I have been very fortunate to coach beginners to professional players and everyone in between. For the past 15 years I have been obsessed with why some improve and others do not? The pattern that most consistently tells the truth is whether the player is Proactive or Reactive.

Reactive players are the overwhelming majority because the focus is on external things that are merely a distraction. Below you will find common tendencies of reactive players, do you fall into this category?

Reactive players do the following:

- Stand flat footed and straight up

- Move to the ball after it bounces

- Stare at the ball you hit while judging its quality

- Have no concept of court positioning

- Hesitate to turn sideways before attempting the swing

- Get tired extremely quickly

- Try to end the point or win quickly

- Get excited and emotional during play

Players that have the best results in personal development are those that are proactive. Do you find yourself in this category? What can you add to become even better?

Proactive players do the following:

- Keep there feet moving at all times

- Split step once the ball lands on the opposite side

- Get there racquet back before the ball crosses the net

- Act without hesitation to balls information

- Get into position before ball bounces

- Swing with rhythm and trust in the process

- Always expects the ball to come back

- Act calmly with positive self awareness

Being either Proactive of Reactive is simply a choice!! Your discipline and execution of either will lead you to frustration or progress. Pick wisely?

I am on your side, cheers to the game we love.