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Sport Camp Fundamental Reminders:

TENNIS 

While you were at camp this week: we taught you how to hit a forehand and backhand groundstroke, forehand and backhand volleys, and the serve.

1. Preparation: This very important in tennis. Whatever shot you are going to attempt, begin your preparation as soon as possible.
2. Balance: every shot is tennis requires that you finish each shot with your body under control.

Forehand Ground stroke:

• Semi or Western grip
• When you swing the racquet, try to trace the letter C with your racket hand
• Before hitting the ball, your racquet should be below the flight of the ball so you can hit up on the ball which will impart topspin on the ball.
• At the finish position, the racket should finish over your left shoulder and your body should finish in a balanced comfortable position.

 Backhand Ground stroke:

• Continental grip
• When you swing the racquet, try to trace the letter C with your racket hand
• We would like you to hit with a 2 hands on the racket. Most of the work will be done with your left hand.
• Before hitting the ball, your racquet should be below the flight of the ball so you can hit up on the ball which impart topspin on the ball.
• At the finish position, the racket should finish over your left shoulder and your body should finish in a balanced comfortable position.

Forehand and Backhand Volleys

• Both forehand and backhand volleys are hit with a continental grip
• Unlike the Groundstrokes, the volley is high to slight low swing which generates under-spin at contact. This will make the ball stay lower and harder for your opponent to pass you.
• It’s important to remember that the volley is not a BIG SWING, when you are done making contact, the volley should face the target upon completion of the hit.
• Step in with your left foot on the forehand and step in with your right foot on the backhand

 Serve:

• Continental grip
• The service motion is very similar to throwing a ball
• Very important to have your racquet arm fully extended at contact with nice easy follow through
• Keep it simple and make sure your tossing arm and racquet arm work together in a nice relaxed rhythmic motion

BASKETBALL 

While you were at camp this week: we taught you how to properly dribble, pass, shoot, and make a lay – up.

• To dribble the basketball, it is most efficient with your finger tips and not with your palm. When dribbling, you should look up the basketball court, and you should know where the other players are to facilitate the ball.
• Remember BEEF (Balance, Eye, Elbow, Follow-through) when shooting the basketball and "put your hand in the cookie jar" to help you watch your follow-through to increase accuracy. Get into the habit of always using these proper shooting techniques -- especially in practices to make it "automatic" in a game. If proper techniques are not practiced, then bad habits are formed that are often difficult to correct. If you don't have a practiced shooting technique - you need to practice one!
• To pass the ball, point your feet toward where you want to pass, and, cut toward the basket.
• Right handed lay - ups should be off your left foot, and left handed lay - ups should be off your right foot.

SOCCER

While you were at camp this week: we taught you how to properly dribble, trap, shoot, and pass.

• Keep the soccer ball as close to you as possible with light touches.
• To trap the ball, your foot should be like a magnet.
• To shoot the ball, keep your knee over it. Strike the ball with the top flat part of your foot, and kick the ball in the center of it.
• Pass the ball by striking it with the flat inside of your foot. In a game, pass by spreading out and keep moving.

 VOLLEYBALL

While you were at camp this week: we taught you how to properly serve, pass, set, and hit.

• Serve the volleyball by lining up both your feet about shoulder length apart. Swing your serving arm back behind your head, makes sure your elbow is pointing upwards and your hand is above your head. Toss the up and in front of your head. Your dominant hand should make contact with the ball just before it comes down. Keep your wrist firm try to make contact with the heel of your hand.
• Pass the volleyball by bending your knees and having your feet spread apart.
• To set, your finger tips need to be very firm to push the ball in the air.
• To hit, you need to take the three step approach, and make sure you jump over the ball.