Navigating the tennis court: strategies for mastering every point
A guide to getting the absolute best out of your tennis game
Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world. Whenever a tournament is around the corner, the excitement becomes undeniable. Everyone, from punters to players to bookies, sets their eyes on the tennis courts, ready to see what will transpire. As players make their way through the matches, the odds on reputable sites like Bet 365 change to reflect the changing tides. This interest has made this sport a lucrative career for anyone who can master its ins and outs. This guide shows you a few simple yet effective tips you can use to take your tennis game to the next level.
How to Garner More Points
Playing tennis requires you to adapt to new techniques fast and use them to your advantage. Whether you’re gearing up for the Australian Open or playing a friendly game with other players, here are ways to adapt your strategy for a better outcome:
1. Preparation is Key
Are you giving yourself too much time to relax before your opponent hits the ball? When you leave too much room before preparing to hit the ball, you’re likely to end up in the wrong stance. The best way to avoid this is to start preparing to return the ball immediately after hitting it. Move your shoulders and hips in anticipation so that most oncoming balls do not catch you unaware.
2. Recovery is Vital
Thinking about what you could have done better each time you hit the ball is normal. Should you have used more force? Were you too forceful? Had your mind wandered? Such thoughts are likely to cloud your judgment and make it harder to prepare for the oncoming ball. So, shake them off, quieten your mind, and adopt a new slate each time you hit the ball. The focus should be on preparation, per the strategy you chose during training.
3. Follow-though Ranks High
Are you hitting the ball and moving right back to the starting position? While this can aid in recovery and preparation, taking the shortcut robs you of the chance to improve the accuracy of your tennis stroke. Don’t rush the process. Once you have taken a stance and are returning the ball, follow through with your body, and move your feet to deliver the force you need to get the ball to the other side. Doing this makes it easier to maintain accuracy.
4. Steady Does It
When following through, you might find yourself moving your head to the side or in alignment with the ball. Such movements make it harder to maintain your hitting accuracy and can result in rookie mistakes. How about keeping your head steady? While you should move your feet as you follow through with your hits, ensure your head isn’t swinging. You can practice this before learning to move your feet as you hit the ball. It’s a delicate balance that you can master after a few tries.
5. Accuracy Beats Force
Are you paying attention to where you are directing the ball? It’s easy to get so caught up in returning the oncoming ball that you barely look at the direction in which you hit it. You must find a way to deliver enough force when hitting the ball without compromising the accuracy, especially when serving. An excellent way to do this is to get your back leg behind the ball so you can balance your weight and hit the ball with a lot of consistency.
Most importantly, learn to go with the flow during competitions. Even with these tips, you cannot perfect every shot you take and will suffer some bad hits. It’s important to be kind to yourself and allow yourself room to grow by overlooking these mistakes, especially during matches.
You can work on perfecting your gameplay after you have left the match, and you will be better for it.