1. Build Your Consistency. When Andre Agassi was making a name for himself on tour, his style was much flashier than it is today. He would hit a ton more winners but make many errors as well. Overall, he was very successful but also erratic. As he’s gotten older, Agassi has learned to play what he calls “meat and potatoes” tennis. He patiently works the point and grinds down opponents, waiting for the appropriate short ball before going for the winner. For instance, Agassi tries to be inside the baseline before he hits a ball down the line. Club players often pull the trigger on balls that even pros wouldn’t try to hit winners on. If your opponent hits a shot that lands a couple of feet inside the baseline, play it smart and return it deep with plenty of margin for error. Wait for a ball that lands somewhere closer to the service line before you try to go on the offensive.

2. Adapt Your Serve to Your Opponent. Many players have a set way of serving regardless of who they happen to be up against. Not Agassi. He tailors his style according to his opponent. For instance, if he’s playing someone with a weak return of serve, you might see Agassi get 85 percent of his first serves in. He doesn’t want to let a poor returner off the hook by giving him a lot of second serves. On the other hand, if he’s playing someone with a formidable return, Agassi may go for bigger first serves to try to neutralize that weapon. And if his opponent has a weaker wing on the return, you’d better believe that Agassi is going to pick on it. Much of serving effectively revolves around serving smart. Analyze the situation and the opponent and develop a strategy accordingly. Don’t put undue pressure on yourself by missing first serves, particularly if your opponent is crushing your second serve. And if your opponent has a faulty forehand return, make sure to aim a majority of your serves to that side.

3. Don’t Give Away Any Points at the Start of a Match. It’s natural for players to be nervous at the beginning of a match. And for that reason many don’t feel too bad if they play sloppily in the first few games. But if you watch Agassi, he’s focused and ready to go right from the opening bell. His approach is to make his opponents earn every point. This sets the tone for the rest of the match. Not only does it get Agassi dialed in, it lets his opponents know that they’re going to have to work for everything. Some players have the ability to ease their way into a match, but I think it’s a better tactic to be warmed up and methodical from the opening game. Don’t give away points because you think there’s time to recover. Playing the score can be dangerous. Maintaining a high level of concentration and intensity, no matter what the score, will give you more consistent results.

Article by Brad Gilbert, Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images – Tennis.com