Short Ball, Deep Ball
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DR. MARK KOVACS, PhD., CSCS
Senior Manager of Strength & Conditioning/Sports Science
USTA Training Center in Boca Raton, FL
Dr. Kovacs was an accomplished player and coach before transitioning to a career as a sport science expert. As a player he was a collegiate All-American and NCAA champion at Auburn University. He has a Masters degree in Exercise Science from Auburn and a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from The University of Alabama. Dr. Kovacs is an Associate Editor of the Strength and Conditioning Journal and co-author of tennis book titled "Tennis Training-Enhancing On-Court Performance". Mark is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the NSCA, certified Health/Fitness Instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine, USPTA certified coach and United States Track and Field Level II Sprints Coach. Before starting with the USTA, Mark was an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Wellness at Jacksonville State University.
Comments
I have this tennis instructor that I go and see sometimes, mainly because he's alot cheaper than the pros around here. I don't think he's actually a pro, but he's helped me alot before. Anyway, every time I see him, he talks about my 'tempo'. He says I'm too rushed, and gets me to do a 1,2,3,4 count while I'm swinging. 1 for takeaway, 2 at top of backswing, 3 at contact, 4 at finish. It slows everything down, and makes sure I complete my backswing by rotating my left shoulder back as far as it goes, and finishing the swing properly at the other end.
But I wonder, is tempo really that important? Doesn't everyone have a natural tempo and rhythm of their own? The pros on TV swing alot faster than my 1234 count. I watch them and try to count it and they're finished by the time I get to 2 1/2.
What are your thoughts on Tempo? Doesn't this drill also control the tempo of the match?
Thanks,
Jackson
Posted by: Jackson | July 20, 2010 1:48 AM