4 Strategies That Will Help Improve Your Weak Shots in Tennis

Let’s talk about something most of us prefer not to discuss – our weak shots. As a tennis player, you may have noticed some shots that you are not confident about.

It’s normal to have a weak shot (or more), but avoiding it during a game is not the solution. Instead, you should work on it during play and practice – and improve it!

You’ve heard the phrase, “use it or lose it,” right? Well, it’s true. A player who prefers to run around their weaker backhand, for example, is indirectly making that shot even weaker from lack of use. Sometimes, there is plenty of time to get around it and rip a winner, which is great. However, sometimes, there isn’t enough time to get into position for the stronger shot, which can lead to errors.

Avoiding your weaker shots can also send a message to your opponent that you’re not confident with them. They may use it to their advantage by hitting more shots towards your weak side.

We’ve got a few tips to help strengthen your weak shots. They may seem like common sense and too easy, but that’s only because they are. And every tennis player at every level can do them!

Identify your weaker shots.

Sometimes, you don’t even realize your weaker shots because you’ve just avoided them all along. Pick your game apart in practice. Do you panic up at the net and let most balls pass you? Do you doubt your backhand and frequently run around it? Do you doubt your overhead and make your partner switch sides to get short lobs when you’re at the net? If the answer is yes to any of those, then you have found your weaker shots.

Of course, those are the more common weaknesses recreational players have, but it’s a great place to start 🙂

Break the habit.

To improve your weaker shots in tennis, you first must break the habit of avoiding them, especially in practice matches. Don’t run around your backhand – force yourself to use it. And in doubles, don’t let close volleys pass you by at the net – force yourself to go for them. Don’t automatically shout “Yours!” and switch sides on a short overhead. Take a few quick steps back and take it yourself.

If you are struggling with the shots, practice them with a ball machine or hitting partner as well. Once you develop muscle memory, you will hit those shots better and with more confidence. And in matches, you will amaze yourself with how many shots you get back!

Concentrate.

You need to concentrate while hitting weaker shots, especially at first. Develop technique like you’ve done for your stronger strokes and focus on using it with your weaker shots. By doing so, you’ll make fewer errors and gain confidence in those weaker shots. And you’ll start using those shots more often, making them stronger over time.

Practice, practice, practice!

The main key to improving your weaker shots is to practice them as much as possible. At first, work on them with a ball machine or hitting partner who can feed you balls. That way, you’ll get the “feel” of making the shots. And definitely make the effort to do the shots in your practice matches.

So, the minute you feel hesitation or doubt, start working to eliminate it. Focus on feeling confident and hitting the ball with accuracy. And always keep your eye on the ball—this is key to making a good shot.

Improving your weaker shots is essential to improving your overall tennis game. With time and effort, you will develop the technique and gain the confidence to hit the ball accurately. Don’t hesitate to work on your weaker shots during play and practice, and remember to have fun while doing it!