There comes a point in many matches when the points are crucial. Many matches I have seen or played for that matter, the points came easy until……it came crunch time–the 12-12 points, the 14-14, the 10-10 etc. Here are some guidelines for pressure points–easy 10 rules for serving pressure point play.
1. Never give an easy serve to kill-for this reason I do not like drive serves unless hit on the short side; not off the back wall!
2. Never “cleverate” yourself on serving. Many times the serve gets too cute; too smart-you do not trick a good player; you beat them!
3. Always take your time with the serve. You have ten seconds. Think and visualize the serve.
4. Always know the return options of your serve return. For example If you serve to the backhand they have a “loop de loop” backhand you will probably get a sidewall return.
5. Get back to center court asap! Do not saunter back!
6. Get ready for the return.
7. If you have a shot in the front court, do not let them off the hook! Skipping easy rekills, will kill your chances of winning!
8. What serve to hit if you are serving? What is the one serve that has scored the most points? Use that one and do not get cute using anything else.
9. What return to hit if you are receiving-think ceiling ball if you have the opportunity-it not you are on defense so get it back to the front wall. Great returns come off great serves! Trust your practice and when you get the serve back, see number 8!
10. Be in charge. Great body language makes for great performance!
Try these 10 and you will win!