| Serve | | | | towards the net when they make contact with the ball |
| Practice with targets. | | | | (thus throwing off their contact point). |
| This tip will help all players. When you practice serving | | | | Strategy |
| always use a target. Forcing yourself to hit a target will | | | | Keep the ball in play no matter what. |
| keep you honest. The target size should vary for your | | | | This tip is valuable for all players regardless of skill |
| skill level. | | | | level. There are two ways to win a point. 1) Get the |
| Beginners: Use a rope to divide the service box in two | | | | ball past your opponent or 2) let your opponent make |
| halves | | | | a mistake. |
| Intermediate: Use your tennis bag as a target | | | | Cutting down errors and forcing your opponent to |
| Advanced: Use tennis balls as a target | | | | make mistakes is much easier than hitting a winner (I |
| Volley | | | | can't stress this enough). I consider that choice a test |
| Point the racket head "up." | | | | of mental toughness. Another benefit of this strategy |
| Volley Grip: Continental. | | | | includes the opponent's mental breakdown from |
| The volley is not a ground stroke. The racket head | | | | making many errors. |
| should be pointed up into the sky (not towards the | | | | Footwork |
| court next to you) | | | | Avoid crossing your feet. |
| Overhead | | | | Footwork is the process of getting yourself in position |
| Stand sideways. | | | | to hit the ball. Being able to move swiftly from behind |
| Overhead Grip: Continental. | | | | the baseline is important. Crossing your feet can cut |
| The overhead is similar to the serve in the sense that | | | | valuable time that can be used for setting up for you |
| you are standing sideways when you make contact | | | | shot (the shot is rushed if you are not setup in time). |
| with the ball. Many players have their toes pointed | | | | |