Controlling tennis strokes?

Question

I have been playing tennis for a few years and I can now hit the ball extremely hard. The problem is that i have no control over my hard strokes and te ball usually goes waaay out of the court. What can i do to control my tennis shots better while still hitting hard?

I also have one more question. When i play tennis in practice, i hit the ball with confidence, but when i play matches, i am afraid of messing up, causing me to push the ball. What can i do to put an end to this fear?

Answer 1

Stress during matches is pretty common.  I would think of all the time that you have spent practicing before this to give you more confidence.  Tennis is a little heartbreaking in that you either win or lose.  It isn't a team sport so you can't blame someone else.

The last lessons that I took, the coach said to pretend like you have two invisible beach balls on either side that you need to circle around each time.  It actually works pretty well, because you end up with your racket in a pretty good position.

Answer 2

i used to have ur problem too, both of them actually

the best way to control the ball when hitting a flat, hard stroke is to either angle it properly when ur at the net, or add some spin, enough to make the ball curve in, it also takes practice.

to overcome ur fear of messing up ur shots just keep on playing matches that don't count, such as matches not tournament, high school or USTA. this way, it wont matter who wins and loses bc its a friendly game. u shud be able to hit good shots if u arent worried about losing, and it will become routine in ur game. thus, when u go to play a match that is important, u have enuf experience and practice to play ur full game.

thats how i did it, this spring i overcame that fear.

good luck to u!

Answer 3

I am familiar with both of these problems. I suggest to improve or make more consistant your ground strokes you should plant one foot in the ground, leen into the ball, and hit the ball in a brushing motion. Sorry its hard to explain.

As for your second problem your problem is not having faith in your shots to hit them in a pressured situation. To be more confident you should look to add more variety into your game so there is not so much pressure of you to hit clean, hard winners of every ball. You could practise generating spin, Dictating rallies without hitting the ball with extreme conviction and waiting for the right time to go for the winner-this requires patience. You could also practise making it difficult for your opponent to play. To do this play to his/her weaknesses such as mobility and consistency. Good luck I hope I have been a bit helpful!!!!!!!!!!!