I’ve heard you often refer to a lost point as “a good miss”?  Why, you still lost the point!?

It’s understandable that you might question the idea of a “good miss” since losing a point is never ideal. However, the concept of a “good miss” is rooted in strategic thinking and risk management in tennis.

Statistics from Tennis Analytics show that hitting the ball into the net is one of the most common errors in tennis.  If you study the table below, two lightbulb moments will jump out at you:

1.  The vast majority of points, at any level of the game, are lost (typically 90% of points are lost!), and

2.  Over 40% of those errors result from hitting the ball into the net.

By avoiding this FUNDAMENTAL error of hitting the ball into the net, players increase their chances of winning the point. Therefore, a “good miss” refers to a shot that does not result in a net error but may still end up out of  court.

By aiming to avoid the net and hitting with margin, players can reduce the risk of making unforced errors and increase their chances of winning the point.  Moreover, they give the opposition a change to miss and make an error.

Of course, a shot that lands in the ideal location is always the goal, but it’s not always achievable. In those situations, a “good miss” can be a strategic and effective approach to minimize mistakes.

In summary, a “good miss” is not about celebrating a lost point, but rather a strategy to minimize unforced errors and increase the likelihood of winning the point, and the match, in the long run.

This week’s question comes from a parent of a junior player.  “Thank you very much for sharing your doubles strategies.  What are some tips for coaching my child in singles?”

As a parent of a junior player, you may be wondering how to improve both your and your child’s singles play. Singles play requires a different set of skills and strategies to doubles play. Here are some practical tips to help your child improve their singles game:

1. Focus on the serve: A strong serve is critical in singles and can give your child a big advantage from the outset. Encourage your child to practice their serve regularly, and vary the placement, speed, and spin of their serves to keep their opponent guessing.

2. Play to your child’s strengths: Help your child identify their strengths and weaknesses, and encourage them to play to their strengths. For example, if your child has a strong forehand, encourage them to run around the ball to use it to dictate play. I call this the “Nadal Variation.”

3. Stay aggressive: In singles play, it’s important to stay aggressive without being overly aggressive and to take control of the match. Encourage your child to hit their shots with pace and depth to keep their opponent on the defensive and look for opportunities to move forward and finish points at the net.

4. Be patient: While staying aggressive, it’s important to be patient and wait for the right opportunities to attack. Encourage your child not to try to hit winners on every shot, but to play long rallies as/when required and force their opponent to make a mistake.  To win the point, you have get into the point first!

5. Stay focused: Tennis is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, so it’s important to stay mentally focused and composed throughout the match. Encourage your child to stay positive and focused on the present moment and not to get too caught up in mistakes, talking to their opponent, or bad calls.

6. Adapt to your opponent: Encourage your child to see what’s happening with their opponent on the other side of the net and adapt their game to their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. If their opponent has a weak backhand, they can target that side of the court more often. If their opponent is a good net player, they can keep them back at the baseline with deep shots and lobs.

7. Be prepared to change your game: In some cases, your child’s game may not match up well against their opponent’s game. They may be overpowered. Encourage them to have a “Plan B” that may involve coming to the net to volley more often; hitting high, slow balls, or slow short balls to bring the opponent to the net, particularly if the opponent has an extreme Western grip. “Plan B” is never having to make the old chestnut excuses: ” I lost because I played badly” or “the other guy cheated”! 

Remember, the real secret of the game is the player who hits the ball over the net and into the court the last time, wins the point!  

With these strategies, your child will be well on their way to becoming a well-rounded tennis player who can play both singles and doubles at a high level, giving them a priceless gift of lifelong enjoyment and potential life long social connections through tennis.

Good luck!
Rob  Tennis Whisperer

Ps: Questions always welcome.

This week’s question comes from another mid level club member.  “I play doubles at the club a couple of times a week. What can I do to improve my tennis without making major changes in  my game?“

As an avid tennis player, you know that the key to success on the court is constant improvement. While you enjoy playing doubles at the club a couple of times a week, you also recognize that there are areas in your game that could use some work. 

However, you don’t want to make any major changes that could throw off your entire game. So what can you do to improve your tennis without making any major changes?  

First, start by assessing your strengths and weaknesses. Consider which parts of your game are already strong and which could use some improvement. For example:

• Are you struggling with your footwork? This is typically a problem of your balance and inertia accelerated with age.
• Is your serve not as consistent as you’d like it to be?  Typically a poor ball toss due to lack of rhythm and balance.
• Are you having trouble with your backhand?  Typically a dominant eye issue.
• Could your volleys need some help?  Typically a ball watching issue causing you to be slow to react to the ball.

Note these suggestions are simple and DO NOT require you to make major changes in your game!

In 1933, Mercer Beasley wrote a book titled “How to Play Tennis.” Beasley was the coach of the tennis legends of his time, including Vines, Austin, and Parker. In his book, Beasley outlined the three greatest tennis tips of all time: 1) Keep your eye on the ball, 2) Get your racket back as quickly as possible, and 3) Move your feet

Although there have been advancements in racket technology, court surfaces, and shot selection, the fundamentals of the game have remained unchanged. Our Whisperer Notes provide a timeless reference to elaborate these tennis tips.  They may help you identify your area(s) of weakness, and the simple steps you can start to focus on improving them.

Finally, if you are willing to make an investment in $$$, and the time/frustration to change, you might consider taking a couple of private coaching lessons to get some expert advice on specific shot(s). A professional coach may help you identify areas for improvement and address them.

Remember, improving your tennis game is a continuous process that requires patience and dedication. By making small adjustments, at any age, you can improve your tennis without making any major changes to your overall game.

Good luck,
Rob  Tennis Whisperer