Playing the Set Score
Set are scored as follows: first person to 6 games wins. But you have to win by 2 games. You alternate serves every game. If the returning player wins a game, it is called a break. In the event the players get to 6 -5 the next game decides if the set is won by 2 (7-5) or there is a tiebreaker (6-6).
Try to Serve First
If you win the coin toss or the racket spin, you will get to have the choice whether you want to serve first, return first, or which side of the court you want to start. If there are no factors influencing your decision, you should pick to serve first. If you both win your serves the whole time, you will always be ahead when you switch sides. The opponent is catching up. Also, once you get to 4 serving 5, if you break them, THAT IS THE END OF THE SET. If they hold serve and then break you, they still have to serve out the set. They have to win 3 games in a row to your 2.
If you are playing doubles, the doubles partner that serves second on his team is usually the one who closes out the set. So put your best server second.
When ahead, think games. When behind, think breaks.
Say two people are playing and one guy broke the other in the fifth game so the score is 4 serving 2. The guy with 4 should say to himself "I'm two games ahead. I hold serve twice in a row and I win the set." The guy with 2 should say "I'm just down a break. Let's break back."
Statistically speaking, it is easiest to break a person once they have broken you.
Play hard or go home!
Simplest strategy in theory is to just try hard to win every point. You are banking on either your ability or your endurance. So lift weights and jog!!
Window of opportunity
A more complex strategy but better for older players is to play in a lower gear and only up the gear when you are serving or at the end games of the set. Once someone gets to 4 games it is officially the business end of the set. You have two games to get your energy up and apply pressure and the rest of the set to play at the best of your ability. With the tension associated with winning the set, you might sneak away with the break you need simply because your opponent was scared.
Routine Set
Ideally you want to get one break and comfortably hold serve until the end of the set. 6-4 or 6-3 is what they call a routine set.
Next time, the match strategy.
