A simple drill that can be turned into point play, absorb and rip is a drill we do in many of our clinics around the world. This modified, short court and red ball version is perfect for your backyard, drive-way or an open space in the house! Give it a try, work on that touch and challenge yourself with our progression. 

Open: An Autobiography

By: Andre Agassi

Buy at Amazon

Today's Daily Read is certainly a bit more mainstream than are eclectic finish last Friday, but it's also a must have for any hardcore tennis fan. Those of us that grew up watching the evolution of Andre Agassi will be fascinated by the stories he tells about his life - and relationship - in tennis. From the hatred sown on the ball machine, to the peace he found late in his career, Open will make you question your own relationship with the sport of tennis, in the best way possible. 

As we get another day closer to April (how long has this March been?!), it's starting to get warmer around the country and it's got us itching for grass court season. With news that the clay season has been postponed, Wimbledon is our next best hope to see the world's best players back on court. In 2019, it looked certain that Serena Williams would finally break the streak of major finals lost and break Margaret Court's all time record. She breezed her way through the Wimbledon draw and faced Simona Halep in the final. Halep had to battle her way through every match, and grass certainly is not her best surface. Serena was the big favorite, but Halep proved once again why you can never count her out. Enjoy the full match footage!

This weekend marked the anniversary of several inaugural matchups. Back in March of 2004, Nadal and Federer played against each other for the very first time in Miami. Meanwhile, March of 1999 was the first time the Williams sisters competed against each other in a WTA Tour singles final. Check out these tennis milestones on Instagram below!

Kickstart your week with a heart-pumping, equipment-free cardio workout in under 30 minutes! This workout emphasizes explosive, quick movements that will directly translate to your footwork and endurance on the tennis court.

Circuit - This circuit follows a 40/20-second interval pattern, meaning you will complete each move for 40 seconds, and rest for 20 seconds. Once that 60 seconds is up, move to the next exercise and follow the same 40/20 pattern. Keep scrolling for tips on how to complete each movement!

1. Side shuffle with lunge
2. Line jumps x 20 forward, x 20 side-to-side
3. Fast mountain climbers
4. Jump squats (or modify with bodyweight squats)
5. Bicycle crunches
6. Speed skaters
7. 60 seconds of rest

Repeat 4 times for a total of 28 minutes!

Side shuffle with lunge - ​This move is perfect for honing footwork and endurance on court! Begin in a low, athletic stance with knees bent. Shuffle to one side as quickly as possible without breaking your low stance. At each end, perform a quick lunge then resume your low stance and shuffle back to the opposite side. Repeat this pattern for 40 seconds. 

Line jumps - Line jumps are another exercise that promotes quick footwork on the tennis court. Complete short, explosive jumps on the balls of your feet and try to hop as quickly as possible back and forth. Complete 20 forward and 20 sideways jumps, continuing to alternate for the 40 second interval.

Fast mountain climbers - Mountain climbers are great for building a strong core. By speeding them up, we’re working the core through short, explosive bursts while keeping the heart rate high to build strength and cardiovascular endurance. Make sure to keep your core tight and spine neutral throughout the entire 40 seconds to avoid strain to the lower back.

Jump squats - Jump squats are a great option for building power in the legs. Get into your typical squat stance with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Squat down and launch into the air as high as you can. Focus on driving through the legs. If you need a lower impact variation, complete bodyweight squats, driving through the heel each time to deliver similar strength benefits.

Bicycle crunches - Bicycles work the entire core with extra emphasis on the obliques. Lie on the ground and cup your head with your hands, elbows out. To complete the move, think about bringing your opposite elbow to your opposite knee, squeezing the core each time. 

Speed skaters  - While jump squats emphasized vertical power, speed skaters will build your lateral speed and strength. They can be tricky to get the hang of at first, but think about performing a jumping side lunge, allowing the opposite leg to swing behind you. Load in the legs and drive through your heel to propel yourself right to left. The loading portion of this move is where the power is built, so take these slow and controlled until you get the rhythm down.

Now rest for 60 seconds, then complete 3 more rounds of the circuit!

Today's episode of Homegrown Tennis features Tennis Professional Mitch Joyce explaining the many ways you can work on racquet control, feel and touch with just a couple of tools. Be creative, challenge yourself, and master these exercises because next week we are going into some more difficult drills!