1. You must be physically fit. As has been said before, the mind can’t do it alone. The mental unit must be supported by strong legs and a big heart. If the mind is strong and the flesh is weak, it will not do wonders to your game.
2. Think 30 returns plus 1. Nowadays, every point in the tennis circuit is decided after exchanging 60 shots back and forth over the net. Whoever hits one more shot normally gets the point. Hitting 30 returns can’t be achieved overnight. Graduate by hitting 10 shots consistently. Then try to be metronomic at 15 shots until you master the 30-return frame plus 1.
3. Hit the ball crosscourt. Unless you are certain that you can hurt your opponent with the down the line return, hitting the ball crosscourt is good judgment. There are three mental reasons for this approach. First the court is lower in the middle than on the sideline. Second, the court is longer so you can safely hit the ball hard. And third, changing the angle of the racket against incoming spinning ball is too tough to handle.
This is also why most returns down the line go out.
4. Return a drop shot with another drop shot. I have seen many players ignore this mental shot. Instead of hitting a drop shot, he would violently whip the ball to the baseline only to see it coming back over his head. Of course, if it is a floater, it will be a different story.
5. Keep your shot combinations simple. Whether it is a two shot combo or more, always hit your winning shot in the open court. Don’t mind if your opponent is the fastest tennis player in town. Remember that by making him run, you are draining his energy level.
6. Play the points the easy way. In a match between Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet in the recently concluded 2010 U.S. Open, the former after hitting a short ball, instead of following it up with a volley at the net, went back to the baseline and battled it out from there. He won the point but he was gasping for breath. McEnroe commented that Gayle played the easy point the hardest way.
7. Spin your flat serve. Contrary to popular belief, flat serve is hit with 30 percent spin. That is why 6’7” player, who can view the entire service box by just standing from the baseline, still hits the net with his first serve. This is also the reason why you have to hit your serve up and not down.
8. Maintain a comfortable confidence level. No matter how good you are as a player, there will be moments of mental lapses during your match that will affect your confidence. To avert this, make up your mind before the match that 6 double faults will not trigger your nervous system. Or 8 ground stroke errors will not wake up your butterflies in your stomach.
