Here are ten “easy to do with a friend”, “live ball” drills to improve your rhythm, timing and ability to sustain a rally under different hitting situations.

1. Match pace, trajectory and depth. Maintain a rally with a friend (hitting partner) where your focus and objective is to match the pace, trajectory, spin and depth of each shot you receive.  If your hitting partner hits a high, loopy shot, respond with a high, loopy shot.  Respond in kind to any type of shot you receive in a rally exchange or point sequence.
2. Maintain a two bounce rally. Establish a cooperative rally or point sequence where the requirement is to hit the ball on the second bounce (with the second bounce landing inside the court boundaries).  This drill is particularly effective in developing “soft” hands and hitting composure.
3. Bounce-Hit. To develop better sequencing in relation to the bounce, recite out loud or to yourself “bounce” when the ball strikes the court and “hit” when you make contact with the ball.
4. Play offense-defense. Establish a groundstroke rally where your role is to take pace off the ball and defend in response to a sustained offensive attack by your hitting partner.  Periodically reverse roles (take turns either attacking or defending).  To make things more manageable, designate a specific hitting lane or target area for each shot.
5. Count. Count out loud or to yourself the number of balls you hit back in play in each rally exchange.
6. Hit x number of shots in succession to start each point. Maintain a five (or x number) cooperative rally prior to the start of each point or groundstroke point sequence.
7. Raise the height of the net. Use two extender poles or PVC piping and a rope to raise the height of the net.  Maintain a rally hitting over the rope raised net to promote higher net clearance and margin of error.
8. Establish a cross-court requirement. Establish a goal of hitting every ball cross-court.  As an alternative, focus on hitting every ball over the low part of the net (directly over the center strap).  For both situations, you can establish specific down-the-line/cross court patterns with your hitting partner or designate your hitting partner to hit freely and randomly down-the-line or crosscourt to any part of the court.
9. Hit from inside the baseline. To develop quicker hands and improve your ability to take balls on the rise and respond to a more up-tempo rhythm, establish a requirement (in a baseline, groundstroke rally) where you and your hitting partner must stand and maintain a position on the court just inside the baseline (i.e. do not step back past the baseline).
10. Play no winner points. Play points where a longer rally is encouraged and both players are not allowed to hit winners.

1. Establish a plan in conjunction with your partner. Establish a plan with contingency options with your partner. Maintain the game plan specifically as it relates to your role (i.e. serve and volley on your first serve, lob at least one return per game, etc.).
2. Talk to your partner. Take time to communicate with your partner (particularly during the changeovers). Discuss strategy and tactics, what’s working, what’s not working, where to hit to serve or return, etc.
3. Be positive and provide moral support. Be supportive and encouraging with your partner. Help lift the spirits of your partner. Don’t wince, drop your shoulders or roll your eyes if your partner makes a mistake or error.
4. Get your first serve in play. You want to maintain a higher percentage of first serves in play for doubles. Getting your first serve in play places more pressure on your opponents and most importantly allows your partner to roam and be more aggressive at the net.
5. Hit your service targets. Hit the targets as signaled by your partner or as established in prior consultation with your partner. Your partner is in a better position to respond to the return if he or she knows in advance where you are planning to hit the serve (out wide, at the body or down the middle).
6. Keep the ball in play particularly with the return of serve. Doubles is a percentage game and your percentages definitely improve if you can keep the ball in play and make your opponents hit one more shot. Steady play also gives your partner more opportunity to finish the point with a winner.
7. Cover the middle of the court when positioned at the net. Don’t hug the alley. Ensure nothing passes you down the middle of the court, particularly floaters. Drift towards the middle of the court to cut off the next shot when your partner hits a strong serve, hits a serve down the middle or hits a low, difficult-to-return chip or drive.
8. Don’t be afraid to cross and poach. Impose your will and presence at the net with a lot of movement (particularly when your partner is serving).
9. Keep it low when your opponents are positioned at the net. Keep your ball low at the feet of your opponents making them hit up to your partner and you. Don’t get the ball up into the strike zone of your opponents where they can hit down at the feet or potentially at the jugular of your partner. It’s not a good thing to lose partners due to injury.
10. Make it fun. Enjoy the process and interaction of play with your partner.

Here are ten suggestions to make the best use of your off-season (indoor season) to effectively prepare for spring competitive outdoor match play.

1. Have a plan – Have a plan to best utilize your time on and off the court. Periodization models for tennis generally include a preparation phase (in which the goal is to establish a good technical and physical base for the pending season), a pre-competition phase (in which the goal is to sharpen skills and heighten levels of intensity), a competition phase (in which the goal is to have the best results possible) and an active rest phase (in which the goal is to recover and rejuvenate).
2. Hit a lot of balls – Repetition and a solid base of time on the court particularly in hitting extended rallies at a managed pace helps establish rhythm and timing and is one of the legworks necessary in a periodization model to peak and prepare for the competitive match play season. Similar to how professional cyclists put in a lot of miles on the bike to build an endurance base in the first phase of their seasonal training, tennis players can benefit by hitting a large volume of balls as a first step in training. This period of training should transition to more match play and shorter and more intense on-court sessions as the targeted outdoor season approaches.
3. Develop a tennis-specific fitness conditioning program – The best time to improve tennis-specific conditioning and levels of fitness is during the off-season. Components of a tennis-specific conditioning program should focus on the following:
   a. Flexibility and range of motion – upper and lower body dynamic stretching
   b. Strength Training – Muscular balance (how it relates to mechanical shoulder alignment), upper extremity strengthening, lower extremity strengthening and core strengthening
   c. Footwork and court coverage – foot quickness, lateral, forward, backward and vertical agility and movement patterns and plyometrics
   d. Court stamina and endurance – cardio-fitness conditioning, interval (fatigue) training and plyometrics
4. Work on your technique and mechanics – The off-season is a great time to work on your stroke technique and mechanics. It’s much easier to make modifications to your game during the off-season when there is not the pressure of competition and results.
5. Expand your play book (repertoire of shot patterns and combinations) – One way to improve your probability of winning in the outdoor season is to dedicate time in the off-season to expand your range of shot pattern options. The process involves inventorying or identifying shot patterns you feel less comfortable using in match play situations and then working on these shot patterns in practice until you can confidently add them to your play book (repertoire of shot patterns).
6. Work on your strengths – One of the distinguishing characteristics to define level is the ability to create opportunities, dictate and control the pace and rhythm of play and finish the point with a big shot or weapon. The off-season is a great time to work on your strength or strongest shot. If your strongest shot is your forehand groundstroke, examples of practice sessions to bolster your forehand include running around your backhand (hitting all forehand groundstrokes in an exchange with a practice partner), hitting inside-out, cross-court forehands from the ad side of the court, hitting running forehand cross-court angle and down-the-line passing shots, setting a requirement to finish a forehand based point or point sequence in less than a prescribed number of shots and awarding (in a point situation or match) an incentive or bonus for all points concluded with a forehand winner. The emphasis is to strengthen your best shot or attribute and work on patterns and tactics that give you the best opportunity to hit or exercise your best shot or attribute.
7. Work on your weaknesses – At the same time, it’s important to shore up your game by improving your weak areas. The process starts with an honest assessment of your game. Enlisting a professional for an assessment is an excellent way to get an accurate reading of your strengths and weaknesses. The focus then should be to set up practice and playing situations that require and encourage you to hit your weakest shots. It doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be as simple as hitting only with your outside shot in a cross court exchange.
8. Take advantage of every opportunity to stay on task – Use your time on the court (even in friendly, casual playing groups) to work on the things you need to work on. You can use any opportunity on the court to work on your goals. As an example, if your goal is to improve your second serve reliability, then give yourself only one serve when playing with your weekly contract court time group. Similarly if serve and volley is your focus, target a specific number of service points you plan to come in on.
9. Incorporate rest into your program – Although the necessities of life (family and work commitments) will most likely ensure time away from the court and fitness center, it’s important to find time for rest and recovery. It’s also important to taper down the volume of your hitting time just prior to the start of your targeted season of competitive match play.
10. Have fun and put things in perspective – You want a little “wiggle room” in any program. It’s important not to be too rigid and to feel comfortable modifying your objectives and commitment of time as necessary.

Here are ten “good to know”, “often misinterpreted” rules of tennis.  Knowledge of these rules will come in handy should you encounter disagreements on the court.

1. To begin, you have four (not two) choices with the coin flip or racquet spin. The choices are to serve, return serve, choose an end (north or south) or defer the choice to your opponent. If your choice is to serve or return serve, your opponent then has the choice of ends. If your choice is an end, your opponent then has the choice of serving or returning serve. If you defer the choice, your opponent can then choose a side, serve or return serve. Got it?
2. With a traditional two-out-of-three set format, you can control the tempo and timing of a match (to a degree). First, you have 20 or 25 seconds between points with allowance to retrieve balls or to correct a problem with your gear and equipment (not your racquet), 90 seconds during changeovers, two minutes between the first and second sets and from two to 10 minutes (depending on the event) between the second and third sets. Second, you have to play to the tempo and timing of the server. When returning serve you need to ready when the server is prepared to serve. Of course, you are afforded the same opportunity on your service games. Players can also take up to three minutes for treatment of an injury (not to recover physical condition).
3. You are responsible for making line calls on your side of the court and your opponent is responsible for making calls on his/her side of the court. You can question a call but have no authority to change a call made by your opponent. There should be no grey area. If unsure or unsighted and cannot make a definitive call, the ball is in. Likewise, there should never be a situation where the point replayed if in doubt.
4. There are three options if you and your opponent have a dispute on the score. First, you can count all agreed upon points and games and then replay only those points and games still in dispute. Two, you can restart the match at a mutually agreeable score (the last score you and your opponent can agree to). Three, if all else fails, you can spin a racquet or toss a coin
5. If you make a mistake in serving a point or points out of order or playing a point or points from the wrong side (half) or end of the court, the most important thing to remember is that all points (and service faults) played in error stand as played. This may be obvious or not but what is not as definitive and clear is what to do after detecting the error. For most situations, as soon as the error is detected, players should make any corrections as necessary according to the score and resume play as normal. However, there are exceptions. If a player serves out of order and completes a full game before the error is discovered, the order of service shall remain as altered. If a player serves out of turn during a tie-break game and the error is discovered after an even number of points have been played, the error is corrected immediately. If the error is discovered after an odd number of points have been played, the order of service shall remain as altered. Finally, if in error a standard game is started at 6 games all, when it was previously agreed that the set would be a “tie-break set”, the error shall be corrected immediately if only one point has been played. If the error is discovered after the second point is in play, the set will continue until one player or team gains a two game advantage (i.e. 8-6 or 9-7) or until the score reaches 8 games all at which time a tie-break game shall be played.
6. Most players are aware that according to the foot fault rule you cannot touch the baseline or step into the court during the service motion. The foot fault rule also states you cannot change your position by walking or running during the service motion or touch with either foot the area outside the imaginary extension of the singles sideline for singles (doubles sideline for doubles) or the imaginary extension of the center mark.
7. For doubles, the net should be suspended from net posts measuring three feet, six inches in height. The net posts should be placed three feet outside the doubles sidelines. Although play for singles is permissible for most matches with the net posts three feet from the doubles sideline, tournament (regulation) singles play requires the posts to be repositioned three feet from the singles sidelines or the net to be propped up by a three foot, six inches high singles stick positioned three feet from the singles sidelines. The net at the center of the court should measure three feet in height. The net should be taut to reduce the number of roll over lets. The net should be tightened with cranks to a height of three feet, four inches before using the center strap to secure the net down to a height of three feet.
8. The rules state you cannot touch any part of the net or the opponents court while the ball is in play. The rules also state you cannot contact the ball before the ball crosses the net.  There is one exception. If a ball bounces on your side of the net and then due to excessive spin or possibly wind, the ball then proceeds to travel back over the net to your opponents side of the court, you are permitted to reach over the net (without touching the net) to hit the ball. If you are unable to make contact to the ball with your racquet, you unfortunately lose the point.
9. In addition to making line calls on your end of the court, you are also responsible for making other calls and decisions on your end of the court (all of which unfortunately result in your loss of the point). It is your responsibility (not your opponent’s responsibility) to promptly let your opponent(s) know if the ball hits you, you touch the net, you touch the opponent’s court, you hit the ball before it crosses the net, you deliberately carry or double hit the ball or you hit the ball after the ball bounces more than once.
10. According to the hindrance rule, “If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent(s), the player shall win the point. However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by either an unintentional act of the opponent(s), or something outside the player’s own control (not including a permanent fixture).” Where the rule gets fuzzy is in determining what is deliberate and what is not deliberate and how to determine when and how to ask or accept a point should there be a perceived deliberate hindrance. As an example, what should the decision be with grunting. In a new interpretation, the WTA has cited that a continual distraction of grunting should be considered a deliberate act and dealt with in accordance with the Hindrance Rule. The important thing in unofficiated matches is to be considerate of your opponent(s) and do nothing that is meant to distract, obstruct, disrupt or otherwise hinder your opponent’s ability to make a clean contact with the ball (outside of what you do with the ball in regard to spin, pace, trajectory, etc. and how you position yourself on the court).

Here are the answers to five common questions relating to the backhand groundstroke.

1. What are the control variables for the backhand groundstroke? Not to appear redundant but the control variables are the same as with the forehand groundstroke. The variables controlled by the hitter are direction (cross-court or down-the-line), depth (as defined by proximity to the baseline), height over the net or net clearance, spin (topspin, underspin and sidespin) and the degree of spin, pace, trajectory and to a lesser extent court positioning at the point of contact (where on the court the hitter takes the ball on the bounce). Ultimately, these control variables should be your main focus when competing in match play and are the basis for all point patterns.
2. Why is the swing pattern for a topspin backhand? The path of the swing is inside-out with the racquet face extending out towards the target. The path of the swing is also from low to high, with the racquet head dropping at least one foot below the point of contact and then extending up and out through the hitting zone. The racquet face should be closed at the bottom path of the swing and then perpendicular to the court at the point of contact. A loop from the set position will add racquet head speed (and potentially more topspin) and more fluidity and rhythm.
3. What is the swing pattern for a slice or underspin backhand? The path of the swing is outside-in (as compared to an inside-out path for a topspin backhand) and from high to low. The racquet path should actually take more of high-low-high path for depth and drive. The extent to which the racquet face is angled or open and the speed of the racquet head at the point of contact determines the degree of spin.
4. What are the main components for a two-handed backhand groundstroke? For a right-handed player, the stroke mirrors a left-handed one-handed forehand in terms of the path of swing from the set position through the finish. In fact, a great way to get a feel for the two-handed groundstroke is to hit one-handed, left-handed forehands (right handed forehands for lefties). The left hand should be the dominant hand with the hand and wrist positioned behind the ball at the point of contact. The left hand should then drive the racquet and racquet face through the hitting zone and out to the finish. Another point of emphasis is the unit turn and coiling action (shoulder and hip rotation) in preparation for the stroke and the loading of your weight on the back foot. Just like the forehand, the hips lead with a lag of the wrist and racquet face. The hips then lock allowing the shoulders and then the arm, hand and racquet to drive up and out through the hitting zone and to the finish. The supporting right hand (or left hand for lefties) should be positioned with a Continental grip. The Continental grip promotes an earlier contact in relation to the hips and shoulders and better enables the left hand to get behind the ball.
5. In terms of mechanics, what are the influences that dictate the quality and characteristics of the backhand groundstroke? As with all strokes, it’s important to keep things simple. The three major influences or determiners are the path of the swing (i.e. low to high), angle of the racquet face at the point of contact and speed of the racquet face at the point of contact.
6. What are the main components for the one-handed backhand groundstroke? For a basic topspin backhand, the stroke follows an inside-out, low to high pattern. The racquet and the knuckles extend up and out through the hitting zone to the intended target. The hips and shoulders rotate together from the coil position as the racquet face extends through the stroke. The non-hitting hand should support the racquet at the racquet throat in setting the grip and rotating to the set position. The non-hitting hand should separate from the racquet and extend back and down as the racquet head crosses the hips. The action with the non-hitting hand helps to lock the hips and accelerate the racquet through the hitting zone. The racquet head should be pointing up to the sky (or ceiling) with the arm extended at the conclusion of the stroke. Topspin is best achieved with an Eastern backhand grip. With the Eastern backhand grip, the two reference points (the base of the index knuckle and the heel of the hand) are placed on the top or number bevel of the racquet.
7. What are the main differences between a one-handed backhand and two-handed backhand? The hips and shoulders rotate more in alignment (together) for a one-handed backhand versus a pattern where the hips lead for a two-handed backhand. The point of contact (or hitting zone) in relation to the body is further out in front for the one-handed backhand. The earlier contact for the one-handed backhand is more critical since there is less support on late contacts with the one-handed backhand. Although there are variations, the grip for the dominant hand (right hand for a right-handed player) positions the two grip reference points more over the top of the racquet. Best results are normally achieved with an Eastern backhand grip for the one-handed backhand and with a Continental grip for a two-handed backhand. The finish for a two-handed backhand faces the hips and shoulder out to the target whereas the hips and shoulders are more closed at the finish for a one-handed backhand. Comparisons between a one-handed and two-handed backhand when hitting with underspin are not as relevant since very few players successfully hit slice with two hands.
8. Does hitting with an open stance apply for the backhand groundstroke? Although the position of the hitting shoulder (particularly for the one-handed backhand) allows for a more closed stance, there are good reasons to use an open stance for the backhand groundstroke. Extending wide (and sliding on clay composition courts) to hit an underspin backhand is best achieved with an open stance. Use of the open stance with two-handed backhands has the same advantages for recovery back into the court as the forehand.
9. How do you hit a backhand when taking the ball well above your preferred strike zone? If forced to hit a ball above the shoulders, it’s important to shorten your backswing and open your hips and shoulders in relation to the ball and court (i.e. hit from a more open stance). Still try to incorporate the loop and maintain a low to high pattern if hitting with topspin and extend the racquet head out through the hitting zone. For the two-handed backhand, remember to bring the racquet through completely so that the butt end of the racquet is pointing to the target at the finish. The best response to a higher bouncing ball hit with a higher arcing trajectory is to counter with heavier spin and a similarly hit higher arcing type ball (i.e. trade a high ball with a high ball).
10. How do you similarly respond to a ball taken well below your preferred strike zone? Again, the best response is to mirror the shot you are receiving. It’s best to hit with more spin when taking the ball below (as well as above) your standard strike zone. The shot requires a wider stance and in most cases, a more closed stance. Use of underspin with one-hand is a great way to reply to low hit balls.

Here are the answers to 10 common questions relating to the forehand groundstroke.

1. Are there right or wrong grips? There are not right or wrong grips but there are better grips depending on what you want to do with the ball and the type of ball you are responding to. The Continental grip is a better choice when hitting with underspin and sidespin. A Semi-Western grip is a better choice when hitting for topspin or responding to higher bouncing balls. The Eastern grip is a great starting grip and is a good versatile choice for a player who wants to maintain the same grip for all forehands.
2. What is the function of the wrist? The wrist should be laid back positioning the racquet at a 90 degree angle to the forearm (particularly when hitting for power and/or topspin) but the wrist should be firm at the point of contact and through the hitting zone. The wrist can break or bend in the relaxation phase of the finish of the stroke but should not bend or whip at the point of contact. The exceptions are ulnar flexion of the wrist as you drop the racquet head at lowest point of the stroke pattern and radial flexion of the wrist when generating topspin with a windshield wiper stroke pattern. Radial flexion of the wrist is often more prevalent when contacting the ball late.
3. What is a radial flexion of the wrist? Radial flexion is when you draw your thumb up and inward on the same plane as your forearm. The opposite is ulnar flexion. The classic example of radial flexion is Nadal when he whips his racquet up over his left shoulder. The windshield wiper stroke pattern also incorporates a radial flexion of the wrist.
4. What is a windshield wiper stroke pattern? With the windshield wiper forehand, the racquets swings vertically up and then across the body with the racquet strings facing out to the target throughout the hitting phase and finish. The stroke pattern requires a lower racquet head finish down by the side of your body. With a more classic stroke pattern, the racquet stays on edge with the tip of the racquet pointing out to the target before the racquet head turns over and finishes above or near the shoulder.
5. How does the upper body rotate? The kinetic chain for the forehand includes a coiling and uncoiling action beginning with the legs and driving up into the hips. The upper body rotates to a point but then it’s important to lock the hips (and decelerate the upper body rotation) to allow the arm and lagging hand and racquet to catch up and accelerate through the contact phase. Any further rotation of the hips occurs past the hitting phase of the stroke.
6. What is a unit turn? To properly prepare the racquet to the set position, it’s important to turn your hips, shoulder and arms as a unit. Bringing the racquet back first and then rotating the hips and shoulders disrupts the continuous flow of the swing pattern and tends to lead to over rotation and a backswing that is too big and difficult to bring through on a timely basis.
7. Why is important to extend the racquet out through the hitting zone? Extending the racquet out through the hitting zone ensures more accuracy and precision with the groundstrokes. Extension and length on the groundstrokes provides the hitter with multiple opportunities for the ball to make contact with the racquet face aligned to the intended target.
8. What are the control variables for the forehand groundstroke? The primary areas of focus and the variables controlled by the hitter are direction (cross-court or down-the-line), depth (as defined by proximity to the baseline), height over the net or net clearance, spin (topspin, underspin and sidespin) and the degree of spin, pace, trajectory and to a lesser extent court positioning at the point of contact (where on the court the hitter takes the ball on the bounce).
9. In terms of mechanics, what are the influences that dictate the quality and characteristics of the shot? To keep it simple, there are three basic influences. First is the path of the swing (i.e. low to high), second is the angle of the racquet face at the point of contact and third is the speed of the racquet face at the point of contact.
10. How do you hit an underspin (or slice) forehand groundstroke? In reference to the three influences mentioned above, one, the path of the swing is from low to high and outside-in (versus low to high and inside-out for topspin). Two, the angle of the racquet face is open at the point of contact. The degree to which the racquet face is open at the point of contact determines the degree of spin. Three, as with the topspin forehand, the racquet face should be accelerating through the hitting zone. Acceleration of the racquet face adds extra bite and spin making the stroke more difficult handle.

There you have it, the answers to ten of your most pressing questions on the forehand groundstroke.

Things can go wrong on the court. Tennis provides a number of “bumps in the road” for every player. When things go wrong as they are apt to do on the court, the important thing is not to panic and then methodically direct all your energy, attention and focus to getting out of whatever “hole” you are in no matter how bleak or desperate the situation appears to be. For every problem there is a solution. Here are ten things that can go wrong on the tennis court and what you can do to “turn a wrong into a right”.

Problem #1
The pace of play is too fast. Your opponent is playing close to the baseline, taking balls on the rise and closing with every opportunity. The rallies are ending quickly and you’re feeling rushed and are unable to get any sense of timing.
1st Response Don’t panic.
2nd Response Be very deliberate with your serve and take as much time as possible between points. Judiciously take towel breaks to slow the pace of play between points.
3rd Response Raise the height of your ball and try to establish more depth with your groundstrokes. Do everything possible to increase the length of the rally.
4th Response If this doesn’t work, “fight fire with fire” and attack. Apply pressure on your opponent by closing the net following your serve and return.

Problem #2
Things are going wrong with your serve. To use a catch phrase, “you can’t buy a serve”. Your first serve percentage is dismally low and you are prone to hitting double faults.
1st Response Don’t panic (unless you want to put on an entertaining show for your friends, family and other observers of your match).
2nd Response Focus on one or two things with your mechanics to get your serve back on track. Effective areas of focus are the tossing arm and head position. Keep your tossing arm and chin up as long as possible. Focus on keeping your head up and eyes fixed at the point of contact through the follow through and finish.
3rd Response Take pace off the first serve and hit with more spin. Hit a three-quarter pace serve to get your first serve percentage up over 65%.
4th Response Be deliberate and focused prior to hitting each serve. Reestablish your normal ritual prior to hitting each serve to improve your composure and concentration.

Problem #3
You’re having problems with your consistency (keeping the ball in play) with your groundstrokes. The most common errors are balls hit into the net.
1st Response Don’t panic. (Of course, you could panic and it perhaps would make a good scene but panicking would undoubtedly lead to your imminent demise and bad feelings after the match.)
2nd Response In terms of mechanics, ensure you are getting good extension with your follow through in an inside-outside path (if hitting with topspin) and accelerating the racquet head through the hitting zone to a strong, complete finish. Make sure you have lively and active feet and take a number of adjustment steps to the ball.
3rd Response Establish a better margin for error with your shots. Focus on hitting with more topspin and higher net clearance (particularly when pushed back behind the baseline). Hit predominantly cross-court unless in a position to attack (in response to a short ball and a favorable court position). Hit to the middle third of the court. Hopefully with time you will establish better rhythm and confidence and will be able to open up with your groundstrokes.
4th Response Reduce the need to hit groundstrokes by attacking the net and taking more balls out of the air.
5th Response Don’t sweat the outcome. If you have to come up with a 5th response, you’re basically sunk anyway.

Problem #4
You’re deep into a match and you’re hurting physically. You don’t have any energy and are having problems covering the court.
1st Response Don’t panic (which in this case would be a big time energy killer).
2nd Response Look for ways to shorten the length of the rally (avoid the need to play out long, energy sapping exchanges with your opponent). Take more risks particularly with your first strike options (serve and serve return). Go for more shots to end the point more quickly.
3rd Response Play inside the baseline to reduce your angles of court coverage. Be judicious in your choice to run down balls. Look for ways to economize your motion and conserve your remaining energy.
4th Response Do everything you can to recover between points. Slow down your pace of play. Take all the time you are allowed between points and during game changeovers. Hydrate and eat (if possible) during game changeovers.

Problem #5
It’s early in the season and you’re having a particularly difficult time adjusting to the wind.
1st Response Don’t panic. (Your actions may disturb the barometric pressure and make things even more unstable.)
2nd Response Dig in and fight through it. Be lively and active with your feet to put yourself in the best possible position to hit each shot. This is particularly important in the wind based on the unpredictable nature of the ball flight and bounce. Remind yourself that your opponent is experiencing the same conditions and potentially the same difficulties.
3rd Response Hit with a higher margin of error. Hit predominantly cross court. Be particularly leery of hitting down-the-line “tightrope” passes. Hit with more spin.
4th Response Determine the direction of the wind and adjust your tactics accordingly. Take balls earlier on the bounce (on the rise) with a shorter backswing and close into the net when the wind is at your back. Drive through the ball with an extended and full swing pattern and aim higher over the net when the wind is in your face (when you’re hitting into the wind).

Problem #6
You’re playing doubles against a team that is killing you with their lobs. You’re having trouble with both your overheads and your ability to run down and respond to lobs hit over your head.
1st Response Don’t panic.
2nd Response Be aggressive with your overheads and be decisive when you have the opportunity to finish the point at the net. Stay active with your feet and be prepared to run.
3rd Response Play a little further back from the net particularly when positioned at the net with your partner serving. Serve and stay back or serve and volley less frequently. When closing into the net with an approach shot or following a serve, do not close into the net as much as you usually do and make sure to time your split to allow time to adjust to a potential lob.
4th Response If all else fails, play “soft ball“. Stay back and play a defensive, patient style of play. Hit lobs and look for opportunities to draw your opponents into the net with short balls. Get your opponents out of their comfort zone.

Problem #7
You’re playing doubles and getting walloped by a team that aggressively closes and roams the net.
1st Response Don’t panic.
2nd Response Be aggressive. Play “no bounce” doubles (do everything possible to take the ball before the bounce). Beat your opponents to the net by following both your serves and returns into the net. Give them less time to set up.
3rd Response Play defensively. Lob off the return. Stay back and defend. Make your opponents hit one more shot.

Problem #8
You’re having problems finishing the point in doubles. The points are extending too long (for your preference).
1st Response Don’t panic.
2nd Response Look to close the net with your volleys (particularly in response to balls up in your strike zone). Redirect your volleys down-the-line when in a position to finish the point. Direct your finishing volley or attacking shot to the feet of the opposing player who has less time to respond (player positioned closest to the net). Look for ways to isolate one or both of your opponents at the baseline with depth and angles to open up more defined target windows. Be aggressive in roaming the net. Cross whenever you can to cut off weak replies by your opponents. Don’t let your opponents recover when on the defensive. Take balls early and on the rise and take as many balls as possible before the bounce.
3rd Response Do more of the same. The important message is to be bold (not tentative).

Problem #9
You’re getting hurt by your opponents’ return of serve in doubles.
1st Response Don’t panic.
2nd Response Vary the location, spin and pace of your serve. Try not to be predictable and as much as possible hit to the weak side of your opponents. At the same time, mix up how and when you close the net following your serve. Serve and volley some points. At other times, serve and stay back. Encourage your partner to poach off the serve. Utilize signals as necessary to communicate intentions to cross with the serve.
3rd Response Try different starting formations such as the “I Formation” (where the partner of the server straddles the center service line at the start of each point) or the “Australian Shift” (where the partner of the server starts on the same side of the server requiring the return of serve to be hit down-the-line). Do anything you can to disrupt the rhythm and timing of the serve returner.

Problem #10
You’re playing against an opponent or opponents with superior talent and you’re outmatched.
1st Response Don’t panic, be happy.
2nd Response Focus on the things you can control and try not to do too much with the ball. Trying to do too much (or playing outside of your skill set) generally leads to forced mistakes and a quick end to your outing. Focus on holding your serve and keeping things close. Anything can happen if you can get the score to four games all.
3rd Response Despite real or perceived differences in playing abilities, you still want to be competitive and smart in how you approach the match. Look to claim any advantage possible. Establish a game plan to take advantage of your strengths and exploit the weaknesses of your opponent(s). Be prepared to change course if things are not going to plan.
4th Response Have fun and use the match as a learning opportunity.

Be resourceful, clever, draw on your prior experiences and refer to your contingency playbook and there should no problem or adverse situation that you can’t deal with effectively.  The important thing is to hang in there and do whatever you can to get back into the match.

1. Competitive tennis rewards the value of hard work and discipline in practice and preparation.
2. Competitive tennis heightens alertness and the intensity of action.
3. With a heightened level of activity and action, competitive tennis burns more calories and provides a greater conditioning benefit.
4. Competitive tennis provides a great opportunity to learn how to manage and control your capacity to deal with stress. Successful tennis players tend to be more relaxed with low levels of resting tension.
5. Competitive tennis teaches players how to manage mistakes and the percentages of risk. Successful tennis players learn how to play within their own abilities and skill set and when and how to take risks.
6. The nature of competitive tennis teaches players how to deal with adversity and changing conditions and variables.
7. Competitive tennis teaches players how to solve problems. The nature of the game requires players to solve problems of angles, geometry and physics.
8. Competitive tennis promotes sportsmanship and positive social behavior. Successful players know how to win and lose with grace, honor and dignity.
9. Competitive tennis promotes tactical and strategic thinking. To be successful, players need to respond to different playing situations, opponents, playing styles and circumstances.
10. Competitive tennis is fun. The physical and mental challenge of tennis is engaging to the mind and spirit particularly in a competitive match in which the outcome is truly in doubt.

Over the past 40 plus years working full-time as a tennis professional, I have been fortunate to coach and work directly with a number of junior tournament players, including a number of highly ranked national caliber players. Drawing from this experience as well as my experience competing as a high-level junior and collegiate player, I would like to share some advice to aspiring junior tournament players (and their parents). Here are ten things to consider in embarking on a junior tournament path of development.

1. Have fun. Tennis is an emotional game with a lot of ups and downs. It’s important to keep things in perspective and remember what first attracted you to the game of tennis. Recognize what makes tennis fun for you. It’s different for everyone. For me, it’s the artistry and the variety of things you can do with the ball. I also love hitting the ball and the rhythm and timing of the rally.
2. Do the first things first. Build a solid foundation beginning with a focus on consistency and depth. Learn how to stay in a point and maintain a rally. Work on developing both sides of your game (forehand and backhand). Recognize the importance of repetition and staying with something until you get it right.
3. Work hard. Develop a “great” work ethic. There is always a positive payback for players that work hard. Tennis requires a considerable investment of time and energy to get good so why not make the best of your time. It’s definitely more fun and rewarding when you make an effort (particularly when you see results and can do more with the ball).
4. Set goals and follow through on commitments. Having goals is a great way to frame and structure your time on the court. It also helps to establish a purpose to your practice (which is a key to getting better in tennis). Be smart in developing your goals. Set goals that are specific, attainable, reachable and timely (S.M.A.R.T).
5. Learn how to construct a point with percentage tactics. It’s important early in development to understand when to extend and when to shorten a rally, when to maintain direction and when to redirect, when to be conservative and when to attack, when to close and when to stay back, etc. Learn what constitutes a good (relative term) versus bad error and what is considered a forced mistake.
6. Focus on the feet. Footwork is probably the number one attribute that differentiates players and playing skill. It’s definitely something I look for in assessing talent in a new player. Developing lively and active feet can be an acquired skill. Make it a focus early for big dividends later in your development.
7. Embrace competition. Look for the opportunity to compete (whether it’s a tournament, team match or practice games and point situations). Look forward to the challenge and don’t be afraid to “put yourself on the line”. Develop a desire to win with a pride in performance. Junior tournament competition is great learning experience and is necessary to develop your confidence, spirit and courage.
8. Take a long-term perspective. Always look forward to what is required to compete successfully as an adult (or when your body is fully matured and developed). It’s easy to neglect those aspects of your game that don’t translate well to success in your age group. An example is net play for a junior in the 10’s or 12’s. Coming to net behind a short ball in the 10’s is likely to lead to passing shot and a lost point. Be incremental in your development and work on the things you need to work on that will make you successful in your next highest age group (i.e. if you’re in the 12’s, work on the skills that will make you successful in the 14’s, if you’re in the 14’s, work on the things that will work for you in 16’s, etc.).
9. Develop overall playing skills. You will benefit greatly with the ability to vary your game and style of play in response to different playing demands, conditions, circumstances and opponents. There are times in which a more aggressive or defensive style of play is warranted, point sequences where you will need pick up the pace of the rally or take pace off the ball, circumstances in which you will need to shorten or lengthen the length of the rally, situations where you will need to close and attack the net or stay back and be more patient, etc. As mentioned above, take a long-term perspective and develop a multidimensional game, a game that will hold up under the most adverse circumstances and conditions. Develop adaptability to your game.
10. Be respectful of the game and your opponents. As you get better and have better results, it’s easy to lose perspective. Value every opportunity you get to practice and compete. Take the perspective that there is something to be learned and gained from every playing situation and opponent regardless of the score and outcome. Life has some interesting twists. The next match you play could ultimately be one the most meaningful matches of your life not because of the difficulty of the task or the outcome but rather because of who you played and the interaction you had both on and off the court with this player. It would be cool to say that you played tennis as a kid with the President of the United States or the scientist who developed the cure for cancer. You never know.

Here are a series of singles pattern you need to practice and execute during competitive play to get that winning edge over your opponents.

1. Serve out wide (applicable to both the deuce and ad sides of the court). Hit your 2nd shot (3rd shot in the point sequence) down-the-line for a winner.
2. What? Your opponent miraculously got your down-the-line shot back in play. No problem, close and follow up with an angled volley winner to the open court.
3. Serve at the body to effectively jam your opponent. Jump on the weak return (not literally) and hit an angled cross court or down-the-line winner to the open court.
4. Serve down the middle and follow your serve into the net (serve and volley). Volley your next shot to the same side of the court (behind your opponent) effectively wrong footing your opponent for a winner.
5. Hit cross court and deep until you get a short ball. Redirect the short ball down-the-line to the open court for a winner.
6. Hit cross court and deep until you get a short ball from your opponent. Particularly if the short ball is hit to the outside third of the court, attack the short ball with a severely angled cross-court winner.
7. Step or run around your backhand in response to a ball hit to the left side of the court and hit an inside-out, cross court forehand winner to the opposite corner of the court.
8. Hit for depth and consistency until you get a short ball. Reply with a down-the-line approach shot and finish the point with a cross-court, angled volley winner.
9. Hit a high and loopy (preferably heavy) ball deep to the weak corner of your opponent (particularly effective to the backhand corner of a player with a one-handed backhand). Move in and take the next ball (3rd ball in the sequence) out of the air for a volley winner to the opposite side of the court.
10. Hit a down-the-line drop shot with slice (underspin and sidespin) to draw your opponent to the net. Finish the point with a lob winner to the opposite corner of the court.