Build A Strong Foundation or Neutral Game
In the previous blog in this series, I shared a few strategies to develop an attacking game. However, the precursor to an attacking game is a consistent or “neutral game”. It is this “neutral” that sets the foundation for further skills development and prepares players to be successful in matches at all levels. I will share tips to help players develop a strong foundational game below:
How does a player develop a strong foundation?
- It starts with sound technique and form which can be learned by working with a competent coach. Players should choose wisely whom they learn from in their formative years because deficiencies in technique can limit one’s potential in the skills they learn and how effectively they can execute shots.
- Equally important as technique is developing feel for the ball which comes from gradual progressions designed to help the player gain feel and ball control. For example, at the early stages, bringing awareness to how hard or soft a ball needs to be struck and the resulting speed and distance of the shot is great feedback to absorb. This awareness can help players learn ball control from different parts of the court.
Bonus Tip: Spend time doing practice swings and ball control drills to gain the muscle-memory and feel that you will need to learn the game.
- Focus on consistency in shot making. This skill is learned through lots of repetitions in practice. When I’m working with players on consistency, I tend not to vary the drills too much and we practice them regularly and for longer durations of time (sometimes for 30 minutes on a specific shot where the player hits hundreds of balls of a similar type). For example, if I’m helping a player improve their forehand consistency, I try to keep the pace, spin and depth of the incoming ball for them roughly similar without much variation. This gives the player the time to hit the same ball over and over to develop feel and a consistent shot.
Bonus Link: Check out the “Tennis Drills” Playlist on Tenicity’s Youtube channel for drills that can help players develop consistency on their groundstrokes and net shots.
- Don’t ignore or push off a structured fitness plan. For developing players, it is important to get started on a structured fitness plan under the guidance of an expert. To train at a high level of consistency (both in duration and intensity / quality of practice), players need a strong physical fitness base. It is this base that helps players to put in the long hours on the court and play grueling points particularly on slower surfaces. Additionally, having a solid strength and conditioning base will translate into a more powerful game, better recovery, and minimize the risk of injuries and associated setbacks.
- The mental game is important too and must be worked on. By definition, consistency in tennis means the ability to keep the ball in play or execute your shots such that you can do so repeatedly without missing. Therefore, this skill requires focus and concentration over the period of the rally / game / set and match. The latter can be several hours long. My advice would be to learn about mindfulness and similar practices that you can inculcate into your tennis and life to bring “present-moment focus” into each practice and match. The mind will want to move into the past or future and your ability to keep it in the present (i.e. watching the ball, cleanly striking it and being aware of the situation) can play an important role in helping you to produce your best tennis.
Takeaways:
Working under the right system to develop the above mentioned competencies is critical to establish a foundation for your game’s growth and your success in the sport. There is no short-cut on the player development journey. As I say to players, if you are missing every fourth shot and making a high amount of unforced errors, you have not established “neutral” which is the first step upon which a game can be built for success.
All the best!
Harsh
Acknowledgement: The thoughts and concepts shared in this article were influenced by the teachings of my coach, Happy Bhalla who runs the Wholistic Tennis Academy in Long Island, NY.
The Tenicity — Enerzal Coaching Program is a partnership to support tennis player development with high quality instructional content. Tenicity is a tennis player development web and mobile app founded by former NCAA #1 singles and Davis Cup player, Harsh Mankad. Enerzal is a balanced energy drink which can be consumed before, during, and after tennis to maintain optimum energy levels.
