It is often said that success in life is 90 per cent preparation and ten per cent luck, and that rule certainly applies to winning tennis tournaments as well.

If you want to improve your performance and achieve better results on the court, it's important that you train hard to ensure your game is up to scratch.

However one thing to remember is that in order to get the most out of your training, it is essential that you focus on quality over quantity and target your sessions to the individual aspects of your game that need work.

Spending long hours rallying with a friend might allow you to make slight improvements in your game, but if you want to really train like a pro then it is important to make sure your weak points get the attention they deserve.

Next time you are down at your local tennis club, think about the parts of your game that need work and develop a plan of attack that will help you improve these aspects.

For example, you might be having trouble with your backhand, with shots often going long or wide and losing you points.

If that is the case, then it will probably be worthwhile spending a good solid session focussing purely on your backhand in order to ensure your technique and action are looking good.

Alternatively, you might be struggling with the high ball. In this case, ask a friend to provide you with plenty of lobs with which you can practice your timing and accuracy.

A good opponent will be able to pick up on any potential weaknesses during a game and will target you accordingly, so it is important that you are able to identify the things that need improvement and that you understand how to work on them.

After you have finished your hard training session you might want to check out our delicious Red Pepper Bistro, where you can sit down with some friendly people and enjoy a hearty meal that will have you refuelled and ready to get back out onto the court.