Rallies

A rally is an exchange of shots in a point. In the pros, they only talk about a rally when it gets over 10 strokes but it could be any number. When two players get into a rally, they basically have made a silent agreement to see who is going to crack first and go for a shot that changes the dynamic of a rally.

A rally happens most points in lower level tennis so it is VERY important to practice rallies. But when people say they want to rally, they usuallymean that they would like to work on their most insane winner shots. Then what is the point in rallying? If you don't work on rallies first and kill shots second, then people who never use kill shots will always beat you unless you are have a wonderful day or an untouchable serve.

First thing is first. All players should have a rally shot and an aggressive shot and know the difference between the two.

• The aggressive shot is the one that you lean into and it clears the net low. Whenever you hit the ball, you somehow ended up closer to the net, you just hit an aggressive ball. The aggressive ball is a lower percentage shot so the closer you are to the net when you use it, the better. A lot of unforced errors happen when someone choses to use an aggressive shot at a bad time.

• The rally ball (arc ball) is a stroke that you will use most of the time. You put spin on the ball (some people tap it) and you clear the net high. This ball is a neutral shot so you won't fall forward. This way you don't have to keep backing up everytime you hit a stroke. You also don't want to hit it too hard. The rally ball is for consistency, not missles. You should strive to be able to hit these in your sleep since it is usually the last resort on a bad day.

When you practice with people, make sure that you are clear with what you are working on. At least to yourself. They might not cooperate. Most people like to get out there and just hit the ball mindlessly. But there is a way you can work on your own stuff.

• Keep the ball in play. If the guy hits the ball long, short or wide, try to run it down and get it back in play. This way, even if your partner is inconsistent, you are still working on your footwork. It saves time too.

• Work on a pattern. Most people develop a pattern when they gain consistency. It is important to recognize this pattern so that you know what to do when there is pressure. Some people just hit crosscourt. Some people try to move the ball around from the center. Some people just hit all the balls to their opponents bad side.

• Figure out their pattern. Most people have a pattern that they follow. The more you recognize the patterns, the better your anticipation and defense will be. Eventually you will have a flow without thinking about it.

• Work on specific strokes. I mix my shots up a bit but I am able to sustain rallies only usingtopspin and only using slice. Some people can't take repetitive slicesto their backhand. The more variety you have on your stroke the better it is.

• Aim for no man's land. If you hit theball short, you are stopping the rally most definitely and telling theperson to come in to the net. Use the rectangle closest to thebaseline to aim most of your shot.

• 5 hit combo. If your guy is an aggressive shot maniac, make a deal with him to hit five consecutive shots down the middle before he tries to jerk you around. If he doesn't listen, don't rally with him anymore because you won't get any practice.

I have about for partners that I practice with but only one that I rally with. It is the cornerstone of tennis, not killer serves, not put-aways and not volleys. Once people figure this out, their level will jump up.

Keep breaking those strings guys.