Hit or miss

I have been playing tennis since I was 7.

You'd think I'd be perfect by now, but that’s not the case. Inconsistent would be a better description.

I'm always looking for ways to improve.

Right now, I'm trying to get better at volleying.

It can be scary at the net. I've been hit by hard shots many times, but the risk is worth it.

First, volleys give everyone a better game. They make every point faster and less predictable.

Second, it helps my partner, the server. They get tired quickly if they have to do everything. And they are silently cranky with me for not having a go at the net.

If I'm playing singles, volleys can take my opponent by surprise.

Here's how I'm trying to get better.

I'm being a bit brave. Just having a go, seeing what works.

I hit it into the net, I hit it out, and I mishit.

Every now and then, bingo, I get it back and it feels great.

Next, I'm watching what others do so I can learn from them.

When they hit it out, I notice that the head of their racquet is often tilted right back, almost parallel to the sky.

If they hit it into the net, the head of their racquet might be lower than the handle.

If they miss one down the sidelines, they've moved into the middle too quickly.

And I'm trying to do something differently. This is the hardest part.

I've started to hold my racquet with two hands, especially when I'm opposite someone whose returns of serve are really hard and fast.

Because I'm using two hands, I can react quickly. I don't have to swap my grip between backhand and forehand.

I get it back a lot more, the point is much more fun and I'm more confident.

I've never done two-handed before, it really goes against the grain. My backhands, for example, are still resolutely one-handed, even though most professional players hit them with two.

Having a go, learning from others and doing something differently: together they make me feel safer at the net.

I just used these questions with a group of 45. They felt safe to share, and to listen, and they left with lessons and insights to apply long after the day.

What are you trying that feels a bit risky? In work and in life.

How do you respond when you — metaphorically — hit it into the net or hit it out?

What are you learning?

What are you trying to do differently?