Have you ever heard
someone say "play the score"? What does that
mean? Play the score means, make your shot
selection according to whether you are ahead or
behind in the game. Whether you are serving or
returning, you need to base your shot on the
score. If you are ahead in the game, you can go
for a riskier shot. If you are behind, you
should choose a safer, more consistent shot.
What is safe and what is risky? Let's take a
look.
If
you are serving from behind.
(ex.15-40)...Play it safe. That
means serve your most consistent serve
(preferably to their backhand) even if it means
hitting your second serve.
If
you are returning serve from behind. ...Play
it safe. Hit your return cross court
and get the point started.
In both the above cases, once the point
starts, rally the ball cross court and deep. Changing the
direction of the ball (hitting down the line) is riskier than
cross court, and also opens up the court for your opponent. Let
your opponent make the first mistake.
If you are ahead in the
game, you can try the risky shot. For example,
the big serve down the middle, or the kick serve
out wide. You could try a return down the line,
a lob, drop shot, or any other type of winner. However, you don't have to try a risky
shot just because you are ahead. If playing
consistent tennis has given you a lead, why
tamper with success? If you are going
to try
a risky shot, remember when to try the "winner" that we all love
to hit. Play the score.
See the video below for more in depth
instruction on shot selection as it relates to court position.
