TennisOne Lessons

Playing The Score, Part 2


Advertising Space
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.