I have often heard people say they just need to practice more, but the the key is to focus your practice sessions. In the latest edition from Tennis Pro teaching journal from the Professional Tennis Registry I ran across a very interesting article. The title of the article was about perfect practice makes perfect. This motto is something I have made a part of me and teach my students in school and tennis. It only makes sense that what we practice we master. Practice good habits, master good habits or the converse is true, practice bad habits, master bad habits. Practice is about training your muscles to acquire new skills to the point those skills become automatic.
There is no real duration of time that is suggested to be the best time for practice. Typically we judge it based on age, readiness, and commitment to the task. There is research that states to improve fine motor skills such as typing that focused practice for no more that an hour per day will improve the skills. It has often been said that in order for a person to become a master they need to apply 10,000 hours. There are two keys that will make you improve better, what you are practicing, and your focus and 'intentionality'. The emphasis on your practice session, the focus you put into it is what will develop your skills.
Our belief at Ten and Under Tennis Lessons is in the power of a half hour. A student will have a focused, purposeful lesson designed at mastering a skill to be able to rally, play, or develop advanced strokes. In those sessions we move them from the simple to complex, from the model to independent practice. We structure the lesson like a tennis match with work and short breaks.
Works Cited
Gellard, Mark. "Perfect practice makes practice perfect". Tennis Pro, Professional Tennis Registry. p. 26-28. January/February 2015.
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