The first 5 games of a match is tough

[dgold44]

Always find it super tough starting out the first 5 games of the match: you are and your opponent are both nervous and tight and nothing worse than getting down a few games early on when you only play 2 sets.
My confidence is not high and if I make a few big errors early on it causes me to tighten up even more.

My philosophy is not not SERVE FIRST and just play very conservative the first 5 games.

Since my serve is a big sore point: I always pay attention to the number of first serve faults and if its too high I just resort to only top spin first serves. however, if my serve is good then I will let it fly.

Playing singles is fun but its like being on an island and there is nobody to help you.

 

[LeeD]

I look at it a different way, from another angle.
The first 5 games to me is just a feeling out period. Feeling out the opponent, feeling how I"m going to play. It matters little, the better player overall will prevail in 2 sets, at least most of the time.
Sometimes, I play well by being aggressive. Sometimes, I can avoid a quick loss by being conservative, but still, I gotta see how I play first and foremost, and then how my opponent is playing, so it needs a few games, which are meaningless or can mean too much, depending on your thought process.
I've played more than one third of my match's with scores of 1-6-1, either for me, or for my opponent.

 

[dgold44]

LEE, I see the first 5 games as very important because it sets a tone and pace. I find being down 3-1 or 2-0 to be very tough and stressful and lowers my confidence.
With only 2 sets and a 10 point third set the better play does not always win. If you played the 3rd set out then the better play would win vast majority of the time.
But with that 10 point third set it means anybody has a shot.
I always play my best win i am ahead with the lead. Its those close sets that end in Tiebreakers that kill me because of my serve.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Always find it super tough starting out the first 5 games of the match: you are and your opponent are both nervous and tight and nothing worse than getting down a few games early on when you only play 2 sets.
My confidence is not high and if I make a few big errors early on it causes me to tighten up even more.

My philosophy is not not SERVE FIRST and just play very conservative the first 5 games.

Since my serve is a big sore point: I always pay attention to the number of first serve faults and if its too high I just resort to only top spin first serves. however, if my serve is good then I will let it fly.

Playing singles is fun but its like being on an island and there is nobody to help you.

Then you probably need to concentrate more on the mental aspect [focus on the process] rather than the technical one [stroke technique]. Your opponent is human too and is subject to the same jitters. I tend to be a little more aggressive: if I can build a lead it might undermine his confidence. But conversely, I'm not too worried if I go down early as I figure I just need to focus more and I'll be right back in there.

 

[dgold44]

Then you probably need to concentrate more on the mental aspect [focus on the process] rather than the technical one [stroke technique]. Your opponent is human too and is subject to the same jitters. I tend to be a little more aggressive: if I can build a lead it might undermine his confidence. But conversely, I'm not too worried if I go down early as I figure I just need to focus more and I'll be right back in there.

Sometimes I feel exhausted physically after 2-3 games but I know its a passing phase and I always feel stronger as the match goes on.
The day before a USTA match, I try to really overload the sleep and I even stretch out ( which I never do).
Its only fun but you just want to play your best

 

[BeyondTheTape]

Always find it super tough starting out the first 5 games of the match: you are and your opponent are both nervous and tight and nothing worse than getting down a few games early on when you only play 2 sets.
My confidence is not high and if I make a few big errors early on it causes me to tighten up even more.

My philosophy is not not SERVE FIRST and just play very conservative the first 5 games.

Since my serve is a big sore point: I always pay attention to the number of first serve faults and if its too high I just resort to only top spin first serves. however, if my serve is good then I will let it fly.

Playing singles is fun but its like being on an island and there is nobody to help you.

Firstly, i was very happy to see you start a thread...couldn't resist opening it. Why are you assuming your opponent is nervous within the first 5 games? I'd think most get nervous in a close set down near the end but not early on. I generally play the opposite of you, i play more aggressive within the first 5 games and scale it back if needed. I prefer the mentality of playing "to win" not playing "not to lose."

 

[Bionic slice]

when i played exclusively singles, i would also start hot and then my game would fade or my opponent would HULK up(think Hulk Hogan....) and then flips the switch and i might have won the 1st set and then start well in the 2nd to see my opponent playing level go up 2 levels and im fighting to survive. The key is remember if you were playing well... you can start playing well again...
If you were sucking on the court, you can do things and regroup and win this match.

What am i doing well? What is hurting me that i am doing, what is my opponent doing to get points, cheap/quick or causing me to make UE's.

Match tactics, change serves, location, go to kickers, outwide, topspin, throw in some slow off speed to change up and get some confidence and hurt your opponents or make them have doubt.

Can you switch to S&V, push style, mix in heavy slices, short and sharp angles...

Dgold...do you practice how you play...i try and emulate in drills my game play so i dont have issues in the match. If i take some time off from tennis...i can start flat or might need half a set or full set to get my rhythm back. I also recommend in the warm up go for big shots, get your timing/feel for the winner, those money strokes with your teammates before the opponents see your game. Also...have your changes your strings recently, sometimes an equipment check is needed.

 

[dgold44]

when i played exclusively singles, i would also start hot and then my game would fade or my partner would HULK up and then flips the switch and i might have won the 1st set and then start well in the 2nd to see my opponent playing level go up 2 levels and im fighting to survive. The key is remember if you were playing well... you can start playing well again...
If you were sucking on the court, you can do things and regroup and win this match.

What am i doing well? What is hurting me that i am doing, what is my opponent doing to get points, cheap/quick or causing me to make UE's.

Match tactics, change serves, location, go to kickers, outwide, topspin, throw in some slow off speed to change up and get some confidence and hurt theirs.

Can you switch to S&V, push style, mix in heavy slices, short and sharp angles...

Dgold...do you practice how you play...i try and emulate in drills my game play so i dont have issues in the match. If i take some time off from tennis...i can start flat or might need half a set or full set to get my rhythm back. I also recommend in the warm up go for big shots, get your timing/feel for the winner, those money strokes with your teammates before the opponents see your game. Also...have your changes your strings recently, sometimes an equipment check is needed.

Good advice
I have good shot variety and can play many styles from finesse to power at a 4.0 to 4.5 level relatively speaking
My execution is often below par sometimes and my serve I cannot trust
My opponents would say I am a good counter puncher and smart player but maybe an average athlete

 

[dgold44]

I change my strings 2 weeks before usta and do not restring them the entire season
I really just play more for fun and know my limitations
I am happy to just play well than anything

 

[Minion]

@dgold44 I feel your pain. It takes me at least 20mins to get into it. And some competitions are best of 9 games, or best of 13 games in the opening rounds. I really battled with those. What I have been doing, when I can, is, before a competition or league match, I will start warming up at least 30mins before, and make sure that I get everything nice n loose, have a good hitting session, with groundies, volleys, serves and ROS. This has helped me tremendously

 

[dgold44]

@dgold44 I feel your pain. It takes me at least 20mins to get into it. And some competitions are best of 9 games, or best of 13 games in the opening rounds. I really battled with those. What I have been doing, when I can, is, before a competition or league match, I will start warming up at least 30mins before, and make sure that I get everything nice n loose, have a good hitting session, with groundies, volleys, serves and ROS. This has helped me tremendously

Most of time I have no luxury of warming up

 

[Bionic slice]

Good advice
I have good shot variety and can play many styles from finesse to power at a 4.0 to 4.5 level relatively speaking
My execution is often below par sometimes and my serve I cannot trust
My opponents would say I am a good counter puncher and smart player but maybe an average athlete

I truly feel like you need to drill more like you play...that will add the confidence in your execution. You appear to be like a smart player with a wealth of experience but your not closing out matches it seems or not holding/breaking. You should be commended for your level advancement and desire to grow...now.... how to reverse the pressure on holding serve more and eliminating that lull or drop in game play....i would imagine your not given yourself enough credit on your serve but you are maybe in a serving slump...great thing is all slumps end. Its time to pull up the match memory and break down the high, and low points, what can you do to keep those positive stats and what can you do to eliminate those UE's, not getting/converting those breaks, and what can you do to regaining that serving confidence.

Can you find a guy who wants to improve like you so you can work on some new serves, locations, adding some pop or looking at change your grip, toss, mechanics if needed to make your serve a stronger weapon. Losing is great for me to see what i can do personally, especially in singles...as you are responsible for all shots that cross the net. If you find this guy to hit with, can he challenge you so you can also work on a better return game and work on some new offensive strategies. You might also invest in some help from a club pro to maybe tweak your game or help by hitting with a more adv stroke player and shot maker.

I change my strings about every 4-6 weeks....its pricey for my setup but its worth it.

 

[dgold44]

I truly feel like you need to drill more like you play...that will add the confidence in your execution. You appear to be like a smart player with a wealth of experience but your not closing out matches it seems or not holding/breaking. You should be commended for your level advancement and desire to grow...now.... how to reverse the pressure on holding serve more and eliminating that lull or drop in game play....i would imagine your not given yourself enough credit on your serve but you are maybe in a serving slump...great thing is all slumps end. Its time to pull up the match memory and break down the high, and low points, what can you do to keep those positive stats and what can you do to eliminate those UE's, not getting/converting those breaks, and what can you do to regaining that serving confidence.

Can you find a guy who wants to improve like you so you can work on some new serves, locations, adding some pop or looking at change your grip, toss, mechanics if needed to make your serve a stronger weapon. Losing is great for me to see what i can do personally, especially in singles...as you are responsible for all shots that cross the net. If you find this guy to hit with, can he challenge you so you can also work on a better return game and work on some new offensive strategies. You might also invest in some help from a club pro to maybe tweak your game or help by hitting with a more adv stroke player and shot maker.

I change my strings about every 4-6 weeks....its pricey for my setup but its worth it.

I made changes on backhand in adding a loop and changing the angle I bring racket back on slice . This really helped
I also changed to abbreviated serve and been improving but still struggling with racket drop
I will look for a top pro if I can find one
Most guys I play with are 3.5 to 4.0 and I win about 6-1
I had good matches with 4.5 but had problems with few from anger issues to bad calls so I decided to play with nicer guys
I am pretty crafty player with good speed but not a great athlete evrnthrough I am 6-1

 

[dgold44]

Backhand changes were in accordance with pro of club but he could not fix my serve

 

[dgold44]

I plan on moving from Oregon to south west deserts if I can sell my franchise business

I even centered my service toss and now I get better flat and slice while before it was too much right
Plus I added a topspin serve
I am 40 but in good shape

 

[grip]

Most of time I have no luxury of warming up

If you want to win more often find a little time to warm up beforehand - even if this means walking up the stairs or running around the parking lot. The first 4 games are huge because they often set the tone for the entire match. Smooth movement generates confidence which leads to happy strokes(poor movement results in mishits, short balls and a lack of confidence). Brad Gilbert talks about this in his book "Winning Ugly": how to grab an early lead. When you watch the pros, people think they just stroll out there, warm up for 5 mins and then start playing. But what really happens is they have a big warm up beforehand. If you haven't read his book you really should.

 

[jga111]

dgold44

Great thread, because I haven't seen one like this and yet I feel its very important.

I'm naturally an aggressive player but I've learnt, still learning, to tone it down and make my shot making more controlled. The first 5 games, no matter how I play, tends to be tight. The irony is, once I'm down a few games (like yesterday, I was 3-0 down), I then say to myself "F*** it" and I loosen up, my shots then play as I intend to and I start winning. I lost that set yesterday 6-3.

It is a mental issue, and I'm trying to discover the way of starting to play loosely and tight...

 

[dgold44]

If you want to win more often find a little time to warm up beforehand - even if this means walking up the stairs or running around the parking lot. The first 4 games are huge because they often set the tone for the entire match. Smooth movement generates confidence which leads to happy strokes(poor movement results in mishits, short balls and a lack of confidence). Brad Gilbert talks about this in his book "Winning Ugly": how to grab an early lead. When you watch the pros, people think they just stroll out there, warm up for 5 mins and then start playing. But what really happens is they have a big warm up beforehand. If you haven't read his book you really should.

I read that book about 7 times !!!!
I do try to sneak in about 50 serves before the match at a different club
I will reserve a court for 1 hour and 15 min and hit up to

 

[dgold44]

70 serves then race straight to my match
Slight edge

 

[MisterP]

I think about playing safe, high percentage balls in the opening stages of the match. Much more so than later on. Nothing sucks more than double faulting away the opening game of your match or giving away points on unforced errors very early on. Stay solid and chip away at your opponents weaknesses. Around game 6 or 8, I start being more aggressive. And by the start of the second set I'm going for the jugular.

 

[Attila_the_gorilla]

For me it's my first service game. Tends to be very tricky. The consequent ones are much much easier and my serve pretty much sets up my whole game. If I manage to come through a long tough first service hold, I'm liking my odds for the match.

 

[grip]

I change my strings 2 weeks before usta and do not restring them the entire season
I really just play more for fun and know my limitations
I am happy to just play well than anything

If you're using poly strings you should be restringing more often than that.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Always find it super tough starting out the first 5 games of the match: you are and your opponent are both nervous and tight and nothing worse than getting down a few games early on when you only play 2 sets.
My confidence is not high and if I make a few big errors early on it causes me to tighten up even more.

My philosophy is not not SERVE FIRST and just play very conservative the first 5 games.

Since my serve is a big sore point: I always pay attention to the number of first serve faults and if its too high I just resort to only top spin first serves. however, if my serve is good then I will let it fly.

Playing singles is fun but its like being on an island and there is nobody to help you.

I pretty much follow this same philosophy when I'm playing well... basically follow Brad Gilbert's advice in "Winning Ugly".
One chapter talked about Gilbert vs. Lendl, where Lendl played "human" for the first 4 games,... then played godlike for the rest of the time...
One chapter talks about returning serve first,... idea being, if you break, you're up with an early psych advantage,... if you lose, well, he was supposed to hold anyway.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

If you want to win more often find a little time to warm up beforehand - even if this means walking up the stairs or running around the parking lot. The first 4 games are huge because they often set the tone for the entire match. Smooth movement generates confidence which leads to happy strokes(poor movement results in mishits, short balls and a lack of confidence). Brad Gilbert talks about this in his book "Winning Ugly": how to grab an early lead. When you watch the pros, people think they just stroll out there, warm up for 5 mins and then start playing. But what really happens is they have a big warm up beforehand. If you haven't read his book you really should.

Completely agree. I can't imagine going into a match cold. Is your lack of warm-up time due to your schedule [ie after-work league] or something else [ie you're lazy]? Even if it's something like work, I'd warm up in my office. Yes, I run stairs while everyone else takes the elevator, stretch in my office, etc. I certainly don't want to get injured due to lack of warmup and neither do I want to spend the first 5 games getting warmed up.

 

[Bionic slice]

i always warm up 30 mins early, if i can find a team mate that will let me blast shots it helps me get my rhythm and then its GO TIME!!!

 

[Supertegwyn]

I once played a competition in Australia that was first to four games, one set. Winners would move on to another court (which was often a different surface to the one they were just playing on).

It was ridiculous.

 

[dgold44]

I did arrive 45 early and warmed up for 20 min
Prior I jogged for several minutes at nearby school

Helps a ton because I was up 3-1

 

[ZirkusAffe]

I once played a competition in Australia that was first to four games, one set. Winners would move on to another court (which was often a different surface to the one they were just playing on).

It was ridiculous.

brutal but everyone had to do it so kind fun. but still brutal.

 

[dgold44]

Nothing worse that starting a match poorly when confidence is not your strong point

That is a difficult challenge

 

[pc1]

LEE, I see the first 5 games as very important because it sets a tone and pace. I find being down 3-1 or 2-0 to be very tough and stressful and lowers my confidence.
With only 2 sets and a 10 point third set the better play does not always win. If you played the 3rd set out then the better play would win vast majority of the time.
But with that 10 point third set it means anybody has a shot.
I always play my best win i am ahead with the lead. Its those close sets that end in Tiebreakers that kill me because of my serve.

Do you warm up properly beforehand? I find if I don't warm up enough beforehand I rarely play well the first few games. Most of my opponents need less warm up time.

 

[dgold44]

Do you warm up properly beforehand? I find if I don't warm up enough beforehand I rarely play well the first few games. Most of my opponents need less warm up time.

Yes for USTA I arrive as the first one to warm up or I am in big trouble.
Last week, if not for the warmup I would of lost bad.
I also, if time, like to jog for several minutes outside.

 

[dgold44]

I was playing a stronger player but he was off and I was up 3-1 !!!

 

[pc1]

Yes for USTA I arrive as the first one to warm up or I am in big trouble.
Last week, if not for the warmup I would of lost bad.
I also, if time, like to jog for several minutes outside.

I play this one guy on occasion on these freezing courts during the winter indoor season at times. Because we have only one hour to play I only have a few minutes to warm up and I find I'm always trailing 3-0 before I rally. If I get 15 minutes to 30 minutes to warm up I beat him around the 6-2 or 6-1 area. My hands tend to be very cold and until they are warmed up my game is not at its best. He needs no warm up time.

 

[dgold44]

I play this one guy on occasion on these freezing courts during the winter indoor season at times. Because we have only one hour to play I only have a few minutes to warm up and I find I'm always trailing 3-0 before I rally. If I get 15 minutes to 30 minutes to warm up I beat him around the 6-2 or 6-1 area. My hands tend to be very cold and until they are warmed up my game is not at its best. He needs no warm up time.

Its not so much of getting my body going as I could always do a light jog beforehand but more about confidence.
My confidence is always a big problem for me.

 

[dgold44]

I play this one guy on occasion on these freezing courts during the winter indoor season at times. Because we have only one hour to play I only have a few minutes to warm up and I find I'm always trailing 3-0 before I rally. If I get 15 minutes to 30 minutes to warm up I beat him around the 6-2 or 6-1 area. My hands tend to be very cold and until they are warmed up my game is not at its best. He needs no warm up time.

Being down 0-3 means you should not win the set. Plus it boosts his confidence and lowers yours.

 

[dgold44]

PC, do you play both USTA leagues and tourneys.
I dont think i can get out of bed for a 9 am match anymore lol

 

[pc1]

Being down 0-3 means you should not win the set. Plus it boosts his confidence and lowers yours.

I usually beat the guy but it's close when I trail 0-3. However he has bageled me on that court. I have to hit my way into form and it's tough. I am a little better than him. Not that I'm any good but he's worse than me. The court he played at was a total dive. I got the group to move to a better facility and got him a deal to play 90 minutes for a cheaper rate than he would play at that dive for an hour.

PC, do you play both USTA leagues and tourneys.
I dont think i can get out of bed for a 9 am match anymore lol

I captain several tennis groups, most of them play USTA matches but our group isn't USTA. I set up the schedules and it's in it's own way similar to USTA. We play singles and doubles at the National Tennis Center and other places.

Believe it or not we played matches at 7 am at the National Tennis Center on a weekend. It's tough to get up but after it's over we have the rest of the day free. The other matches are played later at night either at 8 pm, 9 pm or 9:30 pm at another indoor court.

 

[dgold44]

I usually beat the guy but it's close. I am a little better than him. Not that I'm any good but he's worse than me. The court he played at was a total dive. I got the group to move to a better facility and got him a deal to play 90 minutes for a cheaper rate than he would play at that dive for an hour.


I captain several tennis groups, most of them play USTA matches but our group isn't USTA. I set up the schedules and it's in it's own way similar to USTA. We play singles and doubles at the National Tennis Center and other places.

Believe it or not we played matches at 7 am at the National Tennis Center on a weekend. It's tough to get up but after it's over we have the rest of the day free. The other matches are played later at night either at 8 pm, 9 pm or 9:30 pm at another indoor court.

7 am ??? I would not be available for anything before 11 am lol

 

[pc1]

7 am ??? I would not be available for anything before 11 am lol

It's not easy. I like to sleep late and you can't if you want to play well the next day at 7 am.