Good players seem to have more time than everyone else. Part of it is footwork, but much of it is anticipation: they read where the ball is going before it leaves the opponent’s racquet. This is a skill you can develop. Watch the body, not just the ball Before contact, your opponent’s body gives clues: … Read more
A short lob should be a gift: an overhead smash to finish the point. Yet many club players miss easy smashes because they rush, stay facing the net or swing too hard. A calm, well-prepared overhead is far more reliable. Turn sideways immediately As soon as you see the lob, turn your shoulders and feet … Read more
Tennis balls all look alike, but they are made for different courts, conditions and players. Using the right ball makes the game more consistent and saves money. Pressurized or pressureless? Most balls used in matches are pressurized: the core contains gas at higher pressure than the air, which gives a lively bounce and good feel. … Read more
The surface changes tennis more than almost any other factor. The same shot can be a winner on grass and an easy ball on clay. Understanding each surface helps you adjust your tactics and movement. Hard courts Hard courts are made of asphalt or concrete with an acrylic coating. They are the most common surface … Read more
The lob is underrated at club level. Against a player rushing the net, a good lob is often more effective than a passing shot, and in defense it buys time to recover. It is also one of the easiest shots to learn. Two kinds of lob The defensive lob is high and deep, used when … Read more
A well-timed drop shot wins the point outright or drags a baseline player into the forecourt, where they feel uncomfortable. A badly timed one hands your opponent an easy ball. Technique matters, but choosing the moment matters even more. When to use it The drop shot works best when: Hitting a drop shot from behind … Read more
Every player goes through periods where tennis feels like a chore: a plateau, a string of losses, a busy life that turns practice into an obligation. Motivation comes and goes, but a few habits help it come back more often. Know why you play People play tennis for very different reasons: competition, fitness, friendship, the … Read more
At club level, most points are lost, not won. The player who makes fewer unforced errors wins the majority of matches, even with less power. Consistency is a skill that can be trained like any stroke. Give yourself margin Aim higher over the net than you think, often three to six feet on rally shots, … Read more
The return is the second most important shot in tennis, and the most neglected in practice. Most players hit hundreds of serves in a session and almost no returns. Yet every service game you break starts with returns that put the ball back in play. Find the right position Start around the baseline and adjust. … Read more
Tennis has a reputation as an expensive sport, but it does not have to be. With public courts, sensible equipment choices and a few smart habits, you can learn and play regularly for very little. Find free or cheap courts Many towns have public courts that are free or cost little per hour. Parks, schools … Read more
