For High School players, I start by teaching a series of 6-8 lessons on technique and movement for topspin forehand, topspin backhand, forehand and backhand volleys, overhead smash, serve, and return of serve.

Students have the responsibility to practice these shots outside of lessons to become comfortable with them and assure that the stance and swing path feels natural. Practice is essential.

After the technique lessons, I focus on singles and doubles patterns of play, movement, shot selection, and strategy. JV players primarily play doubles.

Loaner racquets are available, and Leslie will provide advice for purchasing a racquet, and purchasing assistance and discounts, when possible, through her connection with San Jose Swim & Racquet Club.

I offer special programs and pricing for groups of high school players preparing for their tennis season. Feel free to inquire.

Objective: To be able to serve and play games, sets, and matches

Teaching Progression: The following tennis strokes will be taught.

• 5 Priorities in the serve (and in tennis in general): Get it in, Aim in a direction, Go for a certain depth, Hit with spin, Hit with power.
• Hitting cross-court vs. down the line.
• First 3 shots in a point: the serve, return of serve, and return of return of serve.
• Offensive tennis: topspin, underspin, volley, overhead, 1st serve, hitting the ball on the rise.
• Defensive tennis: lob, hitting with margin, baseline game, 2nd serve, moving back.
• Moving forward, moving on the diagonal, moving backward, approach shot.
• Singles patterns, the “V” pattern, four quadrants.
• Doubles patterns, one up/one back, two up, two back.
• Scoring in games, tiebreaks, and ad/no-ad.