Begin with the End in Mind

What's the end goal?

When you begin a point, you need to start with the end in mind…. where do you want the ball to go? You have to select a target. Once you have selected a target…down the line, down the center, cross court or an angle, you can begin to choose the spin and the speed you need to execute the tactical shot for the situation.

The more options you have in the category of spin and speed, the more weapons you will have to defeat your opponent. For example, using under spin, some side spin or top spin can provide several options for controlling a point. Having options as far as the speed used to direct the shot you have chosen also provides another way imposing a tactical control during a point. Level 1 can be a loopy-spinny ball, level 2 is a rally speed that allows you to keep the ball in play and level 3 is as fast as you can hit and still keep the ball in play.

The ultimate end may be to win the match but within that is the end of winning the set, the game or the point. Regardless of the goal, begin with the end in mind.

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