The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance

by W. Timothy Gallwey

STROKE TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION AWARENESS INSTRUCTION GROUND STROKES Follow through at shoulder level. Notice the level of your follow-through relative to your shoulder. Take your racket back early. Observe where your racket is when the ball bounces. Get down to the ball. Feel the extent of knee bend on the next ten shots. Take the racket back below the level of the ball to produce topspin. Notice the level of your racket in relation to the ball at impact. Feel the contact and notice the amount of topspin produced. Hit the ball in the center of the racket. Sense (not with your eyes) where the ball makes contact with the racket face. Plant your back foot when setting up for your ground stroke. Notice what percent of your weight is on your back foot as you prepare to hit your ground strokes VOLLEY Hit the ball in front of you. Notice where you are making contact with the Volley the ball deep into the opponent’s court. Notice where your volleys are landing in relation to the baseline. Don’t take a backswing. Punch the ball. How far back are you taking your racket? What is the minimum amount possible? What amount of backswing provides the best opportunity to punch the ball? Whenever possible, strike the ball before it drops below the level of the net. Focus on the space between the ball and the top of the net. Notice the differing amounts. SERVE Hit the ball with your arm fully extended. Notice the degree of bend in your elbow at the moment of impact with th...