Key to Improving Tennis: Early Preparation

Jul 7, 2024

Key to Improving Tennis: Early Preparation

Introduction

  • Focus on one critical advice: Prepare early
  • Common issue among club players: Preparing too late
  • Observation: Pro players prepare as the ball crosses the net

Importance of Early Preparation

  • Early preparation allows enough time to properly set up the shot
  • Prevents feeling rushed and compensating with incorrect technique
  • Helps in making micro-adjustments and positioning

Steps to Improve Preparation

  1. **Identify Forehand or Backhand: **
    • As soon as the ball comes off the opponent's racket, determine if a forehand or backhand response is needed.
  2. Set Up for the Shot:
    • Forehand: Get into the specific forehand setup position
    • Backhand: Get into the specific backhand setup position (two-handed or one-handed)
  3. Micro-adjustments:
    • Make small steps to get into the correct position if necessary
  4. Practice Deliberately:
    • Practice identifying forehand/backhand and setting up correctly
    • Focus on preparation during practice sessions

Common Issues and Misconceptions

  • Many club players set up too late, often after the ball bounces
  • Improper setup leads to lack of power and awkward shots
  • Common incorrect habits include:
    • Hitting with body facing the opponent or the net
    • Not turning shoulders to generate power

Practical Demonstration

  • Examples of late versus early preparation: Visualize the difference in the effectiveness of the shot
  • Late preparation results in weak, awkward shots
  • Early preparation allows powerful and controlled shots

Key Practice Pointers

  • Ensure racquet is prepared early and feet are moving
  • Utilizes the body to generate power, not just the arms
  • Set up early for both forehand and backhand

Conclusion and Motivation

  • Improving requires hard work, focused and deliberate practice
  • Regular practice with a focus on early preparation will yield significant improvement
  • Encourage consistent practice, ideally 3-4 times a week for best results
  • Engage in playing against better opponents to challenge and improve your skills