In this guide, we’re exploring tennis skills and which of the skills are most important for being successful in the world of tennis.
There are a couple of different types of skills that are potentially needed for tennis players. We can split these into two categories: specific techniques and skills used during the game of tennis, and more ‘soft’ skills that are less measurable.
For example, tennis skills include things like a fast serve. This is measurable and could be called a “hard skill” but it also needs soft skills, such as the ability to communicate. This is not as easy to measure but it is absolutely crucial.
We’re focusing more on the soft skills here, as these are the things everybody needs for tennis. We could say that every tennis player needs to be good at playing a drop shot, but the truth is that not every pro has this in their arsenal. Instead, there are some skills everybody can work on, that will help to become better tennis players. These skills can also be used in other parts of life.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Arguably the most important skill that is used in tennis. It is certainly one that players would be lost without.
Tennis players rely on their ability to track the ball's movement with their eyes and coordinate it with their hand movements to execute precise shots. Whether it's returning a powerful serve or playing a delicate drop shot, a tennis player's hand-eye coordination enables them to make time their shots accurately.
A tennis player needs to focus on the ball's speed, trajectory, and spin while maintaining visual contact and getting in the right position. With hours of practice and refining their hand-eye coordination, tennis players develop the ability to react quickly and execute the shots they want to. There are lots of ways people can work on hand-eye coordination such as playing catch or even bouncing a ball against a wall. Video games may even help with this.
Flexibility and Agility
These are skills, and even though naturally we all have different levels of flexibility and agility, it is something that can be worked on. For tennis players, this is pretty much essential.
These skills allow tennis players to move swiftly and efficiently around the court. Flexibility allows players to achieve a full range of motion, which is crucial for executing some of the difficult tennis strokes and reaching balls that are far from their initial position. A flexible body helps in generating power and reducing the risk of injuries.
Like all athletes and sportspeople, tennis pros use stretching exercises to improve their flexibility and maintain elasticity in their muscles and joints.
Additionally, agility is vital for quick directional changes, rapid acceleration, and deceleration on the court. Agile players can quickly adjust their position to reach the ball and recover back into a position to play the next shot.
Mental Strength and Resilience
There is no denying that tennis is one of the most grueling sports out there. Players spend a lot of time alone, and matches can last a long time. Some matches last five hours, or even longer.
Tennis matches often present numerous challenges, including tough opponents, pressure situations, and unexpected setbacks. Mental toughness allows players to stay focused and composed, even in the face of adversity; and adversity is almost inevitable.
There is a reason why sports science is such big business. Being strong mentally enables players to maintain a positive mindset, make clear decisions, and execute their game plan effectively.
Andrew Murray, one of the greatest British players of all time, put some of his success down to working with sports scientists to improve his resilience and mental strength, and plenty of top pros are doing the same.
Resilience, on the other hand, allows players to bounce back from mistakes, losses, or setbacks quickly. Tennis players need to overcome errors, learn from them, and stay motivated to continue performing at a high level.
Techniques for developing mental toughness and resilience often involve things like visualisation, positive self-talk, and the ability to quickly refocus after distractions. By cultivating these mental attributes, tennis players can handle the challenges of the game, stay mentally strong during critical moments, and enhance their overall performance on the court.
Strategic Skills and Tactical Knowledge
Tennis players need to use strategy and tactics to gain an advantage over their opponents and maximise their chances of winning matches. Strategic thinking in tennis involves analysing the opponent's strengths, weaknesses, and playing style to develop a game plan and implement that plan effectively.
Some examples of the sort of strategic skills and tactics that tennis players use include:
- Shot Selection. Players strategically choose the type and placement of their shots based on the situation. They may opt for aggressive shots to put pressure on the opponent or employ defensive shots to neutralize their opponent's attacks.
- Court Positioning. Players strategically position themselves on the court to optimize their chances of success. They may move closer to the net to take advantage of volleys or stay back to defend against powerful shots.
- Exploiting Weaknesses. Players identify and exploit their opponent's weaknesses. They may aim shots to exploit a weaker backhand, target the opponent's movement limitations, or use drop shots against players who struggle to get around the court.
- Changing Pace and Rhythm. Players may vary the pace and rhythm of their shots to disrupt the opponent's timing and control. This could involve mixing powerful shots with slower ones, using spin, or incorporating skillful shots like lobs or drop shots.
- Game Management. Players strategically manage the overall flow of the match, taking into account factors like fatigue, weather conditions, and the scoreline. Plus, if someone is higher up in the tennis rankings they may need to adapt their style.
To reach the top of the world of tennis and compete in big tournaments, you’re going to need the skill to understand the game and manage things like shot selection.
Communication Skills
When we see tennis players on our television sets performing in the top competitions at Wimbledon or Roland Garros, they tend to be alone. It might seem strange, then, to point out how important communication skills are in tennis.
Of course, doubles tennis is very popular, and it is more clear how communication is needed here. Tennis players need communication to establish effective teamwork and coordination with their partners. Clear and timely communication ensures proper court coverage, and effective strategy.
Both men and women tennis players compete in doubles and it can even be mixed, which presents its own set of challenges, which communication can definitely help to overcome.
Tennis players will also tell you that their coaches play a huge part. This means that their communication can boost morale, providing encouragement during challenging moments of their career, and more importantly help to impart other skills. A tennis player needs to build a good relationship with their coach, and communication skills even extend to things like press conferences when it comes to a professional level.
Nick Kyrgios is an example of a player who makes headlines due to the way he handles the media, and some have been very critical about how he manages his media responsibilities. The press conference below is one example where his communication has been controversial.
Fitness
We’re classing fitness as a skill as it is something that can be worked on, but fitness is something that almost goes without saying at this elite level of sports. Tennis players have to be supremely fit and healthy, as the sport demands a high level of physical endurance, speed, strength, and agility. Tennis coaching lessons can be physically demanding, lasting for hours with intense rallies and rapid movements across the court. Players need endurance to sustain their performance throughout the match and recover quickly between points. Speed and agility are crucial for swiftly covering the court, reaching all of their shots, and executing quick directional changes.
Fitness training often includes cardiovascular exercises, interval training, strength training, and even unorthodox methods such as yoga.
All aspiring players need to work on their fitness if they are going to reach an elite level or climb the tennis rankings.
Summary – Honing Your Tennis Skills
As explained, these are some of the soft skills needed to get to a high level of tennis. Everything that is on this list can be worked on both on and off the court, whether it is spending time in the gym, watching tennis matches to analyse how other players approach things, or working closely with a coach.
At Superprof, we have many different tennis coaching professionals based all over the UK, happy to help you to work on your skills and help you to become the best tennis player you possibly can. Check for tutors and coaches in your area today, whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring pro.
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