10 Tips to Improve Your Tennis Game

Tennis is all about technique and training, and not just physical but mental as well. We all want to get better with each game right? Staying stagnant is boring, but easier said than done right. Without the help of a professional coach it’s hard to find and improve on the mistakes.

So here are 10 tennis improvement tips you should focus on if you would like to be one step ahead.

1. Master the techniques

Technique is the basis of every pursuit, especially in sports. For a solid foundation, it is important to know and master the basic techniques first. Check if your grip is correct, because it has a direct impact on your control and power. There are several types of grips in tennis, like the Eastern, Western, and Semi-Western grips. Each grip has its advantages and is suited for different types of shots. In the beginning, practice with each grip multiple times, once you’re sure which grip is the most comfortable, practice it consistently to build muscle memory and control.

The next most important step is to your footwork, it helps one to swing shots exactly where you would like them to. We will talk about more in depth in the next point.

2. Analyze your games

To know where to improve, you must know where you went wrong, After each match make it a point to review everything, from the mindset you had during the game, to the last serve.

Capitalize on your strengths and minimise your weaknesses, and formulate game strategies based on these. If possible, records your matches or at least parts of it, and seek feedback from coaches or more experienced players to gain valuable insights.

Whether it's your footwork, shot selection, or decision-making under pressure, game analysis is one of the best tennis game improvement strategies.

3. Play with the right contender

If you’re hitting the court for a casual play or even a competitive match, the right contender can accelerate your tennis skill development and contribute significantly to your overall improvement.

Playing with opponents on different skill levels helps improve different aspects of your game, if you play against someone who is better than you, it’s a great way to learn. By observing their their techniques, strategies, and decision-making, gaining insights, you can understand and learn Better tennis techniques.

On the other hand, playing with a contender of a lower skill level can be a great to boost your confidence, it’ll help you put your techniques to work, without being under pressure.

We kept all of these factors in mind when we built RANKD, you can Choose your opponent based on your current RANKD skill level. Skill levels are adjusted after each competitive match.

4. Eat right

Kobe Bryant said “A diet that’s bad for your overall health can’t be good for your performance.” We think this sums it up. Having a balanced diet, staying hydrated and having proper meal timings are essential components to optimize performance and maintain overall health.

During matches opt for easily digestible snacks like bananas or energy bars, and post matches consume foods that includes protein and carbohydrates to aid muscle recovery and replenish glycogen stores.

Always remember, each body is different and individual nutrition needs may vary based on factors like age, gender, body composition, and activity level.

5. Focus on Footwork

Footwork is that one skill in tennis, that can drastically enhance your performance and give you a competitive edge, in a short period of time.

Working on your agility and speed is essential to have quick lateral movements, explosive starts, and rapid directional changes. Balancing and positioning is crucial for optimal shot execution.

Additionally, Proper tennis footwear is essential for footwork. Invest in shoes designed for tennis that provide support, cushioning, and good traction.

6. Practice Practice Practice

Everything discussed above can only help if you give the sport time. If you play just for fun - then this might not be relevant to you, but if you’re in it to win it, it is important to dedicate some specific hours a week to actually implement everything discussed above and see the results.

Consistency on the court will translate to confidence, which will act as a fuel to perfecting your technique, mastering various grips, and honing your footwork.

If it helps, join a tennis club or find hitting partners to regularly practice your skills. Remember, substantial improvement requires substantial commitment.

7. Reduce Errors

This is where most people fail, they learn new techniques and when it comes to implementing them, those small errors in your serve, or your hand movement is what leads to long term issues.

Be patient with yourself and focus on gradual improvement. As you become more consistent and make fewer unforced errors, you'll find yourself winning more points and matches, ultimately taking your tennis game to the next level.

8. Develop a strong serve

A strong serve gets you a head start in the game, and who wouldn't want that right?

A powerful serve is a game-changer in tennis. It only puts pressure on the opponent but sets the tone for the point.

Know the different serves, like flat, slice, and kick serves, to keep your opponent on their toes. Varying your serves can disrupt your opponent's rhythm and give you an advantage.

9. Have a strong net play

When you play from a position close to the net, it is called net play, and because touching the net is a strict no-no, it is important to have a good net game, so that you don’t lose just because of few fouls.

Work on your volleys(forehand and backhand) and overhead smashes for those high lobs or floaters, they’re powerful moves at the net.

Your positioning around the net also matters, remember, most players are scared to be around the net, use it to your advantage. Stay aggressive and look for opportunities to put the ball away.

P.S- If you’re playing doubles, then what matters the most is communication. Coordinate your movements and cover the right areas to avoid leaving gaps for your opponents.

10. Fitness is key

In sports, fitness is not a desirable trait, it’s an absolute necessity. No matter how much you’re working on your tennis skill development, your physical state can make or break your game. Tennis matches can be extremely fast paced, long and gruelling and what will ensure you give strong competition to your contender is when you have enough stamina to endure those long matches.

Then comes speed and agility, the ability to move swiftly and change direction rapidly is essential in tennis.

Being fit also ensure that you avoid injuries such as sprains and strains, which can sideline you for weeks or even months.

Physical fitness is a key component to feeling confident, which in turn makes you mentally tough as well and you're more likely to stay focused and maintain a positive mindset during intense matches.

To enhance your tennis skills you require dedication, practice, and a commitment to continuous learning. By mastering the basics, focusing on footwork, and honing your skills at serving, returning, and net play, you can enhance your tennis techniques and become a better player. Additionally, mental toughness, regular play, match analysis, and maintaining good physical conditioning will contribute to your overall improvement. Keep these ten tips in mind, and you'll be on your way to becoming a more formidable tennis player. Enjoy the journey of skill development and the thrill of the game!

If you are looking for a tennis partner or tennis court in the US or North America? Look no further than RANKD, the free app that helps you find and connect with other tennis players and courts near you.

RANKD is easy to use. Simply download the app and create an account. Then, you can start browsing for tennis courts and players in your area. You can filter your search by skill level, location, and availability.