How to Win the Big Points

[HunterST]

I had a frustrating loss the other day. I played a guy in a set and lost 6-2. The frustrating part is that almost every game went to deuce. At least 3 times I would get up 40-0 and go on to lose the game. That wouldn't be so bad if he had picked his game up and beat me, but most of the time it was because I started making mistakes.

What strategy do you use on important points?
Do you play more aggressively or Counter punch?

I'm a 3.5 with a good serve when it goes in, but I double fault probably 4 times per set. Do I go for a big serve or just get it in?

Any strategies or psychological tactics you use would be great to hear about.

 

[coyfish]

Different things work for different people. I usually try and play more aggresively. When I start trying to play "safe," I hesitate on shots that gets me into even more trouble. Im not saying go for outright winners but continue to move forward and go after your shots.

 

[mikro112]

I had a frustrating loss the other day. I played a guy in a set and lost 6-2. The frustrating part is that almost every game went to deuce. At least 3 times I would get up 40-0 and go on to lose the game. That wouldn't be so bad if he had picked his game up and beat me, but most of the time it was because I started making mistakes.

What strategy do you use on important points?
Do you play more aggressively or Counter punch?

I'm a 3.5 with a good serve when it goes in, but I double fault probably 4 times per set. Do I go for a big serve or just get it in?

Any strategies or psychological tactics you use would be great to hear about.

When you're up 40-love or 40-15, go for the big first serve and attack.

I think the key for winning big points is to play aggressively and go for the shots. Look at Federer for example: Every time he's in tough situations, he hits miracle shots and one wonders how he's able to pull that off. The answer to that question is that he's playing a bit risky, he's going for the shots and he tries to dominate points. Frequently, he also goes for the lines in situations like that.

However, you're saying that you are a 3.5 player, so going for the lines without consistency is not the ideal way to do it. Aggressiveness, you want to win the point (not opponent loses it!) and courage to make an error in that situation is key for you in my opinion. And don't get frustrated when you miss shots in these situations. It's part of the game. Also, if the situation is important, remember that your opponent will be as nervous as you are!

 

[mikeler]

Go with your best shots. If you are serving, hit your favorite slice/flat/kick serve. If returning, hit your favorite topspin/chip/block return. Same principle applies to groundstrokes/volleys/overheads.

 

[Slazenger07]

On the big points im usually looking to hit my forehand, cause its really good, its so good in fact that I never doubt it, I never hesitate with the forehand, its automatic now, and my flat laser like backhand is getting more solid all of the time, it seems that Im usually able to produce fantastic shots in pressure situations, Im really making a habit of it, did it alot today. Won my match 6-4 6-2, was down 0-2 in the second set and won 6 in a row to close it out. I didnt used to be so mentally tough, but now Im very mentally tough.

 

[goran_ace]

I had a frustrating loss the other day. I played a guy in a set and lost 6-2. The frustrating part is that almost every game went to deuce. At least 3 times I would get up 40-0 and go on to lose the game. That wouldn't be so bad if he had picked his game up and beat me, but most of the time it was because I started making mistakes.

What strategy do you use on important points?
Do you play more aggressively or Counter punch?

I'm a 3.5 with a good serve when it goes in, but I double fault probably 4 times per set. Do I go for a big serve or just get it in?

Any strategies or psychological tactics you use would be great to hear about.

Depends... what did you do to get up 40-0 in those games? Who controls the points? Is your opponent more error prone than you? Does your opponent have a 'go-to' weakness you can exploit?

Even for someone at a 3.5 level should be a lot of ground between going for a big serve and just getting it in. Do you even have the big serve? If you don't have the type of serve that regularly produces aces/service winners, then you probably don't have the ability to call up a big one to close out the game at will and are just hoping to get a lucky one. Every time you miss that one, you may be giving your opponent an opening to get back into the game if you don't have a strong second serve you can rely on. I would suggest working on adding another serve to your arsenal (e.g. a slice, heavy topsin, or a kick). Also, I would work on your accuracy/placement.

Finally, from a psychological perspective, treat 40-0 like its 40-30. Keep the pressure on your opponent because it is do or die, but don't take mindless risks because you think you have 2-3 free points to burn. Play smart tennis.

 

[10ACE]

Just get it in- Tennis is about who can get the ball over the net last

 

[athiker]

I had a frustrating loss the other day. I played a guy in a set and lost 6-2. The frustrating part is that almost every game went to deuce. At least 3 times I would get up 40-0 and go on to lose the game. That wouldn't be so bad if he had picked his game up and beat me, but most of the time it was because I started making mistakes.

What strategy do you use on important points?
Do you play more aggressively or Counter punch?

I'm a 3.5 with a good serve when it goes in, but I double fault probably 4 times per set. Do I go for a big serve or just get it in?

Any strategies or psychological tactics you use would be great to hear about.

Depends... what did you do to get up 40-0 in those games? Who controls the points? Is your opponent more error prone than you? Does your opponent have a 'go-to' weakness you can exploit?

Seems like the simplest solution...do what you did to get to 40-0. I know I usually have a thought in my head in those situations, should I go for 2 big serves b/c "I have one to waste" or should I get ultra conservative and figure he'll make a UE in one of the next 3 points? But really, I usually always come back to I should just play the way that got me to 40-0!

What if I "waste" a serve by going for 2 firsts on the 40-0 and DF, then miss my next 1st, now I'm looking at 40-30 if I DF, so I ease one in, then play conservative and lose that point. Suddenly its 40-30 and I'm thinking, "I can't lose this point, I was up 40-0!" Not the best mental state to be in. So typically I just tell myself to focus and keep doing what I'm doing...its working.

As far as deuce situation, like someone else said, focus on your strength. Not the time to mix things up for variety's sake, just think about what has worked best to this point in the match and use that strategy/tactic. Good luck.

 

[larry10s]

if you got to 40 love keep doing what you are doing. at 3.5 more points are lost than won. keep the ball in play

 

[Ripper014]

Ideally do what you do best... against what your opponent does worst. Tennis is a lot like boxing... in the early games test out your opponent and try and figure where their strengths and weaknesses are... once you think you have it figured out... go after their weaknesses when you need the point or can apply a lot of pressure there.

Sometimes you have to choose whether to go after a players hit miss forehand where he can hit a winner or miss wildly... and working on wearing down an opponents steady backhand that you know cannot hurt you... but a shot your opponent seldom misses. On crucial points I would probably work the backhand, otherwise I would not be afraid to play either side. It is really important to understand your opponent and knowing when to implement which strategy.

There is no single one answer... sometimes you go after what your opponent provides you... others you make them beat you. But as you start to be more effective closing out matches you will learn what works for you. I you have a lot of troubles closing out matches then what you are currently doing is obviously not working for you... and you need to try something different. But take note as to why it didn't work.... and it should guide you to another possible solution.

And I agree... at 3.5 what I have seen it comes down to consistancy, the ball on average does not often cross the net more than 3 times.

 

[yellowoctopus]

at 3.5 more points are lost than won.

Very true about 'more points are lost than won' part.

Adding to this is the fact that every point is a slightly different situation.

At 40 love: It's ok to let loose on the first serve, but not the second...never. Believe it or not, but most of the time in this situation, the momentum is on your opponent's side. This means that you should be more aggressive, within your skill range (no miracle shots), but avoid getting down on yourself if you lose this point--most of the time you will.

At 40-15: The momentum has now shifted to your side, but not by a whole lot. Your opponent is probably thinking that he has escaped the wrath of losing the game in love; therefore, his mind is a bit less focused. He is now contemplating a come back (his goal is to get to deuce) and is probably thinking about the last point. Your job is to think about how you won the first three point and replicate that (easier to say than done, I know).

At 40-30: The momentum is now further on your side. If your opponent won the last point by hitting winner, he will want to try to replicate that. At 3-3.5 level, it is better to keep the ball in play (deep) here and entice your opponent to hit another winner. If you lost the last point (unforce error), you will want to be agressive here.

At deuce: In my opinion, unless your opponent has managed to blow you off the court in the last three points, the momentum is neutral. Your focus should still be on the first three points that you won and how you can replicate.

At his advantage: same strategy as at deuce. If he manages to hit five winners in a row, he is probably above 3.5 level and just toying with you or is having a really good day.

At your advantage: It's back to the 40-30 scenario, with a bit more momentum on your side, due to the fact that your opponent has gone through quite a bit to come back this far in the game.

I know, it's a lot of information. If you want a simple reminder, just think about the momentum at each point and focus on the first three points your won.