Hi Nick:in the time after my opponent hits the ball and I hit it back, something is not right with my preparation, despite trying to get my racquet up as early as possible. I often blow a shot and wind up needing multiple chances to win a game. What can I do to create more time and slow the game down so I can get into position, move into shots, and line up my shots, in order to decrease costly errors?

— Gregory Dancy, West Covina, CA

Hi Gregory: The rally begins with what you do with your ball. You must hit with more height, spin and depth so it will be more difficult for your opponents to control play. You also must learn to read the incoming ball more quickly, so you can move into position before it bounces. As you try to do these things, remember, you don’t have to aim for the lines. Hit to the larger part of the court.

Have a question for legendary coach Nick Bollettieri? Write to him and he'll consider your question for a future column.

Mail it to:

Nick Bollettieri

c/o Tennis Magazine

48 West 21st street, Sixth Floor

New York, NY 10010

**Or email it to:

asknick@tennis.com**