Scoreboard Strategy: Playing Smarter in Pressure Moments

Key Points

• • Score Awareness Is Strategic Power:
    Most players don’t use the scoreboard tactically—understanding it can give you a major edge in tight matches.

• • Primary vs. Secondary Patterns:

    • Primary Pattern: Your best, low-risk/high-reward play.

    • Secondary Pattern: Higher risk, less predictable, used ~20–30% of the time to keep opponents guessing.

• • Adapt Based on Score:
    Use your best patterns on key points, but also know when to mix it up to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.

• • Read Your Opponent Through the Score:

    • At big points, expect their best patterns—be ready to counter.

    • When they’re ahead, they may take more risks—watch for the unexpected.

• • It Becomes a Chess Match:
    High-level tennis involves anticipating what your opponent is likely to do based on the score—and adjusting your own tactics accordingly.
• • Bottom Line:
    Smart players use the scoreboard as a tactical tool, not just a tracker of who's winning.