In the world of competitive tennis, the reality is simple: most points are won in the first few shots. Statistics show that 70-80% of points end within the first five strokes. With this in mind, if you want to elevate your game and maximize your chances of winning points, it’s critical to have a game plan for those opening exchanges.
Whether it’s your serve or return, having a strategy in place for your first 2-3 shots can drastically increase your likelihood of gaining control of the point and closing it out.
The Power of the First Two or Three Shots
Let’s break it down. The majority of points are won either on the Serve +1, Serve +2, or Return +1. These are the critical moments that shape the flow of the point. By focusing on making these initial shots count, you give yourself a clear advantage and take control early on.
Serve +1
The first shot after your serve is crucial. You don’t just want to serve to the middle or try to hit a hard first serve; you need to think about your follow-up shot. Whether you’re hitting a forehand or backhand, decide your target in advance. Target the open court, opponent’s weaknesses, like their backhand side or a spot they often struggle with. By knowing exactly where you want your first shot to go, you reduce the uncertainty and increase your chances of taking command.
Serve +2
This is the shot you hit after your Serve +1, and it is just as important. By now, hopefully you have already set the tone for the point, and your second shot is about maintaining control. An assertive pace to a conservative target will force your opponent to make a difficult shot, often leading to an error or a short ball you can attack. Develop patterns of where to hit your serve (and your first follow-up shot), so your second shot is just as purposeful and strategic.
Return +1
On the other side of the net, the Return +1 is equally important. Don’t just focus on getting the ball back—focus on where you’re placing your return. Are you targeting their backhand corner, or are you trying to force them wide with a cross-court return? A consistent return to an effective target can immediately put pressure on your opponent and force them to make a defensive shot, creating opportunities for you to move forward and attack.
Building a Rally Plan for Longer Points
Now, what happens if the rally extends beyond the first few shots? While the first 2-3 shots are often decisive, rallies will still go on, and it’s crucial to have a plan for longer exchanges as well. The key is to recognize patterns in the rally and exploit your opponent’s weaknesses.
In these situations, top players rely on creating one of five scenarios that give them the best chance to win the point. These situations are built from strategic shot placement, angle creation, and anticipation:
#1 Forced Error (Wide, Long, or In the Net)
A well-executed rally forces your opponent into a position where they make a mistake—whether the ball goes long, wide, or into the net. The longer you can consistently place your shots with precision and variation, the more likely you are to induce errors from your opponent.
#2 Short Ball to Approach
A short ball is your opportunity to step in and take control of the point. Whether your opponent is stretched out wide or caught off guard, you can approach the net or dictate the rally with a powerful shot. This is when your aggressive movement and ability to close in on the court can pay off, putting you in a winning position.
#3 Ball in the Middle of the Court to Attack
A ball sitting in the middle of the court is a gift. Use this to dictate the point. Whether it’s with a forehand or backhand, you can step into the court and attack with authority. By taking advantage of these neutral balls, you can quickly turn defense into offense and create an attacking opportunity.
The Importance of Pre-Meditated Plans
The key takeaway here is to have a plan for your first few shots and how you want to approach longer rallies. Don’t just hit the ball and hope for the best. Successful players plan their first 2-3 shots with purpose, and they have a game plan in mind for when the rally continues. In fact, your success on the court is largely determined by how well you can implement these initial strategies and adapt to the evolving rally patterns.
Focus on Control, Not Just Power
A common mistake many competitive players make is trying to hit the ball too hard, particularly during their Serve +1 or Serve +2. Power is important, but control is key. Focus on placing your shots strategically, forcing your opponent into difficult positions, and making them play uncomfortable tennis. By doing this, you increase your chances of putting pressure on them, forcing errors, or setting up your next shot for an attack.
Conclusion: A Plan for Every Point
The road to becoming a successfully competitive tennis player doesn’t happen by accident. It requires discipline, strategy, and the ability to control the flow of the match. By focusing on the first 2-3 shots—your Serve +1, Serve +2, and Return +1—you can dominate the early stages of a point and set the tone for the rest of the rally.
Remember, 70-80% of points end in the first 5 shots. So, make those shots count. Create a strategy, stick to it, and build rally patterns that force your opponent into those 5 situations: errors, short balls, and opportunities to attack.
Whether you’re playing in a local club match or in a high-level tournament, the first few shots are where matches are often won and lost. Be ready to make them your weapon.