Tennis Tips: A Quick Tip On The Mental Side Of Tennis!
By: Ryan Segelke


Set Realistic Tennis Goals

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." -Antoine de Saint

When a new student begins one of our tennis programs the very first piece of information they have to fill out is a goals sheet.  What are their short term, mid term and long term tennis or tennis fitness training goals?  Often students will write the first thing that pops into their head like, “play for a powerhouse D1 team” or even “play professional tennis”.  These are great goals to have but they are simply wishes without a realistic plan of action.  That’s why at High Altitude Tennis we provide each of our kids with mental skills sessions.  If the goals are concrete and pragmatic the kids will see their improvement, which will lead to long-term success in tennis and anything they do after.  So next time you decide on a goal, ask yourself why that’s your goal, and what plan of action you are going to take to get there. Before you know it, it may very well become a reality!!!

A classic video from our archives on YouTube.  The 2 cone drill and the variations shown here are great ways to improve your footwork.....anywhere! By working on drills such as this during your tennis training program, you footwork will drastically improve.  When this happens, you will get to more balls and ultimately win more matches.  Now, go out and practice these drills let us know what you think!

If you would like to train in person or online with Michael, visit him on HAT Everywhere!

Tennis Tips: Tips To Improve Your Tennis Footwork
By: Michael Farrington


Move Those Feet!!

Footwork is one of the most important components of your tennis game. If you are not in proper position, you will not hit a clean shot, even if your swing is perfect. Working to improve your tennis footwork is no different than improving your strokes, it simply takes practice. Here are a few ways to increase your foot speed and agility on the court.

1. Jump Rope – Jumping rope is a great way to get your legs and feet accustomed to moving at a quicker pace. That’s why all great tennis players’ carry around a jump rope in their tennis bag.
2. Speed and Agility Drills – When on the tennis court allow yourself time to focus on your tennis footwork. Take time to do a proper dynamic warm up with exercises designed to increase foot speed, including high knee lifts, hopscotch, crossover steps and sprints. It might not be the most exciting part of the game, but it is extremely beneficial.
3. Proper positioning - When rallying or hitting on a ball machine, you should be active with your feet at all times, concentrating on taking big steps early to get to the ball, and then little steps to position yourself before executing your swing. Squeaking shoes are always a good sound. At the end of a hitting session or match your legs should be worn out!

Michael is the Head of Strength and Conditioning at High Altitude Tennis.  He oversees the training programs of all the tennis players on site and also trains our training professionals and juniors abroad.  If you would like to have your tennis fitness training questions answered, message him at Michael@HighAltitudeTennis.com.  


Michael is available for tennis fitness training and sports performance training, so please look for details here.
High Altitude Tennis is conveniently located in Parker Colorado and serves the entire Denver metro area.

What's the key to getting that explosive first step like Novak Djokovic?  PLYOMETRICS!   

Time to build up your leg strength and get ready for the upcoming tennis season!