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1. I switch between two different forms for my forehand shots, depending on how fast the ball is coming. The form for dealing with fast balls uses a less extended arm, more leg work, and more forceful body rotation. This form actually feeds off fast balls. The form for dealing with slower and higher balls uses more of an extended arm, more work from the biceps, and more forearm pronation. With this form, the ball is hit further in front of the body. This form feels more relaxed and smoother. But I make more mistakes if I try to generate a fast pace with it. I read a tennis book in which a reputable author says that having more than one form for the forehand is a bad thing. What should I do? Robin - Philadelphia, PA The legendary tennis coach Vic Braden has written that Roger Federer plays 28 distinct forehands, depending on the pace, height, depth, and intent of shot. This is based on his library of high-speed video footage of the Swiss champion. I might argue that Federer has as many forehands as are necessary. So… if you need to modify your forehand swing to handle a specific shot then you are in good company. - Glenn 2. I’m 24, going to Community College, and practicing with the men’s tennis team. I was probably more like a 2.5 before I started practicing seriously last summer. Now, I would say that I’m almost a 4.0, and that I’m certainly one of the lowest ranked players on the team. At times I can handle their pace, but I still need more time grooving my strokes. I’m still uncomfortable at the net as well. My problem is when I self-rated on the NorCal USTA website, they gave me a 4.5 NTRP rating. I wanted to be honest, so I said that I practiced with a community college team, and it was an automatic cookie cutter rating after that. I joined USTA to play in tournaments and get some good experience playing people around my skill level. Most people I hit with are noticeably better then me, so I end up practicing defensive tennis all the time. I’m afraid I’ll still be playing up and get a bad experience as a result. I’m kind of stuck on what I should do. I would appreciate any advice. Anthony - Bensalem, PA Please call your Sectional office for guidance. In the end, realize that your match results will be evaluated and calculated. You will be bumped up or down, or stay at the 4.5 NTRP level, based upon these match results. It sounds like you are improving so quickly that by the end of the year you may well have leaped yet another level! - Glenn 3. I recently played in a tournament (4.0 level) where I met a player who had a much faster serve than anyone else I have encountered at that level. What do you recommend doing in that situation? Sarah - Camden, NJ Wait to return serve from well behind the baseline to give yourself a little extra time to track the ball. Return from your regular position but commit to only blocking the returns back (with very little backswing or follow through). If all else fails, and your opponent is serving too well, then you may have to guess a little. Fudge in one direction or the other based on what you see, or expect, from his delivery. (This is a last-ditch alternative though, and simply a rather extreme one).

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