My Pro Used The Contraption On Me

[jk816]

Originally Posted by limitup

I just cringe when I think of all the horrible strokes this poor guy is developing. I mean just look at his "serve". Ouch!

Without commenting on the Xmas Device, I often did think it might be useful when teaching kids to serve to find an effective means of suspending the ball at the correct placement for contact, to allow them to focus on the mechanics of the stroke without worrying about the toss (much less trying to hit a poor toss, which limits chances for building good muscle memory/ habits). Plus, once they are used to seeing the ball at a certain relationship (height, distance), they can then know what spot to practice their toss towards, and then hopefully integrate the motion.

I'd often wondered if a long fishing pole with a bit of velcro hook (just enough to hold the ball, yet release on contact) at the end of the line instead of a fishing hook might do the trick. Anyone ever try that?

Jim

[limitup]

The easiest thing to do is just poke a hole through a ball, stick a string through it and knot it off at the other end, and hang it from something at the desired height.

[jk816]

Originally Posted by limitup

The easiest thing to do is just poke a hole through a ball, stick a string through it and knot it off at the other end, and hang it from something at the desired height.

Thanks; though I'd be concerned that if the ball didn't release, the hitter (or holder) would then have to duck the wrap around "tether ball" after hitting. Velcro (if it held enough) could be a quick reload from a bucket of balls.

[limitup]

You hang the ball at your contact point, which is well above your head. Why would you have to duck??

[jk816]

Originally Posted by limitup

You hang the ball at your contact point, which is well above your head. Why would you have to duck??

Depends what you find at the right height to hang it from (Ceiling? Overhead bar or branch?) and the length of line needed to suspend it at the right height. Again this is intended for 9-10 Y/O kids, so it would hang low, probably with a long enough line that a mishit could send it swing in many directions.
Even if it wasn't a long enough tether to swing back or around at anyone's head, it would likely be low enough to cause an instinctive ducking, which I 'd be leery of having as a reaction in finishing the service motion.

Thanks for your thoughts, I don't wish to further hijack the thread about the "Contraption".

[marjorie]

i bought an eyecoach a month ago and i love it cause it sits in my living room - ready to get hit any time i want.
using it for topspin is good, using it for focussing is good and for just hitting 300 balls in 6 minutes or so
i love it - i did a video here and will do another one in a few weeks
m

[rufus_smith]

Nice video, Majorie, thanks. Seems like in Florida you could just "drop hit" a basket of real tennis balls, but what ever works for you.