Ace It: Top Tennis Tips Just for You

With the U.S. Open final results as inspiration, today we’re bringing you the wisdom of tennis pro, Kim O’Kelley, whose tips will help you improve your form on the court right now.

Because here’s the thing: As much as we love watching the just-completed Open for the occasional outlandish antics of an irate Andy Roddick or a Williams sister, really it’s the sheer athleticism of the competitors that keeps us glued to the screen (or to our seats at Arthur Ashe Stadium). It also inspires us to take our game to the next level.

But Kim’s tips below aren’t the only way The Cove helps you improve your tennis moves. We offer regular tennis clinics on our six courts, and our pros are always available for one-on-one lessons.

And if just watching the sport is more your thing, we’ve got something for you, too. Our annual Tennis Exhibition is coming back once again this year, from December 6 to 9, with Bahamian tennis star Mark Knowles hosting. We’re finalizing all details about the event and the top players who’ll be joining, but last year our man Roddick was in the house, so you know we’re serious about this. (There’ll also be tennis clinics for the kids, and, for the grown-ups among you, we’ve planned this to all happen the same weekend we’ve got Sheryl Crow at Atlantis LIVE. Book it now. NOW!)

But where were we? Oh, right: Kim’s tennis tips. Here you go…
1. Keep your eyes on the ball, all the way from the bounce in your opponent’s court to the bounce in your court….and, of course, when you hit it, too.
2. Turn sideways, immediately, as the ball is approaching.
3. Say “bounce” when the ball bounces and “hit” when you strike the ball. This keeps your head in the game.
4. When the ball bounces, transfer your weight forward, with the stepping foot (your left) in a closed stance and a bit diagonally forward of the right, which should be in an open stance.
5. When you swing at the ball, catch your racket in the follow-through about three inches from your left ear.
(Keep in mind, these are for right-handed players. Sorry lefties!)

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