Tips Tennis Players Can Learn from Watching the Pros

Watching professional tennis matches can be more than just entertainment – it can be a fun learning experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, observing the tennis pros in action can offer tips and inspiration that can elevate your own game. Here are some key tips that I have observed from watching the pros:

Rituals and Mental Toughness:

Being a seasoned tennis player myself, I understand the importance of rituals in helping maintain focus and intensity on the court.  Observe the pros before and after points.  For example, before Rafael Nadal serves, he has a series of movements from tugging at his shirt/shorts to wiping his face.  Maria Sharapova would turn to the wall, close her eyes, and gently jump up and down. Naomi Osaka softly punches at her leg.  I can go on and on but watch for yourself!  Forming your own ritual(s) can help you improve your focus and intensity on the court.

Tennis can be a mentally demanding sport, and watching the pros can teach you a lot about mental toughness and resilience. Notice how the best players in the world stay focused and composed under pressure, how they bounce back from adversity, and how they maintain a positive mindset throughout the match. I am absolutely amazed how the younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Mirra Andreeva keep their composure under intense pressure. I was a mess on the court when I was their age! Try to learn to control your emotions on the court, stay present in the moment, and believe in your ability to overcome challenges.  There are many good reads on mental toughness that you can find on Amazon that may help.

Nadal's pre-serve ritual

Footwork and Movement:

Tennis is a game of movement, and watching the pros can teach you a lot about footwork and court positioning. Notice how they constantly adjust their position to anticipate shots and move towards the ball with speed and agility. Pay attention to their split steps, side shuffles, and quick directional changes. When I watch a professional match, I pay close attention to the players’ feet. I am always astonished by how fit professional tennis players are and how their feet never stop moving!  If you want to take your game to the next level, practice drills that improve your footwork and movement around the court.

Fitness and Conditioning: Professional tennis players are some of the fittest athletes in the world and watching them can inspire you to improve your own fitness and conditioning. Notice how they move effortlessly around the court, how they recover quickly between points, and how they maintain their stamina throughout long matches. Incorporate fitness training into your routine, focusing on strength, agility, speed, and endurance to improve your performance on the court.

Tactical Awareness:

Professional tennis players are masters of strategy and tactics – the best players in the world are like master chess players! Watch how they construct points, exploit their opponent's weaknesses, and vary their shot selection to keep their opponents off balance. Notice how they use different spins, angles, and placements to control the flow of the game. Try to develop your own tactical awareness by analyzing your opponent's strengths and weaknesses and adapting your game plan accordingly.

The information contained in this blog is based on the writer's knowledge and experiences. Please seek the appropriate expert advice where appropriate.