What has been your key to improvement?

[derick232]

What has been the one or two things that you did to make a dramatic improvement in your game? For me, it was taking the mental side of tennis much more seriously. A big reason for that change was from listening to the Essential Tennis podcast, and there were a few things that stuck out to me that allowed me to change my mindset from the beginning to end of a match. The result is that I've played my best singles matches of my life over the last few months, some losses and some wins but all great tennis that I can be happy with no matter the outcome. Here are a few things that Ian said that have helped me improve my game.

1. Instead of getting mad at yourself for missing an easy put away or just barely missing a nice winner, think about the fact that you played well enough to get that shot opportunity, and then next time you have it, make it.

2. Remember and be grateful for the chance and opportunity to play the game I love. For the ability to play at a high level with a body that can still move and hit a ball the way I want to most of the time without falling apart. I do this a lot before the match and I'm preparing because I tend to get quite antsy before a match.

For me, taking the negative out of my thoughts allows me to play so much looser, and free. And as a result I play much better. There are still moments of frustration and anger, but if I can remember these things I can get back in a good mindset and play my game.

I don't typically watch or listen to ET for their instructional stroke mechanics stuff, but Ian's take on the mental side of tennis has been very eye opening and helpful to my game.

 

[ChaelAZ]

Health, plain and simple. When I keep the LBS down, am actively exercising, and staying flexible, I play to the best of my ability and can play more often. When I get off track in one or all of those areas this ol' body feels it and doesn't perform well, or perform well often enough. I see that often too with most other rec players, especially getting to that 40 and up age.

 

[ShaunS]

Without a doubt, working on my mental approach to the game has made a significant difference in my game too. Like many people, I've got this unrealistic expectation that every shot I hit should go in. That's complicated by the reality that I'm not really a long-rally style player. Over the past several years, I've worked to recognize whether the shots I'm taking are genuinely ill-advised, or if I simply missed the "right shot" for my game.

More recently though it's footwork. If things aren't going right with something it's almost always starting with my footwork. For example, on initial review I suspect I'm missing that slice backhand because I was too far under the ball, but upon more review... it's because I didn't get in position to hit it correctly. When you've been away from the game for a while, or even if your fitness isn't there your footwork is one of the first things to go.

 

[derick232]

Without a doubt, working on my mental approach to the game has made a significant difference in my game too. Like many people, I've got this unrealistic expectation that every shot I hit should go in. That's complicated by the reality that I'm not really a long-rally style player. Over the past several years, I've worked to recognize whether the shots I'm taking are genuinely ill-advised, or if I simply missed the "right shot" for my game.

More recently though it's footwork. If things aren't going right with something it's almost always starting with my footwork. For example, on initial review I suspect I'm missing that slice backhand because I was too far under the ball, but upon more review... it's because I didn't get in position to hit it correctly. When you've been away from the game for a while, or even if your fitness isn't there your footwork is one of the first things to go.

Yes, footwork is huge and so often an underlying cause of my mistakes. I definitely notice a pick up in my game when I am actively telling myself to move my feet. Unfortunately doing so wears me out that much faster and can be hard to maintain, at least harder than keeping my mental focus.

 

[Purestriker]

Health, plain and simple. When I keep the LBS down, am actively exercising, and staying flexible, I play to the best of my ability and can play more often. When I get off track in one or all of those areas this ol' body feels it and doesn't perform well, or perform well often enough. I see that often too with most other rec players, especially getting to that 40 and up age.

Agreed. Once you are over 40 it is all about staying healthy.

 

[Jono123]

for me it's embracing change and acknowledging you will have to get worse to get better.

 

[AlexSV]

Off court stuff like working on footwork with a medicine ball, or shadow swings while watching TV. Building muscle memory is tough when on the court running around. Note, I haven't played for long compared to most people here so I don't have a lot of stuffed grooved.

 

[eah123]

The biggest improvement to my game came when I realized that the key to winning matches is being patient. My win rate went way up when I started patiently hitting rally balls and only going for winners when I get an easy pop up or short ball. This made me focus more on hitting better rally balls (more top spin and deeper), as well as improving my backhand slice.

 

[roadto50]

1. Approach each shot like it is match point. Earlier in my tennis life, I didn't value the importance of each point. I had the mindset "There's plenty more points to play". Well - if you keep that up for the whole match, eventually you don't have any more.
2. When I lose, whether in singles or doubles, the focus is on what I can do better.

 

[FIRETennis]

Pre-hab, fitness, footwork, nutrition, hydration, sleep.
Serve, +1, Return.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

The mental aspect is foundational; it will impact everything else in your game.

Being mentally strong also makes it a lot easier to enjoy the game.

 

[Turbo-87]

Mine is just playing as much as I can and not let losing get in my head. I play more doubles than singles, but not by choice. Sometimes you just play with partners you don't mesh with or you just get beaten soundly by better opponents. As long as I am making good shots and not beating myself with errors, it's another opportunity to have fun and improve for the next time. Last week, I played all doubles and went 13-60 in games. That's enough to discourage anyone but you push through it and look to another week. This week it is almost reversed having played with a familiar partner or two.

Most of the time, I am just happy to be able to set foot on a court. I don't take good health for granted.

 

[Tennisfever]

So many things, at different stages of my journey:

- Watching videos of players whose strokes I wanted to emulate, i.e. Wawrinka
- Getting a ball machine and watching myself play.
- Focusing on certain aspects you want to improve and do drills to target these aspects
- Practicing split-stepping and footwork patterns
- Playing with strong players
- Last but certainly not least, having access to a tennis court that is literally just downstairs

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

- Playing with strong players

One comment: you can improve while playing peers and weaker players. You just have to work on different things.

The drawback of only playing strong players is you typically don't see the randomness of a weaker player and the problem-solving vs a peer. I try to incorporate all 3.

 

[n8dawg6]

unfortunately i have been winning more matches after i switched back to a pure aero with full poly. that has literally been the biggest help to my game.

im in the 40 and up category, though, so its not a long-term solution.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

I think frequency of play takes care of so much. You've got muscle memory, to the point where you don't think about anything but where to hit and where to be, where the ball is, most everything else becomes automatic. Frequent play also helps with the mental things listed by OP. If you play 2-3 tournaments a month, each one isn't a big deal, each point isn't so stressful, it's just another tournament, you'll be doing it again the week after next. Play on various teams, then each match isn't that big of a deal, negative thoughts are less likely when you have many opportunities to play again in the near future. Try to play 3-6 times a week, that will improve many things.

 

[Tennisfever]

One comment: you can improve while playing peers and weaker players. You just have to work on different things.

The drawback of only playing strong players is you typically don't see the randomness of a weaker player and the problem-solving vs a peer. I try to incorporate all 3.

It’s important to play with players from different levels but it’s just more difficult to find strong players of let’s say 4.5+ level, for me at least. And if you want to improve the only way is to play with players at the level you want to be.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

It’s important to play with players from different levels but it’s just more difficult to find strong players of let’s say 4.5+ level, for me at least. And if you want to improve the only way is to play with players at the level you want to be.

I can improve by playing weaker players because I can work on my consistency without worrying about getting blown off the court. This is especially important if consistency is my weak suit. Not to mention the psychological benefit of occasionally feeling completely in control as opposed to on the edge of panic mode against a superior opponent.

I can improve by playing peers because I have to problem-solve to figure out how to win; from a weapons standpoint, we are close to even.

I think the ideal mix might be 25/50/25 [down/level/up].

 

[Cindysphinx]

Practice. Working out regularly with a practice partner was worth one USTA level.

 

[vex]

2 contrasting forces:

1) focused training of individual shots. You shimmy can’t get better without this. Pick a shot, get the technique right and grind it.

2) variety of opponents. Play people above and below you, you need to see all the crazy stuff people will do to really develop all your shots.

 

[socallefty]

1). Falling in love with tennis all over again about twenty years ago after taking a break for a decade. Like many junior players, I was burned out for a while and wanted nothing to do with competitive tennis in my twenties.
2). Playing more tennis in the last decade than I had ever played before - I played 1,200 singles matches and 900 doubles matches from 2011-2020 in addition to at least 1 or 2 hitting sessions per week.
3). Hiring an ex-pro player in his twenties as a coach and taking weekly coaching lessons for the past 2 years - best thing I’ve done since I turned 50.
4). Discovering hybrid stringing with gut mains and soft poly crosses for performance with comfort - enough said!
5). Joining a private club with many former top juniors and ex-college players which has allowed me to play regularly with high-caliber 4.5+ players.
6). Reading some good books on the mental and strategic aspects of the game like Smart Tennis, Think to Win and The Art of Doubles.

I should add that using fantastic Babolat players racquets like the Pure Control, AeroStorm Tour and Pure Strike Tour (G1 and G3) since 2001 has contributed a lot to why tennis is fun for me and it has been a smooth transition from the very flexible Max200G (Flex around 45!) I played with as a kid.

 

[MrFlip]

Gym
Play as much as you can
Find what set up suits you

 

[BallChaser]

- Changed my focus from hitting good balls to picking on my opponents' weaknesses.
- Decided to think a tiebreaker as roulette and stopped worrying about winning.

 

[bcart1991]

The canings every time I missed a shot. Definitely the canings.

 

[ServeBot]

What has been the one or two things that you did to make a dramatic improvement in your game? For me, it was taking the mental side of tennis much more seriously. A big reason for that change was from listening to the Essential Tennis podcast, and there were a few things that stuck out to me that allowed me to change my mindset from the beginning to end of a match. The result is that I've played my best singles matches of my life over the last few months, some losses and some wins but all great tennis that I can be happy with no matter the outcome. Here are a few things that Ian said that have helped me improve my game.

1. Instead of getting mad at yourself for missing an easy put away or just barely missing a nice winner, think about the fact that you played well enough to get that shot opportunity, and then next time you have it, make it.

2. Remember and be grateful for the chance and opportunity to play the game I love. For the ability to play at a high level with a body that can still move and hit a ball the way I want to most of the time without falling apart. I do this a lot before the match and I'm preparing because I tend to get quite antsy before a match.

For me, taking the negative out of my thoughts allows me to play so much looser, and free. And as a result I play much better. There are still moments of frustration and anger, but if I can remember these things I can get back in a good mindset and play my game.

I don't typically watch or listen to ET for their instructional stroke mechanics stuff, but Ian's take on the mental side of tennis has been very eye opening and helpful to my game.

Taking video of myself playing then watching it and correcting my form.

 

[jga111]

Agreed. Once you are over 40 it is all about staying healthy.

And still improving technically … and mentally. I’m 43

 

[JustTennis76]

One thing I have tried to focus is keep my feet moving after hitting a shot and not just stare at the ball especially when pulled to the sides.
Lot of times, I simply watch the ball where I hit and stay there and it’s too late to react when the ball comes back. This has enabled me get into position quicker but also tiring me out quicker.

 

[kl2963]

Strength, speed, and agility workout has helped my game physically. Biggest improvement is mental game: focus on current point!

 

[NTRP_3.75_Patrick_Rafter]

Health, plain and simple. When I keep the LBS down, am actively exercising, and staying flexible, I play to the best of my ability and can play more often. When I get off track in one or all of those areas this ol' body feels it and doesn't perform well, or perform well often enough. I see that often too with most other rec players, especially getting to that 40 and up age.

Dood... agree 1000%.

Just got off the court with a guy who I know (think) is better than me. We've been playing a good bit lately but I think the main difference between us is fitness. I'm not necessarily obese or anything. Typical dad bod though my physique is prolly a lot better than it should be given my lifestyle. Tennis is pretty much the only exercise I get and when I get out there and play mentally I'm still 17 and not 41.

That said, for me playing singles or even just rallying with people who are 'better' than you. I put better in quotes referring more to technique and fundamentals as opposed to who wins and loses. For instance a guy like MEP from Tennis Troll. Hitting with that guy for 2 hours a day, 3 times a week for a few months isn't going to pay the same dividends as a guy that just hits normal strokes and all the rest of it if you're trying to get to a certain level.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

For instance a guy like MEP from Tennis Troll. Hitting with that guy for 2 hours a day, 3 times a week for a few months isn't going to pay the same dividends as a guy that just hits normal strokes and all the rest of it if you're trying to get to a certain level.

Not necessarily: someone like MEP rarely misses so rallies last longer which gets exponentially more difficult fitness-wise.

Someone who hits "normal" strokes will likely err much more frequently.

 

[ServeBot]

Dood... agree 1000%.

Just got off the court with a guy who I know (think) is better than me. We've been playing a good bit lately but I think the main difference between us is fitness. I'm not necessarily obese or anything. Typical dad bod though my physique is prolly a lot better than it should be given my lifestyle. Tennis is pretty much the only exercise I get and when I get out there and play mentally I'm still 17 and not 41.

That said, for me playing singles or even just rallying with people who are 'better' than you. I put better in quotes referring more to technique and fundamentals as opposed to who wins and loses. For instance a guy like MEP from Tennis Troll. Hitting with that guy for 2 hours a day, 3 times a week for a few months isn't going to pay the same dividends as a guy that just hits normal strokes and all the rest of it if you're trying to get to a certain level.

If you only rallied with MEP you’d become very adept at handling junk. You’d be uncomfortable facing heavy pace and topspin. Most players are the opposite which is one reason why MEP has so much success!

 

[fishepa]

I think frequency of play takes care of so much. You've got muscle memory, to the point where you don't think about anything but where to hit and where to be, where the ball is, most everything else becomes automatic. Frequent play also helps with the mental things listed by OP. If you play 2-3 tournaments a month, each one isn't a big deal, each point isn't so stressful, it's just another tournament, you'll be doing it again the week after next. Play on various teams, then each match isn't that big of a deal, negative thoughts are less likely when you have many opportunities to play again in the near future. Try to play 3-6 times a week, that will improve many things.

Man I wish it was possible to play that much. With two young kids and family obligations it's just not possible. I mean it could be, but I'd be missing out on a lot of family activities which I don't want to do either. A shame that life gets in the way sometimes, I would love to play more.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I'm just trying not to get worse at age 56. It's all about getting smarter as you lose physicality.

 

[NTRP_3.75_Patrick_Rafter]

Not necessarily: someone like MEP rarely misses so rallies last longer which gets exponentially more difficult fitness-wise.

Someone who hits "normal" strokes will likely err much more frequently.

I was thinking more relative to the dude I just hit with who also has a couple Tennis Troll matches, not vs. MEP. Hits with pace, lotsa topspin. Both are helpful but I think hitting with someone like MEP is more or less like hitting with the ball machine.

 

[NTRP_3.75_Patrick_Rafter]

If you only rallied with MEP you’d become very adept at handling junk. You’d be uncomfortable facing heavy pace and topspin. Most players are the opposite which is one reason why MEP has so much success!

Exact-a-mundo.

 

[Moveforwardalways]

For most adult rec players…

1.Off court fitness, nutrition, and keeping your BMI below 25

2. Play with a powerful light racquet with soft strings

 

[Rosstour]

I plateau'd for a while. Was using the wrong racquet and just playing with one guy all the time who was much better. Fitness and movement were great, but I struggled with point construction and ball control.

New shoes came first (VC4), more precise racquet next, and playing with a wider range of players...all combined to raise my level.

 

[FiddlerDog]

from listening to the Essential Tennis podcast,

The ET podcast is the single greatest tennis media ever

 

[derick232]

The ET podcast is the single greatest tennis media ever

I would agree!