Every tennis player no matter what the age or level can improve through practice. But what is the best way to practice? Of course your lessons and clinics help accelerate your game, but the practice between the lessons and clinics can really give your game a boost! What is the shot that starts every point? The serve. And it's the one shot you don't need a partner to practice. You can always grab a bucket of balls and hit serves.

Match play also is highly recommended between lessons. Match play helps you practice what you learned in a lesson. Failure to play can turn you into a "professional lesson taker." Speed, quickness, consistency and agility can all be practiced on your own. From sets to drills to sprints, it's all part of the tournament player's regime. During summer, the top players in the state will practice 8-12 hours per week. Try to set a goal each week to put in that extra work between lessons. That extra practice will make every level improve at a faster rate. Remember that as far as results go, "You will only get out what you put in."