Using my strones

[eaglesburg]

I am finding myself in matches just hitting the ball rather than doing it with a purpose. The strokes are there even in the matches but I feel like I don't really "use" them. I sort of just absentmindedly hit them back.

How can I deal with this? Could it be as simple as starting to use wardlaw's directionals again?

[johnyandell]

Find the weaker side and the right diagonal. That is a first goal against any opponent. Read the allen Fox strategy articles if you haven't and also Craig C.'s.

[don_budge]

The Book is Tilden…when it comes to using your "strones"

I am finding myself in matches just hitting the ball rather than doing it with a purpose. The strokes are there even in the matches but I feel like I don't really "use" them. I sort of just absentmindedly hit them back.

How can I deal with this? Could it be as simple as starting to use wardlaw's directionals again?

You might want to read "Match Play and the Spin of the Ball" by Bill Tilden. Written in the 1920's it still applies to this very day. Harry Hopman, the great Australian coach, called it "The Bible on Tennis". "How to Play Better Tennis: A complete guide to technique and tactics" has a couple of great chapters on match play psychology and playing to the score. If nothing else it will contribute to your being a "student of the game".

This will give a solid foundation of match play concepts and fundamentals that you can build upon with more competitive play.