Are You a Fundamentalist?

This question isn't about your religious proclivity, but rather your adherence to the very strict laws of physics!

On a basic rally ball, the hitting surface (strings) of your racket must be vertical or very near vertical on every shot you strike from the baseline.

The ability to keep the face of the racket stable and compress the ball toward the target is the fundamental skill from which an almost infinite variety of shots can be played.

It’s wonderful to have the full spectrum of racket skills that allow shaping and bending your shots to exotic and exciting targets - BUT, can you sustain a fundamental boring rally until your opponent errs?

Work on your ability to hit cross-court to a safe area away from the lines and corners without injecting ambition or emotion. 

Learn the fundamentals of redirecting an incoming cross-court ball to hit an attacking shot up the line over the highest part of the net.

Once those high-value skills are locked in, then and only then start adding more dramatic topspin or slices to your toolbox. 

The artistry and creativity of top players is very tempting to try and mimic but understand that the meat & potatoes of the simple fundamental compressed drive crosscourt, or the slightly riskier up-the-line redirect, is where to spend your practice hours.

You are sadly misguided if you are trying to add advanced level skills (Heavy Topspins or Feathery Drop Shots) without first having etched in stone FUNDAMENTALS.

Variety may well be the spice of life but your FUNDAMENTAL STROKING SKILLS  are what bring home the bacon!