During one of my USTA League matches this weekend, I kept hearing an unusual squeaking noise. It was eerily familiar, yet elusive to identify. It took me a few games to finally pinpoint the source: It was the sound of my own footwork.
I am currently in the midst of an extended offseason training block. With apologies to my fall season teams, I am currently more focused on improving my game rather than winning matches. One of my specific performance objectives between now and the start of next year’s tennis calendar is to improve my court coverage. As it turns out, there is a book for that.
Training for Speed, Agility, and Quickness by Lee E. Brown and Vance A. Ferrigno isn’t a tennis-specific book, though it is targeted at athletes of all sports where those elements are important. Tennis demands quick bursts of speed, rapid directional changes, and precise footwork—all of which can be improved through exercises and drills. In addition, it is a good resource for plyometric training techniques, which develops explosive bursts of energy. Reaction training also garners a dedicated chapter, which is essential for tennis players who must respond quickly to incoming shots from an opponent.
This book is well-organized and user-friendly. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific aspect of this niche of athletic training. Each begins with a clear explanation of the philosophy and purpose behind the exercises, followed by detailed descriptions of the methods that can be used to enhance performance. The final chapter includes sports-specific training schedules, including one specifically targeted for tennis.
Brown and Ferrigno do an excellent job explaining the physiological basis behind the recommended training techniques. The exercises are grounded in solid science while keeping the material easy to understand and apply.
This book delivers a wide array of detailed drills and exercises. All athletes are sure to find something that directly addresses their current training objectives. The illustrations and photos make it easy to understand and develop proper form and technique. Many of the drills are perfect for functional tennis movements, and I found it easy to tailor the recommended training schedules to meet my own goals.
Training for Speed, Agility, and Quickness (<- Sponsored Link)
Training for Speed, Agility, and Quickness is a must-have resource for anyone involved in athletic training for those attributes. Brown and Ferrigno’s expertise shines through in this well-organized, scientifically-backed guide, making it an invaluable tool for developing the explosive speed, agility, and quickness that are key to success in almost every sport. For tennis players, this book provides the insights and exercises needed to take their performance to the next level.
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