My definition of a "good" player is one who beats the player that he should beat, and occasionally beats someone who is better than them. Some people call that consistency.

You might wonder why these "good" players are consistent, or perhaps more consistent than you. Of course, you know that good players practice and play a lot, facilitating consistency. They keep fit, as well. But did you know that good players are aware of how they're losing points and how they're winning points? Similarly, they know how their opponent is losing and winning points. With this awareness, good players adjust their tactics to decrease their likelihood of losing points and to improve their opportunities to win points.

For example, you're playing Doug again. Last time you guys met, you beat him, though it was close. You feel fairly confident that you should beat him again. But you're already down one game and far behind in the second. You can't believe what's happening. Doug's getting your bread 'n butter forehand boast - if not, it's hitting the tin. And where did Doug all of a sudden learn how to volley-put-away your serve to his backhand?..On the positive side, you don't feel tired and Doug's catching a few tins with his forehand rails . Yeah, they're weak. Damn!...Doug just hit the luckiest three-wall nick to win the second game.

Now you're down two zip - what do you do?

How is Doug winning points? That backhand service return volley. Right. So take it away from him. How? The easiest way is to serve to his forehand when you come in (believe it or not, most people don't think of this simple countermeasure, even though they know they're getting killed by that backhand volley return) Then, when you have to serve to Doug's backhand, change your serve. Serve into his body, or lob it, etc., and be looking for that volley put-away.

How is Doug losing points? With his weak - and getting weaker forehand rail. Right again. So, even though you feel more comfortable trading backhand rails, now's the time to give Doug more chances to tin out on the forehand. Yep, you're figuring all this out.

How are you losing points? That now-failing forehand boast. It always works! Nope. But you love it. Maybe you should just hit it softer - or harder - or lower. Yeah, although he's been getting them, you'll just hit 'em better. Wrong. Give them up. That's right. Quit hitting them. That's how you're losing points!

How are you winning points? This may not so clear. You normally win your points on your forehand boast. But since you haven't scored many points in total, it's hard to say how you won what few you do have. But you feel pretty strong, and you're not tired. Try extending the rallies, keeping the ball in play. Wait until you have a really simple put-away before you go for a shot. See if you can out-run him!

You now have a four-point strategy:

1.Come in serving to Doug's forehand. 2.Focus your placement deep to Doug's forehand. 3.No more of your forehand boasts. 4.Keep the ball in play until the easy one comes.

Now try concentrating on these four things - just these four. Stick to this and get yourself back in the match!

Return to Randy Kahn's Homepage