A good swing is essential to your tennis game. Tennis players need to not only hit the ball over the net with their racket, but also place that ball in certain locations in order to keep the ball in play. Such control is not easy but can be learned through practice. Tennis shadow swinging exercises can improve your game. After all, your tennis swing will determine whether your ball remains in play or soars over the fence or into the bleachers.
Definition
Shadow tennis is a form of practice that uses your own shadow to help you practice adjusting your swing. Much like shadow boxing, you place yourself in a location where the sun or a light is behind your back so that you can see your shadow in front of you. In this way, you can watch your arm placement and backswing and follow-through to determine whether your arm is level and your hand is firmly holding the racket. Shadow tennis can also help you anticipate your ball trajectory.
Swinging
Standing in front of a wall, mirror or flat space where you can easily see your shadow, practice a variety of swings, keeping your eye on your form, hand and arm position and the placement and angle of your tennis racket. You can also have a partner watching your reflection or shadow and pointing out tips or errors as you swing. Using a ball machine or a partner lobbing balls to you, practice your ground swing. Your style and form is individual based on your height, strength and natural swing path, but pay special attention to the angle of your racket when practicing your ground swings. Ensure that your racket netting is perpendicular to the ground, not facing upward or downward, which will send your fall flying too high or hitting the ground before it clears the net. Practice ground swinging with the mirror or your reflection between 20 to 30 times per practice session to perfect your swings. Your shoulders should be perpendicular to the ground when swinging at a ground ball or during your backswing, with follow-through with your hand at shoulder, chest or waist level, again depending on your natural swing path.
Shadow Balls
You can practice your timing with a partner. Have your partner drop a ball so that you easily see its shadow against a wall or as a shadow on the ground in front of you. Hold a racket in your hand, but stand far enough away so that you won't actually hit the ball as it bounces. Your partner will drop the ball. When it reaches its peak on the bounce, you say "hit" and swing at the shadow, suggests Master professional tennis coach Bob Love.
Overhand Practice
Practice overhand shadow swings and drills for at least 5 minutes a day, suggests US tennis pro Tim Davide. Using a mirror indoors or out, or your shadow, pretend you're going to swing overhand at an approaching ball. Stop yourself at the top of your swing and look at your racket. Determine if your grip allows for a straight, forward-on shot with the netting facing the opposite side of the court, or wherever you want to hit the ball. Next, practice the swing, this time following through. Note where your racket stops at the downswing and pay attention to your form. Determine whether your follow through is adequate for your ball placement. Note your stance and hip positions. Practice your overhand shadow swings 20 to 30 times. When possible, have your instructor or a partner help you pinpoint errors in your swing or follow-through that will improve your overhand swings and ball placement.
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