Nick’s Notes: Bollettieri on the keys to building on-court consistency

WATCH: Remember the life and legacy of Nick Bollettieri, one of the sport's greatest coaches and pioneer of tennis academies, after opening Bollettieri Tennis Academy in 1978.

In memory of Nick Bollettieri, TENNIS.com proudly presents “Nick’s Notes,” an exclusive look at tips, tricks, and takes written by one of the greatest coaches of the modern era.

In this column, Bollettieri weighs in on keys to on-consistency:

For the past 60 years I have been a tennis pro and a tennis coach. No matter what my role was I tried to learn a little more about the game and who I was working with on a daily basis. I’ve learned that there are no two players alike. What’s good for one player may be totally wrong for another player. Each player has their own unique body type, movements, swing patterns, grips, and abilities. I encourage their own natural swing patterns and make adjustments from there. I do not encourage my students to copy the techniques of the pros.

Consistency is developed when the student has his/her body under control and in balance. This might require the student being part of a physical conditioning program.

With most of my past students and even today, our IMG Academy—Bollettieri Tennis Program coaches use target drills then progress to live ball drills to target the safety areas of the court.

Yes, you can learn from watching the pros play but for the most part do not try to copy their individual technique. Pay close attention to how they build points. Notice their early racquet preparation and balance when they hit the ball. Notice their offensive and defensive tactics. Notice how they change position when they return serve. Notice how they attack defensive shots, especially a defensive second serve. Observe where they hit their shots to create and maintain consistency, (not aiming for the lines but giving themselves some margin for error).

It’s all about early racquet preparation, movement, and having complete balance of your body when making contact with the ball. Good luck with your training. Most importantly, relax and have fun and be confident in your own style.