Breakthrough! I love the just the thought of the possibility. How do you transform your tennis game? your life? Rolf Clark in Breakthrough Tennis-A Revolutionary Approach to the Game suggests that through experiencing different swings and rhythms you can discover what is most natural and comfortable for you. This approach is feeling within your strokes rather than imposing external mental tips such as "watch the ball", "turn your body", etc. This is a terrific learning process: exploring your play.

Mr. Clark emphasizes balance, timing and concentration as the fundamental principals for exploring rather than describing your play. Much in line with the Alexander Technique, he advocates eliminating end-gaining. In other words, for the time being, forget about the score, points, winning and even where you are "aiming" the ball. Instead focus on being ready and meeting the ball on the racquet sweetspot in front of your body.

My first breakthrough was to follow his advice to hold the racquet as you would hold a bird in your hand. As soon as I felt that soft but secure grip (like a baby"s) the unnecessary over-muscling in my hand, arm and shoulder was released. It is then possible to swing the racquet as a pendulum much as you would throw a 10 pound sack of potatoes. Not only does this feel sweet, the ball just sizzles off your racquet high over the net and deep in the opponent's backcourt.

This book is primarily for the intermediate player, although an excellent guide for the beginner wanting to start off with sound, fundamental strokes. My co-editor, Stephen Nii (former touring tennis pro and resident mentor) says the only limitation to this approach is that it is preliminary to but not inclusive of the modern (or perhaps post-modern) heavy topspin technique of top tennis professionals. This aside, if you are an intermediate or beginning player, the benefit of this system will manifest in some astounding breakthroughs in your play and enjoyment of the game.