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?
8) 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. :wink: