Winning a Close Tennis Match

 by: Edward Pena

My partner and I found ourselves in a close tennis match this weekend.  The other tennis players were just as good as we are and not giving up. What should you do when you find yourself in this kind of situation?  Look for the opponents weaknesses.  They are there you just have to keep looking closer.

Opponents Weaknesses and How to Find Them 

Finding your opponents weaknesses in tennis can be a challenge, but think back to when you were warming up.  What did you notice?  One of the tennis players does not move well and missed the tennis ball when forced to move.  Try your best to hit the ball away from that opponent every time you return a shot.  Not just side to side, but if they are staying back, hit the tennis ball short.  Force them to move to hit the tennis ball back to you.

Using Deep Tennis Shots to Your Advantage 

Another thing you can do is to get more aggressive by hitting the tennis ball deep on your returns or lobbing the tennis ball deep.  When you hit the tennis ball deep, you and your partner should then take the net in preparation for a put away volley.  Always try to put the point away by hitting the tennis ball at an angle when you are at the net.  This aggressive play also makes your opponents more cautious, further giving you an advantage.

What About Your Serve? 

On your serves, try your very best to get the first serve in every time.  Remember, in tennis, the one shot that you have complete control over is your serve.  You should be able to place the ball on the backhand return side of your opponent and as deep in the court as possible.  This forces them to make a weak return shot that your partner can usually pick off at the net for an easy put away.  Tennis is somewhat of a mental game, this aggressive play at the net will have your opponents worried about returning the next serve and keeping the tennis ball away from your partner.  Sometimes this is enough to make them miss the tennis ball on the next serve.

How to Close out the Match 

You are still playing in a close match, but have slight lead.  In tennis, it is always better to close out the set as quickly as possible when you have the lead.  If it is your serve and you are ahead 5-4, then work hard to win your serve and put that set in your win column.  Then concentrate on getting an early lead in the next set if at all possible.  Do not let up in the second set.  You must concentrate and continue using the things you have learned about your tennis opponent’s weaknesses. 

Tennis can be a very competitive, but fun sport. And like with a lot of sports, it is more fun if you win your tennis match.  Keep practicing your tennis game and you will not only get better, but you will be able to spot your opponents weaknesses much easier. Tennis any one?

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