(by Larry Hodges) Everyone plays a little differently, and it’s important to play as many different players as possible. Some might think this is so you can learn to play every style, and there’s some truth to that. But that’s only for learning to play general styles – two-winged loopers, one-winged loopers, hitters, blockers, choppers, […]

(by Larry Hodges) When you first start out, players are taught to move the back foot backwards for forehands. (This would be the right foot for righties, the left for lefties.) This makes it easy to backswing and opens up a larger hitting zone from the side. Historically, this is how forehands were taught. However, […]

(by Larry Hodges) One of the hardest things for players and coaches to do is see things from the opponent’s point of view. They think about what they want to do, and about tactically playing into specific weaknesses of the opponent. But they aren’t really seeing things as the opponent sees it. It’s easy for […]

(by Larry Hodges) In the standard random drill, one player (the “feeder”) plays backhand (or forehand) randomly anywhere while the other player (the “driller”) keeps it to his backhand (or forehand). There are really two things going on here, as both players are actually doing a drill. For the “driller,” he’s reacting to (“neuromuscular adaptation”), […]

The Frontón México playing hall in Mexico City. Inset: Hardbat star AJ Carney (by Larry Hodges) Mark three dates on your calendar and make your plans for Austin, Westchester, and Mexico City . . . and leave the sponge behind! Yes, it’s the US Classic Nationals, US Hardbat and Sandpaper Championships, and the Classic World […]

(by Larry Hodges) I think you’ll find these 20 general tips useful. Many are covered in other Tips, but now they are compiled in one listing! If your opponent hits the ball aggressively at your crossover point between your forehand and backhand (where your playing elbow is), return it mostly with your backhand if you […]