Play Smarter with Kevin Connolly
No matter your skill level, there’s always room to grow on the court. Executive Tennis Director Kevin Connolly shares expert tips to help you elevate your game—from sharpening your serve to boosting endurance. His pro-level insights are designed to refine your technique, build confidence, and enhance your overall performance.
1. Serve with Power and Precision
A great serve starts with balance, weight transfer, and a loose wrist; much like a baseball pitcher. This technique generates power without extra effort. But power alone isn’t enough. “Test your consistency with percentages,” says Kevin. “Aim for 6 out of 10 first serves in, and track your progress.” For added control, adjust your trajectory: a flatter, lower serve adds power, while a higher arc is safer for second serves.
2. Master Footwork
Efficient footwork helps you stay balanced and reach more shots. Kevin recommends sand drills to improve agility and leg strength. One common mistake? Sprinting blindly after every ball. “Focus on an efficient first step,” he says. “Stay calm and controlled—rushing leads to errors.”
3. Build Mental Toughness
Tennis is as mental as it is physical. Kevin encourages players to stay positive and use breathing to manage nerves. “Negative energy only wears you out,” he says. Focus on the next point, not the last one. When tension builds, grounding yourself in your footwork and movement can help reset your mindset.
4. Play With Purpose
A good strategy starts during warmup. “Test your opponent with different spins and speeds,” Kevin suggests. Look for weaknesses early and adapt during the match. Early on, stick with high-percentage shots until you find your rhythm—there’s no need to take big risks right away.
5. Prioritize Fitness
Endurance matters. Kevin recommends running 8–10 miles a week, adding interval and sand training to build stamina. During matches, stay active between sets. “Use changeovers to recover, but don’t go flat,” he says. Stay upright, fuel up, and stay mentally sharp.