If you only practice under ideal conditions, you won't be prepared for all the things that can go wrong on a tennis court. In a match, the perfect feed doesn't exist. Instead, there are bad bounces, shanks, wind, sun and poorly maintained courts. This simple drill from Rafael Font de Mora will help you prepare for these unexpected variables. Just grab a partner and have him or her vary feeds from close range. Soon you'll be able to react to anything.

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Rafael Font de Mora is the founder of the iTUSA tennis academy in Scottsdale, Ariz., and the instruction website itusatennis.com. Font de Mora's program has produced top professionals and dozens of college players.