Best tip/advice you ever received ?

[canady10]

Hit it where they aint.

[Audiodude]

Originally Posted by Bungalo Bill

"in today's tennis, we hit with our legs" this was a huge turning point in my game years back.

Any chance you could expand on hitting with your legs? Your recent description of a two-handed backhand was one the most articulate pieces of writing describing a tennis stroke I've read in recent memory. A similar description of how to incorporate your legs would be very much appreciated.

[atatu]

If you're having trouble serving, focus on keeping your tossing shoulder up a little longer.

As soon as you hear a let cord, start moving forward (works about 90% of the time anyway....)

[AAAA]

Audiodude, I think BB means use your legs to:

A) Get into position

B) Generate power

C) Allow you to hit with correct stroke mechanics. Correct use of the legs is an integral part of a stroke.

[Tim Tennis]

Win with honor. Lose with honor. Just do your best and have fun.

[tarheelbornjohn]

The tip mentioned about playing within yourself and skills during important points such as 15-30/30-15 is important and very helpful. If you almost always win that point you will do well in matches.

[Marc C.]

"Your only as good as your second serve"

[Watusi]

I got my best advice last week:

"Do not think twice"

[orange223]

A couple of my faves are:
"I must play the best tennis I can today or I will lose this match." (That may have come from "Winning Ugly" or "Inner Game.")
Also, "Focus your mind on the print on the ball."

Both are on a page of notes that I keep in a folder in my tennis bag. I review them a few times a match on changeovers. I also keep them posted at work near my monitor.

Tennis, it isn't a passion, it is an obsession.

[joebedford]

I feel like I should preface my "Top 10 Tips" with the fact that I am a 3.0 player, as my "tips" are pretty basic:

1) Don't overrun the ball. I am fast on the court, but as a result I was getting way too close to most balls. When this was pointed out, my shots improved dramatically.

2) Get your racquet back early. I only incorporated this recently, after watching the pros in Memphis. It just makes it so much easier to hit a clean shot.

3) Watch the ball. All the way to the racquet. If you forget, start saying the word "ball", out loud (but quietly, lest your opponent thinks you're nuts), over and over.

4) Generate power with your body, not your arm. Concentrate on "turning in" to your shots.

5) Low to high. I still struggle with this one.

6) Think about your grip. Does it feel "right"?

7) Hit it deep. Consistently. How many points have I lost because I gave my opponent an opportunity to work the angles on me?

Stay calm. I think it was Arthur Ashe that said you want to be "physically tight, but mentally loose". Visualize successful shots; not unsuccessful ones. Relax and have fun. It's a game.

9) Get in position. Take lots of little steps. Don't hit the ball where it is; move so that the ball is where you want it to be.

10) Watch the ball some more.

[christian]

Lean into your two-handed backhand.

[Stitch626]

Hit the ball with the strings not the frame... =/

[joebedford]

No way! I paid for the whole racquet--I'm gonna hit the ball with the whole racquet! :P

(The sad truth at my level is that I have won a few points with off-the-frame shots. Passes for a drop shot. )

[Benjamin]

"Run."

I started running back on December 1st and it has made tennis so much more enjoyable. I've lost 36 pounds, can run up to 10 miles straight, am quicker, and love the feeling of seeing my opponents out of breath when I'm not even winded.

I'm 36 and in the best shape of my life. No longer bent over trying to catch my breath after the first two games. I can stay out there and sprint every point without worrying about getting exhausted.

You can't imagine the increase in confidence I have knowing that I can go hard every point!!!

Benjamin

Practice makes you luckier in games

[matchpoints]

in regards to serves "Spank it"