Tennis Pro for 40 years.
THREE TYPES OF SERVES There are basically three areas of the service box to hit into. Each of these areas has advantages and disadvantages… Wide toward the alley When hitting wide serves you pull your opponent off the court, leaving you more open court for your next shot. You must remember that “hitting an angle creates […]
Doubles is a game of percentages and placement. Each player should be responsible for 65% of the court. With that in mind then the game of doubles is not hard to figure out. You just have to make your shots. KEEP IT SIMPLE The tactics in doubles should have a solid foundation with emphasis on […]
(and HOPEFULLY it STARTS in the WARM-UP) The warm up is the start of the match. As soon as you step on the court focus on what they LIKE, DON’T like, and how YOU would like to PLAN and PLAY your MATCH. Here are a few thoughts to help make the STRATEGIC and TACTICAL process […]
BASIC Singles THOUGHT’S as you walk on that court… Your first task on every shot is to have good net clearance. Aim your shots 3-5 feet above the net to cut down on unforced errors and ensure good depth on your shot. Aim the ball well inside the lines. The perfect cross court shot should […]
When rallying on the baseline, work on these simple concepts. Control the Cross court rally – ff your forehand is stronger than your opponent’s, then you have your winning strategy. Playing your strength to their weakness is how your going to establish your game plan. Same with your backhand, and so on. Control Your Baseline […]
Singles is the Game of Imagination. Success on the court demands many things. How do I want to play this match? How do I want my opponent to play this match? You need to tailor your games strengths and weaknesses around your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses to ensure success. In addition to playing high percentage […]
The Server’s Job: Set up their net player up with a well placed serve. Your net player is a factor on the 1st serve and a non-factor on the 2nd serve. Put 75% of your 1st serves in play. Call the score before every point (a little louder when you’re ahead). Tell your partner where […]
Your match strategy is the overall game plan that you employ during competition. These strategies will help you stay focused and keep your game plan simple. BEFORE the MATCH Use imagery. See yourself executing your best tactic and hitting your favorite shots . Devise your strategy. Review their strengths and weaknesses and how you’ll respond. […]
How do we control a match, build/maintain momentum, or break their spirit. Here are a few points of interest that need special attention to get winning results. FIRST point of each GAME: Focus on winning the 1st point and it makes it easier to maintain that intensity. Fforce your opponent to gamble a little more […]
The game of tennis takes on many shapes and sizes, critical points, swings in momentum, dos and don’ts. Even though a certain shot would look good on an ESPN highlight, it might not be the smartest shot in a given situation. These are a few thoughts that will help you understand the situation and give […]
– USPTA and PTR Member Since 1980
– Wilson Tennis Advisory Staff for 30+ years
– Former Virginia Head Verifier
Gary Garner has been a face of Virginia Beach tennis for over 40 years and has been instrumental in developing local tennis. Gary enjoys teaching tennis players of all ages and all levels. A pro since 1980, Gary specializes in taking young players from the beginning level to collegiate play. Several of his students have been awarded college scholarships – the most current include Pepperdine and Southern Miss.
From 2005-2008, Gary coached a college student in Southern CA. It was an incredible opportunity to travel to the top clubs and academies, as well as work with former Top 10 Grand Slam Tennis Professionals. Traveling throughout the country to National Tournaments gave Gary invaluable insight coaching and teaching the game at the next level. For adult tennis, Gary helped over 20 local USTA teams to Districts, Sectionals & National titles. When league play started in Virginia Beach back in ’95, he put together and coached the first men’s and women’s 2.5 tennis teams that went to Nationals. Gary is a tennis pro at Virginia Beach Tennis & Country Club.