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Play to the score!
Question:
What is meant by 'the big points'? What are they?
Answer:
Smart players recognise that certain points are more important than others. It may be
a useful exercise if you were to spend time ranking them in order of significance, e.g. match
point (either way) should rank at number one, set point (either way) should rank second,
break point (either way) should come in at three, and game point should take number four, etc.
This is all fairly obvious stuff, but the following points must also figure in the ranking order:
30-30, 15-30, 30-15, deuce and the first point of a game.
Once you've got the score-related points ranked, spend some time considering psychological points.
For instance, any long rally becomes an important point, as does the first point after a long rally.
Watch how successful players perform on these points. Do they play high percentage? Do they go for
their shots more? Do they focus more and summon up more determination? What works most effectively
for you? Whatever it is, you need to come up with your most effective plays on big points. Playing
these points loosely could undermine a lot of good work!
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Whose side is the wind on?
Question:
Why do I always lose when it's windy?
Answer:
First thing - you've got to accept the wind! No, you've got to LIKE the wind! It's no
good fighting it. It's part of the challenge, along with your form and your fitness and your
luck and your opponent and the state of the court and everything else. If it's a strong wind,
it's going to be a big factor and if you treat it as a problem, sure enough it'll be one!
Treat it as an opportunity to outwit your opponent.
If it's a crosscourt wind, hit down the line on the side of the court closest to the wind. The
ball will then curve into the court. Avoid the line on the other side because the wind will
blow it out.
In general, using shorter, relatively flat strokes is less likely to produce errors when
you play in windy conditions. However, using spins gives you the opportunity of making life
even more difficult for your opponent. Using short slices and drop shots when the wind is in
your face will be particularly effective if your opponent is slow moving forwards. Similarly,
your slice serve will swerve even more than usual. When you're playing with the wind, the main
problem is hitting long. The solution is to use topspin to make your shots drop into the court
earlier.
I know it sounds trite, but remind yourself that it's not a problem - it's an opportunity!
If you use it better than your opponent, you can actually turn it to your advantage. Get the
wind on your side!
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Call for the Spin Doctor!
Question:
How can I make my steady baseline game less predictable?
Answer:
Hello. You're through to the Spin Doctor. How can I help you?
Well, Doc, I play a very steady game from the back of the court but my opponents find
it easy to read. They know what's coming and attack me all the time.
So you find it difficult to upset your opponent's rhythm. Any other symptoms?
Yes, Doc. I suppose I shouldn't complain really. I mean, I don't make very many
mistakes. It's just that when they attack the net, I can never seem to give them a difficult
ball to volley. And when I decide to go on the attack myself, they pass me easily.
Okay. Sounds like you're suffering from a chronic form of variation deficiency. I'm going to
prescribe some spins. I want you to use them once or twice a rally, but never during meals.
This bottle contains Topspin which makes the ball bounce higher and apparently pick up speed
after it bounces. Use it to vary the height and length of your drives, so that you upset your
opponent's rhythm. Exaggerate it to produce moonballs - particularly useful when you need time
to recover your position on the court. As Topspin causes the ball to dip, use it against the
net player to force him to play uncomfortable low volleys. You'll find you can also use it to
produce short widely-angled shots.
What's in the other bottle, Doc?
Ah yes, that's Backspin. You'll find Backspin makes the ball travel slower through the air and it
bounces lower. It's useful for approaching the net, because your opponent is forced to dig
up a low ball that should be easy for you to volley. It can also get you out of trouble, like
when you're slightly off-balance or too close to the ball or too far away from it.
What will happen if I mix them up, Doc?
That doesn't matter. In fact it's probably a good idea. Oh, and we must do something about
your tension.
Do I seem tense?
No, not you. It's your racket. You'll need to have it strung a bit tighter if you're going to
use spin. Leave it with my receptionist. Good day to you.
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Play the percentage game!
Question:
What is meant by playing the percentages in singles?
Answer:
There are many aspects to this, but here we go:
1. Go for high net clearance (preferably with some topspin).
This should ensure good depth, keeping your opponent back.
2. Go crosscourt most of the time (hit down the line to attack).
This should ensure crossing the net at its lowest point and less chance of over-hitting.
It also makes it difficult for your opponent to angle a ball away from you.
Avoid changing the direction of the ball when it is hit with pace or
directed towards your weaker wing or if the ball is low.
3. Aim straight ahead with approach shots. This should ensure your
opponent has minimal opportunities to use angles on the pass.
4. Expect to hit at least two volleys to win a point (one to set up,
one to put away). This should ensure a better court position to finish
the point.
5. Get the first serve in, aiming for placement rather than power.
This should ensure you save energy (the cost of executing 2 serves per
point adds up!). It should also avoid the threat of your opponent
moving in on second serves.
6. When in trouble - lob! This should ensure you buy time to recover a
reasonable court position and you frustrate your opponent by
neutralising his or her attack.
Playing the percentages also involves taking into account your strengths
and weaknesses, your opponent's strengths and weaknesses, the court
surface and the playing conditions (e.g. the weather).
You should stay with a winning strategy and change a losing one!
Exploit your opponent's weaknesses judiciously (if you overdo it, he or she will improve
or find a way around it!) and try to play shots that will entice your opponent to
hit to your strengths.
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Step up and take control!
Question:
How can I dominate a groundstroke rally without making errors?
Answer:
One of the biggest problems may be hitting too hard. Hitting hard means your shot cannot clear the net by much
in order to stay in the court. Unless you harness the pace with a suitable amount of topspin, the risk factor is so great
that you're going to make more errors than hit winners.
Rather than hit harder, try taking the ball earlier by playing inside the baseline whenever you can.
Making your opponents move and play shots off-balance is the objective and it's achieved by denying them time.
The most effective way to deny your opponent time is to step inside the baseline and take the ball early.
You may find you need to reduce your backswing slightly to do this!
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Don't let appearances deceive you!
Question:
How can I find a player's weaknesses quickly?
Answer:
Weaknesses fall into three categories: technical, physical and
mental. As the standard of tennis you play improves, you find that
technical and physical weaknesses become gradually less significant
than mental ones.
If you don't get a chance to watch a player before you play, it can
sometimes take several games before you get a feel for what they
do well and what they don't do well.
Mental weaknesses are not easy to identify early in a match, but take
note of what your opponent does on the first few pressure points.
Technical and physical deficiencies can be exposed fairly early on,
even during the knock-up. So use the knock-up to do a quick evaluation
of your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Vary the speed and spin
of your shots slightly. Watch for reluctance to hit backhands. Does
your opponent ask for a few overheads? If not, make a mental note to
send up a lob as soon as the opportunity arises!
There are some deficiencies which you can expect (but be prepared to
revise your expectations!). For example, players who use an extreme
western forehand grip often have suspect forehand volleys. Similarly,
players with two-handed backhands often struggle with their backhand
volleys. Tall players often hate digging out low balls and fail to
cope with balls directed straight at them.
Some players have shots which appear to be strengths because they hit
them with considerable spin or power or both, but don't be deceived
by appearances! The hardest shots in the world are a weakness if they
don't land in the court!
If your opponent repeatedly hurts you with a shot or combination of
shots, upset the repetition! If a particular shot of your own (or a
combination of shots) gets results, do it again!
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Surprise! Surprise!
Question:
How do you wrong foot your opponent?
Answer:
The idea is to make your opponent think you're going to hit the ball to a particular
side of his court and then when he's moving there, you play it back to the side of the court
he just left! The element of surprise is crucial, so don't overdo it!
Ironically, it's a move that's often more successful against fast players than slow ones. A
fast-moving, fast-thinking player who is looking to anticipate your next shot is actually quite
vulnerable to this tactic.
Against a slower player, it's usually better to hit into the open spaces.
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Be aggressive when returning second serves!
Question:
How can I break serve against a strong server?
Answer:
Don't go for too much on the first-serve return. Your first objective
should be to make your opponent play another shot.
Shorten your backswing and direct the ball back along the line of the serve.
You've got to view your opponent's second serves as big opportunities. Consider going down the
line. Consider generating more pace. Consider a chip-and-charge combination.
Being aggressive on the second serve return may make your opponent go for more pace or depth,
risking more errors. It may also force your opponent to play safer with the first serve!
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Pay respect (but not too much!)
Question:
How do you beat a "hacker"?
Answer:
"How can I lose to this guy? He hasn't really got any shots!". That's what you're
thinking, huh? Well, let's get one thing straight to start with - the patient baseliner definitely
demands respect. But not too much respect! Avoid feeling that there's nothing you can do against
this type of player.
Conversely, it's no use feeling superior because you hit the ball harder and take more
chances. Don't sneer! He's beaten you, right? He plays within the rules and makes you
dance to his tune and you can't handle it. Agreed? Good! Now we can move on and address the problem!
Many people prefer playing hard-hitters. After all, you can redirect their power without
having to generate any of your own. When you come up against someone who does not hit with pace,
uncharacteristic errors can result from loss of patience. You start hitting the ball harder and
harder and closer to the lines than normal. Errors can also result from you taking it too easy.
You don't need to rush to the ball and you get lackadaisical with your footwork.
So, those are the problems. What can we do about them?
You don't want to soften up your own shots so much that you end up trapped into playing your
opponent's game. There are two things you need to focus on. One is controlling your impatience
and the other is to work your feet.
Resolve to play your game and your style without over-hitting or becoming too aggressive.
And then, work those feet! Avoid just waiting for the ball. You'll end up becoming uncoordinated
and making faster swings to compensate for poor positioning.
Stay focused, work your feet and play your own game (but play it patiently!). And remember that
his tactic is legitimate and often successful. But remember also that it's probably the only one
he's got!
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Tonight we have bread and water followed by champagne and caviar!
Question:
What can I do to avoid people exploiting my weak backhand?
Answer:
If you've got a weak backhand, give yourself a different set of expectations. You're
not going to rip it like your forehand, so don't try! Work on making it reliable and consistent, a
shot that will keep you in the point rather than win it. Make it your bread-and-water shot!
If you've got bread-and-water for a backhand, something else will need to be your
champagne-and-caviar. So develop your forehand into a weapon. Or you could develop your net game
and win your points that way.
If you keep your shots deep during a rally, you can avoid playing a lot of backhands. That's
because you have more time to prepare for your own shots and, if you can improve your anticipation
skills as well, you should be able to run around and hit some forehands when the ball arrives in
the backhand side of your court.
Avoid going for too much of an angle crosscourt when you play your backhands. An angle invites
an angle in return, and you'll find it harder to avoid backhands if you get into that sort of
rally.
Don't worry about the limitations of your backhand. A judicious mix of bread-and-water and
champagne-and-caviar will serve you quite adequately while you hire the services of a chef, sorry,
coach and work at improving the menu.
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Sailing to victory!
Question:
Why is my game successful against some players and not others?
Answer:
Well, that's the fascination of the sport isn't it? In the same way as a sailing boat
needs the wind to make progress, so you need opponents. Different winds and different opponents
provide different challenges, but they offer you a route to your destination. Without them, you
go nowhere and achieve nothing. If you trim your sails correctly, you can go where you want and
as far as you want. Get it wrong and you can go round in circles (or backwards).
The phrasing of your question contains a suggestion that your game is somehow immutable and
fixed, something that happens to work against some players and not others. If that's the case,
my advice to you is to become a bit more "savvy" and adapt your skills to the challenges
posed by each different opponent.
If your usual style is to rush the net, beware of the opponent who likes a target - you could
capsize! If your usual style is to hit big groundstrokes, beware of the opponent who enjoys the
pace and patiently lures you towards the rocks! In short, your strengths can become weaknesses if
you fail to take your opponent into account.
You don't need to change your technique, but you do need to develop a repertoire of tactics.
Plan A will sometimes work, but different opponents are like different winds. You can't change
the direction or the strength of the wind, but you can trim your sails accordingly and reach
your destination!
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Trap the snake!
Question:
How do you play a topspin slugger?
Answer:
If you find you're being pushed back out of court by a topspin slugger, it's like
you're being kept at bay by a deadly snake. You've got two choices. One option is to surprise
him by stepping in and seizing him by the throat, i.e. take the ball early (on the rise). This
might be a good tactic for a fairly advanced player.
The second option is a possibility for most of us and it involves using a bit of cunning! Set
a trap consisting of soft slices and chips and dinks. This will prevent your opponent getting
the racket under the ball to produce topspin. You can render him even more harmless by taking
the pace off - most aggressive baseliners thrive on pace!
Often in tennis, it's not just a question of coming up with the correct antidote - see if
you can avoid the poison in the first place!
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Is that gun loaded?
Question:
Why do I always have trouble against net-rushers?
Answer:
There's always an element of bluff when players come rushing in to the net all the time. You
don't have to fall for it. Only the very best volleyers cope well when you make them play a shot
at the net. And they can only cope well behind serves and approach shots that do some damage.
The tactic works for them if you panic. It also works for them if you try to hit perfect clean
passing shots all the time. You just ain't gonna do it! Actually, you don't need to
do it. So don't give the point away trying to be spectacular.
Call your opponent's bluff and make him work for the point! If he wants to come steaming in to
the net, test him! Let's see if that gun's loaded! You can make it difficult for him by dipping
the ball below net height. He might fluff the volley or pop the ball up short for you to
move in and pass him on the next shot. Work out if he has a weaker side and don't forget to
mix in a few lobs as well, just to keep him guessing!
If you succeed in discouraging a net-rusher, you often find that all their ammunition
miraculously disappears!
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Puppet on a string?
Question:
How should I play a big-hitter?
Answer:
Players often ask me if they should use a racket strung with a different tension when they
play big-hitters.
In general terms, lower tensions create more of a pocket on impact and the consequent
"trampoline effect" throws energy into the ball, producing a more powerful stroke. Higher
tensions enable greater "brushing effect" when you apply spin to the ball - so topspin players
get more control.
But you have to be careful, because changing string tension can affect your serve. It all
seems a bit drastic to me. Can you be sure the pros will outweigh the cons?
Better to leave your racket alone and take a bit of time to get accustomed to the pace by
doing the following:
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adjust your court position (stand further back) for a while to get a longer
look at the ball, but start moving in again as soon as you're comfortable
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reduce your backswing (maybe just a shoulder/hip turn) and be prepared to
block a few balls back while you get the feel of the weight of the ball
on the racket, then start leaning in on the shots more
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Once you're accustomed to the pace, choose a counter-strategy, e.g.:
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play high-percentage defence to frustrate your opponent into making errors
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stop your opponent getting into a rhythm by mixing up the pace, mixing up the spin,
mixing in a few drop shots
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float some slow balls back (big-hitters often hate this!)
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You don't have to be purely reactive when you play a big-hitter. Don't be a puppet! Cut the
strings (not literally!) and make your opponent dance to your tune.
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The Long, the Short and the Fool
Question:
When is the right time to try a drop shot?
Answer:
If you use it sparingly, the drop shot can be a completely devastating weapon. Cast your mind
back to 1989. It's Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario playing Raffaella Reggi on Centre Court at
Wimbledon and she's match point down. Suddenly, completely out of the blue, she disarms her
opponent with an outrageous drop shot struck from well behind the baseline. It's an
outright winner and it stuns Reggi so much that she never recovers her momentum and loses
the match. An unforgettable moment.
Some shots are just so satisfying to execute and the drop shot is one of them. Unfortunately,
it can become addictive. Drop-shot-itis is a very unfortunate condition. Avoid it by reminding
yourself that if you fail to surprise your opponent, you'll probably lose the point. You're
either a hero or a fool when you opt for the drop shot.
The opportunity arises when you're inside your baseline and your opponent is well behind his
baseline. Sanchez-Vicario was lucky - a drop shot played from behind the baseline usually has
too far to travel, allowing your opponent too much time to reach it.
Be aware of your opponent's position as well as your own. If the shot is going to be effective,
you must be short in the court and your opponent must be long. If you can sense an element of
surprise, all the better. Remember to narrow the angles by following it in to the net.
I guess that's the long and the short of it.
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You are feeling sleepy!
Question:
It doesn't work when I change my game to play a moonballer. What do I do?
Answer:
Players sometimes get in such a stew when they're confronted with a defensive
moonballer. I hear this type of opponent described in the most derogatory terms. According to
most of the victims I meet, the moonballer should not have won, doesn't play "proper
tennis" and won't get anywhere in the game.
Well, tell that to Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario - amongst others!
The problem arises because dogged persistence is a relatively uncommon trait. You kind of get
used to opponents who oblige you with a liberal helping of unforced errors when you offer them
the opportunities. It can be very baffling to encounter a player who is resolutely intent
on doing nothing more than get the ball back without making a mistake.
Let's face it, though, this opponent has no weapons and is relying on you inflicting wounds on
yourself. The danger lies in your own reaction to the problem. If you become a headless
chicken and select shots you never practise, adopt tactics you never rehearse and allow
yourself to be totally manipulated by a situation that really isn't all that threatening, then
you will find yourself in deep water and no mistake.
So, DON'T PANIC! You don't have to suddenly conjure up drive volleys in the mid-court - especially
if you can only just cope with the orthodox variety. There's no point rushing the net at every
opportunity - especially if lunging and jumping are anathema to you. Risking a strategy of
drop shots and lobs may prove disastrous - especially if your touch is suspect. In short, if the
relevant weapons are not in your arsenal, then all the conventional wisdom about playing
moonballers can be discounted.
Changing tactics is only an option if you can execute the required shots with competence and
confidence. And if it's not an option, tackle the problem from a psychological perspective as
opposed to a tactical one.
In this case, focus on the strong points of your own game - your most reliable shots (or
sequences of shots). Accept you're going to have to be a whole lot more patient than
usual and accept it will take longer to construct your openings. But keep believing in your
own weapons!
Keep believing even when your best shots keep coming back. Keep believing even when they
appear to have no visible effect on your opponent whatsoever. After all, this type of
player loves having to react and loves having to defend. Your task is to keep a positive mindset!
Your weapons will gradually have an effect, albeit a drip drip effect. Persist! Eventually,
you'll get a shorter ball. Eventually, you'll create space on the court for a really incisive
blow.
Play according to the score. When you're 40-0 or 40-15 up, for example, you can probably
afford to risk a little more. Working your feet is important too. Just because you don't
need to move fast, you can get lulled into sloppy shot preparation. So keep your feet
busy!
Playing a moonballer can become hypnotic. Be a bad hypnotic subject by resisting the
suggestion that you should get frustrated. The ability to resist depends on belief and
expectations. Make sure you're equipped with both.
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