Pro Tennis Techniques & Tips to Improve Your Game
Get inside my head. I break down the specific mechanics, equipment choices, and shot techniques that actually move the needle on your tennis game.
The two most important numbers in tennis are 45 and 8. I teach my players how to align their body to a 45-degree angle for stability and use their hips in a figure-8 motion to drive power through every shot. Master this, and your game will transform.
This is part two of our hip-drive lesson. Here, we put the "45 and 8" rule into practice with a special drill that forces your body to rotate correctly. This exercise builds the muscle memory needed for fluid, powerful groundstrokes.
To get that powerful "phatka" on your forehand, you need to maintain distance from the ball. I teach players to use their non-dominant arm like a computer mouse cursor, pointing at the ball to ensure perfect spacing and a fully extended arm at contact.
A student asked me how to add more power to his shots. The answer is simple: throw your body weight into the ball. This video shows how we coach players to transfer their energy from the ground up, through their body, and into the shot for maximum impact.
As Roger Federer said, footwork is everything. Power in tennis comes from the ground up, which is why we focus on the "load and explode" principle. I show my players how to bend their knees and push off the ground to generate explosive power in their shots.
For a two-handed backhand, your non-dominant hand is key for power and control. It provides stability and helps guide the racket through the swing. Here, we work on drills that emphasize the role of the left hand for a right-handed player to build a solid, reliable backhand.
To hit a good smash, you need to be like an archer. I use this analogy to teach kids the proper form: non-dominant arm pointing up like a bow, eyes on the ball, and then extending fully to smash it at the highest point.
About this collection
Most players stay stiff because they misunderstand body alignment. My '45 and 8' rule is not just theory; it is how you actually drive power from your hips instead of relying solely on your arm. I will show you how to stop forcing your shots and start using the kinetic chain to get that powerful 'phatka' on the ball.
Tennis is 80 percent legs and 20 percent coordination, but the biggest asset you have is your mind. At Tennace Academy, we don't just drill; we teach you why you are hitting the ball a certain way.
The Mechanics of Power
It starts with the foundation. If you are struggling with your forehand, stop swinging harder and start looking at your spacing. Your non-dominant arm should act like a computer mouse cursor—pointing where the ball is traveling to keep your body at the perfect distance. When you stop chasing the ball and start positioning, you get that clean contact you see the pros have.
Serve Consistency
A bad toss ruins a good serve. I tell my players to build simple indicators: use your pocket for the starting point and your eye line for the release. Whether you are at our Santacruz or Matunga courts, the goal is to make the motion repeatable. We focus on the 'shoulder, elbow, wrist' sequence, isolating the joints rather than over-swinging, to give your serve that extra punch.
Equipment Choices
Don't overthink your racket setup.
- String Tension: Beginners and kids need lower tension (45–52 lbs) for power and arm comfort. Advanced players who generate their own speed should go tighter (55–62 lbs) for control.
- Shock Absorbers: Use one if vibrations bother you, but remember it is mostly psychological.
We train in all weather, moving indoors during the Mumbai monsoon. If you are ready to stop guessing and start playing with intention, come down to the court and let’s get to work.
Tennace Academy
I am Vanshal, and at Tennace Academy, we treat tennis like a game that needs both brains and brawn. We don't just hit balls; we train you to think, move, and execute like a pro, whether you are just starting or prepping for a tournament.
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