How Can I Improve?

Improving your game and getting up to the standard you would like only requires time and a willingness to improve. The well known saying 'practice makes perfect' applies with tennis as it does with every other skill. It requires excessive use of the same actions which results in the build up of what scientists call 'muscle memory'.

Muscle memory is the result of using the same muscles in the same sequence, building up a memory that the brain stores. Every time you perform a particular action, the muscle memory in the brain for say, a top spin forehand, is reinforced in the brain. As you also know, repeated contractions of particular muscles results in muscular hypertrophy (muscle growth.)

Do not be afraid by all these scientific terms. This is a simply an introduction on how humans acquire skills and ultimately how to improve. In my life of playing tennis, I have found these points have allowed me to get off the ground and begin to play well.

1. Watch the ball. The ball can be hit in many ways, such as backspin, top spin, drop shots, lob shots, deep strokes and others. I had a coach when I became familiar with the game, who's motto for teaching was "Watch the ball hit the strings". If you do not concentrate on the ball connecting with your racquet, it will be highly unlikely that it will accelerate in the direction you would like it to.

2. Join a local sports centre. A local sports centre should provide a tennis court for you to practice on. Find a tennis partner of the same standard as you are to have regular sessions of practice. This will help you develop muscle memory of basic shots and help teach yourself of sportsmanship and etiquette.

3. Learn your shots and play them accordingly. Once you have mastered a few shots of your own, such as long shot backhands and forehands, you can begin to understand the benefits of placement. Tennis does not only depend on power, a common misconception developed by the media, it also depends on placement and direction. If you can make the other player run for your ball, you can make them lose the point.