Percentage tennis suggests you play cross court because the net is lower and the court is longer. The distance is undeniable, whereas the net height though undeniable is negated by the distance.
Cross court distance from singles corner to singles corner is 82.5 ft
Down the line distance from singles corner to singles corner is 78 ft.
That is a 4.5 ft. difference.
Cross court distance from singles corner to net is 41.25 ft.
Down the line distance from singles corner to net is 39 ft.
That is a 2.75 ft. difference.
Gravity pulls things to earth at 39 ft. per second.
Gravity negates the difference in the height of the net.
With a ball machine placed in the corner of the singles court, shoot a few balls cross court at a constant speed and trajectory so the ball hits the net tape. Once you have that setting, turn the machine to fire the ball down the line and it will hit the net tape.
Thanks Jeff. You are citing generic percentages which are fact. This video talks about personal percentages that SOMETIMES might be better for a player to do rather than the generic percentages. This typically happens if/when a player has a particular skill that is unusual and they do it very well.
Great point. Too often coaches want to play it safe with the generic because it is easily defensible if something goes wrong. If you really know and trust your players you can make them creative threats. These videos really make one look introspectely.
This is exactly what I was discussing with someone. Doing what works for you as opposed to what the higher percentage shot is. Proved my point! Thanks!
Percentage tennis suggests you play cross court because the net is lower and the court is longer. The distance is undeniable, whereas the net height though undeniable is negated by the distance.
Cross court distance from singles corner to singles corner is 82.5 ft
Down the line distance from singles corner to singles corner is 78 ft.
That is a 4.5 ft. difference.
Cross court distance from singles corner to net is 41.25 ft.
Down the line distance from singles corner to net is 39 ft.
That is a 2.75 ft. difference.
Gravity pulls things to earth at 39 ft. per second.
Gravity negates the difference in the height of the net.
With a ball machine placed in the corner of the singles court, shoot a few balls cross court at a constant speed and trajectory so the ball hits the net tape. Once you have that setting, turn the machine to fire the ball down the line and it will hit the net tape.
Thanks Jeff. You are citing generic percentages which are fact. This video talks about personal percentages that SOMETIMES might be better for a player to do rather than the generic percentages. This typically happens if/when a player has a particular skill that is unusual and they do it very well.
Very good information presented, as usual in clear, concise “Capestany” speak! Thanks for the enlightenment.
Ken Howard, USPTA
Thanks Ken
Will you come down to Cincinnati for Western and Southern tournament? Would enjoy a coaches clinic! Thanks Ron
I think I will have a media pass again… stay tuned.
Great point. Too often coaches want to play it safe with the generic because it is easily defensible if something goes wrong. If you really know and trust your players you can make them creative threats. These videos really make one look introspectely.
Thanks Arthur!
This is exactly what I was discussing with someone. Doing what works for you as opposed to what the higher percentage shot is. Proved my point! Thanks!
Great stuff as usual. Things I may have thought about before but you illustrated very well.
Thanks Ari