Most players try to win the point by making their opponent run. Hitting the ball to the opening is a very basic, yet successful idea against most players. Pay attention to your opponent's position-whichever side they are on in singles, try to hit the ball to the other side-keep repeating this during the point. In…
Most players focus on running to the ball quickly when practicing movement. Being a fast runner is helpful on the court. However, recovering and anticipating the next shot will be much more effective than relying on your speed running to the ball. Immediately after the follow through, you should regain your balance and move in…
Most players know that the toss is the most important part of the serve. They understand that a smooth, consistent motion using your shoulder turn, legs, and arm together will give you the best result with the least amount of effort. However, knowing these things and getting them to happen in a match are two…
Coming to the net these days is definitely a challenge. Most players do not have the technique and/or experience at the net to be successful. Improvement in these areas will take quite a bit of time and practice. However, there is a simple idea that can help your volleying and make it tougher on your…
The most important technique idea on every shot is to watch the ball closely and make contact in the center of the strings. This is even more important on the volley as you are not swinging the racquet much. Watch Federer and Nadal-as the ball is contacting the strings, they are still very focused with…
Keep a mental note of the point you would like to play in your head. Picture what that point is like-good serve, good crosscourt first shot and a ball hit early from inside the baseline to get the opponent in trouble or win the point. Remind yourself before the point starts what you want the…
The more advanced the player, the more complicated our strategy seems to get. Sometimes you have to go backward to go forward. Return to the basic ideas that allowed you to improve to your current level-watch the ball, move your feet, follow through consistently, use crosscourts to set up down the line, lots of first…
Many errors occur in tennis because the player makes contact with the ball late. Try hitting all balls in the early direction. When playing doubles, if you are hitting to the inside out direction (deuce side backhand for a right hander, ad side forehand for a right hander), hit the ball towards the middle since…
The goal of your footwork should be to get yourself in a position to take a normal swing at the ball as often as possible. This means getting to the ball early enough so that you are making contact at the peak of the bounce and/or in between waist height and shoulder height whenever you…
Start the point towards the middle of the court in both doubles and singles. The net is the lowest at this point and your shot will still be in if you hit it a little early or late. Also, if you keep it deep, the shot down the middle takes away the angles for your…