Academy Ball Versus Hard and Low

Key Points

• It’s important to learn to play without fear from a young age and hit the ball hard
• “The academy ball” or high topspin shots can work in the 10’s or 12’s, but it’s important to also develop the confidence to hit hard and low
• Repetition develops consistency
• Consistency doesn’t mean you have to hit the ball 6 feet over the net with topspin
• Maria Sharapova played an aggressive game style and went for her shots as a junior, sometimes sacrificing short term results for the long term vision of winning grand slams