Any tennis player with even the slightest bit of pride knows how wonderful it feels to nail that screaming eagle that falls right within the line. As great an esteem booster as this type of shot is, it is more often the smart, less amazing shots, that lead to victories in a match.
A spectacular shot may get you a point or two during a match but they can also be risky and, in many cases, may not be worth it. Giving yourself a cushion and more margin for error so that you get more than 85% of your shots back with skill and control will go a lot farther toward ensuring the victory every time you play.
A steady supply of high percentage shots are far more useful and dependable than trying to go for the lines. This may seem self-explanatory but you will still see people of all skill levels trying to go for the easy point by trying to get the ball just inside the lines. Most of this is due to the temptation of scoring a point on the line but the risks nearly always outweigh the possible benefits. For many players, though, this will fall on deaf ears.
A high percentage shot is one that is almost guaranteed to land in with little risk of failure. A low percentage shot is a shot that may come off as spectacular but may just as easily fail spectacularly.
When you think of your shots as percentages and odds, you may begin to realize that tennis, just like gambling, can be played to your advantage by simply understanding probability and chance. With this logic, you can see how hitting high percentage shots can be seen as not only playing it safe, but also playing it smart. Again, this may seem like common sense to anybody, but go ahead and take a look at a couple of amateurs playing.
You’ll see tons of opportunities for great high percentage shots that can yield victories being squandered and replaced with difficult shots that nearly always leave you cringing in disgust. No one can deny that pulling off a low percentage shot and succeeding makes for a great feeling and a great buzz from the crowd, but losing at the end of the day because of your risk-taking can hardly be justified.
So, play the percentages, and you’ll see a world of difference. The crowd will be even more impressed when you win… TRUST ME 
Have a GREAT day and an even BETTER GAME!
Brian Hall, Head Coach
TennismindCamp
webmaster@tennismindcamp.com
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great Stuff, Brian. You’re right, it is tempting to hit that down-the-line shot right on the line, but it is low percentage to get that close. I notice that Nadal’s shots all seem very high over the net and way inside the baseline, but have tons of spin. Than, when the right moment arises, Bam! He hits a winner. But, you have to wait for the right moment.
I have trouble with my toss. Goes in a different place every time. I try to use a rhythm, like bouncing the ball, rocking back and forth, then tossing, but the ball has a mind of it’s own! Any suggestions? Thanks! Lisa
i really like your tips –how do i get more? – thanks a lot–Bill
Your article got me thinking. I don’t play very often at all, and I love going for the big winner on my forehand. But your article made me think about how I view my daughter’s game. Sometimes, I think she pushes the ball too much given the fact that she has a lot of power, especially on her forehand which she is not using. I guess I could ask for your recommendation. But in thinking, I guess it’s somewhere in between.
Thanks,
Pat