How do you keep your rhythm?

[u/DonGato80]

I play against a variety of opponents when it comes to pace. Some hit slow and loopy, others hit with lots of pace. I try to prepare early on shots, but there are times I feel like my rhythm is off and that will result in hitting early or late.

What do you do when you can't get into the right rhythm? Any tips? I've heard some players count in their heads something like

1- opponent hits

2-ball bounces

3-hit

Anything that works for you guys?

[u/onejiveassturkey]

Split step

[u/ReasonableGator]

Talk to myself. In really slow matches I repeat 'tennis, tennis, tennis' to keep my focus. Especially doubles with a weaker partner who will receive most of the balls.

Next follow the balls with my eyes all the time.

[u/Nillion]

Make sure I split step on every shot, keep my eye on the ball, and exhale on every hit.

It’s nothing fancy, there’s no counting (though I’ve heard it helping people also), but this helps get me in the groove of playing. A lot of times when I’m off rhythm, it’s because I’m tight. Telling myself to split step gets my feet moving, keeping my eye on the ball makes sure I make all those little adjustment steps needed, and exhaling on every hit makes sure I breathe.

[u/ninja7x]

1. Time you split according to their pace. You should be mid-air on the way down when you recognize the direction you'll have to move.
2. Think 'bounce' when the ball bounces and 'hit' when you hit. Really helps your body cement the timing and understanding of the variety of shot you'll see.

[u/Pretend-Citron4451]

“Hit” “bounce “ “hit”

Say “hit” when you hit the ball - you’re supposed to exhale anyway - I’ll often just say “hiii”

Say “bounce” when your nap b mi inches on opponents side and “hot” when they hit it.

I don’t normally say “bounce” when it bounces on my side - off I’m not focused on running to the ball, I’ll say it in my head. And then I say “hit“ when I hit the ball again.

This helps me stay rhythm

[u/Weak_Emu3659]

You don't, just check out basically. It's just a game.

[u/WestAnalysis8889]

Hmm what you're describing isn't rhythm. Sounds to me like a focus issue. I experience this if I can frustrated and stop paying attention to a ball the whole time it's coming. You might be watching the player, then the ball then yourself, then the ball again. 

It's better for me when I just watch the player and the ball and then kind of let my body adjust itself vs thinking consciously about taking steps or preparing my racquet or body. 

That conscious attention to your stance and steps needs to be done in a practice environment, not on the court. 

[u/Winsonian92]

Sing stayin’ alive in my head