Editor’s Note: Former touring pro Tim Wikison shares the following article he gave to students at the American Tennis Academy in Charlotte, N.C. Wilkison, who runs the academy with Bill Belser, says the goal of the American Tennis Academy is dedicated to working with players who want to become Grand Slam champions. Wilkison is also president of Wilkison Partners which manages multiple tennis facilities in the United States. He can be reached at twilknc@carolina.rr.com.

The correct mental approach is crucial in your quest to become a great player.  Anyone who has emerged as a Grand Slam champion has overcome mental hurdles to achieve that goal. The academy practice was held in a very strong wind. That is a great opportunity to polish your physical and mental skills in dealing with that type of situation. It is important to keep shuffling your feet until right as you make contact as it is likely the ball will be blown into, or away from you, at the last moment.

You need to be a little more conservative in your shots.

Aim for larger spots on the court as the wind will push your ball around and you need a bigger margin to compensate for that. Figure out the direction the wind is blowing. It can go down the court, across the court, or it can swirl around. The direction of the wind can change during a match so be aware of that. You can adjust your strategy to the direction.

If the wind is going across the court, you can use it to really get angle on your crosscourts if you hit with the direction of the wind. If you hit against the direction of the wind, it will slow your ball up and make it easier for your opponent to get to.  When the wind is at your back, you have a huge advantage in the penetration of your shots.  Be consistent from that side and let the force of the wind help you to gradually wear down your opponent.  When the wind is in your face, you need to grind it out and try to grab a couple of those games. 

Since you are at a disadvantage in the rallies, it is a good idea to make your style a mix of grinding and taking smart chances. Attacking the net or hitting drop shots at appropriate times can be good strategies. Probably the most important aspect of playing in the wind is adjusting your mental attitude and expectations.  No one has played their best game ever in a strong wind.

Prepare before the match to decide that you are ready for a challenge and you are ready to win ugly. I was pretty good at that in my playing career and actually won two pro tournaments in Sydney, Australia, which is famous for its wind coming across the court. Being a proficient wind player is crucial. High school and college tennis is played in the spring when it is windy. The first tournaments of the year are often played in the wind and a lot of tournaments in Florida are held in windy conditions. Play smart and prepare yourself to be mentally tough and the wind can become a factor that helps you win matches.

(c)  Copyright 2010. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis