Tip of the Week: Play the Point Like It Is The First Point of the Match

Most good players have a plan when they step on the court. Usually it is a combination of what they do well, and something that they believe will be effective against this specific opponent. The top players will try to play the first point of the match like this. 

As the match goes on, it becomes more and more difficult to stick with the plan, especially if there have been points that it has not worked. However, the best players find a way to go back to their idea when it gets close or when it is a “big point”. Using the same mentality on these important points gives you a better chance for success. 

Even the highest level players do not always win these points, but because they are more persistent and they don’t panic, their original plan works more often than not. Play the point like it is the first point of the match and you are likely to be more successful as well. 


Steve Annacone, USPTA Elite Pro, is the Director of Annacone Tennis, www.annaconetennis.com and MyHamptonsPro, www.myhamptonspro.com throughout the Hamptons, NY. In addition, Steve, Phil Lepisto, and Gill Gross run the ACT (Advanced Competition Team) program at the Tucson Jewish Community Center (Tucson, AZ) for high level players ages 8-18. Please contact Steve at sannacone@tucsonjcc.org or 865-300-7323

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