Early Preparation

Gordon Miller • January 15, 2023

Early Racquet Take-back Quickly Improves Hitting

Image of early forehand preparation

Days before our Thursday session, I received an email from Tomaz at Feel Tennis on early racquet preparation. Before I left the house, at precisely 6.45am, (we play Thursdays from 7.30 to 9.30 am) I reviewed the video and picked up something I had missed the first time, namely that you should start taking the racquet back in parallel to the ball leaving the other player’s racquet. The penny dropped! I had been starting the racquet takeback when the ball was just over the net, which is too late.


Throughout today's hitting session, I prepared earlier and received amazing results. I found myself having more time to swing. Accuracy and consistency improved immediately. I hit out in front more, and it made me feel like Andy Murray. From our mini-tennis warmup to our 11-point game without serving, I employed the new technique, with blazing results. i.e. as soon as the ball left the racquet of hitting partner Luke, I started my backswing. A new world of hitting opened up. 


Highlights of the 11-point no-serve game using the new technique, are shown in the following 4 minute video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qppC_7PW_o


For details from a professional on how to prepare your strokes early, click the button below.

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