Created: 9/4/2009 9:21:38 AM 
Greensboro, NC -- Derek Gamble, United States Professional Tennis Association Director of Tennis at Green Valley Tennis in Greensboro says every player can improve their game with these five tips:
Tip #1: Footwork
Gamble says the most important aspect of tennis is footwork. He says good footwork equals good balance, better preparing you to hit the ball. Balance helps you transfer weight into the ball giving more power and control. Gamble reminds players they need to be moving throughout the entire point in order to better position themselves for the actual shot. He says footwork is essential in every shot you make.
Tip #2: Powerful Forehands
Gamble says anyone can hit a more powerful forehand; the key is to pick the right ball, and avoid those from well behind the baseline. A powerful ground stroke starts with good footwork preparation and then good torso rotation. Gamble says you want to shift your weight into the ball and complete your swing with a wrap-around follow-through. He says swing aggressively and hit through the ball.
Tip #3: Super Drop Shots
Gamble says anyone can hit a super drop shot. He says you want to use it from "no-man's land" or inside the baseline. Most players prefer to use the forehand when hitting the drop shot. He says you should use a volley grip and a slice stroke from high to low to high. You want minimal follow through and you should "serve drinks" at the end.
Tip #4: Driving The High Volley
Gamble says if you want to win, you have to play aggressive tennis, and that means driving the high volley. He says you should look at the high volley as a "green light" opportunity. These shots will b hit from "no-man's land" and inside the service box. Gamble says use the volley grip and be aggressive into the ball with weight shift and balance. He says remember your ABC's of volleying: Always Be Closing.
Tip #5: Powerful Overheads
Gamble says a lot of players ask him how they can hit a better/more powerful overhead. He says you need to have good balance in preparation of their lob. You should step and turn your torso when going for the ball. He says you want to use the volley/service grip. Once you're sideways and moving, get underneath the ball in efforts to create a situation like the serve. The overhead nd the serve are almost the same swing, except the "overhead player" doesn't control the toss. Gamble says you want t reach up for the ball and make contact as high as you can in order to deliver the most powerful shot possible.
WFMY News 2
