After
the student has the concept of the linear interval and clean contact
it is time to introduce the concept of acceleration. Note that
the student need not have a perfect idea about the linear interval
or
be able to execute a perfect linear interval before the accelerate
concept is introduced.
Acceleration
is a complex concept with several parts. To start, the student
should
be introduced
to the Ballistic Reflex. The
ballistic reflex is not a wrist slap. It is performed as shown in
the video cited before. It is a squeeze and hold action. See Ballistic
Reflex TWO for an on court demonstration of a very short ballistic
reflex movement. This is one of the most important movements in professional
tennis. It
is
further
illustrated
in the video below. Note how the racquet is pointing to the back
of the court while the elbow is in front of the body. Just before
the strike, the player will squeeze the racquet causing the laid
back wrist position to advance, bringing the racquet into contact
with
the ball. It looks like the player is using a wrist slap, but this
is only an illusion. |
