Even seasoned players sometimes fall into bad habits that affect performance. Over my 20+ years of coaching, I’ve seen the same mistakes pop up in every skill level — the good news? They’re all fixable! Let’s break them down shot by shot.
1. Forehand Errors & Fixes 🎾
Common Mistakes:
- ❌ Late contact point – hitting the ball too close to your body.
- ❌ Over-rotating the wrist – losing control of the ball’s direction.
- ❌ Flat-footed stance – poor weight transfer, less power.
How to Fix:
✅ Early preparation – turn your shoulders and set your racket back as soon as you see the ball coming.
✅ Contact in front – aim to meet the ball slightly ahead of your body.
✅ Use your legs – bend knees and push up into the shot for more stability and power.
2. Backhand Errors & Fixes 💪
Common Mistakes:
- ❌ One-handed grip tension – squeezing the racket too hard reduces fluid motion.
- ❌ Poor shoulder turn – results in weak, defensive shots.
- ❌ Hitting off-balance – stepping away from the ball instead of into it.
How to Fix:
✅ Relax your grip – keep it firm but not rigid.
✅ Rotate fully – engage your torso to generate power.
✅ Step into the shot – transfer your weight forward to stay in control.
3. Serve Errors & Fixes 🚀
Common Mistakes:
- ❌ Tossing too far forward/back – inconsistent contact point.
- ❌ Rushing the motion – skipping proper racket drop.
- ❌ No follow-through – losing spin and control.
How to Fix:
✅ Consistent toss – aim for a toss just slightly in front of you and at full arm extension height.
✅ Smooth rhythm – think “toss, drop, swing” like a fluid chain.
✅ Full follow-through – let the racket travel naturally across your body.
4. Volley Errors & Fixes 🛡️
Common Mistakes:
- ❌ Swinging too much – volleys are about blocking, not full swings.
- ❌ Standing too far from the net – reducing your angle advantage.
- ❌ Racket face open too early – causing balls to pop up.
How to Fix:
✅ Compact motion – punch the ball forward instead of swinging.
✅ Position close – stay about an arm’s length from the net.
✅ Neutral racket face – keep it slightly closed for better control.
Pro Coach Tip 💡
Record yourself playing — many players don’t realize their mistakes until they see them on video. Combine self-review with professional feedback for the fastest improvement.
Final Takeaway 🏆
Every player, from beginner to pro, makes technical errors at some point. The key is to spot them early, correct them systematically, and practice with intention. Small tweaks in technique can unlock massive improvements in performance.
