Average Guy Tries to Return a Pro Tennis Serve | Above Average Joe | GQ Sports
GQ Sports・17 minutes read
Rick Macy, a tennis coach, works with Clay Skipper to improve his return of serve skills by focusing on readiness, stroke length, contact point, swing path, and mental aspects for a more effective performance, leading to positive progress and increased confidence. Skipper's training with Macy highlights the importance of being prepared, staying calm, and maintaining a positive mindset to achieve success in returning serves at varying speeds, showcasing rapid improvement and enhanced overall performance.
Insights
- Rick Macy, a tennis coach, emphasizes the importance of readiness before a serve, focusing on the split step to prepare for the speed of the ball, and encourages a shorter stroke to utilize the opponent's power effectively.
- Macy's coaching with Clay Skipper not only includes technical aspects like contact point and swing path but also delves into the psychological factors of confidence and mindset, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing performance and building a strong return of serve in tennis.
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Recent questions
How fast are pro-level tennis serves?
Around 125 miles per hour.
What is the key to returning a serve in tennis?
Being ready before the ball is hit.
How can a player improve their return of serve skills?
By keeping the stroke shorter.
What is the significance of the contact point in returning a serve?
Hitting the ball in front for better balance and control.
How important is a strong return of serve in tennis?
It can disrupt opponents and build confidence.
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Summary
00:00
Mastering Tennis Serve Returns with Rick Macy
- Returning a serve in tennis is challenging due to the high speed of pro-level serves, averaging 125 miles per hour, requiring quick reactions in about 700 milliseconds.
- Rick Macy, a renowned tennis coach, aims to improve Clay Skipper's return of serve skills at his academy in Boca Raton.
- Macy emphasizes the importance of being ready before the ball is hit, using a split step to prepare for the serve's speed.
- Macy instructs Skipper to keep his stroke shorter, using the opponent's power to return the serve effectively.
- Macy focuses on improving Skipper's contact point, encouraging him to hit the ball in front of him for better balance and control.
- Macy guides Skipper on the importance of a linear swing path and going through the ball for a more effective return.
- Macy highlights the psychological aspect of returning a serve, emphasizing confidence and a positive mindset to enhance performance.
- Skipper's training progresses positively, with Macy noting improvements in his split step, stroke, and overall shot quality.
- Macy explains the significance of a strong return of serve in tennis, as it can disrupt opponents and build confidence, akin to Andre Agassi's strategic play.
- Skipper faces challenges and successes in returning serves of varying speeds, with Macy's coaching focusing on mental preparation and confidence-building.
13:30
Enhancing Tennis Power and Speed Through Technique
- Shortening the backswing can increase power, especially when facing serves with spin; maintaining calmness helps in staying grounded and improving technique.
- Progressing from serving at 40-60 mph to 115-120 mph showcases rapid improvement, with coaching emphasizing psychological aspects like staying calm and being athletic, alongside technical tips like the split step for better performance.
