1. Keep your eye on the ball --- never let it stray. 

  2. Concentrate and focus on the game.

  3. Determine your opponent's strengths and weaknesses during warm-up and early in the  game.

  4. Evaluate: Pinpoint what you need to improve to take your game to the next level. You can only improve one or two things at a time.

  5. Instruction: Ask for advice. A good coach can save you a lot of time by leading you in the right direction.

  6. Repetition: Repeat the new skill, engaging your mind until you feel you own it. Control is the key factor.

  7. Practice: Test your new skills in practice matches. Ask someone to watch you or videotape yourself. At the end  of the match, verify if you executed what you have worked on properly and successfully. If not, practice the new skill more.