The following post list solutions to decreasing unforced errors.(Excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible) Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo
Spotting the Opponents Style Shift
Situation: Our player wins the first set 6-2. Upon the start of 2nd set, the opponent shifts from his hard hitting baseline style into a conservative, retrieving style of play.
Jason: Spots the change in style and counters by simply adapting to the “New Look.” Since he is no longer receiving FREE points, Jason begins to work his selection of patterns found in his “How to Dismantle Retrievers” protocol notes.
Jack: Does not spot the shift in style. He begins to get frustrated by the fact that the opponent is not missing the second or third ball anymore. Without even knowing, Jack begins to play faster and hit harder. Jack is panicking and attempting low percentage winners left and right. Jack implodes once again and breaks another brand new racquet!
Elements/Environmental Conditions
Situation: The Easter Bowl (Palm Springs, Ca.) is famous for its windy conditions. Often, players have to cope with 30-40 miles per hour wind speeds. The result is that most often, cautious, consistent retriever style of play gets rewarded. The elements play a critical role in shot selection.
Jason: Adapts his offensive baseline style to a safer style of play. He looks for ways to use the wind to his advantage. He applies more spin to the ball and aims four feet inside the court on each shot. He understands that going for winners in these “crazy” conditions is an almost impossible strategy, so he buckles down and uses his “B” plan. This plan consists of letting the opponent “self-destruct.”
Jack: Begins the tournament with the expectation that the conditions are unfair and he cannot play in the wind! He conveniently forgets that he has had many opportunities to practice in the wind in the weeks prior to the tournament, but chose to cancelled his lessons because he believed it was pointless to practice in windy conditions. (Jack lives in Southern California and Santa Ana Winds are present many times a year.) Guess who lost first and first this year at the Easter Bowl?
Time Management
Situation: The opponent starts off on a hot streak. Within 15 minutes, he is up 4-0.
Jason: Understands that controlling and managing both sides of the net is a critical factor in winning tennis. Since he realizes that he is clearly not in control, he takes a bathroom break. Is this legal? Actually… Yes. He is looking for two things to happen: One is to take enough time to actually devise a new plan of attack. Two is to act as a “Cooler.” He knows that he has to give the opponent’s fire a chance to burn itself out. We call this a shift in momentum.
Jack: Believes bathroom breaks are for “sissies.” What kind of player takes a bathroom break? The answer is… smart ones!
Appropriate Short Ball Options
Situation: Our player’s opponent is a terrific retriever. He positions himself 10-15 feet behind the baseline and seems to get every deep ball.
Jason: Considers the opponents preferred style. He monitors both players’ court positions and elects to incorporate drop shots and short angle shots to pull the opponent out of his comfort zone.
Jack: Is super talented. He can hit all four short ball options (Kill, Approach, Drop, or Side Door), but elects to simply kill every short ball as hard as he can. This plays right into the opponent’s (retriever’s style) spider’s web. Frustrated once again, Jack walks off the court in record time, breaking a few more racquets on the way.
Primary Versus Secondary Strokes
Situation: Our last opponent is an old school net rusher. His weapons are power and intimidation. He is coming in and everyone knows it!
Jason: Understands that simply spinning in his first serve is not as macho, but it serves a critical function: It keeps the net rusher from using the second serve as an approach shot. Also, Jason does not go for outright passing shot winners from the first pass, he resists and elects to dip the ball soft and low at the on-rushing players feet. This makes the player choosing to volley earn the winning shot, while giving Jason a higher percentage shot at actually passing on the second ball.
Jack: You know Jack by now…Jack bombs away at his monster first serve. He hits his typical first serve percentage of 30 percent in. Because of the fragility of his second serve “Under Pressure”, he is attacked on his second serve (70 percent of the time). The opponent quickly takes away Jack’s time with his attack and breaks Jack’s serve.
Like most of us, Jack is uncomfortable being attacked. He feels the pressure and goes for huge passing shots as soon as he sees the opponent begin to come in. Most of his passes land closer to the back fence than in the court. After the match Jack takes his racquet bag and shoves it into the trash can and walks to his car.
In summary, thinking, reacting, adjusting and problem solving are critical dimensions in top level tennis. Without it, the physical and technical sides of the athlete tend to drift off course. The key tools needed to compete at the higher levels are developed by training the mental and emotional components of the game. If your child resembles crazy Jack, it may be time to organize their developmental plan before another critical year is wasted away.
To purchase the book or for more information contact Frank Giampaolo at FGSA@earthlink.net or go to: www.maximizingtennispotential.com
