Five Tips
Jennifer Mast
3/12/2008

1. When you’re playing a match, especially against a lower-rated player, never show your frustration no matter how much the situation warrants it! Instead, appear calm and confident. Successfully doing this will unnerve your opponent; he sees that he cannot unnerve you!
2. If you’re not doing so well in a match, try to slow things down in between points. Take some time to towel off if you have the chance, or take longer than usual to pick up the ball or to begin your serve. This will give you a chance to think and refocus on your strategy. Slowing things down will also change the pace that your opponent was going at and so help to slow down his momentum.
3. If you have trouble with tournament matches played in the morning, try also to hold your practice sessions at that same time or perhaps earlier. It’s a good idea to start doing this about two weeks or so before a tournament. That way, by the time the tournament comes up, your mind and body should be conditioned for playing in the morning.
4. When just playing around, that is not practicing seriously, you can fool around with chopping, lobbing, or counterlooping, experimenting as you go. For me, this is a fun way to play around and relax. Besides, it can help develop your defensive skills (which often come in handy in a match) as well as improve your touch.
5. Lastly, do what I’m doing. Write tips! Or, make a list of your weaknesses and the solutions to those weaknesses. Then, periodically review your list. Doing this can help to remind you to not commit your usual mistakes or to remind you of things you can do that will keep your game sharpened.

[Playing Tips.]