How to Assess Your Tennis Game: 4 Key Areas Every Player Must Evaluate
Break your game into 4 parts—Serve +1, Return +1, Rally Exchanges, Transition & Net Play. Use this framework to review matches and target real improvement.
Key Points
Rally Patterns:
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Evaluate strengths (e.g., backhand crosscourt) and weaknesses (e.g., inability to go down the line)
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Identify what patterns work for you and which ones need work
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Break Down Your Game into 4 Sections:
- Serve +1: Your serve and the first ball after it
- Return +1: Your return and the next shot
- Rally Exchanges: Baseline consistency and patterns
- Transition & Net Play: Approaches and finishing at the net
Serve +1:
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A strong serve should set you up for an offensive first ball
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If you're constantly defending on your plus-one, your serve placement or power may need improvement
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Return +1:
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Are you neutralizing or attacking off the return?
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Can you take control of the point early or are you giving your opponent the advantage?
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Self-Review Framework:
Use this 4-part structure to reflect after matches or practice sessions—pinpoint what’s working and what needs focused improvement.
