Tip of the Day: Practicing with tennis players at all levels will help you improve

Tennis players are eager to prove they’re capable of competing with the best of the best. We see it at every level of the game, from juniors battling it out at weekend tournaments, to adults in community leagues, to young guns on the pro tour eager to break into the Top 10.

As players compete with the better and best, their egos can hit dangerous territory, especially with success. At one point or another, every player will think they are too good to be hitting with someone else, get angry with a coach for sticking them with a certain group or, worse, tank a practice.

Instead of souring over who you’re playing with, choose to see the opportunity ahead.

Most players hitting against a weaker player seep down to their level, playing a slower game at half the effort they normally sweat at. We’ve all fallen victim to this coasting—including the inevitable frustration that comes with it when suddenly we’re losing and can’t seem to figure out why.

This is Tennis 101: Don’t let your opponent get comfortable.

Playing against a weaker player is an opportunity to work on attacking the court. For every short ball, pounce strategically. For every neutral ball, challenge it. And every time you’re in the defense, ask yourself why it happened and find a way to minimize that from happening. Not only does this mindset keep your opponent from playing the game they want, but it keeps your mind active during slower matches, improves your problem-solving skills, and supports a winning outcome.

Go as far as to thank the tennis gods for making it happen, if that’s what it takes to convince yourself to take advantage of the opportunity. Your game will thank you later.

Instead of getting frazzled in tough times, your mind will be hard at work trying to figure out where the opponent is taking advantage, solutions to minimize that opening, and opportunities to seize your own.

Your mental game will be more competitive—because the irony is that some of the most difficult situations a player will face are against someone they know they can beat.