Mia Ford
In the game of tennis, technique plays a vital role in determining your performance on the court. To excel and win more matches, it is essential to constantly work on improving your skills. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, refining your technique should be a top priority.
Unfortunately, most recreational players use their time between league matches to play fun tennis with friends and simply call it “practice.” While that is definitely better than not picking up a racquet at all during that time, you should use those friendly matches to work on your skills. Not only that, but you could be reinforcing bad habits that could be costing you points – or matches!
Here are some areas that ALL players should work on that over time, can help you elevate your game to the next level:
Perfect Your Serve
The serve is arguably the most critical shot in tennis. A powerful and accurate serve can give you a significant advantage over your opponent. Work on developing a consistent ball toss, a smooth and fluid motion, and focus on generating power from your legs and core. Practice placement and using different types of serves, such as flat, topspin, and slice, to keep your opponents guessing and off balance.
Improve Your Footwork
Footwork is the foundation of good tennis technique. Focus on quick movements, agility, and proper positioning before each shot. Keep your feet active and ready to make split-second adjustments. Invest time in practicing drills that enhance your lateral and diagonal movements, as well as your ability to recover quickly after hitting a shot. Good footwork will not only enable you to reach difficult balls but also give you better control over your shots.
Develop Solid Groundstrokes
Groundstrokes, including forehands and backhands, are fundamental shots in tennis. Work on developing a consistent and reliable stroke technique with proper grip, shoulder rotation, and weight transfer. Focus on hitting the ball with a fluid motion and maintaining a steady racquet head position. Combine accuracy, power, and control to dominate your opponents from the baseline.
Enhance your Volleys and Overheads
While groundstrokes are crucial, mastering volleys and overheads is equally important, especially when playing at the net. Practice a compact swing, soft hands, and controlling the angle of your racquet face while volleying. Work on proper footwork to intercept and hit volleys effectively. Additionally, practice overhead smashes to take advantage of high balls and put your opponent on the defensive.
Work on your Mental Game
Tennis is not only a physically demanding sport but also a mental battle. Work on developing mental toughness, focus, and resilience. Practice positive self-talk and learn to manage pressure situations effectively. Visualize successful shots and employ strategies to stay calm and composed during matches. Developing a strong mental game will improve your decision-making abilities and increase your chances of winning tight matchups.
Mastering technique in tennis requires dedication, practice, and continuous improvement. Work on one (or all!) of these skills in your practices and training, and you will notice a significant difference in your performance on the court. Remember, consistency is key, so make sure to practice regularly and seek guidance from coaches or experienced players whenever possible. Now, go out there and dominate your opponents with your tennis awesomeness!