Let's talk about "the weak". And I mean those weak shots you have of course! Your's may be your lob, forehand, or like many, the backhand. I'm here to tell you not to avoid those shots when playing an opponent. I know you think well, I'll just run around this ball and go for the forehand shot but in doing so you just made your backhand weaker. Not to mention finding yourself off balance and possibly returning a shot while in left court and your opponent smashes it back to your right. Also if you show your opponent you are avoiding your weak shots, he will pick up on that and use it against you. Yeah, all the shots will come to your backhand. Wouldn't you do that to your opponent? The only way to improve your weaker shots is to work on them during play and practice as much as possible. Work on your concentration while hitting them and develop the techniques you use for your stronger strokes on the weaker ones. Once you gain the confidence of a good return, you will get better. Work on your timing- the skill and accuracy of taking the ball as it bounces up from the court rather than waiting until it has reached the top of the bounce or is falling from that point. Whenever you wait too long to hit the ball you can be sure you don't have the confidence and skill in that stroke. So practice the weaker shot from everywhere on the court as possible. You will always know what your weak strokes are by the way you approach them. A hesitating or indecisive approach means lack of confidence. The minute you feel that hesitation or pause, start working to get rid of it. Feel confident and hit that ball! And of course, always keep your eye on the ball. The minute you look up at the wrong time could be the hesitation that misses the shot. Practice and have fun!

Tommie Ray

If you have any questions or comments please email me :-)