The question is simple: can you place the ball in the correct locations based on your position, balance, and your ability to either maintain control or neutralize your opponent. As players reach higher levels, the game shifts toward neutralizing an opponent’s strengths or successfully imposing your own game plan more often than they impose theirs. Let’s take a look at the basic elements of what this actually looks like in practice. Directional Control: At the most basic level, a player must be able to hit the following. - Down-the-line - Cross-court - Angle (side-T) Anytime the shot is needed, this skill must be available. This level of proficiency is often overlooked at the beginner and intermediate stages, and even many advanced competitive players struggle to hit these specific targets from their respective halves of the court. When that happens, it creates developmental holes that limit a player’s ability to escape difficult positions or take control of the court when it matters most. What directional control do you struggle with the most? Drop in the comments. https://www.puretennissense.com/post/5-vital-tennis-concepts-simplified