Master the Semi-Western Forehand & Outsmart Net Rushers

👀 WHO WE’RE FOLLOWING

🎙️ servedpodcast with Andy Roddick talks with US Open Tournament Director, Stacey Allaster and Director of Player Relations, Eric Butorac to discuss changes to the mixed doubles event.

🤔 Confused about who should take the shot in doubles? Stop thinking in halves and start thinking in triangles. This simple shift in positioning will instantly improve your court coverage and teamwork. Watch the_tennis_mentor to learn how!

🚦Tired of getting passed at the net? The key is following the line of the ball—approach smart, recover right, and control the point. thetennismenu shows you how to master this strategy and make your net game unbreakable.

📺 WHAT TO WATCH

Master the Semi-Western Forehand & Unlock More Spin!

If you're ready to upgrade your forehand from a Yugo to a Ferrari, it's time to master the semi-western grip. 🚀 This modern grip gives you better topspin, more control on high balls, and greater maneuverability at the net—but it does take some getting used to. Here’s how to make the switch:

💡 1. Find the Right Grip

Place your index knuckle and heel pad on bevel four of the racket. Spreading your index finger slightly will give you more wrist flexibility for spin.

🐶 2. “Pet the Dog” to Load the Wrist

Start your backswing with your racket face angled down like you’re petting a big dog. This sets you up for the next crucial move—the slot position, where your racket lags before whipping forward.

🚀 3. Step Through for Power

To fully engage your hips, step into your shot as you swing. This movement helps generate racket head speed and adds effortless spin.

🔥 4. Engage the Boosters (Your Legs!)

If your shots keep diving into the net, bend your knees and push up through the ball. Using your legs to drive your shot will get the ball up and over with heavy spin.

🎯 5. Pronation = More Spin & Control

At contact, turn your wrist slightly (pronation) to brush up the back of the ball. This motion helps lift the ball and create that signature dipping topspin.

The semi-western grip might take time to perfect, but once you lock it in, you’ll have a forehand that can handle any shot, from deep rally balls to aggressive approaches. 💪 

🎥 Watch the full video and start hitting like a pro!

💬 “You cannot be serious!”

~ John McEnroe

👕 WHAT TO WEAR

Classic Style Meets Modern Performance

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Legends never go out of style—experience the adidas Heritage legacy today. 🚀✨

💡 FUN FACT

Got a half hour to kill? That’s all it took for Steffi Graf to steamroll Natasha Zvereva in the 1988 French Open final—just 34 minutes of pure dominance, ending in a double bagel (6-0, 6-0). It’s the shortest Grand Slam final in history, and honestly, some 80s hairstyles lasted longer. Watch it here. 👀

🎾 WHERE TO PLAY

Play Like a Legend at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Step onto the prestigious courts of Omni Amelia Island Resort, ranked #2 on Florida’s East Coast and a Top 50 Tennis Resort in the U.S.! Since 1974, this stunning facility—set beneath majestic live oaks—has hosted legends like Agassi, Navratilova, Evert, Hingis, Sharapova, and the Williams sisters.

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💡 QUICK TIP

The Lob & Net Attack: A Winning Strategy

Want to flip the script on an aggressive net player? The lob-and-approach strategy is one of the smartest ways to regain control of the court. Here’s how to do it effectively:

🎾 Lob with Purpose – Don’t just toss the ball up and hope for the best. Aim for your opponent’s backhand side—it forces them into a weaker shot, like a backhand overhead or a scramble to reposition.

🚶‍♂️ Move In—But Not Too Far – Once your lob clears their head, step forward and position yourself near the service line. This puts you in prime position to handle their next shot while keeping your options open.

👀 Anticipate the Lob Return – A player forced deep will likely lob it back. Stay balanced and ready to move—either forward to volley or back to smash an overhead.

🚧 Cover the Line First – If your opponent has time to recover and hit a passing shot, prioritize covering the down-the-line angle. It’s the easier shot for them, so take it away.

🤝 Doubles Tip – In doubles, if you lob over the net player, both you and your partner should move forward together to control the net. Just don’t close in too tight—staying near the service line keeps you flexible.

Master the lob-and-net approach, and you’ll keep your opponents guessing while dictating the pace of play. Now get out there and own the court! 🎾🔥

🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS

• Montoya Tennis Spring Break Program: April 21 - 27 • High Performance & Junior Academy Learn More / Register

• International Tennis Hall of Fame's 2025 Induction Celebration: August 21 - 24 • Experience tennis greatness up close at the International Tennis Hall of Fame's 2025 Induction Celebration, where exclusive packages offer VIP access to legendary events, courtside seats, luxury hospitality, and a front-row experience to history in Newport, RI. Learn More / Register

• Mallorca Tennis Retreat: October 10 - 15 • Mallorca for a one-of-a-kind luxury retreat, where you’ll play tennis, practice yoga, and indulge in a curated Mediterranean experience—all while staying at a 5-star hotel with breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Learn More / Register