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Racket Control Controlling the racket is an important building block to learning tennis skills. Coaches should consider the size of the racket and racket grip for their players.     Assessing Player Readiness   Beginners have difficulty in controlling their rackets in relation to the approaching ball. A beginner often swats at the ball instead of controlling the racket. Intermediate players have developed control of the racket to a level where they rarely miss contacting the ball. Strokes are relatively smooth and in control.     Teaching the Skill   Although tennis players hold the racket (grip) in many ways to execute different strokes, Special Olympics recommends using the eastern grip for athletes beginning to play tennis. View the video for further information on teaching correct grips.   Use of foam balls is recommended when athletes are beginning the skill progressions. Athletes should be taught the traditional forehand "shake hands with the racket" grip, where the athlete: Stands with feet slightly apart with the racket in the non-racket hand. Places the palm of the racket hand against the strings of the racket and slide the racket hand down the racket until the hand reaches the grip. Wraps fingers around the handle comfortably and "shakes hands." Using this grip, have athletes practice drills that increase their ability to control the racket head.   Eastern Backhand Grip         Forehand Grip         Semi-Western Grip   Serve Grip         Western Grip       Note: Within the video clips and the still photos, the pen is used as a reference to emphasize the position of the hand, ensuring that the pointer finger knuckle is resting on the correct bevel for the specified grip.   Key Words "Shake hands with the racket" "Shake hands" "Watch the ball" "Gentle" "Fingernails up" and "Fingernails down" "Hit the ball in the middle of the strings" "Control the ball" "Bump"   Coaching Tips Emphasize control and gentle bumps of the ball. This is a difficult concept for some Special Olympics athletes. Instruct athletes to watch the strings and try to contact the ball in the center of the racket (sweet spot). It is important that the athlete is using the appropriate racket size, length and weight. With lower ability levels it may be useful to use partners as coaches. Have athletes practice swinging the racket while balancing a penny on the edge of the racket. This teaches athletes to swing under control and to keep the racket at a right angle to the ground.

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