Many players make decisions on the tennis court based not on success principles but on feeling secure. They feel that with security comes safety, but this muddled thinking is a delusion. Let me give you a perfect illustration:
 
SUCCESS WITH RISK
 
In doubles drills I teach players to advance to the net and position themselves approximately halfway between the net and service line. From this position they are in excellent striking distance when they receive a high short ball, and when they volley they are closer to their opponents which shortens their reaction time. There is a positive mental attitude connected with playing aggressive offensive tennis. Sounds spectacular, doesn't it? So what's the problem? The problem is, they are put at risk for a lob over their heads. And with any risk comes the much-maligned, the most terrifying and the much-feared... FAILURE!
 
SECURITY WITH SAFETY
 
To avoid the horrors of failure, players will seek warm, cozy security and rush to the service line. There, they feel safe and can more comfortably cover the lob. This is perfectly logical, yet they unknowingly create an array of unfortunate circumstances. Here are three:
 

1. They are now vulnerable to balls that land at their feet.
2. They present their opponents with an opportunity for more reaction time.
3. They are not in a position to hit winners when the opportunity arises.

1. Move out of your comfort zone by closing in when venturing to the net in doubles (approximately halfway between the net and service line). Staying on the service line is a band-aid solution until you learn how to advance to the net correctly.
2. Move out of your comfort zone by not being so tentative when hitting your shots. You do not have to kill the ball, but let's start being positive and going for your shots (without tentativeness and cautiousness).
3. Move out of your comfort zone by not letting high floaters bounce at the net. Close in on the ball and put it away... now!