| Do not just concentrate on hitting the ball well, but also | | | | deep against a baseliner (unless it is a drop shot), but |
| direct your shots all over the court to keep your | | | | short against a net player (unless it is an overhead lob). |
| opponent running to make a hit, thereby creating | | | | To play a straight drive down the sideline, hit the ball |
| opportunities for him to make a mistake. A good guide | | | | about 4 feet from your body, immediately in front of |
| is to always hit your shots at angles that represent the | | | | your navel, shifting your weight to the front foot upon |
| letter 'V'. Also, try to hide your shot direction from your | | | | hitting the ball. Keep your racquet swing flat and |
| opponent up to the final second of impact to keep him | | | | straight through, with your wrist in a locked position. For |
| guessing the direction of your shot. Try to keep your | | | | the cross-drive to your opponent's backhand, swing |
| return shots as low to the net as possible, unless you | | | | your racquet a bit earlier than the straight drive, |
| are playing the lob or drop shot. This will force your | | | | stepping towards the sideline of the direction you are |
| opponent to always be alert, without assuming that | | | | hitting to. |
| you will play the ball directly into the net (assuming that | | | | The backhand drive is almost similar to the forehand |
| you are not doing that!). | | | | drive, except that your weight shifts a bit sooner, while |
| Do not step away from the ball when playing any shot; | | | | advancing your front foot slightly closer to the side-line, |
| always throw your full weight directly into the shot to | | | | thereby clearing your body for the swing. Hit the ball in |
| give it full pace. Your drive shots should be played | | | | front of your front leg, being careful not to slice the ball |
| deep, almost always hitting at least behind your | | | | out of play. |
| opponent's service line. A straight drive should just hit in | | | | Without assuming the obvious, always make sure that |
| front of the baseline, whereas a very deep drive will | | | | your opponent is not perhaps left-handed, making his |
| touch the baseline (for example when playing straight | | | | supposed backhand his actual, powerful forehand. |
| back to your opponent's toes). A cross-court drive will | | | | During warm-up look to ascertain which arm he is |
| be hit shorter and harder, increasing your angle away | | | | playing with. It will save you unnecessary points and |
| from your opponent. Nevertheless, plan your drives | | | | embarrassment, not to mention the time to adapt to |
| according to the type of opponent you are facing; play | | | | playing cross-court to his forehand. |