By Vanaka Gunawardhana, Director of Instruction, RSPA Elite Professional, Pickleball Certified Professional, Capital City Club
In tennis, much of what happens before contact is out of your control. The incoming ball brings its own direction, height, speed, depth, and spin. Weather, court surface, and even pressure all influence the moment.
Once the ball is on its way to you, there are three variables that remain entirely in your hands. These three elements, when understood and managed well, are what ultimately determine the flight of the ball you send back.
1. Racquet face angle at impact
The angle of the racquet face is the primary controller of direction and launch. A slightly open face sends the ball higher. A slightly closed face drives it lower. Small changes at impact can mean the difference between a penetrating shot, a heavy topspin ball, or an unforced error. Great players develop an awareness of their racquet face so they can consistently adjust to the ball they are receiving.
2. Racquet path through the ball
The path of the racquet, low to high, high to low, inside to out, or straight through determines spin and shape. A steeper low-to-high path produces topspin and margin. A flatter path drives the ball through the court. An inside-out path creates side spin (less common). Shot selection has a lot to do with path selection: choose the swing shape that best fits the situation.
3. Swing speed
Swing speed controls depth, pace, and overall heaviness of the shot. Too slow, and the ball can fall short. Too fast, without the right face and path, and control is lost. The best players learn to vary speed effectively, accelerating when they have time and position, and smoothing out the swing when control and consistency matter most.
Together, face, path, and speed are the levers every player pulls on every swing. Mastery of tennis is not about reacting perfectly to everything you can’t control, but about consistently managing the few things you can. When players understand these three variables, shot selection becomes clearer, errors become more predictable/manageable, and improvement becomes intentional rather than accidental.
ARA Teaching Professional Spotlight: Vanaka Gunawardhana, Director of Instruction, Capital City Club
Submitted by the American Racket Sports Association.
Why are you a member of the ARA? Networking and giving back to tennis.
What inspired you to be a tennis coach? Tennis gave me a lot. I didn’t want to turn the “tennis brain” off, and turning tennis into a profession was a natural transition from college.
What is your favorite memory of being a tennis coach in Atlanta? There is not one specific memory, but I would say the opportunity to travel.
How has tennis impacted your life? Tennis is life!
What is your proudest achievement? Hitting winners on Zane Krog makes me proud every time.
What is one fun fact about you that most people would not know? I have a great singing voice! My wife and kids don’t agree, but I don’t think they know how to identify true talent.
Who is your favorite professional tennis player and why? Marat Safin. Who can’t love a guy who “moons” fans at the French Open?
What advice would you give young coaches in the industry? If you love to serve, you will do very well. And I’m talking about the serving that requires tossing a ball.
What do you do when you’re not coaching tennis? Quality time with the family, ideally on a beach somewhere.
