Benefits of Using A Tennis Ball Machine

Using a tennis ball machine is an excellent tennis training tool that will take your game to a new level. Practicing against a ball machine builds confidence, improves tennis strokes, and strengthens your overall fitness.

>> Improve your volley speed.
>> Improve your tennis swing mechanics.
>> Improve your footwork and preparation.
>> Improve your speed and movement on the court.
>> Improve your cardio and endurance.

You can practice the following swings : right forehand, backhand, lob, overhead smash, topspin and backspin, half volley to full volley. Repetition is by far the best teacher and by providing a practice ball that has the same height, depth, and pace, tennis ball machines allow strokes to be reinforced correctly.

When it comes to tennis practice you'll need to consider what types of shots you need to work on, and what types of shots you expect to work on in the future.

Improving Your Footwork In Tennis

Nearly all tennis ball machines are capable of oscillation, which means they shoot balls randomly from side to side. This allows you to move your feet while practicing your ground strokes or volleys. Some ball machines are even capable of dropping in short balls so that you can step in and put them away or make a nice approach shot before coming to the net.

It should be noted that ball machines should not replace a coach. It could be harmful to your game to continually practice a bad technique. However, in conjunction with coaching, a ball machine is a very valuable tool.

ATLANTA Advanced Tennis Drills

HELLO FELLOW HARDCORE TENNIS PLAYERS!

On Wednesday July 30, 2008, Tom Smith and I (Eric Burke) will conduct a match play/ stroke clinic for advanced players.

Those of you who have been to the drills in the past know how fast paced and challenging they are. With the addition of a world class player and coach like Tom, the drills
are sure to be even more fun and informative.

The clinic is limited to the first 16 players to sign up by responding to this e-mail or calling Eric @ 678-768-4618. These are the only ways to sign up for the clinic.

Location: Villages at the Lakes Apartments Athletic Center Courts

Time: 7:00-8:30

Cost 15.00 per player

The Benefits Of A Custom Tennis Racquet

HARDCORE TENNIS now offers custom tennis racquets from Vantage.

The benefit of using a custom built tennis racquet frame means you get all the parameters you need to play your best game, something that Tour players have always relied on.

A custom tennis racquet gives you the ability to define the tennis equipment you need. From head size to stiffness, color to weight and balance. HARDCORE TENNIS, in partnership with Vantage, gives you a choice of specifications usually reserved for professional tennis players.

World class manufacturing combined with some of the racquet industry's leading designers has produced a sports brand that stands alone in quality service and choice.

IMPROVE YOUR TENNIS GAME TODAY...Stop by or call HARDCORE TENNIS today to find out more specifics about this exciting new tennis product.

CALL US TODAY!
Atlanta Store: 404.897.1177
Marietta Store : 770.933.1905

2008 Wimbledon Thoughts || Eric's Corner

Since 90% of tour players play basically the same style, it is always a treat to see something different. In his first round match, Rafael Nadal faced an aggressive, attacking opponent in Andreas Beck from Germany . Nadal won in three close entertaining sets 6-4, 6-4, 7-6. Beck has a big lefty serve and was willing to take some chances on his second. In fact the average speed of his second delivery was 110 mph. He also did a great job of varying the placement and speed of both serves. Playing Nadal for 3 sets and only getting broken twice has to be considered a major accomplishment. But here is what I find so confusing. Beck approached the net 18 times and won 14 points. Unless I’m missing something, that is a pretty successful conversion rate. Being so successful at net, why would he go in only 18 times in 3 sets? Please let me know what I’m missing.

Just as confusing is the lack of aggression from Andy Roddick in his match against Janko Tipsarevic. With an average 1st serve speed of 127mph and getting 73% of his 1st serves in, Roddick came to the net a total of 31 times in 4 sets. That’s an average of 7.75 times per set. That is an impossible stat for a player with such a huge weapon. By winning 85% of his 1st serve points he was obviously holding serve easily. That allowed him to be very aggressive in his return games and put a tremendous amount of pressure on Tipsarevic’s serve. Instead he chose to be very cautious on his returns and was content to play long baseline rallies with an opponent who has superior groundstrokes. Even more frustrating was watching Roddick hit a 140 mph serve, Tipsarevic strain just to get it back, and Roddick backing up letting the ball drop, and then spinning the ball back into play. Obviously being one of the best players in the world, Roddick has heard this before. Why does he continue to play a style that does not help him win?

By contrast in the 3rd round 4 set match between Feliciano Lopez and our own Bobby Reynolds, the two players came to the net a total of 95 times. Lopez approached 50 times and Bobby 45 times. I call him Bobby because I know him. (He beat me 7-5 in the third his freshman year at Vanderbilt) Both players have great serves. But they don’t come close to what Roddick has. Is it coaching, execution, or something else?

READ MORE ABOUT 2008 WIMBLEDON
2008 Wimbledon Championships Main Site : [ www.wimbledon.org ]
2008 Wimbledon Scores : [ www.wimbledon.org ]
Federer Secures Spot In Wimbledon Final : [ www.tennis.com ]

PERSONAL THOUGHTS!
I am really excited about playing tournaments again this summer! There are a few things that I concentrate on in a long match.

1. Make your opponent beat you. Chances are, they are as nervous as you are. Try not to give away too many points.

2. Think of positive results you had in the past in tight matches.

3. Figure out the most efficient way to eliminate your opponent during a change over. (Make sure the injuries aren’t permanent)

---Eric Burke
---HARDCORE TENNIS

2007 Georgia Tech Holiday Tennis Classic

HARDCORE TENNIS proudly hosted the 2007 Georgia Tech Holiday Tennis Classic December 27-31. The field included former top ranked ATP pros Ellis Ferreira, Don Johnson, and Tim Wilkinson. Current pros Donald Young and Bobby Reynolds added to the star power of this unique event. The full capacity crowds saw great tennis day and night.

>>>> VIEW PHOTO GALLERY

Here are the final results:
Singles: Raian Luchichi def. Bobby Reynolds
Doubles: Donald Young and Colt Gaston def Don Johnson and Raian
Luchchi.