When it comes to tennis, particularly in doubles and on clay, there are many myths about how the game is played. One such myth is that women’s tennis on clay is all about long rallies and trying to outlast your opponent. But is that really true? Let’s break down some common misconceptions.
MYTH 1: WOMEN'S TENNIS IS ALL ABOUT LONG RALLIES
Many believe that women tennis, especially in doubles and on clay court, tennis is defined by long, drawn-out rallies. However, the reality is quite different. In fact, for many players, the majority of points don’t even reach the 9+ shot range.
A significant percentage of points in matches are won in just 0-4 shots, with many players hitting only a few times before the point ends. This insight challenges the traditional belief that long rallies dominate the game in doubles and on clay. For players looking to improve their doubles and even more their clay court game, it’s important to focus on these short exchanges and learn how to win points quickly, rather than relying on extended rallies.
MYTH 2: DOMINATING LONG RALLIES IS KEY TO SUCCESS
Some players have developed a reputation for being good at longer rallies, but does this actually translate into success? The truth might surprise you.
For example, one player who plays the most extended rallies in a match might not necessarily be the one who wins the most points in those rallies. In fact, players who consistently focus on longer rallies often wear themselves out and find themselves at a disadvantage in the latter stages of a match. Instead of focusing on grinding out long rallies, players should look to seize the initiative and control points from the start, making use of early opportunities to dictate the play.
MYTH 3: LONG RALLIES CREATE A BIGGER ADVANTAGE THAN SHORTER ONES
This myth can be a game-changer. It’s often assumed that longer rallies provide more opportunities to gain an advantage, but statistically, shorter rallies are where the most points are won.
Short exchanges, typically those lasting 0-4 shots, offer a much larger margin for success and more opportunities to dominate. The key to success is consistency in these shorter rallies. Players should focus on ensuring they don’t miss their first couple of shots, as the game is won by capitalising on these short moments, not by dragging the opponent into long, tiring exchanges.
MYTH 4: LONG POINTS ARE WERE YOU WIN
The idea that you win by outlasting your opponent in long points is a common misconception. When examining the win-loss ratios in long rallies, it becomes clear that there’s not much of a competitive edge in extended rallies. In fact, the win-loss ratio in long points tends to be very close, with no real advantage gained by engaging in lengthy exchanges.
Instead, players should focus on maintaining consistency in the early stages of a rally, focusing on keeping their first two shots solid and moving quickly to gain the upper hand.
THE TAKEAWAY: FOCUS ON CONSISTENCY AND EARLY CONTROL
The truth is, short rallies are where players win the most points, especially in clay court matches. Instead of getting caught up in the myth of endless rallies, players should focus on being consistent in the initial shots of the rally. By executing solid groundstrokes and positioning early, players can dictate points and set up opportunities to finish points quickly, leaving less room for the opponent to react.
So, next time you step onto the clay, remember: success lies in focusing on shorter, more controlled rallies, staying consistent, and looking for those early opportunities to dominate.