Tennis Drills to Strengthen Groundstrokes

Most lawn tennis players have weaknesses in their game that a wise opponent will exploit. Tennis players can eliminate or reduce weaknesses through drills. The drills will often be repetitive, but, allied with hard work, they will bring positive results. Even the game's most naturally gifted players have had to work hard in practice to achieve success.

  1. Cross-Court Drill

    • Hit the ball cross-court 10 times, alternately using your forehand and backhand a total of five times each. You should hit the ball deep. The balls should be served to you gently, which will give you more time to play your shots. If you are without a partner, drop the ball yourself and then hit the ball back. Once you have hit ten balls in the correct place, attempt to hit the ball cross-court 20 times consecutively. Repeat this drill, but hit the ball back with more power.

    Improving Placement

    • Attempt to hit your groundstrokes as close to the edges of the playing area of the court as possible. Becoming confident of placing the ball in every area of the court will allow you to play without inhibition. Begin the drill by just trying to get the ball into different parts of the court. Do this 20 times. Repeat this another 20 times, but slightly increase the pace of your returns. Finally, hit the ball back another 20 times as hard as you can.

    Hitting Groundstrokes on the Run

    • Practice hitting groundstrokes on the run by throwing the ball to the left, right and in front of you. As well as varying the positions you hit the ball, vary the height of the ball for when you hit it. Particularly concentrate on hitting the ball at its lowest point. This will be the most difficult of the groundstrokes to play and control. This drill will simulate the variety of groundstrokes you will need to play in a match.

    Improving Your Net Play

    • Stand no more than 10 feet from the net and practice returning the ball. Change the distance you are from the net for each return, but always stay no further than 10 feet away. The closer you are to the net, the more difficult the returns will be. Improving your groundstrokes around the net will make your groundstrokes around the rest of the court seem easier by comparison. Work at this drill for no more than 20 minutes.