Introduction Most tennis enthusiasts will probably agree that few things come close to the pure satisfaction of hitting a tennis ball with power and control. Most of you reading this book have probably felt this satisfaction at some point in your tennis-playing experience and are now seeking advice on how to harness this magical feeling. Unfortunately you can''t wave a magic wand or sprinkle any magic dust. It takes time, patience, and persistence to advance your game to the next level. Most students have better success at developing their game when they begin to understand tennis concepts. A bigger picture needs to be painted in the mind''s eye before a good understanding can occur. This big picture is created by the ability to see what it is you need to do with your game, how to do it, and how you can analyze it. You must take on the responsibility of becoming your own coach. Even if you take private lessons from a professional instructor you will still need to take the information he or she has given you and be able to translate it in your own way and on your own timetable. You need to establish your own personal tennis program. This should include a good balance of conditioning, match play, rest, and practice. But not just practice: it has to be proper practice, which involves: development of fundamental stroke technique strategy isolation of common situations and patterns footwork drills understanding opponents'' strengths and weaknesses mental training under pressure co