How to improve at tennis (with pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Do you want to improve at tennis? You may not be a good player at first, but practice could make you improve a lot.

Steps

Step 1. Learn to hold a tennis racket

• Straight - Use an eastern or western grip (as if holding a pan)

  

• Two-Handed Backhand - Uses a combination of continental and western grips

  

• Volleys and serve - Use oriental or continental (handshake)

  

Step 2. Choose a racquet that suits your age and strength

Choose a light one and then add some masking tape to increase control. A good racquet for most players is around 250 square centimeters in size and weighs around 200-300g. For the strings, use the tension and material of your choice. If you notice your racquet's stability gradually decreasing, it's time to change strings. Ask an expert for help in choosing the right combination of strings and tension.

Step 3. Practice hitting and get to know other players by introducing yourself

See if they have any advice on the game or if they feel like joining your group.

• You can also practice against a wall. Start on one side and move as you hit the ball. Then keep repeating back and forth.

  

Step 4. Warm up and play at least twice a week

Play with various people and also try doubles.

Step 5. Try these in-game attack plans:

• a) Serve & volley (serve hard and go subnet)

  

• b) Pass & Charge (hit a long, charged ball)

  

• c) Reversed forehand (move to the other side of a ball that goes towards your backhand, and hit it with the forehand)

  

• d) Spin (hit for spin)
• e) Dribbling & waiting (quick exchanges and dunk attempts)

Step 6. Always keep your eyes on the ball

It might sound easy and you may think you already do it, but many don't. Many look at the ball all the time, but look away just a moment before hitting it. Be sure to watch the ball touch the racquet strings with each stroke: serve, dribble, volley.

Step 7. Stretch before and after playing to avoid strains

Method 1 of 1: Advanced methods

Step 1. Don't be in a hurry, try to visualize your movements in slow motion and really focus on the position to take for each ball that comes towards you

For forehand hits, you can stay more open, looking at your opponent and hitting straight and slightly to the side in front of you at the highest point of the rebound. There are also a semi-open and a closed position that you can try, but at the beginning it is best to seek advice from a professional coach. Concentrate on the movement and arc of the ball and watch it hit the strings: it will help you use the right part of the racket more often. Then, to complete the shot, follow with the racket in the desired direction, after the ball has released from the strings. For dribbling, the racket should start low (below the knees) behind the body, then finish high above the shoulder, slightly behind the neck. Try to follow this procedure for every shot.

Step 2. Point your toes in the moment before striking

Many do not realize that, technically speaking, tennis is about balance and stable postures. If your feet aren't pointed and firm, you don't have a solid foundation to twist your torso, thus generating little power. When you wait to receive, stand on your toes or heels, ready to move quickly. Once you have intercepted the ball with your eyes, position yourself as illustrated above and put your feet on the ground, moving only when you have finished the movement, to play in the best way.

Step 3. Next, be aware of your position on the pitch

There are only 2 zones where you could hit and then not immediately get back on the move. They are: subnet or on the bottom line. Of course, you will have to move to the point where the opponent will send the ball, but anywhere in the field you should hit and then move, whether it is at the net or at the bottom. Do not stop! This central area is known as 'no man's land' and if you get caught there, it will be very difficult to argue.

Step 4. Establish your style of play

Only you can decide it, because it is based on the type of person you are in regards to character and (above all) temperament. Many are generally not very clear about their strengths or how they intend to make their opponent move on the pitch. Play styles are tailored to individual players, and yours may be very flexible or rigid. Either way, you will need to change your way of serving, length and movement, as well as your passing accordingly. Aggressive players love to mislead their opponents with strong and long strokes, thus controlling the pass and putting pressure on the opponent. These players may also try to move to the net as often as possible. Once there, they will try to get it right. The more conservative styles will include less strong hits, rather trying to exhaust the opponent's stamina and concentration.

Step 5. Keep an eye on your opponent's game plan

Do you try to make a certain move multiple times? It could be, for example, an external service, causing slow reception from which to then go to point. Regardless of your playing style, you will lose very quickly if you don't challenge your opponent. Passive play will get you nowhere, especially against aggressive players. If you show your opponent that you have discovered his tactics and that you can predict what he will do, you will have a psychological advantage, and you will put him under pressure forcing him to adapt his style to yours in order to beat you.

Step 6. Use the entire court for both positioning and direction of shots

When you receive, as explained above, you shouldn't feel restricted or constricted, the hit should be very sharp and smooth, with a lot of racket-head movement. It means your feet will have to dance around your body to bring your shoulders into the right position. Also, the shoots should vary in both length and direction. An unexpected short ball to the net can take your opponent by surprise. Also, do not be afraid to aim for the lines and corners of the pitch: the more you commit to this, the more you will force the opponent to quickly return to position, and the more difficult it will be to respond.

Step 7. When dribbling from the baseline, try to get the ball as high as possible without compromising speed

Often we tend to mistakenly think that a low "bullet" shot is the most suitable during dribbling. Conversely, a high, fast ball with a lot of effect can be equally, if not more effective. It will bounce at the height of the opponent's pelvis or chest, making his receiving technique (the one discussed above) more difficult.

Step 8. Make a conscious effort to use several strokes

Against a good player on the baseline, alternating up and down shots keeps him on his toes, because he will have to slightly adapt his reception and the orientation of the racket to control your different shots. However, it can be a double-edged sword. Some players tend to use spin in every play (especially on backhand hits) to get more control. True, but there are situations where a clean, flat blow is the best way to sink a staggering opponent. The effect gives him more time to recover.

Step 9. Don't be afraid to go to the net

It does not mean that you have to run like a madman towards the ball hoping to hit the fly. The game on the net requires the careful choice of the moment in which to act; a long or very effective shot would be preferable to push your opponent back, throwing him off balance or knocking him out of the field. Then it moves on, in 2 stages. First you approach the center of the field and check where you are. Slow down slightly, waiting for the moment to jump; the opponent may have received sooner than you expected, but even if it were, you would be ready. Approach the net and strike on the fly. In general, volleys should be long, quick, and straight. As for the technique, it's a clean shot rather than an arc. Footwork is crucial in volleys, as you have less time than with normal shots. Take a step forward to meet the ball with the foot opposite the hand you hit with, finding yourself slightly to the side of the strike; this way you can aim for corners and give good direction to the shot.

Step 10. Many players do not care too much about the serve, choosing instead to coach the reception

It may be good for friendlies, but it is worth learning to use the serve as an important tool for scoring. If you have the serve, you are expected to win the point, as you have the first ball advantage of the game. It means that you have the opportunity to score a point even before the opponent touches the ball. Keep in mind what has been said about the use of the whole field, the variation of effects, speed and length. Try to aim for the body to move the waters. Tennis becomes a very simple sport, with a reliable and accurate service.

Advice

• As with many other aspects of life, your personality affects your success and the appreciation of your activities. The same thing goes for tennis. Try to stay relaxed, play one point at a time and don't think too much about the future. Don't worry too much about missed shots or unexpected events, they happen to everyone, the important thing is how you get up after a fall.
• Winning a game is a long battle, but losing it takes seconds. Throwing in the towel is the worst thing you can do. An injured player is not a pretty sight, he will only get desperate and angry more and more, leading to a tantrum or an injury. You have to want to win and think you can do it.
• Stay fit, healthy and toned. Tennis takes a lot of strain on your lungs, heart, muscles and joints. Make sure you stay hydrated during a match, and bananas are great for quick energy bursts.
• If you feel frustrated or irritated, rather than get angry and hit the ball hard, do the opposite. Slow down, really focus on every ball that comes your way and let yourself be captured by the technique and movement required with each shot. It will help you limit the damage of previous mistakes, and above all you will actually start playing better, because you may notice errors in your playing technique.
• Offense is the best defense. One of you has to take control of the game, and if it's not you, then he'll be your opponent, forcing you to chase him instead of taking the game in the desired direction.

Warnings

• Never be discouraged.
• Always stretch before and after a game.
• Don't be fooled by the fashions of the 'best rackets' or by the coaches; these tips are suitable for any game and any racket.