How to Become a Better Tennis Player

Playing tennis is great for burning calories, and blowing off frustration. Yet it’s also an addiction that challenges players to get better at it. If this is your goal, then conditioning and practice are the keys. Bring a positive mindset to the court, knowing that you’re about to become a better tennis player.

Things You'll Need

• Tennis shoes, not cross trainers or basketball shoes
• Tennis racket with good stringing
• Club membership is ideal, but any court access works
• Plenty of tennis balls

Instructions

How to become a better tennis player

1. Build endurance, strength and speed through conditioning.Since quick sprints are constantly required on the court, follow a daily regiment of 10 and 20 yard sprints on a hard surface. Make a weekly increase of the number of sprints you do. Hike, jog or take long bicycle rides for endurance. Briefly walk on the insides and outsides of your feet, and skip rope to build ankle strength.

2. Work on your serve.Take a rack of balls to the court by yourself and do nothing but serve. Concentrate on service to one side at a time. Work to increase velocity, and create spin. Take all the time you need to get results. More aces, less double faults!

3. Choreograph swings.Walk through the steps of planting your feet for forehand and backhand shots. Then imagine the ball at differing heights and take swings in slow motion. Practice grip, stance, swing movement and follow through. If a particular swing needs work, use a ball machine or ask another player, to repeatedly send you balls for that swing.

4. Adopt a winning perspective. Look at the court as if it were the size of a ping–pong table. Consider yourself able to reach the ball and make an effective return no matter where it hits. Make each shot an attack that compels an opposing player to react defensively. Stay focused and alert with a high level of energy for the game.

5. Compete against players who are able to beat you.This will force you to stretch your skills. The idea is to improve abilities and reach a better level of play. Players who are better than you set the bar. Learn from your losses, but make beating these players a goal.

Tips & Warnings

• Accept coaching.

• Other players can see exactly what you’re doing on the court. One of them may offer you a tip that helps you overcome a mistake or acquire a new skill. Be willing to listen to anything a player says about the game. The information you collect will prove to be helpful as you strive to become a better tennis player.