Getting Better

We all want to get better at tennis. That might mean: beating a certain opponent, getting into a higher group, etc.

Many players use the logic--hey I hit with Jimmy, so I'm almost as good as Jimmy. Bad idea.

Focus not on who you play in tennis and your results. That's insane, Kev. those are those the most important things to me, maybe a couple of other things as well. Fine. If you really want to get better, challenge yourself to do things which are "uncomfortable" : serve and volley every point, return and volley every point, approach on shots that are more difficult, mix in more topspin, attempt drop volleys, swing through my second serve with just as much racquet speed as my first serve. Play a variety of people and practice your "developing game" in fun matches, tournaments, leagues, and on your front lawn with the kids. For me the game is all about improvement and I have fun when I improve. I like great shots and great tennis. Winning and losing are just results: scores in a score box. A day later, who really cares anyway?

Please don't confuse my philosophy about winning with effort or desire to compete at your highest level. That's what makes competing the most fun--playing at your highest level! If you do that, winning will take care of itself.

Kevin 

Tactical Prorities

In tennis they would be this: 1) Hit the ball over the net. 2) Direct the ball. 3) Control the depth of the ball. 4) Put spin on the ball. 5) Apply speed to the ball.

For most of us we get stuck on the spin tactic. This is why developing your shot making is so important: spin is a function of technique--without it, it becomes impossible to achieve. Spin allows you to control the depth, direction, and height of the ball. Ball control (feel for the ball) is what we all should strive to improve.

Exercise: Hit a better topspin forehand!
Start with your racquet in front of you with the head "dipping below the wrist at a six oclock position." Do this about six feet from the net. Drop a ball and then practice turning your hand from six to twelve while lifting your arm up (just a little). You'll see the spin on the ball and the ball needs to go "up" and over the net (by at least three to four feet). If you can do this you have spin............if you can't, come take a lesson with us and we will help you. There's a trick to it.

Define Winning

I would define winning as achieving your performance goals, for instance: serve and volley every first serve in doubles, return all second serves and rush the net, hit down the middle and less down the alley, mix in more angle returns of serve, etc. If you focus on the doing and less on the outcomes things have a way of working out better. Play each shot as it's own challenge and enjoy it.

Winning and losing are just outcomes. Enjoy the process of tennis.

Signals

In doubles let's face it, signals work. They force players to do things they ordinarily wouldn't do:

poach, fake poach, cross to cover your partner before your opponent figures out what you are doing. It creates confusion and distraction for your opponents; it makes them think twice which is never easy! Fist on the back means fake, open hand means poach, and moving your fingers in a beckoning fashion means come to the net after your serve or return.

Your partner has to be willing to try them, otherwise its better to just play it straight.

Good luck!