
Learn fundamental tennis skills and beginner-friendly drills to feel the ball on the racket. Start your journey in a sport for all ages and abilities.
Practice fundamental racquet control through down and up dribbles, soft bounces, and slow cone drills for beginners that emphasize watching the ball, controlled footwork, and gradual progression to tossed balls.
Master the forehand grip, left hand at the throat of the racket and heel toward belt buckle, turn shoulders, transfer weight to the left foot, and hit softly with balance.
Learn the backhand grip change with the heel toward belt buckle, step with the left foot, transfer weight onto your front foot, and swing waist-level with eyes over the elbow.
Practice starting positions, footwork, and forehand technique to hit soft, accurate balls that clear the net and land on the red dot, building a lasting forever rally.
Practice games on the real court help beginners sustain rallies from the service square, focusing on finishing high, balance, racket back, and keeping the ball in play.
About the course:
Coach Dick Gould, renowned for his unparalleled expertise in tennis, has dedicated his career to making the acquisition of basic skills and strategies in tennis both accessible and enjoyable for all. Through his meticulously crafted step-by-step instructions, Coach Gould empowers students to enhance their confidence and elevate their skill sets effortlessly. Delving into a wide array of topics, his comprehensive program encompasses everything from fundamental racquet control drills to mastering the intricacies of forehand and backhand techniques. Moreover, Coach Gould emphasizes the importance of agility and precision through movement drills and rally exercises, ensuring that players hone their abilities to navigate the court with finesse. With an innovative approach, Coach Gould integrates engaging practice games and net play strategies, fostering a dynamic learning environment that fosters growth and development.
About the coach:
Coach Gould's illustrious career is a testament to his unparalleled dedication and expertise in the field of tennis. With an impressive tenure spanning 38 years, during which he secured a remarkable 17 national titles, Coach Gould's legacy remains unmatched. Honored as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Coach of the Decade not once, but twice, in both the 1980s and 1990s, his impact on the sport is truly immeasurable. Following his retirement from active coaching at the conclusion of the 2003-04 season, Coach Gould seamlessly transitioned into the role of Director of Tennis at Stanford University, continuing to shape the future of tennis through his enduring commitment to excellence.