What to do when things go bad?

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tennisballs

My forehand/backhand keeps missing wide?

Select a target rather than just cross court.
Select a safer target 2-3 feet inside the lines.
Keep you eyes still until you see the blur of your racquet go past your eyes – looking up re-directs your shot.
Align your feet to get better position so your swing is more in line with your target.
Focus on the part of the ball you want to hit to make the ball go toward your target (outside, behind or inside of the ball.)
You may be contacting the ball too early – be patient or too late – prepare for an earlier contact point.

My forehand/backhand keeps going in the net?

Pick out an aim point that is about the height of your opponents head above the net, about 3-4 feet above the net.
Be sure to allow your racquet head to get under the ball so you can “lift the ball” over the net instead of driving it the same height as the net.
You may be contacting the ball too late – shorten your backswing and meet the ball sooner to get the upward arc.
You looked at the net – so your hand guided the ball to your target.
Extend the finish of your stroke – up and out.
Release the tension in your hand as you finish your stroke to avoid pulling the racquet down before the complete finish of the stroke.

My forehand/backhand keeps going long?

You are not applying enough topspin to bring the ball down.
Keep your eyes still while contacting the ball – looking up will make the fence become a target.
Finish your swing – pulling off will make the ball sail.
Take more adjusting steps to get better position – out of position can cause you to alter your swing pattern and lift the ball too high.
Stay down, keep a wider stance so you can rotate into the shot instead of lifting with the legs too early in the swing.

My grip is incorrect?

Mark the correct position for the index knuckle and the heal of the hand for a forehand and backhand.
Hold the racquet by the throat with the non-hitting hand and keep the grip hand relaxed so the non-hitting hand can turn the racquet to the correct grip position for you -forehand or backhand.
Study your opponent and lock in on their pattern of shots so you can anticipate whether they will most likely hit to your forehand or backhand. This “anticipation” will give you a head start to getting the grip position early.
Start with the grip that is most difficult to get to – it’s always easy to get to your favorite grip.

My timing is off?

Timing is an eye function – usually you are not seeing the ball well. Look for the shadow of light and darkness on the ball, say “bounce” when the ball touches the court and “touch” when you make contact As more balls are lost between the bounce and contact.
Take more adjusting steps (8-10 steps – the pros average 10-12 steps between their shots) between each shot you make. The extra movement will raise your attention level and your focus level.
The adjusting steps help you to establish a better position to meet the ball and produce a better quality shot.
Soften your grip. When your timing is off, your grip may be way to tight. This tension greatly affects your ability to time your movement, swing and relaxed eye focus.
When you feed the ball back to your opponent so they can serve, use the drop and hit effort to practice the “feel” of how you want the stroke to feel in the up-coming point.

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