 |
Tennis Anyone
April 2002
Article
Contact John Mills
Latest Tennis Anyone Article
Tennis Anyone Archives:
2003 - 2013
1994 - 2002
Tennis Server
HOME PAGE
Do You Want To Be A Better Tennis Player? Then Sign Up For A Free Subscription to the Tennis Server INTERACTIVE
E-mail Newsletter!
You will join 25,000 other subscribers in receiving news of updates to the Tennis Server along with monthly tennis tips from tennis pro Tom Veneziano that won't be found on the web site.
Best of all, it is free!
|
Player Profiles:
Top Pros (Women)
 |
TENNIS FEATURES: |
 |
TENNIS COMMUNITY: |
 |
EXPLORE THE TENNIS NET: |
|
| |
|
Your Biggest Enemies On The Court!
John Mills, USPTA |
Your Opponent - See the match as a large puzzle. Try to figure out where all the pieces of your game go in an attempt to maximize your strength and minimize your weaknesses. Know your opponents' strengths and weaknesses.
Yourself - Try to stay in a positive attitude. Think about the things that you can do, not about the things that are not working. Be your own "Best Friend."
The Net - See the net as an enemy. Do not think about hitting low to the net, rather hit deep in the court, under your opponent's feet or over your opponent's head. Keep those shots out of the net. How many times have you hit a ball then realized it was going out? Give your opponent a chance to play your out balls.
The Lines - Too many players aim at the lines. Under pressure, these players' tend to fail. Aim at your general areas in the court. For example, think about making your opponent hit a backhand or a forehand. How many times have you hit a very important shot near a line and you always hear an "out" call?
The Environment - Many players wake up saying "It's too cold," "It's too windy," etc. Try to focus on how to deal with the elements. Remember that it will be just as windy or cold for your opponent as it will be for you. I still remember my coach telling me, "the wind is your friend." Learn how to make it work for you, so that when it is windy you will already have a plan to fall back on.
Let us realize everyone has these same enemies on the court. Be your own best friend. Spend your efforts trying to accentuate the positive. Use that energy to analyze your opponents' game, strengths and weaknesses, devise a plan of attack and play smart. If something is not working, be able to let it go and try something else. The mental part of the game is just as important as the athletic ability. The quest to conquering these enemies is why so many people love to play tennis.
Good luck on the court!
Tennis Anyone Archives:
1994 - 2002 | 2003 - 2013
If you have not already signed up to receive our free e-mail
newsletter Tennis Server INTERACTIVE, you can sign up here.
You will receive notification each month of changes at the Tennis
Server and news of new columns posted on our site.
|
This column is copyrighted by John Mills, all rights reserved.
John Mills currently teaches tennis at the University of Houston, Clear Lake campus. John Mills' experience includes four years as head pro at the Windemere Racquet & Swim Club, where he was responsible for organization of all tennis activities at the club. John also played college tennis at the University of Houston and has spent 20 years teaching tennis at the Memorial Park Tennis Center, the Pasadena Racquet Club, and as the head pro at the Bay Area Racquet Club.
|
|
|
|
