Summer Transition
- Sue Aery
Platform Tennis Magazine -
You have just come off a summer of terrific tennis and now it
is time to pick up your paddle and play platform tennis again.
Many players don't realize how many differences there are between
these two great games. As soon as you begin to play paddle again
you need to remember a few key points.
Like tennis, platform tennis is a game of patience. Unlike
tennis, however, in platform tennis you can't truly out-power
your opponent. No matter how hard you can hit the ball, it
can always come off the screens. Therefore, there is always
the constant reminder that patience wins out on the platform
tennis court. If we play on this premise we will be immediately
more successful early on in the season.
In tennis your goal is to set up your point to put the ball
as far away from your opponent as possible so that it will
not come back. In platform tennis your goal is to set up points
so that your opponents make errors.
Overheads: Unlike tennis where
an overhead usually ends the point, good platform tennis overheads
simply allow for an extension of the point. In platform tennis
there are two types of overheads, aggressive and neutralizing.
Aggressive overheads generally utilize spin. The neutralizing
shot is hit with very little pace, flat and deep in the court.
Attack & Counter-Attack: Platform
tennis is a game of attack and counter- attack. Being able
to realize an opportunity to attack and when you should counter
the attack is a major component in the game. If you make the
mistake of going for too much it can often backfire on your
team.
Serving: Because you get only
one serve it must be well placed and consistent.
The First Volley: Nearly all players serve and volley. Because
the volley is seldom a put-away shot in platform tennis, volleys
must become a routine and consistent part of your game. The
volley is hit with your paddle close to the net and with less
pace than in tennis.
Play To Win: Last, but certainly
not least, platform tennis can turn on a dime. Many matches
have been on the verge of completion when the other team miraculously
turns the tide and wins the match. The only explanation of this
phenomenon is the very delicate balance between playing offensively
and positively versus playing too safe. That slight backing
down can turn your presumed victory into a loss in a matter
of a few points. Remember to always play to win until the very
last point has been completed, hopefully in your team's favor.
Never 'play not to lose'...it can come back to haunt you.
Here are some good drills and tips
to begin your successful platform tennis season. You
should practice these ideas several times before playing that
first match.
1. Call your partner or friend to hit one on one and practice
the specific platform tennis shots that are different from tennis.
2. Be patient and deliberate. Your shots will come back quickly.
3. Think about the game and the differences between tennis and
platform tennis.
4. Put points together in your mind so that they are familiar
when you step out on the court for the first time of the season.
5. If you have access to video tapes of previous matches or
tournaments, watch them a few times so that you will feel more
at home with all of the necessary components for your game.
6. Play a few fun practice matches before it really counts to
ease the jitters of the first match.
7. Take advantage of any kickoff camps that may be in your area.
They are a great way to get your game in shape for the season
... and lots of fun too.
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