Control the Center of the Court

The Wimbledon final 2007 Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal was a stunning example, Nadal taking control of points at a time inside the court and than retreating back behind the baseline to lose the point, because is net skills are poor and he does not trust himself volleying.  This culminated with a graphic from the BBC showing Nadal's position running 4 and 5 meters behind the baseline in comparison to Federer's position 1 to 2 meters from the baseline or inside the court attacking.

A final parallelism between Chess and tennis are the pawns.  In Chess all pieces are important but,  you will never trade a Queen for a pawn (unless you check-mate in the next move!), in tennis all points are important but there are some you can lose (like the pawns in chess) and others that you must win at all costs, those are the key points in match....and Federer is a master at playing those and that is why he so successful.

So when you see a lackadaisical type like Federer on the other side of the net, beware! "Do Not Trust that Demeanor" he is plotting to take your Queen!

- Stay in control as much as possible.  Play agressively to the opponent backhand deep and close to the sidelines if necessary to get an opening.  Yet mix the speed (changes of pace), spins, ball heigth and when possible pound the opponents forehand side with a few winners to keep him honest.

- Hug the baseline and get inside the court at every opportunity. Combine winners with angles, drops shots and approach shot attacks.

In the diagram below you will see what I consider the "Control Zone", if you are disciplined enough to hold onto your guns, to fight for that position and as much as possible fire from inside of that area, your match winning percentage will increase dramatically.

- Stay in control of the center of the court.

- Stay 1 or 2 meters behind the baseline and get inside the court as the chances arise.

- Either attack the short balls and go to the net or put them away according to individual situations.

Remember going for the lines in certain situations is percentage play as well! What is important is, that you sense the right moment and you have previously developed confidence in the shot by using it during practice match play. Great wins always involve great acts of courage, sacrifice and boldness.

For comments or ideas about this article please email the author Sergio Cruz

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