Heinz Günthardt, captain of the Swiss Billie Jean King Cup team, recently spoke in an interview about the current weakness in volleys in professional tennis, his long-standing collaboration with Steffi Graf, and the importance of the slice shot.
In the interview, Günthardt discussed the impact of modern rackets on volleys in tennis. He explained that with wooden rackets in the past, players had to have proper technique and couldn’t simply rely on blocking the ball. The smaller and less stable racket heads of the past required players to have better control and technique to successfully execute volleys.
Günthardt also discussed the differences in today’s rackets, which have larger heads and wider frames, making it easier for players to hit volleys evenHeinz Günthardt, captain of the Swiss Billie Jean King Cup team, recently spoke in an interview about the current weakness in volleys in professional tennis, his long-standing collaboration with Steffi Graf, and the importance of the slice.
In the interview, Günthardt discussed the impact of modern rackets on volleys in tennis. He explained that with wooden rackets, players had to have proper technique and couldn’t simply rely on blocking the ball. The stability of the racket head increased when it was in motion, and players had to learn the correct technique to control the ball.
He also mentioned that the larger racket heads and wider frames of modern rackets allow players to hit the ball over the net even if they don’t hit it perfectly in the center. However, this results in the ball bouncing higher on the opponent’s side, making it easier forHeinz Günthardt, captain of the Swiss Billie Jean King Cup team, recently spoke in an interview about the current weakness in volleys in professional tennis, his long-standing collaboration with Steffi Graf, and the importance of the slice.
In the interview, Günthardt discussed the impact of modern rackets on volleys in tennis. He explained that with wooden rackets, players had to have proper technique and couldn’t simply rely on blocking the ball. The stability of the racket head increased when it was in motion, and players had to learn the correct technique to control the ball.
He also discussed the differences in volleys with modern rackets. While the larger racket heads and wider frames allow players to hit the ball over the net even if they don’t hit it perfectly in the center, Günthardt emphasized that this is not ideal. When the ball is only blocked, it tends to bounce high on the opponent’s side, making it easier for them to pass the player at the net. In the past, players were able to give the ball more backspin, keeping it lower and making it more difficult for opponents to pass them.
Günthardt also mentioned other factors contributing to the weakness in volleys on the tour. He explained that his generation learned from the previous generation, which played on grass courts
What is the significance of the slice shot in tennis and how does it impact a player’s overall game
D that in the past, when wooden rackets were used, players had to rely on proper technique rather than simply blocking the ball. The smaller and less stable racket heads of the past required players to have better control and technique in order to execute volleys successfully.
However, with today’s rackets having larger heads and wider frames, Günthardt noted that it has become easier for players to hit volleys. This has resulted in a decline in the overall quality of volleys in professional tennis.
Günthardt also spoke about his long-standing collaboration with Steffi Graf, one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He mentioned that their partnership was built on trust, open communication, and mutual respect. He emphasized the importance of having a strong bond with your doubles partner in order to perform well on the court.
Lastly, Günthardt highlighted the significance of the slice shot in tennis. He explained that the slice is a versatile shot that can be used both defensively and offensively. It can be a useful tool in breaking up opponents’ rhythm and disrupting their game plan. Günthardt stressed the importance of mastering the technique of the slice shot to have a well-rounded game.
