Coach Samson Dubina US National Team Coach 4x USATT Coach of the Year
 

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What Next?

Developing Game-Winning Strengths

Through my articles, I have often described how to overcome problems and how to develop game-winning strengths.  Strengths in your game are important because they allow you to possibly win 5-6 easy points.  Without strengths, you might need to battle for each point through long rallies.
 
HOWEVER
 
Strengths are the strongest when they are follow up by the next shot.  Especially if you hope to move to the next level, think about WHAT COMES NEXT?  For Roger, (who has a killer forehand) can he follow-up with another loop?  To do this, he might need to adjust his position and adjust the length of his backswing.  For Joe, (who has a nasty serve) can he follow-up with a great third-ball-attack?  To do this, he will need to properly read the spin, get into postion, and loop with good placement.  For Ali, (who has a heavy chop) can he deal with the push coming back?  To do this, he will need to read the opponent well to see if the opponent follows up with another loop or decides to push.
 
There are dozens of different strengths - deceptive serve - powerful smash - well placed flip - heavy push - variation block.  I encourage you to develop at least 1-2 very strong points.  BUT remember, the better players will sometimes return those strong shots.  Against all players, you must be mentally prepared for the return and physically get your body ready for the next shot.  It never helps to assume that you hit a winner!!!

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