2013 is here and I am sure a lot of you have some New Years Resolutions regarding your tennis game. In this post I would like to give you some ideas about how you can make these happen and achieve your tennis goals in 2013.
Most people fail with New Years Resolutions and the reason in my opinion is quite simple. The typical new years resolution regarding your tennis game goes something like this: This year I really want to improve my forehand, my backhand or whatever it is you struggle with. I have been struggling with this shot for so long and now is the time to finally make some changes.
Unfortunately this is usually where the planning ends and of course these resolutions will in most cases not be met.
So What Do You Need To Do To Make It Work ?
The most effective way I know is to install a system that basically forces you to work on whatever you want to improve on and then you also need to add an element of accountability to make sure you follow through with your plans!
So what could this look like in practice ? Let’s assume you really want to improve your forehand in 2013. Instead of just having that thought in your mind and continuing with your regular practice routine of for example taking one lesson a week and hitting with your buddy 2-3 times a week, you need to install a permanent change in your practice system.
Assuming that you usually play with your practice partner 2-3 times a week for 2 hours, a meaningful change would be to practice the first 30 minutes of all of these sessions by yourself, working on your forehand.
So in order to make sure you follow through you tell your practice buddy to show up 30 minutes later on all of these sessions and that way you have the court to yourself for that time and are somewhat forced to practice your forehand.
The next thing to do is to add an element of accountability. This could involve either your practice partner or your coach. Tell that person specifically about your plans to improve your forehand and ask them to check on you on a regular basis.
Allright. That was one example of how you can make your tennis goals come true in 2013.
The important point to keep in mind is to make permanent changes that force you to change your practice routine instead of just telling yourself that you will work harder on your forehand this year!
What are your tennis goals for 2013 and how will you make them happen ? Please comment below and I will give you my thoughts on your plans!
