What Musicians and Tennis Players Have in Common
What Musicians and Tennis Players Have in Common
And Why “Perfect Practice” Can Get in the Way
At first glance, musicians and tennis players might seem worlds apart. But in both, performance hinges on mastering precise movements under pressure, refining rhythm and timing, and building habits that hold up when it matters most.
And for both, the path to improvement is often misunderstood.
The Problem with Perfection
When learning something new, it’s natural to aim for high standards right away. We often focus on getting every detail right — the form, the technique, the outcome — assuming that precision from the start will accelerate improvement.
But this approach can sometimes backfire.
Those who begin with a more relaxed, exploratory mindset often progress more quickly. Instead of chasing perfection, they give themselves room to experiment, adjust, and adapt. In contrast, striving for flawless execution too early can lead to tension, overthinking, and stalled development.
What the Research Shows
A study at the University of Hong Kong (Capio et al., 2011) explored this exact tension. Two groups of students practiced throwing beanbags at targets. One group began with large, easy targets and progressively moved to smaller ones. The other started hard and eased off over time.
The results? The group that began with easier targets made more progress — in both form and accuracy.
Making the task easier at the beginning didn’t mean they were learning less. It meant they had more room to explore, move, and build confidence before being asked to perform under pressure.
Why It Matters in Tennis (and Beyond)
This is why, in our lessons and clinics, we always emphasize: get the motion right first. You can always add power later.
Trying to hit winners or perfect serves before the basic movement is stable only adds tension. But when the motion is sound, power comes naturally — and sustainably.
This approach mirrors what musicians do when learning a new piece: slow practice, fewer notes, simplified rhythms. First, master the structure. Then, refine.
MacMillan and the Foundations of Motion
Biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan offers a compelling example of why focusing on foundational movement — not surface-level correction — leads to meaningful change.
He worked with Aryna Sabalenka during a period when her serve and forehand were seen as liabilities. Instead of fine-tuning technique in isolation, MacMillan approached her game holistically, emphasizing spine-driven force production and efficient use of the body’s kinetic chain.
Notably, like our Tennis Whisperer coaches, he views the serve as simply a forehand on a vertical plane. That perspective helped Sabalenka unlock both strokes — not through repetition alone, but by anchoring her movement in principles of balance, force, and flow.
His approach echoes what we teach in early-stage skill development: prioritize quality of motion, and allow more complex or explosive elements to emerge naturally.
What You Can Do
Whether you’re hitting balls or practicing scales, the principle is the same:
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Start where success is likely — make the challenge achievable first.
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Prioritize feel and motion — get the body moving well before pushing for output.
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Add complexity gradually — power, speed, or pressure come later.
It’s not about lowering standards — it’s about aligning the learning process with how humans actually build skill.
Wrap
Musicians and athletes alike face the pressure to perform perfectly. But true growth rarely begins with perfection.
Whether on court or in the practice room, the best results often come from starting simple, building confidence, and progressing with care.
Get the motion right. Let your body learn. The rest will follow naturally.
