Choose One of These Three Shots

Each time you hit the ball in a tennis match, you should be hitting one of these three shots: starting shot, set up the point shot, or try to win the point shot. In the heat of a competitive tennis match, most players tend to either try to “get their shot in” or “go for a winner”. Both of these tend to cause problems over the long haul of a match. Knowing the type of shot you are about to hit will help you execute the shot correctly.

If you are serving or returning serve, you will be hitting a starting shot. The server should try to get their first serve in play a high percentage of the time. Since the opponent has no idea how you are going to hit your first serve, it is a big advantage to get that shot in play. On the other hand, most players’ second serves are the weakest part of their game. This shifts the advantage to the returner who may be able to hit a set up the point shot or even a win the point shot. Once the serve and the return are in play, you may be hitting another starting shot if the serve and return resulted in a neutral situation. If either of those shots got the other player in trouble, a set up the point shot or a win the point shot may be appropriate.

The basic ideas when hitting the starting shots are to hit the shot to a big target using your normal swing at regular speed (50-75 percent compared to your aggressive swing speed). It is extremely important to get these shots in play since most points end within the first four hits. In addition, if you can hit three shots in a row like this more often than your opponent, you will win a lot of points before you have to hit your win the point shot.

When hitting a set up the point shot, try to get the opponent moving, push them back with the depth of your shot, or hit the ball to their weaker side. Keep the speed of the shot no more than 75 percent of your win the point shot and try to hit a big target that is not too close to the sidelines or baseline and has adequate net clearance. If you feel that you have hit this shot well, take a step or two in so that you can keep your opponent in trouble, or possibly try to hit your win the point shot. When you get in trouble, try going back to your starting shot to reset the point.

If you are having trouble in your match, try to pay attention to the shots you are missing. Ask yourself which type of these three shots were you trying to hit. Did you choose the correct shot? Many of your unforced errors are caused by swinging too fast or too slow. Try to be decisive and don’t be afraid to adjust your swing speed closer to the 50-75 percent mentioned above.

Changing the direction, hitting the ball with some angle, or keeping it relatively low and short are all good ways to set up the point and to win the point. Keeping the speed more consistent will help you time the ball better and allow you to figure out which shots you should be hitting more often. Remember that all of your shots should be to start, set up, or win the point. Pay attention to your winning shots and unforced errors and try to determine if you need to adjust your idea on the next point. Practice all three of these shots regularly to make things become more automatic in your matches.