Part I
What I am about to share with you may appear to be so simple, yet you will find very few even so called "elite" senior and junior players take the time to learn and implement these simple practices. The key to improving any area of your tennis game is to "Know Your Numbers".
The true test of professionalism in tennis players at all levels is their ability to know and recall their own numbers (personal statistics). Amateurs often have no idea when it comes to their own personal statistics and what measurements they should be striving to reach to make the next level. Elite athletes in all sports have personal bests (PB's) so why not in tennis. Well the truth is they do exist.
"What gets measured gets achieved."
In Part I and II of this series of articles, I will give you 4 exercises you can use from the baseline to improve consistency, depth, placement and speed in your game. In Part III you will get the statistics I would aim for if I was still on the circuit playing pro tennis.
1. Consistency – a simple count of how many balls in a row you can keep in anywhere in the court can teach you volumes about your consistency. The key with doing an exercise like this is to record on paper your Personal Best "PB" and aim to improve it every week.
Think of it like your own mini-Olympic event where you get to set your new world record. You will find great satisfaction in beating it and each time you do, you develop a greater sense of confidence and control.
The big advantage with an exercise like this is the mental growth you achieve. When you "Know your numbers", you not only grow your skill ability but you also see yourself as a better player. Your confidence grows along with your discipline muscle as your attempt to break your own record on a weekly basis.
Your self-image will improve along with your numbers. Your belief goes up. And when you get into a match situation you know within yourself you have done the work. You know for a fact that you can statistically out rally someone.
Having exercises like these build your mental muscle at the same time as building your skill muscle. This is often the difference between the Pro's and Wannabe's. Drills and exercises that teach your mind as well as your body can lead you to the best tennis of your life.
In Part II I will share with you similar exercises and a scoring system you can use to increase your depth, placement and power.
Now get out on the court and record your PB for Consistency – Enjoy!
Scott Groves is the author of Psycho Tennis, 23 Mental Laws of Tennis, The Power of Subconscious Goal Setting, and more. Also a former ITF Pro and has been coaching for 14 years. For more information visit www.PsychoTennis.com
© Copyright Scott Groves 2006
