The Clay County Lady Bulldogs Tennis Team has worked to improve backhand shots this season.
The shot has resulted in improvement for Clay County this season. They improved their win total by three games in the regular season. Clay County Girls Tennis Coach Tasha Bailey said the backhand was one of two things she saw improve.
“We’ve tried to focus more this year on developing a better backhand,” Bailey said. “And I think most of the girls have said that’s where they’ve struggled the most so that’s what we’ve focused on maybe a little more season is some footwork and the backhand.”
Tasha Bailey is in her third year coaching girls tennis. Bailey said she has seen drastic improvements in other facets of the game since becoming head coach.
“It’s very rewarding. It’s enjoyable to watch these girls develop,” Bailey said. “I have seen Martina really develop over the past couple years. I have seen my number two who is a senior, Erin Meadows, she’s really developed. Addison Brown has really developed since the last year, as well as Allie Reagan and Hannah Tinsley as well.”
Rain postponed nearly half of Clay County’s games, along with some of their practices. Bailey said the rain-outs affected development at times.
“Obviously you have to, you know, do some drills, and, you know, focus on technique,” Bailey said. “But I think for us we don’t take it too seriously, but I think just playing, just experience is probably the biggest factor [to development.]”
The Clay County Lady Bulldogs have begun district tournament play. They look for their first appearance in a state championship since the 2003 season.
“I feel like our girls improved throughout the season and I’m very proud of them,” Bailey said.
