second serve. Work on spin and placement. Serve to both deuce and ad courts. Put targets on the
service line...one on the "T"...another in the center of each box...and the last on the wide side of each
service box. Try to knock these over. This will make certain that your serves land deep in the box. I like
to hit about 75 second serves...varying the spin and placement. Then, I hit about 50 first serves where I
stay back. Again, I vary the placement, but all of these serves are flat. Finally, I hit about 50 first serves
where I am serving and volleying. Here, I vary placement, spin and depth. Be certain to serve equally to
both deuce and ad courts.

Believe me, if you practiced nothing but your serve, your match record would improve greatly.
Remember, you cannot lose a match if you don't lose serve.

So, when you can't find a partner, want to work on a specific part of your game, or find yourself with
limit time for practicing...remember solo tennis. If you practice in these ways on a regular basis, I
promise you that you'll soon become a tennis overdog.

Good luck in your game!