Kwong Young, USPTA Tennis Professional, IronOaks Tennis Club
We all say there aren’t enough hours in the day—and the same idea applies on the tennis court. The more time you give your opponents, the more comfortable and dangerous they become.
If you send a slow, “friendly” ball over the net, you’re giving your opponent time to think, set up, choose their placement, and strike with confidence. That’s exactly what you don’t want. The competitive edge comes from reducing their time.
At every level, from beginners to collegiate players to the pros, errors usually happen for one simple reason: a player was forced to hit under pressure and couldn’t execute. That’s why keeping the ball in play is so critical. Give yourself a chance to win every point. Think of the Bee Gees’ song: “Stayin’ Alive.”
Here’s how to apply it:
• Move your opponents around the court
• Change direction and depth
• Make them stretch and hit on the run
• Force contact from uncomfortable positions
• Keep steady pressure without going for low-percentage winners
When opponents are chasing, off balance, or rushed, mistakes happen naturally.
No one enjoys being outplayed, but by controlling time, keeping the ball alive, and applying smart pressure, you and your partner can gain the upper hand and take command of the match.
Play smart. Play steady. Take away time—and take the advantage.