When you miss a shot, you often blame your technique.
My grip was wrong, my backswing was too late, my footwork was off…?
While it’s true that technical errors cause mistakes, it’s important to remember that technique is not always to blame.
When we take an action, we use the Perception, Decision, Execution, Feedback loop.
What is the Perception, Decision, Execution, Feedback loop?
An example – you are watching TV:
YOUR PERCEPTION – this programme is boring.
YOUR DECISION – I’ll change channels.
YOUR EXECUTION – press the remote-control button.
YOUR FEEDBACK – this programme is much better.
The same process occurs with tennis shots, for example:
YOUR PERCEPTION – My opponent is approaching the net.
YOUR DECISION – I must finish the rally on this shot – I’ll hit down the line as hard as I can, to make sure of a winner.
YOUR EXECUTION – playing the stroke.
What does this mean for your tennis?
YOUR FEEDBACK – I played the right shot, the wrong shot, I hit it too high, I needed more spin etc.
YOUR DECISION: When you miss a shot, instead of immediately blaming your technique, look a little deeper: often the root cause of an error is a poor decision. It may have been a situation that did not really allow you to end the point with your next shot, for example your opponent’s approach shot was a very good one. A better decision might have been to hit crosscourt at three-quarter pace, keeping the ball low.
YOUR EXECUTION – Yes, it is possible that the error was here – e.g. late contact on the shot causing it to land wide.
YOUR FEEDBACK – If the feedback you provide to yourself is flawed, it may cause you to make poor decisions later in the match.
When you miss a tennis shot, it’s not always your technique at fault. Mistakes often stem from poor decisions, as tennis involves a Perception, Decision, Execution, and Feedback loop. By analysing errors, you can identify whether the issue lies in decision-making, execution, or flawed feedback. Improving your decision-making—such as choosing a more strategic shot in challenging situations—can enhance your overall game and reduce errors in future matches.
Written by Peter Farrell – Tennis Coach Ireland
