How To Play A Tennis Tiebreaker: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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1 Be the first to score seven points.[6] X Expert Source Peter FryerTennis Coach Expert Interview You only have to score four points in order to win a normal tennis game. In a tiebreaker however, you have to score seven points to achieve victory. The way points are counted in a tiebreaker is also different from the way they are counted in a normal tennis game.[7] X Research source
- In a normal tennis game points are counted as: love (zero), 15 (one), 30 (two) and 40 (three).
- In a tiebreaker points are simply counted as: one, two, three, four and so on.
2 Win by two.[8] X Expert Source Peter FryerTennis Coach Expert Interview Just like a normal game of tennis, you must attain a two point advantage over your opponent to win the tiebreaker. The game will continue as long as it takes for one player gain a two point lead over the other.[9] X Research source
- If the score is seven to six, the player with six points has one more chance to even the score up.
3 Be aggressive. Tiebreakers are mental and can be high-stress situations. You may be tempted to play it safe, but you’ll likely be more successful going into attack mode. Keep the intensity of your serves and be unpredictable. Try to get off to an early lead by getting in your opponent's head.
- For example: If both you and your opponent are right handed, then it would be safer to serve the ball down the middle of the court so they’d have to return it using their backhand. However, they might be caught off guard if you serve towards their stronger forehand.
- Tiebreakers are often decided by mental errors. Force your opponent to make mistakes by making it impossible for them to know where you’ll hit the ball next.
4 Get in shape. If you and your opponent are evenly matched, then a tiebreaker can last for a long time. The game can go back and forth a number of times before one player finally earns a two point advantage. Make sure to do plenty of cardio to build your endurance. The last thing you want to do is run out of steam in the middle of a close match. Basic cardio exercises like jogging will help you build your general stamina but tennis is a sport that requires quick bursts of energy. Be sure to do drills that help your body build endurance specifically for tennis.
- Do mirror drills. One partner runs up court, down court and shuffles side to side while calling out where they’re moving. A partner on the other end of the court does their best to mirror the first partners motions. If the first partner says “left” then he’d shuffle to the left of the court and the other partner would shuffle to his right. Switch partners after sixty seconds and do this drill at least five times.
- Do side to side drills. A feeder hits one ball to the left side of the court, one to the middle, one to the right and then back again. A runner tries to chase down and return each ball. Each player should be runner for about five minutes. The feeder should have quite a few extra balls so the drill can run smoothly.
Billie Jean King, Professional Tennis Player
Success comes through discipline and dedication. "Natural talent only determines the limits of your athletic potential. It’s dedication and a willingness to discipline your life that makes you great."