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THE 4Rs OF THE GAME OF TENNIS |
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The
4Rs model helps players focus their attention on the play situation to
move more effectively in order to select the right stroke and strike the
ball effectively in the hitting zone. READ
(DECISION MAKING by anticipating opponent’s actions): This
is the ability of the receiving player to tactically read the
situation to make a decision by anticipating the opponent’s
target area and the anticipated CHARACTERISTICS of the ball as the
opponent plays it. RESPOND
(COVER action as opponent hits the ball): Based
on the receiving player’s decision on how the opponent will play a shot,
the player responds (split-step action) as the ball is hit to cover
the target area and prepare a stoke for the type of shot to be sent back. REACT
(ADJUST action - hitting zone): This
is the final set-up to effectively execute a stroke.
By tracking the ball from the opponent’s racquet the player has
to react to the ball making adjustments so that his/her body weight
shifts appropriately to execute an effective stroke.
A key characteristic of an effective stroke is the ball being
struck in the hitting zone for the player--the zone just in front of the
leading body part at a comfortable height (between knee and shoulder).
There is no one-way to hit any stroke, although the technique does
need to apply biomechanical principles that allow the player to improve
according to his/her own style and play characteristics. RECOVERY
(BASE to set-up for the next shot): This
is a player’s recovery from the skill execution to prepare for
the next stroke and reflective learning from the experience of executing
the skill. A balanced base
is a key characteristic of this phase.
Through the proper awareness of the outcome of the stroke execution
players learn from their experience.
A key characteristic of this phase is player’s positioning.
A player should position him/herself in the court to prepare for
the expected reply by the opponent. If
a stroke is unsuccessful the experience should give feedback to the player
to help improve skill selection and skill execution next time. A
more detailed description of the 4Rs model can be found in the following
article
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