It was apparent at The 4A State Tennis Tournament last weekend that…the better the player, the more respect they have for conversion tennis. A conversion used to mean winning 3 points or 3 games in a row. The accepted wisdom was either would prove a player or team had captured significant momentum in the match. After watching and coaching numerous doubles matches, it seems that conversion theory needs to be adapted to relate to each point. Can the team make at least three shots per point to prime the pump for consistency being Job #1?
The teams at the tournament who advanced were not one hit wonders. They were the ones who consistently made their first serve and the return of serve. They managed the ball and the court to make it to…and beyond the fourth shot of most points. In addition, the better teams were adept at making three serves and three returns in a row. Lesser teams seemed to be riding a tennis teeter totter. One return made and the next one missed with momentum just beyond their grasp. The lesson learned was to structure practices so that players get used to consistently getting to the fourth ball of points. Make it habitual in practice so it carries over to match play. It would be similar to a basketball coach demanding that her players make at least three passes before a shot attempt. ‘Share the ball’ and good things happen. In tennis, it could be ‘take care of the ball’and see how much better you play. So, if you find yourself on the tennis teeter totter, start making more first serves and returns and evaluate if you and your partner are making mini conversions within each point. Have a friend or teammate chart your conversion competency for a set and it should be very revealing. How many points in the set did you get to the fourth ball and beyond? How many times did you win three points in a row? How often did you make three returns…three serves?
Love to hear your feedback if this helps in your upcoming matches.
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