Hitting a basket of serves with the ball tossed to the wrong position is reinforcing an error rather than improving technique.

By Nick Bollettieri

Since the beginning of time coaches have said that practice makes perfect. Recently, however, the adage “Perfect practice makes perfect” has created a new coaching philosophy.

For instance, hitting a basket of serves with the ball tossed to the wrong position is reinforcing an error rather than improving technique. If the ball isn’t tossed in the right place, the serve will remain inconsistent— especially in pressure situations. To improve, players must master practice techniques that will prepare them for competition.

Practice Plan

Intermediate and Advanced Players
Practice for intermediate and advanced players must be patterned after a match. If players prefer hitting big forehands and that is their shot of choice, then drills and games should be created to put them in situations that will give them adequate practice to perfect that shot. If their return of serve is bothering them, hit them a basket of serves so they can improve their return. The same practice principle is true of serving. Strong servers don’t get great by osmosis, they get great by perfect practice.

If the intermediate and advance player excel at the net, then practice the approach shot—not only how to hit it but where to hit each shot as they advance to the net. In my opinion, an approach shot should be hit straight ahead, not crosscourt. If players are in command of their well-placed app-roach, they are difficult to pass. If players direct the approach crosscourt, it will be very difficult for them to cover the down-the-line passing shot. Coaches spend a considerable amount of time working on changing direction of the ball from the backcourt, waiting for a short ball to approach the net. If a short ball is above the level of the net, then a winning crosscourt shot can be attempted.

Beginner Players
Patience is needed when teaching tennis to beginners. Each shot must be tried over and over again and progress can be slow. Given the correct positive reinforcement, success is assured even for a person with zero athleticism. The first order of practice for beginners is stroke production. Each student must be taught according to his or her ability. If students have good eye-hand coordination, coaches can begin with the volley, first teaching touch and feel. If making contact is a problem, the method of drop-and-hit approach should be used.

What to Practice

Players should practice 80 percent of their court time on their strengths and 20 percent on their weaknesses. Working on a weakness over and over again only creates a negative mindset on the part of students, which will be difficult to overcome. Also, if you devote too much practice time to students’ weaknesses they may leave discouraged and think about taking up another sport. Keeping the practice positive while working on strengths keeps students motivated and anxious for the next practice. And, over time, the 20 percent practice allotment for weaknesses will warrant improvement.

Practice sessions should be educational and fun while perfecting a solid game plan or style of play. Tennis teachers must be careful to guard against over-teaching. I often see too much paralysis by analysis and this can be unproductive. A good pro not only knows what to say, but how and when to say it. As an example, take my coaching relationship with Boris Becker. The first months I did not make a comment. I learned his likes and dislikes, and how and when he liked to practice. I tried to learn all I could about his persona. Then, when I felt knowledgeable about his playing and practice style, I gave him my views on his game.

Technique and Strategy

Technique and strategy should be taught consistently. If students only work on technique, they may learn the perfect stroke but have no idea how to actually play to win the point, thereby often looking good while losing. On the other hand, if coaches only teach strategy, players’ strokes can break down in pressure situations. Therefore, I feel equal and adequate time must be addressed to both these aspects of the game.

Far too many aspiring players tend to make a common mistake of only playing against opponents who are better than they are. This is a misconception held by many novices. If players continue to only play against better players, they continue to only lose.

A better practice regimen, whether singles or doubles, should include:

1. Playing against superior opponents
2. Playing against inferior opponents
3. Playing against equal opponents

Varied opponents gives students opportunities to experiment with new shots against inferior opponents, struggle against superior competitors and battle against their equals. All of these competitive situations are win-win for a player’s improvement! Obviously, time as well as season will dictate practice; however, if students really love the game and are committed to improving, early in the morning and in the evening are usually open court times for practice time.

Far too many recreational players hurry from the office or home, take a 3-minute warmup and say, “First one in.” This may work up a sweat, but it doesn’t work on the player’s game. Remember, playing tennis can span 30 or 40 years and incorporate slow continued improvement. In the long run, a well thought-out practice plan will greatly reward players.

Throughout my career I have stressed the need for a well thought-out practice regimen. Adults get a real good mix of
lessons, drills and match play while attending our program. Additionally, we continuously stress the importance to our adult attendees that they must watch our top pros practice. “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and there is much to be learned by watching top athletes.

Four aspects are necessary in perfecting a practice plan:

1. Physical
2. Mental
3. Technical
4. Strategy

I have covered strategy and technique. To address the physical aspect, utilize cross training, skipping rope and jogging. Reading sport psychology books, periodicals and attending mental efficiency classes take care of the mental aspect. Combine all of these ingredients, practice them perfectly and you will soon be on top of your tennis world.

Nick Bollettieri is founder and president of the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, now a part of the IMG Academies. He has coached eight No. 1 tennis players and has worked with a number of professional players.