Trying to win every point

Are you frustrated that you don’t win every point?  Do you think you should win every point?  Is this reasonable?

Maybe you’re setting your expectations too high.  First you need to look at how you play your points.  Do you try to keep the ball in play or do you try to go for winners?

Going for winners is the right approach only if you are in a position on the court that makes that the proper tactic.  More often than not we think that we should be pushing our opponent around the court on every shot and getting the opening for the “kill” shot.  That is the correct goal, but your opponent has the same idea.  So, what’s the right answer?

Be aware of where you are on the court and what type of shot is the highest percentage from that location.  More than likely, you are trying to hit winners or very aggressive shots from a defensive or low percentage position.

Remember to play the percentages and go for broke only when the odds are in your favor.  That is, you have a court position advantage – you are inside the baseline or closer and your opponent is pushed back or off to one side.  The optimal play is to hit for a winner that allows enough margin that a miss-hit or hustle by your opponent still leaves you in control of the point and an easy put away on the next shot.