The Set-up Point
Not all points are created equal. Most players sharpen their focus on game points since the game is on the line. Your strategy should be to also focus on the set-up point; any point that can result in an game point (love-30, 30-love, 15-30, 30-30, …). It’s like working to get the winning run on base in baseball. The game point is what brings the run around to the plate. All players are more focused when the game is on the line, but to raise your focus on these set-up points can give you the edge it takes to win. Be aware of when you are on a set-up point and get your mind focused, body prepared and make sure you play according to your game plan the entire point.
When you watch a close match and study the stats you’ll find that the difference usually comes down to who played the key points the best and the winner may even win fewer points, have fewer aces, fewer winners – all those things we strive for. The difference may come down to who wins the key points, and often times the key point is a set-up point.