Most recreational players stop improving not because of age or talent, but because they practice the same way every week: a warm-up rally and a few sets. Improvement needs a little structure. Start with an honest assessment Ask yourself, or better, ask a coach or a regular partner: which shots break down under pressure? Do … Read more
Every baseline shot involves a decision about direction. The basic rule is simple, and most good players follow it: rally crosscourt, change direction down the line when you have a good reason. Why crosscourt is the default A crosscourt shot travels over the lowest part of the net (the center) and has the longest court … Read more
Many players feel the backhand is their weak side and spend matches trying to hide it. Opponents notice quickly. A reliable backhand, even if it is not a winner-hitting weapon, changes how you play: you no longer need to run around every ball. One hand or two? The two-handed backhand is easier to learn for … Read more
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
When an opponent approaches the net, you have a choice: pass them, lob them, or hit at their feet. A good passing shot is less about hitting as hard as possible and more about direction, height and patience. Read the approach Watch where the approach shot lands and how your opponent moves. A deep approach … 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
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
For most players, the forehand is the main weapon. Power on this side does not come from swinging harder with the arm; it comes from rotating the body, letting the racquet lag behind, and hitting the ball in the right place with enough topspin to keep it in. Choose a grip that suits topspin The … Read more
