Taking Your Tennis Skills to the Next Level 

Posted On October 7, 2022

A lot of people struggle with tennis and figuring out the best way to improve their skills. Now keep in mind that there is no perfect way to play tennis – but there are, however, a few ways you can learn to improve your game and become the best of the best. Here are a few examples. 

Getting the Right Forehand Grip 

Now this is something a lot of players overlook but the way you grip your tennis racket serves as an important aspect in your game. A large majority of players use a grip that is known as ‘continental’ in their volleys and servs. 

The easiest way to achieve it is to pick up a racket and hold it like you are shaking hands, the knuckle of your index finger being on the top right bevel of the racket. There is also the ‘semi-western’ where you move your index finger knuckle around the bottom right bevel of the racket. The reason why most players use it is because it allows more topspin on the ball, which thus, leads to more power and control over it. 

Preparing Early For Groundstrokes 

Once you have figured out where the ball is going to bounce, you can move yourself into a position where you can feel the most comfortable playing your shot at. The higher you make your backswing, the more power will be generated. 

But, keep in mind that the more complex the swing, the more possible it is for the shot to go wrong under pressure. Hence, finding the right balance is key. Consider using your other hand for supporting the racket when you take it back. This will ensure good rotation while allowing more power in your strokes. 

Tennis Ball Toss Practice 

One of the most common problems faced by beginners when they are serving is that they struggle with their ball toss. In such cases, try getting a bucket of balls and practice your ball toss without hitting the ball as it can pretty much rectify the problem. The ball should go up and then come straight down to your leading foot. This way you have more forward momentum when serving while also adding speed to it. 

You can see a lot of these practices being learned and honed by professionals like Jonathan Zhang – a revered tennis player who has made quite a name for himself in the professional sports world. 

Born in Hong Kong, Zhang had always been interested in trying his hand at tennis and pursuing it professionally. He studied in Diocesan Boys School and became the team captain of his senior year where he led his team to its 17th consecutive D1 high school title. To further hone his skills, he even competed in many major junior competitions – a few examples include the Asian Championships, World Junior Championships, plus the Junior Davis Cup. 

Moreover, Zhang spent his freshman season at USC where his team had a preseason ranking at No.5 and finished off the year being at No.8 in the country. And what is even more impressive is that he is currently ranked No.9 in the Hong Kong’s Men’s Singles National Rankings in 2020 and in the same year, he also ranked at No.6 in Hong Kong’s Men’s Doubles National Rankings – with more victories to come in the future.