Often players improve but do not even know they are improving! This is a unique phenomenon that I have noted in my 30 years of teaching. The main reason this occurs is because most players use an incorrect model for determining improvement. Their improvement model is built on false assumptions and incorrect standards. Below are five of the erroneous beliefs incorporated in this failed model.

1. They have been learning for months yet they are still making mistakes.
2. The shot is not yet perfect, so there has not been improvement.
3. Because the ball came back they think the shot is STILL not good enough.
4. Many balls are still landing outside the court.
5. They lose every match to the same player.

1. I have been learning for months but I'm still making mistakes. I'll forget my mistakes and move on! The next shot is more important than the last mistake.
2. This shot is not totally correct yet, but I can FEEL the improvement and will keep up the repetition.
3. I expect my good shots to come back. This does not mean it's a bad shot. It just means, it came back... the object of the game!
4. I'm still hitting balls out, but so does Federer. Many balls are landing in the court - even if I don't win Wimbledon.
5. I'm losing to the same player, but I'm winning more points, and areas of my game are definitely improving.