by Max C

Created on: March 01, 2009   Last Updated: June 08, 2009

There are many varieties, methods, and strategies to playing the game of tennis. But there are a few different aspects of the game, that are often overlooked in importance, but can mean all the world to a struggling player of any level. If you can follow the three points that I have outlined in this essay, I can confidently guarantee that your game WILL improve.

Tip Number One; Hitting The Ball

Many people are mistaken in believing that the way to beat their opponent is to hit the ball as hard as they possibly can. These people are mistaken. Your not going to win any games, if that is your strategy. Watch the pros. yes they hit the ball incredibly hard, but the ball is almost always in. So that is why my first tip is consistency. First, rally with someone and see what speed it is that you can CONSISTENTLY get the ball back onto the court. From there, practice, practice, practice, practice, and more practice. The more you repeat this, the better you will become, soon you will be able to start slowly increasing the speed of the ball, while consistently keeping it in play.

Tip Number Two: Footwork

Tennis is a game that requires the players to consistently be moving. If you are not fast enough, the ball will be hit past you, or bounce twice before you reach it. But, if you have good footwork, then not only will you be able to reach the ball every time, but you will have time to set up to hit your shot, which will improve the chance of it being in, and you being successful. To achieve better footwork, try jogging backwards, jumping rope, lifting your knee up to your chest while jogging, and sidestepping. With footwork, you will dominate the court, and frustrate your opponent.

Tip Number Three: Control

Once you have good footwork and can consistently get the ball in, it's now time for positioning. Many people don't realize it, but where you hit the ball on the court is one of the biggest factor in the game of tennis. If your able to get to the ball in time, and get the ball in, then you need to see where your opponent is at, and base where you hit your shot on this. If your opponent is cross-court from you, hit it down the line. if he's down the line, hit it cross-court. At the net, lob him. behind the base line, drop shot(back spin, or just enough to get it over the net) it near the net. Not only will this end the game quickly in your favor, but it will tire out your opponent much faster if they have to run to try and get the ball, point after point after point. Having said this, it is probably the hardest of my tips to do. to attain control of the ball, you will have to do manipulate three different factors. Racket angle, force of the ball, and timing.

As I stated before, if you follow all three of these tips, I guarantee that you will see a dramatic increase in the performance of your tennis game. In no time, the opponents that formerly frustrated and defeated you, will be begging you for your secrets. Good luck and have fun!

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