Strategy and mind game is as good as fancy strokes

by Dany
(Patagonia, Argentina)

I am 45. From Patagonia Argentina. When I was a kid I really wanted to play tennis but was too expensive, and my parents couldn't afford.

Three years ago had the chance to start having one lesson a week. Soon tennis became an important part of my life, playing and taking lessons several times a week.

I improved my game pretty quick, because of the training but most of all due to my enthusiasm, and effort.

What I have to share is the mental part of the game is at least, as important as having good strokes. I´ve learnt it by the hard way since most of my opponent are younger or play tennis from long time ago. If you find the way to disrupt the rythm of your opponent, you will have great chances to win, even if you are not supposse to win the match.

The game plan is very important. The strategy has to be carefully studied and can absolutely change depending the kind of game of your opponent. Although I have some tips that works easily, for every one. Here goes my favorites.

- Usually people have a better forehand, than backhand. Example a club player can have a level 4 forehand, but a level 3 backhand. If you send most of your shots to the backhand, you are going to play with a level 3 player. So just play deep, steady to the back hand, and just go for the winner on short ball.

- If your opponent has one-handed backhand, play two forehands crosscurt, and then send one down the line, to the backhand, not hard, just make him change the grip and hit on the run.

- Learn to be patient. Usually playing deep and safely with good topspin is all you need (especially with young and powerful hitters)

People tend to lose patience easily. Even playing down the middle but deep, is good. Just go for the winner if the opportunity comes.

- Give the best of you, even when the match seem to be lost. Al least for fun. No matter the score comite to leave all you have in the court. Think just in the next point. Go for it. Is not a bad feeling at all when you lose doing the best that you can.

- This one is my favourite. I have found that have a good return of service is easier than develop a good serve. So I place my serve with very good spin, never (almost) double faulting.

And I became good attacking the second serve. Wait for your opponent second serve 3 steps into the court, or even in the service box!

Most of the time your opponent will get nervous an will double fault, for granted ! Again, disrupt the rhythm. Make your opponent think of you instead of his game, and you will win. Change your position, make him think what you are trying to do. Make him think that you are going to reeive his first serve with your backhand, he will get angry.

When he tosses the ball change your position again. Once he start double faulting, and getting nervous, usually the rest of the game is affected and your chances to win, will improve.