Selecting a racquet can be a daunting challenge - both when you are looking to switch tennis racquets, as well as when you are selecting your first tennis racquet. With twenty something racquet companies on the market, and each with ten or more offerings, how can you find the racquet that is best for you?
The first step is to understand the basic meat and potatoes of racquet specifications. There are six primary specifications you will need to consider.
1) Head size - Head sizes range from 90-137 square inches. What is important to know is smaller head sizes offer more control and maneuverability but have less power, which will mean you will need to supply it yourself. Generally, smaller headed racquets are superior volleying frames. Larger headed racquets offer a larger sweet spot, and greater power. The larger sweet sport will allow a greater margin of error on your strokes, but are less maneuverable and not great volleying racquets. Most professionals on the tour these days use 100 square inch racquets. This is the new mid plus size. Juniors should target the 100 sq inch head size. For adults, a lot will depend on your age and ability to move. The more mobile a player you are, and the more racquet speed you can generate yourself, the smaller the head size can be. The slower you are, and the less swing speed you can generate yourself, the larger the racquet head should be.
2) Length - the length of a racquet (adult) will range between 27-29 inches. The longer the racquet, the more reach and power the racquet will have. The drawback of a longer racquet is it becomes less maneuverable. The shorter the racquet, the more maneuverable it is. Most professionals play with a 27 inch racquet, though some play with a 27.25 or 27.5 inch frame. Juniors should stay within that same range once they switch to an adult frame. The younger the player the more they should be staying with a 27 inch frame. For adults, the mobility of the player is an important consideration. The less mobile you are, the longer the racquet should be as it will offer you more reach to counteract the lack of mobility.
3) Beam width - The beam width is the measurement across the edge of the frame, if you placed the racquet perpendicular to the ground. Racquet beams range between 19-30mm. The thinner the beam, the less powerful the racquet, and they will see decreasing head sizes. The thicker the beam, the larger the head of the racquet, and the more power the racquet will possess. Thinner beams are used by junior players, professionals, and players 4.5-5.0 and up. The thickest beams are used by older less mobile players who need the racquet to provide power because they lack swing speed.
4) Weight - The weight of the racquet is measured both in ounces and grams. In terms of ounces, racquets range between 8.5-12.5 ounces. Heavier racquets in general will have smaller heads, and thinner beams, and these frames increasingly require the player to be able to produce high swing speeds to get the desired power. Lighter racquets generally have larger heads, and thicker beams, and are designed for players that are less mobile and require the racquet to generate the power. Heavier racquets absorb more shock, and are less likely to give you tennis elbow. Lighter racquet, due to less mass, absorb less shock, and tend to give players tennis elbows. If you doubt my claim, look at all the senior players at your facility - a statistically significant number have light racquets and an elbow support/brace of some sort. Weight is listed for the racquet being unstrung. String adds .5oz to the weight of the frame. Example, Head Speed MP is listed as 10.6oz. This is the unstrung weight. The strung weight is 11.1oz.
5) Balance - The balance of a racquet is measured in points. 1 point = 1/8th of an inch. It is measured from the middle of the racquet. Example, a 27 inch racquet that is "even balanced" has the balance point at 13.5 inches, and is 0pts head light and 0pts head heavy. A head light racquet means most of the weight is found in the handle, with the balance point closer to the handle. A head heavy racquet means most of the weight is found in the head of the racquet, and the balance point is more towards the head. A racquet that is 8pts head light has the balance point at 12.5 inches (8pts = 1inch (8*1/8)) towards the handle. Racquet manufactures give you the balance point of the racquet when it is UNSTRUNG. Strings, as discussed earlier, add .5 oz, and that weight is added to the head. This means that usually the balance point listed should be reduced 2pts (2/8 or 1/4inch). As an example, a racquet that says it is 4 points head light unstrung is 2pts head light strung. Likewise a racquet listed as even balanced, is 2pts head heavy strung. Head light racquets are used by college players, professional players, and juniors should look for racquets that are at least 2pts head light strung (4pts head light unstrung). Head light racquets are more maneuverable, and the head whips through the ball like a catapult, thus enabling more racquet head speed. The more head light the racquet, the smaller the racquet head, the heavier the frame, and the thinner the beam. The more head heavy the racquet, the lighter the frame, the thicker the beam, and the larger the racquet head.
6) String pattern - String patterns are listed on the racquet in the following manner, (A x B), where A is the number of main strings (the longer strings that travel from the tip of the head to the throat), and B is the number of cross strings (the shorter strings that travel perpendicularly to the main strings). A string pattern will affect the amount of spin and control the racquet will offer. String patterns are considered in terms of their denseness. The denseness is determine by the ratio of mains to crosses. When comparing string patterns, be sure to compare racquets of the same exact head size, as a change in head size also affects the denseness of the pattern. As an example, a 16 X 16 string pattern is less dense than a 16 X 20 string pattern. Less dense string patterns will give you more spin as the spaces between strings are larger. However, a less dense pattern will also offer less control, as less string surface area is interacting with the ball. A more dense pattern offers more control and less spin. If you are in the market for more spin and can't change your technique in order to get it, consider a less dense string pattern.
As with any purchasing decision, before you begin looking, make a note of what you want to get out of your frame. Do you want more power? More spin? More control? More reach? Each racquet on the market can answer one or two of your needs. Keep in mind when you go for more in one area, you are sacrificing something in another as compensation.
The key to selecting the racquet that is right for you is demoing a frame. If you are still unsure after reading this blog, simply demo multiple types of frames. When you find one that feels good when you strike the ball, note the specifications listed on the racquet. Then go to any website that sells racquets and look up similar racquets from other companies that have similar specifications. Ignore all the technological mumbo jumbo listed on the racquet. What is important is how the racquet feels when you hit the ball. Select 5 or 6 more racquets of similar specifications and then figure out which one you like the most.
If you like your current racquet but it is no longer made, look up the specifications of your racquet, and find 5 or 6 newer racquets that have similar specifications and demo. Continue demoing frames in that range until you find your new racquet. Do not simply buy the new version of your old racquet - the technology does not matter in terms of the specifications, but it does matter in terms of how the racquet feels. Newer versions of racquets feel completely different, so have an open mind.
With a little understanding and much demoing, selecting the correct racquet for you will be a piece of cake.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Stop Playing If You Really Want To Improve
The title is provocative, but the idea is very basic and fundamental. In order to improve something, you must practice it for enough hours where "old" technique or tactics get erased, and the new technique or tactics become hard wired. Playing matches during this time, does nothing to improve your ability to learn new things. It only serves to IMPEDE your learning curve.
The reason is when you go play a tournament match (if you are a junior), or a practice or league match (if you are an adult), chances are you will not use anything you are currently learning in your lessons. Instead, if the new things have not be hard wired yet, you will simply revert to the old technique and tactics, creating more interference for the new technique and tactics to take hold.
Any pro will tell you that it takes anywhere between 4-6 weeks of constant training on a technique or tactic for it to become second nature. This 4-6 weeks assumes you are practicing the change at least 3-4 times a week. If you can't practice the change but once or twice a week, the change will take even longer to implement. Any competition that takes place within this window will set you back 1-2 weeks of training.
When we learn something new, our central nervous system creates myelin, which serves as a link between neural pathways, and determines how well we are able to do certain movements. The more myelin that is created in a neural pathway, the more coordinated and permanent it can become. When you make a change, you must effectively overwrite the myelin that you have already developed for your current movements and tactics. In order for your change to take hold and be ready to use in a match, the myelin you develop must exceed the myelin you have in place for the old technique and tactics. The less you use a neural pathway, the more it degenerates. This is why when you stop playing for 6 months you struggle to regain your form for some time. The process of overwriting old myelin, involves creating new myelin for a new movement, and not using the old movement at all.
The best and quickest way to learn something new is to literally stop playing competitively. You must immerse yourself in the change until you are proficient. If it is technique, stop playing matches, and stop hitting until you can produce the proper technical movements 20-30 times in a row from a feed from a racquet, or a ball machine. Keep in mind practice doesn't make perfect - practice makes permanent. So only use the ball machine if your pro has indicated to you that your technique is solid enough to make permanent. Think of the ball machine as a myelin builder on steroids. Slowly build you ability to the point where you are hitting in practice with the new technique or tactic. Only after you can achieve success with the new technique in practice should you then try practice matches where you only use the new technique. Remember, part if the process is ditching the old technique. Do not fall back on it as a crutch, as this will only serve to delay your ability to master the new.
If it is a tactic, stop playing matches, and immerse yourself in the new tactic for 4-6 weeks. After the 4-6 weeks, begin practice matches where you concentrate on using the new tactic, damned the outcome of the match. Once you feel proficient at the new tactic, begin competition again.
The adult league seasons are such that adults must decide which ones to SKIP in order to learn something new. Juniors need to skip tournament play for the required time,
So stop playing if you truly want to learn something new. Your game will thank you for your beneficence.
The reason is when you go play a tournament match (if you are a junior), or a practice or league match (if you are an adult), chances are you will not use anything you are currently learning in your lessons. Instead, if the new things have not be hard wired yet, you will simply revert to the old technique and tactics, creating more interference for the new technique and tactics to take hold.
Any pro will tell you that it takes anywhere between 4-6 weeks of constant training on a technique or tactic for it to become second nature. This 4-6 weeks assumes you are practicing the change at least 3-4 times a week. If you can't practice the change but once or twice a week, the change will take even longer to implement. Any competition that takes place within this window will set you back 1-2 weeks of training.
When we learn something new, our central nervous system creates myelin, which serves as a link between neural pathways, and determines how well we are able to do certain movements. The more myelin that is created in a neural pathway, the more coordinated and permanent it can become. When you make a change, you must effectively overwrite the myelin that you have already developed for your current movements and tactics. In order for your change to take hold and be ready to use in a match, the myelin you develop must exceed the myelin you have in place for the old technique and tactics. The less you use a neural pathway, the more it degenerates. This is why when you stop playing for 6 months you struggle to regain your form for some time. The process of overwriting old myelin, involves creating new myelin for a new movement, and not using the old movement at all.
The best and quickest way to learn something new is to literally stop playing competitively. You must immerse yourself in the change until you are proficient. If it is technique, stop playing matches, and stop hitting until you can produce the proper technical movements 20-30 times in a row from a feed from a racquet, or a ball machine. Keep in mind practice doesn't make perfect - practice makes permanent. So only use the ball machine if your pro has indicated to you that your technique is solid enough to make permanent. Think of the ball machine as a myelin builder on steroids. Slowly build you ability to the point where you are hitting in practice with the new technique or tactic. Only after you can achieve success with the new technique in practice should you then try practice matches where you only use the new technique. Remember, part if the process is ditching the old technique. Do not fall back on it as a crutch, as this will only serve to delay your ability to master the new.
If it is a tactic, stop playing matches, and immerse yourself in the new tactic for 4-6 weeks. After the 4-6 weeks, begin practice matches where you concentrate on using the new tactic, damned the outcome of the match. Once you feel proficient at the new tactic, begin competition again.
The adult league seasons are such that adults must decide which ones to SKIP in order to learn something new. Juniors need to skip tournament play for the required time,
So stop playing if you truly want to learn something new. Your game will thank you for your beneficence.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Backhand Slice - The Most Under-Utilized stroke in Tennis
Next time you are at Forestmeadows, walk around the courts and see how many players attempt to use a backhand slice during points. Then go to an FSU tennis match and determine how many backhand slices were used. Then watch a match at the Sony Open, and determine how many backhand slices were even attempted. Chances are the answer to all three will be identical - As a group, you might see 20% of the people using a backhand slice on 5% of their backhands, with only slight upticks in usage at the collegiate and pro level.
Two years ago I played for fun in an 8.0 mixed doubles league. I remember two matches specifically in terms of this blog. The first was a match against a 4.0 man and 4.0 woman. I chipped every backhand return on the ad court, and I kid you not, not one came back in the court. I literally won every point with my slice backhand and slice forehand. Later in the league my partner and I played against a 4.5 man, and a 3.5 woman. I chipped the woman's serve every time and the man's second serve 50% of the time. I won 90% of those points without me or my teammate seeing a ball come back over the net and in play.
Now, I can attest to not having the greatest slice backhand in the history of tennis. However, through the 4.5 level it is extremely effective - especially in doubles. The ball stays low and out of the strike zone of my opponent, and forces them to hit up. It will move to the player's right after the bounce. At 4.5 and below, this is very disconcerting, since they do not account for the spin in their movement to the ball - rendering them out of position.
In doubles, if your opponent is serving and volleying or approaching the net, a soft slice backhand inside the service box to your opponent is an extremely effective shot for a number of reasons. 1) You kill all the pace, forcing your opponent to have to generate pace on the volley. At lower levels this is a recipe for an error. 2) The ball is low to the feet of the opponent. This forces the player to have to handle either a half volley or a very low volley. At lower levels this is also a recipe for an error. 3) Because of 1 and 2, your partner can be more active as more balls will come to the middle of the court and up in response to the chip.
In singles, a cross court slice every 3 or 4 shots is a great way to mix up the pace and spin and keep your opponent from getting into a rhythm. It also will keep the ball out of their strike zone, and force them to hit a ball with more spin and less pace. A slice is also a great way to approach the net in singles, or return serve against a difficult serve.
In both games the slice is also the best way to play balls defensively when the ball is too low or too far away to effective hit with topspin or with two hands.
Now, how do you hit an EFFECTIVE slice?
First you must understand the a slice is a combination of underspin and side spin. It it produced by swinging high to low to the contact point, and then following through across the body to the dominant side. Here are the 3 checkpoints necessary to hit a great slice backhand. Before we start, this will be a one handed stroke, and our grip is continental.
1) Turn & MAKE A BOX
Notice that Federer has turned and placed the racquet on his left shoulder, with the upper part of the neck of the racquet touching that shoulder. It is that movement that effectively creates the "box" - a series of 90 degree angles. The first 90 degree angle is between the upper arm and forearm, with the 90 degree angle occurring at the elbow. The second 90 degree angle is between the forearm/wrist and the racquet.
Note the racquet face (the side of the strings that will hit the ball) is facing his opponent more or less.
2) Swing down to the ball & CONTACT WITH THE RACQUET FACE RELATIVELY SQUARE
Note that the 90 degree angle between Federer's forearm and racquet remains unchanged at contact. This gives him the greatest possible stability. The contact point is at the same distance from the net as his right foot, no too far in front of him. This contact point position allows him to impart side spin to the ball, as the next photo will show. Note too that Federer's left arm has move backwards to help ensure proper balance.
3) FOLLOW THROUGH WITH BOTH ARMS GOING SIDEWAYS ALONG THE PATH OF THE BASELINE/NET
Two years ago I played for fun in an 8.0 mixed doubles league. I remember two matches specifically in terms of this blog. The first was a match against a 4.0 man and 4.0 woman. I chipped every backhand return on the ad court, and I kid you not, not one came back in the court. I literally won every point with my slice backhand and slice forehand. Later in the league my partner and I played against a 4.5 man, and a 3.5 woman. I chipped the woman's serve every time and the man's second serve 50% of the time. I won 90% of those points without me or my teammate seeing a ball come back over the net and in play.
Now, I can attest to not having the greatest slice backhand in the history of tennis. However, through the 4.5 level it is extremely effective - especially in doubles. The ball stays low and out of the strike zone of my opponent, and forces them to hit up. It will move to the player's right after the bounce. At 4.5 and below, this is very disconcerting, since they do not account for the spin in their movement to the ball - rendering them out of position.
In doubles, if your opponent is serving and volleying or approaching the net, a soft slice backhand inside the service box to your opponent is an extremely effective shot for a number of reasons. 1) You kill all the pace, forcing your opponent to have to generate pace on the volley. At lower levels this is a recipe for an error. 2) The ball is low to the feet of the opponent. This forces the player to have to handle either a half volley or a very low volley. At lower levels this is also a recipe for an error. 3) Because of 1 and 2, your partner can be more active as more balls will come to the middle of the court and up in response to the chip.
In singles, a cross court slice every 3 or 4 shots is a great way to mix up the pace and spin and keep your opponent from getting into a rhythm. It also will keep the ball out of their strike zone, and force them to hit a ball with more spin and less pace. A slice is also a great way to approach the net in singles, or return serve against a difficult serve.
In both games the slice is also the best way to play balls defensively when the ball is too low or too far away to effective hit with topspin or with two hands.
Now, how do you hit an EFFECTIVE slice?
First you must understand the a slice is a combination of underspin and side spin. It it produced by swinging high to low to the contact point, and then following through across the body to the dominant side. Here are the 3 checkpoints necessary to hit a great slice backhand. Before we start, this will be a one handed stroke, and our grip is continental.
1) Turn & MAKE A BOX
Notice that Federer has turned and placed the racquet on his left shoulder, with the upper part of the neck of the racquet touching that shoulder. It is that movement that effectively creates the "box" - a series of 90 degree angles. The first 90 degree angle is between the upper arm and forearm, with the 90 degree angle occurring at the elbow. The second 90 degree angle is between the forearm/wrist and the racquet.
Note the racquet face (the side of the strings that will hit the ball) is facing his opponent more or less.
2) Swing down to the ball & CONTACT WITH THE RACQUET FACE RELATIVELY SQUARE
3) FOLLOW THROUGH WITH BOTH ARMS GOING SIDEWAYS ALONG THE PATH OF THE BASELINE/NET
Notice how Federer's follow through is going to his dominant side (right) and NOT towards his target. Going from a forward swing to contact to a follow through which changes the swing path 90 degrees is the mechanism that accelerates Federer's hand to a maximum level. This follow through allows him to impart side spin on the ball, which earlier I stated was a function of the contact point being fairly close to him. He is literally brushing the ball from left to right. Note that the 90 degree angle between his forearm and racquet has only changed slightly, and the racquet head is BELOW his arm. The side of the strings that hit the ball is facing forward.
This is the new modern way to hit a slice.
The slice is a necessary shot in all levels of tennis. It is relatively easy to learn, and can be taught in these three easy checkpoints. Add this shot to your repertoire, and more wins will follow.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Losing is a State of Mind
"Whether you think you can or cannot - you're right." - Henry Ford
Winning and losing a tennis match starts with having the proper mindset. Beginning a match with a negative mindset - thinking you are going to lose the match whatever the reason - is certain to end the match with you on the losing end. While having a positive mindset is no guarantee of victory, a negative one is a guarantee of defeat.
You and your mind are your own worst enemy. Negative mindsets have a spiraling nature to them. Negative thoughts create negative results, which lead to more negative thoughts and more negative results. It is difficult to get out of this spiral once you find yourself in one.
A positive mindset stops negative thinking and kills any chance of a negative spiral. Disappointment in oneself, frustration with a poor shot, or irritation due to an opponent's luck is all going to happen within a tennis match. Because we are emotionally attached to the result of the match, these feelings are the consequences of that attachment. However, there are a series of actions the we can take throughout the match, as well as actions we can take to specifically deal with the negative emotions and actions.
Routines
Routines are your first and best line of defense against a negative mindset creeping into your game. Routines are a series of actions, or movements that you employ prior to EVERY point, regardless of the ebb and flow of the match. Nadal picks his underwear, fusses with his hair and shirt before EVERY point. Sharapova jogs in place with her back to her opponent, runs her hands through her hair, and if serving bounces the ball deliberately slow. These are just a few examples of routines. All pros have routines for the changeovers as well. They exercise them like their life depends on them.
Doubles teams at the professional level also have routines. The most simple one for us to execute is to give your partner a "high five" as you walk back to the baseline together, and then discuss the next point's beginning (where the serve and return will go). Do this regardless of the result of the previous point. This routine will help one or both of you shift your focus from a negative result to what needs to be done on the next point, which will effectively kill any chance for a negative spiral.
Routines shift your mindset and clear your mind of emotion, both negative and positive. By focusing in between points on the routine, your focus is no longer on what just happened. Instead your focus shifts to performing an action. Routines become so important, that skipping the routine can have disastrous consequences.
Create routines for yourself, and you will begin to see a substantial improvement in your state of mind throughout your matches, and should result in more wins for you.
Shadowing your stroke properly
This tool will aid you in breaking the negative cycle that can occur when you make an error on a stroke, and you are frustrated with yourself. Rather than focusing your attention on the error that was made, shadow the stroke you missed correctly two or three times. This will shift your focus from errors (negative) to solutions (positive), which should result in fewer errors on the same stroke later.
Train yourself to be positive
Like your strokes, your mindset can be effectively trained over time. Be sure to be aware of your body language. Bouncing around between points (Ferrer is the best example) is a great way to avoid slumping your shoulders, and looking dejected on the court. Fist pumps are welcome when things go well, just remember to exercise your routine immediately after so you don't remain focused on the previous point.
Practice and exercise your routines between every point and on every changeover. Over time you will find yourself with a Borg-like focus and nerves of Nadal.
Winning and losing a tennis match starts with having the proper mindset. Beginning a match with a negative mindset - thinking you are going to lose the match whatever the reason - is certain to end the match with you on the losing end. While having a positive mindset is no guarantee of victory, a negative one is a guarantee of defeat.
You and your mind are your own worst enemy. Negative mindsets have a spiraling nature to them. Negative thoughts create negative results, which lead to more negative thoughts and more negative results. It is difficult to get out of this spiral once you find yourself in one.
A positive mindset stops negative thinking and kills any chance of a negative spiral. Disappointment in oneself, frustration with a poor shot, or irritation due to an opponent's luck is all going to happen within a tennis match. Because we are emotionally attached to the result of the match, these feelings are the consequences of that attachment. However, there are a series of actions the we can take throughout the match, as well as actions we can take to specifically deal with the negative emotions and actions.
Routines
Routines are your first and best line of defense against a negative mindset creeping into your game. Routines are a series of actions, or movements that you employ prior to EVERY point, regardless of the ebb and flow of the match. Nadal picks his underwear, fusses with his hair and shirt before EVERY point. Sharapova jogs in place with her back to her opponent, runs her hands through her hair, and if serving bounces the ball deliberately slow. These are just a few examples of routines. All pros have routines for the changeovers as well. They exercise them like their life depends on them.
Doubles teams at the professional level also have routines. The most simple one for us to execute is to give your partner a "high five" as you walk back to the baseline together, and then discuss the next point's beginning (where the serve and return will go). Do this regardless of the result of the previous point. This routine will help one or both of you shift your focus from a negative result to what needs to be done on the next point, which will effectively kill any chance for a negative spiral.
Routines shift your mindset and clear your mind of emotion, both negative and positive. By focusing in between points on the routine, your focus is no longer on what just happened. Instead your focus shifts to performing an action. Routines become so important, that skipping the routine can have disastrous consequences.
Create routines for yourself, and you will begin to see a substantial improvement in your state of mind throughout your matches, and should result in more wins for you.
Shadowing your stroke properly
This tool will aid you in breaking the negative cycle that can occur when you make an error on a stroke, and you are frustrated with yourself. Rather than focusing your attention on the error that was made, shadow the stroke you missed correctly two or three times. This will shift your focus from errors (negative) to solutions (positive), which should result in fewer errors on the same stroke later.
Train yourself to be positive
Like your strokes, your mindset can be effectively trained over time. Be sure to be aware of your body language. Bouncing around between points (Ferrer is the best example) is a great way to avoid slumping your shoulders, and looking dejected on the court. Fist pumps are welcome when things go well, just remember to exercise your routine immediately after so you don't remain focused on the previous point.
Practice and exercise your routines between every point and on every changeover. Over time you will find yourself with a Borg-like focus and nerves of Nadal.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Play the Score To Win More Matches
Risk and reward. Most people look at the former statement and think "the more risk, the greater opportunity for reward." I, on the other hand, look at the same statement and think "reduce risk and gain more rewards." I also think "it's easier to take risks when you have a lot of extra money to spare."
Playing the score is crucial when you are doing your risk assessments, and determining what serves, what returns of serve, and what types of shots should be attempted. Not all scores are equal. Returning serve at 0-40, is much different than returning serve at 30-30. The same can be said for the server.
Aggression on any shot is MORE risky the closer the score is - both within the game, and within the set. In doubles, going for a big first serve becomes increasingly risky as the set draws to a close - an example would be serving at 4-5 in the first set. If you then add in the score of the game, going for a big first serve at 4-5 0-30 is not the smartest play you could make. Why? As pressure increases, percentages decrease. You will miss more first serves as the pressure increases. This means your opponents will see more second serves. In previous blogs, I have detailed that the returners of serve have a distinct advantage on second serves - they will usually win 50% or more of points started with a second serve. A smarter play would be to serve 3/4 pace first serves or hit your second serve a little harder. That way you increase your chances of getting the first serve in under the most pressure, and increase your likelihood of winning the point altogether.
Returning serve should be treated with the same tactical scrutiny. When your team is ahead 5-1, 0-40, blasting a down the line return of serve becomes less risky to the goal of winning the set. You have established cushion - margin for error. However, if the score was 5-4, 30-40, attempting the lowest percentage return on the court becomes too risky to possibly waste your set point opportunity. At this juncture, a cross court return would be very wise and the least risky proposition.
In any match, reducing risk is essential to the goal of reducing errors. Reducing errors is the most important aspect of winning any tennis match. Shot selection and playing the score are crucial factors into determining the level of risk.
In tennis regardless of singles or doubles, the cross court return of serve is the highest percentage return. Down the line is always the lower percentage return. When serving, Serving in the middle of the box is the highest percentage serve in terms of consistency. Serving down the T is a higher percentage serve than serving out wide to either side because when serving to the T you benefit from the lowest part of the net, and reduce your opponents angles for the return.
The score determines your margin for error and whether not a risk is worth taking. The greater the disparity in score in your favor, the less risky low percentage shots become. The closer the score, the more risky they become. I'm not advocating never taking risks, in fact I am advocating taking intelligent risks - risks that won't hurt you in the long run. That way you benefit from their success and aren't hurt by their failure.
Playing the score is crucial when you are doing your risk assessments, and determining what serves, what returns of serve, and what types of shots should be attempted. Not all scores are equal. Returning serve at 0-40, is much different than returning serve at 30-30. The same can be said for the server.
Aggression on any shot is MORE risky the closer the score is - both within the game, and within the set. In doubles, going for a big first serve becomes increasingly risky as the set draws to a close - an example would be serving at 4-5 in the first set. If you then add in the score of the game, going for a big first serve at 4-5 0-30 is not the smartest play you could make. Why? As pressure increases, percentages decrease. You will miss more first serves as the pressure increases. This means your opponents will see more second serves. In previous blogs, I have detailed that the returners of serve have a distinct advantage on second serves - they will usually win 50% or more of points started with a second serve. A smarter play would be to serve 3/4 pace first serves or hit your second serve a little harder. That way you increase your chances of getting the first serve in under the most pressure, and increase your likelihood of winning the point altogether.
Returning serve should be treated with the same tactical scrutiny. When your team is ahead 5-1, 0-40, blasting a down the line return of serve becomes less risky to the goal of winning the set. You have established cushion - margin for error. However, if the score was 5-4, 30-40, attempting the lowest percentage return on the court becomes too risky to possibly waste your set point opportunity. At this juncture, a cross court return would be very wise and the least risky proposition.
In any match, reducing risk is essential to the goal of reducing errors. Reducing errors is the most important aspect of winning any tennis match. Shot selection and playing the score are crucial factors into determining the level of risk.
In tennis regardless of singles or doubles, the cross court return of serve is the highest percentage return. Down the line is always the lower percentage return. When serving, Serving in the middle of the box is the highest percentage serve in terms of consistency. Serving down the T is a higher percentage serve than serving out wide to either side because when serving to the T you benefit from the lowest part of the net, and reduce your opponents angles for the return.
The score determines your margin for error and whether not a risk is worth taking. The greater the disparity in score in your favor, the less risky low percentage shots become. The closer the score, the more risky they become. I'm not advocating never taking risks, in fact I am advocating taking intelligent risks - risks that won't hurt you in the long run. That way you benefit from their success and aren't hurt by their failure.
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