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Things to keep in mind
A Tennis match
A tennis match has phases and stages.
To win a match you have to go thru all phases and stages.
There is no way around it. Phase one is the point. Phase two is the game. Phase three is the set.
*To win a match you have to win more sets.*
A little secret to keep in mind: Tennis is the only game where you can win more points and more games and…., LOSE!
When was the last time you won the first set 6-0 and then lost the next two 4-6, 4-6?
Another important little secret to be successful in tennis: reset your mind for each phase/stage, REGARDLESS OF WHAT JUST HAPPENNED.
When was the last time you missed an easy volley, got upset and then lost two or three points in a row?
During the match
Stay engaged, focused and disciplined.
Routines are important not just before matches but also during the match.
Champions commit to habits of excellence that are followed with discipline.
This page includes the advice Player Development coaches give to their players on being fully engaged as a professional during matches.
During the match, the goal should be to be “all in” or 100 percent fully engaged as close to every point as possible.
During the match:
1. Know your game plan and be committed to executing it.
2. Create the appropriate mindset with performance cues such as “one point at a time,” “play with margin over the net,” etc.
3. Follow a consistent routine between points that fully prepares you for each point. For example, when a point ends:
o Respond with positive body language; create a confident presence on the court. For the most part, be neutral about your reactions. No need to expend tons of energy fist pumping after every point, and avoid negativity if possible.
o Recover with deep breathing and reviewing the last point. Know how the match is being played and what you need to do to perform.
o Refocus on the next point by letting go of the last point and focusing on how you want to play the upcoming point. Visualize first plays (serve placement and next ball, return and next ball). Be positive and be determined about how you will play.
o Ready yourself for the next point by going through rituals near the baseline. Bouncing the ball a certain number of times before serving or getting in an athletic stance and swaying is helpful in quieting the mind and focusing on playing the point.
4. On the changeovers, sit down, hydrate and think about why things are happening the way they are. If things are going well, be simple-minded and commit to what is working. If things are not going well, think of potential solutions. By the time you walk back to the baseline, be committed to a positive plan of action.
5. If you are struggling, take more time between points, refocus your mind on the task at hand and commit to how you want to play. This is best executed by going to a towel or some other place on the court that slows you down.
6. Fight until the last ball in the match, with the understanding that “I am going to make one more ball than my opponent.”
7. Win or lose, come to the net, shake hands with your opponent, look him or her in the eyes and, with sincerity, thank him or her for playing.
Close the deal
a. Swinging Topspin Volley - Make pushers and moonballers pay...
b. Volley Lob - Catch super aggressive doubles players with their pants down...
c. Drop Volley - Great against players who stick way behind the baseline...
d. Backspin Lob - Annoy players with poor overheads...
e. Topspin Lob - Push aggressive hitters back off the baseline...
f. Neutral Backhand Slice - Mix things up and keep opponents off rhythm...
g. Neutral Forehand Slice - Excellent change of pace against big hitters...
h. Squash Shot - Bail yourself out of trouble when pulled way wide...
i. Biting Backhand Slice - Make heavy topspin hitters bend way down...
j. Carioca Step Backhand Slice - Calmly approach after receiving a drop shot...
k. Drop Shot - Dominate opponents with slow footwork...
l. Defensive Backhand Slice - Buy yourself time and stay in points...
m. Short Dying Backhand Slice - Force the net-haters to come up to the net...
Be a score manager
Know when to be aggresive
When you are up 40-Love in a game, that might be a good time to try one of those incredible shots down the line or cross court. If you miss, it is only 40-15.
Choose when to be more intense
In a tough competitive match, 3-3 or 4-4 in the set and up 15-30 in the game, two minutes of a bit more intensity and you might break service. Then, you will be serving up 4-3 or 5-4. Set is practically won!!
Treat tiebreakers with respect
It is a match of only 7 or 10 points.
In a 7 point tiebreaker, 4 points is 57% of the points.
First points are VERY IMPORTANT.
Make an extra effort to hold serve.
Close the deal
Recognize when you are one or two games from winning the set or a match. Focus and close the deal.
More so if it is one or two POINTS from a set or a match.
Always try to win first point when serving
I mean, treat it like a very important point because, it is! It put pressure on your opponent and gives you confidence.
Hurry back to keep playing
When winning easily
When momentum is on your side
When your opponent is feeling down