CONNECTING OUR EYES, BRAIN, AND ARMS CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Anticipation: How Elite Tennis Players Leverage This Ability To Beat You
You should learn this skill to become a more competitive athlete
The ability to ANTICIPATE where the ball will be is a critical skill for optimal tennis performance.
Without anticipation, players would be constantly reacting to their opponents instead of dictating the play. Anticipation allows players to take control of the rally and put themselves in the best position to win the point.
Key factors that go into anticipation
First, players need to have a good understanding of their opponent’s game style. This includes knowing their strengths and weaknesses, as well as which shots they tend to use in certain situations. By understanding an opponent’s tendencies, players can better predict what shots they will hit next.
Second, players need to be aware of their own position on the court. This includes being aware of where their opponents are, as well as the trajectory of the ball. By paying attention to these factors, players can better position themselves to anticipate and be in the best position to return their opponent’s shots.
Third, players need to have a finely tuned visual anticipation skill. Visual anticipation describes the ability to track the approaching ball and determine its path and speed as it approaches. This information then allows the athlete to put the racquet in the right place and at the right time for a fantastic return shot.
Lastly, players need to have quick reactions. Even if they are in the perfect position to anticipate and plan a shot, they won’t be able to do anything with that information if they cannot react quickly enough. This is why anticipation and quick reactions go hand-in-hand; one is not possible without the other.
Players who can effectively utilize anticipation will have a significant advantage over their opponents.
Anticipation allows players to take control of the rally and put themselves in the best position to win the point.
How can we improve our anticipation?
By understanding an opponent’s game style, being aware of their own positioning, and having quick reactions, players can set themselves up for success on the tennis court.
Once you have hit the ball, move your vision to your opponent. By watching the opponent you can gather information such as where they are on the court, what their balance is like if they are comfortable as they hit the shot, how they are preparing their racquet for the shot, and are they in a good position for a powerful shot or the opposite.
Pay close attention to their game preferences as well, so you can predict what they will be trying next based on their position, their balance, and their preparation. With that information, you can anticipate the shot and take control of the match.
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