Playing into the Sunset: Part 2: Effective Practice

What are the 4 steps to solidifying improvement in competition? In this series of articles, we are looking at adult tennis and the paths to improve and enjoy the game the most. In the first part we looked at the surprisingly wide range of opportunities to compete and even travel internationally. (Click Here.) Now let's turn our attention to game improvement, and the critical role of drill games. Although this article is directed to adults, the approach I am outlining also applies across all ages. Make Practice A Pleasure One of the real pleasures of having tennis as an adult avocation is the experience of learning and improving your skills. As young players we sometimes practice because we are told to. As adults we practice because that is what we desire. It something we choose to do with our precious time. But most players, however well intentioned, make a major mistake in how they practice, and this prevents them from improving. They take a lesson and then jump into a match and wonder why what seemed so simple and so great with their instructor is now impossible to replicate. Solidifying change is progressive. You can't go from a lesson to...