Time Management: The importance of having a smart changeover routine

When you game plan for a match, it generally revolves around tactics. Hit a high percentage of first serves, go after forehands, or pick on an opponent’s weakness are all bread-and-butter strategies. Figuring out what’s working takes some analysis, and there’s not much downtime during a tennis match.

That’s where the changeover comes into play. Just like owning a dependable slice backhand, knowing how to use a changeover to your advantage is a big-time skill. Tight matches often come down to a handful of points, and this brief respite after every odd game can play an integral role in determining the outcome. The players who can recognize what’s happening in a match and problem solve will have a decided edge.

Here’s a practice you can use to turn this small break into a large asset:

Please Be Seated

Regardless of the score—winning or losing—don’t blow through the changeover. Be sure to sit down, towel off, take a drink, and even grab a quick bite if you need energy. Unless you’re expecting an important call or message, bury your phone in your bag. Block any temptation or activity that will distract you and break your routine.

The Past is the Past

Roger Federer said he only allowed himself just a few seconds after a point to express emotion. Didn’t matter if it was frustration or elation, it couldn’t linger. Fixating on a flubbed shot, perceived bad line call, or screaming winner is generally not constructive. Don’t waste time and mental energy reliving something that no longer has any bearing on the match.

Fill Your Lungs

As you’re sitting, take several deep breaths. The type that expands your stomach and rib cage. This serves a couple of purposes. Most practically, it will get more oxygen into your body, which may be in high demand during a strenuous match. But it’s also effective at lowering your heart rate and bringing a sense of calm under tense circumstances. This helps focus your cocentration on the task at hand.

Hit Rewind

Once you’ve taken a few breaths, mentally review the previous two games since the last changeover. Not to relive glory or disappointment, but to gather information and assess execution. If you held or lost serve, make note of which shots and tactics led to that result. Do the same for your return game. If you’re playing doubles, bounce ideas off your partner. Evaluate what was successful and what would be better left in your bag of tricks.

Play it Forward

Take the previous two game evaluation and apply it to the upcoming two games. If it’s your turn to serve, head to the line with the ball in hand and a mental image of utilizing an earlier winning shot combination. It could be a particular serve that’s giving your opponent trouble, or one that allows you to play the point on your terms. If it’s time to return, have a clear picture of your intentions on both first and second serves. Now you’re prepared to start the next game with a proactive mindset that puts you in winning position.