How to Hit More Consistently in Tennis

Tennis can be a frustrating sport to play. One moment, you can be smashing the ball into the other side of the court with pinpoint accuracy; and the next time, the ball could be floating out of bounds or hitting the net, despite the fact that it seems like you made the exact same movements. To really locate where you went wrong, you will have to become extremely familiar with your shot and movements, and this can be done only through practice.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice playing tennis frequently with a partner, at least three times per week and for more than one hour each time. Hit the ball softly back and forth and then increase the distance and speed of the ball as you gain confidence.

    • 2

      Locate a wall with a line marking the height of the net if you can't find a tennis partner. Stand back about 20 feet and then hit the ball against the wall, aiming just above the line. Increase the speed of your shots as you gain confidence.

    • 3

      Set a bucket up in the serving box on the other side of the court. Stand beside a full bucket of balls at your serving line. Aim your serves for the empty bucket.

    • 4

      Practice with one type of shot on each day and then rotate. For example, practice your backhand one day, your forehand the next and then your serve.

    • 5

      Follow the same hitting pattern until you find a helpful adjustment. For example, if you are rotating your hips and then following through with your shot but the ball isn't making a centered contact on the racket, switch to rotating your hips earlier to improve your timing.