A close observation at any junior tournament reveals that beyond unforced errors and struggles with shot selection—which, along with technical and tactical difficulties, are natural and expected, especially in the 12&U and 14&U categories!!—most players have difficulty recognizing opportunities during the point and capitalizing on them to put their opponent in trouble.
The simplest strategy to start applying this is very straightforward: visualize a circle extending five feet in all directions from the “T” (where the center service line and the service line intersect). Let’s call it the “trouble zone!”
When your shot lands in this zone, your opponent will likely try to put you on the defensive or win the point outright—so act fast and get ready to defend like a pro.
But here’s the flip side: if your opponent’s shot lands in this zone, it’s your chance to dictate! Recognise the opportunity and hit a shot that puts them under pressure or seals the point for you. It’s all about early recognition and be there on time.
Avoid this area with your shots whenever possible, but be on the lookout for when your opponent’s ball lands there. Mastering this tactic can make you win some extra points every set.
So, get out there, practice this strategy, and watch your game improve. Remember, tennis is all about having fun and playing smart!
