17 Powerful Tennis Tips to Elevate Any Player’s Performance

By Marc Pulisci

For anyone stepping onto the court, whether an aspiring junior chasing a professional dream, a dedicated club competitor aiming for more wins, or a weekend player hoping to outplay friends, there’s always room to sharpen their skills.

Regardless of current ability, these 17 practical tips highlight some of the most reliable ways to raise one’s tennis level. From refining strokes to building conditioning and strengthening the mental side of the game, these insights can help shape a more complete and confident player.

1. Prioritise Strong Footwork

Movement is one of the foundations of tennis. Unlike the smaller spaces in sports like squash or badminton, a tennis player must navigate a much larger court, often while tracking shots that can exceed 100 mph. Because of this, quick, precise footwork becomes essential for covering both the baseline and the net.

During most rallies, a player will find themselves shuffling sideways, recovering backwards, sprinting forward, and occasionally doing all of these motions within a single point. Becoming comfortable with these specific movement patterns is key to reacting faster and staying balanced.

To improve this, players can work with a coach to design footwork-focused exercises that begin without a ball. Once the movements feel natural, the same drills can be practised while receiving fed balls. Making footwork training a consistent part of every session helps build agility and efficiency on the court.

2. Build Strong Aerobic Endurance

At the pinnacle of competitive tennis, matches often run well past the two-hour mark, and in extended-set formats, some battles can push beyond five hours. To remain competitive through these long stretches, a player needs a solid aerobic base that keeps them moving efficiently from the first point to the last.

Improving endurance can be done through steady-state activities such as jogging, cycling, or swimming. As fitness increases, players can shift toward tennis-focused conditioning by extending practice sessions and engaging in longer rally drills. Ultimately, the most effective way to condition the body for the demands of tennis is to spend plenty of time actually playing it.

3. Sharpen Your Shot Precision

Accuracy doesn’t come instantly, but it’s one of the defining pillars of tennis. As players climb to higher levels, the margin for error becomes smaller, and the ability to place the ball exactly where intended often separates winners from challengers. Consistently landing the ball on targeted areas of the court is essential for controlling points and applying pressure.

To build this skill, players should become familiar with the court’s layout early in their development. Target-based drills are especially effective; practising forehands, backhands, volleys, and drop shots aimed at cones or markers positioned around the court. Adjusting spin, height, and depth during these exercises helps develop a versatile and dependable shot-making repertoire.

4. Build Consistent Discipline

Mastering any skill demands structure and commitment, and tennis is no different. Progress comes from showing up regularly, putting in purposeful practice, and staying motivated even after tough losses. To become a reliable competitor, a player must gradually remove careless habits and tighten up every part of their game.

This includes cutting down on avoidable errors, whether it’s an easy volley that drops into the net, a down-the-line shot that drifts wide, or a second serve that misses the target. One practical approach is to set personal consequences during training: after a small number of unforced mistakes, the player performs a brief physical penalty such as sprints or push-ups.

Knowing extra work awaits after sloppy errors encourages sharper concentration and cleaner execution. Over time, this cultivated discipline naturally translates to more composed and focused match play.

5. Refine Your Touch and Feel

Touch is one of the more elusive qualities in tennis, something that can’t be entirely taught but instead develops naturally as players log hours on the court. This intuitive connection between the racket and the ball is crucial for soft skills such as volleys, drop shots, and other finesse-based plays.

A practical way to strengthen this feel is through controlled volley exchanges, keeping the rally alive without letting the ball touch the ground. Another enjoyable and effective warm-up exercise is mini-tennis, where players rally inside a single service box. The limited space demands gentle strokes, precise placement, and heightened control, all of which help cultivate a more delicate touch.

6. Incorporate More Tiebreak Practice

Players often don’t have the luxury of carving out time for a full match during training sessions, and the intensity of real competition can be challenging to recreate. That’s where tiebreaks become incredibly valuable.

A tiebreak delivers a condensed version of match pressure. With rapid shifts in serve and return, momentum can swing on a single point, and every mistake feels amplified. Most tiebreaks wrap up in less than ten minutes, making them a perfect high-intensity drill for players short on time.

Even when played casually, tiebreaks create a sense of urgency and tension similar to actual match play. Regularly practising them helps improve mental resilience, sharpen decision-making, and prepare players for those crucial moments when a match hinges on a single tiebreak.

7. Try Out Different Gear

Tennis equipment can vary widely in cost, but players don’t need top-of-the-line gear to notice meaningful improvements. There are plenty of racket models, shoe designs, and accessories available at accessible prices, and finding the right combination can significantly influence comfort and performance. A racket that matches a player’s swing style or shoes that offer better support can make a noticeable difference on court.

For those shopping on a budget, online retailers often provide competitive deals, and second-hand marketplaces, such as eBay, frequently list quality gear in excellent condition. No matter where it’s purchased, investing in equipment that complements a player’s game is an effective way to unlock more of their potential.

8. Keep Training Sessions Enjoyable

One of the fastest ways for a player to burn out is by sticking to repetitive, dull practice routines. When training starts to feel like a chore, even the most dedicated athlete can lose enthusiasm. Keeping sessions fun and engaging is essential for long-term improvement.

Injecting variety into practice is the easiest way to combat boredom. Interactive games add energy to the session while still building essential skills. For example, a lighthearted warm-up like “tennis volleyball” uses a soccer ball and encourages players to react quickly and stay coordinated, without ever picking up their rackets.

A popular skill-building game is Champion’s Challenge, where one player holds the top spot while challengers rotate in. Winning a point replaces the reigning champion, and each successful defence earns a score. Whoever reaches 10 points first claims the victory.

Another entertaining option is Rotation Rally, a fast-paced team exercise where players switch out after every shot during an ongoing rally. The team that wins the point earns one mark, and the race continues until a group reaches 10.

Games like these add excitement to training sessions, helping players stay motivated, competitive, and eager to come back for more.

9. Prioritise Stretching and Recovery

Players who frequently feel sore or are prone to injury may simply be overlooking an essential part of their routine: proper recovery. Tennis places significant strain on the body, and skipping cooldowns can eventually lead to nagging aches or more serious setbacks.

A thorough post-match or post-practice cooldown, followed by a dedicated stretching session, helps prevent tightness and supports long-term mobility. More experienced athletes often take recovery a step further by incorporating methods such as ice baths, foam rolling, or professional massage therapy.

Making recovery a consistent habit ensures the body stays resilient, refreshed, and ready for the next time on court.

10. Identify Your Playing Style

Understanding one’s natural style of play is a major step toward long-term growth in tennis. Whether a player leans toward powerful serving, aggressive net play, baseline consistency, counterpunching, or a more defensive approach, recognising these tendencies helps shape smarter training and match strategies. It’s also helpful to consider which court surfaces complement their strengths.

Every athlete has a unique mix of assets and limitations. The key is to maximise what they do well while reducing the impact of any weaker areas. For instance, a tall player with a strong, reliable serve may be best suited to building their game around serving dominance and quick point construction. Meanwhile, a smaller player with exceptional endurance might thrive by extending rallies and wearing opponents down through sustained pressure.

Once a player understands their natural style, their practice goals become clearer, and their match preparation becomes more purposeful. This awareness allows them to step onto the court with a game plan that gives them the best chance of success.

11. Study and Learn From Players Who Share Your Style

Once a player has a clear sense of their own playing style, the next step is to observe professionals who excel with similar strengths. These athletes provide a blueprint for executing that style at the highest level.

By watching them closely, a player can learn how top competitors use their key weapons, adapt their tactics against different styles, and handle pressure-filled moments, whether that’s responding to a tough point, a tight tiebreak, or an unfavourable call from the umpire.

Many players also find that their style is a combination of multiple influences. They may admire the mental toughness of one pro, the creativity of another, and the athleticism of a third. Studying a variety of players helps create a clearer vision of the ideal version of themselves, an example they can refer to as they develop their own game.

12. Watch Live Matches Whenever You Can

Whether a player dreams of competing professionally or simply enjoys the sport, experiencing a match in person offers something no broadcast can replicate. The atmosphere, intensity, and raw emotion of live tennis, especially at major tournaments, leave a lasting impression. A Grand Slam match, in particular, is an unforgettable experience for anyone who gets the chance to witness one.

Even if big events are out of reach, attending local high school, college, or regional competitions can be just as eye-opening. Watching players up close reveals subtleties that television coverage often misses, such as how athletes handle crowd noise, respond to pressure, and adjust their tactics in real time.

Seeing the true pace, precision, and athleticism of strong competitors provides a valuable perspective. Live matches give players a firsthand look at the level of performance they’re working toward and can serve as powerful motivation for their own development.

13. Develop Strong Anaerobic Endurance

While aerobic fitness lays the foundation for lasting through long matches, anaerobic endurance is what carries a player through those intense, fast-paced rallies. Tennis demands repeated bursts of speed, quick directional changes, and explosive movement, actions that go beyond what basic cardio conditioning can provide.

To build this higher-level stamina, players can incorporate sprint intervals into their training sessions. Short, powerful runs mimic the stop-and-start nature of match play and help prepare the body for high-intensity points.

Complementary strength-based exercises, such as jumps, squats, and medicine ball throws, also play a significant role. These movements raise the lactate threshold, improve recovery between explosive efforts, and enhance powerful footwork and shot execution. Consistent resistance training further enhances overall speed and explosiveness on court.

14. Prioritise Serve Precision Over Pure Power

The serve is one of the most technically challenging shots in tennis, evidenced by the fact that even elite professionals rely on a second serve and still commit double faults. Speed means very little if the ball rarely lands inside the service box. For developing players, accuracy should always come before trying to hit the fastest serve possible.

A consistent serve starts with a controlled toss and proper positioning of the hitting arm. Once those fundamentals are in place, players can focus on reliable placement. Learning dependable kick and slice serves is especially valuable, as these safer options make for excellent second serves when the first serve isn’t finding its mark.

A helpful drill for improving topspin and feel is practising kick serves from a kneeling position on the baseline, which encourages strong upward brushing of the ball. Another effective exercise is hitting a series of second serves, while standing, into both the deuce and ad courts, continuing until the player can deliver 5 to 10 solid serves in a row.

Building accuracy and variety creates a serve that holds up under pressure, making it a far more dangerous weapon than speed alone.

15. Incorporate Cross-Training Into Your Routine

Some tennis players prefer to stay exclusively on the court, but avoiding other sports can mean missing out on valuable opportunities to develop complementary skills. Exploring different athletic activities not only adds variety to training but can also enhance overall performance.

Activities like soccer and basketball are great for enhancing agility, stability, and coordination. Even disciplines like boxing can improve timing, accuracy, and upper-body control, all of which translate well to tennis. These activities also deliver challenging, full-body workouts that boost endurance and overall athleticism.

By mixing cross-training into their schedule, players keep their fitness regime fresh, build transferable skills, and support their long-term health, all while having fun trying something new.

16. Explore the Mental Side of Tennis

Although tennis is physically demanding, the psychological challenges can be even more draining. The sport is full of emotional swings, momentum shifts quickly, breaks of serve come and go, and matches can slip away even when a player has been within a point of victory.

There will be days when the crowd seems to favour the opponent or when a momentary lapse in concentration changes the course of the match. These experiences are unavoidable, which makes mental preparation just as important as physical training.

To compete successfully, a player must learn to recover from setbacks with resilience. Losing a game, a break, or even an entire set doesn’t have to define the outcome if the right mindset is in place. Building mental strength allows players to reset quickly and stay engaged in the battle.

Pre-match routines can also play a key role, simple rituals that help settle nerves, create focus, and set the tone. Accepting that adversity is part of tennis makes it easier to stay composed and believe in a comeback. Until the final call of “game, set, match,” a player always has a chance if they stay centred, committed, and positive.

17. Define Your Long-Term Tennis Purpose

Every player steps onto the court for a different reason, and understanding that personal “why” is essential for meaningful progress. Someone dreaming of competing on the world stage will need a very different level of commitment than a player simply striving to become the top competitor at their local club.

Setting realistic expectations is equally important. For example, reaching elite professional levels is unlikely for someone beginning serious training later in adulthood, but that doesn’t mean they can’t become a strong, skilled, and passionate player. Clear goals help shape a training plan that matches both ambition and practicality.

Once a player identifies what they truly want from the sport, they can break that vision into smaller, achievable milestones. With a clear destination in mind, every practice session becomes more purposeful, and progress becomes easier to measure.