Most players spend 99 percent of their time practicing stroke mechanics. However, shot selection is the most common cause of errors in tournament play. Understanding zonal tennis will help you choose the right shots and reduce errors.
Mark: I bet I’ve spent $10,000 on lessons to improve my forehand, backhand, serve – all of the strokes. I look like a pro dur- ing lessons, but during matches, I stink! I can’t even beat Mildred on the super senior squad. Why?
Frank: The quick answer is that your losses are not due to stroke technique, but most likely poor shot selection, which leads to unforced errors. There are four causes of unforced errors in match play: stroke mechanics, shot selection, movement spacing and emotional composure. The most common cause of errors in match play is poor tactical choices or shot selection.
Retrievers tend to have all the trophies, and it’s not due to their elegant strokes. They win by developing shot selection skill sets. If you’d like to expand your trophy case, try reducing your errors by applying Zonal Tennis, the use of proper air zone and court zone tactics.
Zonal tennis warfare has been applied successfully for decades. It was known in the 70’s as defense, neutral and offensive zones. In the 80’s, the popular terms were defend, attack and kill. Recent catch phrases included control, hurt and finish zones. In the spirit of evolution, let’s coin our own Tennis View magazine phrases: Grind, torment, obliterate zones. But before we explain the dynamics of court zones, let’s first cover air zones.
Air Zones
The Air Zones refer to the height at which the ball travels above the net. Your court position dictates the height your shot should travel above the net. Unforced errors and short balls multiply dramactically when players choose to ignore the laws of the air zones.
Inside the court: Aim 2-3 feet above net
On the baseline: Aim 3-5 feet above the net
10 feet behind the baseline: Aim 8-10 feet above the net
Advanced players should apply the same zonal warfare on the opponent’s side. In other words, the location your shot lands on the opponent’s side dictates their high percentage shot selection options. Playing Zonal Tennis greatly increases your anticipatory speed, court coverage and shot variations. The human brain can’t consciously fix stroke mechanics while playing in the zone, but you can make shot selection decisions that will affect the match outcome. Try shifting focus away from your swing and onto zonal tennis.
Note: Be aware that exceptions shadow every rule, so use your court sense to match play.
