You are better than you think you are; you can play at a higher level than you think you can; and you have the potential to beat so-called better players. If you’re a competitor and not just playing for exercise (and “cardio” tennis is great), don’t accept where you are; don’t settle for less. Shake yourself up in whatever manner it takes and you’l

the court—just back of the service line—suddenly you think, “Ooooooh, I don’t wanna miss this easy one,” and play it safe, just push it over the net. I say: “Why? What are you thinking?” That’s the time to get more aggressive, take some risk, up the ante. The ball’s in your strike zone and you’ve got a much better chance to go for a productive forc

Now, let me give you what is still my biggest complaint about club players and your game: Too often you have the risk vs. reward calculation backward. Namely, when you don’t have an advantage in the point—like when you’re forced over to the doubles alley in the backcourt—you try to rip the impossible one-in-twenty lucky shot like one you made a cou

“Always be asking yourself during a match who’s doing what to whom.” That means knowing how and why points are being won and lost. It means knowing what’s going on out on the court.

In its most basic form your plan evolves as you answer these questions: 1. What is my opponent’s best weapon? 2. Where is my opponent weak? 3. What is my best shot and how can I direct it at my opponent’s weakness? 4. What can I do to keep my opponent away from my own weakness?

Lendl’s approach is the correct one. Start below your maximum pace and rhythm in your first few games. Don’t try to cream those early shots. Let yourself build into a solid, comfortable “power” rhythm. It’ll happen if you let yourself resist the temptation to hit hard and win quick.

How to Get the Best Possible Start 1. Never serve first. 2. Start your match like Ivan Lendl. 3. Play the first two games correctly. 4. Utilize the first pit stop.

The Game Plan This process of review will lead me right into the equally important process of planning my strategy: 1. What do I want to make happen? 2. What do I want to prevent from happening?

If your opponent is consistently hitting winners with a big serve, the solution is simple: Just take one step back from where you had been standing to receive the serve. You’ll like the results.