The Secret of a Better Workout

Tennis

Stay on your toes. "Most people focus on their serve and their return. But while these are, of course, important, it's footwork that will make or break your game," says Los Angeles tennis pro Drew Gerstein, who recommends staying on the balls of your feet throughout the match and taking fast, short, shuffling steps. "The second you return the ball, you should already be starting to move," he says.

To improve your footwork, Gerstein suggests you practice shuffling steps without having a ball in play, and also watch your favorite tennis players during a match: "Notice how they prepare their returns, staying on the balls of their feet, so they can move anywhere as quickly as possible."

Also remember to...

Keep your wrist out of it. "A lot of beginners bend their wrists when they hit the ball, but the wrist should be rock solid, as though in a cast," Gerstein says. Letting your wrist bend adds stress not only to the wrist itself but also to the elbow, which can lead to injury.