TennisOne Lessons
Playing
The Score, Part 2
by Robert C. Murio, Competitive Sports Counselor
Part 2: Five Frequently Misplayed Scoring Situations
Let's take five different scoring situations and discuss how each should
be played, both strategically and emotionally. Next week I'll cover five
more situations that are often misplayed.
Situation #1: You're Ahead 40-0 (serving) or 0-40 (receiving)
Whether you are serving or receiving, this is a low risk situation. A player
may take more chances because even if she's not successful, there is still
ample opportunity to win the game. This may be the time to go for an outright
winner on the return of serve or to try to serve an ace. If you're successful,
your confidence is boosted and you've spent that much less energy. Remember,
however, you should only try shots you have a high level of confidence in.
There is no point in trying a shot that you've never practiced or one you
only can successfully execute with great difficulty.
Situation #2: You're Ahead 40-30 (serving) or 30-40 (receiving)
This is a high risk situation because success on the next point means winning
the game--and losing means loss of the scoring edge as well as the psychological
edge. Once the score returns to deuce the game is up for grabs and the pressure
is equal on both players. While the pressure is still on your opponent,
make sure you play high percentage tennis. Make sure you get your first
serve in or you put your return of serve in play. The point should be played
with the strategy of directing all shots at an opponent's weakness that
offers the best chance of forcing an error. You should try to hit the shots
you hit with the most confidence.
Situation #3: You're Ahead 5-3 and Serving
This is a pressure situation for the server because if the server plays
a poor game, the opponent will immediately realize being down a break is
not insurmountable and his energy and determination will continue strong
throughout the match, even when down. But if you are a mature tournament
player you will realize the receiver is also feeling the pressure of losing
the set in the next game. Remember, you have the scoring advantage so don't
change the style or level of play that gained you that advantage. You also
know that, as the server, the percentages are in your favor. Your strategy
should be to get your first serve into your opponent's weakness and to hit
solid, deep groundstrokes, making your opponent raise the level of his game
dramatically to break you. If you execute your strategy successfully, the
odds are overwhelming that he won't.
Situation #4: You're Behind 0-5 and Serving
Obviously, your chances of winning the set are extremely remote. But there
are two major reasons why you should do everything in your power to hold
your serve in this situation. If your opponent wins 6-0, he/she may gain
so much confidence that he/she will be unbeatable in the next set. Secondly,
if you hold your serve at 0-5, the worse that can happen is that your opponent
serves and wins the set 6-1. This gives you the important edge of having
the first serve at the start of the next set.
Situation #5: Tie-breakers
By the time you reach the tie-breaker, you should know what works and what
doesn't. This is the time to summon all your concentration and determination
to execute the strategy that works. Each point must be thought out in advance
in regards to shot selection and placement. You must use your strengths
whenever possible and direct your attack against your opponent's known weaknesses.
Above all, don't commit unforced errors. Make your opponent win the points.
Conclusion
Naturally I haven't covered all the critical scoring situations. But think
back to some of your losses and I will guarantee that some of them were
due to you misplaying points in these situations--and not the superior shot-making
abilities of your opponents. If you are aware of the strategic and emotional
implications of the score, you can make the right adjustments in your game
and your chances of coming out on top will rise dramatically.