Mariana Correa

The most common pattern I’ve found for success are tennis systems. 

In the realm of tennis, systems refer to structured, repeatable frameworks that organize various aspects of a player’s daily routine. These systems are designed to ensure consistency, efficiency, and ongoing improvement by integrating different elements of training into an interconnected strategy.

Note that the title didn’t say quickly improve your tennis, the most common promise made to tennis players. You’re offered to hit from a magical basket of balls or drink a special electrolyte drink and puff, become the tennis superstar you dream of becoming.

Sorry to burst that bubble, but there is no magic basket or special drink that will make you a superstar. I’m pretty sure that from the moment you started playing you quickly realized tennis is not an easy sport, and any accomplishment achieved has taken your time and effort. But that’s also why we love tennis, right?

Nothing has been given to you, you didn’t wake up one morning with an incredible serve, or volleys that pop. It’s taken you years, if not decades to get to where you are, and if you’re not there yet, don’t worry; have faith you’ll make it. 

How can a system help me improve my tennis dramatically?

By implementing a structured system, tennis players can optimize their performance, ensuring that all aspects of their training work together seamlessly. Systems provide a foundation for consistent growth and success, helping players achieve their full potential on and off the court.

We need to think in global terms for maximum improvement. Too often focus is placed on one dimension only, on-court training, just hitting balls all day. Instead, we need to look at our improvement from every angle possible which is where our systems would come in. 

Making sure we train multiple dimensions simultaneously we become a complete tennis player and athlete. Some aspects we need to focus on are:

Tennis and Fitness: This would include technical drills, on-court practice, and fitness drills such as: plyometrics, footwork drills, weight training, and resistance bands. A well-structured training routine ensures that players improve with the proper technique, stay healthy, and become stronger and fitter off-court in order to perform better on the tennis court.

Mental Preparation: Mental drills and exercises to enhance focus, concentration, self-analysis, and mental toughness. These could include visualization techniques, mindfulness practices, and goal-setting sessions. 

Nutrition: Your body needs to be fine-tuned and properly nourished with a diet that supports your training and recovery. Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining energy levels, building muscle, and preventing injuries.

Recovery: Scheduled rest days and recovery practices, such as stretching, foam rolling, and a full night of sleep, to help the body recover and be ready for anything.

How systems have helped me personally

Habit Formation: I developed a regular pattern of habits that became second nature. Good habits are the building blocks for my high performance tennis. Adding the right habits into my daily routines has guaranteed consistent improvement. 

Efficiency: Systems streamlined my daily activities, reducing the time and energy spent on decision-making and planning and allowing me to focus more on execution and less on logistics.

Progress Tracking: Systems provided a structured way to track progress. By following a set routine, I could easily monitor my improvements and identify areas that needed adjustment.

Mental Stability: Having a clear, structured plan made everything clear. I knew what needed to be done that day and that week which allowed me to feel more in control and confident. This kept me more disciplined with my tasks, instead of dependent on motivation.

Maybe it’s just me, but I take a certain amount of pride in hitting clean and smooth strokes. Adjusting and using the court as a canvas, creating patterns and plays like an artist. I know how much effort this has taken me, there were no shortcuts to get to my level, no supermarket shopping to pick up some extra spin for my forehand or Amazon overnight to get some extra feel with my drop shots.

It takes time, persistence, and dedication to improve your tennis drastically, but when done right you can achieve the results you’re looking for efficiently. The quote ‘work smarter not harder’ comes close, but what if you work smart and hard?

That’s the objective of having a training system in place, it sets the foundation for everything in your training. 

In my course Mental Court Essentials that launched here on June 14, I address the foundations and proven systems necessary to transform your game, your habits, and perspective. 

Personally, I feel this 8-week course will not only help you on the tennis court, but it will also help you in your private life as well. Our habits work hand in hand, which is why so often we find high performance athletes excelling in their endeavors beyond the tennis court. 

NWTO member Mariana Correa is a former professional tennis player, a World Champion in mixed doubles, and is part of the National Team in the 35+ age group. She’s a coach, tennis consultant, and keynote speaker, and you can find out more about her services here.