You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: “Keep your eyes on the ball when you make contact.” This is good advice because it increases your likelihood of making solid contact. The question is, how long should you wait before you look up? Here’s a simple answer: Keep your eyes locked onto the contact zone until you see the blur of your racquet come through. This goes for all strokes. By the time you see the blur, the ball will be gone and there will be nothing you can do to mess things up.

Ken DeHart, USPTA and PTR Master Pro, San Jose Swim and Racquet Club, San Jose, Calif.