Once, Twice, Three Times a Player

It’s the winter tennis season across the Tri-State area, and I know you are all looking to get back into the full swing of things.

Getting better is simple. The more you play, the better you’ll get. Right? Author Malcolm Gladwell would tell you that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill—which may be true, if you can find the time. But mastery is more than how much you play—how you practice matters too.

When it comes to your tennis game, the best way to set you up for success—to ensure measurable and sustainable improvement to your game—takes getting on the court multiple times a week, having a training objective with each session, and then putting it into play.

The three steps to improvement
1. Drilling classes
Designate one court session to drills and skill building by taking a class that emphasizes technique and shot execution.

The repetitive nature of drilling helps develop motor skills and muscle memory, which takes conscious thinking out of shot-making in high-pressure situations. For adult and junior players, “Drill and Play” clinics are perfectly designed for this and cater to almost every playing level. Also, if you want a great, non-stop workout, take a Cardio Tennis class (which uses Green Dot balls to promote sustained rallies). Or try a Live Ball class which mixes point-play in a competitive doubles environment.

2. Take lessons with a professional
​Get personalized coaching as much as you can with one-on-one instruction. Even if it’s once a week or once a month, deliberate, goal-based practices to further refine the skills you pick up in training sessions and matches will help fine tune your strokes, learn proper technique, and create strategies for match play. Customize these sessions to your individual needs by asking specific questions, and attain new information that will help you grow as a player and improve your game.

3. Play in competitive situations
​Finally, synthesize everything you’ve learned and put it into play. Get involved at your local tennis club! They are sure to have variations of different programs such as: USTA League teams and tournaments, club mixers, adult singles leagues and adult game arranging services. Match play tests your skills and strategies against others, so it is here you will identify what your current strengths and weakness are, and what you should work on in your next practice session.

I look forward to seeing you on the court!