Avoid These 10 Common Tennis Mistakes

Tennis, a game of agility and skill, is as much about avoiding errors as it is about hitting winning shots. Even experienced players can sometimes find themselves slipping up with some common and avoidable mistakes. I will take you through 10 of the most frequently encountered tennis mistakes and provide advice to help you avoid these common pitfalls and elevate your game.

Do not hold your racket in the middle of the handle but towards the base.

Improper Grip

You should be holding your racket at the bottom of the handle and not in the middle. This gives you better reach and also enables you to hit with more power. A proper grip allows you to generate faster racket head speed and spin on your balls.

Not Practising Your Footwork

Good footwork is fundamental to successful tennis, but it often gets overlooked in favour of more glamorous aspects of the game like big serves and powerful groundstrokes. However, without proper footwork, your shots and movements around the court won't be as effective as they could be. Make sure to practice your footwork regularly by doing drills like ladder runs and shuttle sprints. This will help improve your agility and reaction time, which will ultimately make you a more well-rounded player.

Not Practising Your Serve Enough

Your serve is one of the most important parts of your game, and not practising it enough can be a big mistake. Without a reliable serve, you'll be giving your opponent a big advantage from the start. Make sure to practice your serve regularly and try to incorporate different types of serves into your game, like a kick serve or a slice serve. This will make you a more versatile player overall and ultimately improve your chances of winning matches.

Not Warming Up Properly

Tennis is a physically demanding sport that requires a lot of movement, which means that it's important to warm up before you start playing. Not warming up properly can lead to injuries like pulled muscles or sprains. A proper warm-up routine should include some light cardio, stretching, and practising some strokes. This will help you get into the right mindset and avoid getting injured during your game.

Gripping The Racket Too Tightly

Another common mistake is gripping the racket too tightly. A tight grip can lead to decreased racket head speed, which will result in weaker and less accurate shots. It can also lead to wrist and elbow injuries. To avoid this mistake, practice holding your racket with a relaxed grip. You should be able to wiggle your fingers without dropping the racket.

Not Watching The Ball

One of the most critical aspects of tennis is watching the ball. This means keeping your eyes trained on the ball from the moment it leaves your opponent's racket until you make contact with it. Not watching the ball can lead to poor timing, inaccurate shots, and missed opportunities. To improve your ball-watching skills, practice tracking the ball during drills, and focus on it during games.

Standing Too Close To The Ball

Standing too close to the ball can limit your ability to hit it with pace and accuracy. It’s important to give yourself enough space when hitting the ball. Move your feet and position yourself so that your hitting arm can be extended when you swing at the ball.

Overreliance On One Type Of Shot

When you first start playing, it's natural to have a preference for certain types of shots, whether it's a powerful forehand or a well-placed slice. However, over-reliance on one type of shot can make you predictable and easy to read for your opponent. Try to diversify your game by incorporating different types of shots into your play, even if they're not your strongest. This will help keep your opponent guessing.

Overreliance On Power

Many tennis players make the mistake of relying purely on power to win points. While it's true that power can help you win, being able to control your shots and execute them accurately is crucial to your success on the court. Don't just focus on hitting the ball hard - focus on hitting it where you want it to go and with the right amount of spin. Work on your control and accuracy by practising different shots, including topspins, drop shots, and slices.

Not Using The Whole Court

Tennis is played over a large area, but all too often players neglect to use the whole court to their advantage. Instead, they can fall into the trap of hitting the ball back and forth from the centre of the court, which can make them vulnerable to their opponent's shots. Instead, try to use all areas of the court by hitting angles and changing direction. This will help create openings for you to hit winners.

In essence, tennis is a game of strategy, control, and constant adaptation. Avoiding these common mistakes won't just improve your skill level; it will also enhance your understanding and appreciation of the game. Remember that every player, regardless of their level, has room for improvement. By focusing on these areas, practising persistently, and keeping a keen eye on the ball, you can raise your tennis game to new heights. Stay patient, remain consistent, and most importantly, enjoy every moment on the court.