Tennis Tip
Presented by Geoff Young, Camp Director
Nike Tennis Camp at University of Minnesota
How To Properly Hit The Overhead
San Rafael, CA (PR WEB) March22, 2012 – University of Minnesota head men’s coach Geoff Young offers his expert opinion on how tennis players can improve their overheads.
Coach Geoff Young explains, "Commonly called "The Smash", these put away shots are often the finishing touches to a perfectly played point. This is an important shot to be able to execute for a couple reasons. For one, if your opponent discovers you aren't able to make an overhead, then he/she will likely just lob every time you gain control of the point, leaving you in a pinch. Also, it is a shame to be able to set up the point perfectly, only to miss the final blow."
With over 11 years of collegiate head coaching experience, Young has had time to observe his players and notice where common mistakes occur. Coach Young says, "Maybe it's because it is often referred to as the smash, but I notice that the overhead is often tried to hit too hard, which can lead to errors. I recommend putting a 3/4 pace smooth swing through the ball, placing it to a spot on the court where their opponent isn't. You will find that there will still be plenty of pace on the ball, awarding you the point.
Good depth can also play a big role. "If you focus on hitting "up" on the ball, you will gain more depth with the overhead, allowing your opponent less time to run it down," explains Coach Young.
Coach Geoff Young was a Two-time all-Big Ten player for Northwestern University. He is currently in his seventh season as head men's coach of the Minnesota Gophers. Prior to Minnesota, was the head coach at the University of Denver for six years. Coming off four straight appearances in the NCAA tournament, Geoff Young has turned Minnesota into one of the premier teams in the Big Ten conference. The Gophers are only one of four Big Ten schools (Illinois, Michigan and Ohio State), who have played in the NCAA tournament four straight years. To get more tips and instruction from Coach Young, check out his Nike Tennis Camp at the University of Minnesota which offers three weeks of overnight and day camp this summer for boys & girls ages 9-18. The camps are open to any and all entrants, limited only by age and availability.
Nike Tennis Camps offer junior and adult overnight and day camps at over 80 locations nationwide. The camps provide first-rate instruction, match play, diversified social activities, exposure to life in a university setting – and the chance to build lasting friendships. Our goal is to give players the opportunity to hit thousands of balls, improve their technique, and be challenged by some of the best players in their peer group.
About US Sports Camps
US Sports Camps (USSC), headquartered in San Rafael, California, is America’s largest sports camp network and the licensed operator of NIKE Sports Camps. Founded in 1975, Nike Tennis Camps is a division of US Sports Camps. What began 37 years ago as one tennis camp is now a national network with more than 500 camps across the country in a wide variety of sports. Players, coaches, parents and others interested in Nike Tennis Camps and US Sports Camps can visit the company’s website at http://www.USSportsCamps.com.