Strategy+&+Tips

Prepare early! Turn shoulders, hips and racquet head, then move to ball. Exhale as you hit the ball. Footwork Number: # of steps you take between hits. Goal is 8-10! Plan for every match. Is there a shot you're working on, how are you going to use it? Use your warmup to feel out your opponent. What are their strengths and weaknesses? Work all shots. Don't ask, was that out? Say, that was good right? But do it nicely, don't intimidate them. When frustrated, look at your strings and count to 10 until you've calmed down...then let it go! Tell yourself what to do (Bend your knees), not what not to do (You're not bending your knees). When you start to get nervous - change your game(basics), distract yourself, develop a routine, use your imagination(positively) and "fake it till you make it"

=From Brad Gilbert's Winning Ugly:=

1. Warm Up - What is best weapon of opponent? Where is she weak? What's my best shot and how can I direct it at her weakness? What will I do to keep her away from my own weakness? 2. Nerve Busters - Get happy feet, read ball label, sing a song...get under control immediately! Stay focused on game plan. What do I want to do to win this point? 3. Best Start - Don't serve 1st. Start at 65-75% power and work into rhythm. Limit unforced errors. Don't relax. Use 1st changeover to review/adjust game plan. 4. Use Mental Imagery - Have images to bring problem stroke back to life. Forehands, quick racket prep! Backhands, hit it over the net, go for placement not power! Serve, back off, don't ace...place! Volley, move to the ball, don't get lazy! Overheads, don't try to end point, get it back with deep placement, keep a loose rhythmic motion. 5. Wind - If playing in the wind, start with the wind in your face. Lower your service toss. Shorten your strokes. 6. Controlling Your Anger - Move on and away from problem lighting your fuse. Put out spark not fire. Channel anger and work harder to win. Don't beat up on yourself. Have a safety valve, or a routine to calm down. 7. Handling Hooking - Ignore marginal errors. Ask are you sure? Give a long look. Be diplomatic to start.

5% of the time your opponent is in the zone and you won't win. 5% of the time you are in the zone and you won't lose. 90% of the time the match is up for grabs!

Gone With the Wind
by Berhe Serekeberhan in Tennis Pro Magazine Jan/Feb 2001

//Attitude//: Win every game //Strategy//: Be patient and work the point out to get to the net at the first opportunity. Set up a high bouncing ball so you can use it to go to net. Serve and volley on key points. //Serve//: Play plenty of spin for control and high percent 1st serves. Serve with the direction of the wind. //Return//: Block the ball back into play. Chip and charge. Attack the second serve. //Lob//: Aim shorter, use flat lobs. //Volley//: Keep legs moving to adjust. Ball speed should be slow. Move forward to the ball more often than usual. //Overhead//: Limit your swing (motion). Use spin for control.
 * With The Wind**

//Attitude//: Don't get upset //Strategy//: Be patient, use more finesse. hit through the ball more for depth. Use drop shots and lobs more effectively. //Serve//: Hit ball with less spin, so the ball doesn't sit up. Serve for depth. //Return//: Hit through shots and aim deeper. Drop shot on second serve. Be aggressive, go for your shots. //Lob//: Aim deeper, use topspin lobs. //Volley//: Keep legs balanced. Ball speed should be fast. Keep your wrist firm. //Overhead//: Watch for ball to be carried by the wind. Hit with less spin.
 * Against The Wind**