Tactical Myths in Tennis

There is an excerpt from Nick Saviano’s book Maximum Tennis. 

Tactical myths in tennis

Many tennis players believe in myths. They think that if they can only win the seventh game of every set, they will win the tennis match. Of course, in tennis – as in life – myths are merely misperceptions about reality. Let me dispel some tactical myths you might have heard about (or even believe!)

Whoever wins the big points wins the tennis match

Yes and no. The concept of big points is often overstated, overemphasized, and counterproductive. Yes, big points affect the outcome of a tennis match, and, no, they often are not as big as you think. The add point is often referred as a big point. Let’s say I win all three add points in a match. That means I could have still lost the tennis match 6 – 1, 6 – 2. If I am losing all of the “not so big” points, guess what – I lose!

Yes, in a close match pivotal points such as 5 – 4, 30 – 40 have a significant impact on the tennis match. And you might want to play a “big point” differently from one with less perceived pressure. For example, if I am serving with a break point against me, I generally will try to play the point into my strengths and with high-percentage shot selection. However, here is something to think about. If you get a break point and lose it, then get another brake point and win it, which one was more important? Was it the first or the second break point – or was it the deuce point that got you to the break in the first place?

The fact is that 99 percent of the time the tennis player who wins the most points in a tennis match wins the match. It is better to focus on executing one point at a time and playing that point to the best of your ability, no matter what the situation. Worry less about big points and more about executing one point at a time, and you will become a better tennis player.

Always change a losing game

I found that you shouldn’t always change a losing game. Often it is simply a matter of improving execution. And who’s to say it is a losing game plan? Your game maximizes your strengths and minimizes your weaknesses, and it may be your best chance to win. In addition, maybe your opponent has hit a hot streak, or you’ve had a run of misfortune. It may be a matter of sticking to your game and imposing your plan on the tennis match.

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