Own the Net & Outsmart Your Opponent Before the First Point

👀 WHO TO FOLLOW

Beating a better player isn’t about hitting harder—it’s about playing smarter. Spot their weaknesses in warm-up, then keep them off balance with a game they hate. 🕵️‍♂️⚡ stokketennis

📺 WHAT TO WATCH

Stop Avoiding the Net: How to Volley with Confidence

If stepping up to the net makes you nervous, it’s time to change that. Here’s how to develop a solid, powerful volley to control the point instead of avoiding it.

🔥 1. Think of Your Volley as a Push
A great volley isn’t a swing—it’s a controlled push. Just like pushing against a wall, keep your arms out in front and engage your legs for stability and power.

🤲 2. Find the Right Grip for Stability
The Continental grip is ideal for quick transitions between forehand and backhand volleys, but slight grip adjustments can add extra stability. The key? Your palm (or “pad”) should always be behind the strings for better control.

🎯 3. Align Your Hands & Shoulders for Maximum Strength
Your shoulder should be behind your hand, not out to the side. This alignment ensures your volleys feel solid, not flimsy, and keeps you from muscling the ball with just your arm.

🚀 4. Use the Right Footwork to Transfer Power
Good volleys rely on footwork, not arm swings. Practice these techniques to move smoothly through the ball:

• Step-Hit-Step: Load, step, hit, and stop—this gives your volleys structure and power.

• Walk-Through Volley: Keep moving forward for seamless weight transfer.

• Shift Volley: For quick reaction volleys, shift your weight instead of stepping.

🏆 5. Master Weight Transfer for a Stronger Volley
Whether stepping into a volley or shifting your weight, your power comes from your legs. Load, push forward, and time your movement with the ball for cleaner, more controlled shots.

Stop avoiding the net and start owning it! Apply these tips, and you’ll be a volleying machine in no time. 🔥 Watch the full breakdown and start playing with confidence! [🎥 Watch here.]. 

“What makes something special is not just what you have to gain, but what you feel there is to lose.”

~ Andre Agassi

👕 WHAT TO WEAR

Stay Cool, Play Bold – Sofibella Skirts Have You Covered!

Sofibella’s women’s tennis skirts are designed to move with you, not against you. 🔥 Made from stretchy, breathable fabrics, they let you sprint, slide, and swing without limits. 💨 Plus, built-in shorts or briefs keep you covered during intense rallies while offering UPF protection from the sun. 🌞💪 Play hard, stay confident, and let nothing hold you back! 🚀

DID YOU KNOW: Venus and Serena Williams were the first sisters to win Olympic gold medals in tennis.

🎾 WHERE TO PLAY

Unforgettable Tennis Getaways at John Newcombe Tennis Ranch

Escape to the Texas Hill Country for an immersive tennis vacation like no other! At John Newcombe Tennis Ranch, you’ll enjoy world-class instruction, a welcoming “team-family-team” atmosphere, and plenty of fun on and off the court.

🏆 What Makes It Special?

• Pro-led training with a max 6:1 guest-to-pro ratio

• All-inclusive packages: tennis, meals, accommodations & entertainment

• Legendary social scene – from match play to Karaoke at the Aussie Bar 🎤

🎾 Choose from two top-tier adult programs to elevate your game while ensuring maximum fun and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to refine your strokes or enjoy competitive play in a laid-back setting, this is a tennis vacation you won’t forget!

📍 Ready to play? Book your ultimate tennis getaway today! 🌟 John Newcombe Tennis Ranch

💡 QUICK TIP

Win the Warmup, Win the Match

Think the warmup is just about loosening up? Think again.

Your pre-match routine is an opportunity to gather intel, get comfortable, and set the tone for the match ahead. Here’s how to win the warmup—without hitting a single winner.

🔹 Scout Your Opponent – Pay attention! Do they have a one-handed or two-handed backhand? One-handers often rely on slice, while two-handers may have a stronger backhand than forehand. Do they avoid backhands altogether? That’s a weakness you can exploit.

🔹 Gauge Their Style – If your opponent never comes to the net, they’re probably a baseline grinder. That means bringing them in with drop shots could throw them off.

🔹 Test Their Movement & Spin – Hit a mix of higher balls, low slices, and varying speeds (nothing crazy!) to see how they respond. Are they quick to adjust or easily uncomfortable?

🔹 Prepare Your Own Game – Don’t hide your weaknesses—warm them up! Better to work through them now than struggle in the first few games. And don’t forget volleys and overheads; you don’t want your first smash to come under pressure.

🔹 Fine-Tune Your Serve & Returns – Take at least six serves on each side, and visualize match play as you hit the last few. On returns, ease into it but finish with some game-speed reps.

🔹 Set Your Mental Tone – Nerves are normal—so breathe, bounce on your toes, and smile. This is your time to enjoy the battle and play your best.

Master the warmup, and you’ll step into the match already ahead. Game on. 🎾

🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS

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