TennisOne Lessons

Focus Control

Pressure and How to Make
Your Opponent Feel It

By Jim McLennan, Senior TennisONE editor, former President, USPTA, NORCAL
We have examined how to cope with pressure in previous columns. This column is focused on how to generate the pressure, rather than how to cope with it. Tom Stow, world famous coach of Grand Slam winner Don Budge, wrote (and taught) "The forcing game is based on the principle of continuous pressure ....The player of the 'All court forcing game' must always keep in mind the fact the they are playing another human being and that the pressure they are applying has a very definite effect on the mental attitude of their opponent."

How can you learn to analyze your opponent and then craft a strategy that exploits his weakness? And be mindful, the key to creating pressure is to make your opponent hit shots he doesn't believe in.

  1. Listen carefully and constantly for advertisements. When your opponent exclaims, "Impossible, I missed it again!" be certain you know what shot he missed and in what situation. Gradually test out whether that shot is his Achilles heel, and if this proves to be true, then keep going to that shot until he shows he can handle it.

  2. Avoid your own advertisements. Your opponent may also be using this method to gain inside information. Therefore, treat your errors quietly and without demonstration, and your opponent may never discover that you don't own the lob.
  3. Apply immediate pressure against the second serve. Now matter how your opponent plays, the shortest and least aggressive shot he hits is generally his second serve. You must test it immediately, you must test it constantly, and if his serve holds up against this pressure, you must continue to press, for ultimately it will crack (unless he is supremely confident in this shot, which is unlikely unless his last name is Sampras).

    Pressure against the second serve includes down the line approach shots, penetrating cross court drives, and delicate drop shots. In each case, you must move forward and take the ball early. In each case, you must demonstrate that your game plan is to always attack this suspect second serve. You must build a situation where your opponent feels enormous pressure prior hitting his second serve.

  4. Serve a high percentage of first serves. Do not let your opponent gain the repeated opportunity to create pressure during your second delivery.

  5. Keep the ball in play. Sounds simple but it has great meaning. Show your opponent that you are willing to get anything and everything back. Show him that you will lob, bunt and block. Telltale signs that this strategy works include your opponent's missed overheads, blown volleys, repeated advertisements, and more. You generate enormous pressure on your opponent when you refuse to miss or give up.

  6. Concentrate on all your finishing shots. Overheads must be winners, volleys must be carefully and decisively angled. Don't give your opponent any opportunity to even imagine that his consistent play (what you are hopefully doing to him) can pressure you.


Remember, the best way to cope with pressure is to make your opponent feel it.

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