Play better tennis tips from Annabel Croft

Annabel Croft

Annabel Croft is founder of the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy. With her simple tennis pointers, you should be holding a rally with renewed confidence...

TIP ONE: FANCY FOOTWORK

'Moving your feet is as important as being able to hit. Don't stand still and reach out to the ball, position yourself behind it instead,' says Annabel.

Adopt a boxer's stance and stay on the balls of your feet so you're ready to whizz towards the ball, wherever it lands. You'll be in a better position to whack it - and burn loads more calories, too.

TIP TWO: WORK TOGETHER

Buddying up in tennis might sound like an excuse for a giggle with your BFF, but it can be as stressful as it is fun. Decrease your risk of playing the blame game in a doubles match by watching each others' backs.

'Imagine the two of you are a set of windscreen wipers. When your partner moves, follow them as if you're connected by an invisible rope. That way, you'll be ready to step in and return any shots she might miss,' says Annabel.

TIP THREE: SERVE LIKE A PRO

It sounds strange, but as you serve, stop thinking about your racket and imagine you're throwing a ball with your racket arm.

'Once you toss the ball into the air with one hand, your other arm should mimic the action of throwing; your elbow stays high as your hand and the racket drop behind you, then they accelerate up to whack the ball,' says Annabel.

And try to make contact with the ball at its highest point. Once it starts to drop, it's harder to hit.

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