INSTRUCTION
DEALING WITH THE ELEMENTS By Alice Tym
The overarching attitude you need in dealing
with the elements is one of acceptance and incorporation . Rather than hating to play in the wind , you must make the wind your partner . Use the elements rather than ignore or reject them . They are unavoidable when playing outside . You can choose to stay at home and wait for a cloudy day , or you can put on a visor , sunglasses , and sunscreen and add some strategy to your game .
The wind is particularly annoying to indoor players who have a multitude of precise shots . Precision goes out the window when the gusts get to 40 mph and dirt is blowing in your eyes . Being able to target the corner is risky . So , what is your new strategy ? You can ’ t just complain and blame the wind if you want to win the match .
First of all , there are four types of winds . Proper courts are laid out on a north / south axis . In Florida , that means you will probably have a crosswind due to the daily onshore / offshore winds . You can plan for this and learn to play this wind if you ’ re going to compete in the US Open or if you live in Florida . You must allow for the added movements of the ball and play more to the center of the court . When the wind is blowing to the left of your opponents ( toward their backhand side ), hit the ball down the center and let it drift wide to their backhand corner .
Remember , the harder you hit the easier it is for your opponents to judge the flight of the ball . Take a little pace off of the ball and let the wind do the work for you . It requires more adjustment on their part , particularly if you loft a few balls . Drives are much easier to read . When you ’ re the team drifting to the backhand court , you need to position yourselves to cover the left half of the court . Now the ball is blowing away from your backhand . You must take your paddle back early and step into the ball . Maybe you can hit it on the rise before it “ breaks .”
Hesitation and delay will allow the wind to control you . When you ’ re on the side where the wind will blow into your backhand rather than away from it , you must also prepare early and perhaps step around and take the ball on your forehand . If you hit late , the wind will carry your shot wide . Aim for the center and let your new teammate , Mr . Wind , do the work for you .
Same with serves . If you serve hard , it will be easier to return . Lob a few serves . Let the wind push the ball deep into their court . Play it safe down the middle of the
service court or serve into the upwind side of the court . Check the flags on the fence poles to get a feel for the velocity . Florida ’ s crosswinds are pretty consistent .
In upstate New York , Diane Keller deals with the low angle of the sun in October , windy conditions , and chilly temperatures in late fall . Her positive attitude puts a smile on her face !
Then there is the wind that blows north-south from one end of the court to the other . Choosing sides in these conditions is important . Are you a hitter who likes to drive the ball or are you a player who prefers to place the ball ? Are you powerful enough to drive the ball into the wind ? If you like to float the ball and close in tight , you want to hit with the wind . In any case , you will need to play on both sides .
When you ’ re hitting with the wind , let the wind augment your serve . No need to take a chance on it