Author: Steve Annacone

The most important technique idea on every shot is to watch the ball closely and make contact in the center of the strings.  This is even more important on the volley as you are not swinging the racquet much. Watch Federer and Nadal-as the ball is contacting the strings, they are still very focused with…

Keep a mental note of the point you would like to play in your head.  Picture what that point is like-good serve, good crosscourt first shot and a ball hit early from inside the baseline to get the opponent in trouble or win the point. Remind yourself before the point starts what you want the…

The more advanced the player, the more complicated our strategy seems to get.  Sometimes you have to go backward to go forward.  Return to the basic ideas that allowed you to improve to your current level-watch the ball, move your feet, follow through consistently, use crosscourts to set up down the line, lots of first…

Many errors occur in tennis because the player makes contact with the ball late. Try hitting all balls in the early direction. When playing doubles, if you are hitting to the inside out direction (deuce side backhand for a right hander, ad side forehand for a right hander), hit the ball towards the middle since…

Start the point towards the middle of the court in both doubles and singles. The net is the lowest at this point and your shot will still be in if you hit it a little early or late. Also, if you keep it deep, the shot down the middle takes away the angles for your…

With the new technology in the modern game, many players tend to use speed and hitting it through the player to win the point. A better idea is to keep the ball deep and push the player back, setting up a big opening in front of your opponent. Players have a difficult time moving forward…

Groundstrokes should be hit crosscourt, especially at the beginning of the point. In doubles, use the crosscourt (or diagonal) idea until you have your opponents in trouble and then change the direction or move forward. In singles, use the crosscourt to get the opponent moving and then use down the line groundstrokes when  your opponent is…

It is a great idea to formulate a strategy or plan prior to stepping on the court. A game plan may be as simple as "hitting three or four crosscourt groundstrokes and being patient at the baseline". It could be to "serve and volley on all first serves, and work your way in to the…

It is always difficult during a match to determine what may have caused a mistake. However, it is extremely important to identify the cause so that you can make an adjustment and hit the shot better the next time. At all levels of play, from beginner to professional, the two most common technique errors usually…