This will keep your opponent off guard. Now when you do hit the ball hard it will be done with the purpose of giving your opponent a change up, thus you will not feel like you must hit the ball hard all the time. Then underspins, short angles, lobs and drop shots will start developing. The use of these shots will keep your opponents even more off balance while he or she is expecting to receive your hard shots. Continue to hit the ball hard, but only sporadically.
Tennis is still a thinking game, so play smart.
John Mills currently teaches tennis at the University of Houston, Clear Lake campus. John also played college tennis at the University of Houston and has spent 20 years teaching tennis at the Memorial Park Tennis Center, the Pasadena Racquet Club, and as the head pro at the Bay Area Racquet Club. Please do not reproduce without permission.