Tennis Tactics
Understand the statistics and wisdom of employing strategies and different shot selections.
Understand the statistics and wisdom of employing strategies and different shot selections.
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.
Playing in the Wind
/by Gary GarnerEXPECT the UNEXPECTED and IMPROVISE 1st accept the fact that you’re not going to play your “A Game.” “Don’t fight battles you cannot win”. Determined that the wind is out of your control try to use it to your advantage. Keep it simple, embrace the challenge.. It’s HAPPY FEET DAY. On your toes and expect […]
How to Analyze Your Opponent
/by Gary Garner(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 […]
Singles – Relaxing in the Match and Reducing Errors
/by Gary GarnerBASIC 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 […]
Singles Neutral or Baseline Zone Objectives
/by Gary GarnerWhen 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 Style of Play
/by Gary GarnerSingles 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 […]
Special “Points” of Interest
/by Gary GarnerHow 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 […]
Stakes and Odds – Percentage Tennis
/by Gary GarnerThe 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 […]
HIGH % or Common Sense Tennis
/by Gary GarnerKnow your game’s strengths and weaknesses. Recognize offensive, neutral and defensive patterns. Keep the ball in the COURT. Over the net inside the lines. Adjust to playing conditions. The heat, court surface, the wind . Hit to large target areas of the court when you on defense. High and deep cross court, keep an eye […]