Aim at What?

When you play tennis, do you ever forget that there is a net? I know what you’re thinking: “Matt, a net is a pretty integral part of the game, and it’s a good three feet tall.” But, hear me out. I’ve noticed that a lot of great tennis shots are ruined by the net. When I ask most players where they aim as they play, they tell me they aim their shots at a place on the opponent’s side of the court. The problem is that if you are hitting to a spot on the opponent's side of the court, you are aiming at a spot with a net between you and the place you want the tennis ball to go.

Instead of aiming at a spot on the opponent's court, pick a spot on the net that the ball will have to cross on its path to end up right where you want it. You will need pick this spot on the net but aim approximately 6” higher to avoid hitting the ball into the net. A strategy like this will make you a more consistent and accurate player.

Once again, a tennis strategy also applies to life.Often I get so excited to accomplish a new goal that I only set my sights on the end point of that goal--where I will land when I am finished--and forget to focus on the entire path I will follow to reach that goal. Then I can get tangled in the net of unorganized effort. My vision of what I am actually doing to reach that goal becomes unclear. If I would take a minute to identify my mid-range focus--what steps should I be taking and in what order--I would be able to continue at a quicker pace toward my goal.

Make sure you have a clear vision of where you want to go. It will give you more confidence and accuracy to actually go there.