When you lose a point, it’s important to understand why. Was the mistake caused by your opponent hitting a strong shot that pressured you or took away your time (forced error)? Or was it a relatively routine ball that you missed without much difficulty (unforced error)?
Players often blame themselves without realizing that the error was the result of a well-executed shot by their opponent. If your opponent hits a great shot, your options are naturally limited—don’t overanalyze your technique in these cases.
However, many players also fail to recognize how often they lose points through unforced errors—usually due to poor movement, loss of focus, or flawed technique. In recreational and club-level tennis, this is often the biggest reason for lost points, games, and matches.
Next time you lose a point, ask yourself:
Did your opponent’s shot take away your time or force you to run significantly? If yes, it was likely a forced error.
Did you have time and position but still made the mistake? That’s an unforced error, and it’s a sign to focus more on your technique, footwork, and concentration.
Being able to distinguish between the two helps you respond appropriately and improve with each match.
Having the intention of what to do is very important (i.e. lobbing the player who is closer to the net, placing the ball at the feet of the opposing net player, etc.), but you must be able to execute shots by moving properly and using proper technique. Many times players don’t know why the point was lost. Start by asking yourself if you had the right idea of where to hit the shot (intention), then decide whether your technique or movement was the issue (execution). If you had the right intention, then that’s a good start and you can start to make the right adjustments.
In a match, you won’t always have a coach to help you make adjustments. That’s why learning to self-correct is a valuable skill—it helps you take control of your game when it matters most.
Many players focus only on the mistake (“I always miss that volley”) or fall back on vague advice like “watch the ball.” But real improvement comes from using specific, actionable cues that guide your next shot.
Here are a few examples:
“Adjust your feet” – Good footwork is the foundation of consistency.
“Short punch” (for volleys) – Keep your motion compact to avoid errors.
“Split step” – Helps with quick reactions, especially at the net.
“Keep your head still” – Prevents mishits caused by lifting too early.
“Breathe and relax” – Reduces tension and improves timing.
These phrases work because they tell you what to do, not just what went wrong. Avoid negative self-talk and focus on clear, positive corrections. The more you practice this, the more confident and adaptable you’ll become—even without a coach on the court.
