Common Tennis Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Whether you’re a beginner or have been playing for years, the same basic errors keep popping up on the court. Spotting them early saves frustration and speeds up progress. Below we break down the top blunders and give you straight‑forward ways to correct each one.

Grip and Stance Slip‑Ups

Most players waste power because they grip the racket wrong or stand too far from the baseline. A too‑tight grip limits wrist snap on the forehand, while a loose grip makes the racquet wobble on serves. Try the semi‑western grip for baseline power and keep the grip relaxed—just enough to control the racquet.

Stance matters too. Many players stay flat-footed and miss the chance to generate momentum. Practice the split‑step: as your opponent contacts the ball, push off the balls of your feet, land on the opposite foot, and swing. This simple habit adds balance and explosiveness to every shot.

Footwork and Positioning Errors

Running across the baseline and then trying to hit a cross‑court shot is a recipe for weak returns. Instead, work on short, shuffling steps that keep you centered. Use cone drills to train quick lateral movement; the goal is to reach the ball with your racket already in the optimal position.

Another repeat offender is standing too close to the net when you should be deeper. If you’re constantly pulled back on volleys, retreat a step or two and practice the approach shot with a controlled swing. This helps you finish points at the net without getting stretched.

Timing and Swing Mistakes

Hitting the ball too early or too late kills your rhythm. A common fix is to watch the ball’s peak height and start the swing when it reaches that point. For groundstrokes, focus on a smooth low‑to‑high swing; for serves, pause briefly at the backswing’s top before exploding upward.

Many players also over‑rotate their hips, ending up off‑balance. Keep the hips aligned with the target line and let the shoulders follow naturally. A video analysis of a few practice rallies can reveal where you’re over‑twisting.

Mindset and Decision‑Making Flaws

Choosing the wrong shot under pressure is a mental mistake. Instead of defaulting to a risky winner, ask yourself: "What’s the safest high‑percentage shot here?" Often a deep defensive lob or a simple cross‑court rally will force the opponent into an error.

Another mental trap is focusing on the result rather than the process. Break each point into small tasks—get the footwork right, strike the ball cleanly, follow through. When you concentrate on one step at a time, nerves melt away.

Practical Drills to Erase These Errors

1. Grip Check Drill: Every 5 minutes, pause, feel the racket handle, and adjust the grip if it feels tight.

2. Shadow Split‑Step: Stand at the baseline, mimic the opponent’s swing, and execute the split‑step without a ball. Build muscle memory.

3. Cone Ladder: Set up cones 2 m apart, shuffle laterally across them, and hit a forehand each time you reach a cone. Improves footwork and timing simultaneously.

4. Video Review: Record a short rally, then watch for late swings, excessive hip rotation, or foot positioning errors. Note one thing to fix each session.

By targeting these common mistakes with focused practice, you’ll notice steadier groundstrokes, stronger serves, and a calmer mind on match day. Remember, the biggest gains come from fixing the basics—so keep the drills simple, stay consistent, and watch your game level up.