Controlling the BallTo control the ball hit it further in front of your body to go cross court and later in your stance to go down the line. Hit it
higher if you desire your shot to go deeper into the court. Control is as important as power. Plantar FasciitusPlantar Fasciitus is one of the most common injuries with tennis. The Plantar fascia is the tendon that connects the heel to the toes and creates the arch of your foot. This injury is caused mostly by over use. When you get this you will feel intense pain in your heal. Walking barefoot or with casual shoes are most painful. Stretching, heat, and wearing a splint at night to stretch your foot are common remedies. And of course, if the problem persists seek the counsel of your doctor. Exercises given with the advice of a physical therapist is most helpful. Rolling a ball with the arch of your foot is very helpful, as one example.
Doubles OnlyIf you are strictly a doubles player, which a lot of players are, play singles at least once or twice a month. A players footwork can
get lazy if they only play doubles. |
OverheadsPlayers need to be more willing to go back and hit overheads. To often once a ball is lobbed a players immediate reaction is to think it is better to let your partner run down the overhead and just switch sides. You will be a much better net player if you learn to take a couple of slides back and hit an overhead and stay at the net rather than just letting the lob bounce behind you.
ConditioningWhen players are within a half level of each other the fitter player always wins. Even if it is light, develop a fitness routine outside of tennis. It can be something as simple as spending 20 minutes on the elyptical upstairs on the days you don't play tennis. Yoga is very good. Also, a personal trainer can specially design a workout that helps you with your cardio and core muscles.
ServesThe serve is the most important shot in tennis. Hit 10 practice serves in each of the four corners once a week. That will increase your chances of getting more first serves in.
Three things will help your return of serve the most - split step when the opponent strikes the ball on the serve, take a shorter backswing on the return, and position yourself according to the speed and accuracy of the opponents serve |