More points are lost than won during a recreational tennis match because hackers make more mistakes than they hit winners. Part of the problem is an optical illusion caused by the net, which increases the number of balls you hit into it. To become more consistent in tennis, you must reduce unforced errors -- those you make under no pressure. Using more conservative tactics and basic geometry will help you put more balls in play and improve the consistency of your shots.
Step 1
Stand on the baseline across from a partner. Look at your partner's feet and note that you are seeing them by looking through the net, not over it. Trying to hit shots at spots you see through a net increases the chance you will hit into the net.
Step 2
Choose five target areas on the opposite court. Divide the area between the service line and baseline into three sections: left, right and middle. Use the two service boxes as your other two target areas.
Step 3
Practice hitting balls to your five target areas to determine your accuracy in hitting the ball where you want, when you want. Note how many balls you miss short, long or wide.
Step 4
Place a towel on the net to help you direct the ball to one of your target areas and over the net. Set the towel to the left of the net strap, halfway between the center service line and singles sideline.
Step 5
Practice hitting balls over the towel to decrease the number you hit into the net and to learn direction. Hit the ball higher over the net to make the ball go deeper into the court, and hit the ball wider to make it go shorter. Move the towel to the middle of the strap, and then to the right of it to practice different shots.
Step 6
Remove the towel and practice hitting to your target areas, visualizing the towel on the net. Resist the temptation to look directly at your target area as your reference area, focusing instead on the point of the net over which you want your ball to cross.
Step 7
Place the towel back on the net to help practice any shot or shots you still have trouble getting in the court.
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