Drill for consistency

Reaching your best playing level is your main objective, but if you can’t do it consistently, you still have work to do. To aim for consistent results with your game, begin by establishing consistent habits. Players who play the game within themselves, that is, the game they know they know they are capable of, develop strokes they can count on in practice. You won’t see them hitting shots with a low percentage chance of success because they have built their games on reliable strokes that are consistently played.

Drilling is an ideal way to “groove” strokes – to make them consistent and develop your confidence in them. Many young players avoid dull drill practice in favor of the excitement of point playing. While match play and point play are also important, nothing can help to develop your game’s consistency more than establishing good practice patterns and habits, which includes drilling.

There are literally hundreds of drills that can be used. Your local teaching professional can help you choose which drills would be best suited for your particular needs and game. Start collecting a supply of tennis balls and search for a practice partner who won’t be bored drilling with you. It shouldn’t matter what the skill level of your partner is. It isn’t important who is on the court with you; your aim is to play your best no matter who is on the other side of the net.

This lesson is an excerpt from Bring Your Racquet

www.kirkhouse.com/books/bring-your-racquet

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