Hi Nick: I really struggle to have confidence in my shots even though I have been told I have the ability to go for my shots. I tend to hit back to my opponent, which ends up causing me trouble and puts me on my back foot. How can I start being more confident and believe that I can go for my shots?

—Jade Rapson, South Australia, Australia

Hi Jade: The first tip is for you to believe that you can hit certain shots. Then I have a drill for you: Practice against three players on the other side. Yes, get three friends and put them on the other side of the court, one crosscourt, the second down the middle, and the third down the line. Now you have three people to hit to, in all three spots on the court. Make sure your body weight and follow-through goes out to your target. This will improve your placement and timing and you can imagine the three players the next time you  are playing a match.

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