Tennis Video Tip

Presented by Andres Pedroso, Co-Director
Nike Tennis Camp at University of Virginia

Tennis Tip: Improving Ball Recognition Skills

Tennis is a fast-paced game, and being able to adjust your position and react quickly to your opponent can greatly improve your game. In this video tip, University of Virginia Nike Tennis Camp director, Andres Pedroso, demonstrates two drills used for ball recognition and split-second decisions.

Ball recognition drills are some of the most critical drills when trying to dictate match play and correct your body position. The instructor calls out three different motions - Up, Back, and Hold, to distinguish where your feet should move to adjust to your opponent’s shot. In a similar drill, Pedroso focuses on split-second decisions when returning a shot. This drill works on mid court forehand and drop shots. The instructor calls out “drive” or “drop” and the player must adjust quickly to return the ball. Being able to adjust in a split second gives the element of surprise and makes the game much more difficult for your opponent to anticipate your return.

These tennis tips are presented by Andres Pedroso. He was named the Cavaliers’ Director of Tennis and Head Men’s Tennis Coach in 2017. Prior to becoming the head coach, Pedroso served as the Associate Head Coach and, in his four-year span, the Cavaliers won four ACC championships, the program’s first NCAA championship, and two ITA National Team Indoor Titles.

For more great tips and instruction from Andres Pedroso and his amazing staff, join the fun this summer at the Nike Tennis Camp at University of Virginia.