Have you been wanting to add that topspin serve or slice backhand
to your game? For many people, this is a great time of year to
work on that new shot or strategy.
You probably see yourself adding a new shot to your game when
spring time comes around and the competition heats up. But the
winter and holiday time can be a great practice time for many
players.
To properly add a new shot your arsenal you need ample success
in your practice drills and practices matches. Knowing that
you have successfully executed that shot in practice many times
will give you the confidence you need before trying it in an
actual competitive match. Many people will learn a new shot in
a lesson and try it immediately in their match the next day.
The problem comes when the shot isn't executed in the match and
the player looses confidence in ever trying it again. It is very
important for the player to realize the need for learning time
when adding a new shot to their game.
So for the next couple of months, consult your professional about
new shots you would like to learn. With his or her help, you can
concentrate on technique and gain confidence that you know how to
hit the shot correctly. After your professional has taught you the
correct technique and after you have performed the shot with a
reasonable amount of consistency, it is time to try this shot in
match play with match pressure. I suggest to my students to set
up regular practice matches apart from competitive matches. For
new shots such as serves, I tell the student to try the shot when
he or she is up by 2 points in the game at 30-love, 40-love or
40-15.
After executing the shot several times in practice matches, you
will be ready for the real thing and have confidence that you have
prepared adequately for learning the shot.
Take advantage of this time of year. Learn the shot you've wanted
and work on the weakest part of your game. The practice you put in
now will spring up on your opponent in the near future.
