Without a doubt, the key to tennis is consistency. Whether you are hitting the ball directly to your opponent or going for a winner, you must be consistent. Physical consistency requires mental consistency. So, what is the key to unlock mental consistency? It's concentration! The ability to stay focused on what you are doing for long periods of time. Whether it is playing a match or practicing, the more you are capable of staying focused, the more consistent you will become. You may be thinking, "Okay, I will buy that, concentration is the key to consistency. So, where do I get this concentration thing from? Can I purchase a pill someplace?" No, but if you ever find one let me know!

The truth is that the key to unlock concentration is self-discipline. Wow! This is really beginning to hit home. You are responsible through self-discipline to improve your concentration, which in turn improves your consistency. This means you should not only concentrate when things are going well, but also when you are losing, having trouble, or even when you are tired. Many times during practice I have heard players say. "I'm tired, I can't concentrate anymore, it's time to stop." In other words, what they are really saying is, it was the tiredness that made them stop concentrating; it is not their fault! This is where self-discipline comes into play. You discipline yourself to keep concentrating even though you are tired and playing poorly. By doing this you are challenging yourself to reach a new level of concentration. When your concentration improves so will your consistency.

Too many times players look for something external, like an exciting situation or playing well to help them concentrate, instead of relying on their own internal decision-making process. Repeat! Too many times players look for something external, like an exciting situation or playing well to help them concentrate, instead of relying on their own internal decision-making process. If you would like to increase your consistency in tennis you must be self- disciplined and concentrate, regardless of the situation.

To summarize, the key to tennis is CONSISTENCY - the key to consistency is CONCENTRATION - the key to concentration is SELF- DISCIPLINE - the key to self-discipline is YOU - and what is the key to YOU?...I haven't the faintest idea!!! You are on your own! You may have to pick the lock!