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Tennis Tips

Did you know that when you win the toss at the beginning of a match that you have three choices and not two?

The choices are to serve or receive, choice of side, and the third is you can let your opponent choose. Why would you ever let your opponent choose? Well, on an extremely windy or sunny day, if you let your opponent choose then you can make sure that they start off serving in the sun or with the wind in their face. Think about using this choice next time the sun is in a bad place or the wind is really blowing hard to get that early break of serve.

“I want to become mentally tougher…”

People don’t often realize that becoming “mentally tougher” is a skill that is acquired through practice and match play just like practicing your technique. The most important time to practice your mental toughness during a match is in between points. Dr. James Loehr, a famous sport psychologist, describes the “30 second cure”. Step 1 is the physical response. This should take from 3-5 seconds and takes place as soon as the point has ended. It is where you quickly turn away from the point, make a physical gesture such as a fist pump and make a comment such as “yes” or “come on” or “focus”. Keep your head up, shoulders straight and your racquet head up - this exudes confidence. Step 2 is the relaxation response and lasts 6-15 seconds. Put your eyes on a focal point such as your strings, take deep breaths, contract and relax your muscles, and think to yourself “calm”, “relax”, or “settle down”. Step 3 is the preparation response. This lasts from 3-5 seconds. Stop 2 to 3 feet behind the baseline and focus your eyes on the opponent’s side of the court. Mentally register the score and decide what you want to do on the next point. Think of one or two items of positive self-advice to get you ready to play the next point. Step 4 is the ritual response and takes 5-8 seconds. Whatever your ritual is on serve or return of serve, do it. Keep it consistent. Mentally, visualize where you are going to hit that first ball and keep your muscles relaxed as the intensity builds. Allow 3-4 weeks to get them occurring naturally and you’ll be on your way to becoming a “mental giant”.

How often have you come off the court saying…

“I should have beat that person” or “I blew a 5-1 lead and choked it away”? Everyone has blown leads or lost to people they probably should have beaten, but there are some ways to prevent a heartbreaking loss from shattering your game and sabotaging future performances. Praise your opponent: When the match is over, immediately shake your opponent’s hand and say something positive. No matter how obviously you choked, credit your opponent for his or her ability for hanging in there. This will take you out of the “why me” syndrome, which only makes matters worse. No excuses: There are many reasons for the outcome, but the fact is, you lost. Attribute the results to both your opponent’s strengths as well as your own shortcomings. Make a list of everything you’ll do better next time and set these as goals. Avoid prolonged distress: Come to grips with your anger, but don’t overdo it. Dwelling on painful emotions may create a second trauma and a barrier to future success. Use this defeat as motivation to improve.

How to beat a player that is superior in skill level to you and believe you can do it.

Many players lose to opponents based on that player’s reputation. How many times have you played someone and decided you’ve lost the match before the first serve is struck because of losing to that player before or knowing they are undefeated. Mentally, you have to realize that past accomplishments and reputation have absolutely nothing to do with present performance. While playing this player, it’s normal to want to rush through points because of a sense of inferiority, which leads to poor decision making and unforced errors. You have to figure out a way to control the tempo of the match and win points by making your opponent go for big shots. Give that player a chance to miss and make them beat you by hitting winners and not by beating yourself. Remember that intimidation becomes a factor only if you let it. Study your opponent’s strategies, positioning, and shot making, but don’t think about who that person is – it doesn’t matter. Play the ball and concern yourself with your own game.

When it’s not a bad idea to stay on the baseline when your team is receiving serve?

We are told to always get to the net, return and come in. There are times when it’s not a bad idea to stay on the baseline when your team is receiving serve. If you are more comfortable on the baseline then at the net, then staying back sometimes may be for you. If you are playing against an aggressive team who likes to serve and volley or poaches a lot, then staying back helps out your partner when you are returning serve. Also, if you are having trouble returning the serve crosscourt and hit it right to the net person so that your partner gets crushed at the net, then staying back might help keep you in the point. When staying back you have to remember to be patient and not try to hit winners. You have to mix in some lobs as well as your passing shots to keep them from getting too tight on the net. The key to breaking serve with this strategy is getting balls in play, hit short angles, down the middle passing shots and offensive lobs. Winners may be few, but you can drive other teams crazy by getting back ball after ball especially if you see they have trouble putting the ball away at net. Ultimately, the goal in doubles is to move to the net, but staying back once in awhile may be what you and your partner need to throw your opponents off and gain the upper hand in your match.

When is it best to shoot down the line in doubles?

There are certain times when going down the line is not such a bad idea. One time to do it is when you are picking on the weaker player or someone who is not as comfortable at the net. If you notice during your match that there is a considerable difference in level between the two players, pick on the weaker player at the net. If you notice that the net person is staying too far or too close to the net, then don’t be afraid to go right at them. You may get the ball at their feet or force them into hitting a short ball, which you can attack. Another time is just for a change of pace. If you’ve been going cross-court constantly and your balls are getting picked off, throw in a down the line to keep the net person from poaching your shots. Remember, you are sending a message that you might not always go cross-court which will keep your opponent on their heels.

“When should I get my racquet strung?”

The old “rule of thumb” used to be: as many times as you played during the week is how many times you should string your racket per year. Even for the most casual player or someone that doesn’t play at a high level, you should be getting your racquet re-strung at least twice a year. Strings have a life that lasts usually around 3-4 months with little or no play. Once you put strings in a racquet, they are stretched. With each day, they lose their tension and start to become dead. The tension may feel OK, but the strings lose their “pop” and you begin to work harder to hit the ball. Not getting your racquet re-strung on a regular basis is the #1 reason for arm problems plus the fact your shots may be flying to the fence.

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