7. Master Spin
In high-level tennis, spin is simply used as a consistency tool. The key ingredient in hitting the ball hard, and in, is spin.
More: 4 Tips for Playing Against Heavy Topspin
Also, as the ball speed increases in a rally, a player then must slow down the ball with spin to re-gain a positioning advantage. Controlling the point consistently is done with spin.
8. Repainting the Line
It is not the players job to paint the lines. Keep balls down the center when you aren't feeling a clean groove. Players who gun for the line make boat loads of errors, allow a cheater easy access to cheat as they increase their frustration and complicate even the easiest of matches.
9. Increase Your Fitness
Being fit has wonderful benefits. It increases your overall confidence, allows you to stay in points longer, think clearer, problem solve better, accelerate and decelerate quicker, use cleaner strokes, calm the breathing and heart rate, recover faster after long points, recover after long matches and prevent injuries.
More: 5 Speed Training Tips for Tennis Players
10. Increase your Focus
A common issue with inconsistency is playing solid, winning tennis three games in a row; then getting bored or unfocused and giving three games right back.
Staying in the moment and focusing on your next point's performance goals is "key." This is done by mastering between point rituals. Also play an inner game with yourself. Focus on simply winning three points in a row when you are bored.
Bonus Tips: How to Be More Consistent From the Back Court
1. Simply match the incoming ball speed versus increasing velocity.
2. Choose cross court for added room as well as a lower net.
3. Aim three to four feet inside the lines when you choose to hit big.
4. Apply spin (topspin and/or slice) to increase control.
5. Adjust to the current playing conditions.
6. Apply proper offensive, neutral and defensive shot selections.
7. Choose your strengths and avoid your weaknesses.
8. Apply "air zones" by hitting through the proper heights above the net.
9. Consider the "court zones," where the incoming ball lands dictate your shot selection.
10. Take a fresh look at your fundamentals. Re-tooling a mechanical flaw may make all the
difference.
More: How to Reduce Unforced Errors
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