COLUMN: TENNIS

The Nevada Tennis Association is accepting entries for the Jill Gaynor Scholarship. This annual scholarship has been presented to selected area youth for more than 10 years.

Applicants must have participated in local tennis activities as well as have an overall "love" for the game. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating in 2001, or attending an accredited college or university.

Applications are available at the Nevada Tennis Association office, 2860 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 1. All applications must be returned at or before 4 p.m Friday.

• The Lorenzi Racquet Club Junior Summer Smash I is slated for July 5-8 at the Lorenzi Racquet Club, 3075 W. Washington Ave.

The deadline for entry is Friday. Contact the Lorenzi Racquet Club Pro Shop Staff at 229-4867 for more information.

Tip of the Week -- The one-handed versus the two-handed backhand

There are really two backhands: the one-handed and the two-handed. Each has its advantages, but very few good players have successfully changed from one to two hands or vice versa, except in the first few years of play.

The two-handed backhand is similar to the forehand. The left hand grips the racket with the familiar forehand grip. The point of contact, rotation of the body, preparation and footwork are about the same.

The main advantage of the two-handed stroke is that the extra hand gives you a great deal of leverage. It also disguises your shots, because the added strength allows you to wait until the last instant before deciding where to hit. If you hit with two hands, however, you limit your reach on wide balls. You may have trouble handling long shots, as well.

If you have a standard backhand volley, there's a good chance that it is weak, because the two-handed ground stroke doesn't develop the strong forearm muscles needed for the one-handed volley.

There is no real disadvantage to the one-handed backhand. But to hit it well, you must develop strong forearm muscles and use a correct grip, one that gives you sufficient leverage.

USPTA Professional Tom Sullivan has been the director of tennis for Canyon Gate Country Club since 1995. Sullivan can be reached at 363-0303.