Maximizing Practice Time: How Club Players Can Improve Their Game
Turning up for practice at your tennis club is a fantastic opportunity to sharpen your skills, connect with others, and elevate your game. But without a clear focus, these sessions can become repetitive, leaving you stuck in a plateau. Whether you’re a social player looking to gain an edge in club matches or someone aspiring to compete in higher-level tournaments, here’s how to make your practice count.
1. Set Specific Goals for Each Session
Before stepping onto the court, decide what you want to achieve. Are you working on consistency, improving your serve, or getting better at volleys? Having a clear goal not only makes practice more structured but also allows you to track your progress over time.
Example Goals:
Hit 50 crosscourt forehands in a row.
Land 7 out of 10 second serves in the service box.
Execute three successful drop shots during match play.
2. Warm Up Like a Pro
Skipping a proper warm-up is a common mistake. Start with light cardio exercises to get your blood flowing, followed by dynamic stretches and racket swings. Spend 5–10 minutes rallying at a moderate pace to dial in your timing and footwork before diving into intense drills or matches.
3. Focus on Technique
Practice is the perfect time to refine your strokes. Work on specific aspects of your technique, such as improving your topspin, adjusting your grip, or enhancing your follow-through. If possible, ask a coach or hitting partner to provide feedback or video your strokes for later analysis.
4. Build Consistency First
One of the biggest differences between club players and advanced competitors is consistency. During drills, prioritise keeping the ball in play rather than going for winners. Start by hitting at 70% of your maximum power and increase intensity once you feel more confident.
Drill Idea: Try rallying with a partner where the ball must bounce inside the singles court. Keep track of how many shots you can hit in a row without making an error.
5. Mix Up Practice Matches
Playing against the same partners can lead to predictability. Rotate hitting partners and opponents to expose yourself to different playing styles. Use practice matches to test new strategies, such as serve-and-volley or hitting deep and high topspin balls to force errors.
6. Improve Your Mental Game
Mental strength is just as important as physical skills. During practice, simulate match scenarios to train your focus and resilience. For example, practice playing points under pressure by starting at deuce or “game point” situations.
7. Practice Footwork and Movement
Many club players underestimate the importance of footwork. Incorporate agility drills like ladder exercises, side shuffles, and sprinting to the net. On-court, focus on staying light on your feet and recovering quickly after each shot.
Quick Tip: Try shadowing your strokes (swinging without a ball) while focusing on your positioning and balance.
8. End with Serves
Serving is often neglected during practice, yet it’s one of the most crucial aspects of the game. Dedicate at least 10 minutes to practicing serves, focusing on placement, spin, and power. Aim for specific targets to mimic real match scenarios.
9. Reflect and Review
After practice, take a few minutes to reflect on your session. What went well? What needs improvement? Keeping a journal or notes on your phone can help you stay on track and maintain motivation.
10. Stay Consistent
Improvement takes time and dedication. Turn practice into a regular habit, and be patient with your progress. Celebrate small victories along the way—whether it’s a better second serve or an improved backhand.
With these tips, your practice sessions can transform from casual hitting to focused, game-changing experiences. Remember, the effort you put in now will pay dividends the next time you step onto the match court.
What are your favourite practice tips? Share them in the comments below!
