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Match point against you. How do you play it?
Match point down: your highest-percentage pattern, executed with full commitment. Make them win it.
You are facing match point on their serve. What is the right mindset and tactic?
Match point down: your highest-percentage pattern, executed with full commitment. Make them win it.
Why
Facing match point produces two bad instincts: the hero shot, because there is "nothing to lose", and the timid push, because there is everything to lose. The right approach is the same as at any other score, only more so: the highest-percentage pattern you own: the deep return lob, the advance together, the volley to the feet: played with full commitment. The pair serving for the match is nervous too, and nervous servers hit short serves and miss volleys. Give them the whole point to make that mistake. They have to win it; do not lose it for them.
What this means at your level
Beginner
On match point down, hit the return you hit best, high and deep. Then move forward with your partner and see what they do.
Intermediate
Say the plan out loud before the point: "lob, go, feet". Both of you then execute it rather than thinking about the score.
Advanced
Pairs serving for the match tend to play their second serve too safely. Step in a half-step on second serves and take the ball early: the one time the drive return is worth the risk.
Common questions
You are facing match point on their serve. What is the right mindset and tactic?
Your most reliable pattern, fully committed. Match point down: your highest-percentage pattern, executed with full commitment. Make them win it. Facing match point produces two bad instincts: the hero shot, because there is "nothing to lose", and the timid push, because there is everything to lose. The right approach is the same as at any other score, only more so: the highest-percentage pattern you own: the deep return lob, the advance together, the volley to the feet: played with full commitment. The pair serving for the match is nervous too, and nervous servers hit short serves and miss volleys. Give them the whole point to make that mistake. They have to win it; do not lose it for them.
Why not go for a winner. There is nothing to lose now?
There is something to lose: the match. A low-percentage shot on match point ends it faster than anything else.
What should a beginner do here?
On match point down, hit the return you hit best, high and deep. Then move forward with your partner and see what they do.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Pairs serving for the match tend to play their second serve too safely. Step in a half-step on second serves and take the ball early: the one time the drive return is worth the risk.
Puzzles like this one
A smash is coming at you. What is your job?
You are not trying to win this ball. You are trying to still be in the point two shots from now.
beginnerYou are 0-4 down. What do you change?
Change one variable and give it two games. Anything else is panic wearing a tactic’s clothes.
intermediateOne of them is clearly weaker. Where do you hit?
Find the weaker player and keep the ball there. Consistency of target beats variety of shot.