One of my favourite drills. If you want drills like this, check out our free guide, 7 Drills To Win More Matches
Want to be more consistent with your groundstrokes?
Here's what might surprise you: It probably has nothing to do with your grip, your take-back, or even your follow-through.
There are many pro players with all kinds of unconventional strokes who rarely miss a shot. For example, Karen Khachanov has an extreme western grip that would make most coaches cringe. Another example would be Daniil Medvedev with one of the most unusual backswing most have ever seen. Yet both are absolutely rock solid from the baseline.
What did they share in common?
They get the ball in their strike zone almost every time.
Here's the truth most players miss: Consistency begins long before you even swing at the ball.
It starts with three critical elements:
1. Anticipation - Reading what shot your opponent is likely to hit based on their position, body language, and court geometry
2. Early Ball Recognition - Picking up the ball's trajectory, speed, and spin within the first few feet after it leaves your opponent's racket
3. Quick Footwork - Moving efficiently to position yourself so the ball arrives in your optimal hitting zone
Think about it this way: If you're constantly reaching, stretching, or hitting off your back foot, even textbook technique will fail you. Your stroke mechanics break down when you're out of position.
Every player has an ideal "strike zone" - that sweet spot where they can execute their shots most effectively. For most players, this means:
The players who never seem to miss? They've mastered the art of getting into this zone consistently, regardless of what their opponent throws at them.
Next time you're on court, forget about perfecting your swing mechanics for a moment. Instead, ask yourself these two questions:
Focus entirely on these elements:
Make early ball reading and court positioning your primary focus, and I guarantee your consistency will improve dramatically - and fast.
Not because you changed your stroke technique, but because you finally gave your existing technique the best possible chance to succeed.
The gold isn't in your grip or your follow-through. It's in your eyes, your anticipation, and your feet.
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