I suck at tennis and need serious help?

Question

my mom signed me up for this tennis thing (it's like for an hour every day all summer) and i am awful!! this wouldn't be as much of a problem if i was playing with people who were about the same or a little better than me, but i'm with these insanely awesome people who are mostly on the tennis team and really know what they're doing! it's so embarassing to play with these guys it's not even funny (well, it kinda is, but whatever). i actually used to be good, and was asked to be on the high school team when i was in 6th grade (which i declined, since i play soccer and that monopolizes all the time i would dedicate to sports) but i seem to have lost my talent, or maybe forgotten it.

bottom line:

i just need some advice on how to instantly improve my game (i.e. how to hold the racket, how to hit the ball), because right now the only way for my skill to go is up.

Answer 1

Just relax. You can't get any sort of power or spin on any stroke without a long, fast swing. The only way to do that is to relax your muscles and let gravity and momentum do the job. Make sure your strokes are technically sound by consulting your coach. Then relax your swing and don't worry about missing. Easier said then done, but it can improve your game alot. Remember, don't just use your arm, your entire body is needed to hit a tennis stroke.

Oh, and don't be lazy with footwork, its more important than you might think. Keep your feet moving and learn to anticipate the ball.

Answer 2

just give up if you not like it

Answer 3

In tennis, consistency is key. Just keep trying to get the ball over the net. As long as it's good, you're good. Before you want to work on skill building like slices and power serves, make sure you've got the basics down.

-forehand

-backhand

-serves

-volleys

-*consistency!!*

When you're playing a player that may be better than them, don't give up. If they make a good shot, compliment them by saying sometihng like "Nice shot." No one likes a bad sport.

When holding the racket, hold it however you think will do you best. Perhaps holding it like you're going to shake its hand. When you hit the ball, make sure your racket is facing the direction you want it to go and you follow through over your shoulder.

Good Luck and remember the point is to have fun =]

Answer 4

just practice hitting against a wall and take some lessons, that will help you imporve alot

Answer 5

Tennis isn't a game that you'll instantly get better at.

I would suggest you ask one of the others to guide you, or get a private instructor, or join a nightly semi-private tennis club, they usually have group lessons in the evening.

I certainly dont' want to discourage you from the game.  Perhaps you can try one aspect of your game first, and move from there.  I suggest you try improving your serve.  It is the most spectacular move in tennis (other than maybe a smash), but it's surprisingly the easiest to improve at.

The toss is the most important aspect; you need a consistant toss; try tossing it blindfolding, and hitting the ball.  It sounds silly, but the goal isn't to get it into the box, but rather just to hit it.  Once you get the toss down; you can move on to other things.  You'll notice with a longer windup, you'll have a more power, but at times inconsistant serve.  Keep the longer serve, you'll have better racquet speed, and a faster serve (I realize this is personal opinion...everyone likes their serve a certain way).  

Use an Eastern grip for your serve (imagine you are shaking someone's hand) it may be odd at first, but you'll get use to it.  What it does, is it gives you the option to give and vary the spin on your first and second serve.  The more spin, the more control you have of bringing the ball down.

Good luck (this is my first tennis post, I hope it's helpful)

Answer 6

I have an answer:

Pick another sport

Answer 7

you cant instantly improve. just ask your coach/ instructor how to hold the racket and stuff like that. Pretty much the only way to get better is to keep playing.play everyday in the summer. maybe even more than that.