Tip of the Week: Dealing with Adversity

By Steve Annacone
A friend asked me recently what the difference is between the very best tennis players in the world and the players who are not quite at the top of the game. I believe the one attribute that separates the best from the rest is their ability to deal with adversity. These players keep the same...Read more

Tip of the Week: A Positive Attitude Can Be the Difference

By Steve Annacone
Simona Halep finally overcame her past problems in Grand Slam Finals and won the French Open. She has been the number one player in the world for some time (which seems a little crazy since she had not won a Grand Slam) but has had a difficult time with that last match in the majors. The biggest...Read more

Tip of the Week: What is the Best Age to Start a Child in Tennis?

By Steve Annacone
I started playing tennis at 10-years-old. My brother Paul started when he was five. I think it helped Paul to start at an earlier age and his playing achievements far surpassed mine. However, that is not always the determining factor and it is important to approach each child on a case by case...Read more

Tip of the Week: Practice With Actual Point Play in Mind

By Steve Annacone
I have seen many tennis professionals and coaches feed balls from a basket to develop the correct technique or to work on a specific shot. Feeding the ball to a player can help them get in a groove and develop some consistency with the shot while executing proper technique. Unfortunately, you...Read more

Tip of the Week: How to Slide on Clay

By Steve Annacone
With the French Open about to begin, it will help players to watch how the pros use their slide to cover the court and keep their balance. The best place to start when trying to improve your sliding technique is to do some practice movements with your racquet in hand but without hitting the ball...Read more

Tip of the Week: How to Deal With a Player Who Has Variety

By Steve Annacone
One of the most difficult situations a player may face on the tennis court is what to do when your opponent is capable of hitting a large variety of shots. This includes changing the pace, different spins, different trajectories, and different depths of shot. Your goal should be to try to hit your...Read more

Tip of the Week: Play Your Opponent's Weakness

By Steve Annacone
Almost every player has a shot that can be exploited. Initially, most players' forehands are stronger than their backhands. If you are not sure which side is weaker, try attacking their backhand first and see what the response is. It may be necessary to hit the ball to their stronger side initially...Read more

Tip of the Week: The Modern Serve

By Steve Annacone
Players have always had different service motions. If you put 10 players on the baseline at once and watch them hit a serve, you will see 10 different serves. There will be similarities and there will also be many things that the best servers have in common. The toss will be consistent, the...Read more

Tip of the Week: How to Deal With "Off" Days

There are only a few days a year when you will walk on a tennis court and all seems to go well. There are many more instances when you are struggling with one or more shots and the ability to put a good point together.
By Steve Annacone
There are only a few days a year when you will walk on a tennis court and all seems to go well. There are many more instances when you are struggling with one or more shots and the ability to put a good point together. It is extremely important to learn how to be competitive (and even successful)...Read more

Tip of the Week: Take Advantage of Opponent's Slice Backhand

A player with a good slice backhand can cause a lot of frustration, especially in rallies from the baseline. The shot has less pace, bounces low, and it is difficult to change the direction of the shot due to the spin.
By Steve Annacone
A player with a good slice backhand can cause a lot of frustration, especially in rallies from the baseline. The shot has less pace, bounces low, and it is difficult to change the direction of the shot due to the spin. A great strategy against players with a good slice backhand is to move forward...Read more

Tip of the Week: Play Relaxed

By Steve Annacone
It is human nature to get nervous during a match. Your best defense against nerves is to stay, or return to, as relaxed a state as possible. There are a few physical things you can do to achieve this relaxed state. First, take some nice deep breaths just after, as well as, just prior to playing a...Read more

Tip of the Week: How to Deal With Slice

Players who have a good slice can be very frustrating, but there are several things you can do to handle this shot better.
By Steve Annacone
Players who have a good slice can be very frustrating, but there are several things you can do to handle this shot better. First, try to keep your position on or inside the baseline. A slice will stay low and you must be ready to move right towards where the ball will bounce. Next, stand in a very...Read more
more articles