Tip of the Week: Let Your Mind and Body Correct Your Errors Automatically

It is human nature to try to fix a mistake when playing a tennis match. Obviously, you don’t want to hit three balls in a row into the net or out. The thing that most players don’t realize is that your mind and body are very good at making the proper adjustments after you make an error. This is especially true if you hit the ball well and it ends up in the top of the net or just out. 

By letting your mind and body work on their own, you are much less likely to over correct or make the problem worse by being too analytical. Trying to fix your mistakes with a lot of changes to what you just did can result in short quick swings, or a lack of smoothness in your stroke. You may bounce back and forth between one shot in the net and then one shot over the baseline. This can amplify the problem.

If you make the same mistake a few times in a row, try identifying one small adjustment for your next shot. Bend your knees a little more if the balls go in the net. Hit the ball a little bit earlier if you miss the shots deep. Aim more towards the middle if you hit the shots wide. Watch the ball a little longer past the point of contact if you feel that you mishit the last few shots. This will help your mind and body work together more efficiently.

My advice when you make an error is to remind yourself of the basics rather than trying to correct your shot. Turn your shoulders right away once you see the direction of your opponent’s shot. Take a few steps towards, or out of the way of the ball. Watch the ball all the way through the point of contact. Follow through, recover, and be ready for the ball to come back. Pick one of these things and let your mind and body correct your errors automatically.

Steve Annacone, USPTA Elite Pro, is the Director of Annacone Tennis, www.annaconetennis.com and MyHamptonsPro, www.myhamptonspro.com throughout the Hamptons, NY. Please contact Steve at sannacone@aol.com or 865-300-7323.