April
15, 2004
| Continuing the spring training theme, both baseball and the USTA leagues have now begun, but there is still a period where you can continue "sharpening your pencil" as it were. For certainly if you were going to "peak" it would be preferable to do so in the playoffs rather than the opening matches of the season. A great deal of the material we deliver concerns the nuts and bolts of tennis - that is the mechanics of the hit. And to quote Tom Stow, "Meet the ball squarely," play a forcing game and the winning will take care of itself.
On the other hand, you can explore how the points are ending. The two cardinal rules in tennis are:
In a closely contested match, where each player has an equal chance of winning, it generally comes down to either rule 1 or rule 2 on the big points - the winner keeps the ball in play and keeps their feet moving, the loser inexplicably errs or loses their "happy feet" (a term Mary Laver used when watching the Rocket - she could tell when he would win by observing his footwork). So within this frame of reference what do you notice about how the points are ending? Are you winning because of the opponent's unforced errors, or are you winning because you hit more winners than opponent does? If the score is 4-6, 2-3, love - 30 do you have an idea why you are trailing, and if so what will you do differently to change the outcome? Tactically speaking, winners impose their winning game. When leading, there is no reason to change the tactics or game plan. On the other hand, losers must change their losing game or in most instances what got them behind in the score will continue until the match is lost. But for me, and perhaps you, the trick is to be certain of why you are winning or absolutely sure why you are losing. If I am leading because of cautious and consistent play, then I needn't go for winners to close out the match. On the reverse, if I am losing by being too cautious or not taking enough risks, then as the match gets tighter, I must be willing to gamble on the big points.
First it was Pancho Segura diagramming tactics and patterns on napkins for Jimmy Connors in the 1970's, now it is the redoubtable Brad Gilbert planning tactics and strategy for Andy Roddick. These tactical gurus could and would analyze the opponents' tendencies, their strengths and weaknesses and then craft a game plan. If the opponent cannot pass up the backhand line on big points, then Jimmy or Andy would attempt to create that pattern - not all day but rather when the chips are down. Years ago I had the opportunity to play Whitney Reed (former US # 1 1963) in two consecutive men's open tournaments (lost twice but got to 4 and 4 the second time). Whitney was always playful, seemingly amusing himself by his array of spins and placements, but there were many points where I played a shot I thought was going to the open court, only to look up to see Whitney deftly deflecting a touch winner. Somehow he either knew what I was going to do, or perhaps he caused me to hit the ball to him, in either case he absolutely knew what I would do in certain (if not all) situations and moved accordingly. I had seen a similar feat on Johnny Carson one late night long ago. Orson Welles performed a card trick and then entertained whether he knew the future (prescience) or caused the future (presenitence) - in the tennis scenario it is generally the latter. So how can you get a handle on the art of winning? First, use a ball machine, set up a pattern and observe your accuracy and consistency. If you set up a crosscourt shot to your backhand, and cannot accurately play the ball up the line - then avoid that shot in close situations and resort to the lob. If you excel at the forehand crosscourt off an up the line backhand from the opponent, then learn to generate wide serves in the ad court that invite that play. Another opportunity arises by three players engaged in a rotating singles match, where the third man (out) keeps tracks of winners and errors, or more accurately keeps track of winners, forced errors and unforced errors. Generally the score keeper gains a keener awareness of the disposition of the points and games, and when rotating all players are invited to explore this charting project. If you are now determined to go on to the next level in the art of winning, check out acetennischarting.com. They make software for a PDA that measures winners and errors with reference to where they occur on court, and when they occur in relationship to the score. Forehand crosscourt errors on game point, servers who spin the serve out wide in the ad court on all second serves, whatever occurs the PDA Ace Charting Softwhere captures. This superb charting tool easily fits within your tennis bag, and will lead you to a greater understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately give you a leg up on the art of winning. As always, we would love to hear your views on the subjects raised in this newsletter. Please click here to send your email directly to me. Jim McLennan Editor, TennisOne If you are receiving the newsletter but havent become a member yet, heres some good news. Now you can get a free one month membership! Click here for the details.
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ProStrokes Gallery: James Blakes Net Sequences
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