Some Common Faults (Part-2)
In singles, because the opponent is more often playing deep, you should play higher above the net than in doubles, where one or both opponents are likely to be near the net. In general never play a return very low, that is, near the net on its way over, except when the opponent is close up. Playing a return deep and well above the net keeps the opponent from coming to the net.
After making a bad return try not to get angry over your shot. Rather try to perceive at once what your error was and to correct the fault. It may have been your position instead of your stroke. Many a player blames a bad return on the stroke when really it was the fault of his position. For instance some players keep putting the ball in the net. If they studied their shots they would see that the thing to do was to get more height on the ball.
There are many little faults a player could correct by himself if only thought of at the moment he makes them. Here are a few to remember and correct:
First -- Don't hurry; you have more time than you think if your position is the center of the court.
Second -- Don't take your stroke so close to your body that you cannot make a clean swing.
Third -- Don't try to kill a ball when an easy one would do.
Fourth -- Don't let your opponent find you out of position as a result of watching your own return.
Fifth -- Don't take your eye off the ball, as it prevents you from making a clean stroke.
Sixth -- Don't fail to "finish out " on your stroke in order that you may get a " drop " on the ball as it passes over the net.
All these little faults and many more which players have could be prevented if discovered and corrected at the time they are committed. Many players complain that they have not the time while playing to correct faults. One has more time in tennis then he is apt to realize, and this excuse is not a sound one.
Many players have a very bad fault of trying to make a point in one shot. They cannot seem to wait for a good opportunity or until they get their adversary out of position. Some try to "kill " a ball when not set for it or when out of position for killing.
The player should keep on returning balls until his opponent is out of position. By doing this he gets the practice and acquires steadiness on his strokes. Until one gets this steadiness it is useless to try to hit the ball hard. You are sure to be inaccurate. Some players have an idea that because an opponent runs up to the net he has to kill the ball to make a point. It requires only steadiness on your stroke.
When your opponent comes forward you should try for side line shots. By doing so you draw him out of position and make him extend himself for your returns. You also keep him on the jump. Be sure to get good depth on the ball, as by so doing you keep your opponent back in court.
When the time comes for you to complete the point your mind must be centered on the stroke and the place you want the ball to go. Too many players hurry at this stage or take their eye off the ball. Others are too snappy in the stroke. They imagine that in this way they get power. To get power you need not be snappy, simply start well back with your swing and have it uniform --that is, without a jerk. It is by snapping strokes that one sends the ball into the net or out of court, as a snap prevents the player from following through properly.
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