1. Hit the ball to a good length
   • Hit ball firmly at service line to hit floor near back of service box

2. Aim to the back corner
   • That’s the only way to maintain the t area.

3. Keep the ball close to the side wall
   • The better shot is a straight shot.
   • If your shot clings to the side wall, your opponent has to play straight so you can anticipate more easily.

4. Recover to the T
   • From the t you can reach 60% of your opponents shots in one stride.
   • If you are on the t you are controlling the rally.

5. Watch the ball at all times
   • Watch ball unto your racket.
   • Watch ball unto opponent’s racket.
   • Watch ball when it goes behind you.

6. Make your opponent run.
   • Be aware of your opponent’s position on court
   • Play the ball away from it.
   • Move opponent up and down the walls.

7. Volley whenever possible
   • Give opponent less time to recover
   • Keep opponent at full stretch
   • Volley to a good length until the opportunity to volley short
   • Do not go for a winning shot every time there is an opportunity to volley.

8. Know when to delay shots
   • That will wrong foot opponent
   • Make him wait for you to play and then make him run the longest distance
   • Stops and starts causes fatigue

9. Go for the short shots
   • Good length game and good short game wins matches
   • Don’t play short until you first play length

10. Change the pace of the ball
    • Keeps the opponent guessing
    • Breaks up opponent’s game
    • Helps you recover when tired

Aspects of match play:-

• Aim for good length

• Play some drop shots

• Vary the pace of the ball

• Study opponent’s strengths and weaknesses

By Cicelia Prudent, Former Trinidad #1