Tennis Hacks: Finding the Elusive Feeling of Consistency

Beginners and pros alike understand the importance of keeping the ball in play. A common complaint is that every shot feels like an adventure, even while demonstrating consistent play.

An important goal is to FEEL consistent, because movement familiarity promotes supreme confidence.

I've heard this feeling described as "being grooved," and it's that great zone when it seems like you are producing the same stroke time and time again.

Remarkably, you don't find a groove from repeating the same strokes. Actual swing movements are too fast to provide much useful feedback.

Instead of focusing on your swing, try paying closer attention to both your start and finish. Since you spend a great deal of time in these positions they provide most of the proprioceptive feedback for the shot.

Remember to reset to the same position after every shot because the end of one shot is the start of the next shot. Practice this technique, and soon you will find that feeling of perceived sameness and real consistency.

Century
Bethpage

March/April 2024 Digital Edition