15 December 2016 | Tennis Victoria

Tennis Australia Club Professional coach Patrick Landy, is the Coach Development Coordinator at Tennis Australia/Tennis Victoria and currently coaches at Melbourne Park. This month he shares his tips on how to master the grass courts this Summer.

It’s Summer, and for a lot of Victorians that means making the trek to regional Victoria for a grass court tournament or two, but for a lot of city slickers the surface is foreign, so here are some tips to help you put on a grass court masterclass this Summer.

Tip #1 – Tactics: Rallies are short on the grass when compared to clay and hard court sufaces so aggressive play is often rewarded. Focus on your serve and first strike as well as being aggressive when your opponent gives you a look at his/her second serve.

Tip #2 – Technique: The ball stays low on the grass so having a great slice backhand is an essential tool for building a solid grass court game, time to get to work on your chip!

Tip #3 – Physical: Get specific with your physical preparation. For the serve and volley specialists out there, you are going to be attacking the net almost every point, short hill sprints (it is less than 12metres from the baseline to net) are a great way to become more explosive without the impact of running on flat surfaces.

Tip #4 – Psychological: To quote the great Arthur Ash, “One important key to success is self-confidence and an important key to self-confidence is preparation.” So find a grass court and get practicing!

Tips are great but nothing beats what a coach can provide, to find your nearest Tennis Australia Qualified Coach Member, click here!